The artist we all know as India.Arie's backing singer, Anthony David, has released a brilliant debut called ' Three Chords The Truth'. If you love India.Arie's works you'll enjoy this album. It has fourteen impressive tracks, all of which are written by Anthony David but produced by ReMarqable, apart from '50/50' and 'Sky Line', which he produced himself. Vocally he sounds like Sam Cooke and Bill Withers, he had a timeless sound to his voice. The album starts off with a track called 'Yes', it is beautifully written and created. Just like India, Anthony uses his acoustic guitar through out the album. His over all style is acoustic, organic, and unique. 'Yes' is written by Anthony David, LaMarques and Jefferson, who helped write others. It's a very mellow and chilled out album. The production of this debut is very musical and has lots of harmonies and melodies, rather than the usual bass & beat that, at times, drowns the singing away. My favourite song is called 'The Water/The Fire', he has given us an insight to his mind and it is very inspirational. My second favourite is '50/50', which features beautiful female vocalist Julie Dexter, they are next door neighbours and close friends. The song that sounds similar to Sam Cooke or Bill Withers is 'Cold Turkey', only one word can describe that tune, incredible. 'Believe Me' is an honest and thought provoking song, lyrically. It is filled with beautiful instruments playing and it captures a peaceful feel. Although at first, the organic sound didn't appeal to me, but when I gave it a chance, Anthony David’s voice and music became addictive. This type of Soul Music is unique because it is original and raw. He uses the basic techniques when making music, and it works wonderfully. Anthony David has got an exciting career ahead, with a debut like this, only better things can happen for him. I once saw him perform when India Arie came to London, and he stood out as a real Artist, not just a background singer. I could tell there was something special about this person on stage. The song ‘GA Peach’ is the only song on the album that has a real beat to it, he keeps his sound simple and it is refreshing to hear. Anthony David isn’t afraid to get creative and try something new. He believed in a saying ‘All you need to make a good song is three chords and the truth’. Anthony based all his album around that, and it shows. ‘Three Chords & The Truth’ reflects truth and honesty from the voice of a Soul singer.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

‘Ain’t No Time’ is the unusual yet stunning first song to this debut. A new doesn’t usually rank themselves up straight away with the Jill’s and Angie’s but this female vocalist goes right to the top. Hooking up with the talented producer Geno Young, she reveals some hidden gems under her belt. Once completed it was released on Expansion, in 2004. Anyone into Soul will be captured by her amazing voice. Her way of writing lyrics, is inspiring, imaginative and visiual. Her Soulful, sweet and Jazzy voice attracts music lovers from all different sides of the pond. She maybe new or up and coming, but her future holds a successful career. ‘Free’ is different, from many new Soul albums currently out. With a soothing voice capturing every lyric in beautiful harmonies, the debut never fails to impress. Overall, this debut shows her emotions wrapped up in thirteen outstanding songs, just waiting for the world to hear, relate and compliment. The album titled and first song ‘Free’ is a sultry and self-expression song. ‘Missin’ you’ is another special song from this record. The songs that stand out are ‘Try Again’, which has substance and groove. ‘Sea Of Loveless ness’ is a very nice organic and acoustic set, with beautiful melodies and lyrics. When you hear this singer, she can get you feeling her straight away. It doesn’t matter what race you are, male or female, young or old, she has a story that can relate to everyone. The production is very professional and her talent shines from the start to end, leaving you wanting more from this multi- talented Artiste’. The songs are lyrically powerful and touching. They are inspiring and Soulful, especially on songs ‘Hands of Time’, ‘Morning’, and ‘Just Believe’.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Here we have an album that comes with a striking front cover and twelve touching tracks. These tracks all represent beautiful melodies and honest lyrics. The album doesn't just have Soul in it; it's got a mixture of Funk and good R&B. Vocally, Angela has a voice that show's true emotion and it has ability to range in many types of pitches, it is a special gift. She plays a lot of piano in this record. Her inspiration musically is Aretha Franklin and one thing these two artists have in common is Soul. The tracks maybe produced in a modern way but the quality of the album is timeless. My favourite song from 'Got To Let It Go' is 'Let's Get Together', as I feel this sounds like my type of Soul, mellow and funky. As soon as she begins the song is has a promising sound and the vibe through out keeps running. 