As a professional critic and a lifelong music fiend, it’s pretty easy for me to explain why I love me some Mint Condition. They compose their own music, pen their own lyrics and have levels of diversity that incorporates multiple style influences. The band, simply put, consistently displays synergy and showmanship that remains unmatched and extraordinary. From… Continue reading Adoring the Unsung: Why Mint Condition Matters (A Personal Tribute)
Category: Contemporary Soul/R&B
N’Dambi: The Sound, The Style & Her Funktabulous “Pink Elephant”
This is the first in-depth story I did with one of the baddest singers, songwriters and performers to EVER hail out of Dallas TX, N’Dambi (circa 2009): if you consider yourself a soul music lover and STILL don’t know about her sinuous and smoky pipes, get familiar via picking up her latest CD, 2009’s Pink… Continue reading N’Dambi: The Sound, The Style & Her Funktabulous “Pink Elephant”
Alice Smith’s “She,” ST CD Review/Preview Link
When you have influences as wide-ranging as alternative, afro-punk and bluesy-tinged pop, oscillated between homes in Georgia and Washington DC and have a vocal range that recalls a Fiona Apple rather than a Ledisi, it’s practically a given that you are not a cookie-cutter R&B artist. And over the past seven years too many listeners… Continue reading Alice Smith’s “She,” ST CD Review/Preview Link
In Memory of Whitney Houston: Powerful Voice, Broken Idol, Conflicted Soul
I remember the very first time that I discovered The Voice. As an 80s Baby, I was watching one of those pre-BET/MTV music video shows and heard her before I saw her, a supple and sweet soprano that poured into my senses and captivated me moments before its owner graced the screen. “Now you’re here… Continue reading In Memory of Whitney Houston: Powerful Voice, Broken Idol, Conflicted Soul
Destiny’s Child’s “Love Songs,” ST Review/Preview Link
Think about it: thanks to the chart-topping success of songs like “Jumpin’ Jumpin’,” “Bootylicious,” “Soldier” and “Independent Women (Pt.2),” the quartet/trio known as Destiny’s Child is primarily remembered for—and defined by—- bombastic, booty-shaking and pro-woman pop and R&B grooves. Although their vocals were delivered with power and precision, it was easy to write them off… Continue reading Destiny’s Child’s “Love Songs,” ST Review/Preview Link