Ryan B. Patrick's Blog
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Much has been already said so I’ll keep it short and sweet: if it wasn’t for James Joseph Brown, Jr., it’s likely that R&B/Soul as we know it today wouldn’t exist. Period. RIP.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
The single was written/produced by Missy Elliot and uses a soulful sample of Curtis Mayfield's 1970 record "The Makings of You". The vid is a bit generic and the song sounds a bit like R. Kelly's You Remind Me but it's passable. Shame that Monica's album isn't doing so hot -- at last check it has yet to go gold.
Check out the video and then peep the review.
Peace!
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
The new album is heavily expected to sell 350,000 units in its first week and and debut in the top 3 of the Billboard 200. Check out her latest performance and then peep the new R&B/Soul 101 review.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Point of No Return is pretty much what you'd expect from today's R&B. But the first two Southern hip-hop inspired singles "Need a Boss" featuring Ludacris and "Cry No More," hardly allow Shareefa to display her R&B prowess.
The full review:
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/shareefa___point_of_no_return
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Save for a few upbeat "hip" tracks, Ritchie knows what side his bread is buttered on and delivers the "one step away from schmaltzy" songwriting wizardry he's known for.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Check out the song "2 the Sky" to see what I mean. Unless it’s all an bulletproof act, I believe that he lives and breathes R&B/Soul. Check out the review for The Evolution of Robin Thicke in the articles section.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Ruben Studdard AKA the Velvet Teddy Bear seems the type. With his disarming smile and southern charm, I’m sure that he can’t say no to anybody. Which is why his new album dubbed The Return (oh the gravitas!) runs in the middle of the road with blandly produced R&B.
Check the review for Ruben Studdard's The Return in the articles section.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
The single "Save Room" didn't really move me when I first heard it but I'm hoping the new album builds on the smooth R&B groove that was Get Lifted.
Be sure to check out the Blues/Soul 101 review later this month
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
The second single off FutureSex/Lovesounds is My Love featuring rapper T.I. It's not bad and one of the better songs off the album. Check the full album review in the article section.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
While my recent review of the album may seem like I'm being hard on the southern soulster, I still feel that the best is yet to come from David. The production on Red Clay Chronicles could have been a bit tighter, and some of the hip-hop-influenced joints done away with.
Bottom line, it's not a flawless album but it's definitely worth your time.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Given the top tier status that R&B/Pop diva Beyoncé has managed to carve out, there's no where left to go but down. The sexy songstress turns 25 this September while releasing the follow up to her multi-platinum 2003 solo debut, Dangerously In Love. This makes B-Day practically bulletproof - if I slam it, I'll be accused by her multitude of fans as (to use the vernacular) as "hatin'" but if I praise it to the high heavens, I'll have to turn in my music critic card.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/beyonce__b_day
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Janet Jackson hopes to get back in the good graces of the mainstream with a new album, due out this fall.
Despite all her successes, Janet Damita Jo Jackson will likely forever be known for the infamous "wardrobe malfunction" during the 2004 SuperBowl halftime show. Forevermore known as "Nipplegate", never has there been so much ado about a bare breast. Michael Jackson's little sister has been (unfairly) vilified for the error in judgment but Janet hopes to back on track with a new project.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/janet_jackson__after_nipplegate
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
As a songstress, Goapele is extremely talented but criminally underrated. Check out the video off the Change It All CD here. The critically acclaimed album was released earlier this year.
And if you haven't already, check out the Blues/Soul 101 review here
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
The second single for Beyonce's upcoming album "B-Day" is nothing to write home about, unfortunately. It's a so-so club friendly number that was likely produced in a few hours. It will, however, be in heavy rotation everywhere. And just because I don't like it doesn't mean I'm hatin'. Beyonce still looks good. Check out the vid here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=CLa5HEX0BiQ
And check out the latest article on Beyonce in the articles section:
Beyonce: Still Bootylicious
R&B singer Beyonce is proving that she is this generation's Diana Ross. Make a name as part of a multi-selling girl group? Check. Eventually overpower said girl group and become bigger than life? Check. Successful solo career? Check. Formerly of megagroup Destiny's Child, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles has truly done it all.http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/beyonce__still_bootylicious
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Check out the recent articles on these talented Blues/Soul 101 artists:
LeToya: Life After Destiny's Child
The shadow of LaToya Luckett's former life as a Destiny's Child vocalist will likely forever hang over her musical career.
