Claudrena N. Harold

Running the Voodoo Down: An Interview with Meshell Ndegeocello

By Claudrena N. Harold

With a new understanding of herself (and a new album to go with), the innovative singer Meshell Ndegeocello freely talks about some of her controversial lyrics, her deepest inspirations, and how she's reached a point where she doesn't need to prove anything anymore ... [28 October 2009]

Honoring Philly’s Finest: Gamble and Huff

By Claudrena N. Harold

Few producers in the history of American music moved bodies, warmed hearts, and inspired souls as effortlessly as Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Befitting their achievements, Gamble and Huff head this year’s class of inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [10 March 2008]

A Blues for Otis: The Life and Legacy of a Soul Legend

By Claudrena N. Harold

Though all too often overshadowed by those who came after him, the 40th anniversary of his death affords us a moment to pause and reconsider the all-too-brief life and enduring legacy of soul pioneer Otis Redding. [7 December 2007]

Kenny Garrett: Sketches of MD: Live at the Iridium

By Claudrena N. Harold

Combining the deep spiritual probing of John Coltrane, the intellectualism of Wayne Shorter, and the ebullient style of Cannonball Adderley, saxophonist Kenny Garrett's latest release represents the absolute best of the jazz spirit. [22 January 2009]

Nina Simone: To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story

By Claudrena N. Harold

Maybe one day Nina Simone's searing messages and righteous indignation will be completely irrelevant to the here and now, but in these trying times, this fearless leader's music and spirit remains as relevant now as four decades ago. [17 October 2008]

Roy Hargrove: Earfood

By Claudrena N. Harold

A tour-de-force in hard bop funk and romantic balladry, Roy Hargrove's Earfood stands out as one of the finest musical moments of 2008. [26 September 2008]

Ndidi Onukwulu: The Contradictor

By Claudrena N. Harold

Exploring the many shades of blue, Ndidi Onukwulu's Contradictor sparkles with wicked humor, intelligence, and an uncompromising emotional depth. [24 July 2008]

D’Angelo: The Best So Far…

By Claudrena N. Harold

Say what you will about the enigmatic career of one Michael Eugene Archer, but nearly a decade after his "disappearance" from the music world, his art still provides a paradigm for post-modern soul of first-rate quality. [3 July 2008]

The O’Jays: The Essential O’Jays

By Claudrena N. Harold

Say it ain't so? An essential compilation that's actually essential! [2 July 2008]

Cassandra Wilson: Loverly

By Claudrena N. Harold

On her exciting new release, Loverly, Cassandra Wilson further solidifies her status as not only the most brilliant jazz singer of her generation, but one of the New South’s most provocative voices. [13 June 2008]

Al Green: Lay It Down

By Claudrena N. Harold

Leave it to a seasoned veteran from the red dirt of Arkansas to deliver not only the Soul album of the year, but remind us that artistic excellence is still attainable in this age of mediocrity. [28 May 2008]

Otis Redding: Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul

By Claudrena N. Harold

Essential listening for anyone interested in the artistic and emotional depth of American popular music, Redding’s Otis Blue is nothing short of spectacular. [2 May 2008]

Various Artists: The Sound of Philadelphia

By Claudrena N. Harold

Looking at the familiar and the obscure, these two discs provide fascinating snapshots of the amazing music of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. [11 April 2008]

Marcus Miller: Marcus

By Claudrena N. Harold

A disc with the vibe of an extended jam session among friends who appreciate each other’s company. [14 March 2008]

Lizz Wright: The Orchard

By Claudrena N. Harold

Out of the fertile soil of Southern culture comes Lizz Wright’s exquisite new release, The Orchard. [12 March 2008]

Horace Silver: Live at Newport ‘58

By Claudrena N. Harold

One of the most anticipated jazz releases of the year, Horace Silver’s Live at Newport ’58 captures one of the genre’s most popular composers at the height of his artistic creativity. [8 February 2008]

The Staple Singers: Swing Low Sweet Chariot

By Claudrena N. Harold

Combining the inspirational lyrics of traditional gospel with the rhythms of the Delta blues, Swing Low Sweet Chariot features the Staple Singers at their sanctified best. [17 December 2007]

Rahsaan Patterson: Wines and Spirits

By Claudrena N. Harold

Fusing funk, rock, soul, gospel, and jazz, Wines and Spirits showcases Patterson’s broad musical palette and his uncanny ability to deliver universal messages of uplift based on the chaos and joys of his own experiences. [6 December 2007]

Consuming Consumables: Nina Simone - To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story [30 November 2008]