By Richard Felstead (128.40.91.183) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 12:59 pm:

Hello Friends,

Just curious to find out if any of you still buy new music ?

I don't mean re-issues, or stuff you've bought on cd to replace the worn out vinyl.

Brand new music, from the current crop of new artists out there still flying the flag for Soul,Funk and Jazz.

People like Rosie Gaines, Rashan Patterson, Frank McComb, Amp Fiddler, Jaheim, Jamie Cullum, Michael Buble, Rasmus Faver, Blaze, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Amy Winehouse, etc.

Another question for you. If you hear a new piece of music on the radio that moves you, how many of you would be inclined to go out and buy it ?.
Do you let your radio influence you in that way ?.

Would love to know your answers.

Thanks,

Rich.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 01:09 pm:

Richard:
I rarely do buy new music and not because I can (almost) get the stuff for free (hey, being in the music biz does have its privileges!!!).

Whatever I buy that is from a current artist has to move me in a certain way. I listen for musicality and whether the artist is bringing something unique to the table that they can call their own. Artists such as Kem, Alicia Keyes, Jay-Z do that for me.

Is new music important to me? As a listener and music biz person it is important because music is an evolving process that needs to grow in order to survive and maintain.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Richard Felstead (128.40.91.183) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 01:24 pm:

I totally agree with you Kevin,new music is very important, so let's see what the other forum members have to say.

By the way, your three artists are an interesting choice. Not my kinda thing but, I agree they do bring something new to the table.

Best,

Rich.

By Tony Russi (68.18.235.158) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 01:32 pm:

The only new music I have purchased would be Aretha Franklins latest, Kid Rock or country(good lyrics, melodies, and artists that can really sing).I'm gonna get the new Solomon Burke.

By Dayo (81.136.195.126) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:08 pm:

I'd love to buy more new music and I know there's a lot of quality stuff out there. Unearthing it can be a problem!

Any recommendations anyone? Who's making great soul music in 2004?

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:40 pm:

I DON'T BUY NEW MUSIC FOR TWO REASONS..1[CALL ME OLD FASHIONED]BUT I LOVE MY VINYL[MOST NEW STUFF IS ON CD]2..THERE'S NOT ALOT OUTTHERE THAT MOVES ME.

By Mike Sku (64.9.11.62) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:46 pm:

I don't find myself buying too much new US music. I don't like rap and I find alternative music irritating. I do buy a lot of catalog stuff, though. I order a lot of new UK and German stuff online if I can't get my imports at Tower. For example, I discovered Jamie Cullum, Katie Melua, Heaven Sent and Juliette Schoppmann all by happenstance. All pleasant surprises.

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.101) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:47 pm:

I listen about 50/50 to old and new music (well, maybe more like 65/35, but I try to keep up).

Van Hunt has just released his debut CD, and it is really good, IMHO. He seems to be the real deal in terms of being both a performer and songwriter, and he uses live drums and makes other interesting choices (such as using a mellotron instead of synth strings) that make his records stand out from most modern R&B.

I also enjoyed the "Introducing Ricky Fanté" EP. He is almost too retro for his own good, with a serious Stax fixation, but he has the voice to pull it off. I am curious to hear his full-length album set to be released in a month or so. If you are in SE Michigan, he's doing a free acoustic set tomorrow night at 8:00 at the Borders Books & Music on Ford Road in Dearborn.

Regards,
Ken

By Reese (204.152.13.84) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 03:23 pm:

Rarely do I buy cds by new acts. I hardly listen to the radio, so I don't hear much new music. And when I do see/hear the current acts on the various video or award shows, I'm usually not that impressed. So for the most part, I stick with my tried and true favorites like Diana, Aretha, etc.

The last new cds I bought by the current crop were the American Idol contestants, Clay and Ruben. In all honesty, if they were just two regular blokes with a recording contract, I probably wouldn't have even bought them. But I am an American Idol junkie and as a result, have become fans.

I also bought the cd by Joss Stone. I had seen a few of her appearances, and wasn't all that impressed. But one day, they were playing her cd in a record store and I really enjoyed it. When I saw that they were selling it for $6.99, I picked it up fast.

By Nish (66.119.33.135) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 04:06 pm:

I have Joss Stone, Vivian Green, and tha's all when it comes to new R&B. I like Alicia Keys' music, I do plan on buying the CD. I like Syleena Johnson's voice, but her style is still a bit hip hop for me. I am buying Barbara Mason and Al Green's new offerings as well. But generally, I'd say about 2% of my collection is new stuff.

