"Be Who You Are" by Emilio Palame Band (R&B Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

Urbane and sophisticated, Emilio Palame Band's "Be Who You Are" CD is a smart collection of contemporary R&B trading funk grooves with interludes of traditional jazz piano spread over 23 tracks of pure musicality. Boasting influences that range from the lyricism of Billy Strayhorn to the dynamism of Earth, Wind & Fire; "Be Who You Are" is a throwback to an era when musical prowess trumped the constraints of genres and target audiences. On "Runaway" the Palame band invokes a subtle Latin vibe that recalls Chicago (the group), while the brilliant pianism on "Emily's Dancing Eyes" is but a backdrop to an R&B workout showcasing the bands elastic and nuanced dexterity. Where "Piano Prelude to We Are Love" finds pianist Palame beautifully exploring the richness of Bill Evans-like jazz piano, the electric keys of the full-band version of "We Are Love" swing it in a Stevie Wonder-like direction that smoothly melds the background chorus in grand harmonic convergence. The charged and dynamic "New Day" gives this amazing band a chance to flex its considerable muscle revealing, if nothing else, how the 1-2 punch of great charts in the hands of polished musicians can unlock the oft-hidden depths a song contains. But whether it's straight-up funk, '70's-grounded R&B, or the classically melodic jazz at the heart of Emilio Palame's artistry, "Be Who You Are" is a CD that succeeds because it pays tribute to its influences by invigorating the artistry that fueled them.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Emilio Palame Band's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Truth Be Told..." by Vick Allen (R&B Artist from Mississippi(MS))

Sequencing a full-length CD is an art unto itself and the best kept secret to making a solid album. As important as it is to stack strong tracks near the beginning of an album, it's often those last one or two songs that make the difference in getting a listener to come back again and again. R&B hit- maker, Vick Allen, and his newest CD "Truth Be Told…" is an 11-song Urban / R&B treasure, and is a perfect example of getting it right. Opening with the appropriately titled "I'm Hooked," an up tempo, Al Green-like groove punctuated by Memphis-style horn bursts, Allen sets the tone for the diverse platter of R&B that follows. "You Stay On My Mind" is an inspired piece of infectious Southern Soul, while "Forbidden Love Affair" finds Allen revealing his inner R. Kelly; and "As Long As I Got My Baby" serves up a dash of funk, it is followed by the completely contemporary soul of "I Know You Got a Man." Regardless of style, though, "Truth Be Told…" is seamless and cohesive, linked as it were by inventive and smart arrangements, superb musicianship, and the kind of background vocals that defines great Urban music and, of course, Allen's smooth high tenor, a voice that alternately echoes Green, as well as lesser known R&B luminaries like Eddie Kendricks, Tyrone Davis or Howard Tate. But it's the CD closer, "That's Heaven to Me", a solemn and uplifting Sam Cooke cover with the kind of message and melody Stevie Wonder later perfected on songs like "Heaven Help Us All" that seals the deal and will ensure repeated listens. Sequenced for maximum effect and filled with classic R&B grooves from beginning to end, Vick Allen's "Truth Be Told…" CD is a terrific album and a welcome addition to the Soul field.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Vick Allen's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Chocolate Brides Theme Song" by Skip Mahoney and the Casuals (R&B Artist from Maryland(MD))

Layered, smooth-as-chocolate-silk harmonies are the order of the day on Skip Mahoney and the Casuals' 5-track CD, "Chocolate Brides Theme Song," an impeccable R&B ballad as old school as it is modern. Romantic and affirmative, and timeless in its celebration of love and marriage, "Chocolate Brides" is - as its name implies, a unique and soulful paean to the 21st century African-American bride. Delivering five different remixes, Skip Mahoney & the Casuals offer one performance specifically tailored to the old school crowd, another featuring the vocal group S.O.L.E. that's geared to the contemporary R&B fan, one with S.O.L.E.'s neo-soul flourishes, plus two instrumental versions perfect for the dance floor. On all three of the vocal renditions, however, Mahoney's splendid tenor and flights of falsetto proves the perfect foil for group harmonies that recall such R&B stalwarts as The O'Jays or The Spinners. As each generation produces its own particular wedding songs, Skip Mahoney and the Casuals' CD, "Chocolate Brides Theme Song," just might be the perfect wedding disc for the contemporary African-American couple wanting to add a special – chocolate – flavor to their nuptials.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Skip Mahoney and The Casuals's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"ALL LEVEL" by BE BLACK (R&B Artist from Africa)

