The Eminem Blog » soul/ funky

Otis Redding is one of those unforgettable musical geniuses…

Isabelle — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:40:49 +0000

I had the chance to follow a documentary about the great Otis Redding yesterday and I would like to share some impressions about the great musician with my readers.

Like James Brown, Otis Redding possessed those great qualities that make of him a musician of exception. He was truly a soul legend who managed to move his audience. The richness of his instrumentals, a warm voice coming from his profound heart, his incredible dynamism would move any black music lover. With his simplicity and his unique way of telling his emotions to the crowd, Otis Redding has influenced the 60 s. Unfortunately, the gifted artist died in an accident in 1967.

His passionate delivery on stage was also an invitation for the public to participate to the show and to move along with his beautiful, moving and rhythmic songs.

You could barely listen to a song such as Shake without dancing with the artist, your heart being overwhelmed with an unexplained, but real joy.

Otis Redding managed to make something exceptional of Mike Jagger s Satisfaction song. Not only did he add his personal touch, the brilliant artist had this power to move the crowds with enthusiasm.

Discover more about the genuine sould legend here.

Tété: a poetic ray of musical sunshine

Isabelle — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:45:41 +0000

Tété: a poetic ray of musical sunshine

If you are familiar with black music and fond of poetry, you are probably gonna like Tété s original soul-funky inspired style. The less known French speaking artist has a bunch of refreshing songs to offer, lyrically astutely handled songs to offer to a receptive ear. Tété s album is entitled Le Sacre Des Lemmings (the crowning of little hamster alike creatures).

As the curtains open on some soft oboe overture, increasing the feeling of suspense…The witty musician allies various instruments such as guitar, harp, flute with hand claps and manages to create a festive atmosphere with his warm and profound voice. Fils De Cham pours down like a refreshing rain during a hot Summer time. What a lively invitation to dance along and to rejoice with the author of the song.

Anna Lee Soleil is a poetic piece of work as well. The guitar background also fits very well with Tété s narrative skills.

Tété s song also have a sensitive romantic touch which is enhanced by his guitar background.

Little bit of a philosopher, Tété teaches about life in his 6th track, Comme Feuillets Au Vents: with his powerful orchestral background, Tété addresses a young lady in her twenties. What are you gonna do when your twenties will be gone with the wind?

Discover more about Tété here.

Tété is a French speaking artist…

Isabelle — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:13:48 +0000

Less known from the mainstream public, he is nevertheless a valuable and talented artist, a poet who will allow the listener to enjoy the sunny tone of his voice.

I will review his album, Le Sacre Des Lemmings, very soon…stay tuned:)

James Brown/ Funky Goodtime CD review

Isabelle — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 18:26:02 +0000

Rating of the product:5 stars

This CD is a live concert recording of James Brown’s concert in Atlanta back in 1984. Hopefully I will manage to touch my readers heart through this review, and make them feel what James Brown s music represents to me. Be ready for an emotional and intense read!

James Brown wasn’t your average artist. He was a musician who played 3 instruments( guitar, piano and drums). Amazing and skilled artist with a warm and emotional voice, he was a man who had heart. Musical genius, he truly is the Godfather of soul music. James Brown was full of life, that s why one could speak of him as Mr Dynamite. Not only did he have all those qualities, but he managed to transmit his energy and optimism to thousands of people.
James Brown’s music has always been a wonderful ray of sunshine in my life and for that, I could never thank him enough. I love you, Mr Brown. May God bless your soul.

Sit back and relax. Time to listen to the legendary It s A Man s, Man s, Man s World. Trumpets welcome you for the James Brown s appreciation of women. Soft funky keyboard sounds soften the song that describes a rough man s world made of technical inventions. With his warm, profound voice, James Brown manages to create the antagonism between a man and a woman s world. Sometimes harsh sounding and introducing you into a man s routine, made of money and cars, his voice suddenly softens, becomes intense and full of internal emotions that transcript a man s feelings for women. This song is probably one of the most beautiful ode to us women that has been written, ever.