The 25-year-old Houston native aka "The H-Town Chick", has managed to produce a solid solo album that proves she's a capable R&B artist.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/letoya__life_after_destiny_s_child
Pharrell: In My Mind
The long delayed album from producer/rapper/singer Pharrell is a 50/50 mix of hip-hop and R&B - not that there's anything wrong with that.It's almost jarring to see Pharrell Williams aka Skateboard P on the television performing on Late Night with Jay Leno but that's just how far (and how mainstream) the Virginia Beach-native has come. The new album In My Mind, has been delayed countless times. It's been so long that the first single "Can I Have It Like That" featuring Gwen Stefani is relatively ancient.http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/pharrell__in_my_mind
Nelly Furtado Plays It Loose
While many believe that Nelly Furtado's new album "Loose" - which is heavy on the R&B side - is a bold new direction for her, things aren't always as they seem.
Those in the know have long been aware that the talented singer/songwriter/instrumentalist's musical sensibilities have always been heavily urban-based.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/nelly_furtado_plays_it_loose
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Here are some Blues/Soul 101 reviews for the current year:
Van Hunt: On The Jungle Floor
As the funky neo-soul heir apparent to Prince, Van Hunt returns with a follow-up to his 2004 Grammy-nominated debut that is as stylish as it is ambitious.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/VanHuntOnJungleFloor
Gnarls Barkley: St. Elsewhere
It's difficult to define the sound of Gnarls Barkley. Alternative R&B? Experimental Soul? Eclectic Funk? The new album St. Elsewhere is all the above and more.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/gnarls_barkley_st_elsewhere
Amel Larrieux: Morning
It's just about impossible not to like the irrepressible Amel Larrieux. The progressive R&B vocalist's third solo album, Morning, is a pure example of unbridled soul.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/amellarrieuxmorning
Anthony Hamilton: Nobody Worryin'
It seems that every time I'm ready to give up on today's Soul music and dust off some classic Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, along comes someone like Anthony Hamilton.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/BringingBacktheSoul
Goapele: Change It All
It's hard to knock an artist such as the talented and lovely Goapele (pronounced Gwa-pele). Hailing from the San Francisco Bay area, Goapele (the child of a Jewish mother and a South African father) is part of a new wave of neo-soul artists producing original music that is firmly distanced from the mainstream's notion of what R&B should be.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Be sure to check out the latest Blues/Soul 101 reviews in the article section:
India.Arie: Testimony
To say that India.Arie keeps it real would be an obscene understatement. Admittedly, the 12-time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter has been faulted for "on-the-nose" lyrics and pedantic preaching. But therein lies the acoustic soul practitioner's charm - she's never been shy about divulging her innermost feelings. Life affirmation in the key of R&B/Soul is the name of her game.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/india_arie
Donell Jones: Journey Of A Gemini
Despite being in the industry for over a decade, Donell Jones rates as one of the most underrated artists in R&B today. Apparently Jones has been recovering from personal problems (specifically a bout with alcoholism) but it appears that he's back on track. Journey of a Gemini (LeFace Records) is his fourth album and while it may not be remembered as his best outing, it certainly is a decent one.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/donell_jones
Keb Mo': Suitcase
Suitcase (Epic Records) marks the Los Angeles native's eighth album and should further cement him as one of the great Blues music innovators. While some Blues music purists aren't as enamored with Keb Mo's unique take on the genre (some feel that his hybrid sound strays too far from old school Robert Johnson blues), at the very least the singer/guitarist/songwriter represents an innovative style, pushing the musical boundaries and ending up in new territory. Indeed, the artist himself has said that the Delta blues and Mississippi River style of Johnson has heavily influenced his contemporary sound.
