'Lizz Fields - By Day By Night' is something that I've never heard come out of Philadelphia before. The music has fluttered beats, Jazzy melodies, poetic words, freedom of expression and soulful keyboards. Lizz Fields represents no specific genre other than her own and that is quite an achievement being surrounded by stars that all have the same sound like Bilal, The Roots, Musiq and Jill Scott, Lizz Fields just stands out of the crowd. She, Damon Bennett and Larry Beyah got together and created this beautiful sound. When Lizz Fields was attending Church her friends used to tease her about not having a Gospel or Soulful voice, it sounded very pure and Jazzed up. But now she has put her bullying friends to shame, with her new successful debut release 'By Day By Night'. This music is crafted for music lovers from the hood to posh mansions, it is music with charisma and substance, and it enlightens you and invites you to want more. Lizz Field is a breath of fresh air; she had her first fame when she started singing as Jill Scott's background singer. But now people turn their heads at her because she is now Lizz Fields, the one that mixed Hip Hop and Soul to create an abstract debut. Track one 'I Gotta Go' is has a well-written poetry piece and the music compliments her voice well. The second song is called 'Say The Word', which has a ghetto vibe to it but still has her Jazz Vocals on top. 'Say The Word' has a simple message behind it, it's up to you to make life easy just 'Say The Word'. 'When I See Love' is the single for the album and it is one of my favourites. 'Star Gazer' is a very fiery, powerful and different track and there production skills shine from the start to finish. The fifth song is 'Hey', it's about Lizz Fields wanting attention from someone she is attracted to. The next song 'So Long, Hello' is strong and beat driven. 'Selfish Tendencies' is the most moving and emotional track Lizz Fields has written and produced, her vocals are very Soulful as the soft melodic chords compliment her voice. 'Simply Put' is a masterpiece lyrically and production speaking, it ends with an amazing Drum and Bass vibe which gets you gasping for more.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Julie Dexter is an Artist that you can't help but love and respect. With loving parents and good role models Julie Dexter has turned into a beautiful minded individual. There's always been a thing about London where Soul music isn't done as well as Americans, but Julie Dexter was the first to do us proud and now we hail her 'the UK's Queen Of Soul'. She is a classically trained musician, writer, arranger, composer, producer and excellent performer. Her voice sounds like sweet honey and a cool summers breeze all at once. Her band members are very talented, Wyleekyat on Drums, James Collins on Bass Guitar, Keema on Percussion, to name just a few. With respect from Atlanta and London, 'Dexterity' was a major underground success. Most people don't know this but Julie Dexter soon released an EP called 'Peace Of Mind', which includes a couple of new tracks. 'Dexterity' has elements of everything cool from Jazz, Drum and Bass, Soul, Reggae/Dub and Acoustic Soul, it just about covers everything that a new release should do to promise success. Influenced by Abbey Lincoln, Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson, as well as popular Artists such as Omar and Sade, Julie takes the essence of classic soul to the mainstream. The first song on 'Dexterity' is called 'Ketch A Vibe'; it is slightly Jazz/Drum and Bass. It is positive and up lifting. The second song was produced and written with 'Fertile Ground', the singer Navasha Daya does background vocals and it ended up on 'Fertile Grounds' classic album 'Seasons Change'. 'Faith' is the fourth song, which features Julie showing us her Keyboard skills. 'How Can You Feel' is my favourite song on 'Dexterity', it's pure Reggae/Dub. Then the next song also has elements of Reggae/Dub 'God Bless The Dub'. 'That's Livin' is the most powerful song lyrically, and she points out the truth and facts about life we don't always address. 'I Dream' is different to your usual soul joint, it covers Jazz and has a large percussion part in it, but still very good as her lyrics gives an insight into her mind. 'How Long' is the longest track on the album, it is serious but without getting deep. The music reflects the mood Julie is in, which compliments the meaning behind the song more. Julie Dexter is a very professional peoples person and she does everything in moderation, which means she will stay with us for time to come.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

This debut serves listeners with mid-temp Soul/R&B cuts and vocals compared to Chaka Khan, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu. Her sound doesn’t stand out from the Soul scene but her voice is original. You can instantly tell that it’s her when you hear her sing. The lyrics are about love and life’s lessons. