The Soul Mixtapes Review of 2014 PART TWO

Every year, in our End of year review, we have selected the best LP's of the year. But last year marked a change when I found it very hard to pick whole LP's to recommend. The nature of the music industry has changed markedly in my opinion, where now we can all pick and choose tracks from an artists release rather than buying it as a whole.

This has led to a real detriment in  quality, LP wise IMO. where "Conceptual" works barely exist nowadays. In Part One of our 2014 Review, Marc Mac put it best when he said: "Quality in 2014? not an easy one for me to be honest, there has been some great tracks but not LP’s I can put my finger on in my opinion, I think a lot of artists have given in to the fact people download singles and tracks so they don’t make full conceptional albums of quality but just some good tracks."

Not that there isn't great music out there, there is, but an Album as a piece of thought through, linear, interlocking piece of work is hard to find nowadays. Albums are fragmented pieces of work, with some great songs (the "Singles") but not much else that makes you WANT to purchase the whole piece of work.

But that's not to say there isn't some works purchasing as a whole; Pick any LP from the above cover art and you've purchased quality work.

But, for me, one stood out. D'Angelo went and released his 3rd LP after a 14 year wait, and there's greatness there. Not sat with "Black Messiah" long enough to form opinions on where it lies in his discography, but its great work. It actually feels like an album, with themes that run through it both lyrically and musically. You get that instantaneous espresso hit of D'Angelo on tracks like "Really Love" and "Another Life", but you know with further listens the other tracks are gonna creep up on you. There's been great love for the LP as well as disappointment; Too many expected Voodoo Part 2 I think, but this is the work of an artist that we greatly need at this time. So, unsurprisingly, its my LP of the year.

Having said that, there were other fine pieces of work produced; Hiatus Kaiyote teased us with an EP that precedes their 2015 LP, and its got me real excited for it. Nai Palm's voice is something else; There are great LP's from Eric Roberson, the UK's Fatima, my fave beatmakers The Stuyvesants; Brandon Williams XII, coming on like a "Black Radio" part 3; and a great selection of unreleased material from the legendary Steve Arrington.

But this mix is about the best SONGS of 2014; And most are there. Some notable exceptions need a shout out: from the likes of Soulperfreesia (Check out their LP too, some great stuff there), the excellent 2000 Black remix of Paul Johnson's "Better than this", some nice Soul/Jazz work from Jarrod Lawson, "Florina" a soulful/Spacey work from Taylor Mcferrin, Mark De Clive-Lowe's excellent "Hollow", the Dangerfeel Newbies fantastic "Always with me", plus a few more, only left out for mix length reasons.

However, Remember this: If you purchased each tune on this mix and supported the artists, it would only cost you approx £30/$30. So get those iTunes/Amazon vouchers working for you. Because as negatively sounding this write up started out as, we gotta remember that WE, as purchasers, have the power to reward great music/art by buying it. And if truly great LP's don't make a comeback, then maybe we can make our own BEST LP of 2014. Just as Ive done in my mix below.

So press play, revel in some great music, and ill see you in 2015.

Happy Holidays and New Year from #TheSoulMixtape

The Soul Mixtape's Songs of 2014 by Soulnrnb on Mixcloud

The Soul Mixtapes Review of 2014 PART ONE

It's that time of year again when we look back at some of the quality music released in the past year. Last year we had the legend that is Omar, Electro Soul Pioneers The System the year before, plus on the radar talent like Moonchild, Diggs Duke, SoulPersona, The Rebirth plus so many more talented artists contribute.


#TheSoulMixtape isn't gonna let you down this year.

So, press play on the mix below, our throwback to the best LP's of 2010, and lets get this review started

.

SoulNRnB's TOP 10 LP's of 2010 by Soulnrnb on Mixcloud

Answering our questions are:

 Marc Mac:

One half of the UK's Legendary 4 Hero (with partner in crime Dego), Marc is in my opinion one of the best producers the UK has produced. Musician, Remixer, producer and DJ (The man can select a tune let me tell you...) Marc famously had a pivotal role in the development of DnB and broken beat as part of 4hero and with the creation of Reinforced Records, he's also explored techno territory as Nu Era and hip-hop with his funky Visioneers act.

Then there's the Soul. As well as creating some great Soul tunes for 4Hero, Marc has produced and remixed some absolute gems too, many featured on this blog (We even did a "Great Producers" mix of some of his produced work back in our early days). And if you check out some of his podcasts, posts on Facebook, DJ sets etc you know the man can select a tune too! Straight from Dollis Hill, the man himself!

Princess Freesia:

The UK is representing this year! Along with partner in crime, Soulpersona, Princess Freesia has made some great music in the last few years. In fact, she released an EP and collborated with SoulP on the SoulperFreesia LP just in the last year and featured on 2 Street Sound mixes covers! 2012's "The Rainbow Ride" was one of our fave LP's of the year and as well as recording her own work she is a much in demand backing vocalist. A big character, were proud to have her share thoughts on this years music.

Conya Doss:

Ever since she released "A Poem about Ms. Doss", we've been fans at the blog. A great vocalist, Conya has released consistently great LP's on a regular basis. With a new LP coming out in 2015, we'd recommend catching up with previous work such as "Love Rain Down", "Still", "Blu Transition", "Pocketful of purpose" and "Just Because". She says: “If they want to label me in the Neo-Soul movement they can, but soul music is nothing new. The D’Angelos and Lauryn Hill's derive from what we grew up on — like Donnie Hathaway and Angela Winbush, it’s just modernized. I grew up on every form of music from Bonnie Raitt and Steely Dan to Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. It’s hard to categorize me into one genre of music because it narrows your audience and I learned from them all. It’s just good music — and that’s the way I see it.”

Steve Arrington:

Member of one of the greatest funk bands of all time, Slave, plus solo artist on his own right. When the blog picked its top LP's of the 80's, Steve Arringtons Hall of Fame I and Slave's "Stone Jam" were both picked by Grizz and I. With a jazzy vocal style of his own, he is one of a kind. Still touring, producing music, and working with the likes of Karriem Riggins and Dam Funk, hes a very busy man! The Soul Mixtape welcomes The Invade!


So thats Intro's done, lets get down to the nitty gritty!

1. Back in the day, compiling mix tapes for friends, family, or loved ones was commonplace. Here at the Soul Mixtape, we still do just that via our mixes for our followers. If you compiled a Mixtape of tunes from 2014, what songs would have to be on there?

Marc Mac: Doing mixtapes was a big deal when I was growing up and its great to see the art-form revived in recent years. In my days (early 80’s) we actually played records onto a cassette tape so if you made a mistake the rewind and record process took some time and care. I was a sound system selector rather than a scratch/mix DJ so it was all about the ‘right tunes’. In 2014 would probably do a similar tape as the one I did for my then girl friend (now wife) a 2-Step Soul selection. Arnorld Blair, Edna Wright, Benny King, Milton Wright, Passion Midnight Lover... that kinda thing was dope and the new generation need a little love in their lives. true?

