Solange has a secret, albeit poorly kept: she is Beyonce's sister.
She'd like you not to remember that, though, and on "Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams" she breaks from her sister's shadow. That's not because she doesn't sing like her sister - few pop singers can - but because she (or her management) smartly carved a niche for her as an eccentric.
That style works, but unfortunately the substance does not.
On the opener, "God Given Name," Solange croons loose, breathy, unscripted vocals but they lack impact; it sounds like something Erykah Badu would have discarded in the 10th grade. Things do get better, but the middle meat of the album consists of '60s and '70s doo-wop Motown rehashing that would have been novel, except for the fact that Amy Winehouse shut that down two years ago. "I Decided" is the best of these, but only allow her so much rope. More "I'm so quirky" oohs and aahs follow, but none is really memorable. This is all tough to watch, because Solange clearly has vision, just one clearly not nurtured enough to make her material shine.
- Malcolm Venable, The Pilot
Solange: "Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams"
Rating: Leave it on the shelf
Tracks to download: "I Decided"
At age 82, B.B. King doesn't have anything to prove.
Certainly, his long career and prodigious output should be enough to please anyone. And his recent albums have mirrored this, filled with self-consciousness that undermined the music. So it's a real surprise to pop "One Kind Favor" in the CD player and find it to be the best album King has recorded in years.
Producer T Bone Burnett placed King among some great musicians, including Nathan East, Jim Keltner and Dr. John, and recorded the proceedings live in the studio. There's none of the dross that usually weighs down King's studio efforts. King's mature voice, one moment grieving, the next a passionate shout, is as expressive as his stinging guitar licks.
The songs date to much earlier times and will be familiar to blues fans. King greets them as the old friends that they are and sings with a knowing passion that's indomitable. It's one of his finest works, one not to be missed by fans, or those looking for an authentic slice of blues.
- Larry Printz, The Pilot
B.B. King: "One Kind Favor"
Rating: Go get it now
Tracks to download: "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean," "Get These Blues off Me," "Sitting on Top of The World"
Veteran singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo 's more than 30-year career has spanned a variety of genres and styles. Hopefully, this latest will give him the recognition he deserves. It's easily one of the top records of 2008.
After bouncing back from near death resulting from hepatitis C, Escovedo teams with rock uber-producer Tony Visconti. On this set of 13 mainly anthemic rockers, Escovedo bursts out of the gate and touches on all the bands and styles from his long and rich career. "Real Animal" snarls with the punk of his first band The Nuns, roars with the power of his guitar army True Believers, thunders like his Buick McKane rockers and twangs like cowpunk pioneers Rank & File. Throughout he offers some of the finest vocals, chipping in soulful performances in his clear, strong tenor voice, wrapping it around autobiographical songs. The album finally winds down with a few introspective songs, touching on the chamber-pop of his solo career.
"Real Animal" is a tough, accessible major work from a major American artist who has yet to receive his due.
- Eric Feber, The Pilot
Alejandro Escovedo: "Real Animal"
Rating: Go get it now
Tracks to download: "Chelsea Hotel," "Sensitive Boys," "Nuns Song"
The labeling for jazz guitarist Paul Renz's sixth CD is as intriguing as the music.
The former Norfolk resident's name appears in B-I-G letters next to the release's title. Underneath that is "The Paul Renz Quintet."
Considering that the music of the flute - specifically the flute of Anders Bostrom - inspired this outing, and Bostrom's melodious sounds greatly enhance the results, a more accurate labeling might have been "Featuring Anders Bostrom." The Swedish flutist adds a rich dimension to the musicianship of drummer Nathan Fryett, bassist Eric Graham and keyboardist Brian Ziemniak.
This is mainstream contemporary jazz, a deep nod to bebop, but with blues, Latin jazz and even funk strains. Renz's guitar work is nimble, fluid and, at times, playful, as he is on the funky "Sloppy Joe" track. "Un Poco Loco," the only nonoriginal track, showcases Renz, with Ziemniak on Hammond organ. The beautiful "Farewell HP" is a ballad tribute to Herb Pomeroy, the late trumpeter
. Renz, now a music educator in Minneapolis, delivers a fine follow-up to his 2006 "Beyond Blues' release.
- Marvin Leon Lake
Paul Renz: "Rebop"
Rating: Download a few tracks
Tracks to download: "Sloppy Joe," "Farewell HP"
In concert: 8 p.m. Saturday, September 6, Unitarian Church of Norfolk, 739 Yarmouth St. $10 (757) 627-5371
Gospel music fans can always count on Deitrick Haddon to deliver Scripture snug ly packed in R&B-influenced tracks. "Revealed" takes a different route.
The 15-track project ventures into the rock 'n' roll realm with danceable bass lines, rambunctious guitars and plenty of wild vocals from Haddon.
The Detroit native opens with heavy rock on "Where You Are" and "I'm Alive" but quickly dumps that vibe for a retro skating rink sound on "Go With Me."
There's a hint of Case's "Missing You" on "Reveal My Heart." It's not a sample, but it sure sounds like the '90s R&B hit.
The gospel star uses the election to give a nod to the Savior on "Jesus for President." "Can I nominate the candidate whose action speaks louder than his words? Who else would lay down his life for his people?" he sings.
"All in favor of Jesus say aye. He's the only man for the job. He's No. 1 in my eyes. That's why I vote Jesus, Jesus for president," he sings. There's a lot going on here, but don't worry. The message isn't diluted. You'll just have to listen a little closer.
- DeAnne M. Bradley, Link
Ratings: Download a few tracks
Tracks to download: "Where You Are," "Go With Me," "Ungrateful"
Listening Party: 9 p.m., Friday, September 5; The Mark Empowerment Center, 609 Washington St., Portsmouth. $12. (757) 575-1935.
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