Traditional soul, modern elements of R&B and fringes of hip-hop, wrapped in equal measures of sensuality, spiritual edges and being ‘woke’—-successfully conveying one aspect is challenging enough, but Kevin Ross has managed to implement them all. Education (Berklee College of Music) and collaborating behind the scenes (SWV, Johnny Gill) can certainly help, but it takes… Continue reading Kevin Ross, “The Awakening” (CD Review/Preview Link)
Tag: SoulTracks
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
Jennifer Hudson’s “JHud,” The MOC Preview & ST Review Link
….In the ten years that have passed since American Idol, Jennifer Hudson’s had a lifetime’s worth of highs and lows, including a fiance, the birth of her son, a weight loss of nearly 100 pounds and unfortunately, enduring the untimely deaths of her mother, brother and nephew in 2008. The somberness of those experiences seemed… Continue reading Jennifer Hudson’s “JHud,” The MOC Preview & ST Review Link
Earth, Wind & Fire At Grand Prairie’s Verizon Theatre: The MOC/Soultracks Concert Review
Now, Then & Forever, the title of recently-released CD by the iconic band Earth, Wind & Fire, also seemed to embody their timeless appeal as live performers, judging from the exuberant response they received from thousands of fans at Dallas’ Verizon Center on Sunday night. After basking in an instant standing ovation, the original three… Continue reading Earth, Wind & Fire At Grand Prairie’s Verizon Theatre: The MOC/Soultracks Concert Review
Raheem DeVaughn’s “A Place Called Loveland,” The MOC Preview & Soultracks Review Link
Poetic, passionate and prolific: separately and collectively, those words describe the musicianship and the marketing strategy of Raheem DeVaughn. A renaissance-level soul provider with a velvety tenor, lyrical skills and a classically-conveyed approach, the performer has amassed an impressive resume in his first ten years as a pro, including three Grammy nominations, BET & BET… Continue reading Raheem DeVaughn’s “A Place Called Loveland,” The MOC Preview & Soultracks Review Link