Due to the impressive vocals of this one standing lady, she has had the opportunity to share the same stage with names such as The Rippingtons, Angela Bofill and Chico DeBarge to name a few. Her vocals are sultry and emotional, from the heart is exactly were her vocals come from. With a strong personality and interesting life experiences, she shares these through her lyrics on a real level. The debut covers Pop/Soul/Funk and opens with ‘My Name Is Toni Redd’; this shows the really confident side of her personality. ‘Open Your Love Boy’ brings a Pop fused R&B production and ‘Tell Me What You Want’ has nice melodies bringing you the more Jazzy side of her. ‘Talk about it’ and ‘Expectations’ are two other good and confident songs. My personal favorites off her debut are called ‘Footsteps in the dark’ because of its hypnotic groove and Soulful vocals. This album brings back the romance that old Soul classics would do with ease, and this show’s us her professional capabilities are at high standards. This ladies voice is filled with self-assurance and charisma. The debut is a grower, some songs may sound too Pop influenced or commercial R&B but give it time and it will eventually fit into your Soul collection. ‘What’s it going to take’, has a very relaxing vibe to it and her vocals seem calm. The piano based track at the end of the album is a nice one called ‘I Will Obey’.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

This is a highly recommended compilation by one of UK’s leading Soul Record labels. It features Rashaan Patterson, Incognito, Hil St Soul,D- Influence, Brenda Russell and more. The three discs have lots of songs to listen to but they are mostly by female artists, I’d like to hear more male vocalists from Dome. The compilation has an impressive roster of artists; the first disc has the beautifully produced song ‘Stone Cold Heart’ by Incognito. Another exclusive is the lead vocalist of Hil St Soul Hilary, who does a duet with songstress Maysa Leak on ‘Compliments’. Then we have disc two which features the great ‘Be Thankful’ by Omar featuring Angie Stone. Avani's remix of ‘Don’t U Worry’ by Syklove is a nice Funky number. The grooviest song is ‘Make Me Happy’ by Cooley’s Hot Box, as it has an infectious bass line with sweet sultry vocals. Conya Doss lends her incredible talent with song ‘Ain’t Givin’ Up’, which is a relaxing song with impressive vocal arrangements. My favorite artiste' who I have just recently discovered through this CD is Rosie Gaines, ‘Honeychild’, and ‘My Man’ are two Soul touching songs. The collection of songs are likeable, and it reminds us that Soul does exist in London, however at times it does turn on the Pop/R&B side. The last disc offers the listener with some exclusive remixes by Seekronized, Bluey and Eric Kupper. Overall the record is a good representation from some of London’s rawest Soul talents. This will appeal to many living outside London as it will introduce them with to a whole new list of artists, remixers and producers from the UK.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Sean Rasul’s debut CD release on Country Cool Records has already rustled a few feathers in the Dallas, Chicago areas of the United States. The album is entitled ‘The Showcase’, which has Grammy Award Winning songwriter/producer Madukwu Chinwah, who is responsible for Erykah Badu’s hits ‘Rimshot’, ‘Certainly’ and ‘Love of my life/An Ode to hip-hop’. Sean’s debut covers Spoken Word, Hip-Hop and R&B influences. Its most stands out song for me are ‘Ride with Me w/ Big Sid’. Mr.Rasul has taken a very experimental vision with his music and has chosen to use underground-rappers, Big Sid and Gibeth. Sean is an act that covers different musical genres like Jazz and Soul, to Hip-Hop and R&B. ‘The Showcase’ has twelve cuts, all of which are produced by M.Chinwah, who is also responsible for the entire production of ‘N’Dami – Little Lost Girls Blues’, that was an instant hit in the Soul/Jazz scene. Sean Rasul may currently be unknown but with more help and promotion, his future career looks promising. The entire album is an interesting blend of different musical genres. One other song of Sean Rasul stuck in my mind was ‘Can Man featuring M.Chinwah’. ‘Can Man’ is about a hustler who Sean would see almost everyday picking up cans, and turning them into pots to collect cash or change to survive on. The different thing about this hustler was that he didn’t ask for a dime, as all the others on the same street would. Sean Rasul tells us his life experience in a skit called ‘Old Brotha’ with a Spoken Word piece before the song comes in full swing. All he had was a shipping cart, cloths and cans, that’s why the song is called ‘Can Man’. Sean Rasul doesn’t hold back on self-expression, just like legends like Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, Sean uses the same musical methods. His voice has been compared to the high falsetto of Mr. Curtis Mayfield, and I do agree, there is a major resemblance. This overall, is an ok debut, I look forward to watching Sean Rasul grow and perhaps use his first musical gift, his vocals on his second album. I wasn’t too impressed with songs like ‘Come Here Girl’ and ‘Bye Mama’. There is still need of some growth for Sean Rasul, if he still hangs around talents like Madukwu Chinwah then this artist could turn out to be a new modern day soul man.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Conya Doss most established release ‘Just because’ is finally released on UK based soul label Dome Records. It has sweet vocals, and lyrics based on ups and downs in love and life. It’s a heart warming sound, that pours with emotion from the album titled track ‘Just because’ to the last track ‘Sweet Love’, were Myron plays the piano. There is a blend of organic grooves and sultry vocals. The album has nice instrumentation, and the production is professional, with a crisp and polished feel to it. The first debut ‘A Poem about Ms.Doss’, is possibly better than ‘Just because’, however, the public seem to have reacted more positively to her second release. When I asked Conya Doss for the reason why she called her album ‘Just because’, she simply said ‘Just because’. Meaning, the studio time was full of good vibes and nice energy. The album’s most pain filled track, ‘Missin’ You’, but even the sound to it has an up tempo funky beat to it. Its contrast between sad lyrics and an up lifting production, compliments Conya Doss’ Mini Ripperton’s like tones and melodies. From new soul diva too R&B songstress, Conya Doss’ musical change show’s since her firsts release to her most recent album. I wouldn’t put her as R&B, but she doesn’t fit under new soul. Conya Doss is a talent that represents a true vocal gift. Just Because is a great album, her tendency to write about the same subjects can get a little tiring to the ear, only if Conya Doss would grab a hold of Jaguar Wrights and a bit of Mary J Blige’s attitude and bring out the Diva longing to be, inside of her, her music would be more influential. However, those who like dreamy, heartfelt and quality R&B grooves, Conya Doss will be suitable for the music listener.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

This up and coming songstress is ready to grab attention of the public with her debut. Her lyrics have the power to touch and influence. With her smooth and mature voice, she gives the ear a satisfied listen. This lady is more than just an average talent. The fourteen songs describe her feelings through original and professional recordings. Teaming up with UK husband Aaron Whitby, her sound is her own. The album starts off with a very unique song called ‘Hard Livin’. The lyrics are thought provoking and the message is engaging. She has talent that shines on every song, which makes it harder for the listener to choose a favorite. Unfortunately, like many new talents, she hasn’t had the exposure she needs. The second offering to the Soul based debut is ‘Let’s talk about it’. It’s has a slow groove that uplifts your spirit with it’s simply song structure. ‘Stick Wit Me’ is a Funk filled song, and is a personal favorite. ‘Medicine Man’, is a song that has musical fusions from The Beatles to The Isley Brothers. Martha’s approach to the creative process is very open minded, which show’s through each song. She uses her vocal talent affectively and doesn’t overact or go to diva like; she keeps it smooth and Soulful. ‘Skin’ has a J. Hendrix like guitar introduction, The next song is one of my favorites off the album, it’s called ‘Atlas’, its Soulful keyboards have a nice chill out vibe, with soft percussion playing in the background set a soft and mellow atmosphere. ‘Future Street’ is another M. Redbone classic, as its lyrics captivate. ‘Child of Love’ brings M.R back to her roots, as musically she introduces the listener to her heritage’s choir. ‘Just Because’ is top notch, pure quality Soul and hits the nail on its head for me. Any one who likes live music and a keen ear for perfection, this record will do the trick.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]