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/keb_mo___suitcase
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
The series will look at a particular Blues/Soul subgenre and looks at the albums I feel are the one to have. The ones I pick may not be the most popular examples of the subgenre but more the ones I feel best represent it. Check out the first part "Must Have Music: Neo-Soul". Future editions will feature Blues, Classic Soul, R&B, Hip-Hip Soul and more. Enjoy!
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
First off, thanks to everyone that responded to the poll. I appreciate you checking out this site and don't forget to spread the word! 63 per cent of respondents felt that the term "Neo-Soul" perfectly describes the retro yet modern sound. Only 15 per cent thought the term is a crass and commercial marketing buzzword.
R&B singer India.Arie has a different take on the term. "Neo soul is a thing someone made in order to make money, something someone 'created' to make money," the singer told Vibe Magazine recently. "But that's fine. I feel like a lot of the people who were held up as pillars of that establishment are not allowing themselves to be considered that way anymore. I also knew that when this term was put on me, I knew there would come a time when that terminology wasn't going to be considered cool anymore."
Speaking of India.Arie, check out the Blues/Soul 101 review of her latest album, Testimony.
Peace!
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
The 19-year old apparently has music in her blood. Her father, Dinky Bingham is a notable musician and producers who has working with R&B acts like Changing Faces, New Edition and Jaheim. And she is also the godchild of both R&B legend Chaka Khan and "New Jack Swing King" Aaron Hall (of R&B supergroup Guy).
The single "One More Chance" is a perfect summertime single: a catchy, light and airy ditty that features Yummy's unique vocals. After being known that the "hip-hop hook girl" (singing the chorus on hip-hop tracks from artists like De La Soul and Lupe Fiasco, it appears that Yummy is finally ready to blow up.
Her debut album on Motown Records is tentatively called The First Seed and slated for release later this summer. In the meantime, check out her on Myspace.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
After sold-out and wildly successful shows in New York and Los Angeles, where the group displayed true energy and passion, The Brand New Heavies (led by vocalist N'Dea Davenport) will be back on the road this summer, headlining dates all over the United States with a tour presented by VH1 Soul. They will kick things off with a show in Dallas on July 1st and join the Essence Music Festival for a special performance the following evening.
The new single is a funky remake of Stevie Wonder's classic "I Don't Know Why I Love You". Recorded and produced by the group in New York and London, the Get Used To It (Delicious Vinyl) will be available simultaneously at Starbucks locations in the US and Canada as well as traditional retail.
Check out www.HeaviesListeningParty.com for a sneak listen of the new album.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
According to her website here are the dates. Hopefully, the Neo-Soul artist is coming to your town!
June 15 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY
June 22 - Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay - San Diego, CA
June 23 - Garden Theatre - Saratoga, CA
June 24 - Montbleu Resort Casino - Lake Tahoe, NV
June 25 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA
July 01 - Meyer Amphitheater - West Palm Beach, FL
July 05 - Petrillo Music Shell - Chicago, IL
July 06 - Lafayette Square - Buffalo, NY
July 07 - Danforth Music Hall - Toronto,
July 13 - Performing Arts Center - Louisville, KY
July 14 - Chene Park - Detroit, MI
July 15 - Riverfront - Under The Arch - St. Louis, MO
July 19 - House of Blues - Atlantic City, NJ
July 21 - Carter Barron Amphitheatre - Washignton, DC
July 23 - State Theater - New Brunswick, NJ
July 29 - Chastain Park - Atlanta, GA
July 30 - Orpheum Theater - Memphis, TN
Sept 17 - Black Oak Ranch - Laytonville, CA
Don't forget to check Blues/Soul Music 101 for my review of the album! Off the strength of her new single "I Am Not My Hair" I expect the full album to be classic India.Arie.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
June is officially Black Music Month, celebrating Blues/Soul. According to the official White House proclamation, "Black Music Month recognizes some of the brightest lights of American creativity and honors the African-American men and women whose art entertains and inspires us."
