April  Hill

Love 360

Black Honey/ Jazzy Peach Music

 

http://www.aprilhill.com

 

http://wwwmyspace.com/aprilhillmusic1

 

            In the past 10 years since the commercial death of Neo-soul artists both in the commercial and independent soul scene has opted for a more sampled hip-hop sound rather than a more organic jazzy sound of a live band. April Hill breaths new life into what can be the jazzy soul sound. In her debut 'Love 360' April Hill has truly accomplished what many already in the scene have attempted – create a truly great album.

            April Hill, a Howard University graduate came to New York and worked as a financial analyst before meeting Indie soul pioneer Marlon Saunders. Together they created what is now 'Love 360' a modern day musical masterpiece complete with jazzy instrumentals, funky rhythms and soulful swings. Just think back to the time when actual soul singers had breaks in a song where there were jazzy horn and/or piano solos, followed by a voice full of passion, pain and pride. Yes it is that deep and yes it is that damn good.

            So let me tell you about the 'Love 360' experience, April Hill debut as a singer-songwriter have created a masterpiece. April even took soul classics such as Marvin Gaye's 'I Want You' and Bill Wither's 'Hope (She'll) He'll be Happier and made them her own. Produced by pioneering soul singer-songwriter Marlon Saunders and masterful producer Shawn Lucas, 'Love 360' could not go wrong and it does not.

            On the street savvy opening track "Searching" April takes the hip-hop sound back to its organic roots and kisses the rhythm with her sassy soulful vocals. April's voice has a depth and range that gives her musical stories so much depth. April takes the listener on a journey by flipping the sound half way to ride out on a jazzy flow.

            The song that will leave you spellbound, though, is the exquisite "Feelin' You". April's vocal flow is almost effortless. April has the blessed talent of being able to tell a story with every song and create an aural image with her passionate voice. "Feelin' You" is a sweet melancholy melody, her emotional vocal range will have you thinking she is actually singing to you.

            "You Got Me" is the Throw down jazzy, funky, and soulful smoky bar type jam. The vibe of this sound brings to mind that jazzy soul era that breed Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd, Lonnie Liston Smith. "You Got Me" is that tricky type of track that has lots of stuff going on in the instrumentation but like a true soul veteran April don't fight to be heard over it instead she uses her voice to become part of it. Proving that April Hill is a talent that has what it takes to enter the soul scene on the musical level set by such Soul Scene legends such as Rahsaan Patterson, Angela Johnson, Marlon Saunders, Frank McComb and Alison Crockett.

            Every track is a vocal joyride into spoken word, jazz, funk and soul. This is a must have for both soul scene novices and Hardcore ole' soul heads. "Love 360" is a modern day masterpiece.

 

Review by AyeJay "Da' Muzik Hunta'" Spraggins

 

Edited by ISH of NouveauSoundz

Soul-Patrol Digital Virtual Album 1.0

Various Artists

http://www.soul-patrol.com/album/

 

The Concept:

            "Finally! All the best of Indie Soul of all types is readily available on  The Soul-Patrol Digital Virtual Album. In true indie style some of the most promising Soul Artists teamed up with one of the premiere Soul Media Outlets (Soul Patrol)  to create a solution to the biggest indie issue……Exposure!". This in-genius compilation covers the soul gamut from Classic soul, Nu Soul, Rap / Spoken Word, and even Rock & Roll. This project is also affordable at a price that iTunes -- cannot beat.   

 

The Music:

            The explanation for this Compilation being Virtual is the listeners chance to hear Classic Giants along with soon-to-be soul legends. The Classic Soul is great collection featuring The Dells, The Climates and Chyp Davis. The selection of classic soul here is at its best smooth, funky and soul stirring. The Funk & Jazz collection featuring Chico Hamilton, Chip Shelton and Mandrill, Planet People Movement, is an examination of complex instrumentation and soothing grooves. Soul scene legend Marlon Saunders and Maty Soul bless this wondrous concept with there Nu-soul stylings. This soul gift with 7 styles of soul is a cornucopia of aural pleasure sure to get you hooked on the alternative to the mainstream.

 

Be sure to buy this Soul-patrol Digital album and make that expensive Mp3 player worth what you paid for http://www.soul-patrol.com/album/

 

 

Reviewed by

AyeJay "Da muzik Hunta"

For ArtHaus NYC

 

Edited by ISH of NouveauSoundz

Ty Causey

Expressions

Tyvone Records/ISpysoul Music

 

 

"Ty Causey Has become one of the most important voices in today's soul scene" – Ayejay of Arthaus NYC

 

 

            'Expressions' is the third album by producer, singer and songwriter, Ty Causey. 'Expressions' is a crowning achievement that captures a unique voice with an infectious vibe that can't be denied. It is best to say that Ty's vocals are a smooth swagger within a funky groove. The production and lyrical content of 'Expressions' has established that Ty Causey has become one of the most important voices in today's soul scene 'Expressions' is easily one of the best albums of 2007.

