I was a bit late arriving into the studio this week, but made it with minutes to spare so I went straight into my tracks. The track up on the platter so to speak was called “I told myself” by Dionyza(2008 release from the album called “Quite like me”).The album was released on the 23rd December 2008 to be precise. Already this single has been released as the album first official single, and I from all reports its has done remarkably well for the new Rn’b and soul star. Played this last week as well and it seems to be capturing quite a few people imagination. It has a beat and a groove that reminds me of Hip-hop music. However the chords and melody and voice of Dionyza all give it that soul flavour. Hip Hop soul? Yes this is and it works. Dionyza previously enjoyed success as a studio veteran, singing backup for Babyface, Christina Aguilera, and John B.She also performed on the High School Musical 1 and 2 soundtracks, but younger fans may best know her from the cartoon series Bratz — she provides the singing voices for the characters “Sasha” and “Jade.” Have a listen to this cracking track by clicking on the link below. See what you think?
The next artist that I was about to play is so underrated and never seems to get that elusive chart hit. Angie Stone is her name and what a soulful voice that she has. The track in question from her this evening is called “Wish I Didn't Miss You”(Released in 2002 on the album called Mahogany Soul). A large portion of this song samples Bob James’s “Jamaica Farewell” in it composition. However, its so well done that you get totally immersed in this track and never give it a thought. The singing by Angie is spot on, and the lyrics if you gave them more thought mean something. Slow to mid-tempo groove and yet you will feel refreshed listening to her in full voice. One of today’s great Soul and Rn’b vocalists. Please click on the link below and listen to this track in full.
The next track up was “Computer Love” was by an artist called Maskerade (2008). I played this track last week and I decided to do the same this week. This is a more traditional and up to date sound of today’s current Rn’b scene. This sounds like a track that could have been made for Donnell Jones. It’s got that slow to mid tempo that Donnell excels in. soft drum pattern and bass line, even softer like keyboards melodies and handclaps (or it sounds like it) make you immediately listen to this tune. Then Maskerade voice kicks in. He sounds a bit like another current day Rn’b singer that I have loved over the years, That singer is called Rell; remember him? Anyway Maskerade voice is paced just right over a delicious groove. And what a voice he has. Just lovely. He is helped along with great backing vocals on this track as well. Instead of me nearly fainting over this track. Please have a listen to it by click on the link below.
computer love - maskerade
The next single from me in regards to the Electric Soul Show was by Akon with his track called “Clap”(2008). I have played this track on a few occasions before on this very show. It’s a Nice slow to mid temp Rn’b tune that seems as if it took from a very similar journey on a tune that came out last year called “Click, Click, Click” by Nasri (2007). There is a story going around on the Internet that Akon bought the rights to this single from Nasri who sung it first. Whoever song it is now I have to say its brilliant. I haven’t heard the Nasri version if its out there. But type of Rn’b cut is right up my street. It starts off like it has an orchestra of strings. Then it’s added to with a piano like syth riff running through the track, which is infectious. Then Akon voice jumps in. I have say this that certain people’s voices fit certain tracks. And I have to say this is the case with Akon. The drum pattern is Hip-hop ish and funky at the same time. i dedicated this track out to Diane Rose,from Woodbridge,Suffolk, England, who had e-mailed into say that she wanted a track played for her from Akon. Please click on the link given to you below so that you can listen to the track.
I decided on playing some Hip Hop Music within the show at this moment in time. Been slacking of as late in regards to this type of music, and wanted to readdress the balance. With that in mind I choose this track to be my next track within the show. In fact I have played this before in regards to this show. The song in question is “Feels Good” by Naughty by Nature featuring 3LW (2002 release). And what a cracking good tune this is. Sounds very Rn’b, and to be fair it is. However, instead of the tune being sung 60% of the time, it’s the other way around here.The Rappers(Treach and the boys) take the responsibility here with the Rn’b group (Three little women – 3LW) singing the chorus in great effect. This is a real nice bumpy song that works well on the dance floor, or on the Radio. I love this tune. Please listen to the tune yourselves by clicking on the link below.
The next song was by an up and coming artist called Kemi Lake from London, England. I’m always on the look out for up and coming talent (if those are the words to use on this occaision) in regards to this show. Been in contact with Kemi over the last couple of weeks in regards to finding out all about her via her my space website. I liked the track of hers called “Come into my life” (2008 release).
The tracks starts of with a flute like riff, then all the other instruments are gradually added over a short space time (i.e. the drums, bass line and handclaps, etc), and then finally Kemi’s voice. It works and would sound great in today’s modern dance floors. The background singers that are employed are added in all of the correct places that enhance the song even further. Have a listen to this track and make your own judgement. Please go to Kemi’s own my space website to hear this song and a few others there. Just click on the link below.
Next track I decided to go back in time. “Let’s stay together” by Al Green (released in 1971). What more can be said then has already been said before about this track. Soul music with a capital S I have to say. Al reached one of his musical career high spots when he put this song out all those years ago. It still sounds as powerful then as it does when it’s played today. Please listen to his voice and how emotional it sounds even today. Brilliant. Please click on the link below to hear this song again.
