Sam Moore (not to be confused with one half of Sam and Dave – one of the most successful Rock’n’Roll duos in history) grew up in Manchester, England and released his 13-track debut CD in January 2006 on the Moore music label called “Splendid Isolation”, a Godly title, which you can find out more about, if you buy the CD. Sam has co-written and produced many of the tracks on the CD, along with the production skills of The 99’s and Ibe Otah (Ibe brought us “Love Ya” by Siani). This is a Gospel Soul CD, and the first track “Highway” and last track (re-mixed version) are radio friendly tracks and could do well in the charts. ‘Breathe’, ‘Let Your Light Shine’, and ‘He Won’t Let You Go’ featuring Dee Nyoni, are spiritually charged tunes along with ‘Nothin’ Without You’ and sit snugly on the album. I really enjoyed “Like You”, although the child’s voice could have gone either way for me to begin with, but it worked. The best track for me is the title track ‘Splendid Isolation’ - a spiritually thought provoking tune with acoustic guitar melodies. Probably the simplest tune on the album, but very soothing. Sam seems at ease with this sound and I think it’s where he shines out as an artist, with the song obviously meaning something to him on a personal level. Shame about the fade away ending, could have done with just that little bit more. ‘Holy Ghost’ and ‘Lord I Come’ are uplifting tunes, which blend in beautifully. Sam’s voice reminded me of Smokie Norful meets John Legend and strangely, Neil Sedaka (at times). Sam takes you on a spiritual journey, which he wants everyone to know about. If you like Gospel/Neo Soul, combining church styles with contemporary music, you will like this CD. Whilst I don’t absolutely love every track on the CD, I think it showcases Sam’s vocal abilities well and he can feel proud of his debut.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

Born Andwele Gardner, his artistic name is Dwele, in Swahili; Andwele means “God has brought me”. His debut album ‘Subject’ has been influenced in the styles of Miles, Marvin, Donny, Stevie and in modern times Faith Evans, Tweet, Carl Thomas, and even Mike Jones. I’m sure many have read my event review on Dwele and have been shocked by my strong criticism; however, my thoughts are only positive on his recordings. No one in the music world really understands were Dwele musical sound is coming from, there for it is quite tricky call it a specific genre, but it is definitely a mix of hip-hop, new soul, and mellowed out grooves, with lots of sweet fender Rhodes. His vocals are smooth and very laidback and more jazzy than soulful. ‘Subject’ is an inspiring album musically, as his focus on production is quite intense, the sounds are really chilled out and it gives the atmosphere a sense of real calmness. However on tracks like ‘Truth’ and ‘Find Away’ you’ll be in for an uplifting surprise. From the sophisticated art work cover, to his very swarv fashion sense, Dwele is a cool cat from the USA, showering the world with soulful beats on ‘Subject’, you can hear guest appearances from the likes of Slum Village on ‘A.N.G.E.L (reprise)’. It wins with me, this entire album gets you completely relaxed and in the groove. It’s the right type of album for romantic candle lit evenings with someone special, or for a party with your funky friends. ‘Subject’ obviously only sounds good to those who are in touch with the real R&B music, or decent black music scene, because you probably won’t get any other musical mind listening to this record. ‘Dwele – Subject’, is certainly another to add to your shelf of out standing soul albums. In 2006, you can catch his new release ‘Some Kinda...’, in my opinion, it isn’t as good as ‘Subject’, but it still represents cool.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Corinne’s self-entitled debut CD was released on EMI Records on 27th February 2006, a week earlier than it’s planned launch date, due to the huge demand and pre-release orders. The single ‘Like A Star’ & ‘Put Your Record On’ gaining much radio airplay on mainstream radio. Both tracks are indeed lovely tracks. I was looking forward to reviewing Corinne’s album as this UK based singer sounds refreshingly like she is from the UK, with a child like Billy Holliday sound. ‘Like A Star’ is a good opener. ‘Trouble Sleeping’ and ‘Butterfly’ have an honest innocence about them. From one end of the spectrum, I find Corinne’s voice unique, honest sounding and refreshing, with tracks like ‘Breathless’, ‘Til It Happens To You’ and ‘Call Me When You Get This’ suiting her voice to perfection. ‘I’d Like To’ is an upbeat, funky track, with a touch of vulnerability, again suiting her voice & style. On the other end of the spectrum, her voice tends to sound tired at times and makes it appear difficult in making some songs sound her own. One example of this is ‘Choux Pastry Heart’. This is a good song, but is a little too laid back and Corinne just doesn’t secure the sound the song demands. Whilst listening to the CD, it did make me want to hear more and I look forward to her second CD. The reason being, it could have been a little more raw. It’s good R’n’B, but I would like to have heard more Soul, which I am sure this artist is capable of. It is an enjoyable CD, combining Jazz, R’n’B, Pop and subtle Soul. The songs are short, making you want to hear more, which is a good way to be left when listening to a CD. To summarise, a very nice, laid back album, with room for a bit more Soul.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

Crystal Nights is an Atlantic based soul artist who’s recently recorded her debut album in Europe with a full live band, and entitled the recording ‘Sweet Melodies’. It’s of course a very soulful sounding release, with mixes of jazz and funky blends. Her melodic vocals on top of the live instrumentation are impressive especially on the first track ‘Welcome’, which is my favorite because of its sheer soul, which Crystal evokes quite effortlessly. Her thought provoking lyrics about love and life, give the listener a refreshing experience but what stands out the most in my opinion is her voice, because it’s original and unique. Night’s style of singing is her own, you could compare her to India Arie or Julie Dexter, but she is quite different to the rest of the crowd. ‘Sweet Melodies’; introduces quality production, and an artist of true independent soul music. Distributed through Cicada Records, her talent isn’t just in singing, as her lyrical content on this album, is inspirational. Other tracks that you will take to are ‘Live Free’, which has a pleasant guitar riff through out, ‘You Inspire’, which is another favorite of mine, ‘The Way To Paradise’ and ‘Corner Café’ are more special tracks. The only negative comments I can think of is that her pitch can sound a bit the same, her voice doesn’t branch out into different styles, and it can often sound bland. But this is just me being the soul obsessive I am; any normal music-lover would be enthralled by her voice. ‘Crystal Nights – Sweet Melodies’, you might as well give it a try, nothing wrong with supporting independent soul acts.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

This spoken word lady has been rocking microphones for years; she has been compared to legends like Sonia Sanchez and Nikki Giovanni, and performed in world famous venues, impressing audiences in the thousands by her captivating on stage performances. With the microphone switch off, we will be missing Ursula’s observations of the world and intelligent ways of thinking, but if the stereo player has the play button pressed ‘Ma’At Mama’ will educate the listener through poetry and music. Produced by Anthony Tidd, Ursula has taken a more organic, live instrument, route, with this record. Her pure words compliment the raw musical instruments playing in the background, in the styles of jazz, hip-hop, African rhythms, and more. It combines drum tracks like the Gil Scott Heron songs from ‘Ghetto Style’ album. Each song on ‘Ma’At Mama’ is special, and extremely inspirational. It’s something that young people may not understand but should listen to. It covers topics on sexism, racism, politics, society, segregation, emotional problems, violence, crime and more. Her voice is soothing, not irritating, you can listen to her album from start to finish, without hitting stop. The title has a deep meaning behind it, ‘Ma’At, is a female Egyptian goddess who represents truth and balance. Mama, well, she is a mother to her children, so over all this record is one for the mind, body and soul.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]