Jarrod Lawson joins Chance Hayden for the Peace House Sessions

Guitarist, Producer and songwriter Chance Hayden came up with the video series called Peace House Sessions to showcase the talent coming out of the Portland music scene. The first two sessions features the man that needs no introduction, Jarrod Lawson. For those that haven't heard of Jarrod, please check him out ASAP - his self-titled LP is possibly my favourite album of 2014.

The first track of the session, Fathers Day was written by Chance and can be found on his debut album, The Family Tree. The next track, Soul Symphony will be featured on Jarrod's forthcoming sophomore album.


Catch Jarrod and Chance (as part of The Good People) on tour in 2015.
For more information :
http://www.chancehayden.com/
http://www.jarrodlawsonmusic.com/

Szjerdene - Towers/Transits (Stripped Versions)

The very talented Szjerdene visited the Red Bull Studios in Amsterdam recently and recorded stripped out versions of towers and transits taken from Bonobo's critically acclaimed album, The North Borders released last year on Ninja Tune. Loving these versions and looking forward to her EP in 2015.


For more information : http://szjerdene.com
Bonobo : The North Borders ( amazon, itunes)

Omar - Stop War, Make Love (Official Video)

Official video to Stop War, Make Love taken from Omar's critically acclaimed album, The Man. For those that slept on the album, you NEED to get on it asap :) - probably one of the highlights of 2013.

https://twitter.com/omarlyefookMBE
Omar - The Man (amazon, itunes)

Ledisi - Like This (Official Video)

Like This is the new single taken from Ledisi's latest LP, The Truth released earlier this year. Vocally, Ledisi is up there with the best of them -  she is definitely on my list of acts to see live.

http://www.ledisi.com/
The Truth (amazon, itunes)

Moonchild - The Truth (Official Video)

One of my favourite bands, Moonchild have just released visuals to the single, The Truth taken from their Sophomore set, Please Rewind released earlier this year.

These guys are the truth, Please support them in any way you can. Here's a stream of Please Rewind via their Bandcamp page.

http://www.thisismoonchild.com/

Kem - It's You (Official Video)

I only found out a week ago when listening to the soulsorts show that Kem had released a new album entitled, Promise To Love. The lead single, It's You has been given the visual treatment and it's great to hear some new music from one of my favourite artists. Promise To Love is out now and is available on import only( no news yet on the UK release date).

@MusicByKem
Promise To Love (Amazon )

Kindred The Family Soul - A Couple Friends ft Valerie Simpson (Official Video)

A Couple Friends is the new single taken from their brand new album of the same name. Loving the album and can't wait to catch them on tour this autumn.

@Kindredthefam
A Couple Friends (amazon, itunes)

Avery*Sunshine - Time To Shine (Official Video)

Avery has blessed with yet another video taken from her brilliant sophomore album, The Sun Room which is out NOW. Loving the feel good video and don't forget to always #SupportGreatMusic.

The Sun Room ( amazon, itunes) 
http://www.averysunshine.com/

Janelle Monae - Electric Lady ( Official Video)

Janelle has just released visuals to the single/album title, Electric Lady. The album is possibly my favourite Janelle album to date and made my top ten albums of 2013. A noteworthy recommendation if you haven't checked it out already.

Electric Lady (amazon, itunes)
http://www.jmonae.com/

Introducing Series: Ellene Masri

There are few records out there that captivate and inspire you right from the first listen. I have to say the brilliant debut album entitled, Music from Ellene Masri definitely falls under this category.

The self-produced record is a decent piece of work and you will possibly hear me going on about this album for some time to come. The record is garnering a lot of support worldwide including support from Jazz Fm (Chris Phillips).


A big thanks to Ellene for taking out some time to answer a few questions and Charlotte Gomes for arranging the interview.

1. If you had to class the album in a genre. what would it be and why?
Just “Music”. I think that today we can talk about “influences” but talking about a “genre” makes less and less sense in this context of globalization. People from all over the world are in permanent contact
with the ability for a big part to travel, exchange and the democratization of internet.

2. If i had to describe the album, I would describe it as a Jazz record with elements of Soul/latin music?
I think you are right and to me, Jazz music is a blend of African and Western sensibilities. And being from a French (latin) and Oriental-African decent, I think it is natural that you hear Latin and Soul
influences.