Conya Doss: I would put the following tracks on a mixtape: JOHN LEGEND'S " ALL OF ME," MAGIC'S "RUDE," CALVIN HARRIS' "SUMMER, ALGEBRA'S "NOBODY BUT YOU", CONYA DOSS' "YOU GOT ME," ARETHA FRANKLIN'S RENDITION OF "AT LAST," AVERY SUNSHINE'S "CALL MY NAME," AND LEELAH JAMES' "FALL FOR YOU"

Steve Arrington: My mixtape would include:

Drake - 'Trophies"
Christian Rich - "Better To" ft. DWNTWN and also "Real Love"
Childish Gambino - Telegraph Ave ("Oakland" By Lloyd)
Ras G - Big Booty Ahtay mpc 2000 xl
Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake - Love Never Felt So Good

Princess Freesia: Oooh... that's a tough cookie cutter question for me as I've got so many Freesian favorites with so many varying flavours, haha! I tend to do "virtual" mixtapes via Mixcloud, so for my latest HOXXX selection of stellarsonics, I'd have to extend my index finger to my "Wanton & Wistful" podcats Part I & II. I don't have any songs from this year in particular to be honest that I would say particularly excite and entice me because without meaning to sound like a total retro snob, I'm turned on by the 70s and 80s with a touch of the 90s for my float boat, haha. People held more artistic integrity and honored the process rather than just popping it out like a plastic baby, haha. Of course, I'm speaking more of the mainstream pop acts here, but there are plenty of artists that adhere to highly formulaic music for the sake of climbing the ladder, especially in the soul world I've noticed. It's unappealing, unappetizing, inauthentic, and I just can't stand "artists" who don't put the hard yakka in. Sorry for my bluntness, I don't like to be rude about it but we need to speak about this so that real talent makes the breakthrough they deserve.

Anyway, I digressed rather passionately there, apologies, haha! You can check out the track listing on my mixcloud page for the aforementioned "podcats" at MIXCLOUD LINK ;)



2. Some say the LP is dead as people tend to purchase single tracks. We love to champion great albums and encourage people to purchase them. So what LP's of quality would you recommend from 2014?
Conya Doss: Definitely "THE SUNROOM" by AVERY SUNSHINE.

Princess Freesia: Ooohhhhh... hahaha. Again, I'm not the best purrrrrrson to ask about current trends, but there's an album that does stand out to me that a friend recommended. And it's Jarrod Lawson's debut. Wow, what a TALENT! There's something beautiful about his productions, his silky soulful Hathaway-esque vocals, his subject matter... it's poignant for this blurry blustery bullsh*t we have to deal with in our systemised societal structure. He's a diamond in the rough, a real gem of an artist and with true talent to boot.

Steve Arrington: I would recommend the following albums:

Flying Lotus - Your Dead
The Roots - And Then You Shoot Your Cousin
Ras-G - Raw Fruit
Karriem Riggins - Alone Together

Marc Mac: Wow, well quality in 2014? not an easy one for me to be honest, there has been some great tracks but not LP’s I can put my finger on in my opinion, I think a lot of artists have given in to the fact people download singles and tracks so they don’t make full conceptional albums of quality but just some good tracks. Eska’s EP was a highlight and def Fatima - Yellow Memories was dope.


3. Championing new artists is another thing we like to do via our Street Sounds mixes, and getting them heard is a real priority for us. What new or independent artists/bands should we be keeping an ear out for?

Steve Arrington: Keep an ear out for Christian Rich, Karriem Riggins and Razihel.

Marc Mac: Ok on the home front a group called “Hawk House” should be dropping an album next year, I’m sure you guys know of them and all the way in Australia “Emma Donovan” has a debut soul/funk album sounding cool. Really looking forward to a full album from soul trio “KING” next year.

Conya Doss: Definitely look out for an artist named Kourtney Heart.

Princess Freesia: Haha, well I feel pretty connected to the music my stellarsonic shipmates are making (Joey Negro, Carl Hudson, Nick Van Gelder, Katie Leone, Wonderlush, Aisling Iris, Deborah Bond... to name but a few!) because they hold integrity as well as talent. No sell outs here, cause we'd never forgive ourselves for comprising in an already compromised industry! Having said that, I'm sure there's a TRUCKLOAD of talented cats out there I've never even heard of or know how to find (that's usually the way isn't it, poor struggling artists with truckloads of talent deserving SO much and getting SO little in return, it breaks my bloody heart!) and so I hope to be able to better navigate towards finding them in the online jungle :) (SoulNRnB: Try our Street Sounds Sessions mixes!)


4. Influences. Our mixes spotlight those who have developed our soulful musical taste from the 60's to the present day. Who has influenced your music over the years, and what songs are especially inspirational?

Princess Freesia: Oh man - Leon Ware's the headliner for me - his production, songwriting, vocal style... flawless for me, and the greatest inspiration of all. Also the work he's done for Marvin as well as Melissa Manchester, Lara Saint Paul, Maxwell... he's gorgeous, just bloody VUNDERBAR! I have a lot of influences near and far on the soul spectrum plectrum, and am a big advocate of that Westcoast Soul sound with acts like Erik Tagg, Byrne & Barnes, Lava, Steve Pocaro, Quincy Jones... it's a mixed bag of delights all round, SO hard to pick 'em out! I think one of my Freesian favourites from Leon Ware of all time is "Got To Be Loved". That track alone has everything I could ever want in a song.

Steve Arrington: My influences include;

P-Funk in general!
John Coltrane Live NewPort Live 63
Stevie Wonder - Fulfillingness First Finale
Yes, - Close To The Edge album
Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue
Thelonious Monk
Jimi Hendrix - Band Of Gypsy Live @The Fillmore East

Marc Mac: Kinda obvious cos I go on about them so much but Charles Stepney and Richard Evans are great soul arrangers, the Mizell Brothers great producers, Motown, Jazz labels I love are Black Jazz and Strata East. Loads of electronic music from Detroit Techno - Jungle, Scientist and King Tubby.... as you can see my influences are far and wide!

Conya Doss: To name just a few, NATALIE COLE, BONNIE RAITT, STEVIE WONDER, ANGELA WINBUSH, MELISSA MORGAN, IRENE CARA, PRINCE, NINA SIMONE, GLADYS KNIGHT, CHAKA KHAN and DONNY HATHAWAY.


5. Is there an artist, producer etc that you would love to work with?

Steve Arrington: Id like to work with Flying Lotus (SoulNRnB: Just the idea of that had blown my mind) and Timberland production wise.

Marc Mac: I used to answer this question with names like Marvin, Nas, Raphael Saadiq, Minnie and Stevie but now I really think about finding a rough diamond, an unknown talented singer/songwriter musician that trust the producer to do as they will with them.

Conya Doss: DWELE, RAPHAEL SAADIQ, RAHEEM DAVAUGHN, AVERY SUNSHINE, MARY J. BLIGE, AND LAURYN HILL, just to name a few!

Princess Freesia: I'd love to do something with Mister Ware, though I have sung with him as a backing vocalist, highlight of my career to date I think! I think I'm already working with my favourites - Joey Negro was another highlight and he's producing re-edits of songs that Soulpersona and I have done together as well as releasing a re-edit of a track off my solo album, entitled "Freesia", and of course, working with Soulpersona has been an absolute honour and a privilege and continues to be so :)


6. 2015. What's in store for you musically? Any new LP's or tours that we should know about? And where can readers find out more about you!

Princess Freesia: WELLA BALSALM! I have a new Freesian "Han Solo" album I've been whittling away on quietly that's due out next year at some point I hope, and myself and Soulpersona are currently doing a Pledge Campaign to raise the funds to release our next album due out in February 2016 entitled "Fast Forward" which is princessly packed full of sexy synthaholic soulful electro jazz funk HOXXX with an eighties edge that we hope our fans will enjoy. You can support us via our Pledge page if you would like to, bless your darling HOXXXY hearts!