'Early Bird' is a fantastic track, with bongos and fender Rhodes, making it an up-tempo track. A flute comes in which is a surprise but it adds an impressive new edge to Soul. 'Tell Me' is probably the best deep, Soul ballad on the album. Overall Angela Johnson is one of UK's most talented singers and I'm pleased that she found home in New York because she deserves all the success. This album shows much more maturity and growth since her debut, which means this artist is one to watch, as she will get better on every record. Her mesmerising ways of lyrically captivating songs is rare in an industry swamped with commercialized and artificial music. She has some really good songs and it is an impressive album, I think she co-produces it with another producer, which also shows that she isn't just an artists, she has creativity in her bones. I'm sure her performing is amazing and full of groove and soul; Angela Johnson is a talent not to be missed.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Eric Roberson is the new R&B sensation that has an impressive vocal gift. He has the ability to sing a song and write lyrics that can touch any one. Known for his brilliant live shows across the globe, Eric is taking the music industry by storm. One of my favourite male vocalists of modern soul, Erro started this music thing from the age of 5, and now a grown folk, he has released some great music, but in my opinion 'Esoteric' is his best. This album will uplift you and take you on a journey. He tells stories in his songs that humans can easily relate to. An artist that is vital to have in a music industry filled with artificialness. Mr.Roberson brings something fresh to the table with songs that have a sounds for different moments, '4U' is an R&B edged with Dance type track, that shows you his more lively side, as well that song their is 'Crazy' and 'Runaway', other feet movers. Then there are songs such as 'Morning After', 'Rain On My Parade', 'Miles Away', 'Funny Feelings', 'She Went Away', 'Maybe', What Is Love Made of', 'New Born Child' and finally 'Woman'. The album is pretty much a mellow production, my favourite track is 'Funny Feelings', it's an instant classic R&B song, with pro guitar playing and emotionally sung. Eric Roberson knows how to touch people; he has the talent and the gift to be able to do that with ease. It comes naturally to him, which is rare in this industry that is swamped with Popular music. I am feeling this album all over, from the start to finish, he isn't too soulful but not commercial R&B, and he keeps it in-between the two. I'm surprised that he hasn't received a more vast response in the urban scene and other publications. Eric is an “artist”, someone with soul to share, the performing bug has got to him and he has become an amazing artist to watch. You can't hear another artist like Eric Roberson, which makes him stand out of the crowd. 'She Went Away' is another soul ballad that proves us that Eric can be around, making good music still alive.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Alice Russell second album will be released in September 26th, and I’m sure it will take the Jazz scene by storm. Vocally, when she sings she has styles of Billy Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. Russell has enough Jazzy Soul in her to take her straight to the top. Smooth atmospheric sounds and melodic vibes continue through out the superb album. Lyrically she plays with the words in a humorous and inspiring way; they represent her inner thoughts and feelings, which is why the songs are real. Our own Jazz Queen is now ready to explode, her unexpected power and musical creativity is impressive. Recently seen at Fruit Stock Festival, she was by far the best performer. A. Russell has a beautiful personality, on stage she came across as bubbly, self- confident and able to give a whole lot of Soul to other soulful souls. She has the ability to blend Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop, Broken Beat and Jazz, with a high standard and professionalism that not many up and coming artists can achieve. ‘A Fly in the Hand’ is the first outstanding song in my opinion; its vocal arrangements are poignant and undone, with a good bass and beat. ‘To know this’, is something special. My personal favorite off the album is ‘I’m Just Here’, the piano is stunning and the lyrics are relatable. She is not like any other new Soul or Jazz singer I’ve heard to come out of the UK. She takes these musical genres to her own higher level Her acceptance to musical variation and creativity is a positive thing, and it’s an advantage to her career. TM Juke, who will probably be in demand after this by other similar singers, produces the album but gives Alice the change to be herself. It’s a wonderful album with a wonderful voice!

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]