Ashanti Munir - So Smooth (2010) & Until U (2010)

In 2008 Boston vocalist Ashanti Munir released her album Balance in the UK. It had a tremendous impact on the scene. Subsequently she released a follow up album in 2010 from which today's two featured tracks are taken. Soul Of A Woman is filled with stylish soulful songs delivered  stylistically reminiscent of Lalah Hathaway or Syleena Johnson. If that doesn't whet your appetite why are you even reading this blog? I'm talking quality. Quality in terms of performance, lyrics, arrangement and production - all of which are top notch. Hear and see for yourself. 

Ashanti Munir - So Smooth (Original Promo Video)

So smooth indeed and with a jazzy feel as the sax solo provides that counterpoint to her vocal.  Now click on the album cover below. This will take you the official promo video of Until U which is located on the Reverbnation site. You can also take a listen to other great tracks from this fantastic vocalist and find out a little more about who she is, what she does and where she's at. Actually, the quality of the videos are better on the Reverbnation site so you can replay So Smooth again. Until U highlights her expressive vocals as she explores the impact of love on someone over the years. Love romance, love that recording.

If you want the CD  then it's available from CD Baby. Otherwise, you have to settle for mp3 downloads from somewhere like Amazon or iTunes. (And you know what I think of the audio quality of  most downloads - not a lot!).

Kloud 9 - Everything Is Good 2nite (Incognito Mix) (2009)

I should write a few more words than I'm going to. Unfortunately my main writing project has to take precedence at the moment. Main thing is always the quality of the music appearing on this blog. This is one for all of us who like to dance and highlights the talents of Kloud 9 and Incognito as a partnership. Just awesome. Crossing over from smooth jazz to acid jazz to shades of soulful house - this has it all. Enjoy this blast from 2009. if it's not in your collection then acquire it quickly while it's still available. (It's taken from their oh so soulful album Everything Is Good 2nite Expansion XECD 56). Enjoy.

Still available from

Amazon UK

KLOUD 9 BIOGRAPHY

Mikelyn Roderick If You Really Love Me featuring Rahsaan Patterson (2007) and Love of my Life

Today's double treat comes from Mikelyn Roderick's 2007 album Copasetic Is. It's not one for the dance floor but it's a great listen all the same as it features the ultra talented Raheem Patterson. released by Dôme the entire album carries that guaranteed hallmark of soulful quality.

For those unfamiliar with Mikelyn Roderick she was a member of the  of the group By All Means, who recorded three  soul albums between1989-1992 before disbanding.  Unfortunately, she appears to have been somewhat overshadowed by her daughter, Elle Varner.

If You Really Love Me is light with tempo changes and romantic lyrics. Personally I think the ending spoils the romantic mood a bit but then again it might be me missing something. have a listen and brighten your day.

The second treat is also taken from the same album Love Of My Life and is much more Modern room dance floor friendly. See what you think.

Like the album title states, this is what Coapsetic Is. don't know what copasetic means? Check it out at URBAN DICTIONARY.

If you want to hear more then get the CD album.  Or if you really must the crappy quality lo-fi downloads. Sorry, it's just the audiophile in me.

Amazon UK

Hinda Hicks - You Think You Own Me (1998)

Flashback to the last century, specifically 1998 and the wonderful groove of You Think You Own Me by Hinda Hicks. Is it just me? Or does 1998 just seem like yesterday? This coming from a guy who saw Edwin Starr for the first time in 1966... Oh, well! What's time but a serious of numbers and a less than youthful image in the mirror. Back to the good stuff.  Taken from the album Hinda this is still one awesome mover deserving a revival. It's got the groove and it's got the lyrics. What's more, it's got a Jeremy Kyle style official promo which personally does no justice to the song. I'll provide a link for it later on. However, best to hear the song first so here's the link...

'Choon'

Now for the Jeremy Kyle style official promo. It might have seemed like a good idea at the time but it does the song no credit. Still, LMAO when I watch it...

The album 'Hinda' (1998) is still available.

It's a great album so don't be put off by the promo video if you've watched it. The album is still available and a must for serious lovers of homegrown Soul /R&B music who like to dance.

Amazon UK

background info and bio...

HINDA HICKS

With apologies... and Shaun Escoffrey - Days Like This (DJ Spinna) 2003 & Nature's Call (2014)

Sometimes projects that you find yourself working on become extremely time consuming. I enjoy writing but  I'm finding that once you start down the path of getting published in an unrelated sphere of activity the going gets tough. It become time consuming finding a literary agent willing to take you  and your project on board let alone get into print and onto bookshelves. Overcoming that first hurdle is the big step. OK. Moan over. What do I recommend as a feature today?

Shaun Escoffrey of course!

Back in 2003/2004 this was a huge play. All the 'Propa' Modern Room were giving this spin time. Floors filled and dancers lost themselves in the rhythms. I thought it would be appropriate for today. The sun is shining here in deepest Cheshire and the temperature is just about right. Having left Spain behind for a couple of months it's been pleasant enjoying the odd rainy day and big temperature drop. So, Days Like This fits my bill exactly. If you're not having the best of days when you read this then play the link and end leave the world behind for a few minutes. Let it act as a cure. If you can find somewhere to dance to it - all the better!

For those of us who frequented Jazz FM's Soul half-nighters at King George's Hall in Blackburn back then will probably have happy memories of this track being played. Great night out with a real party atmosphere.

OK? This is how Shaun did the business live on MTV...

Soulonica is an album I've not recently played so it was refreshing to put it through my new system. Still sounds as good as the first time I let the silver disc loose.

Copies of the album are still available but getting scarce. Rarity breeds price rises. If you want the quality then get the CD. (You know you're worth it! LOL) Otherwise settle for the crappy aucio quality of a download...  Either way get the music and enjoy it.

Amazon UK.

By the way... if you think Contemporary Soul is just lovey dovey sounds then think again. Here's Shaun Escoffery with his 2014 release Natures Call doing the Marvin Gaye social thing for the 21st Century! Just brilliant contemporary British Soul from Dome Records.