Let me start of this review by saying this is the strongest release you will hear from an incredibly strong artist, named India Arie. From the days of ‘Acoustic Soul’ and ‘Voyage to India’, her musical mind has simply grown into an even more beautiful voice, which speaks honesty and sincerity, to inspire the evaporated minds that can often be the case in this generation. What with the radio waves only playing processed songs, and artificial lyrics, this record is just a refreshing as a standing underneath a waterfall. ‘Wings Of Forgiveness’ is my personal highlight from the incredible album, she sings in repeat/soulfully ‘You’re only human, let’s shake free this gravity of resentment, and fly high, and fly high’. ‘These Eyes’ is one of those deep new soul numbers; that can be added on the modern list of recent albums from greats in the new soul world. When I attended India’s first gig in Shepard’s Bush Empire, she did a live set (an exclusive) called ‘India’s Song’, and when I heard it on this album, I felt giddy. She performed it with such charisma, and spirit, that I remember it to this day, Arie is a memorable performer, in which only legends have that compliment. ‘There’s Hope’ has a raw message about keeping your destiny close to your heart, and making sure that ‘paradise is in your mind’. ‘Good Morning’ and ‘Private Party’ are two soul slammers on this album, I love these a lot. ‘Summer feat. Rascal Flatts & Victor Wooten’ is another outstanding number, which I can’t help but listen to over and over again. ‘I Am Not My Hair feat. Akon’ burned the airwaves; and I’m sure that the radio DJ’s are chuffed to see it landed a spot in the release. ‘I Choose’ is a fabulous track, strong minded, influential and uplifting, ‘This Too Shall Pass’ is a creative, ballad, almost soundtrack style song, which I highly recommend for pleasure. This debut almost is musically high profiled, and I’m definite that she will pick up many awards with this one.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Just Soul introduces you to Reggie Watts, he was a lead singer for the Seattle heavy soul band Maktub, receiving positive feedback/features on NPR and MSN, Maktub shared stages with Coldplay, Spearhead, Dave Matthews, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Earth, Wind & Fire and India Arie. Giving the group exclusive exposure to highly established bands/artists fans, creating an even larger awareness of Reggie’s talents. Mr. Watts was born in Germany to a French mother and African-American father, his work reflects rock and soul, were the main influences in his album ‘Simplified’ that Fuzed Music kindly sent to me. The album is an experimental record, that uses live instruments and programmed tracks, ‘Wanna’ Get’ has that typical soul vibe, nice Rhodes and drum arrangement, with vocals from Rosey who appears courtesy of Def Jam Records and himself are relaxing and pleasant. ‘Your Name’ is a very strong song recorded with an obvious rock feel, which is one of my favourites from the release. The fourth song entitled ‘Part Of The World’ represents a positive/upbeat style, putting you in a good mood. ‘Sure Do Like The Fire’ is a unique track; ‘Broken Dreams’ is a funky/spacey type soulful number, the last two songs ‘Fear In My Eye’ and ‘Perfect Day’ are highly enjoyable tracks, offering a peaceful and sultry listen. The hidden track ‘Love Is Like A Dream’ is an interesting track, not particularly a highlight from the record but over all ‘Simplified’ shows us Reggie Watts is as confident in solo work as he is collaborating. He is able to improvise gorgeous melodies, beat-box, and cutting-edge synth work, with all these talents, it has landed him in jam sessions with musicians diverse such as Soulive, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Roy Hargrove, Bill Frisell, Wayne Horvitz, Bernie Worrell, and countless others.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