By Galactus (207.144.253.114) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 05:03 pm:

I haven't bought a CD by a new act in many, many years......in fact, I can't even remember who the last "currrent" r&b artist I purchased something by was......Probably Sade.

In the past 20 years, the majority of new releases I've bought have been by veteran soul or reggae acts, including Maze, The O'Jays, The Isley Brothers and Ronald Isley, Earth Wind & Fire, Freddie McGregor, King Sunny Ade, Beres Hammond, Buju Baton and Luciano. And I plan to get Al Green's new CD. But that's it.

I occasionally hear the new "music" on the radio or through my wife, but I honestly can't stand the majority of it. Everything is way too New Jack or rap influenced......Or if it's mellow (like Norah Jones' latest, which my wife bought) it all sounds the same to me....and it's been that way for two decades now. I honestly hear very little difference in music from 1985- present......Certainly nothing in the way of radical change and variation that compares to a similar time frame like 1965-85.....

Everything I buy falls into the "reissues" category......That may make me an "old fogey", but CDs are too expensive to spend money on junk I don't like.

By souljunkie (213.122.196.166) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 05:56 pm:

Richard, new music is very important to me but I care nothing for mainstream radio, MTV and back-slapping award ceremonies like the Mobo's, Grammys etc. As you well know you have to look beyond the major labels and mainstream radio/tv to hear the kind of music that moves us soulheads these days. We are fortunate in the UK to have a 'scene' as such and a good network of specialist shops, contacts, radio stations and indie labels to put the word out on these independent artists.

If it wasn't for the likes of Dome, Expansion, FER, Cafe De Soul, Grapevine, Crazybeat, Soulbrother, Oneway, Solar, Soul 24-7 and DJ's like yourself I wouldn't bother to listen or buy new music as nearly all of the previous posters have said. Very little from major labels move me these days and I can't remember the last time I watched music video, it's time for a revolution....LOL

BTW, now on rotation is the very nice Rosie Gaines album.

By Handsome (170.118.158.14) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 06:20 pm:

Richard, you hit on some artists who I like:

Rashaan Patterson, Rosie Gaines, Frank McComb

I like to buy new music whether it grabs me from the radio, someone's house, party, etc.

I just bought a cd by a young lady named Ledisi. While I enjoy Ole Skool, I do like new music, though I find myself buying ole' skool.

My music collection is a wide genre music extending from jazz, r & B, pop, very little rap,gospel, to ole skool.

Handsome

By ErikT.O. (64.228.114.16) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 07:08 pm:

The last new music/ brand new disc I got was Al Green's 'I Can't Stop'. Newer stuff by Fishbone, Pucho & His Latin Soul Bros and Galactic I like, as well as Antibalas who are on tour & are a must-see if you dig big-band Afrobeat... I read on 1 Nation P-Funk are experimenting with selling discs of their shows burned at the venue upon completion of the show, hope they're doing it in Royal Oak for the pilgrimage Friday...

By Richard Felstead (195.92.168.176) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 07:46 pm:

Some interesting answers here.
Without wishing to single anyone out, I must just say thanks to souljunkie for the heads up.

I hear what most of you are saying, and in most cases I do agree with some of your comments.
We all love our oldies, and why not, but you gotta remember they were newies once. :-))

Many artists and groups are still making some extraordinarily fine music thesedays, but as many of you have said, it's where to find it.

I could mention the UK station I'm on now but that would be a cheap shot, and that's not what I'm about.

Don't despair people, listen out for those independant radio stations that are not bound by major labels, surf the net, it's all out there waiting for you to discover it.

Most of all, don't be afraid to do it.

Support these new artists that have been influenced by some of our fave groups and singers, they are well worth a listen, in some cases.

Many pleasant surprises await you.

Joss Stone, Amp Fiddler, Rashaan Patterson( spelt correctly this time) N'Danbi, all do quality R&B, with tough, thoughtful lyrics, that actually mean something. Nearly all of them, have had to go down the independant label route, as their music is to "mature" for most of today's major labels.

Frank McComb is an unbelievable talent, who sounds more like Stevie at times than Stevie, check him out.

Don't just resort to the oldies cos it's easy, give yourself a challenge. Seek these people out, and let yourself wander on the net, to hear radio stations outside the US.

Soul music is very much alive, with brand new material, from brand new artists and groups.

Keep those comments comin' cos it's great to know who listens to new stuff and who doesn't.

Best,

Rich.
www.solarradio.com

( sorry, couldn't resist ) :-))

By Kev-Lo (205.184.164.235) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 08:09 pm:

Hi this is Kev-Lo I for one don't buy new music because it just don't move me and it's not as soulful as the old music.I don't have anything personal against the artists today,but I just wish they would stop sampling all of the old classics and make their own music.A lot of the younger generation don't like our music but yet and still they are sampling it. I should'nt feel this way but I don't like it when they do that.