SoulPersona & Princess Freesia Pledge Link

Otherwise, feel free to keep up with me/us on our facebook pages under "Princess Freesia" and "Soulpersona Recordings" as well as "Soulperfreesia" in addition to our Twitter accounts and Soundcloud pages under the same names. Bless you for your stellarsonic support dear ones, we besot you!

Marc Mac: Recently I been re-visiting my past and resurrecting a few old alias like Manix and Nu Era (SoulNRnB: We loved the Nu Era and Visioneers "Mystic Brew" releases from this year!)

Next year is a special one for Reinforced Records as it’s our 25th year releasing music; that’s my Jungle/hardcore/D&B label I started all those years ago. The next Visioneers album will drop in 2015, good chance of some new 4hero music although it’s a bit of a logistical mountain to climb at the moment and I know 4hero fans are loosing there patience with us but I’m sure all will be forgiven when it finally surfaces. (SoulNRnB: Seriously. Play with the Changes was released in 2006! We cannot wait!)

I’m still remixing including something fresh with myself and Leroy Burgess and this year I also produced a small piece of music for a Debbie Tucker Green’s new movie “ Second Coming” starring Idris Elba, I tend to hear my music all over TV but producing something specific is what I want to do more of in future. t: @marc4hero Instagram @marc4hero hipology.org

Conya Doss: I will be touring in the US, DMV area and Cleveland this month plus working on additional dates. Contact me on Facebook or Twitter and check out my website Conya Doss Website

Steve Arrington: New music, interesting collabs. A lot of touring in 2015. You can find me on both Facebook and Twitter, but make sure you check out my Bandcamp page Steve Arrington Bandcamp for info and music! (SoulNRnB: The blog can't recommend the "Way Out 80-84" album enough.)


So that's it Until Part Two next week. A massive thanks to our four guest reviewers this year. Were big fans at the blog, so thanks for sharing with us and the readers! As I said last year, make sure you check them out and support them, cause in the end we only get the music we deserve.

I'm gonna pick some of my best songs of the year next week, but until then its Grizz!

The Soul Mixtapes Review OF 2013 PART TWO

Its that time of the year again. My soulful review of all that was good musically in 2013. First off, the elephant in the room. The mix does not feature the best LP's of the year, although there are tunes from most of them. Its a mix of some of my favorite tracks. I will be discussing the LP's below and recommending the best of them, but felt a nice long mix of the best of the year should be the way forward. So lets get on with it, press play on the mix below, and lets talk about some of those tunes.....

SoulNRnB's Best Songs of 2013 by Soulnrnb on Mixcloud

In most R&B lists of the year your gonna hear about 2 songs. Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" and Daft Punk's "Get Lucky". Never had much time for the Robin Thicke track, a "Got to give it up" knock off, but Daft Punk's liaison with Nile Rogers was a throwback to 1979, Chic Guitars and post disco dancability. The definition of feel good. But lets not forget the connection between the two tracks, the man of the year, Pharrell Williams.

As well as producing those tunes, he had a hand in Beyonce's Stealth LP, with the best track on there, the boogiefied "Blow". Then there's production work for Mayer Hawthorne, Daley, Jennifer Hudson and so much more. A 24 hour video for his Despicable Me soundtrack song. The man was everywhere. In a good way.

Unlike Mr Kanye West, who seems to have lost the plot. But hey, thats just me I think. Look at the Best of 2013 Hip Hop Lp's and "Yeezus" is at the top of most of them. It kind of sums up my disillusionment with Hip Hop at present. Where's the Soul? The genius sample's? The lyrical invention? Well, I found alot of that in my Hip Hop LP of the year, Rashaan Ahmad's "Ceremony", an LP full of that Boom Bap, great soul and Jazz samples, and on tracks such as "Guns" Lyrics that actually talk to current Issues, namely Gun Control. Other Hip Hop LP's that picked my interest were those from Tanya Morgan (Rubber Souls), Oddisee (Tangible Dream), and Black Milk (No Poison no Paradise).

We had Soul Veteran's release music to various degrees of success. R.Kelly's "Black Panties" LP is the musical equivalent of your drunk older uncle turning up at your 21st and hitting on your girlfriends. Uncomfortable. Especially with the true life "rumors" and "accusations". That SNL appearance with Lady Gaga made my eyes bleed too. Much much better was the release of Earth Wind and Fire's "Now, then & Forever", while not up there with their best, has a track in "Love is Law" that is very cool. Brian McKnight, Chante Moore, Kenny Lattimore, Donell Jones, they all re-appeared with LP's but none left an impression. Would be great if these talents took a risk with their music, maybe hired some of the up and coming producers to handle their material, rather than phoning it in which is what it felt like. On a more positive note, The Systems "System Overload" and Steve Arrington's "Higher" had some great moments on them that reminded you of why they were, and are, talents. Joe's "Doubleback Evolution of R&B"suprised with tracks like "Easy" and "Something for you", producing work on a par with that of which his fans love him for. But it was the UK's own Omar whose "The Man" LP really showed what an enduring talent he is. The second I first heard the title track, I had to have the song, and let me tell you that does not happen to me much anymore. With guests such as Caron Wheeler and Stuart Zender, the Lp is filled with talent and great songs and is a must purchase.

My penchant for Soulful House music needed feeding this year too and there were a couple of corking LP's to search out. Glenn Underground's "July 12 1979" and Nathan Adam's "Audio Therapy" both included some great tunes and have a couple featured on this weeks mix. But so do Louie Vega's Elements of Life, newly signed to Fania, whose double LP "Eclipse" is a great listen. Mixing latin rhythms, jazz, soul and funk, its guaranteed to make you happy.

So what about current signed and independent artists?

Ill be going through my list of the best 10 LP's in a moment, but need to namecheck some that didn't quite make the list but deserve a mention. Contributors to last weeks Review, Joanna Borromeo and Water Seed both released fine LP's. Both "Kaleidoscope" and "Wonder Love 2" contain organic soulful cuts, created by artists that really do care about the product. My pick on Joanna's LP is the slow burner "Outside" and really like Water Seed's "I'm Trying" which has a great soulful vocal and neo-soul vibe.

Bilal's "A Love Surreal" and Amel Larrieux's "Ice cream Everyday" both had moments of excellence. Bilal's LP started in a style more akin to his early work with "Back to Love" and "Winning Hand" before moving off into a more Jazzy and eclectic style with tracks like "Butterfly" featuring Robert Glasper. Amel pulled off a similar trick, with tracks like "Afraid", "Orange Moon" and "You dont see me" sating the need of old school fans whilst tunes like "Moment to Reflect" show a more experimental side with relevant lyrics and a modern style.

Other LP's of note included A great LP from Gregory Porter, a voice that can dissipate the worst of days; AB & 14k's future soul LP "Saturn Return"; Bembe Segue's Lp of Demo's called "Untitled" had more quality than many actually released LP's, and "Space Odyssey" is a killer; Independent Artists Dolla Lova and Severince released great LP's in their own right in "Fall for you" and "Hear to See". Check out their Bandcamp pages for more info; Don- E released the solid "Little Star" LP, a real return to form for the UK underground sensation; Haitus Kaiyote got "Tawk Tomahawk" re-released, signed to SONY, Q-Tip added to "Nakamarra" (Though the track didnt need him, as much as I love the dude), and a Grammy Nomination; Justin Timberlake released 2 LP's which had moments, but I feel he went with the wrong producer from his first LP (Timberland) and should have gone with man of the moment Pharrell; Underground greats Osunlade and Peven Everett kept up their high quality output; Reggie B brought the Future-Soul FUNK with "DNA" as did Thundercat with "Apocalypse".