3. How long was the recording process for the album ?

The recording process wasn't so long, it didnt take more than a few weeks. What took long was the editing.You always want to take out or add things and you keep getting back to the song to tweak it, then leave it to the next day or the next week and listen again with a fresh ear.

4.What would you want your legacy to be ? What would you want to be remembered by in terms of your music.
I am just at the very beginning of my career and I intend to make more music, and take it way further. I have no ambitions other than to entertain people, give them something to enjoy a nice evening with their beloved one, friends or family and provide a soundtrack for particular moments of their lives.

5. What songs did your Dad sing on ? What was it like growing up in a musical family?

My dad sings on a song called “Like a Mystery”. It is not on my debut album and I'm saving it for the next one! We love music and breathe music. It's always been a part of our lives. And fortunately, it's still the case!
6. What artists/music inspires you?
Soulful and beautiful music. Music that lifts the soul from wherever although I'm culturally closer to american soul, classical, latin and oriental music. There are so many wonderful artists that have inspired me. Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Bob Marley, George Benson, Etienne Mbappe, Richard Bona, Jonathan Butler, Oum Kalsoum...
And the beautiful thing is that I'm always discovering new things and keep evolving artistically.

Links
website: http://www.ellenemasri.com/
twitter: https://twitter.com/ELLENEMASRI
'Music' is available  at :  amazon, itunesMusic, http://www.ellenemasri.com/#!onlinestore/c6mp (physical copies)

Jessie Ware - Tough Love (Official Video)

Jessie Ware is back with a new single, Tough Love taken from her sophomore album, due for release later this year. The single will be out on the 4th August and is available for pre-order on itunes.

http://jessieware.com/

Avery Sunshine - Call My Name (Official Video)

Official video to Call My Name taken from Avery Sunshine's brilliant sophomore album, The Sun Room. The album has definitely been worth the wait - comes highly recommended. Check out her self-titled debut album while you're at it :).

@averysunshine
The Sun Room (amazon, itunes)

Dave Hollister - Spend The Night (Audio)

After a bit of a hiatus, Dave Hollister is back with a strong single, Spend The Night courtesy of eOne Music. Prior to the new single, Dave was part of the United Tenors Gospel album released last year and featured the likes Fred Hammond, Dave Hollister, Eric Roberson and Brian Courtney Wilson.

Based on the single, it seems like Dave's forthcoming album is definitely going to be worth the wait.  The single is out now and is available in most digital outlets.

@dave_Hollister

Rapsody - Thank You Very Much (Official Video)

Official video to Thank You Very Much from Jamla Recording artist, Rapsody taken from her brilliant album, She Got Game released last year. All Hip Hop purists needs this LP in their collection - comes highly recommended.

@rapsodymusic

Will You call Avery*Sunshine's name when the Sunroom drops in May?

The highly anticipated sophomore album from Avery*Sunshine, The Sunroom finally hits our shelves next month. The lead single, Call My Name is an infectious number and has been on repeat since this morning.

If Call My Name is anything to go buy, it seems like The Sunroom is shaping out to be one of the records of 2014. The album is available to pre-order on amazon now.

www.averysunshine.com

Mo Kolours - Little Brown Dog (Official Video)

I remember reading about Mo Kolours for the first time a few month's ago when checking out the 'Band of the Day' feature in the Guardian. His self-titled debut album was released last month and has been a regular feature on my playlist.

Mo recenly released the video to possibly everyone's favourite cut off the album, Little Brown Dog. Mo's album and his earlier releases are available on bandcamp and come highly recommended to say the least.

I have a strong feeling you will be hearing a lot from Mo Kolours in the not distant future.


http://onehandedmusic.com/

Jose James - EveryLittleThing (Audio)

Not one to rest on his laurels, Jose James is BACK with a new single, EveryLittleThing taken from the forthcoming LP, While You Were Sleeping due for release on June 10th/June 16th(UK).

