Estee Pierce Bio

A track I first heard on Franklin Sinclair's New Music Hour on 7 May 2021, and jumped on it straight away, was Estee Pierce's new single 'Spoil Me' which entered the Global Soul Chart at #3 this week (22 May) and is getting plenty of rotation on many radio DJ's playlists. 

It was the first 'SoulStrutter's Selection of the Week' and also featured in 'The Dirty Dozen', both on 9 May 2021.

 

Estee has re-posted the two posts I did on him on his facebook and has got in touch with a bio and a couple of photos which I'd like to share.

From Estee: (I've gone back with a few questions so once he responds I'll update)

Estee started his musical journey at the age of 10. To most people's surprise he did not start by singing or even playing an instrument.  He started out scratching his Father's old records. Estee had an obsession with groups like The Temptations, Four Tops, Earth Wind and Fire, Gladys Knight and the Pips and his favorite the O'Jays.  Estee seems to love the Soulful sounding singers. Singers like the late greats, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Otis Redding, Teddy Pendergrass and Donny Hathaway.  

Growing up in a military family and living all over the world exposed Estee to many different cultures and music. The church played a major role. Listening to his aunts and uncles singing in the choir. He was in his middle school and high school band.

After graduating from high school, Estee went off to college but after noticing the struggles his mother was going through after the death of his father, he decided to join the Army. This is where he found his voice.  Performing with the Army band and numerous R&B bands all over the world.  

Estee later put out his debut album 'Life Stories' in 2016 and stays committed to keeping the soul in music. 

P.S.

My next album 'Givin' My Soul' will be dedicated to my Father Estee C. Pierce Sr, my baby brother Antwan Pierce and my good friend Bill Randle (RIH) love you guys. Mr. Randle encouraged me to keep going when I wanted to give up.  It's because of these great men I keep going.  

The R&B Soldier

Estee Pierce Jr

Jazz [2021] - Whispers [Self Released]

A new album from a new artist (released 20 May 2021) who I can find nothing about, not least because of the artist name she has chosen which makes it nigh on impossible to search for! A word to the wise ... if you want people to find your music then choose a distinctive and unique name so you can be found! After a bit of chopping and changing I did eventually find links to the album on Amazon, Apple and Deezer, but no joy on trying to track down her social media!

That aside, the album is a pretty good effort. The name is not a complete misnomer as it's neo soul with an occasional jazzy twist. The best track, for me, is 'It's You' followed by 'Whatcha' Want'.

This is her second album, her first, 'Things We Never Said', being released in 2019, since then she's also released four singles. (NB based on what's listed on Spotify)

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	8
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul / Jazz
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Year:	20/05/2021
Value:	£7.99

Maxwell [2021] - Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder) The Realm Remix [The Realm Productions]

I received this (as yet) unreleased remix of Maxwell's iconic 'Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)' from Manny 'The Realm' Rahelu yesterday. It was sent out free to subscribers, so I assume, and hope, that he doesn't mind me sharing it.

Details

Rating:	8.5
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul / Remix
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	The Realm Productions
Cat No:	None
Year:	24/05/2021
Key/BPM:	N/A
Value:	£FREE

Hemai [2021] - Strange Beauty [Tru Thoughts] (Full Album)

When I saw the artists name and started listening to the album I immediately 'assumed' he would be Japanese but was surprised to learn that he is 22 year old Louie Hemus, a producer/multi-instrumentalist from Birmingham (UK).  

He debuted with a six track EP 'Eyes, Closed' in 2019 which was supported by Gilles Petersen and he has subsequently had exposure on BBC radio (6 Music, Radio 1, 1Xtra) and JazzFM.

This is his debut album released 7 May 2021 which includes his last three singles all released last year i.e. 'Noa Noa', 'Love Dancer' and 'Relight', which are probably the best tracks, along with 'Vertigo' which features Sydney based, New Zealander, Wallace who recently sang on Middle Name Dance Band's soul chart hit 'Weekend Love Chant'.

I really like the voice of FiFi Robo who leads on 'Love Dancer' (live video below) and also on 'Euphoria' on the debut EP.

I guess you would describe the album as neo jazz/funk with a bit of electro thrown in the mix..

By coincidence it's the second artist today signed to Tru Thoughts, the other being Anushka.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	8
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul / Jazz
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Tru Thoughts
Cat No:	None
Year:	07/05/2021
Value:	£7.49

Cinta [2021] - Feel Good [ROEY] (Full Album)

The debut album ('Feel Good') from Cinta (pronounced chinta), a group (duo?) from Sydney, Australia was released 14 May 2021. 