But with no more ado, here's my top 10 list of LP's for 2013, in no particular order:


1. The Foreign Exchamge - Love in Flying Colors

After hearing "So what if it is" and the first single "Call it home" I was a little worried that we would get a FE House LP. Not that that would be the end of the world (Cause I dig those tunes), but I was looking for those great Soulful tunes that they excel in. And they gave us an LP of them. "If I knew then" kicks us off with Phonte sharing vocals with the great Carmen Rogers on a Jazzy Soulful track; "Better" feat Eric Roberson is a FE classic joint, the best of released this year is worse off without it; "On a Day like this" has a killer melody over a ridiculous BONTEMPI style beat; and the strings on "When I feel Love" are spine tingling. You can always count on Nicolay and Phonte and friends to bring some quality, and on this joy filled LP they did just that.


2. Robert Glasper - Black Radio 2

OK, admission. This LP isnt as good as last years "Black Radio". Having said that, its a consistently soulful, Jazzy experience. Maybe that element of surprise we had with last years release was missing, taking the shine off the LP. Whatever, its still a top notch piece of work. And how can it not be with talent such as Jill Scott, Eric Roberson, Brandy, Dwele, Lalah Hathaway (The version of "Jesus Children" is spine tingling), Bilal etc etc More R&B oriented than the first LP, but thats not a negative. At 17 tracks (On the Deluxe Version), you get more than your monies worth, songs filled with soul and artistry that strives for more than just a quick buck.


3. Omar - The Man

The truth is that the song "The Man" had me at hello. I was copping this LP no matter what. But when I did it was a real treat. "Simplify" is classic Omar as is "Come Speak to me"; "I can Listen" is funky in an old school way and there are really successful hook up's with ex Soul II Soul vocalist Caron Wheeler, and Ex Jamiroquai Bassist Stuart Zender. Soul, funk, Jazz and latin grooves mixed into a concoction that can only sound like the genius that is Omar. I do have one serious problem with it though. It took 7 years to get to us. I know good things come to those who wait, but Omar......your taking the pee. Don't leave it so long next time!!


4. Zo! - Manmade

A great companion piece to label mates The Foreign Exchange LP. Zo! is a regular collaborator, and Phonte and friends return the favour on this LP. His last LP, "Sunstorm" was our best LP of 2010 and whilst this LP doesn't quite reach those heights, its still a must purchase. The title track for example is a joy. Not only is it musically soulful and stirring, but the lyrics relate to our relationship with God and is grown up and thought provoking; "We are on the one" featuring Eric Roberson (Again!) is a funky 80's style jam that's dancefloor ready for those steppers out there; "Tell me something New" with Jeanne Jolly on vocal's is the most FE sounding on the LP and is a track that will set a shiver down your spine; and "Body Rock" with Sy Smith isnt what it sounds (An electrofied 80's dancer!), but a soulful, Jazzy ballad that of which we haven't heard for a good while. A real talent, Zo! delivers another solid LP that you really should consider picking up.

5. The Internet - Feel Good

Out of the blue came this killer LP from a Band thats been around a moment, The Internet. They co-produced the LP with Pharrell's colleague from the Neptunes, Chad Hugo, and it adds a little more sheen than was evident on "Purple Naked Ladies", their previous LP. The Internet consists of producer Matt Martians and lead vocalist Syd “The Kyd” of Odd Future. "Sunset" is a tropical vibed slice of soul; "You don't Even know" a goosebump inducing ballad; "Partners in Crime Part 2" ropes in organic Jazz funk instrumentation as does "Cloud of their own". All in all a real consistent LP, full of soul and Jazz, highly recommended and unexpected.


6. Eric Lau - One of Many

The UK's own Eric Lau brings the Boom Bap this year with an LP for Soul Lovers who dig Hip Hop artists like Dilla and the Roots. Vocalists like Rahel, Georgia Anne Muldrow (Another Mixtape Favorite!) and Fatima all lay smooth vocals over some great Instrumentation that will get your head nodding in a way it hasn't for a few years now. "Divine", "Everytime" and Neptunes like "Guide you" all showcase Eric's great production work and the songwriting is top notch.

7. Quadron - Avalanche

Talking of production work, this LP is probably one of the best produced of the year. Quadron are a Danish duo consisting of singer Coco O (full name Coco Maja Hastrup Karshøj) and musician/producer Robin Hannibal (full name Robin Braun), and they've been around for a few years now delivering their own type of electronic soul. The opener "LFT" sent me back to 1984 sound wise and is a great mid tempo groove; "Its Gonna Get you" also has that 80's sound, like if you stuck an 80's Stevie Wonder bassline on an MJ track; "Neverland" channels Leon Ware (Who they've worked with) and is a real shuffler; Coco O's ethereal vocal's really add a great element to the 10 featured tunes that sets them apart from other LP's released this year, and together with that aforementioned excellent production work builds an excellent LP.

8. Giovanca - Satellite Love

Smash some 70's Disco and Funk with some Rotary Connection/Charles Stepney sounding work and this should give you an idea of what to expect from this idiosyncratic LP. Next to 70's disco sounding tunes like "Lockdown", "No More" and funk workouts like "Bad Wishes" you get gems like "How Does it feel" and the Minnie Ripperton stylings of "Finally Yours". If you love your 70's soul, funk and Disco, you'll love this excellent LP.

9. Jose James - No Begining no end

What more can I say about this LP that was released at the start of the year that hasn't been said already. Dissected by others, we've all seen some of the great live work hes done this year (Like the iTunes Festival gig he did), and most of you probably got this already. Jose's best LP to date, filled with great Soul Jazz tracks like "Make it Right", but my pick is "Vanguard" which shuffles off some jazzy rhodes and made me stop the car I was driving when I first heard Giles Peterson play the track earlier this year. A real talent.

10. Lucas Arruda - Sambadi

An LP you may not have checked out. Lucas heralds from Brazil, and boy do you know it. A 10 track LP full of fun, sun and sand its a Jazz Funk treasure. Weve played the title track "Sambadi" many times before (Its on the mix too) but other tunes like "Tamba Part 1" bring back Memories of sadly departed George Duke's "Brazilian Love" LP. Then there's a great version of "Whos that Lady" to top off a great Jazz Funk LP that I cant recommend enough to those who have that inclination. Looking forward to hearing more work from this talent in the future.


And thats it. 2013. Some real great music out there, just takes some digging underneath the stuff that pushed onto us via the TV talent shows, Music Video channels, and what calls itself radio nowadays. Stick with us Mixtapers, cause we promise to let you know about all the good music, past and present, that we can.

If you agree, disagree or feel Ive missed something from the above, feel free to comment, hit us up on Twitter @SoulNRnB, or Facebook "Soulnrnb Grizz", or Google +. Have a great Christmas to those celebrating, Grizz back shortly, and Ill have some DISCO ready for you for the New Year Party celebrations.

SoulNRnB

The Soul Mixtapes Review of 2013 PART ONE

It's that time of year again when we look back at some of the quality music released in the past year. We've had big names contribute in recent years like Diggs Duke, The System and Ledisi to name just three and we've not let you down this year either.

Answering our questions this year are:

Omar Lyefook MBE: Legend. Do we really have to explain who this man is? Didn't think so. Safe to say he is a British Soul stalwart who has worked with the likes of Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Caron Wheeler, Angie Stone, David Frank of the System and many more. Stevie is quoted as saying, “When I grow up I wanna be like Omar”. Nuff said.