While You Were Sleeping is available to pre-order on itunes NOW. I'll suggest checking his last album, No Beginning No End if you haven't already - probably the best LP of 2013 without a doubt.
@josejamesmusic

Maverick Sabre - Breathe (Official Video)

The very talented Maverick Sabre has been MIA since the release of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lonely Are The Brave but he's back with his brilliant new single, Breathe. No news yet on when the new album will be coming out. Based on Breathe, we may be in for another Classic record from Maverick.

@mavericksabre

Louise Golbey - Lots To Give ( Official Video)

London based Soul singer/songwriter is back with a new video to Lots To Give, taken from the brilliant EP (of the same name) which was released earlier this year. The EP comes highly recommended & is definitely worth checking out. The EP is out now and is available in most digital outlets - Support #GoodMusic

http://www.louisegolbey.com/
@louisegolbey

Introducing Series: Soulfinger - Life, Love & Passion

The well sought-after production team, Soulfinger decided to work on an album that paid tribute to the great songwriters of the Motown era. They recorded the lesser known tracks as well as b-sides from the late 60's & 70's with some of today's soul artists to create a gem of an album.

Artists enlisted for this project include Leela James, Teedra Moses, Jaguar Wright, Anthony David, Syleena Johnson, Joi, Truth Hurts, Angela Johnson, Martin Luther, Ben L'Oncle Soul & much more.


Life, Love & Passion will be released as a limited collector's item (CD or Vinyl) and will not be available to download from any digital outlet. Please support this project on kickstarter today and get your hands on this amazing piece of work- the last day to pledge is April 12th 2014. 

For more information, please head over to: http://soulfingermusic.com.

Moonchild - Nobody ( Official Video)

After releasing the single, All The Joy a few months ago, the very talented trio, Moonchild are back with a new video, Nobody taken from their forthcoming album, Please Rewind. Moonchild gained a lot of fans far and wide with their critically acclaimed debut effort, Be Free.
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Please Rewind is out on the 25th March and is available to pre-order on most digital outlets and bandcamp.
 website: thisismoonchild.com
twitter:   @thisismoonchild

Quadron - Favorite Star ( Official Video)

Official video to Favorite Star taken from Quadron's brilliant album Avalanche released last year. The album finally gets its long awaited UK release on the 21st April.
O
@quadronMUSIC
Pre-order Avalanche(amazon)

Mara Hruby - Cry Me A River (Audio)

After a mini- hiatus, the very talented Mara Hruby is back with a new single, Cry Me A River taken from the highly anticipated EP, Archaic Rapture (out next month). Archaic Rapture is the follow up to her classic EP, In Her Eyes which is still available for free download. Also check out her beautiful rendition of Simply Beautiful (Al Green) on her soundcloud page.

Cry Me A River is out on itunes, look out for some more information on the EP in the coming weeks :).

@MaraHruby

Foreign Exchange - Better featuring Eric Roberson & Shana Tucker ( Official Video)

The good folks at Foreign exchange have just blessed us with the official video to Better ft Eric Roberson & Shana Tucker taken from the brilliant album, Love In Flying Colors. You can find this album on the Top 10 albums of 2013 which I published a few days ago.

@FEofficial @IAmEricRoberson @shanatucker

My Top 10 Albums of 2013

Picking my favourite records of 2013 was by no means an easy feat - hence it taking some time for me to publish it. Most of the albums that made the shortlist were based on the element of what I will call leaving a legacy - pushing the boundaries of music and leaving a long lasting impression on the listener.

My top ten albums of 2013 are as follows:

10. Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady

Probably my favourite album from Ms. Monae and featured the likes of Prince, Miguel, Erykah Badu, Esperanza Spalding & Solange. The album backs the features with a great collection of songs. Definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.
Favourite tracks : Q.U.E.E.N, Dorathy Dandrige Eyes, Primetime, Givin Em What they Love, We were Rock & Roll & What an experience.

@JanelleMonae

9. Kerbside Collection - Mind The Curb

I reviewed the brilliant album from the Jazz instrumental collective from Brisbane back in June. These lads are definitely ones to watch in the future.

Favourite tracks: jelly belly, red stripe, 41 Bernhard, Sweet Like Nectar

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8.  Maysa - Blue Velvet Soul

With the release of her 10th studio album, Blue Velvet Soul, Maysa is finally getting the recognition she deserves with a Grammy award nomination for the single, Quiet Fire. I was fortunate enough to see her perform live last year when she embarked on a mini tour - definitely one of my gigs of 2013.