And June, coincidentally, sees a bunch of new releases from Corinne Bailey Rae (June 20), Donell Jones (June 20), India.Arie (June 27), and The Brand New Heavies (June 27). Expect Blues/Soul 101 reviews from these artists in the coming weeks.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
The poll found that 45 percent felt that R&B/Soul artist D'Angelo is the most overdue to release an new album. 27 percent were waiting on a new Maxwell album.
When it comes to D'Angelo, I'm inclined to agree, especially considering his last album, Voodoo, was released in 2000. Internet rumors suggest that he's working on an album (tentatively titled James River) but nothing has been confirmed. The artist has had his trouble with the law and drugs but here's hoping that the talented singer/songwriter/instrumentalist manages to get his life back on track before blessing us with another soul masterpiece sometime soon.
This month's Blues/Soul Music 101 poll will be about the term "Neo-Soul" and whether it's the appropriate term to use when we're taking about contemporary soul music. Look for it shortly.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
After my recent article naming DeVaughn as an underappreciated soul artist, along comes a new single and video for the song "You", off his criminally underrated 2005 album The Love Experience (Jive Records). "You" is one the my favorites on the CD and I'm glad his record company is giving DeVaughn a chance to shine.
Check out the song and vid at his website, http://www.theloveexperience.com/
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Hey all,
Check out the latest Blues/Soul music review: Avant's new R&B album, Director.
It's a solid R&B album. Check it out.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
R&B singer Donell Jones' upcoming fourth album, "Journey Of A Gemini" is finally slated for a June release.
The album has been delayed several times now -- the album's "first" single, "Better Start Talking" was released way back in May of last year.
The new release is "I'm Gonna Be", a catchy midtempo tune that showcases Jones' trademark vocals and knack for catchy melodies. I've been a fan of the underrated singer since his 1996 debut My Heart (remember "In The Hood" and his cover of Stevie Wonder's "Knocks Me Off My Feet"?) so I'm really looking forward to the new album.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
I've just finished listening to Otis Rush: Live at Montreux 1986 and was blown away by the blues.
The legendary Mississippi bluesman plays the Montreux Jazz Festival with fellow guitarists Eric Clapton and Luther Allison.
The live CD is solid blues and phenomenal guitar work by Rush and friends...check it out.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
It's about time: R&B singer/songwriter India.Arie is set to release a new album, her first in four years.
Who Is India.Arie?
The Atlanta-based India.Arie first emerged onto the music scene in 2001 with the aptly named and platinum selling Acoustic Soul. On the strength of that groundbreaking debut, the neo-soul songstress was hailed as a breath of fresh air in the urban music landscape.
In my eyes, she ranks right up there with neo-soul artists like Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. The industry agrees -- she's copped a host of accolades, including 2 Grammys, 3 NAACP Awards, as well as being recognized by BET, Billboard Magazine, MTV, VH1 and Essence Magazine, to name a few.
But the 12-time Grammy nominated singer has been long overdue to drop some new material. India.Arie's last project was 2002's Voyage To India.
Testimony
The new album, Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship, comes out on June 27. The first single and video is "I Am Not My Hair." According to her record label, Testimony will feature remix collaborations with Akon, Swizz Beatz, and Jazze Pha, and marks the first time the soulful singer has agreed to let other artists remix her work.
Neo-Soul Songstress
The soulful and socially conscious singer has always been a favorite of mine and I'm anxiously awaiting new material.I hope that the new album retains that organic-folksy-soul vibe that she's best known for.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
The new neo-soul albums from Van Hunt and Amel Larrieux have been in high rotation on my MP3 player. Check out the latest reviews in the Articles section:
Van Hunt
"The Atlanta-based Van Hunt represents the new guard of neo-soul. He's reinvented himself this time around, and critics have likened him to a new millennium version of Lenny Kravitz. By having music producer Bill Bottrell on board (whose past clients include Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Sheryl Crow) it appears that Van Hunt is aiming for that mass appeal..." (read more)
Amel Larrieux
"With a superb vocal technique and a light and airy high-pitched range, Amel Larrieux combines sincere songwriting (Larrieux with hubby-producer Laru penned all the joints on the new album) with neo-soul sound..." (read more)
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
I don't think that "neo-soul" singer/songwriter Dwele got the proper due when his album "Some Kinda" was released late last year.
