Features
Wednesday, July 28 2010
A Blues for Walter: Remembering a Gospel Legend
A towering figure in gospel music history, the late Bishop Walter Hawkins not only built an impressive discography that helped shape the contemporary gospel sound, but he also created a body of work that remains central to the black religious experience.
Wednesday, October 28 2009
Running the Voodoo Down: An Interview with Meshell Ndegeocello
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 ...
Monday, March 10 2008
Honoring Philly’s Finest: Gamble and Huff
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.
Friday, December 7 2007
A Blues for Otis: The Life and Legacy of a Soul Legend
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.
Reviews
Thursday, January 22 2009
Kenny Garrett: Sketches of MD: Live at the Iridium
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.
Friday, October 17 2008
Nina Simone: To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story
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.
Friday, September 26 2008
Roy Hargrove: Earfood
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.
Thursday, July 24 2008
Ndidi Onukwulu: The Contradictor
Exploring the many shades of blue, Ndidi Onukwulu's Contradictor sparkles with wicked humor, intelligence, and an uncompromising emotional depth.
Thursday, July 3 2008
D'Angelo: The Best So Far…
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.
Blogs
Sunday, November 30 2008
Nina Simone - To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story
Nina Simone - To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story - Legacy [$49.98]
