GREG DEAN - UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
A classy, sophisticated soul album from South African
producer/songwriter Greg Dean, working with some outstanding US vocalists,
among them rising soul jazz star Jarrod Lawson - Jazz FM's Soul Artist of the
Year - New Jersey's Eric Roberson and in-demand Atlanta vocalist Chantae Cann,
who has recently collaborated with Snarky Puppy. Stand-out tracks include the
catchy duet "Unconditional Love" with a classic feel and Chantae Cann
and Jarrod Lawson trading sweet and powerful vocals, and Eric Roberson's
"Grass Ain't Greener", as well as the stunning ballad "That
Would Be All" sung by noted New York singer-songwriter Gordon Chambers,
and "Colours", another exquisitely soulful cut featuring Lawson.
Among the impressive newer names are Broadway actor-singer Mykal Kilgore, who
has recently appeared in "Motown The Musical", with a vocal tour de
force on "Denial". Now living in New York, Greg has produced and written
for many major artists in South Africa and has released albums for Universal
under the GB Collective identity. He is currently completing the writing of a
stage musical, in collaboration with his brother Shaun and the Nelson Mandela
Foundation, about the life of Nelson Mandela. ~ Amazon
PEGGI BLU - BLU BLOWIN'
Peggi Blu has a colourful life in the music business,
recording her debut album for MCA in 1987 and then Blu Blowin for Capitol in
1987. Expansion first worked with Peggi on Livin on Love in 2002 and is
delighted with the opportunity to step back to Blu Blown and release it for the
first time on CD. Peggi's role in more recent years has been under the
spotlight of TV's American Idol where she is fondly known as the Vocal Coach
from Hell to the many wannabe future soul stars. Peggi Blu has the credentials
as an outstanding vocalist, Blu Blowin being a defining moment in her career as
a solo recording artist. She has also recorded with an array of artists from
Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen to Barbara Streisand, Quincy Jones, Archie Shepp,
The Weather Girls, Cool Million and Kylie Minogue. Her voice, personality and
songs are all explosive. Blu Blowin has remained popular with soul fans since
its original release, popular songs including the singles Tender Moments, All
the Way With You (duet with Bert Robinson), and album cuts Over And Over
produced by Nick Martinelli, and Once Had Your Love composed by The Isley
Brothers. ~ Amazon
ED MOTTA - PERPETUAL GATEWAYS
This studio album by the Brazilian superstar singer,
songwriter, instrumentalist and bon vivant Ed Motta is produced by Kemau
Kenyatta (Gregory Porter). His epic production features an all-star cast of
West Coast musicians, including Patrice Rushen and Greg Phillinganes
(keyboards), Hubert Laws (flute), Marvin 'Smitty' Smith (drums), Tony Dumas
(bass) and Charles Owens (saxophone). 'Perpetual Gateways' mines the territory
between Spiritual Jazz with a deep sense of soul and prog-rocking fusion and
tells deeply poetic stories of life and love and the liberties we take with
them. At the front and centre of it all is Ed Motta's unique voice and
songwriting, leading us on a journey from groove gems through lost-love-ballads
and on to energetic and effervescent jazz tunes. "The album title to me
sounds a bit like Science Fiction", says Ed. "And that makes sense: I
feel this is my best work to date and truly a dream come true. I would never
have believed to be making such a record with such a cast of great musicians
and to enjoy the process like I did. I just hope this energy and excitement and
the humbling presence of these musicians comes across." ~ Amazon
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