The 20-something Detroit native Dwele creates a solid soul/R&B album with Some Kinda.
I admit that I wasn't at first feeling it the same way I did with his 2003 debut Subject, but upon revisiting Some Kinda, the 13-track CD (complete with lush Earth, Wind & Fire-inspired production) I've come to realize that the album is soulful mood music from start to finish.
Check it out, if you haven't already.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Check out this week's review on the latest album by Prince.
I've always liked Prince but his last few albums often left me scratching my head. The enigmatic musical genius may no longer hold the Pop Music crown but with 3121 he shows why he's still on top of his game.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
It's Crazy!
The song by Gnarls Barkley (the name given to the funked out collaboration between rapper/singer Cee-lo and producer Danger Mouse) is all the rage right now. The cool, guitar driven slice of R&B/Soul was featured on TV's Grey's Anatomy and recently named the most downloaded song in the UK.
Check out the song on MySpace. The full album comes out next month.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
R&B singer Kelis (aka that Milkshake girl that brought the boys to the yard) is coming out with a new album. The new album entitled Kelis Was Here is due out in June.
The eclectic and sexy vocalist's last project was 2003's Tasty which featured the "love it or hate it" pop crossover hit "Milkshake." The new album will feature appearances by rapper Nas (her husband) and production from will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and neo-soul brother Raphael Saadiq.
Check out the first single, "Bossy."
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Condolences go out to the family of R&B vocalist June Pointer, who died today after a long bout with cancer. She was 52.
June Pointer, of course, was a key member of R&B supergroup The Pointer Sisters. The group had a string of successful Billboard hit singles in the late 70s to mid-80s.
From their first smash R&B hit (1973's "Yes We Can Can") to electrosoul-pop hits "He's So Shy," "Jump" and "Automatic," The Pointer Sisters have earned a special place in the world of R&B/Soul. She will be missed.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
MTV News is reporting that producer Jermaine Dupri is looking to produce a duet that would pair his current girlfriend Janet Jackson, with songbird Mariah Carey.
There's an interesting combination. While it may or may not come together, I have to admit that I wouldn't mind hearing the product of such a union.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Neo-Soul sistas are on tour and coming to your town!
Bay area songstress Goapele and UK duo Floetry are currently on a North America tour.
Definitely a show worth checking out.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
It was 22 years ago today that Soul legend Marvin Gaye was shot and killed by his own father. The true indicator of good music is its ability to stand up to the test of time, to sound as fresh and relevant as the day it was created.
From "What's Going On" to "Sexual Healing"...the impact that Gaye had on today's Soul/R&B music is immeasurable.
Rest in peace Marvin...
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Winter's finally over and now is the time the record labels start dropping new music releases.
I'm particularly amped to hear new music from soul-funkster Van Hunt (On The Jungle Floor: April 4), hip hop soul singer Governor Washington(Son of Pain: April 4)and legendary blues-soulster Moody Scott (Bustin Out of the Ghetto: April 10) just to name a few.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
R&B singer Jaheim couldn't sound anymore like the great Teddy Pendergrass if he tried.
I've always liked Jaheim, but felt that his classic soul sound isn't always a nice fit with his hip hop ghetto style. Ghetto Classics (his third album) continues Jaheim's musical mix of R&B, gospel and hip hop.
The singer with the rich baritone is at his best with classy R&B joints like lead single "Every Time I Think About Her", "The Chosen One" and the smooth stylings of "Daddy Thing". He stumbles a bit with facile storytelling in "Fiend" and "Like a DJ."
But overall, the album title is apt: Jaheim maintains old school soul with new school sensibilities.
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Check out Detroit-born, Toronto-based Wade O. Brown for some cool soul, Canadian style. With an old soul and a smooth silky voice that brings to mind Bobby Womack or Teddy P, Brown makes you want to hide the kiddies - this is grown folk's music.
His new album is All Night, All Love. Check him out at www.wadeobrown.com/
Posted by Ryan B. Patrick
Welcome to the new Blues/Soul section!
Feel free to tell me your thoughts and feedback.