Nona Hendryx in the 21st Century – sounding every bit as funky and righteous as she did back in the day! The set's got a nicely stripped-down groove, and is very heavy on the sort of raw guitars that Nona used increasingly during her 80s years – that variant of funk that's almost a bit punky at times too – which makes for more than enough sharp edges to match the wit and politics in the lyrics! There's almost a deep soul vibe running through some of the cuts – a quality that's similar to some of the Anti treatment other older soul stars have gotten in recent years – but from start to finish, the spirit of the album is definitely Nona's own. Titles include "Oil On The Water", "Tea Party", "Black Boys", "The Ballad Of Rush Limbaugh", "Strange Fruit", and "When Love Goes To War". ~ Dusty Groove
The full length debut for Michael Kiwanuka – a record that stands out brilliantly, not only for it's strength and depth – but also because almost no one is making airy, often acoustic soul music a major label in 2012! The record has been compared to Terry Callier's work with producer Charles Stepney in the early 70s – and that's not off base at all, but Kiwanuka has a sound and a voice of his own. The songs are engaging and immediate, his voice confident and assured – and the instrumentation is pretty amazing for a contemporary soul album! We're talking sax, trumpets, shakers, flutes, bells, blocks and more. A wonderful surprise! Includes "Tell Me A Tale", "I'm Getting Ready", "I'll Get Along", "Rest", "Home Again", "Bones", "Always Waiting", "I Won't Lie", "Any Day Will Do Fine", "Worry Walks Beside Me" and "Lasan". ~ Dusty Groove
The first album from The Kevin Toney 3 – headed by the piano player and one-time leader of the legendary Blackbyrds – and it's a nicely melodic set of soulful trio jazz! There's a warm, affectionate vibe throughout, and it's played by skillful veterans with genuine passion. Toney composed, produced and arranged in collaboration with bassist Michael Bradford, and the trio is completed by the great drummer Chris Coleman. They're working with a range moods that roll from smoothly measured to charged and anthemic. Solid stuff! Includes "New American Suite", "Love Is All We Need", the slow-building standout "A Soulful Union", "Spacious Skies", "Cyberia", "The Entertainer", "E Pluribus Unum", "In God We Trust" and "Family Times – Getting Happy". ~ Dusty Groove
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