New single from Randy Hall on Six Nine records. who recorded 2 albums and a handful of 45s for MCA in the 80s. This is his 3rd single for UK based Six Nine records.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.85
Sunday, 22 March 2020
Maysa ft Chris Davis Phil Perry & Kim Winters [2020] - It's Gonna Be Alright (Nigel Lowis Mix) [Blue Velvet Soul]
New single from Maysa (Leek) featuring Chris Davis, Phil Perry & Kim Waters with a Nigel Lowis Remix. Neo/Modern soul with that Philly feel.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.0
Maysa ft Chris Davis Phil Perry & Kim Winters [2020] - It's Gonna Be Alright (Nigel Lowis Mix)
The Nigel Lowis Mix is the one to have it adds a more of a dance groove and it's extended by over a minute.
Maysa ft Chris Davis Phil Perry & Kim Winters [2020] - It's Gonna Be Alright
The original mix.
Angela Walls [2020] - My Miracle [Airtight]
New single from the album 'From These Lips' released 14th Feb 2020.
A great little neo soul stepper from a name new to me. Reading the album notes on CD Baby it would appear that this is indeed her debut album. They go on to say that the album contains elements of Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Teena Marie, Chante Moore and Jill Scott ... well if that's not a recommendation I don't know what is.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.8
So with CD Baby's comments in mind I listened to the samples of each track and the result is that this is a EXCELLENT album not a bad track on it. Highly recommended. Along with Carmichael Musiclover's 'The Best Yet' this joins my list of favourite albums so far this year.
Links below will open YouTube page for each track .... enjoy and then buy the album.
Links below will open YouTube page for each track .... enjoy and then buy the album.
From These Lips - smooth, mellow sensuous ballad
Don't You Wanna? - more smooth soul
Baby I Miss You - sulty, smokey smooth soul
And Then Some - neo soul stepper
The Truth - breathy ballad
Soul Sanga - neo sister funk stepper
Are You Feeling Me? - another sultry/breathy ballad stepper
My Miracle - two-stepping groover featured above
I Get Off - another two-stepper in similar groove to My Miracle
Don't You Wanna (Acoustic) - acoustic version of track above
COVID-19 21st March 2020
Today's stats show no sign of the number of infections subsiding in Europe apart from in Germany. The UK had its highest number of reported cases to date by a big margin 1,035 v 714 and Italy's daily cases continue to increase by around 500 on the previous day as do Spain's, yet Germany's almost halved from 4,528 yesterday to 2,516 whilst France's remain stable around 1,800.
| Daily | 21-Mar | 20 Mar (-1 Day) | |||||
Country
|
New Cases
|
Total Cases
|
No. Deaths
|
Death Rate%
|
Total Cases
|
No. Deaths
|
Death Rate%
|
| IT | 6,557 | 53,578 | 4,825 | 9.0% | 47,021 | 4,032 | 8.6% |
| ES | 3,925 | 25,496 | 1,381 | 5.4% | 21,571 | 1,093 | 5.1% |
| DE | 2,517 | 22,364 | 84 | 0.4% | 19,838 | 68 | 0.3% |
| FR | 1,847 | 14,459 | 562 | 3.9% | 12,612 | 450 | 3.6% |
| UK | 1,035 | 5,018 | 233 | 4.6% | 3,983 | 177 | 4.4% |
| Weekly | 21-Mar | 14 Mar (-1 Week) | |||||
| Country |
New Cases
|
Total Cases
|
No. Deaths
|
Death Rate%
|
Total
Cases
|
No.
Deaths
|
Death Rate%
|
| IT | 6,557 | 53,578 | 4,825 | 9.0% | 21,157 | 1,441 | 6.8% |
| ES | 3,925 | 25,496 | 1,381 | 5.4% | 6,391 | 196 | 3.1% |
| DE | 2,517 | 22,364 | 84 | 0.4% | 4,599 | 9 | 0.2% |
| FR | 1,847 | 14,459 | 562 | 3.9% | 4,499 | 91 | 2.0% |
| UK | 1,035 | 5,018 | 233 | 4.6% | 1,140 | 21 | 1.8% |
| Daily | Weekly | |||
Country
|
Total
Cases
Increase
Factor
|
Death Rate
Increase Factor
|
Total
Cases
Increase
Factor
|
Death Rate
Increase Factor
|
| IT | 113.9% | 105.0% | 253.2% | 132.2% |
| ES | 118.2% | 106.9% | 398.9% | 176.6% |
| DE | 112.7% | 109.6% | 486.3% | 191.9% |
| FR | 114.6% | 108.9% | 321.4% | 192.2% |
| UK | 126.0% | 104.5% | 440.2% | 252.1% |
The most concerning stat is that whilst the UK has the fewest no. of cases (so far), the death rate (4.6%) is not far behind Spain (5.4%) who have 5 time more infections. Again Germany is bucking the trend with reducing infections and a far lower death rate (0.4%).