Mark De Clive-Lowe: Mark's a musician and producer originally from New Zealand, and now based in L.A since 2009 after residing in London. He has been one of the key musicians in the broken beat and nu jazz movements, blending jazz, ethnic music and urban grooves into a his own sound. He has been involved with over 150 releases, collaborating, remixing and producing with as diverse a range of artists as Lauryn Hill, Jody Watley, Sy Smith, Sandra St.Vincent and the aforementioned UK soul legend Omar
,
Joanne Borromeo: Joanna released Kaleidoscope this year, an album lush with beautiful ballads and hypnotic, head-bobbing up-tempo grooves. She fuses jazz and soulful R&B and is a consummate singer/pianist whose self-expression comes from years of exploring the music of classical and jazz masters. Complimentary to that, Joanna's love for everything groovy under the sun (Motown, neo-soul, disco-funk, hip hop, latin music and R&B) has contributed to her unique sound, and we marked her out as one to watch in our Best of Review 2012 when she released the Through the Dark EP.

The Rebirth:  “THIS JOURNEY IN”, the bands first single, was released almost 10 years ago and became an underground monster being added to comps by GILES PETERSON’s Trust The DJ, and NORMAN JAY’S GIANT 45. The LP of the same name followed in 2005 and made our list of best LP's of that DECADE. Seriously, its that good. They've recently restructured the group with original lead vocalist Noelle Scaggs leaving to pursue a solo career. They now consist of Carlos “Loslito” Guaico,
Latisha Baskerville, Mark Cross, Patrick Bailey, Chris Taylor, Daniel Seeff and Nikki Campbell. Loslito, founding member of the group, contributes here.

Moonchild: Amber Navran, Andris Mattson and Max Bryk are a trio of musicians based in Los Angeles who aim to bring a new sound to the neo-soul genre while drawing upon other influences such as Erykah Badu, Bon Iver, John Coltrane and D'Angelo. Released in 2012, their LP "Be Free" became a hit with those in the know (and we've championed it!) and they've recently been remixed by the great Jazzy Jeff. The definition of New Talent, jump on board the bandwagon before everybody knows their name.

Water Seed: Originally from New Orleans, WATER SEED is a 6-7 piece band. Made up of Grammy winners, Major Label side players and accomplished composers, Water Seed has a free flowing membership which currently includes:
Lou Hill - Drums, Leader, Song Writer, Producer, Composer
Jeremi Crump - Keys, Song Writer, Producer, Composer
Cinese Love - Flute, Song Writer
Shaleyah Grant - Vocals, Song Writer
Anthony Duplesis - Keys and Vocals
Imari Adams - Guitar/Bass
Mykel Deveraux - Vocals
This year they released the acclaimed WONDER LOVE 2 LP.

That's the Introductions done.  Press play on the mix below of our best LP's of 2012, then read on with our questions.

SoulNRnB's Top 10 LP's of 2012 by Soulnrnb on Mixcloud

1) Back in the day, compiling mix tapes for friends, family, or loved ones was commonplace. Here at the Soul Mixtape, we still do just that via our mixes for our followers. If you compiled a Mixtape of tunes from 2013, what tunes would have to be on there?

Loslito: 

Nakamara- Hiatus Kaiyote
Her Favorite Song - Mayer Hawthorne
Treat Me Like Fire - Lion Babe
Retrograde - James Blake
Pretty Green - White Denim
Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) - Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Is This How I Feel - The Preatures
Latch - Disclosure
So What If It Is - Foreign Exchange
The Art of Forgetting - The Stepkids
Alchemy - Moses Sumney
Oração Ao Tempo - Maria Gadú (released in 2011 but discovered in 2013!)

Moonchild: 

"She"- Laura Mvula
"Retrograde"- James Blake
"Broke"- Bear Attack
"World Without Your Love"- Emily Elbert
"Nakamarra"- Hiatus Kaiyote

Joanna Borromeo:
 
1. Make Me Lovely by Laura Mvula
2. Wildest Moments by Jessie Ware
3. Falling by Yuna
4. On A Day Like Today by The Foreign Exchange
5. Her Favorite Song by Mayer Hawthorne
6. Do It by Tuxedofunk (anyone else out there think Mayer sings on this?)
7. What's It Gonna Be? Busta Rhymes x Janet Jackson remix by Kaytranada
8. Q.U.E.E.N (feat. Erykah Badu) by Janelle Monae
9. Neverland by Quadron
10. Underway by Dexter Story
11. No Love Dying by Gregory Porter
12. Clementine's Nights by Maylee Todd
13. Rubberband by Derrick Hodge

Mark De Clive-Lowe:

Janet Jackson's If remixed by Kaytranada
Hot Music from my One Take series
Something from Ross McHenry's new album Distant Oceans
Layfar's Let Me Fly Away
Kid Fonque's Two Sides
Sandra St. Victor's Stuff Mama Used To Say
Kendrick Lamar's Rigamortis
Hiatus Kaiyote's Nakamarra feat Q-Tip
Feel Loved by Theo Parrish and Tony Allen
Chris Dave Drumheadz beats
Something from my big band album Take the Space Trane... there's been no shortage of great music this year!

Water Seed: 

Truth be told b/c we have been in writing mode for about the past 18 months I tend to shy away from really listening to anything modern. So though I have heard some really good new material I haven't really sat with any songs for fear of it influencing my muse. I like to stick to the classics when writing. Here's my list of tunes that I would put on my out of date mix tape.

Steely Dan - Back Cow
Herbie Hancock - The Triator
Jamiroquai - Use the Force
Mos Def - Umi Says
Quincy Jones - You've got it bad girl
Rapheal Saadiq - Love that Girl
Sly and the Family Stone - (You Caught me) Smilin'


2) Some say the LP is dead as people tend to purchase single tracks. We love to champion great albums and encourage people to purchase them. So what LP's of quality would you recommend from 2013?

Omar:
Really like Bilal’s A LOVE SURREAL Album. Also like the new Gregory Porter, tracks like No Love Dying and 1960 what? Which had a great remix from Opolopo who have just remixed my track TREAT YOU with Caron Wheeler.

Joanna Borromeo:
I'm such a one-album-at-a-time music lover that I could go for weeks playing the same record. And I'll periodically take short breaks from it, only to return to it for another several weeks and that'll pretty much be all I'll listen to. That one record for me is Quadron's release, Avalanche. I compare my experience with the record similar to my experience with any Erykah Badu record post-Mama's Gun. For every one of those records, I had to spend time with the record before I fell in love with record, making it a go-to album forever for me. I love every song off of Quadron's new record that I'd be tempted to buy my friends a copy of it and say here's your "mixtape"!



Loslito:
Great albums are about consistency and not only do they kick ass live but White Denim - Corsicana Lemonade is one of the favorites.
Runner ups for the ability of combining ambitious records with its own unique style, strong songs and unanticipated rhythm and chordal movements underneath their production focus - II by Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Overgrown - James Blake, Tawk Tomahawk - Hiatus Kaiyote, Settle - Disclosure, Troubadour- The Stepkids

MoonChild:
"Sing to the Moon"- Laura Mvula
"Overgrown"- James Blake
"Tawk Tomahawk"- Hiatus Kaiyote

Mark De Clive-Lowe:
Sandra St Victor - Oya's Daughter
Houseshoes - King James
Kid Fonque + Friends
Tommaso Cappellato - Astral Travel
Ross McHenry - Distant Oceans
NEXT Collective - Cover Art
Mark de Clive-Lowe + Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra - Take the Space Trane
Theo Parrish's Black Jazz Signature on Snow Dog

Water Seed:
I'm really feeling the new Dumpstaphunk - Dirty World, Clarence Johnson, III - Watch Him Work, Janelle Monae - Electric, and Tank and The Bangas - Think Tank

3) Championing new artists is another thing we like to do via our Street Sounds mixes, and getting them heard is a real priority for us. What new or independent artists/bands should we be keeping an ear out for?

