Carlitta Durand – Nostalgic Nights
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Neo Soul
Carlitta Durand, mostly know for his appearance on Little Brother and The Foreign Exchange albums has just released this free EP named “Nostalgic Nights” featuring productions from Brooklyn producer Jay Sentine, France’s Swan Dito, San Diego’s Abjo and Doug & Patty and M1 Platoon producer, Vaughn Garcia, enjoy!
for more info check: myspace.com/missdurand
Tracklist
01. Nostalgic Nights
02. Carl
03. Sweet July
04. Forrest Gump
05. Peace
06. Occupied
07. 23rd Floor
08. Lucky Star
The Foreign Exchange – Authenticity
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Neo Soul
“Authenticity” is the 3rd full-length from indie-soul duo The Foreign Exchange. Picking up where their 2008 Grammy-nominated “Leave It All Behind” set left off, “Authenticity” is the group’s most diverse work to date, with a tight, 11-track song cycle spanning the duo’s trademark brand of lush electronic soul, to stripped down acoustic pieces that recall the heyday of 70′s singer-songwriter driven folk. Featuring guest appearances from longtime contributors YahZarah, Darien Brockington, Zo! and Median, and also relative newcomers Chantae Cann and Jesse Boykins III.
for more info and buy check: www.theforeignexchangemusic.com
Tracklist
01. The Last Fall
02. Authenticity
03. Eyes To The Sky
04. All Roads
05. Fight For Love
06. Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me
07. Don’t Wait
08. Make Me A Fool
09. Everything Must Go
10. Laughing At Your Plans
11. This City Ain’t The Same Without You
Leon King – The Digital Church
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2009, Neo Soul
Leon King is British talent championed by Tyler Askew and soon to release an EP on Tyler’s My Favourite Things imprint. If you’re pining for an original UK artist to further the soul sound after Lewis Taylor then Leon could well be your man…These seven tracks cradle the listener into his world and sound. “Remedy” is the opening jam on a hip-hop beat, which unfolds immediately strong soulful vibes. In the 2nd tune “Lizard-Lude”, Leon’s vocal talent is already on display, accompanied by gentle bass and guitar chords. “ You’ll Never Know” is a very fine piece of contemporary Soul, winking an eye to R’n’B. “Fazed” is a romantic, heartfelt wail. The E.P. ends with 2 rather deep, soulful grooves. “Knowingness”, is a very fine, production floating on a gentle breeze. Whereas, “The Digital Church” is a very harmonious, elevating song, some kind of testament of what’s to come out of Leon King’s music. We believe there’s a bright future ahead of him as long as he sticks to his weapons: Soul and Inspiration.
for more info and buy check: www.arision.ithinkmusic.com
little preview (the quality is so bad):
Tracklist
01. Remedy
02. Lizard Lude
03. You’ll Never Know
04. Faze
05. Fazed Outtro
06. Knowingness
07. The Digital Church
Noñameko – Goddess Vol.1
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2009, Hip Hop, Neo Soul
Goddess makes a coherent statement about the ups and downs of life, consequences of our choices, love and relationships and it’s all wrapped up in a slightly surrealistic sometimes retro-istic genre-crossing gift wrap. Producers: Kankick, Mr. Rourke, Von Pea, Obsidian Blue, Steel Town Sounds, Caledon , and Dawu. Recorded by Rome at Gooney Tunes studio and mastered by Jay Soul “The Groove Architect”.