BE BLACK and his latest single "ALL LEVEL" is pumped up with cool and trendy R&B. The production quality is great, as this song is multi-layered and powered by synth sounds and electronic drums which make the catchy rhythm solid and steady. BE BLACK has vocals that are smooth and clean while the sensation of his lyrics come out in full force. Also take note of the sound effect he has cleverly added in as you hear sounds of an audience clapping when he sings the lyrics "she's jumping in the club, everybody's screaming." The reggae-like vocals adds flair to this melodic tune, and there are nice touches of background vocals. This song is definitely tailored for the club scene with an attitude of dance floor abilities. If you're a fan of R. Kelly or Usher, you will thoroughly enjoy BE BLACK's new danceable arrangement "ALL LEVEL."

-Diane T. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out BE BLACK's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Check out Second Chance, one of RadioIndy's favorite R&B artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for secound chance

 

 

Band Name: secound chance
Band Location: California
Sounds Like:
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out C. Currie, one of RadioIndy's favorite R&B artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for c. currie

 

 

Band Name: c. currie
Band Location: Tennessee
Sounds Like: prince, luther vandross, r. kelly
Visit Band's Website: click here

"Soul Complete" by Cagle & Nash (R&B Artist from North Carolina(NC))

Cagle & Nash serve up some delightful, easy listening R&B/jazz songs on their newest release "Soul Complete." This delectable disc features a collection of well written lyrics of love lost and found while showcasing lead vocals that are solid and well polished. The music flows with style and never falters while delivering the sounds of blues and the relaxing, fresh touch of R&B. An outstanding horn riff highlights "December" while the flute adds a soft and graceful touch. Another track which emphasizes the horn is "Information" as the solo is clean and crisp. Take note of the smooth and dynamic balance of harmonies with guest female vocalists on songs such as "Anywhere You Wanna Go" or "And Suddenly." If you like the songs of Steely Dan or Michael Buble, then "Soul Complete" is the next album you will want to hear.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com reviewer team
Check out Cagle & Nash's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stanley Durbin with a GrIndie Award for the CD "We Are Honestmen"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stanley Durbin with a GrIndie Award for the CD "We Are Honestmen"

If you are in the mood for some smooth and silky R&B then "We Are Honestmen" by Stanley Durbin should be finding its way into your music collection very soon. Durbin's influences of jazz, reggae and R&B combine together for a very soulful listen. The track "How Are You" has a great Lionel Richie feel in the vocal tonality and a very smooth beat keeping the groove. If you want to hear Durbin's reggae influence look no further than "We Are Honestmen" a song written about an everyday man trying to make it in the world. Durbin's latest CD "We Are Honestmen" is a great addition for any R&B fan as it is filled with ideal mood music for any relaxing occasion.

-Shaun and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Stanley Durbin's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Johnny "T" Thompson with a GrIndie Award for the CD "From the Poor Side of Town"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Johnny "T" Thompson with a GrIndie Award for the CD "From the Poor Side of Town"

International soul and rhythm & blues recording artist Johnny "T" Thompson performs a superb collection of singles on his latest album "From the Poor Side of Town." This album is welded together with artistic arrangements which capture the feel of rhythmic blues. Thompson's vocals flow gently into your ears with his mesmerizing and soulful tone. His vocals are also complemented with an outstanding group of musicians. Take note of the big brass sounds as heard on "Pull Your Chain of Love" or "Mind Your Business" which really adds flavor to this style of music. "Giving Up on Love" is a wonderful ballad featuring electric piano, subtle guitar, and sweet harmonies. Revealing soulful hues of rhythm & blues, "From the Poor Side of Town" is an album well worth hearing, especially if you're a fan of Otis Clay or Willie Clayton.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Johnny "T" Thompson 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites