Vibes, Ep.5

The music doesn't stop. Listen to Kali Uchis, Belly, & The Weeknd among others, plus your favorite legendary artists on this 5th episode of 'Vibes'. 'Vibes' is live on wrub.org every Thursday from 2pm-4pm! Listen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'Vibes' Ep.5 by Theessentialvision on Mixcloud

Here's another treat! Last Thursday's episode is here if u missed it. Listen to Wale, Nas, Anderson p.aak, & more! Let's gooooooooo!

Vibes, Ep.4 by Theessentialvision on Mixcloud

Vibes, Ep.3

Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Also check out the interview and discussion w/ visual artist Ivan Da Nomad, Hitchhiker from the 4th Dimension.

Vibes, Ep.2

Vibes, Ep.1

Newcomer Andra Day gives a toast to music with 'Cheers To The Fall'

Album Review

          
                Andra Day has been buzzing within the industry for a few years now, from being a YouTube standout with covers of songs like Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” to being called upon to work with Stevie Wonder before even having a record deal (It is in fact Wonder who would help her secure a recording contract with Warner Bros later) to being a standout at this years Essence Fest that has led to her first of many albums with ‘Cheers To The Fall’.

Hearing Andra Day’s voice alone is a nod to music’s past. Her voice echoes those of Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Amy Winehouse all in one sound bed.  The San Diego native’s Warner Bros. debut ‘Cheers To The Fall’ is a sonic dose of love, heartbreak, consciousness, redemption, and celebration, all in the span of 50 minutes. Vocally she is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse on “Only Love”, carrying the accompanying production that is similar to Winehouse’s work with producer Salaam Remi in the past. Giving melodic vocals to brush against classical sounding horns and percussions. The same can be said of “Gold”. On this particular song, Day eases her singing style into a massive chorus that turns her pain of letting a love interest slip away, into straight up anger. It’s this same pain that is mixed with beautiful songwriting, giving ode to Nina Simone on “Honey or Fire”. On this song, Day knows not to rely solely on her singing to bring power to song, as she uses minimal piano keys and heavy drums to match powerful backup singing.

There are shadows of 60’s soul on records such as “Gin & Juice (Let Go My Hand)” and “Goodbye Goodnight”. This same sound is mastered on the albums first cut (and single) “Forever Mine”, where Day sings with maturity and innocence at the same time. The song is a slow build to a fast rhythmic paced bridge at the end that has her sing-rapping, and even giving a shout out to the legendary group Mobb Deep in the process, singing “The way that you move, never seen it before/Looking for my head, can’t find it no more/You ransom my heart, and I get the reward/Winning the crown like a Trojan Horse/I come back, back, back every time, you got me shook like the Mobb when they rhyme” Day sings. For further enjoyment, check out the song on YouTube for the Spike Lee directed visual. Yes That Spike Lee.

The standout on this record is in fact “Mistakes”. Pulling herself together to be forgiven in a relationship, and realizing that she needs her other half, you actually believe that she is sorry (for whatever she did). This track brings power to her voice, and is also the most up-tempo on the album. Andra Day has good songs on this record. The only thing missing is her cover of Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddam”, where she makes the classic song into her own. That alone is an accomplishment.

Mastering the Pen: Jazmine Sullivan's 'Reality Show' Co-Stars Songwriting

          There is a lot of soul that comes out of Philadelphia, Pa. It kinda starts with Gamble & Huff, the production duo behind 70’s sound of Teddy Pendergrass, The Jackson’s, and the O’Jay’s among others. Then you have DJ Jazzy Jeff, all the way to ?uestlove and The Roots, Eve, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and Meek Mill. One important piece to this list is Jazmine Sullivan, who just released her third studio album Reality Show via RCA. Singing since her childhood, and studying under legends like Salaam Remi and Missy Elliott, Sullivan’s talents stretch beyond her powerhouse voice, as she has an ability to paint a picture with her songwriting skills more effectively than most singer-songwriters of her generation. Reality Show proves that while she can sing her way through stormy situations, it’s her captivating use of a pen that keeps listeners entertained and inspired through each song.

            One would think that the album would detail breakups and heartbreak, after all she did strike big with 2008’s “Bust Your Windows”, however there is a range in topics within the album. Starting off with the Key Wayne produced “Dumb”, Sullivan covers a familiar topic in her catalogue: cheating. The song should have been more of a hit in the summer when it was released as the albums first single, but all is fair. Calling out her other half for being dumb to think that she isn’t aware of his actions, Sullivan gets assist from MMG lyricist, and fellow Philly kid Meek Mill. Other records that get into the pitfalls of a relationship are the DJ Dahi backed “Brand New”. This track fits the ‘Reality Show’ concept, coming off as a Love & Hip hop storyline. Lyrics like “They don’t know you like I do/I swear when n***as start making money/They start actin’ funny/It’s no love when they come up/They get brand new”. While the lyrics are angry, the vocals and production are mellow. Same can be said for “Silver Lining” and “Mascara” The former deals with a woman trying to survive financially between jobs, and having to raise and take care of family. While a relatable story, far too many vocalists are this candid let alone sing about it in song.

            One of the highlights of Reality Show is “#HoodLove.  Produced by industry vet Chuck Harmony, the record deals with the volatile side of being with someone, and doing everything that you can to keep things afloat in hard times, even when you know he/she has “two strikes”. The song’s vibe gives a haunting feeling. One that let’s you know that the relationship is “Bonnie & Clyde” inspired, with a heavy bass to match. Another highlight is “Stupid Girl” where Sullivan showcases a Motown inspired range, with production that brings to mind old sound of The Marvelettes. Sullivan’s pitch is altered again on the album closer “If You Dare”. Using an upbeat track, the song is base and percussion heavy, with the theme of living your life as a focal point. The song is one of the most positive and upbeat records on the album.

            On a few listens to the album it is rather easy to see that Sullivan has an old soul. She uses production and vocal arrangements that sounds like a tribute to Prince and Anita Baker on the tracks “Stanley” and “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa) respectively. She does it effectively without it sounding forced.  In fact her influencers would be proud if they heard the tracks themselves. “Forever Don’t Last” is signature Jazmine Sullivan, and interestingly is the most autobiographical record on the album. The acoustic riff and drum snap in the background compliments her vocals and the pain in the lyrics well.

            Not everyone can sing and be an effective songwriter. Jazmine Sullivan can. There is a song on here for anyone over the age of 25 to relate to. More importantly the album is entertaining, and should be in most playlists this year. There is a reason Sullivan was nominated for ‘Best New Artist” years back at the Grammys. She has a range that few can emulate.