Slow Jam Saturday: One Chance, That’s My Word
R&B luminary Usher is commencing his “Past Present Future” tour this week. Notably, two decades ago, he experienced resounding success with “Confessions” and the subsequent “Truth Tour.” For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday segment, I intend to revisit 2005 and spotlight a selection from the “In the Mix” soundtrack, which Usher had a starring role.
Second Listen Sunday : Today, Today
The renowned Motown label encountered a period of stagnation in the late 1980s. At this pivotal juncture, the imminent departure of founder Berry Gordy Jr. prompted the appointment of Jheryl Busby as his successor. Mr. Busby, a distinguished figure in his own right, aimed to propel the label into the contemporary era by devising a marketing strategy to resonate with loyal fans of the label’s heyday and a new audience.
Slow Jam Saturday : Bobby Caldwell, My Flame
In the late seventies, the music world was in for a surprise when it was revealed that the voice behind the classic R&B ‘What You Won’t Do for Love’ was the talented Bobby Caldwell, a white musician. While the obvious choice for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday would be a write-up on that song, I wanted to highlight one of my favorites, ‘My Flame,’ an album track from his 1978 debut.
Second Listen Sunday : The Time, Ice Cream Castle
This month marked the 40th anniversary of the renowned cinematic masterpiece “Purple Rain.” While I intend to collaborate with fellow critics in the future on a retrospective project, for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I plan to honor The Time’s third album, “Ice Cream Castle,” which is notable for featuring two enduringly classic songs that were included in the film as mentioned earlier.
Slow Jam Saturday : Missy Elliot, Friendly Skies
Missy Elliott, a versatile artist, is currently performing at various venues nationwide as part of her inaugural headlining tour, “OUT OF THIS WORLD—THE EXPERIENCE.” I had the opportunity to attend a preview of the tour last year, and I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming show scheduled for this Thursday in Baltimore, Maryland.
Second Listen Sunday: Tamia, Tamia
There’s no denying the exceptional talent of Canadian singer Tamia, whose voice stands out as one of the most distinctive in R&B. Her introduction to the music scene was marked by her captivating performances in two songs, the soulful ballad “You Put A Move on my Heart” and the Babyface duet “Slow Jams,” both featured on the 1995 Quincy Jones album Q’s Jook Joint. Tamia’s collaborations with Brandy, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan and her contribution to the legendary ballad “Missing You” further solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in the industry.
Slow Jam Saturday: IV Xample, I’d Rather Be Alone
In the 1990s, R&B music was dominated by vocal groups known for their captivating lead singers and smooth harmonies. This week, I wanted to highlight IV Xample and their single “I’d Rather Be Alone” for Slow Jam Saturday.
Second Listen Sunday: Babyface, Lovers
As an independent entertainment critic, one of my primary concerns stems from observing established figures within the music industry making factual errors during interviews or reviews. Of particular note are instances where Bobby Brown’s “Don’t Be Cruel” and Usher’s “My Way,” released in 1988 and 1997, are erroneously cited as the artists’ debut albums. It is evident to genuine music enthusiasts that such claims are inaccurate.
Chris Brown: Slow Jam Saturday, You
While Chris Brown is currently wowing fans across the country with his current “11:11” tour, for this week’s “Slow Jam Saturday,” I wanted to travel back to 2007 and show some love to “You,” an album track from Breezy’s sophomore album “Exclusive.” Brown had already experienced success with two club hits, “Wall to Wall” and “Kiss Kiss,” while the ballads “With You” and “Take You Down” were slow jam mix CD staples.
Album Review : New Kids On The Block, Still Kids
Five iconic figures from Dorchester, Massachusetts, are captivating their fans on their current tour, ‘Magic Summer Tour.’ They recently marked a triumphant comeback with their first album in eleven years, a testament to their enduring influence in the music industry. If you haven’t already guessed, I’m referring to the legendary Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood, and the Knight brothers (Jordan and Jon), better known as New Kids on the Block.
Second Listen Sunday: J. Holiday, Guilty Conscience
Regrettably, J. Holiday, a native of Washington D.C., had a scheduled performance tonight at The Birchmere, a renowned music hall in Alexandria, VA, which was ultimately canceled.
Slow Jam Saturday: Will Downing, Anything
One of the best performers in the music industry, Ms. Janet Jackson is currently thrilling fans nationwide on the 2024 leg of her “Together Again” tour. For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to showcase one of my favorite slow songs from her catalog that R&B singer Will Downing covered in 2003. The song “Anything” appeared on Janet’s “Velvet Rope” album.