With beauty that is in the same ranks as India Arie, Angela Johnson, Erykah Badu and others, Laurnea is a very talented woman. Her voice is filled with Gospel like expression and her music represents acoustic soul with groove tempo rhythms. Tracks called ‘Run Away’ feature India Arie and ‘No Shame’ feature Angela Johnson, however I felt disappointed when listening, as they are almost whispering as backing singers while Launrea blasts her soulfulness out. It would make the guest appearances look less foolish if they would have given there talent a chance to shine as they both are incredible singers. Laurneas confidence shines through her independent releases on with ‘Betta Listen’, and ‘Album II’ along with singles. I feel that ‘I Remember is her most established album from the releases of her entire career, as it shows you an insight into her way of thinking. I am fond of Laurnea’s raw vocal talent, music, and creativity, which means listeners should not be fully let down. ‘Ain’t nothing wrong’, ‘I remember’, ‘who I am’ and generally the majority of the album I love. With impressive lyrics that inspire and vocal arrangements, the guitar strumming gently in the background, all makes ‘I Remember’ something that is an unforgettable musical experience. ‘Trash’ just like many people, has attached itself to me due to its imaginative, inventive and visual lyrics. Songwriters should pick up this record just for food for thought, a new look for writing, as this independent artist is a great idol for young writers. Collaborations with team workers called Shannon Saunders, Andrew Ramsey, Kevin Hyman and more all share their skills with Laurnea. Producers as well as writers are most of her team, which makes this project not just a solo piece of work. Her spirituality through image fashion and other Laurneaisms, all make her stand out. Unfortunately people haven’t given the star a chance, to be able to properly reach the masses such as India Arie has done. ‘I Remember’ is a favourite album of mine from 2005, the artwork on the album drew me towards it, and I originally thought it was only released in Japan, but now the one and only Dome Records can distribute it. So it is available in the UK you just need to contact the label. Look out for ‘The Collection’ release on Shanacie Entertainment falling this year.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Ian Martin is a multi talented artist who has released his latest album ‘The Way’. It is sophisticated R&B, with many features from the likes of Sy Smith, Gavin Christopher, Jill Zadeh, Jeff Robinson and Kes Stanton. His music reflects certain purity in his voice and there is always lots of rhythm in the tracks. ‘The Way’, is the way good R&B/Soul used to be, real, funky and soulful. ‘Tell Me If You Still Care’ reminds me of Marvin Gayes ‘Sexual Healing’, with the production. His voice is very much his own unique style, and is soon going to make a stand for himself in the soul world. The ‘Release’ featuring Sy Smith who we all should be familiar with by now, sounds great and vibes with Ians track as well as him. Compliments all round for the ‘Its Your Nite’, featuring Kampaign & Donovan Henry, all pretty unknown acts but I’m pleased Ian has found a place on the album as they have talent. ‘Family’ is an interesting song, with again, lots of Latin Jazz influences. It seems to be that Latin Soul is the new thing at the moment as it’s coming from everywhere. ‘Movin’ On’ is one personal favourite with Robin McKelle as guest vocals. Ian Martin started playing Bass, Drums, Piano, and began singing at a very early age. As usual, history repeats itself, his father was musical and Gospel was always a big part of his childhood household. ‘The Way’ is an uplifting musical vision to the typical R&B/Soul that is out on the Radio Waves. ‘So In Love’ is another Latin Jazz fusion, remixed by eDrew featuring vocals from Kes Staton. This album is really interesting, passionate, and shows off Ian’s remarkable vocal gift. Like many trying to make it in the music business as a soul star, Ian will make it closer to the top faster than he will realize.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

In 24th 1972, Aretha’s come back was one of the most incredible albums of her career. ‘Young, Gifted and Black’ shows emotion and each song has something to feel. Lyrically she sings about black pride and other realities of the world. Released January 24th, 1972, this album took the musical world by storm, and is still a firm favourite for many lovers of music. ‘All the Kings Horses’ was released in May at the same time of ‘April Fools’. The vocals of this album are sung in a very Gospel like way. Songs such as ‘Day Dreaming’ and ‘A Brand New Me’ point Aretha towards a positive side of life, after all the sadness she experienced she felt it was time to express joy rather than pain. The Nina Simons cover of ‘Border Song (Holy Moses)’ is a great Gospel fused Soul number. This