Category: Contemporary Soul/R&B

Teena Marie’s “Beautiful,” The ST CD Review/Preview Link

Genuine, generous and gifted with a down-to-the-bone level of soul: before there was a Duffy, an Adele or an Amy Winehouse, there was the incomparable Christine Marie Brockert, a.k.a. Teena Marie. A porcelain-complexioned, green-eyed wisp of a woman that drew shock, then lifelong street cred, for her undeniably urban aesthetic, Ms. Marie’s sumptuous soprano and… Continue reading Teena Marie’s “Beautiful,” The ST CD Review/Preview Link

Keyshia Cole’s “Woman To Woman”: ST CD Review/Preview Link

For Keyshia Cole (Gibson), there’s a delicate balance that must be maintained: being in love and happy as a wife and mother, yet not forgetting the tortured tales of love gone wrong (and the ‘Mommie Dearest’-esque mayhem) that catapulted her to a larger audience in the first place. After cleaning house personally and professionally, Keyshia… Continue reading Keyshia Cole’s “Woman To Woman”: ST CD Review/Preview Link

Alicia Keys’ “Girl On Fire” ST Review & Preview Link

Thanks to those estrogen-fueled anthems, a soaring soprano and that around-the-way attractiveness and accessibility, Alicia Keys has firmly entrenched herself as a force to be reckoned with as far as longevity and artistic flair. For three consecutive releases, the native New Yorker resisted the temptation to sex it up and dumb it down, churning out… Continue reading Alicia Keys’ “Girl On Fire” ST Review & Preview Link

From “A.I.” Spotlight to Full-On “Sparkle”: A Vintage Q&A With Jordin Sparks

Before the movie, back when she was fresh off American Idol and getting her solo career off the ground, I interviewed the sweet and personable new winner, Jordin Sparks (2007): even then, I could tell she was sweet, well-grounded and had the potential to hit the stratosphere. So proud of her and I hope that… Continue reading From “A.I.” Spotlight to Full-On “Sparkle”: A Vintage Q&A With Jordin Sparks