Mark De Clive-Lowe:
Kaytranada, Ta-ku, a young singer out of Norway named Miss Tati and the one everyone should have heard about already - Hiatus Kaiyote.

Omar:
People like Ego Ella May, Kevin Mark Trail, Sharlene Hector. Louise Golbey is another up and coming artist that I will be working with as well. I hooked up with my old schoolmate from Canterbury, Jesse Wilson of Positive Flow, we reconnected and I did a couple of the tracks on that album.

Moonchild:
KING, Emily King, Bear Attack, Emily Elbert, Moses Sumney, Huxlee, Hiatus Kaiyote

Loslito:
For new artists, Lion Babe, curious how they will develop. The Preatures bringing a little Fleetwood Mac influence. Moses Sumney is as sincere and mesmerizing as they come. The young movement of highly skilled live playing, Haitus Kaiyote, The Stepkids, Dirty Loops, Thundercat, White Denim.
LA based labels Soulection and Innovative Leisure doing good work in launching new artists and producers.

Joanna Borromeo:
I recently got introduced to the music of Tess Henley, originally from Seattle.  Her latest album, High Heels & Sneakers, is solid on all accounts - everywhere from her soulful vocals to the production and songwriting. 

Water Seed:There are 2 really hot groups brewing up in New Orleans. Check out Tank and the Bangas and The Honorable South.

4) Influences. Our mixes spotlight those who have developed our soulful musical taste from the 60's to the present day. Who has influenced your music over the years?

Moonchild:
D'Angelo, Emily King, Erykah Badu, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Caldwell, Miles Davis, Bon Iver, Russ Ferrante.

Omar:
Quite a mixture of people, as I draw my influences from a wide range of artists from Level 42, Casiopia (Japanese Jazz Fusion Band, check them out!), Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye. Some reggae, Peter Tosh, John Holt, Dennis Brown, Bob Marley. Various UK Jungle too, sometimes I get some of my old rave tapes out.

Mark De Clive-Lowe:
Countless amazing artists from so many decades - Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Ahmad Jamal, George Duke, Charles Stepney, Marvin Gaye, Mizell Brothers, Minnie Riperton, Cal Tjader, Roy Ayers, Patrice Rushen, Ohio Players, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, George Benson, Airto, Stevie Wonder, the Jacksons, Prince, Teddy Riley, A Tribe Called Quest, Digital Underground, D'Angelo, J Dilla, Pino Palladino, The Roots, IG Culture, 4Hero, Masters At Work, Roni Size, Phil Asher, DJ Spinna, Ge-ology and so so many more.

Joanna Borromeo:
As a kid, it was Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and a ton of classical music.  In my early teens, I got into Carole King and the Beatles.  Chicago during the 70s was a tight band too.  Alongside that, it was Janet Jackson, TLC, Brandy, Aaliyah and SWV.  Later on, it was Erykah Badu, Amel Larrieux, Angie Stone, Jill Scott, Ivana Santilli and D'Angelo.  Eventually, the floodgates just opened up and I got swept away by Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Ahmad Jamal, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Brad Mehldau, Robert Glasper and Joni Mitchell.

Loslito:
There are many layers of influence but to name the top ones for the Rebirth: George Duke (R.I.P), Earth Wind and Fire, Pleasure, The Headhunters, The Meters, Patrice Rushen, Don Blackman, UK Acid Jazz movement, Tribe Called Quest, Rotary Connection, Masters at Work, Dilla, Oliver, MSTRKRFT, Justice, Foreign Exchange, Stereolab, Zero 7, Daft Punk, James Brown, Beatles, Little Dragon, J Davey, The Roots, Mizell Brothers, Grusen Rosen Productions, Inara George, The Sylvers, Singers Unlimited, Steely Dan, Queen, Pink Floyd, Bobby McFerrin, Brian Eno, Elis Regina, Buika, Jimmy Webb, Blitzen Trapper, Elliot Smith, Stevie Wonder, Jon Brion and Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell sprinkled in. (To name a few. lol) Actually, let's add Mizell Brothers, Queen, and Roy Ayers to that list. (I could go on forever). And, the list goes on even more once you add the more of the influences of each of The Rebirth band members.



5) Is there an artist, producer etc that you would love to work with?

Loslito:
Would love to collab with LIanne La Havas and that magical voice. Producers: Dave Grusin/Larry Rosen (wonder if they still got that early 80s touch), Oliver (most of the remixes they touch are on point, mixes are top notch and "All Night" is one of those underground classics we can respect)

Omar:
Bobby Womack, Id love to work with, and also Bill Withers. They are classic songwriters and they haven't managed to get in my radar in terms of working together. I've worked with some of the greats out there and would just like to add them to the roster. Sadly its like a far reaching quest because I hear that Bill is not in the business anymore, but id love to think that what we would do would be big and that he'd just like to work with me. I saw Bobby Womack live last year and he was amazing.

Joanna Borromeo:
To work with producer Jeremy Most, would be really cool. I learned about him through Emily King's Seven EP.  Working with Janelle Monae would be great too.  Her attitude about everything is so inspiring.

Mark De Clive-Lowe:
Lalah Hathaway, Q-Tip, D'angelo, Jill Scott, Badu, Questlove, Herbie Hancock and more I'm sure, but at the same time, i'm excited about working with people who have no reputation or 'name' yet. sometimes that's where the really fresh creativity is at.

Moonchild:
J. Most, 9th Wonder, Questlove

Water Seed: 
I think we would love to work with Stevie Wonder (who wouldn't), Ledisi, Lenny Kravitz, No Doubt, Prince, Sly Stone, Maurice White, Lionel Ritchie, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, George Michael, Rachelle Ferelle, Marcus Miller….I mean the list can just go on and on.

6) Lastly, 2014. What's in store for you musically? Any new LP's or tours that we should know about? And where can readers find out more about you?

Omar:
I'm doing shows in Thailand in December, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, New Zealand, Australia, Bali and Indonesia so I'm going to be quite busy. I want to get back to the States as well as I haven't been there for about 4 years. Check out Omarmusic.co.uk for details or my Facebook page which is Omar Official UK, everything gets posted there. Also catch me on Twitter @OmarLyeFookMBE

Mark De Clive-Lowe:
I'm about to start work on the CHURCH album - named after my clubnite CHURCH, it's all about bringing together the jazz club and dancefloor along with soul, organic acoustic music, electronics and live remixing. there's nothing really like it. i'm on tour all the time and definitely looking forward to getting to more places in 2014 - i can't wait to get back to south africa as well as asia, australasia, europe and all over the US. i'm super easy to find online and really like that interface to be able to keep in touch with fans. the easiest way to find me is at www.MdCL.tv - there's links there to everywhere you'd want to check me out, but just in case....

facebook.com/MdCLmusic
twitter.com/MdCL
soundcloud.com/mashibeats

Joanna Borromeo:
I'm excited to be getting ready to do another album, which I'm hoping will be done by March and planning another tour along the entire west coast of the US.  The best place to find out more about me is on my website, which is at http://www.joannaborromeo.com

Loslito:
We have recently completed a new full length entitled "BEING THRU THE EYES OF A CHILD." We're working out a release date for the early part of the 2014, and "This is Coming To" will be the launch single.  Follow us online for details to keep up with the upcoming releases and events; we're online at www.therebirthlive.com facebook.com/therebirth, soundcloud.com/therebirthlive, or www.twitter.com/therebirthlive

Moonchild:
2014 will be a big year for us. We are releasing a new full-length album, and touring throughout the year. For more info about us go to http://thisismoonchild.com

Water Seed:We have a few projects that we are excited about releasing in 2014. We are also starting to hit the road a lot more. We will be touring the NE, West Coast and Midwest in 2014. Check us out at http://www.waterseedmusic.com/
 

And that's it for Part one. Haitus Kaiyote are doing well aren't they? On nearly every bodies radar and that's before the recent Grammy nod! A big thank you again to all these great artists who have

contributed and shared their views. Make sure you check them out and support them, cause in the end we only get the music we deserve.

