Keepin' up with the new stuff

[jazz_pilgrim]

Are there any of you out there, who like me, like to keep an eye on what's going on with the new stuff? As well, of course, as keeping those Seventies memories alive??

It's very encouraging to see what good quality new tunes there are around.

For example, the most obvious big r'n'b release must be Alicia Keys with her "Songs In A Minor" CD. There are 2 songs on the CD that are full of real Seventies vibes. "Rock Wit U" has a real "Blaxploitation" / Isaac Hayes feel and could easily have been recorded in 1972. "The Life" has a surreal Marvin Gaye feel to it, and could have also been recorded in the same year. Brilliant!

Some of the other soul/r'n'b' CDs that I have heard on the UK radio stations recently, and which stand out, include, amongst others, CDs from Dennis Taylor (the track "Steppin" is superb - a real chunky soul dancer), O'Jays (now into their 5th decade!!), The Main Ingredient, Angie Stone (yeah, I DO like her "Backstabbers" sample!!), Barry White (the man still has talent), our (UK) own Beverley Knight, Angela Johnson (my current fave), Pamela Williams (with Teena Marie) and the new Will Downing set.

Nice to know that, on the soul side, the music's still strong ...

[Fantomas]

Don't know anything about today's dance music scene. I'm not into the nightclub thing anymore. But I read on the newspaper about 2 weeks ago that the best dance music is coming from Europe, specially France.

[The Lord of Flatbush]

No doubt about it! I definitely keep myself updated on what's new as well as the seventies.

I just picked up a promo import on Ice Records Eddy Grant - Walkin' on Sunshine XXX Remix.

Quite interesting, if anyone hasn't heard it yet.

Too many songs to name what I heard, but I'm certain that you know what I mean.

The record shop and record show in New York City this, past week must've been smiling when I left their posts.




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: The Lord of Flatbush on 2002-05-20 18:52 ]</font>

[maarten]

Hey Jazz Pilgrim (like that name!) - Barry White? Something new? Pray tell us more.

I like Beverley Knight, too. And I will check out Willd Downing - is it another solo-effort, or is your 'set' a reference to a group he has formed?

[jazz_pilgrim]

Thanks for your kind comments, Maarten! From such a respected member of the Board, that is praise indeed.

Back in the Seventies, it was common in the UK soul scene for people to band together and go round in a group or a "Soul tribe". We were known as the "Jazz Pilgrims" - there were about 25 of us, and we had a local celebrity DJ as our leader. We all wore navy blue sweatshirts, with "JAZZ PILGRIMS" emblazoned on the back in white ... We used to go to the Clubs , Soul weekenders, cinema, bowling together etc etc.

As for the Barry White CD, it has gained quite a lot of airplay on local jazz radio stations. I think the CD was out in late '99, but it has just gotten a UK release. Possibly it is a re-release - I am not sure. The CD is called "Staying Power" and the killer cut for me is "Which Way Is Up" - done in typical Barry White style but with modern instrumentation and a nice "indie soul" feel. Love that track to bits. I have seen a video for one of the other cuts, and that is also outstanding. Barry is hanging out in a summer house on a beach, and the ladies aren't far away ...

With regards to Will Downing, "set" refers to the collection of songs on the CD. I think it is solo. I heard a track off the CD for the first time on Sunday from that same jazz radio station, and it has a laid-back Sunday morning feel to it, with a couple of really nice instrumental solos featured. Mouth-watering!! I guess the DJ has it on promo at the moment.

Talking of Beverley Knight, there was a TV programme about Posh and Beck's (David Beckham) pre World Cup charity bash last Saturday (before they go off to Korea/Japan to WIN THE WORLD CUP!!! E-N-G-E-R-L-A-N-D!!!). Hmmm - sorry! Got a bit carried away!. No, where was I ? Oh, yes - and the evening entertainment was provided by none other that Ms Knight herself!! Now, that is what I call a REAL party !!

Come on you guys! I would really like to hear your opinions on those Alicia Keys tracks I mentioned. Have you heard them, Funky Dude??

[delboy]

Check out a remake of France Joli's Gonna Get over You - Beverly Brown

Tony Blackburn is playing it to death at the moment

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: delboy on 2002-05-25 13:15 ]</font>

[The Lord of Flatbush]

Here's something new:

Eddy's Time - Manocalda is a Test Pressing Import of Eddy Grant - Time Warp.

It's a nice, sampled loop with percussive brightness.

[HustleBaby]

Last week I've bought MusiQ SoulChild's latest cd "Julisen(just listen)" and its hot!
I fell in love with his debut hit "Love" and I've been a follower ever since. His music is very soulful and deep plus it has longevity unlike the other crap that I hear today. I also like Jill Scott, Sade, Erykah Badu and Maxwell. But my first love is disco of course.

*DELIGHTFUL*

[The Lord of Flatbush]

On 2002-05-25 21:48, HustleBaby wrote:
Last week I've bought MusiQ SoulChild's latest cd "Julisen(just listen)" and its hot!
I fell in love with his debut hit "Love" and I've been a follower ever since. His music is very soulful and deep plus it has longevity unlike the other crap that I hear today. I also like Jill Scott, Sade, Erykah Badu and Maxwell. But my first love is disco of course.

*DELIGHTFUL*

Musiq's new album is hot!! I was very impressed with this project. As for Jill Scott, Sade, Ms. Badu and Maxwell, all of their dance versions are splendid.