Along with being an extraordinary poet and writer, Gayle Bell is a contributor at www.groovelovesmelody.com and brings this exclusive review to Q-Roc.TV.
According to Wikipedia, Emily King was born in New York, 1985. She was nominated for a Grammy for her 2006 debut album “East Side Story” on J Records. Ms. King’s newest work, The Seven EP, is a sit back, settle your mind cd. Ms. King’s voice brings to mind an early R & B vibe, with a soulful delivery and a no-rush style of pacing.
Her first piece, “Down”, evokes a bluesy room with a nice hook draped around her melodic voice. This is music to listen to with someone you love; or make you wistful for someone you loved. My favorite, “Radio”, is a slow cruise, packed with a punch. “…but ain’t no preacher like Aretha when I’m feelin real blue”. Amen-turn the radio on. This CD is the softer side of neo-soul. Her song “Georgia”, is a jazz tune simmered with a simple, understated back beat and what could be interpreted as a same-gender love song as she sings it. I almost picture her with a flower behind her ear.
There is not a missed song in this CD. Ms. King doesn’t need aural gimmicks to make her point. Chillax and enjoy The Seven EP. These are songs to cuddle with. Ms. King is a wonderful vocal treasure.
Bright and warm synth tones of the track, “Sunbeam”, usher in this second project from Jomama Jones, the three-dimensional dramatic character created by New York-based performance artist and playwright, Daniel Alexander Jones. Together with the musical direction and production of Los Angeles-based musician, Bobby Halvorson, the songs on Radiate feel more like early eighties grooves as disco was about the give way to electronic pop. The sensual and playful, “Everywhere”, complete with its thick bass line, could have easily been from Taste of Honey’s bag of tricks.
So the narrative goes, Jomama Jones, is an early 80’s superstar returning to the spotlight after some time overseas. Radiate continues the soul searching started by last year’s recording, Lonestar. Lyrically, the entire project speaks of the need for personal revolution and it’s in no way approached with kid gloves. In that sense, the starter “Sunbeam” is much lighter in theme then the following tracks, “Dark Matter”, and the angry rock anthem, “Out of Time”, of whose lyrics uncannily mirror the sentiment of the people’s revolution begun on January 25th , 2011 in Egypt. Furthering the conversation, Jones sings about “The Green One”, the prophet/angel that has been referenced to appear at times of revelation and change in various sacred texts.
Jones, Halvorson, and company have released an engaging melodrama with even more melodies that resonate with repeated listens. The CD and download is available at www.cdbaby.com. Watch for dates of the touring production in 2011 via Jomama Jones Facebook page.
by JW Richard
So unless you operate in a closed queer circuit away from entertainment television and podcasts, you should know B. Scott. The man has developed a huge, loyal following of over 100,000 subscribers of his YouTube podcasting and has been featured on Tyra Banks Show and Oxygen Network. Now more people are hearing about his music with the debut single, “Kiss Kiss”, available at iTunes. In the video, B. Scott boldly embraces his androgyny by appearing topless in several scenes. Definitely, a powerful queer statement. Would the statement have been more powerful if the model interest in the video were also black? Or, equally androgynous? You decide. Enjoy, “Kiss Kiss”.
Bonus: B. Scott’s video, “A Full Circle Moment”, is one of the most powerful “It Gets Better” testimonies that I’ve seen. A must watch.
Finally, the U.S. release of openly bisexual Jessie J’s debut CD, Who You Are, reveals plenty of catchy hooks that snap you back like a rubber band. The single, “Price Tag feat. B.o.B”, flies in the face of the “bling-bling” covetousness in most pop music today. The live performance on the CD, “Big White Room (Live)”, comes early enough to let you know she’s truly got the pipes. This track reminds me of the honest revelations that Lauryn Hill served up on her acoustic CD. Another single, “Causalty of Love”, sounds like it was meant for Beyonce by the way Jessie J performs it, which further speaks well of Jessie’s songwriting ability. The progressive island flavor served up on “Do It Like a Dude” may a raise an eyebrow lyrically, however the execution makes you believe it. The instrumental used for the song, “I Need This”, is the same used by Marsha Ambrosius on the song, “Glass”, from her Yours Sincerely EP of 2009, which leaves a mixed reaction with Jessie’s number. Overall, Jessie J’s debut is a solid pop/R&B effort that should upset Justin Bieber’s fans all over again come 2012 Grammys time in the states.
