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Reviews

Soulisms gets regular promotional copies of the most unknown independent artists to a few of the major soul artists or if its a download from iTunes, and deserves a review. Soulisms will give you the latest soul music reviews.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys returns with As I Am, her latest album from this award winning artist and impressive performer. As I Am, is another chapter to Alicia Key's musical journey. Her growing discography can only add more confidence to Alicia Keys. As I Am is the singers third studio album. Alicia Keys teams up with long-term recording partner Kerry "Krucial" Brothers and the pair's collaborations are at highest points on this album. We've witnessed her range of talents from her debut album Songs In A Minor to her second album Diary Of, now As I Am shows us that she is more mature musically and has grown up. Alicia Keys provides the listener with a level of passion, sincerity and strength with songs like Superwoman, and love songs like Teenage Love Affair.

Ra-Re Valverde

Ra-Re Valverde releases an independent album called A Beautiful Mess. Clear inspirations are from such artists as Sarah Vaughan, Bjork, Miles Davis, Bobby McFerrin, John Lee Hooker and Joni Mitchell. To meeting her biggest heroes Prince and Stevie Wonder while doing backing vocals for the latest European Jill Scott tour for the singers latest album, The Real Thing Words And Sounds Vol. III. Ra-Re Valverde is like nothing you've heard, she offers a lot more musically than many artists currently in the soul music movement. Her smooth honey soul voice, and musical style work perfectly and creatively together. Ra-Re Valverde, and her A Beautiful Mess offers many strong songs like the first one Outside The Box, to Superhero, In This Love, and the eclectic RV Intermission. To the soulful B With U, and others.

The Million Dollar...

Al Kent was inspired by his Fathers record collection for many years, and he eventually decided to form The Million Dollar Orchestra with lead female vocalist Lynn of Ebonycuts. Released in 2008 on BBE Music, The Million Dollar Orchestra will put out their debut album called Better Days. Al Kent works well with sweet soul vocalist Lynn, The Million Dollar Orchestra offers lush string arrangement and up beat grooves. Songs like Don'tcha Wanna Get Down, to Get It Boy and Canal Street Bus Stop all offer good energy and soulful sounds.

Belleruche

A new signing to Tru-Thoughts. Bellerche describe their sound as hip-hop, blues, and soul like Sarah Vaughan, Django Reinhardt and Cut Chemist on one record. Turn Tabel Soul by Belleruche is the groups first record. With scratches, soul and more. Belleruche will be right up your street if you like Portishead and Lamb. Influences vary from Nina Simone to Jimi Hendrix. Belleruche come from a great musical background. Yet, Belleruche formed under quite unusual circumstances. Ricky (Guitarist) met Kathrin (Singer) in a market in London, and after hearing her sing over a cup of tea the two came together, along with DJ Modest. The album reminds you of many sounds. Turn Table Soul by Belleruche is a good find.

The Quantic Soul...

William Holland a.k.a Quantic of his The Quantic Soul Orchestra release a vibrant project inspired by world music but at the same time, Quantic states this is not a world music album. Tropidelico features US collaborations from Noelle Scaggs and J-Live. Musicians include Peruvian Pianist Afredo Linareas, from Panoma City Kabir, and Ricky Staple of Los Soul Fantastic. San Juan, Puerto Rico there is Javier Rivera and Hector Sotomayor of the Roberto Roena Band. UK drummer Malcolm Catto accompanies The Quantic Soul Orchestra as well, making Tropidelico an impressive album musically. For those who don’t know this band, they have sold over 60,000 albums worldwide, to date, have been liscensed to 100 compilations for music and t.v purposes.

Ledisi

Verve Music Group really found the then lost Ledisi, after much independent success Ledisi was considering giving up on the music industry as her long term goal for major label support was not coming. Thankfully, Verve's sub label Verve Forecast signed Ledisi to release Lost & Found. Her major label debut album. Songs can be on repeat on Joy and Think Of You, her influences run wild on Lost & Found from hip-hop, soul, Salsa, and of course jazz. Ledisi has a power house voice, and each song is sung with passion and energy. You And Me has an infectious groove, and Lost And Found (Find Me) is a personal/poetic song.

Soulisms 2008