Described as a “Poetry and Spirit Music Compilation” – this CD from Patrick J Lewis presents us with spoken word, which inspires the soul. There is also a book, which can accompany it called “Poetry & Spirit”. Patrick resides in Georgia and is a licensed minister (retired from the US Air Force) and started writing Poetry whilst serving in the Forces. The group, comprising of background vocalist and producer/music director is named the “Rhythm Of Life”, borne of the idea of singing about real life issues such as spirituality, relationships and religion. The album starts with the track “Looking For A Man” asking; “is there a warrior in the house?” – “God is looking for a man, a soldier, a warrior”. Track 2 “Kings & Priests” is about people being in need of real love and reconciliation. Saying “get in your position for war” and set things in order. Then onto “Used To Love Me” which is a smooth song, introduced by a man with a seductive voice, preparing us for an erotic feeling track. This is a song about special times together, being spurned in love and how he longs for those happy times to come back again. Then follows the instrumental track “Don’t Break” - a strange track, which finishes exactly how it starts. I’d describe this as a good tea break track. Moving on to “Apple Martini”. I love the words on this sexy number but the backing track spoils it a little - a little repetitive. “Sunday Blues” is a short, praise & worship track. Onto track seven “Mouse Junkie” which starts with beautiful backing vocals, about taking chances on cyber romances and being hooked on a fantasy relationship, looking for a temporary love to have a ‘fix’. “Jealous” starts off with a funky bass line and incorporates a line saying “you need me like a baby needs a nipple” and “I miss you like a summer without water melon”. “Over You” is a track about once again being able to flow in God’s spirit and realising he is over someone who was special to him. This along with the last number, are probably the most soulful on the album. “Runaway Love” has a calming feel, the title being self-explanatory. Then onto the better of the two instrumentals called “Mighty One”. “This Pain” is a dedication poem to a phenomenal woman and to those people who are in ‘toxic’ relationships. “Holy Smoke” is the penultimate track, basking in God’s presence and is a smooth, flowing across the keys track leading us well into the closing song “ Finally, Thanks,” - to God, for all He has done in his life. The overall message in this spoken word, Christian CD is clear. With the addition of a set of musicians to give a jazzier feel to the album, it would have flowed more freely with Patrick’s spoken words and enhanced the overall sound. Patrick’s voice will make you want to keep listening to the CD and you are drawn into his musical and spiritual journey.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

Remember back in the days when R&B and soul music actually was about love and soul? When songs used to be about loving someone for whom they are instead of materialistic things? Remember how these songs would always say in someway or format "I love you" as opposed to "the left to the left, everything you own on the box to the left?” Under the R&B world of singers who constantly complain about their love problems and desires, they are a few that continue to sing about the good side of love and happiness. Touring with great artists such as Bobby McFerrin, and Voicestra, singer/songwriter and recording artist Nicolas Bearde comes forth with his second album "All About Love." This album is a definite collectable item for those who are into the jazz and old school soul. Sounding a lot like Jon Lucien, Barry white and UK neo soul singer Omar, Nicolas Bearde's 12 track album brings a nostalgic feel to its listeners of smooth ballad jazz and soul songs. Sensual smooth songs such as "Wild In The Wind" provide an intimate atmosphere for listeners. Other smooth songs that showcase Nicolas's strong voice include the "Love Of My Life," "Summer Sunday” and "Love me" just to name a few. The mature sound of this album along with Nicolas' voice is probably the huge driving factor behind this album. In each of his tracks he delivers a clear, crisp, yet sensual deep singing that listeners will find very appealing. This nostalgic effect might make some listeners sigh - missing the older days of soul leaving them into a permanent time lapse. Likewise the sound quality and overall musical layout of his tracks are listenable to any audience, however the older listeners will definitely enjoy this more. So if you are tired of hearing the typical "I should have cheated on you, I hate you but I sometimes love you, Why are you leaving me?” and all the other melancholy garbage that seems to be coming out of the R&B and soul singers today, this album will definitely remind you of what love songs used to be.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