By DyvaNaye (205.188.209.13) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:28 pm:

It is not so much that I buy the new music, but that I am exposed to it through my 21 year old. She keeps me abreast of things, not that I 'cotton' to all of it, alot of it sort of reminds me of regurgitation after a bad meal...
But I will note the new artists whole can turn my head:

Musique
Kem
Dwele
Javier
Donnie
(you know, what is with the first name thing now that I think of it?)
Glenn Lewis - African Canadian young man who sound alot like Stevie Wonder
I have not been very happy with the female presence in music, a la neo soul...but I will give a head nod to:

Kelly Price

and I pray Lauren Hill just graces us with another cd.

By DyvaNaye (205.188.209.13) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:34 pm:

...oh and my bad:

I meant to add:
Amil Larreiux.. she is interesting. i heard her blow a little Jazz and club S/O/B's here in the city. She is smooth.

Jill Scott: Diva confidence. Although her vocals can use a little polishing live, she can put on a show. She is meant for the stage.

Also; Floetry. 'Them cow's can moo'. Their elecctic approach 'flowpoetryrap' is tastefully done.

By LadyMystique (216.37.229.14) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:45 pm:

I buy new music, but I really have to research it first before actually buying it.

By Richard Felstead (195.92.168.173) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:29 pm:

Kev,
Don't worry mate, you're entitled to feel the way you do, many of us do, including me, sometimes.

There are good and bad examples of sampling.
Chanelle used a sample of the Crusaders - Streetlife, to great effect a couple of years back, but as permission wasn't sought it wasn't released on a major.
Someone else ( and I can't remember her name ) used the O'Jays - Backstabbers fairly recently and that just made me want to plat the original, every time I heard it.

I was actually talking about people that have the talent to make music and not just sample it.

Donnie
Amel Larrieux
Floetry
Jill Scott are all good examples of how to do it.
Having said that, there are albums out there right now that you couldn't just put on and leave on . You might have to skip the odd track here and there.
We also have many albums at home by the Isleys, Brothers Johnson, George Duke, Roy Ayers, Leroy Hutson,Benson, Patti, Phyllis, Aretha etc, that you couldn't play all the way through.

Soul music and all it's ofshoots is so important to us all, but the whole scene will die, if we don't start to embrace the better quality side of what's happenin' now.

There will simply be nothing to pass on to our children,except old music, and that would be tragic.

I am heartened by many that have taken the time to post on this thread, you have all highlighted a diverse selection of quality talent that is on offer.

Keep em comin'.

:-))

By jus4me (205.188.209.9) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 05:09 am:

I don't purchase half as muc new music as used to...But DONNIE had the best cd of 2003. What a great purchase.

By JoB (63.168.103.2) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 06:28 am:

...just a lil' off subject, but...I was in this record shop I go to sometimes, as I'm currently working on a little vinyl collection of my own, and while searching I found an album, actual vinyl, of the artist Pink...which I thought was kind of ironic because most people who own and listen to music on record players, aren't usually interested in music of Pink's nature. Am I mistaken, or just being stereotypical? :o)

By Phil (212.129.42.129) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 06:56 am:

Richard, you're right about passing good music to our children, but what can we pass to them ? Personnally, I don't listen to today's music, except very few artists, like Calvin Richardson, but nobody's mentionned him, and I wonder why. Isn't he soulful enough ?
I also bought 2 CD's by Charles Walker, who sings with the Memphis 60's spirit, and also Prince, 3CD's "Live" box-set, which is really great music, for me. But that's all, I don't like CD's, as I collect vinyl, only vinyl.

By Dayo (81.136.164.4) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 07:32 am:

I'm reading this thread with great interest. Perhaps we could all make a mental note to post a note whenever we "discover" a credible new artist?

By Galactus (207.144.253.114) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 12:42 pm:

I'm pretty much with Kev-Lo all the way.

Not only do I not like the less soulful new music (and I have given it a fair shot, but like Kev-Lo said, it just doesn't move me at all......where are the horns? The funky guitars? The great productions and songwriters? I'm not hearing it...).....but it's also a question of money, time and priorities.

I have a fair size collection.....about 700 CDs or so.......but there are still TONS of old material out there I haven't had a chance to get yet......I mean a LOT......Sometimes I feel like I've just hit the tip of the iceburg.....