I love the I feel so good I wanna screeeaaam, because it comes from Mr Brown s profound heart. This passion is so communicative that it will make you scream. For real.

Super Bad will enhance your day and give you your dose of dynamism needed. No need to take vitamins when you have a James Brown song in your ears. Get on the good foot and dance along. Forget about your daily routine, let trumpets, keyboards and saxophone transport you into an explosive world!

Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for a funky good time? Here we go. Electric guitars, rhythmic keyboard sounds, swinging drum beats, plus James Brown s warm vocals will actually take you higher and higher on emotions. Move your feet to the sound and carry that good funky spirit with you. Happiness guaranteed! Let saxophones weep in the background in perfect harmony with the singing guitars and the female vocals…you will feel good, because the music will make you feel allright.

Wonderful Try Me song: so emotional with its intense female vocals combined with James Brown s profound voice. As the instrumentals suggest it, this song is a chill out song for two (passionate) lovers.

Get On The Good Foot: that’s really the way we should look at life. Step up in the morning, get on the good foot and start a positive and dynamic journey. All instruments work together in harmony with the artist, create and re-create that wonderful sensation of being reborn.

Papa s Got A Brand New Bag is so full of energy that you would barely sit on your chair while listening to the song. Electric guitars, drums and vocals will enhance James Brown s explosive atmosphere.

I Feel Good is and will remain an eternal jewel. Positive lyrics, an astute and dynamic use of trumpets, keyboards and drums will transport you into an universe of positive emotions pouring from the heart and red roses of intense feelings thrown on you.

This CD is definitely worth your listen.

Thank you Mr Brown. Gone but never forgotten.

Killa Benz, a UK artist with a definite reggae flavor

Isabelle — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:59:53 +0000

Killa Benz hails from the Northwest of the UK. The way he puts his instrumentals together, his wonderful sense of rhythm combined with a warm voice make his art highly enjoyable. The listener will probably enjoy Killa Benz enthusiasm that is very communicative when you listen to his music. This artist will make you feel that it is possible to cheer up 24/7, because his music is very rich of a festive element. Jump An Twist is a well handled track that I recommend to all of you. Give it an attentive listen and don t forget to bring a positive and enthusiastic spirit with you!

Come On Over has a much more nostalgic taste. Based on soft instrumentals and vocals, the song slowly leads the listener into a chillout atmosphere during which the artist talks to his girlfriend.
Violins, piano and keyboard sounds mixed up with very soft female vocals will enhance the song s softness. Killa Benz manages to marry different musical genres with ease. Come On Over is rich of various flavors including reggae, soul, R’n'B.

I also appreciated the good mastery of Killa Benz’ beats.

Check out Killa Benz here

Akon/ Konvicted album review

Isabelle — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 21:45:48 +0000

Global rating of the product: 4 stars

Straight from “jail”, Akon presents his convict music to his listeners. Konvicted is Akon’s brand new release. Akon is blessed with a warm, profound voice.

The Senegalese born American resident manages to offer an attentive ear a full range of diverse musical influences. True to his African roots, the gifted singer also enriches the CD with some reggae, rap and R’n'B influences. Open the diary of a convict and be ready for a crazy ride with Akon.

Shake Down beautifully opens the journey that is enlightened with drum, violin, rhythmic claps, trumpet and keyboard sounds. The singer’s vocal performance deserves praise in any case. Swing on the rhythmic song and enjoy.

Soft violins introduce Blown Away while hammering piano notes are mixed with guitar and flute sounds. Akon’s singing talent is combined with Styles P’s well delivered raps.

No need to introduce Smack That featuring Eminem, which is one of the most played and sung contemporary hits.

I Wanna Love You featuring Snoop Dogg is not really my cup of tea, since I am not that much into love songs. The graphic details of the song are not really useful, as far as I am concerned and the lyrics’ quality could be improved.

