…….Cover to cover, Bryant lays out delectable detail about a young man’s struggles with his parents’ divorce, his father’s freak-show-level philandering and his mother’s attendance at the wrong church all leading up to the teen becoming an in-demand male entertainer who uses sex appeal to mask his insecurities and inner demons. Blessed (and cursed) to… Continue reading Niobia Bryant’s “The Pleasure Trap,” The MOC Preview/Knowshi Book Review Link
Tag: “Melody Charles”
Dave Koz’ “The 25th Of December,” A MOC Preview and ST Review Link
…..Since anyone can (and let’s face it, practically everyone has) create a Christmas album, what makes one memorable rather than just marketable is the amount of effort put into the expected favorites and upping the appeal factor on the less-familiar tracks. Koz actually succeeds with both, pouring as much warmth and richness into “The First… Continue reading Dave Koz’ “The 25th Of December,” A MOC Preview and ST Review Link
Jagged Edge’s “JE Heartbreak II,” The MOC Preview & ST Review Link
…..The quartet’s roughly-hewned harmonies and honest emotions, girded by the songwriting and production skills of Bryan Michael-Cox and Jermaine Dupri, respectively, resonated on hits like “Promise,” “He Can’t Love U” and “Let’s Get Married” in a way that evoked screams and plucked heartstrings. Subsequent releases like Jagged Edge and Hard were also embraced by fans,… Continue reading Jagged Edge’s “JE Heartbreak II,” The MOC Preview & ST Review Link
Dave Hollister’s “Chicago Winds…”: The MOC Preview & ST Review Link
…..Given that Dave’s skill set has flourished over the years rather than flaming out, he doesn’t need an army of Auto-Tuning super-producers to get the job done. Veteran hit-makers Warryn Campbell and Eric Dawkins combine their expertise and past experience with Hollister to flesh out songs that are tailor-made to fit his personal and professional… Continue reading Dave Hollister’s “Chicago Winds…”: The MOC Preview & ST Review Link
Traci Braxton’s “Crash & Burn”: The MOC Preview & ST Review Link
…..”One doesn’t have to be more than song or two in to recognize that there’s no denying the familial lineage even if Traci wanted to: Her tone and delivery has the expected husk and depth that we hear in Toni’s and Tamar’s, but without their dramatic dips and runs. Her range ebbs from within, like… Continue reading Traci Braxton’s “Crash & Burn”: The MOC Preview & ST Review Link