…….It’s tempting to think that Genesis signals a return to McKnight’s gospel leanings; instead, what’s happening is Brian has rediscovered, and demonstrated, his playful yet passionate side (experiencing ‘crazy love’ as a newlywed can do that to you). Yes, there are modern twists and a few brow-raising couplets, but overall, Genesis harkens back to the sweetness and… Continue reading CD Review: “Genesis” By Brian McKnight
Category: Grooves & Beats
All things entertainment – music, movies, theater, spoken word, books, etc.
Talking “Honestly” With Lalah Hathaway
When it comes to soul music, categorizing the ‘greats’ at any level has to include the contributions of Donny Hathaway. Thanks to an intuitive knack for musical arrangements, songwriting and his buttery, gospel-flecked vocals, the Chicago-raised Hathaway was an in-demand musician by his early 20s. By the time he left Howard University, Donny was a… Continue reading Talking “Honestly” With Lalah Hathaway
“eLife,” Mint Condition & Bio #1; Introducing “Melody Charles”
From “Adoring The Unsung”……. On an early spring afternoon in 2008, I got a call from their manager that completely threw me for a loop: apparently, on the verge of releasing their 6th studio CD, they were unhappy with the bio that had been written for their press kit. According to him, the guys withdrew… Continue reading “eLife,” Mint Condition & Bio #1; Introducing “Melody Charles”
Seems Like He’s Raping……
……..As a parent myself and the mother of two daughters, these allegations are heartbreaking and horrific. I cannot imagine the pain their loved ones are going through, having awareness of what’s going on and desperate to get their daughters away from the self-proclaimed ‘Pied Piper of R&B.’ But I also must ask, as a woman… Continue reading Seems Like He’s Raping……
Stokley’s “Introducing….,” CD Preview/Review Link
…..Layering contemporary narratives over time-honored musicality, Introducing…..sifts through facets of the human experience, elucidating the personal, the political and every other type in-between. The smattering of a few recognizable faves (for example, production duo Carvin Haggins and Ivan Barrias, along with jazz pianist Robert Glasper) enhance the project without compromising Stokley’s uniqueness or overtaking Williams’… Continue reading Stokley’s “Introducing….,” CD Preview/Review Link