It's a good, progressive, neo soul / jazz flavoured album. Grown-up music which, sadly, will probably be neglected by the masses but is one for the connoisseurs! The 'instant' tracks are the title track 'Feel Good', 'Silence', 'Ain't It Just' and 'All The Matters' but this is an album that needs to be listened to several times to fully appreciate it's artistic merits.

It's available on vinyl from BandCamp $30 AUD (approx £16.50) or $7 AUD (£3.85) for digital which is very cheap (half the price of Amazon (£7.99)!

The lead singer is Giacinta Ruggieri who is (was?) also a member of the Sydney funk collective The Regime who released the wonderful 'Never Stop' last year. I think the female lead on the single sounds like her and she appears in the video of it below (any excuse to post it again!)

They have quite a few unreleased(?) tracks on SoundCloud from two years ago. 

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul / Jazz
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital/LP
Label:	ROEY
Cat No:	None
Year:	14/05/2021
Value:	£3.85 / £16.50

UK Soul Chart - 24th May 2021 - The Breakers

This week's Starpoint Soul Chart Breakers

Ten of the fifteen have already been posted. Three of the five don't appear to have been released yet (Gigi, Sezou & James Aaron), one isn't posted as it's R&B (Erika De Casier) and the final one (Ricardo Williams) is from 2018/2019 unless there is a new mix?

01 - Gigi - March of Time (Rob Layman Reconstruction Mix) 

I can't find this, so presumably, as yet, unreleased?

02 - Trusoul Davis - Right Here (Dj Mystique Remix)

released 14/05 / posted 16/05

03 - Jane Handcock - 90s Love (The Realm Remix)

released 21/05 / posted 24/05

NB The 2019 original posted as The Realm Remix is not available on streaming platforms (yet)

04 - Ntjam Rosie - Courage (Tu Verras)

released 30/04 / posted 09/05

05 - Ricardo Williams - He Ain't Me

This was released in 2019 .. and a remix in 2018 ... so is this another remix?

06 - Maxine Davis - Free Me From You

released 14/05 / posted 17/05

07 - Sezou - Acid

Another that I can't find, so again presume it's not yet released

08 - Michelle Brooks-Thompson - Woman First

released 07/05 / posted 22/05

09 - Rina Chanel - More Than Enough 

released 19/03 / posted 21/03

A 'breaker' after two months of release?

10 - Donna Senders & Humbi - By My Own Means

released 07/05 / posted 19/05

11 - Breonna B - Packing Up My Yesterday

released 01/05 / posted 02/05

12 - Erika De Casier - Busy

Not posted as too R&B oriented for this blog

13 - James Aaron - Ashanti

Yet another that I can't find, so again presume it's not yet released

14 - Symphani Soto - Try

released 30/04 / posted 16/05

15 - Odyssey - New York City (SAC's Groove Mix)

released 06/05 / posted14/05

UK Soul Charts - Starpoint 24th May 2021 & Global Soul 22nd May 2021

NB New releases are highlighted in light blue. Hyperlinks on title to blog posts or directly to YouTube/Spotify if track not already posted on blog.

There are only three releases that appear in both charts.  I should probably start calling it the top 50! I have highlighted them in bold and prefixed '+' at beginning of each line i.e. Michon Young and Rati (new entry on Starpoint). and Lamone (new entry on both charts).

22nd May 2021

Eight new entries this week, all of which have already been posted.

Losers:

The ones making way for the new entries are Deirdre Gaddis, Ryan McCarty, Sunni Colon, Tree Feat. Swiss, Sondra Love, SunQueen Kelcey, Blue Soul Ten, Tom Bailey

Highest Risers:

Teedra Moses (+14), Ledisi (+7), Mayfeel (+4)

Biggest Fallers:

Amber Mark (-8), Jonas Winge Leisner (-6), Reel People (-6)

The album/EP tracks shown are the ones played on the Global Soul Chart show.

+01 (01) (=) Michon Young - Happy (plus interview with Michon Young)

02 (16) (+14) Teedra Moses Feat. Uncle Chuck & Brody - Make Me

03 NE Estee Pierce - Spoil You (released 06/05/2021 posted 08/05/2021)

04 (03) (-01) Davante Thornton -  Closer (Feat. Ace) (LP Luh And Circumstance)

05 (04) (-01) David Scott - You Don't Have To Be Hard

06 (06) (+01) Children Of Zeus - No Love Song

07 (05) (-02) Raheem DeVaughn & Apollo Brown - I Still Love You

08 (02) (-06) Reel People - Deja Vu (EP Hearts Collide)

09 NE Melonyx - Melanin Queens (released 04/05/2021 posted 04/05/29021)

10 NE Latanya Alberto - Hold On (released 06/05/2021 posted 07/05/2021)

11 (18) (+07) Ledisi - Nothing But You (LP Live At The Troubadour)