Check out / Buy Expressions:

 

WEBSITE: www.tycauseymusic.com

 

My Space: http://www.myspace.com/tycauseymusic

 

@ Dusty Grooves & Cd baby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/causeyty

 

Ayejay 'Da Muzik Hunta'

Edited by Ish for Nouveausoundz

Rhythm, Republik

"Compassion 4 Us All"

Griot Musicworks

            The "Bridge Band" has done it again. For those who don't Know Rhythm Republik has been at it for quite some time. The moniker I gave them, 'Bridge band" came from the time Rhythm Republic performed all over New York  after the funk band died (commercially) until the birth of Neo-soul giving funk/jam band lovers an alternative to the synth sound that took over R&B at that time. 'Compassion 4 Us All' is a Funky jam session that shows the groups tremendous growth, with tighter grooves and a touch of world sound. Message music that will make you groove is the best way to sum it up. Every track has a message nestled nicely in a bed of funk too groovy. Rhythm Republik have made there presence known in today's independent music scene and has become a force to be reckoned with. 'Compassion' is a great EP with all new music by the band that does it best.

AyeJay "Da' Muzik Hunta'

Rahsaan Patterson

Wines & Spirits

Artistry Music

Wines & Spirits is a soul rocking joy ride lead by the Modern Legend. There is no other voice and no other groove like that of Rahsaan Patterson. – ArtHaus NYC

           

            There seems to be a lot of talk about some of today's artists who keep the spirit of yesteryear's soul music alive in there music. Rahsaan Patterson sets a level so high for artistry that he has few if any, contemporaries. Rahsaan's original sound has the funk of Parliament, The sensitivity of Stevie and the depth of Hataway. Not since the soul greats of the 50's, 60's & 70's has anyone done it better than Rahsaan. With more than a decade of setting the modern soul scene on fire Rahsaan drops his 4^th project 'Wine & Spirits'. 'Wines & Spirits' is a soul rocking joy ride lead but the modern legend.  On Wine & Spirits Rahsaan digs deeper and displays another side of his sound like in tracks like Pitch Black. Rahsaan's extraordinary vocals and writing talents allows him to traverses the lines of Soul, R&B, Jazz, Funk, & Rock. There is no other voice and no other groove like that of Rahsaan Patterson.

AyeJay Da' Muzik Hunta' of ArtHaus NYC

Edited by Ish of NouveauSoundz

 

Phillip Alexander

Love You Good

            Phillip Alexander's debut Love You Good is an open love letter to true music lovers. Love You Good is that perfect blend of street savvy with that lyrical content and vocal quality that makes indie soul stand apart from its mainstream counterpart. Phillip's rich, soulful tenor serenades over urban rhythms and never loses its sense of originality.

Phillip has a voice that has been nurtured in church and in the blue lights in the basement. This makes his brand of soul so fresh and intriguing. Love You Good, just Sounds So Good. Phillip Alexander is a new artist worth checking out. No matter the price of the CD it is well worth the price.

AyeJay Da' Muzik Hunta'

Edited by ISH of NouveauSoundz

Donnie
The Daily News
SoulThought Entertainment


Soul music is starting to go astray like hip hop has. There are so many soul artists out there; but where is the message? Soul music is deeper than love and laughter; Soul music has depth and at time should address the popular rage. Donnie has done that and then some. On his highly anticipated sophomore album Donnie with that incredible voice brings back the missing element in today's soul music. Soul music is telling stories but not just about love but also about life. The forefathers of soul, Hathaway, Brown, Gaye, Cook, Redding and Mayfield have all recorded political soul classics; today we have Donnie. The Daily News is a soulful ride thought subjects long ignored that needed to be addressed. But don't be mistaken Donnie like the forefathers of soul has that far reaching talent to make a social issue into a groove so deep. The Daily News is the perfect follow-up up to his ground breaking debut The Colored Section. Donnie grooves the listener with socially conscience tracks titled; Impatient People, 911 and Over the Counter Culture. The Daily News is soul music is some in some of its purest form. Every serious music lover/collector should have this album.

AyeJay "Da' Muzik Hunta"

 

            On a humid June Saturday night an eager crowd waited to experience a live set by New York Soul scene newcomers Marcell and the Truth. Marcell and the Truth are setting ablaze the New York soul scene with breath taking and awe-inspiring performances at Brooklyn's Franks Lounge and New York's Premiere soul scene showcase at S.O.B's . Marcell & the Truth were introduced by Soul scene songstress Kendra Ross (be on the lookout for this one) Kendra summed it up describing Marcell and the Truth as Juke Joint Jam session by way of church. They opened with Lonnie Liston Smith's Expansions setting the tone for what was to come. They went on to perform Breath love and nine other songs from the much celebrated album Hopes Too High. Hopes Too High is a 14 song celebration of love and life and everything in between. Marcell is a gifted storyteller and singer, who's emotions were not only heard but were felt in tonight's performance. The Truth turned out to be a group of young men with talent way beyond their years. Their cover of Jill Scott's I Need You was a Jazzy soulful funk jam. Marcell & the Truth closed out the night with a 10min jam session of Sly & The Family Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).  Marcell captivated the audience, while the Truth kept them rockin'; ensuring their place as Frontrunners in the Soul Scene.

AyeJay Da' Muzik Hunta'

edited by Ish of NouveauSoundz