As far as contemporary soul music goes, Eric Roberson, I have to say, is one impressive bastard. In a perfect world, his album, The Vault: Vol. 1.5, would have won a host of Grammys and sold a few million copies.

But hey, we've always got Justin Timberlake to fall back on.

I love the Studio One Soul compilation on Soul Jazz records, which is reggae singers doing reworked versions of classic 50's and 60's soul tracks. Of course it's not quite up there with the genius that is J. Timberlake, but if you're gonna set the bar that high, everything but Beyonce is gonna fall short...

quote:

Originally posted by merqury:
As far as contemporary soul music goes, Eric Roberson, I have to say, is one impressive bastard.

I second that, merqury. The dude's got some skillz -- vocally and musically.

Dude, have you seen him live? Amazing.
I caught him at The Blue Note (a legendary jazz club here in NY), and he and his incredible band tore it up for two and a half hours solid.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: merqury,

No, never had the chance. I don't think he ever came to Toronto either.

Been listening to a great new album today, Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators's Keep Reachin' Up . It's on some label out of Finland and I believe this is Nicole's 3rd full length release, either solo or with a band. She has a hot soul voice and it melts in perfect with the 70s'ish R&B/funk music here. Every song is good though I especially like "Blues Downtown", "A Perfect Kind Of Love" and "Holdin' On". Whoever says they don't make great funky soul records like they used to hasn't heard this album.

that covers alot of ground..temptin temptations-1965,from the cool white on white cover to the classic songs inside this one is great..what a difference a day made-dinah washington-1959,the title song sets the tone for this album of delights..special lady-ray,goodman and brown-1979,if you only buy one album by this cool group then this is the one..the softones and first class together-1979,talk about underrated man oh man this album is a keeper as two great but little known groups get together to give us a treat..i did it all for you-eddie kendricks-1971,the first solo album from the great eddie and it's full of goodies..let me in your life-bill withers-1973,once you hear this song you're gonna wonder WHY was it a b-side..now arriving-major lance-1978,some think that the major was past his prime by the time that he did this album on the soul lable but when you hear it you'll know that he was as strong as ever,don't sleep on this one..i'm still waiting-patti labelle and the blubelles-1966,the best girl group song-PERIOD,curtis mayfield gave them an immortal classic with this sweet,sweet tale of young love and yearning!!

Picked up an album recently from a great Australian funk band, The Bamboos. Step It Up has two tracks with vocals and the remainder are jazzy, Bar Kays/James Brown influenced funk gems. Nice use of Hammond organ here and probably the best cover of "Tighten Up" I've ever heard. This is only their first album and I hope far from their last. Excellent stuff.

I'm a big fan of Amel Larrieux's new album "Morning". It's R&B/Soul mostly, but it's got other elements mixed in, which is really cool. I've heard a lot of people compare her to Alicia Keys, and I can kind of see it. So if you like her, then check out Amel Larrieux.

For this year, so far, my favorite R&B/Soul album is a battle between Bettye LaVette's The Scene of the Crime and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings' 100 Days, 100 Nights. Both these albums are chockful of heartfelt & heartbreaking soul, belted out by two magnificent pair of pipes. Gonna be fun relistening to these cds to pick out the favorite.

Wow I read all your favorite records and really can't choose there are so many good albums out there in this category. I guess I'll have to do some listening to reach a decision

http://www.beatleslyricsclub.com/

I would say Erykah Badu "Mama's Gun"
and any of Sade's collections

For this year, Al Green's Lay It Down is looking difficult to beat. The man is a soul god. I was initially worried that a non-Willie Mitchell produced album might not be up to par for Al but all worries are laid aside as the new album passes the "comeback" albums and truly is the successor to The Belle Album.

quote:

Originally posted by crazed:
For this year, Al Green's Lay It Down is looking difficult to beat. The man is a soul god. I was initially worried that a non-Willie Mitchell produced album might not be up to par for Al but all worries are laid aside as the new album passes the "comeback" albums and truly is the successor to The Belle Album.

i've only listened to it once but one that lone listen, i was kinda disappointed. i'll give it an other try right now

alright, it's better than i remembered. must not've been in the right mood the first time around.
not great, but not bad. then again, all i know of him are his 70s albums. haven't heard anything recent ones so my expectations were pretty high

The new Al Green does carry a different vibe if you're used to the '70s stuff. But it's strong and it's both modern & "classic Al" in the right way. I do love the two previous comeback albums which were vintage Al all the way- perhaps too much when compared to the latest.