Feel violin notes drop like pouring rain on the face of earth. Imagine a man screaming and standing in the rain. Feel the drama that is suggested by piano notes combined with soft violin sounds and vocals. It offers the colorful image of a person drowning in his sorrow. Feel his broken soul liberate all the negativity and crash down like a burning plane that is about to explode. I loved The Rain. I recommend this song to all of you, because it is beautifully high on true emotions.

Never Took The Time is a rhythmic track constructed on guitar notes and keyboard sounds. The song is full of nostalgic accents and tells the story of a disappointed boy left by his girlfriend.

Mama Africa is a warm song with a good reggae flavor dedicated to Senegalese people. I really enjoyed that song, because Africa has always had-and still has a great importance in my life. Enjoy the pure blackness of the song reminding listener of the sunny Continent called Africa.

I Can’t Wait is enhanced with a funky flavor. The rhythmic track is full of joy and hopeful feelings.

Gangsta Bop takes you back to the streets. You will probably like the swinging track in which Akon’s vocal talent comes to shine, once again.

Tired Of Running expresses the lassitude of thug life. The gangsta track narrates the story of a man on the run, trying to escape from the police.

Don’t Matter is built on cithara and guitar sounds. Sometimes two people love each other, but their entourage don’t want to see them together and throw obstacles on their way in order to separate the lovers. Sometimes, two people mean the world to each other. Both lovers will fight for their right to love one another. Well made, with a good reggae taste in the background.

Globally, Akon’s album should catch your eyes and ears’ attention. Not only is Akon’s voice exceptional, the whole album offers a various panel of artistic collaboration and musical styles. I liked most of the songs and I think this album is really worth your attention.

Eric Daniel And Friends/ album review

Isabelle — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 16:15:43 +0000

Artist Name: Eric Daniel
Location: Rome, Italy
Genre: Nu Soul/ Urban/ R’n’B
Link:http://www.saxman.it/

Global rating of the product:4.5 stars

Eric Daniel is a gifted saxophonist with a long term experience in the music industry. The talented artist will feed your soul with his brilliant skills and please your ears with his colleagues’ colorful voices.
The Washington DC born artist is a wonderful interpret who masters both instruments, clarinet and saxophone.

Talking About Midnight introduces you into a soft, watered atmosphere that is enhanced by some female vocals in the background. The saxophone notes will make the listener feel the light atmosphere of enchantment one can feel during an after midnight party.

Wanna See You Dance is built on a sweet slow combined with some flute sounds and soft female vocals. Sensual saxophone notes spice up the atmosphere while you can hear a trumpet cry in the background.

Rhythmic drum beats, cut saxophone notes celebrate a joyful ambiance.
Guitar, piano and keyboard sounds add to the festive atmosphere.

Da Loot is built on much more nostalgic sounds and vocals. The repetitive chorus pictures an insisting demand. The saxophone enhances this constant quest. Hammering xylophone notes seem to suggest frustration.

The Ghetto is introduced by some distorted saxo sounds mixed up with guitar notes. Step deep in the ghetto, let the music take you there and the saxophone drop some hopeful notes. Rapid drum beats and electric guitar sounds strongly suggest a colorful universe that will open your ears and eyes. The ghetto is full of life and a source of inspiration for the artist. Nicely done.

Jesus Said is full of some blues accents. Enter into a spiritual atmosphere made of faith and prayers. The instrumentals perfectly match with the raw voices and beautifully draw a « please let it happen » prayer ascending to Heaven.

Deeper introduces the listener into a rhythmic African tale. The heartbeats alike drums play a determinant role. Let the spirit of the never ending music live on.

Take a deep walk and enter into the sensual OldSaxNuSoul ballad. Feel the beautiful gospel atmosphere of the song. Let me point out the great performance of the female vocalists who know how to touch your soul.

Enjoy the cadence. Close your eyes and let the music talk to your soul.

Ooh Baby is a love song that praises a lover’s soft body. Soft saxophone and flute sounds fulfill the song with sensuality and love feelings.

Back to nostalgia with Walking On Moonlight. Deep saxophone sounds are married with rhythmic drum beats.