album is a special Soul classic album for me, because it represents all of struggles but triumphs as well during those times. October 71 came the singles ‘Rock Steady’ and ‘Oh Me Oh My’. Every time this album gets played you more Soul, more Gospel, more emotion, so the more you play the record the more you begin to appreciate the one ladies talent and contribution to the music world. ‘First Snow In Kokomo’ is my absolute favourite as the piano is beautiful and her vocals made this an instant Soul classic. The respect that Aretha has from so many people means the she will always keep the title ‘Queen of Soul’. With a music career to be proud of, Aretha’s ‘Young, Gifted and Black’ is one of those legendary albums, however she has made too many to say it’s her all time best. It’s powerful and this is the true side of Aretha that the Pop/Jazz records won’t be able to convey. But you don’t have to be ‘Young, Gifted and Black’ to appreciate the magic of this album, take a listen and hear for yourself.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

One of the most beloved vocalists, Dinah Washington releases my favourite album of hers ‘Mad About The Boy’ in 1995 by Charly International APS. ‘I Wanna Be Loved’, ‘Wheel Of Fortune’, ‘Soft Winds’, ‘I Don’t Hurt Anymore’, ‘Dream’, ‘Manhattan’ and ‘Smoke Gets In Your Eyes’ are the few best songs off the album. Her voice just hits you’re strong in the soul, everywhere. The title track was a single released in 1932, ‘Mad About The Boy’ was probably her most famous song. It was brought to a new generation 60s later by a jeans advert, which placed the song in the Top 50 British charts. Known as ‘Queen of The Blues’, the American Jazz singer was born in 1924 and started this whole music thing at an early age. ‘Trust In Me’, ‘Unforgettable’, ‘I Only Know’ are more classic tracks from the sixteen song album. Her respected audience always turned up to concerts, and bought her albums during the 1940’s and 50’s, after he death, she was put in the 50 Greatest Hits and made an American Legend. The lyrics were easily identifiable, love, life and joy were used but many topics were to be sung from the sassy, sultry voice of Dinah ‘Queen of the’ Blues Washington. Having a unique vocal timbre, an ability to play the piano, and sing in church choirs with a perfect pitch and impressive vocal tonality. Dinah Washington will remain apart of my musical roots, as well as Billy, Ella and Sarah. Just because there vocal sounds are old, doesn’t mean that future generations can’t appreciate the magic that this singer conveys. The orchestra accompaniment is provided for her vocals to ooze with more silk and passion. I advice anyone who likes to chill out on a day off, it may take sometime to adjust to its time of creation. As we are so used to the manufactured soul of studio beats and jazzy chords. This is the real deal without doubt. ‘Mad About The Boy’, is an incredibly Jazz song, with each having its own unique quality.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Having worked with Curtis Mayfield, Donny decided to put two albums out in the 1970s ‘Everything Is Everything’ and ‘Donny Hathaway’. Both incredible albums but you could easily tell it was Donny finding his own style. The third album to be added to his pole of already masterpieces is the master of masterpieces ‘Extension Of A Man’. He really puts the pieces together and arranges the vocals and melodies beautifully. The previous records show sadness and pain, this record shows the more witty and light-hearted character of Donny. Daughter to LaLa Hathaway, Mr.Hathaway had been an inspiration to family as well as millions over the world. The deepest soul song ever is probably on this album, ‘I Love You M ore Than You’ll Ever Know’, it’s deeper than deep. It has darkness in it that not many songs can recover from. I am fond of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Roy Ayers but nothing compares to Donny Hathaway. This was the first soul album I ever bought, Soul Brothers in East Putney. If it weren’t for them I probably would be listening to D12. Donny Hathaway did virtually change my life; it brought me into this soul world that has so much talent and realness unlike any other genre. ‘Someday We’ll All Be Free’ is another admirable classic from the king of soul. ‘Magdalena’ is one song that is hitting, but unfortunately nobody knew what was going inside Donny Hathaway’s mind, not even his loved ones. One of the reason’s Donny is not well known is because of his life he took in his own hands, soon after this album. Donny Hathaway is my musical idol, I feel for him as his tortured soul got the best of him, and the longing for something that he could not find also had won. People say Stevie Wonder is the best Soul singer; I really do honestly believe that is wrong. Donny Hathaway didn’t get the chance to shine; he is the man with Soul.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]