Part two of the review next week where I will be selecting my own favorite LP's and songs of the year and it will feature a special 90min mix of some of the best music released.

Until then, Grizz will sort you out for all your Xmas musical needs.

SoulNRnB

The Soul Mixtape's Review 2012 - PART ONE

Welcome to the first part of our Best of 2012 posts. This year, weve split our review into two; Part one will focus on picks from both current artists and my own picks with previews of some of our choices for you all to sample. Next week we will have the annual Top 10 LP's of the year for you to peruse, agree or disagree with, and maybe hunt down with some of those vouchers you got this holiday season!

So, without futher ado, lets introduce you to the artists who have kindly agreed to share their thought on 2012 musically.

Angela Johnson started out as part of the great Cooly's Hot Box before going solo with the awesome LP's They Do not Know (2002) and Got To Let It Go (2005) and A Woman's Touch Vol.1 (2008). Last year she released a great remix LP of some of her classic tunes. Similarly, Teri Tobin released a great debut LP Love Infinity (2011) and currently has So Good to me (2012) on release. Rhonda Thomas has been with us for a while now, from her debut EP Rhonda (1999), through various excellent LP's, a founding member of great Soulful Jazz group Jiva, to her current Xmas release Little Drummer Girl (2012).

Diggs Duke. Do we really have to fill you in on this dude? He's been all over the blog over the last year, and anyhow, we will be talking about him in detail next week. (Hint Hint) SoulPersona, producer/remixer/artist. Soulacoaster (2009) was an absolute corker of an LP, and this UK based artist has kept himself busy remixing and producing artists like Princess Freesia since. Sherry Davis is also UK based, one of our future bright stars who released this Omar produced corker this year, a definite entry in my tunes of the year list!


And finally, Mic Murphy and David Frank of the System. You dont know who these legend's are? Type "the system" in our search box at the top of the page and read up on our ARTISTS post and GREAT PRODUCERS post.

So lets get on with Question 1:

2012 has not been a bad year for Soul and Jazz music. Can you tell us about your pick for LP of the year?

Soulpersona: To be honest I don't really listen to music from the present as most of the stuff in my collection is from the 70's and 80's! My mate Nick Van Gelder released a great album called "Groovitas" as did Princess Freesia with her self produced "The Rainbow Ride" which is a wonderful album.

Sherry Davis: The best albums of the year for me have been Alex Clare, The Lateness of The Hour, Jessie Ware Devotion and my old fave Anthony Hamilton's Back to Love. I love the fact that Anthony stays true to his old school soul roots and I can't get enough of his smoky vocals. Jessie and Alex have broken a lot of ground in the UK Soul Scene and they are bringing in a Nu Soul Vibe which I find exciting.

Diggs Duke: I can say, without a doubt, that Hiatus Kaiyote's "Tawk Tomahawk" was my favorite album of the year. They were able to successfully translate all of their influences into a cohesive sound. I like almost every song on the album and the lead singer, Naipalm, has a great voice.

Teri Tobin: It's tie for me. Robert Glasper - Black Radio and Frank Ocean - channel ORANGE

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again; Miguel - Kaleidoscope Dreams; The Weekend - House Of Balloons; Rihanna (my guilty pleasure!)

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): Not sure about album of the year but I really really like Eric Benet's Harriet Jones....I also like Wale/ Miguel. Lotus Flower and generally Frank Ocean. There are more but those come to mind.

Rhonda Thomas: Gregory Porter's "Be Good" is unapologetically jazz at a time when so many others are moving away from the genre. His live performance is refreshing and honest. I've seen him perform with a pianist, upright bass, drummer, sax and trombone and completely whoo the audience.

Angela Johnson: That would be difficult for me. There's a lot of beautiful music out there that I haven't heard, but heard about. If I can give you honourable mentions...
I'm really digging Miguel's, "Kaleidoscope Dream". His style and his approach is nothing new, but something about it is refreshing. He's creating his own lane. Eric Roberson's, "Mister Nice Guy" and Anthony David's "Love Out Loud" are excellent LPs! They always put out quality music and continue to raise the bar.

Well, the Soul Mixtape will be announcing their choices for LP of the year next week, but lets give you a preview of one of the tunes on one of those LP's now...... an absolute corker that starts off in a jazzy rare groove steppers mode before coming with the Neo Soul.....

Question 2:

Of all the songs you've heard this year, which ones stand out as something special?

Soulpersona: I try not to think like that as I make so much music myself every day, so i'm pretty content... Plus as mentioned above my knowledge of modern day music knowledge is limited!

Sherry Davis: I absolutely love Never the Right Time by Cleo Sol. When I heard it I downloaded it immediately! It's so girly and attitude-ish! The perfect song to strut down the street to. I met her in a studio and was like, Omigod, I love your song! And then I ran over and sang it to her. Haha.

Diggs Duke: Bilal sings a David Bowie tune called "Letter to Hermione" on Robert Glasper's "Black Radio" album. It was a very special rendition. I think Bilal is as good as any singer in history.

Teri Tobin: Timothy Bloom feat V Bozeman, Emily King - Radio, Tonight - John Legend,
Mint Condition - Believe in us, Keyshia Cole - Trust and Believe, Leon Timbo - any he writes/sings.

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): Feel So Close by Alex Clare ; I Wont Give Up by Jason Mraz; The James Bond Theme (SoulNRnB: Can you imagine The System doing a Bond Theme?!? WOW)

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): Wow what a question. I'm happy for whoever did the songs that I like. I'm not the jealous type....except from a number of Years ago..."One thing" by Amerie....how original was that...to my ears anyway.

Rhonda Thomas: Sy Smith's "Fast And Curious", Eric Roberson's "Male Ego", Anthony David's "Love Out Loud", Jesse Fischer's "Gotham Underground", and The Endangered's "Calling On You", Gregory Porter's "1960 What?".

Angela Johnson: Miguel's "Adorn", hands down!! I've love that track and I wished I had written and produced it. It's so slick!

So here's Angela's pick that I really dug too;


And here's another pick of mine, the Pharrell produced Frank Ocean monster:

Question 3:

Whose music has most influenced you and your work?

Soulpersona : There's no one artist that influences me, there's a whole load of them. Freddie Hubbard, Marvin Gaye, Roy Ayers, Patrice Rushen, Kleeer, The Salsoul Orchestra and many, many more... I'd have to give Jocelyn Brown a special mention though as she sang either lead or background vocals on many of the tracks back in the day that I love.