So until I feel I've collected all the old music I could ever want......soul, jazz and reggae......It's gonna be hard to buy any new releases, especially when I could use that money to buy that Dee Clark CD I've been wanting.....or maybe that Dizzy Gillespie collection.....or an old Lee Perry album. It's just so much as it is......older releases are enough for me.

By E (68.236.53.71) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 01:04 pm:

Phil,

I love Calvin Richardson.
He needs to be with a credible label that can understand where he is coming from and market him appropriately.

By ckbronte (209.247.222.86) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 01:13 pm:

I heard the song Wish I Didn't Love You by
Angie Stone and bought the CD. I must admit I really like the song but the rest of the material just doesn't do it for me. So I ended up with a very expensive song. As much as I like that one cut it wouldn't bother me to part with the CD.

By souljunkie (213.122.142.113) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 03:31 pm:

Soul music is not getting out to the masses at the moment but it does exist. There are many good artists out there making fine soul music but the majors don't seem to be interested so you have to make an effort if you really want to find it. That means switching off your commercial radio, switch off your television and go listen to Solar radio, Soul24-7 or Jazzfm....LOL

Here's a quick list of artists who have put out some of my fave soul albums on their own or indie labels in recent years. (some will be very familiar)

Angela Johnson
Shabazz
Julie Dexter
Ledisi
N'Dambi
Seek
Coolys Hot-Box
Karen Bernod
Maysa Leek
Frank McComb
Incognito
Wade O Brown
Main Ingredient
Kloud 9
Imprompt2
Five Point Plan
Park Place
Cornell Stone
Tashas World
Omar
Donnie
Temika Moore
GC Cameron
Ray Chew & The Crew

The list could be endless but I don't have time right now to list them all.

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 05:55 pm:

Hello, soulful friends!

The most "new" i have is from 2001, "Life, Starnger Than Fiction" by Incognito. Practically the only "soul" (or fusion soul-jazz-funk) act i likes in the 90's. I have all their previous discography, included their recenttly re-edited first album "Jazz Funk" with two bonus tracks.

The last Cd by O'Jays I acquired was "Heartbreakers" (1993) and i likes some tracks, but sounds some "techno" and cold for my taste, I miss the rich and classic big.band orchestrations. Also, in 1992 i acquired The Dell's "I Salute You", includes some "raps" and drumm-programing, but sounds well. Other "recently" adquisitions are the "Quidam" Cd by canadian Le Cirque du Soleil (very good mellow "carrousel"-style tunes!!!). Or Masters At Work's "Nuyorican Soul" or Incognito "Future Remixes" by diverse DJ's as Jazzanova, MAW,... And the fantastic jazz-hip hop blend by Guru and US3 ("Hand On The Torch"), Or some germany label K7! compilations (Peace Orchestra, A Guy Called gerald, Bet Hirsh, Smith & Mighty, Terranova, ...). Actual jazz as Carmen Lundy or Chick Corea & Origin "Change".
I thinks is possible to continue hearding good music, the old and the new if we heard the specialized radio programs for to know the new. Recently, for example, in my favorite radio program specialized in fusion («Área Reservada»), played a version of "For The Love Of Money" by Reuben Ford and i instantly thinks «i will search this CD!».

Peace & Soul Food

By Phil (213.36.128.88) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 06:06 pm:

Bobby, I'm not sure, but I think that you mentionned Calvin Richardson some time ago, and that made me wanting to hear him. I saw his 2 CD's on Barnes & Noble, ordered them, and now I'm addicted ! I've lent these CD's to all of my friends, even those who are not Soul lovers, and they all burnt them ! Thank you !!!

By souljunkie (81.131.240.63) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 06:45 pm:

I forgot to mention Calvin Richardson but I did really like those albums. It's pleasing that he does his own thing without bowing to the more commercialised productions that would no doubt get him more chart sales.

Should also give mention to Jaheim, Rahsaan Patterson and Ann Nesby while I'm at it. Jaheim for me has so much potential with that soulfully drenched voice but he can be let down with some mediocre material at times. Just looking forward to something really special from him. Rahsaan has been away too long now so I hope he manages to quickly get himself a deal and get that new album out while Ann Nesby can do no wrong in my book, she's the real deal.

By Juicefree20 (68.161.48.203) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 07:25 pm:

Souljunkie, is that the Shabazz that made I'm Glad You're In My Life in the 90s? If so, I wasn't aware that they were still recording. If they're one & the same, that was one funky jam.

By souljunkie (81.131.240.63) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 07:49 pm:

Hi Juicefree. The answer to your question is Yes and no. Omari Shabazz (formerly Paul Stewart) has recorded this one as a solo artist but maintaining the Shabazz name.