Nick Howard comes from a creative family. His mother was a dancer and his father was a writer. Music was something that consistently played at his house when Nick grew up. From all of this and his passion for music, Nick Howard comes forth with his album "A Rip In The Sky." The first thing that you will notice about this album is the diverse sound. He has a number of blues oriented songs, a few soulful tracks and a couple of rocks songs, which at the most part carries a slow mellow emotional feel to it. This might be the reason why Nick Howard had a hard time landing a deal with major record labels as most big companies want the cookie cut formula that Nick did not want or desired to produce. It is this eagerness and independence of Nick that helps create his unique sound and style for this album which you will either dearly like or feel neutral. Despite this, there is no doubt that there is an obvious desire of Nick's passion and drive for soul music. There is a certain ambience to this album that might be very distinguishable to some listeners which also makes this CD stand out. At times tracks like "Miss Music" and "Look In" will make the listener envision Nick Howard singing on a stage in a local club or bar with his band. This is probably due to his live band sound which creates a somewhat authentic raw feel. Nick sings in falsetto in all his songs that is quite listenable, unlike some other singers whom destroy this style making it undesirable. Interestingly, his falsetto voice bears resemblance to Canada's neo soul artist Remy Shand and even some of his tracks such as "Little Morning" bear similarity to that of Remy Shand. The songs throughout Nick Howard's CD; showcase different topics. On "Familiar Face" he sings about seeing a girl that he has seen before in a bar and tries to get her to talk to him. He describes his passion for music and almost comparing it to the woman in "Miss Music." "Little Morning" which is a nice soulful slow track discusses about his baby to be. He sings about life's hardship in "Keep It Low" and gets a little political on "Waiting For Yesterday." It is quite obvious from listening to Nick Howard's CD that he has a lot to say that will make the listener ponder if Nick Howard uses music as a way of therapy. Regardless of the purpose, the CD produces a number of nice tracks and shows how Nick Howard has passion for his music.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

Nate James released this 6 track “Funkdefining EP” in January 2007, on his own label called Frofunk. Tracks from the EP were previewed at Nate’s three-night sell-out residency at the Jazz Café in London in September 2006 - which was warmly welcomed by all. This is his first recording since his debut album “Set The Tone” in 2005. 4 of the tracks are produced by Mark Hill with additional Production and mix by Johnny Douglas on two of those tracks. The remaining 2 are produced by Don-E. The first track “Funkdefining” is written by Nate, Mark Hill and Andy Wild and is a catchy, party, dance number with Nate’s signature 80’s Funky pop R’n’B sound. Second track “Stupid Things” is a good R’n’B track, written by Nate and Don-E and tells us of the frustration and breakdown of a relationship, where his partner continually finds fault in him, questioning him all the time to the point where he has grown tired with the continual conflict. First dates and all that apprehension mixed with excitement, is sung about in the next track - “Nervous Expectations.” A well- produced song which flows, helped along by the richness of Nate’s sultry toned voice. Track 4 is “Funk Defining” - Original Mix then on to track 5 “Stupid Things” (with Rap provided by Big D/K Family), which leads on to the final track of the EP “Funk Defining” - Johnny Douglas Extended. The EP is packed with the quality of Nate’s music. After sampling this funky EP, I recommend you get yourself a copy and I eagerly await his forthcoming album. Nate you “Set The Tone” with your first album - let’s hope you set it in stone with your next.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

Fantasia Barino's life has been comparable to that of a fairy tale of a princess whose dreams came true. After winning the 2004 American Idol and releasing her debut album, "Free Yourself," to positive reviews, Fantasia now releases her sophomore self titled album "Fantasia." Her track "Hood boy" feat. Big Boi (which has been released as a single) is the first track off this album. Claiming that she needs a "roughneck brotha" Fantasia sings about her needing a hood boy (apparently they are suppose to be "good in bed" but that is something that I continue to raise my eyebrow to) however, do not let this first track fool you thinking that this is going be some bubblegum pop R&B cookie cutting formula album. Fantasia does the complete opposite and shows her maturity, sexuality and passion throughout this entire album that will prevent you from skipping any of the tracks. Fantasia sings passionately and soulfully on "I Nominate You." She seduces her audiences with the head banging joint "Baby Makin' hips" and continues this with "Not the Way That I Do" where she says, "Believe me, if I let you get a sniff of the whiff you're gonna do things that I want you to do", a lyric that will grab the attention of a lot of male listeners. She gets personal and self-motivated on the track "I feel beautiful" where she convinces herself that she is beautiful despite what her verbally abusive boyfriend says. She warns her lover in "I'm Not That Type" that there are certain things she will and will not do. Fantasia's voice is top notch on this album. Her voice oozes soul and strength and you can feel how excited and passionate she gets on the microphone when she sings. Some have compared Fantasia's voice to that of Mary J Blige and Aretha Franklin but her voice stands on its own. Unlike some artists who feel the need to borrow or copy other artists singing style to enhance their own, Fantasia does not. Furthermore, she has the ability to change her vocal ranges as what is heard in "Not The Way I Do" and "I Feel Beautiful" and likewise, her harmonizing abilities are worth noting, as they are clear crisp and solid. Her track "Uneligible" showcases such talent. Another positive driving force of this CD is the beats. A number of fast paced club potential hits such as "I'm Not That Type," "Surround You" and "Not The Way That I Do" have such strong solid beats that you will be force to nod your head. Likewise ballads such as "I Feel Beautiful" "Two Weeks Notice" and "Only One You" provide a smooth slow jam. Fantasia has definitely come along way and with two solid albums under her belt; she definitely has the ability to move on.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]