It would be interesting to find out what the difference is in Germany, is it a younger population being infected, have they got more intensive care facilities meaning lives are being saved? They have almost the same number of cases as Spain with less that 10% the death rate of Spain.
From initial investigations it would seem that Germany has been testing people since early January and are adhering to WHO's mantra of 'Test, Test, Test'. Is this the key?
Sadly I see no signs that the UK will not follow the same course as Italy. Pubs and clubs, etc. have been ordered to close so we shall see in a weeks time whether this has any impact on reducing the no. of cases. It is almost 2 weeks (9th March) since there was a complete lockdown in Italy yet cases continue to rise - 9,172 on 9th and now 53,578 (a 584% increase)
Recent reports are stating the the NHS is bracing itself in the quiet before the storm. It is a disgrace that many NHS staff are reporting that they do not have sufficient or the correct personal protection equipment (PPE) yet we are putting NHS staff (and their families) in danger at the front end without adequate equipment.
When this is all over I am sure there will be a outcry from the British public to fund the NHS and social care properly. It is very sad that it may have taken this pandemic to show show how critical he NHS is.
Jarrod Lawson & Tahirah Memory LIVE
A few live performances from Jarrod Lawson and Tahirah Memory with a bonus with what I consider the best track from Tahira's latest album.
Jarrod Lawson - Love Isn't Always Enough
An song that he sings at live performances but as yet unreleased. Why on earth as this never been released it is absolutely superb!
SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.4
The new album Orpheus was released in Nov 2019 and is available via BandCamp but for some reason doesn't include this track in the set. Perhaps it didn't fit with what for me is a rather disappointing album after a 6 year wait since his debut. That's not to say that it isn't good but perhaps I was expecting too much and the debut is hard to follow.
Jarrod Lawson [2015] - A Song For You Live at Jazz FM Awards
A faultless live performance of the song made famous by the late great Donny Hathaway from who I consider the new Donny Hathaway.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.0
Tahira Memory & Jarrod Lawson - All The Time
SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.5
A bit of self-indulgence here ...ever since he/they burst onto the scene 6 or so years ago, I fell in love with this song. It was released on Tahira Memory's debut album Pride. I saw them live in London in 2017 and was lucky enough to meet them after the show. This is an early live recording in Cologne in 2015.
... and here's the recorded version from the Pride album.
Tahira Memory [2019] - Easy
Best track off her 2nd album 'Asha' released 2019
SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.2
Chris Turner Feat Jarrod Lawson [2016] - You Got Me
After mentioning Jarrod Lawson in the previous post it prompted me to visit his Facebook page and found this amazing (overlooked) track in collaboration with Chris Turner which is released on Chris Turner's 2016 album Bespeak Love.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 9.2
The New Mosaic [2020] - Out Of The Body [The New Mosaic]
Debut single for The New Mosaic. Erica T. Bryan of West End Blend sounds to me very much like Tahira Memory who tours with Jarrod Lawson.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.7
Frank Addai & I AM Muzik [2020] - Enchanted Lady [No Art]
New single from Frank Addai & I Am Muzik. I believe that Frank is from East London and was previously known as Just Frank.
I found this article from 2017 and he has his own YouTube channel with some more material.
I found this article from 2017 and he has his own YouTube channel with some more material.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.2
Mr Bailey [2018] - Open [MBM]
Following on from the previous post for Mr Bailey's new album Love@43, I mentioned a couple of tracks from his previous album 'Open' from 2018. I've managed to find 2 of the 3 tracks (unfortunately can't find 'This Life)'.
He has his own YouTube channel and it appears that he is from the UK.
