Brian Culbertson has been busy lately.  From his next album “Dreams”, which is due later this summer.  Also he has released an EP titled that same, to give fans a taste of the goodness that is headed our way.  Then he has a star studded talent working with him on this project.  From Vivian Green who is featured on “Still Here”. The song which shows a new side of Vivian Green, and also an idea of what to expect from the forthcoming album.  There is also Noel Gourdin and Stokley Williams of Mint Condition, who have appearances on the album.  So until the album is released, you can pick up the EP.  To help sway you, we have the song “Still Here” for you listen.

As an extra treat, we have Brian and Stokley Williams, working on the track “No Limits”.  It gives you a great insight to the process and thinking involved to bring the life.

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The lovely and talented Conya Doss has released her newest project upon  the world.  It’s been about a year and a half since her last release “Blu Transition”.  She has crafted her sixth album with the same Soul, inspired writing, and great voice that has been pillars in all her music.  From her debut album of “A Poem About Ms. Doss” to “Pocketful of Purpose”, they all exhibit a genuine and solid sound.   This wonderful music is even intensified, with her being a teacher in Cleveland.  That shows a a dedication to both that is early seen.

The album doesn’t disappoint in any way.  If you are old fan or this is your first time learning her name, you will have much to appreciate and love in this album.  Some my favorites of this album are “Paradise”, “Don’t Change” and “Lost”.   For the first two, you can listen to “Paradise” and watch her first video release from the album, “Don’t Change”.

You can learn more about Conya Doss and also purchase the CD version of the album right from her site.  You can support an artist greatly, by purchasing directly from the artist.  If you are looking for the digital version, check out iTunes.

South African artist BlackProcelain has released the first single “Today is the Day“,  to her upcoming debut album “Invincible Summer”.  I first was exposed to her wonderful voice from her second EP “TheInBetween“, last year.   From that point I was hooked.  With the new single, it reminds me that Soul from outside U.S., feels so refreshing and provides a unique take on the genre.  This song provides you with the most positive “break-up” song that I’ve heard.  It has a lot to say about the process, but in a very light meaningful way.  As you watch the video of her getting ready, it provides a perfect transition with the lyrics of the song.  Very Nice.

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Maysa has released her latest album “Motions of Love” last week that is already holding the #1 spot on the R&B charts for iTunes.  This being her 9th solo album, I feel it’s one of her best.  I’ve been a fan of hers since the album “All My Life“, which was released in 2000.  I have been a willing captive of her voice, style and beauty since then.  With this latest album, it seems that has a more Neo Soul or relaxed Soul feel than previous albums.  I love it.  Her first single to be released is “Have Sweet Dreams”.  It was co-written by Stevie Wonder.  Which is a huge deal by it self.  Listening to the song, you can definitely hear where Stevie Wonder left his mark on the song. You can listen to the song below, but please don’t stop there.  The whole album needs to be heard to appreciate the complete, total experience Maysa is offering to you.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
 

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I’ve always had a secret love affair with Tracy Cruz’s music.  From the her first release in 2005 of “Illuminate Love” EP (that’s very hard to find), then on to her lovely “Feel’osophy” in three years later.  Now that  love grows with her new album “Universoul Symphony”, but I can’t keep it a secret any more. When her music and I first met, I thought it was too good for me. lol.  It wasn’t until “Feel’osophy”, that I really understood her music and could appreciate the ”Illuminate Love” EP better.  Here is a video of her describing the creation of the new album, which gives you a very intimate look at her, her music and life.

Her new album is the best that I have heard her yet.  The best way for me to describe it, is as an uncomplicated spacial rhythm that wraps you in the blanket of her unyielding ranged voice, that holds you from “Soundation” to “Struggle Reprise“.  Just beautiful. My two favorite songs of the album has to be “Electricity” and “Love’s Galaxy“.  I think that “Love’s Galaxy” really showcases her voice and spot on production that’s contained on the album.  There is a whole feel to the album, that blends greatly with the whole Universoul and galaxy environment Tracy sets up.

 The wonderfully positive artist Avery*Sunshine, is one of the first Soul artists to move her music, talent, and vision to the mobile space.  She has released her Avery*Sunshine App on the Apple AppStore and Android App Store.  It gives the fan and possible fan a free peek  into her world.  With sections for the Shows, News, Photos & Videos and of course the music.  The music is the main reason the app exists.  You can play seven of her recent songs, which you have control over the playing of each song.  I know that sounds weird, but with some apps the music streams over, and you don’t have those options.  I do see this as being a new trend for artists, to help reach their fans and extend their fan base.  Other artists are getting into the trend also.  Check out Bjork’s recent entry into the mobile space.  I’m hoping the soul artists are able to strip and embrace this idea.

Akello Light has dropped another EP for us to sample.  Another collection of laid back music, featuring beautiful women. Not a bad combination.  Here is what Akello Light describes it. “Jazzy, laid-back hip-hop beats mixed with lost tales of love are the main ingredients within this musical adventure. South Carolina producer Obsidian Blue and North Carolina creative artist Akello Light give you a late-night dream to expand your thoughts to. Inhale and Exhale!”

Saidah Baba Talibah (twitter/facebook) has released the video to her single (S)Cream. Which is also the name of her debut album, that was released two weeks ago. She brings a welcome change, and realness to the genre.  She is an artist that uses real instruments to compliment her infinitely ranged voice.  The reason that I say that she wakes up the genre, is that she isn’t afraid of the electric guitar. For some reason, if we hear an electric guitar we are turned off.  If you do that, in this case, then you are really missing out on what she has to share with you.

The range in her talent can be really realized, when looking at the power of “(S)Cream”, then the subtleness of “High”, and finally the warm and inviting “”Good Morning Baby”.  Again, don’t be afraid of real instruments, and miss something great.  Let Saidah Baba Talibah be your guide to this new world.  As I listen to her music, her album is hooking me with each song. It’s like getting a little sweet in one bite, and a little spicy in the next.

What entrances me about her voice, is that on the remixed “Butterflies”, is that the up tempo vibe doesn’t over power her voice.  She is able to convey her silky subtle vocals, and not get lost within the music.  For me that’s a real show of talent, and teamwork in the studio.  To help give you some insight into her in the studio, check out the video below.

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