With the bubbly teenie bopper girl singers out and about these days (namely Britney, Christina, Mandy and Jessica), you would think that Joy might be just another pretty face to join the queue but actually it turns out that she actually holds her own and has her own sound and rightfully so considering she was a Star Search champion 11 times straight. 

The song itself is a nice lil' dance number that borrows the bassline from 'LLewrell's - Mellow, mellow right on ' Joy co-wrote the song with Soulshock & Karlin (Kandie, Monica).

A star-studded group of producers/writers, including Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins, Soulshock & Karlin, and of course, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds all contribute to the album, thus ensuring that Joy definitely gets off the right foot. Look out for it 'cos it might surprise you. 

TD

 

 

For years Courtney's music has been crossing the boundaries of Jazz, Funk, Soul and RNB. Though not as jazzy as the last 2 albums, he again gives you the surprise element for great music.

Curtis Mayfield’s ‘Hard Times ’, featuring the lovely Beverley Knight on lead vocal gets a well deserved re-work, Courtney’s solo really takes off and there's no stopping him. Also featured is Lynden David Hall on ‘Lady Day & John Coltrane ’ and Kele Le Roc on Joan Armatrading’s ‘Love & Affection ’.

There is no doubt that Courtney can play, it's very evident with this album and you get to sample his work first hand with this new LP. The album is now available in fine record shops everywhere.

TD

 

 

The lads over @ Soul24-7.com have been playing this album for quite some time now and that's how I got to hear a taste of the album including the brilliant 'Now You Know Better ', featuring the beautifully sexy voice of Amel Larrieux. Quite frankly, this track is a gorgeous track. It has that jazzy/blues feel to it that just makes you stand up and take notice cos her voice is so distinctive it shines.

My pick on the album is what I feel should be the next single. 'Butterfly ' is an extrodinary song that is a delight to listen to. Shinichi Osawa has come up trumps with this one that features regular Monday Michiru on lead vocal.

The album as a whole has excellent instrumentation and production that fuels it from the word get go and with some of the UK and US's finest vocalist on board I dare not say I was disappointed 'cos I wasn't. 

Most notables include 'Life ', 'Into the wind  ' and 'Show Me Your Love ' which was co-written by and features N'Dea Davenport. Due out in record shops Feb 5th (in the UK) no word on a US release so jump to it, don't walk to get it. A most definite TY-D Pick

TD