Here's the links to the label website and a selection of reviews. Speaking personally it was in my top 3 of 2001 - and I bought a lot of music that year...LOL

http://www.firstexperiencerecords.com/shabaz-reviewwind.html

http://www.firstexperiencerecords.com

By DyvaNaye (205.188.209.13) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 10:13 pm:

About 2 years ago Angie Stone, Prince and D'Angelo released a single effort...the name fails me, but I sure would love to get that...there is a video that was released to push the song.

I needed to add to my list;
D'Angelo
Angie Stone
yes...Ann Nesby is hot!
I must admit that I do like Erika Badu...her vocal styling is interesting...it is her own. I think if she got the right material, she could knock out some jazz.

Chico Debarge - his music is good. I particularly like when he has El Debarge on his cd's 'greasing'out on the Hammond...

By citylights (67.24.157.1) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 11:46 pm:

I usually don't buy new music. As long as they keep releasing the old stuff on CD'S, that's pretty much were my dollar is going. I did recently buy En Vogue's "Soulflower". I can't say it sounds like the old En Vogue, but, a pretty new funky sound. Also, found Heaven Sent's "Songs Supreme". Now, if you like The Supremes, these girls will knock your socks off! The only place I've found it was amazon.de (Germany). It was well worth the money. My complaint....the current crop just can't carry a tune in a bucket. NO real horns/guitars...it sounds and feels so flat. I'm anxious to hear Ann Nesby. I hear she's great. Also looking forward to the upcoming Sweet Inspirations CD!

By Richard Felstead (128.40.91.183) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 01:08 pm:

Thanks for your replies gang, it's nice to see some of you are keeping an open mind, when it comes to hearing what the newer "kids on the block" are doing.

They are the future, whether that sits well with you or not.

:-))

By ~medusa~ (68.79.164.66) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 04:10 pm:

I can't begin to name all the musical artists I really like...but 2 me, Music is "Life", I can be sad, mad or whatever, but if I drop in a cassette, or CD, or play some 45's, or just hear the right song, it seems like the world is alright with me~~~
~Music is vitamins 4 my soul~

By JACKIE (129.7.111.78) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 06:04 pm:

I AM AN OLDIES FAN. MUSIC DOES SOOTH THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL. I DO RESPECT THE NEW ARTISTS AND THEIR MUSIC. I FEEL THERE IS ROOM IN THIS WORLD FOR ALL TYPES OF MUSIC !!.

By bigdaddyg2k4 (205.138.54.31) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 06:16 pm:

In 2004, I haven't bought any new music yet, but was close though. I was going to buy "Gold Coast" by Rhian Benson (fine!) and "Ice Cream" by JS (like the Doublemint twins, but not twins!), but something came up and I passed up on it. But soon, I will get those CDs, I really want to get "The Original Salsoul Classics" CD, but it's hard to find in the stores. I will find it one way or another. Besides, I listen enough of today's music on BET, MTV and Music Choice on cable. So, I do keep up on what's current.

By kevin quinn (151.197.62.162) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 08:07 pm:

I'll buy new music if a song and or style really hits me in the right spot.

Newer artists purchases:
Van Hunt
Kem
Donnie
Joss Stone
Soul Sonic
Maxwell
Alicia Keyes

New Releases from older artists;
Al Green
Tower Of Power
Hamish Stuart
Incognito
Pat Metheny
Van Morrison
Maze

By kloud9 (63.239.42.50) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 06:57 pm:

a Great new Soul Compilation is "Soul Sophisticated" in stores everywhere. It features

Maysa
Kloud 9
Laurnea
Karen Bernod
Carmen Rodgers
Nadir

Check this one OUT!!!

By Greg C. (165.247.29.243) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 08:20 pm:

I agree! "Soul Sophisticated" was excellent. It was so refreshing to hear some folks with real talent. That whole Kloud 9 CD, which is an import out of the UK is a gem. Two real life brothers with a lot of potential.

I'm always on the look out for new music and I love to give the new acts some play. It's just a lot more selective these days because of all the crap out there. Good music is still out there, you just have to look harder for it.

By cimande (80.111.98.13) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 12:54 pm:

A lot of great new artists are keeping the soul alive, many of them have been mentioned in this thread.

It almost seems like I«m the only one but I really think that a lot of people have gone Joss Stone crazy. To me her voice isn«t that spectacular and isn«t that soulful. Her voice has more of a country and western sound than soul. I think the sad truth is that if she was black she wouldn«t have gotten nearly as much attention because of her voice, let alone a record deal and so much backing from the record company. I guess being 16 and white is the way to go if you want to bust through with "authentic soul";)