for more info and buy check: myspace.com/503206719
little preview:
Tracklist
01. What You Do
02. Brotha
03. Full Moon
04. Goddes (feat. Sole Profit)
05. Short Story (Mary Jo)
06. Dream
07. Solomon
08. Know Yourself
09. When Will I Learn
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Andreya Triana – Lost Where I Belong
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Downtempo, Neo Soul
The widely hyped debut album from Ninja Tune’s latest rising star, Andreya Triana, Lost Where I Belong is a jazzy, noir-ish soul album that gives a full introduction to a vocal talent who’s previously worked with Flying Lotus, Theo Parrish and Mr Scruff, among others. The production and arrangements here ooze class (if, indeed, class can be a commodity that lends itself to the act of oozing) and that’s surely thanks to Bonobo’s Simon Green who man’s the controls on Lost Where I Belong. You may recall Triana gracing the latest Bonobo LP, supplying vocals to several tracks on the Black Sands tracklist, and the results on that occasion proved that these two certainly know how to bring the best out of one another. This time around, the musical accompaniment is considerably more subdued and organic, leaving Triana’s arresting vocal to take the central role. ‘Draw The Stars’ sets the scene with its ethereal plucked strings and woody rhythms, calling upon a flourish of orchestration when the moment comes. The remainder of the album is similarly well poised and resourceful, capturing a glazed over, downbeat feel that adds a little extra muscle and nuance to what might otherwise have come perilously close to a Morcheeba-esque exercise in trip-hop easy listening. Triana’s talents as a vocalist are what really come through clearest on this release though, and she proves suitably spellbinding whether she’s fronting uptempo, edgy soul numbers like ‘A Town Called Obsolete’ or the haunting chamber-folk of closer ‘X’.
for more info and buy: ninjatune.net/andreyatriana
Tracklist
01. Draw The Stars
02. Lost Where i Belong
03. A Town Called Obsolete
04. Darker Than Blue
05. Dyadreamers
06. Far Closer
07. Something In The Silence
08. Up In Fire
09. X
Muhsinah – Day.Break 2.0
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2008, Hip Hop, Neo Soul
Gripping vocals, inspired wordplay and thoughtful composition are just 3 of the elements that remain constant throughout day.break 2.0. Entirely self-produced, day.break 2.0 is in a sense a heartfelt homage to this young women’s inspirations and in another, a whimsical and revealing voyage down the road less traveled. Often times snatching inspiration out of the air, this classically trained pianist employs a limitless assortment of sonic elements to complete her hip hop inspired, soul experiments. With songs like “Discovery”, “Gogh” and “Only and Always” Muhsinah’s knack for evoking the head-nod seems almost intrinsic; all the while, delivering uniquely dynamic, stirring and technically superior vocals in songs like “Outsource” and “NetKnot”. Muhsinah’s overall choice of words and expressions leave her hovering between that of a “self-indulgent flower-child” and “post-modern idealist”. Whether conventional or unconventional in inception, Muhsinah’s music always seems to fall perfectly to the more palatable side of experimental. Unabashedly honest in so many ways, Muhsinah’s makes it clear that although the road less travel looks a bit un-kept and may present some dangers, it is assuredly the most fun path to tread.
Tracklist
01. A.M.
02. Construction
03. Discovery
04. One Again
05. Gogh
06. Outsource
07. Mine
08. Psychloan
09. Yiy
10. NetKnot
11. Millions
12. Only & Always
13. Bonus 1
14. Bonus 2
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Kissey Asplund – Plethora
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2008, Hip Hop, Jazz, Neo Soul
Plethora is the debut album from Swedish soul sensation Kissey Asplund, and is a genre-defying journey through jazz, hip-hop, electronic soul, all with a fresh future twist. Kissey takes us through a range of day to day stories of love lost and found, friendships betrayed, relationships on the rocks and even astral travelling. The album was entirely produced by Paris based hip-hop collective Papa Jazz Crew, and is a unique combination of future electronic soul beats and sweet jazz vocals.
for more info and buy check: myspace.com/kisseyasplund
little preview:
Tracklist
01. Still The Baddest
02. Beam Me Up
03. Caos
04. You & I
05. Entrapped
06. Fuss’n'fight
07. Hit Me With Medication
08. 6am
09. Another Glass
10. Syntax Error
11. Phone Call
12. Work It Out
13. With You
14. I’m Out!!!
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Homecut – No Freedom Without Sacrifice
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2009, Hip Hop, Jazz Hop, Neo Soul
This album is the creative brainchild of Testament alongside a guest list including Soweto Kinch (Mercury Music Prize nominee), >Corinne Bailey Rae (Grammy Winner), J-Live (Rawkus / BBE), Andreya Triana (Flying Lotus / Bonobo), John Ellis (Cinematic Orchestra), kidKANEVIL (Statless) and Ty (Mercury Music Prize Nominee). An album with too many highlights to mention – from the futuristic soul of ‘Participant’ to the highlife hip hop of ‘Harmony’ and lead single ‘I Don’t Even Know’, this is a record bursting with invention, ideas and real music.