A&R Records in 1966, was the home for the Brazilian/jazz legend Sergio Mendes. Now, in 2006 Mendes has released one of the most eclectic records this year has heard ‘Timeless’. It features an inspirational bunch of artists, to name a few, the Black Eyed Peas, Erykah Badu, Will.I.Am, Stevie Wonder, Gracinha Leporace, Q-Tip, Jill Scott, Mr. Vegas, John Legend, India Arie, Justin Timberlake and others. I have questioned many of Sergio’s collaboration selections, such as ‘Loose Ends feat. Justin Timberlake, Pharoache Monch and Will.I.AM of The Black Eyed Peas’; Justin is known for his pop squash tunes and his so called R&B releases produced by creative icon Timberland. I just don’t feel Timberlake does any justice to this interesting release, and I was surprised to see his name on the bill. The blissful listens are ‘Timeless feat India Arie’. Another shock, this time a positive shock, was the John Legend track ‘Please Baby Don’t’ with its soulfully/Brazilian vibe. ‘Bermimbau/Consolacao’, which had guest appearances from Stevie Wonder on harmonica, and Gracinha Leporace on vocals, singing lyrics in a Brazilian language, is refreshing and filled with coolness. Jill Scott’s voice melts over the beautifully produced track ‘Let Me’, which again, has Will.I.AM. I sometimes wonder why Will.I.AM collaborates with such an opposite musician called Sergio Mendes, this entire release in fact doesn’t make much musical sense, and it is simply to me an experiment of modern funk/soul/rap with traditional Brazilian influence. There are some off key sounding tracks on this record, such as ‘Surfboard’, and ‘Yes, Yes, Y’all’, it again is over taking the traditional Brazilian root with the Black Americanized artists, which can often get tiresome. Talent however, does not fail on this album and it is pretty impressive as to what can happen with a simple collaboration agreement. For all these up/coming artists featuring on Sergio Mendes CD, is more of an achievement for them to put down on there musical resume, because I’m sure that having the chance to work with Sergio was a once in a lifetime opportunity for each artist, and I’m sure they’d all agree with me.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Ivana Santilli is no stranger in the Toronto R&B soul scene. In 1994 she was part of a well-known Toronto soul group Bass is Base consisting her and two other members whose debut album ‘First Impressions for the Bottom Jigglers’ was nominated for a Juno Award for R&B Soul. After disbanding, Ivana Santilli continued her musical path with her 1999 debut solo album ‘Brown’. This album truly showcases Ivana Santilli’s talents. Besides her vocals, she also plays a majority of the instruments on this album including rhodes, piano and trumpets (which you can hear nostalgically on ‘Too Deep’). ‘Brown’ begins with a brief intro of Ivana playing on the rhodes (ironically titled “Oh the Rhodes again.”) Ivana then opens her book to her listeners of her thoughts, passions, questions and desires that are backed up by smooth soulful beats. In‘Too Deep’ (which was her first single from this album) Ivana ponders to her listeners with questions such as “Have you ever lived your life half asleep? Tell me am I getting too deep?” ‘Never Again’ tells a story of Ivana who puts all her energy into a relationship but does not get anything in return. Ivana then decides to show how much she loves her lover in a duet “If I ever fall” with Glenn Lewis, Ivana even gives her listeners an Italian 101 on her groove song “Nostalgia”. She closes her chapter with “More of myself” with a soothing song as she croons to her listeners “I can say no more, but I can show you less, less of my clothes but so much more myself” ‘Brown’ is a classic example of how good production, a very talented artist, superb backing and good lyrics can lead to a top notch album. The versatility of sounds within this album is huge driving factor. ‘Sun+Moon=Tomorrow’ (the album’s second single release) starts of with a fast drum beat similar to what is heard in the ending of The Roots’ critically acclaimed song “You Got Me”. It is then intertwined with rhodes being played added with a nice driving bass. ‘Too Deep’ provides a Latin/French/Jazz kind of feel with trumpets sounding softly in the background. Ivana even decides to surprise her listeners with a part two version of “If I Ever Fall.” In which, halfway through breaks into a Brazilian drum beat with her on the keyboards and exchanging adlibs and words with Glen Lewis. Another strong factor with Brown is the consistency with her music. Even though she experiments with different styles of beats and grooves (as what is heard in ‘Too Deep’, ‘Sun+Moon=Tomorrow’ and ‘If I ever fall Part Two)’ she still maintains that soulful smooth sound, which unfortunately a few R&B soul artists tend to loose when they start to experiment with different sounds on their albums. You’ll be guaranteed that after listening to this album, you will start to think “Am I really getting too deep?”

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

This six track EP makes you want to hear more, recorded and produced by Greg Mayo himself. You can tell this is not just a band, but a group of fine musicians who have studied and love their music & want you, the listener, to enjoy it too. If you like Funk with a slither of Jazz and a whole handful of Soulful Rock (with a psychedelic edge), you will love it. Energised musicians who know their music, a classic sound with a fresh twist of youthful spiciness. Feel good, upbeat Rock is fed to you from Greg Mayo & the Groove. From the first track ‘Get It Goin’ – it does just that – gets you going for the rest of the EP. Makes you want to dance and turn up the Funk. James Brown would be proud of these boys. Supposedly likened to the Police – not my scene at all, but I like this band, so if the Police ‘aint your thing, don’t be put off. Greg has a good Jazzy/Rock voice and his lyrics weave easily around you. I especially enjoyed the track ‘Inside Your Mind’ - beautiful. You get the feel Greg is enjoying singing this & his band respond to his call. This is an observational, honest song, which draws you into the lyrics. There’s an inspiring horn section in ‘Maybe’ and the Funky guitar sounds in ‘6 days’, rest well on your pallet, enticing you to taste more. Finishing with ‘The Flow,’ drumming those sweet percussion sounds inside you. This is a wonderfully written EP with fun loving lines, catchy choruses and Soulful/Funky/Rock rhythms, giving you an energy release to revitalise your inner being.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]