The next tune up was another up and coming artist to be played on the show. Victoria Lockwood is the name, hailing from my hometown of Ipswich, based in England. Victoria’s track is called “Pure Love” (still undecided release date?) and the track starts of with Victoria repeating the line “This is going out” together with simply constructed keyboard chords. Then a lazy sounding hip-hop drum line is added to the track. Eventually the bass line and her singing the first verse of the song comes to the fore.
When the chorus does come up, Victoria’s voice is strengthen by the fact that backing singers are singing with her on this on this track as well. Victoria reminds me of an artist that is forgotten somewhat today. I have to say on this track Victoria reminds me of the singer called Misty Oldland. Misty who is from London, England, released a track called “Got me a feeling” which became an Underground cult classic to the soul fans based in the Uk at the time (1993). This song by Victoria slightly reminds of “Got me feeling”(1993), and I feel that if pushed in the right direction it will go places. I love Victoria voice on this record. I am going to say that her voice is “Organic Soul”. That’s the term that I am going to use for Victoria. Please have a listen to this track by clicking on the link below that will take you to her website address where you will be able to hear this track and others.
Well, time had reached for me to play the Rare Groove selection part 1 of the show. For those of you that listen in each week I need not say anything more. For those of you that are new to this well. Each week I play two sections of the Rare Groove selection. 3 songs in each part. These songs are either bonafide Rare grooves, or songs that people have simply forgotten about. (However, if you want to know what was played in this part of the show you will have to listen to the show!)
As the last throes of the last song within the Rare Groove selection was finishing. I had already decided on playing some 80’s soul like influenced music from the group called “Cool Million”.The track in question was called “Musiq” (released from the album called “Going out tonight”). Reminds you very much of groups like Kleer and Kasif from back in the day. Bass Synthesiser,simply constructed drumbeat, and various keyboards make this sound so 1980’s.The vocalist on the track called Jahah has himself had underground success throughout 2006 to the present day. On this track though I felt that he sounded great. It works. I like the fact that he is backed only in the chorus with backing singers that brings the vocals to the fore in general. Please have a listen to this group new album via click on their website below. The link is directly below. Just click on it please!
The next track is has great sways of funk within it, but the soul within the track shines through. What am I referring to? Well the track in question is called “Honey” by Erkah Badu(released on the album called "New Amerykah: Part One [4th World War - 2008). I love this track. It’s so funky. And yet it has the enough Soul within in to allow the soul music lover to appreciate it as well. It’s a slow to mid tempo tune that makes you feel that everything was lazily put together. However, it’s that lazy groove that makes you like it even more. The bass line and drum pattern work so well together. But it’s that electronic keyboard riff which began at the start of the track and continues all the way through it that keep your attention firmly focused. Erkah’s voice is prefect for this track. It really is. And we are treated to backing singers that enhance her voice even better.
Gets the thumbs up from me. Please click on the link below to hear this great single. You will not be sorry.
One more tune before the Rare Groove Selection Part 2. This week I decided to go with Donnell Jones featuring Mike Jones (release July 2008). The track is called “Don’t trip”. Yet another tune that is so funky, and yet incorporates a tremendous amount of soulful vibe throughout the song at the same time. If this is modern day Rn’b, then more please.Donnell Jones is in fine voice on this track I can tell you. He is the major Soul element on this track over a rough bass line and drum pattern. His voice is always so silky smooth and staggers believe that he struggles to get big charts hits these days. The keyboards sounds rides well over this rough drum and bass like tune. The rapper Mike Jones breaks up the tune well with he’s creditable rap versus, as you find yourselves nodding your head to this track. One not to miss. In fact please click on the link below to hear the track yourselves.
Well, I ended the show with the playing the second of part of the Rare Groove selection part 2 on the show. No I'm not going to tell you what I played. If you want to hear them then please listen into the show so that you can hear them.
The last track of the evening I decided to stay with Donnell Jones again. To say that I just like the artist is an understatement. For me he is the best of today’s current Rn’b vocalist around. So may like to differ, but he always, always seems to bring out the right track at the right time. Anyway I fished out the track called “I’m gonna be” by Donnell Jones (released from the album called “Journey of a Gemini” – 2006).The start of the tune is just wonderful. The dreamy like keyboard jazz chord progression aided with Donnell’s whispered like vocals sets this song up well. Then the Hip hop drum and bass pattern kicks in, and really makes you say,
“Yeah this is a tune”. I have to say as Donnell sings certain phrases and vocal mannerisms make him so like Michael Jackson.
I know that many Soul fans have mentioned this before, but on this track I can see what they are getting at. He does sound like Michael at times. But this doesn’t take away from how good a single this is. Even when the backing ground singers come into the tune, it seems to get even better. Slow to mid tempo tune that works on all levels. Wow, what a track from the Donnell Jones. Please have a listen to this tune you will love it. Just click on the link below.
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