for more info and buy: myspace.com/homecut
little preview:
Tracklist
01. No Freedom Without Sacrifice
02. Participant
03. I Don’t Even Know feat. Corinne Bailey Rae & Soweto Kinch
04. Innovators (Nostalgically Speaking)
05. City Song
06. Not Far To Go
07. Ecclesiasters 3:11
08. Time Difference feat. J-Live
09. Ykte feat. Leesun
10. Night At The Fair
11. Bring It All Together
12. Harmony
13. Breakdown feat. Andreya Triana
14. All For Now
Robert Strauss – Odyssey Man EP
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2009, Hip Hop, Neo Soul
The concept of the ‘Odyssey Man EP’ was first conceived by Robert Strauss in 2006 as a way to bridge from abstract, spacey hip-hop, and beat-oriented experimental music to more song-based and melodically structures. He wanted to transfer this sound and vibe from the streets to a more mainstream urban, soul, r&b audience and he took his talent on a three-years odyssey to get the fusion and feelings just right. Its result is a truly soulful ep, which features the gifts of Ayah, Leroy Burgess and Richie Henessey.
for more info and buy: www.robertstrauss.com
little preview:
Tracklist
01. Odyssey Man feat. Ayah
02. Love & Self Respect feat. Leroy Burgess
03. True Lies feat. Richie Henessey
04. Odyssey Man (Instrumental)
05. Love & Self Respect (Instrumental)
06. True Lies (Instrumental)
Zo! – Sunstorm
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Neo Soul, R'n'b
“SunStorm” is the latest album from Detroit-area born, DC-area based producer/multi-instrumentalist Zo! Best known for his 2008 collaboration with Phonte on the cult classic “Zo and Tigallo Love the 80′s” as well as his work on The Foreign Exchange’s Grammy-nominated LP, “Leave It All Behind,” ‘SunStorm” is an extensive 12-track set that shows the ever-expanding range and depth of Zo! and the entire Foreign Exchange Music family.
Indie soul siren and American Idol vocalist Sy Smith serves up a slice of 70′s soul on the breezy “Greatest Weapon Of All Time,” and Lady Alma, a Philly veteran and stalwart of the UK house scene, takes it to the dance floor on the frenetic “Free Your Mind.” The album’s lead single, “This Could Be The Night,” features Darien Brockington, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson, and Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother over a thumping two-step groove specifically intended for the ‘steppers’ of Zo’s native Detroit. Another highlight is the Phonte-assisted “Flight Of The Blackbyrd,” Zo’s heartfelt homage to the 70′s jazz/funk fusion of The Mizell Bros. and George Duke.
for more info and buy: www.theforeignexchangemusic.com
Tracklist
01. Greater Than The Sun feat. Phonte
02. Greatest Weapon Of All Time feat. Sy Smith
03. Say How You Feel feat. Phonte & Carlitta Durand
04. For Leslie
05. Be Your Man feat. Darien Brockington
06. Free Your Mind feat. Lady Alma
07. SunStorm feat. YahZarah
08. If I Could Tell You No feat. Jesse Boykins III
09. This Could Be The Night feat. Eric Roberson, Darien Brockington & Rapper Big Pooh
10. Flight Of The Blackbyrd feat. Phonte
11. All Is Well With Love feat. Chantae Cann
12. Make Luv 2 Me feat. Monica Blaire
Miles Bonny – Incense And Wine
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Hip Hop, Neo Soul
Slow rolling moody soul sounds from Miles Bonny – a mix of relaxed beatcraft that’s rich in hypnotic atmosphere! Beats, bass and keys flavor the sound, with Miles’ vocals laid down as part of the overall atmosphere as much as the driving force of the tunes, and makes for an interesting blend of danceable keys & synth soul to more of a headphones head nodding experience. Titles include “Spiritual Nutrition”, “Do You”, “Blue And Green”, “Satisfy”, “Never Be The Same”, “Joy”, “Shouts Out”, “Aggressively Calm”, “Marion Truth”.