Stop & Think
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.5
Tried & Tested
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.2
Mr Bailey [2020] Love@43
A couple of tracks from Mr (Jay) Bailey's new album Love@43 released Feb 2020.
I can't find any info about the artist but have found that he released another album in 2018 called Open. A quick whizz through the samples and Stop &Think, Tried & Tested, This Life all sound good to me
I Don't Really Think That
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.2
Real Love
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.2
Sunny Day
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.3
Lavel Jackson [2020] - 2020
A selection of tracks from Lavel Jackson's '2020' album released on 1st March 2020.
Lavel is a new member of LJ Reynold's Dramatics. There's an interview with Lavel Jackson from 2016 over at SoulExpress.
Step With Me Tonight
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8
The lead track on the album samples The Spinners' - It's A Shame.
Thang On Me
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.2
A retro Motown feel to this track.
My Babies House
SoulStrutter's Rating: 9
One for the two-steppers. The best track on the album for me.
I Think I Need You
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.85
Heavy Marvin Gaye influences on this one.
Miranda Rae [2020] - Defying Love EP
Miranda Rae from Fort Lake, South Florida released a 4 track album (EP) 'Defying Love' in Feb 2020.
I think the tracks have been around for a couple of years, but unreleased, as the video clips I've found are from around 2016/17.
I think the tracks have been around for a couple of years, but unreleased, as the video clips I've found are from around 2016/17.
If you like her music then she has SoundCloud page with lots of as yet unreleased material.
I've selected 2 more uptempo tracks from her EP.
Invitation For Love
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.7
Prayer For Love
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.2
Roza Fox [2020] - Dead End
Roza Fox released her EP Dead End on 23rd Feb 2020. She calls it an EP yet it has 12 tracks so looks like a full LP to me. I am assuming that this is her debut as can't find anything else by her or any info about her apart from a link below to her Facebook page. If anyone knows differently them please leave a comment.
I've made a selection of what I consider to be the best tracks.
Roza Fox [2020] - You Make Me Feel Good
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.3
Roza Fox [2020] - Da' Real
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.5
This is the one that seems to be getting all the plays, and quite rightly so. Currently (20th Mar) sitting at #5 in The Global Soul Chart.
Roza Fox [2020] - Summer Bummer
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.5
This is the first track and must be just an introduction as only 1:11 long ... shame it wasn't extended as I think this is a great track.
Roza Fox [2020] - Make You Mine
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.3
Roza Fox [2020] - Gotta Get A Grip
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.6
Yu Sakai [2020] - She's Getting Married
Yu Sakai is a 40 year old Japanese singer-songwriter. This track is from 'Touch The World' which will be his 7th album, his first release in 2006, released March 2020.
When I first heard this I thought it had a UK Incognito acid jazz feel about it, and no wonder, as I have since discovered that Jean Paul 'Bluey' Maunick from Incognito co-wrote the track.
You can find more info about him at his official website Bio section.
When I first heard this I thought it had a UK Incognito acid jazz feel about it, and no wonder, as I have since discovered that Jean Paul 'Bluey' Maunick from Incognito co-wrote the track.
You can find more info about him at his official website Bio section.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.3
Robert Imtume Owens [2019] - I Wanna Go Back [RCR]
Robert Imtume Owens is a new name to me. I believe that this single was released in Feb 2019 but is only now getting airplay spins.
It has a familiar riff running through it, which to me sounds like Luthers' 'Never Too Much'. It has all the right ingredients for the modern soul dancefloor.
It has a familiar riff running through it, which to me sounds like Luthers' 'Never Too Much'. It has all the right ingredients for the modern soul dancefloor.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.7
Tower Of Power [2020] - Addicted To You
From their brand new album 'Step Up' just released on 20th Mar 2020. 'Addicted To You' has 70s feel to it and is paced just above mid-tempo making it perfect for the dancefloor.
This is Tower Of Power's 21st studio album and 4th of the new millennium since their first 'East Bay Grease' in 1970. A full 50 years recording history and on the strength of this track back to their very best.
This is Tower Of Power's 21st studio album and 4th of the new millennium since their first 'East Bay Grease' in 1970. A full 50 years recording history and on the strength of this track back to their very best.
SoulStrutter's Rating: 9
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