Art Of Sax fully enlightens Eric Daniel’s great mastery of his instrument.

Minimal is a composition made of catchy beats and dynamic saxophone sounds. This is Eric, playing over and over again for his listeners’ pleasure. The swinging track probably won’t leave you indifferent. Follow Eric Daniel in his instrumental ride and enjoy.

Not only is Gotham City instrumentally well worked on, it also enlightens Eric’s narrative talent.

Jazz Rhythm is a beautiful song with a little bit of jazz-soul- blues and hip hop accents. It is characterized by some joyful saxophone accents, great rhythmic vocal performances, swinging beats, mad scratches. In short, the song will make black music lovers feel allright. A must hear, listeners!

Globally, the 16 track CD is very well worked on. The American born master interpret Eric Daniel allows his listeners to step into a sophisticated universe that is so rich of many influences. A pinch of soul, blues, negro spirituals, a little bit of Motown flavor, hip hop, well mastered instrumentals and vocals make that CD highly enjoyable to the listeners.
My advice: cop your Eric Daniel And Friends CD, you won’t regret it.

I gave it an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Do you like saxophone?

Isabelle — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 14:12:47 +0000

I do. Saxophone is one of the most sensual instruments I have ever heard. It is pretty much representative of the numerous emotions that run through a human soul…I am sometimes lucky to hear this wonderful instrument in the London tube. I will review an artist from Italy-a saxophonist precisely- for you all. His name is Eric Daniels. Some call him “saxman”. Stay tuned, folks:)

Take You Home/ Ron Patterson/ song review

Isabelle — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 22:21:58 +0000

Rating: 4 stars

If you’re not that keen on R’n’B (which is basically my case), Ron Patterson will make you like this musical genre through his immense talent.

Take You Home introduces you into a dramatic dimension. Ron Patterson’s story is something that could happen to any of us.

Soft melodic guitar notes combined with some good rhythmic beats will make the listener feel the emotional context of the story.

Sometimes a boy catches a girl’s eye. However, the reciprocity of the intense feelings on the boy’s side is not always granted. Ron Patterson talks about a person called Dee Dee he’d certainly considers as a wonderful friend, but he’s not attracted to her, despite the big crush the girl has on him.

During a party Ron’s eye was caught by Dee Dee’s friend. He lives an inside drama that is intensified by the artist vocal performances.

« How am I going to tell her the whole truth without being rude? How will I manage not to hurt her feelings? «

Double dating might be a solution but as for now he won’t take her home.

The melodic guitar sounds will make the listener enjoy the story and the soft love ballad.

I really enjoyed the way Ron Patterson managed to share feelings and emotions from his profound heart. Vocals and instrumentals drop down and will refresh the listener like a soft Summer rain.

Discover Ron Patterson here if you haven’t done it yet.

The R’n’B/ soul artist is definitely worth a look!

Ron Patterson/ Call That Love song review

Isabelle — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 17:03:20 +0000

Ron Patterson/ Call That Love song review

Rating: 4 stars

People who know me well also know that I’m not a big R’n’B fan. Very few R’n’B singers have owned my respect.

However, I discovered an amazing R’n’B artist on a Brooklyn rap website a few months ago. His name? Ron Patterson.

Ron Patterson has developed an original style of his own. The talented artist combines a warm and deep voice with some good instrumentals and a good rhythm . He manages to create a quite magical atmosphere while expressing his deepest feelings.

Call That Love starts on a soft piano melody combined with sweet harmonica and keyboard sounds. How many times have we taken love for granted with a boyfriend or a girlfriend? Love is a fire that needs to be nourished every day. A relationship needs to be based on confidence.
Even though it is difficult, a good dose of faith in your partner is required, even in bad times, in order to make a couple work.

Ron Patterson expresses it very well in his song. His voice has some very emotional accents that he manages to combine with a quite rapid rhythm.

I’m sure I increased your hunger about Ron Patterson. Discover more about the gifted artist here.