Favourite tracks: Be there, Love Me Good, Good Morning Sunrise, What Can I Do, Put It On Me, Inside My Dream, This Much.

@maysaleak

7. Don-E - Little Star

This was probably one of the most slept on albums of last year. Don-E never seems to disappoint with every album release and features one of the singles of 2013, Spiritual ft. 'the collective' - some of UK's Soul legends - Omar, Carl McIntosh(loose ends), Noel McKoy, Junior Giscombe etc. Look out for an album from the Collective later this year. 

Favourite tracks: spiritual, little star, slave to the rhythm, this is it, love has found it's way, it just don't stop.

@atomicdread

6. The Foreign Exchange - Love In Flying Colors

Love In Flying Colours, is probably my favourite FE album to date. The album features the usual FE affiliates ( Eric Roberson, Carmen Rodgers, Jeanne Jolly, Sy Smith, Carlitta Durand etc.)

Favourite tracks : Listen to the rain, call it home, better, Dreams Are Made For Two

@FEofficial

5. Dianne Reeves - Beautiful Life

I remember buying this album after hearing Satiated (been waiting) ft Gregory Porter and the album definitely lives up to the hype. The song, satiated is probably one of the best duets i've heard for a long time. Album also features the likes of Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, Lalah Hathaway, George Duke, Nadia Washington etc.

Favourite tracks: 32 Flavors, Satiated(been waiting), Waiting In Vain, Dreams, I Want You, Wild Rose

@DianneReeves1

4. Gregory Porter - Liquid Spirit

My introduction to the very talented Gregory Porter came when listening to soulandjazz.com a while back and I haven't looked back ever since. His 3rd album,  Liquid Spirit is simply a masterpiece. I have since purchased his previous LP's, Water & Be Good and they are equally as good as his latest effort. We have been blessed to have Gregory's music in this lifetime and can't wait to see him on the road this year.

Favourite tracks: Musical Genocide, No love dying, Hey Laura, Liquid Spririt, The 'In' Crowd, When Love Was King.

@I_GregoryPorter

3.  Snarky Puppy -  Family Dinner Volume 1

Family Dinner - Volume 1 is my favourite Snarky Puppy album to date. This record will be on my playlist for years to come. They are possibly one of my favourite live bands at the moment - look out for their UK tour in the next few months.

Favourite tracks: Something, Gone Under, Too Hot to Last, Deep, Amour T'es La, I'm Not the One.

f
@RealSnarkyPuppy

2. Omar - The Man 

After a mini hiatus, Omar returned with yet another masterpiece, The Man. He's been making great music for 20+ years and has kept the quality/standard of music quite high. I was fortunate to see him last year- definitely worth seeing live if you haven't already.  

Favourite tracks: Simplify, Come On Speak to Me, The Man, Bully, Treat You, Eeni Meeni Myni Mo, When You Touch We Touch, Fuck War, Make Love.

@omarlyefookMBE

1. Jose James - No Beginning No End

No Beginning No End by Jose James has been my favourite album since its release and it gets better with every listen. The record always sparks a different reaction every time I listen to it. I believe No Beginning No End will be relevant for a few years to come. 

Favourite tracks: Make It Right, Sword + Gun, Heaven On The Ground, Vanguard, Trouble, It's All Over Your Body, Come To My Door, Do You Feel.

@josejamesmusic

Harleighblu - Let Me Be ( Official Video)

Nottingham Soul singer, Harleighbu recently released the visuals to one of my favourite songs, Let Me Be off her brilliant debut album, Forget Me Not which was released last year. The album comes highly recommended if you haven't checked it out already.


@harleighblu
Forget Me Not (itunes, amazon)

Noel Gourdin provides his fans with 'One Gift'

While we eagerly await the release of Noel Gourdin's 3rd album, 'City Heart, Southern Soul' he recently released a 5-track EP called, One Gift available for free download. I love all the tracks on One Gift and can't wait for the new album to come out. It's fair to say every good music head needs this EP in their music collection. Look out for the first single, Heaven Knows from the new album in the next few weeks.

@NoelGourdin