for info and buy: milesbonny.com
Tracklist
01. Spiritual Nutrition
02. Do You
03. Words (I Love You)
04. Endless Possibilities
05. Blue And Green
06. Number 5
07. Satisfy
08. Never Be The Same
09. On Impulse
10. Green Chemical Lawns
11. Cans Ass City (Feel Sexy)
12. Something I Can Dance To
13. Joy
14. Shouts Out
15. Aggresively Calm
16. Marion Truth
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Aloe Blacc – Good Things
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Neo Soul, R'n'b
Singer-rapper-musician Aloe Blacc first made a splash in the 1990s as part of the group Emanon with producer Exile. But since then, both have moved on, with Blacc taking to oddball hip-hop label Stones Throw. He worked heavily with brothers Oh No and Madlib to craft 2006′s Shine Through, which also marked Blacc’s proper debut. In the ensuing years, h caught the mainstream’s eye by providing the theme for HBO’s How to Make it in America. That track, “I Need a Dollar,” is also the lead single from his sophomore effort, Good Things, a blend of soul and funk with production from Truth & Soul and help from the Expressions and El Michels Affair.
Tracklist
01. I Need A Dollar
02. Good Things
03. Take Me Back
04. You Make Me Smile
05. Politician
06. If I
07. Momma Hold My Hand
08. Hey Brother
09. Femme Fatale
10. Green Lights
11. Miss Fortune
12. So Hard
13. Politician (Reprise)
Link Removed in Request of Stones Throw Records
Neco Redd – No Discipline EP
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Neo Soul
Neco Redd is a veteran singer and songwriter. She has toured with Kid Rock and Amp Fiddler of the legendary Parliament Funkadelic. Neco has pinned songs for diverse artists in the industry including “American Pimp” and “Fever” for Platinum Pied Pipers (PPP). She is currently completing her Songwriting project with her partner Nation and they together are known as Groverton Finch. She just released her debut project the NO Discipline EP which features emcees Finale and Fat Father and production by Tony Ozier, Chris Cobb, and Nick Speed of G-Unit. (spotted at bamalovesoul)
Tracklist
01. In The Name Of…
02. Nobody Wants U (feat Gorilla Funk Mob)
03. No Discipline
04. History (HIS- STORY)
05. Southern Lovin
06. When U Do What U Do
07. Until(Good Times) feat. Finale
08. Detroit City feat. Fat Father
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Full Crate & Mar – Conversations With Her EP
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Electronic, Hip Hop, Neo Soul
Laidback beats, sparklingly atmospheric keys, hazy melodies and thick bass from Full Crate & Mar! It’s lovely, spacey and soulful sounding throughout — with Mar on vocals and Full Crate handling the productions. The standout gem “She Was Fly” is here in 2 versions, the main and a bonus versio with guest vocals by Eric Roberson — proving again why he’s one of our favorite soul vocalists if his generation. Other titles include “Aftersexin”, “I Said” and “Surreal Moments”.
Tracklist
01. She Was Fly
02. Aftersexin’
03. I Said
04. Surreal Moments
05. She Was Fly (feat. Eric Roberson)
Link removed in request of Melting Pot Music
Jimetta Rose – The Barber's Daughter
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Neo Soul
The full length debut from Jimetta Rose — with spacey soul production and spiritually resonant lyrics — maid all the more rewarding thanks to warm, emotional vocals and deft vocal arrangements from Jimetta! We first heard Ms Rose providing a sweet vocal foil for Shafiq of Sa-Ra on his excellent En-A-Freeka — and she steps out wonderfully on The Barber’s Daughter. The spacey hip hop soul sound is akin to Georgia Anne Muldrow, but Jimetta has her own, perhaps more grounded and focused vibe than the astral atmosherics. Also like Georgia, she has a talent for arranging her vocals to lead, follow and respond to hypnotic effect . This set should be a harbinger for even more wonderful things to come — great set and likely to be one of our favorite independent soul efforts from the LA scene for a long time to come! Includes “Glory Us”, “Life Unfolds”, “Sweet Necessity”, “Revolution Out There”, “On My Own”, “Middow”, “Constellations”, “Drifting Far Away”, “So Easy” and more.
Tracklist
01. Intro (I Got A Dream)
02. Glory Us
03. Life Unfolds
04. Sweet Necessity
05. Revolution Out There
06. On My Own
07. Middow (Days Of Our Lives)
08. America (Revisited)
09. Constellations
10. Drifting Far Away
11. I Got God
12. So Easy
13. Outro (Heaven)
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