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of relationships and heartbreaks, all based on reality. The songs are to the point and the music has a constant groove. Her roots of Soul music show through, as the debut is filled with Soulful keyboards and funky bass lines, which you’d hear on an old Glady’s Knight or Minnie Ripperton record. Though, she doesn’t explore music, she keeps it safe and her sound doesn’t aim to shock the listener. This doesn’t mean the debut isn’t good, because she has a strong talent and a special connection with Soul. It’s a sound that is passionate, soft, and any one who likes Soul won’t be disappointed. She has an impressing and influential sound. The debut starts off with ‘Good Good’. It’s an up beat song and tells a simple story of her feeling good by another man. The thing I like about Conya Doss is she doesn’t write deep lyrics; they are enough to get moved but its simple. The second song ‘You Really Hurt Me’ captures her pain, the beat is catchy and very organic. ‘One More Try’ has lush keys and strings. The next song is entitled ‘Coffee’. It’s a high-quality song that any one can relate to. ‘Starship’ has been done before, but Doss does a better version of it, and its lyrics grab your attention. ‘This Is Not Love’ is the street side to this sweet Soul singer. ‘So Fly’ is one of my favorite songs, the rhythm is nice and the keyboards are soulful. ‘Meantime’ is a great song, and then the last number features an unknown singer Zero on ‘Heaven’. Conya and Zero sound good together and its one of the best on her album.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

The Soul goddess has come back to bless the stage and audience with a set of brand-new songs. It’s an up lifting and refreshing experience by simply adjusting the volume on your stereo. We can't expect Jill Scott to keep bringing us this incredible music but she never fails to impress. This unique collection is saturated in honesty, passion, and simplicity. The main focus on this record is the power of words. The beats are less complex, so you can really hear and feel the meaning of the songs, the instruments are gently played yet stunning. Prepare yourself before you press play because it's captivating and addictive music. The fans of Jill Scott's first material may need to spend time adjusting their ears to her organic and matured sound. Her open mind musically shows as doors seem to be less shut. Jilly from Philly is not one to feel afraid of the unknown, which is why she is multi talented. 'Volume 2' is a selection of recent experiences that she has encountered over the past four years. Scott illustrates what she's feeling in her soul, giving the listener an intimate experience. Each song is sung with purity, naked truth, and emotion. 'Golden' is her most commercial track, but it is enlightening and gives food for thought. This next song is beautifully written; it's the most honest and clever track 'The Fact Is (I Need You)'. 'Spring Summer Feeling' has wave like strings, acoustic guitars plucking their chords and a sweet melodies. 'Cross My Mind' is tinged with Jazz chords you'd hear sitting in a bar, her thoughtful and sensitive lyrics are about her first love and describing the feelings. 'Whatever' are 4:28 minutes of sheer perfection, with lyrics that give us an insight into her heart, the album lets you get to know Jill Scott that bit more. 'Nothing (Interlude)' should have been made as a full track because it's infatuated by her old classic Soul voice. This is a extremely diverse compared to her debut, and those who love this women will love what they hear.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Avant has now successfully released his third album ‘Private Room’ with his new deal on Geffen Records. His reason for the title is this "I gave the new CD this title because it’s the closet my fans have been to me on a recording yet". These new songs are the most intimate Avant has ever written. When you listen to ‘Private Room’ you can get close and personal with Avant. His music is a combination of R&B passion with a certain Hip-Hop sensibility to come up with a sound that is contemporary yet timeless. His second stand out song is ‘Don’t Take Your Love Away’, which is one of those timeless songs you can play on repeat and never get board. ‘Private Room’ was practically all written by Avant and long time production partner Steve “Stone” Huff. The albums first track to me is ‘Read Your Mind’. This is a passionate R&B song and the lyric content is impressive. Then there’s the stunning ‘Don’t Take Your Love Away’ and it’s a really well produced, theres no cheesy slow jams on ‘Private Room’. Avant comments on this track is “This track is about any man who has messed up in his relationship and now he’s trying to make things right, on this one, I’m fighting for every man in America. ‘Phone Sex (That’s What’s Up)’ is seductive and provocative. Tracks ‘Heaven’ and ‘Have Some Fun’, Avant collaborated with Warryn Campbell, who has scored with Luther Vandross, Sisqo, Kelly Price, Brandy and Mary Mary, among others. Avants voice is extremely charismatic and you want to hear his voice rather than put it on as background music. ‘Prive Room’ isn’t a classic but it is a very impressive debut and he has done himself justice. Avant has now appeared on ‘Sharktales Soundtrack’. His song is called ‘Can’t Wait’ and it is to be in stores September 21st. Avant has recently featured on the Lloyd Banks “Karma” Remix. Avant has put some of his effort into customizing Dodge Durango close that he will auction on eBay in two months and donate the proceeds to Kaboom and his foundation, which will build a playground in an inner city community in Ceveland. Avants music reflects his lifes experiences, mostly with the women he has been with and associated with. The majority of R&B male singers talk about this subject, but Avants way of doing this is different because the music has passion and familiar sounds of the old soul slow jams. Any one that likes Classic Soul and R&B, ‘Private Room’ is for you.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]