12 (10) (-02) Full Crate & SABRI - Tell My Why
13 (07) (-06) Jonas Winge Leisner - Wrapped In Your Love (EP Sticky)
14 (19) (+04) Mayfeel - At The End Of The Day

15 NE Symphani Soto - Try (released 30/05/2021 posted 16/05/2021)

+16 NE Rati - Looking Back (released 02/05/2021 posted 05/05/2021)

17 (09) (-08) Amber Mark - Worth It (Jarreau Vandal Remix)

+18 NE Lamone Feat. Najee - You Complete Me (released 07/05 posted 04 & 07/05/2021)

19 NE Monique Ella Rose - Can't Get Enough (A Love Odyssey) (released 23/04 posted 28/04/2021)

20 NE Iyamah - Clouds (Tough Love LP) (released 05/05/2021 posted 09/05/2021)

Starpoint Soul Chart 24th May 2021

Eleven new entries all previously posted here.

Losers: (falling out of this week's chart)

Cool Notes, Matthew Winchester, Alexander Morris, Reel People, JazzyD & Sophia Ripley, Zo! & Tall Black Guy, TanQueray Haywood, Bobby Washington, Whittington Still, Eric Gable, Dave Mascall

Highest Climbers:

Ane' (+13), JB Rose (+7), Michon Young (+6)

Biggest Fallers:

The Isley Brothers Feat. Snoop Dog (-20), S.E.L (-8), Alexander Morris (-12), Beth Macari (-5)

01 (06) (+05) The Pockets - Work It Out (Dave Lee Mixes)

02 (03) (+01) Candace Woodson - Midas Touch (Ooh Ooh)

03 (01) (-03) Darryl Anders Agapesoul Feat. Maysa Leak - Nobody But You

04 (NE) Sean Oliver - You & Me / Magic (posted 07/02 & 09/04)

05 (NE) Regi Myrix Feat. Noel Gourdin - Step Into Love (Nigel Lowis Remix) (posted 21/05)

06 (02) (-04) The Terri Green Project - Sneaking Out (Mixes)

07 (04) (-03) Mark Knight & Beverly Knight ft The London Community Gospel Choir - Everything's Gonna Be Alright

08 (11) (+03) Raymond Barton Feat. Nolo Live - The Way To Your Heart

+09 (15) (+06) Michon Young - Happy

+10 (NE) Rati - Looking Back (posted 05/05)
11 (18) (+07) JB Rose - Gold

12 (13) (+01) Vince Broomfield - Get'cha Groove On

13 (10) (-03) Ashley Scott - Don't Throw Our Love Away

14 (27) (+13) Ane' - Anytime Anyplace (LP Learning To Love Myself - Vol 2)
15 (12) (-03) David A. Tobin - Magic In Love (Rob Hardt Mix)
16 (08) (-08) S.E.L - Melodic Harmony (LP Loc d in Consciousness) 

17 (05) (-12) Raja-Nee Feat. ThaSaint & Wilfred Frelix - Come Get This Love

18 (20) (+03) Binky Womack - Vitaman B

19 (25) (+06) Brandon Wattz - Truly For You

20 (NE) Roderick Harper - Got You (LP Back To Love) (posted 12/05)

+21 (NE) Lamone Feat. Najee - You Complete Me (posted 04/05)

22 (NE) Gemia Burns - Like Velvet (LP Compilation 'Captivating Grooves Vol 1') (posted 20/05)

23 (17) (-05) Beth Macari - Gotta Get Back

24 (NE) Al Kents Million Dollar Disco - Lonely One (posted 13/05)

25 (NE) Ty Juan - That Part (posted 14/05)

26 (RE) M F Robots - Good People Mixes (posted 29/05)

27 (NE) BB Soul feat Cheri Maree - Is It You / Time Waits (posted 17/05)

28 (26) (+02) Camera Soul - Esagerato (not posted)

29 (09) (-20) The Isley Brothers Feat. Snoop Dog - Friends & Family

30 (NE) Teri Tobin - Thank You Enough (posted 07/05)

Anushka [2021] - You Mine [Tru Thoughts]

You may expect that with a name like Anushka, and hearing only a female vocal, that Anushka is a female solo artist but, in fact, they are Brighton (UK) duo Max Wheeler (producer) and Victoria Port (singer/songwriter) who have been together for almost ten years. They debuted with an EP, 'You Guess' in 2013 and followed up in 2014 with an album 'Broken Circuit'.

 'You Mine' is the fourth single from their second album ‘Yemaya’ due 25 Jun 2021, which is a departure from their normal jazz/electronic/dance material.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	7.7
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Tru Thoughts
Cat No:	None
Year:	13/05/2021
Key/BPM:	7B/94
Value:	£1