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The New Flava In Your Ear - Vol. 2

© Paula Chase-Hyman

If you're not a music lover you probably don't see the humor in Donnell Jones winning this year's "Best New Artist" Grammy. Jones has been on the scene since his debut project in 1996, he just didn't reach mainstream acclaim until his recent project. I bet that Grammy win was SWEET!

Jesse Powell probably knows how Donnell felt. Powell hasn't won any Grammys but he's been on the scene since 1996 as well. And he may now just be getting attention from the music community at large. He's the likely front runner for next year's not so new "Best New Artist."

The primary reason Jesse Powell can relate so well to Donnell Jones is their parallel, frustrating drive for recognition. In '96 Jesse Powell released his self-titled album which didn't do a thing on the charts.

In '98 he released his sophomore CD, 'Bout It - which contained the hit song "You." Though the song was a hit, the rest of the CD was a disappointment. The irony behind "You" is, it was originally on the '96 album, but received no airplay until it was re-released in '98.

Well maybe this is Jesse's year. Let's hope so - because he really is talented. This young balladeer can't rival Luther Vandross but he's a ballad man all the same and does a good job within his own style.

"If I" the first track, released this past Winter, is a good start. Though I swore it was Kevon Edmonds - younger brother of Babyface -until my husband pointed out Jesse's trademark signature sounds. The two singers have similiar voice quality -but Jesse has a more dramatic flair.

Jesse Powell sings ballads like he's been romancing and loving women for a long time - belying his 30 years of age. He also looks younger than 30, but nonetheless, he's great at begging and stating his case.

Track #1, "It'll Take The World" caught my attention. It's the ballad-man's version of a dance track. In other words, its not a slow song or a fast song. It has a slightly uptempo beat - when compared to most of the other songs on the CD - and is the type of song you'd like to sing along to. Its also classic Jesse Powell in that its theme is about his love for and dedication to a good woman.

In "I'm Leaving," Jesse is joined by his sisters, Trina and Tamara. If you recall, the sisters had a group of their own back in '98, with a short-lived hit, "What'd You Come Here For". When "You" and the girls' song were at its peak, the family toured together doing radio station sponsored, summer- jam type concerts.

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