Jua

With his debut album finally out, Jua and his Anticipation can rest assure. Issue's seem to have been with the distribution of Anticipation as Jua is only providing purchase online at CDBaby. Fifteen songs are at ear offer, and not all impress as the production is often weak. Strongest points are Higher, Dream and That's All. All songs are sung with raw emotion, and Jua's mature deep tone's. Genre's like live jazz, to modern soul, and even the odd old school R&B are all to be heard.

L'Renee

L'Renee is a young songstress from Detroit, USA and has released her second album titled 2nd Chance. Distributed mostly online, she and her production name L'Renee Musique Inc appear to be having quite a successful run. L'Renee was recently featured in Vibe Magazine, her inspirations come from artists such as Kim Burrell, Sade, J. Moss and India.Arie. Songs like Picture Me and Come See Me revives the Motown era. L'Renee gives no sign of failure with 2nd Chance, her confidence and creativity shines on L'Renee's 2nd Chance album. If your new to independent soul music, this is a album you need.

Russell Taylor

Somewhere Inbetween reminds you of Rahsaan Patterson, however Russell Taylor delivers a much more in depth album as he sings songs from genres such as blues, acoustic, jazz, soul old schol R&B, and a few rock and funk inspired songs. Can I Sing (Intro) gears the listener up for Russell Taylors album, as he sings that he wants to sing from the heart about his thoughts and feelings just like Donny Hathaway and Sam Cooke once did. And soon after, the funky Hey Yeah beings, with his great live band. Somewhere Inbetween is an eclectic musical offering, where Russell Taylor proves his many influences. How Deep brings in the soul vibe, and 2BLoved is soft and romantic.

Aaron Jerome

Time To Rearrange will be out in 2008 on BBE Music by Aaron Jerome. He manages to create his own style and sound with unique collaborations. Time To Rearrange features Simphiwe Dana, Mozez, Andreya Triana, Kathrin De boer, Bajka, Voice, Yungun, and Mike Orwell. Thirteen songs offer worldly rhythms and soulful singing. The Kwa Kungasa feat. Simphiwe Dana is hypnotic, with lush string arrangements. Former Zero 7 singer Mozez contributes to the song Dancing Girl, UK songstress who has worked with Flying Lotus, Andreya Triana features on Angel Lady, and the strongest collaborator would have to be lead singer to Belleruche, on the two, Reason To and Blow Your Own.

Nathaniel Mayer

I Want Love and Affection (Not the House of Correction) is the first and only complete collection that defines the under-rated legend, Nathaniel Mayer. Offering a full story of the man himself, by Michael Hurtt in the liner notes, this one album offers twenty three Nathaniel Mayer hits, making this an anthology of Nathaniel Mayer not to be missed. You'll find all the Nathaniel Mayer singles from the 1960's plus rare singles from the 1980's. It's all here! Not even a recent stroke can slow down this savage Detroit soul singer, Nathaniel Mayer still gives his fans and collectors an electric, mesmerizing show, and his classic songs like Village Of Love, to the passionate My Last Dance With You, to the funky (I Want) Love And Affection (Not the House of Correction) will satisfy souls.

Jill Scott

This has been a successful year for Jill Scott. In many ways. She has yet again proven she is an accomplished vocalist as she sings her heart and soul out with The Real Thing Words And Sounds Vol. III. A collection of, as she once described in a radio interview with Trevor Nelson on 1xtra, horny-song. All lovers of her Vol. I sound will gladly welcome her album with wide arms. Songs for heavy rotation are Come See Me, Crown Royal, Epiphany, My Love, to Whenever You're Around, Celibacy Blue's, and the great All I and Wanna Be Loved.

Soulisms 2008