Sherry Davis: There are so many. Vocally I have to say Mariah. Other than that, it's Diana Ross, Jill Scott, Michael and Janet Jackson, D'Angelo...I could really bore you with the amount of influences I have. I love film music also and try to incorporate that into my sound. Classic Composers like Karl Jenkins, John Barry and Hans Zimmer are my heroes. Nowadays I'm getting into the 70's soul and funk too. Betty Davis, Isaac Hayes, Black Merda...am I boring you yet?

Diggs Duke: Duke Ellington is by far the biggest influence on my music. He paid great attention to detail when arranging his music. There was never any fluff.

Teri Tobin: I have an eclectic taste in music and artists that inspired and influenced me along the way. Donny Hathaway is always at the top of my list. Marvin. Prince. Luther. Stevie.

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): Earth wind and fire.average white band. Stevie wonder.james brown.arif mardin as producer.Prince barry white.Omar.dr dre productions. Kashif productions.Traffic.the band.Aretha franklin. Glad knight and the pips.Rollercoaster by.....forgot the bands name..forgive me.(Editor: Ohio players?) other funk bands of that era.Chaka khan.many jacksons and michael jackson songs.Timberland productions with jimmy douglas 'engineering'And so many more. Currently datsik bassnectar excision zedd and other dubstep. Kuk hurrell vocal production...so much more

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): Music Of My Mind Stevie Wonder / David Bowie Young American / Curtis Mayfield anything Curtom Records (Baby Huey and The Baby Sitters featuring Chaka Khan, bet you don't know that one!) and /The Gap Band Magicians Holiday Album on Leon Russels Shelter Records / Mothers Finest / Mandre / (don't get me started hahaha) Sylvester & the Hot Licks / Buddy Miles "Them Changes" still kills me

Rhonda Thomas: Al Jarreau's vocal stylings are almost visual. He dances with his voice. I love vocal acrobatics and use a lot of percussive/scat elements when I sing.

Angela Johnson: Quite a few artists come to mind that have influenced me in different stages of my life and career. The artist that stands out most would be Michael Jackson. All around, his dedication to his art and his commitment to music was incomparable!

Well, if were talking influences, then the Isley Brothers have a special place in my love for music. So, as its Xmas, lets hear an Isley Brothers Christmas tune, one of my favorites, thats gone way under the radar.



 Question 4:

Were all about new talent too at the Soul Mixtape, so can you give us a heads up on who we should be keeping an ear open for musically?

Soulpersona: There's a keys player called Carl Hudson that's putting out an instrumental jazz/funk/soul album on my label Digisoul next year. It's one of the best albums i've ever heard.

Sherry Davis: My new EP is out in the new year, so look out for that! I would also say keep an eye out for Daley, who is currently blowing up with his new single Remember Me feat. Jessie J. He's an amazing artist and is incredibly flawless live. I would deffo encourage soul/funk/r&b lovers to get out to the local soul nights, there's an insane amount of talent out there that doesn't always get to radio.

Diggs Duke: There are too many and I don't want to single any of them out right now. I'm always talking about other people's music on Twitter, and I have a very extensive playlist of music from all over the world, modern and classic, on my YouTube channel. (http://www.youtube.com/diggsduke)

Teri Tobin: Leon Timbo, Cleveland Jones, Morris Alan, V. Bozeman, King

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): Blood Orange, Andre Cymone's return.

Rhonda Thomas: Bashiri Asad, Jon Bibbs, The Endangered, and Chantae Cann

Angela Johnson: Unfortunately, I've been out of pocket with all the new talent coming out. I have to do some catching up. When I do find new talent, I'm sometimes the last to know...LOL... I'm in the studio day in, day out, working on my new material. (SoulNRnB: You can remedy that! I recommend you download a few Street Sound mixes Angela! Your one stop shop for new talent!)

New Talent Eh? How about this great tune from Kameron Korvet that sounds like 90's Toni Toni Tone mixed with Chucki Booker/Troop? The lyrics are naughty in a way that Brian McKnight's cringeworthy "ifyouready2learn" could only hope to emulate...
Or this brilliant version of Aaliyah's "More than a woman" from slept on Mark De-Clive Lowe and Nia Andrews, talent in abundance...



 Question 5:

Finally, what does 2013 hold in store for us with regards to you? Is there any new music or live shows forthcoming?

Soulpersona: No shows at present, but i've got a new album coming in January 2013 called "Soulperfreesia" it's another collaboration with my favorite artist to work with Princess Freesia. There will be another Soulpersona album in the Spring, and i'll also be finishing off a raregroove album i'm producing for Jocelyn Brown. All will be available from my label www.digisoulmusic.com

Sherry Davis: My next show is on 22nd December at XOYO and I'm really really really excited about my new EP which is out in early 2013, so keep your eyes peeled for the release date : )

Diggs Duke: I'm going to be playing live a bunch. There is a show scheduled at Drom in New York City on February 10, 2013. I'm very excited about it because I know some excellent musicians up there and it will surely be an awesome performance. I will be putting my debut LP out on a prestigious European indie label next year, as well. Lastly, I'm working on forming an orchestra to play my music and the music of some of my more talented peers. I have a lot to look forward to right now. Check out http://diggsduke.bandcamp.com/

Teri Tobin: Currently I'm working on an EP that is untitled, but we hope to have that released in the latter part of the 1st Quarter (2013). We are also looking to bring the live show abroad and especially to the UK! The fans and radio have been so supportive since the release of my first full-length project. Also on my wishlist is....Brazil....South Africa. So be on the look out for those announcements. The best place to stay connected to be kept abreast of tours, releases, etc is http://facebook.com/teritobin .

Mic Murphy (THE SYSTEM): New System Album "System Overload" will drop in January and then we are looking forward to taking it to the stage. ( Editor: you can find details on Mic and David's SYSTEM FAN PAGE here http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-System-Fan-Page/165063106875907 )

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): As above, The new system album will be out and we intend on touring. more details soon.

Rhonda Thomas: I'm excited to announce the release of my Christmas CD "Little Drummer Girl". My duet with Eric Roberson on the song "Mistletoe" is one of the highlights of the CD. One of my other favorite's is a duet with Alex Lattimore "Baby It's Cold Outside". I can't wait for you to hear it. My CD release concert is 12/21/12 at SW Arts Center in Atlanta. You can hear the music at www.rhondasings.com.

Angela Johnson: I'm cranking out another solo project in 2013 which I'm really excited about! I've also been putting ideas together for a children's record. Lately, I've been working with a 11yr old singer from Brooklyn and it's been an incredible experience. I'm still growing in this game and it feels good to know that I haven't peaked yet! :) (SoulNRnB: Check out Angela's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/angelajohnson.music?ref=ts&fref=ts )

And that's it. Just a little more space to highlight a couple more tunes to check out.

Slow jam of last year, for me, was Daley featuring Marsha Ambrosius "Alone Together", this year its this: Tweet.
And Conya Doss made a return with this great song

 And Finally, this great remix of Jose James "Its all over your Body";

There are so many more great tunes released this year. Check out our street sounds sessions mixes to find out what was hot in 2012. A BIG THANK YOU to the contributing artists for thier selections, we hope they made interesting reading and maybe pointed you in a direction of a tune or two.

As previously mentioned, Best LP's of the year next week, and to get you in the mood heres the last couple of years choices in one handy package. Download, enjoy, and see you back here next week for this years picks!

Top 10 LP's of 2010 and 2011.rar

SoulNRnB.