Summer Music

Posted by Ryan B. Patrick Jul 24, 2006

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