Neo SoulGroove

Gizelle Smith & Mocambo now step up with a full-length album of bonafide sister funk.
In the days of digital recording and Pro Tools editing, they show true exception to modern techniques and create their highly regarded, unique and raw soul sound, by making use of simple dynamic microphones and reel-to-reel tape machines.
In a genre which is often littered with overused clichés of the past, the charismatic Gizelle Smith adds a lot of her own flavour rather than slavishly copying icons of bygone decades. The result is a refreshing alternative to post-millenium plastic pop without being a mere retro rip-off.

From the heavy and determined “Gonna Get You” to vulnerable, gospel-tinged laments such as “Coffee High”, the album is just as deeply rooted in the music from the golden era of soul as it is a modern masterpiece in its own right.
Blazing horns, soulful guitars, driving drums and basslines combined with Gizelle’s gripping and powerful voice all weave together to create a long player that is varied and coherent at the same time.

Ledisi Official Website
Ledisi on Myspace
Ledisi on Facebook

Placed on an offering table for her first “big solo” at the tender age of two, it is no surprise that Esperanza Freeze may have been ‘born to sing.’ Growing up in church, Esperanza’s love for music was developed and nurtured at an early age. In fact, her gifts dominated her life from as early as she can recall and her exceptional talent has not gone unnoticed.

She has sung for, recorded with, opened for Yolanda Adams, Kindred the Family Soul, Case, Canton Jones, Shirley Caesar, Dottie Peoples, Melinda Doolittle, The Canton Spirituals, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Vickie Winans. She appears on Gold and Platinum selling albums from 95 South, The 69 Boys, and The Quad City DJ’s. She considers herself fortunate to have had the opportunities that she’s been given to work with accomplished producer, Veit Renn, Joe Smith, Bob Katz, Stephen “Toby” Lewis, and many other great talents on this project. As a gifted singer/songwriter/producer, she has been compared to Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott to name a few. Esperanza is definitely ‘one to watch.’

But it is her own unique brand of “Inspirational Soul”, mixed with passionate vocals and candid lyrics that make Esperanza’s sound all her own. “Nick of Time” is a collection that includes moving declarations like “Survive” and “Incomplete” along with heavy-hitting testimonials like “Tell It” and the title track “Nick Of Time.” Her artistry is honest and inspiring and with the personal testimony to support every lyric, Esperanza is a real artist with a real message set to real music in a world where that can often be hard to find.

Esperanza Official Website
Esperanze on Myspace

R&B singer Sade is to release her first album in nine years, according to reports. Sade's US website has been refreshed and a new site, Sade2009.com, has been launched with purported information about the forthcoming record.

The reports have been confirmed by Aruba-based radio station RAAR FM, although Sade's label has yet to comment – or to reassure sceptics that Sade2009.com is an official site. Last heard on 2000's Lovers Rock, Sade is notoriously patient with her music – prompting even Prince to recently say he was "[getting] sick of waiting for Sade to make a new album".

According to the new – and still unauthenticated – artist site, "[Sade] does not make albums for the money, Sade is an artist who creates music purely on inspiration. Hence why we've waited nearly a decade for another release, like a poet with a nine-year year dry spell until she fell in love again, Sade will bless us with another classic. In occasionally incorrect English, the site promises a new album on 25 November, even if its songs will "[reveal] little about [Sade's] closely shielded private life".

Apart from these reports, the most recent word on Sade's recordings is from R&B singer Maxwell, who wrote in March. "Sade is on her way [with a new album] and trust me, it's so monolithic it'll shake you in your shoes!" he posted on his Facebook fan page. Whenever Sade's new album arrives, we hope it's sexier than the word "monolithic" would suggest.

American Soul, R&B artist Lacee was born Lacy Yvonne Reed on July 1 in Memphis, Tennessee. The only daughter born to Reverend Joe Reed and Joann Reed, Lacee began her journey towards singer superstardom as a youngster in the church singing with her mother. Raised in the Deep South, Lacee possesses the wind chimes of a southern belle. Her voice has a classic style of ‘old school’, in a new school era. Lacee’s personality is also reflected in her singing style…boisterous, lively, joyful and alluring.

In May 2006, Lacee released her first album, “Songstress.” Her singing abilities have been influenced by the artistry of Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and the legendary Aretha Franklin. Lacee paid homage to Franklin in her latest project by covering the hit “Dr. Feel Good” allowing her own interpretation of the classic to become an original hit in a new swing era. Her follow-up album due for release July 14, 2009 is “Lacee’s Groove.”

Lacee has performed alongside notable talent and star-quality legends as J. Blackfoot, Bobby Womack, Glenn Jones, Howard Hewitt and Lenny Williams. Her musical gifting has also graced the same stage along with new and current artists Tyrese, Lebrado and R&B Prince of Soul Calvin Richardson. Having begun her singing journey in the church sanctuary, Lacee’s talent has remained true to its roots having been blessed with the opportunity to share the stage with gospel legend Shirley Caesar and singer, songwriter musician Smokie Norful. A versatile artist with a diverse fan base, Lacee appeals to young and mature audiences having the vocal range and depth to captivate the soul of the listener.

An artist, whose first love is music without question, Lacee is also an activist supporting causes that changes lives. She is a supporter of The Sighlent Storm (www.sighlentstorm.com), a domestic violence organization that speaks out on behalf of abused victims. She encourages and invites her fans to join her in this worthy cause to help make a difference in the life of someone afraid to use their voice. Lacee continues to use her voice not just to spread cheer through song, but to also encourage, help and assist others. Singer, songwriter, musician and activist, Lacee is more than just another artist singing another love song. She is a voice in a dry, desert land, giving life to those who are dying to hear a melodic sound of joy and of love. Lacee embodies that sound and is spreading the message across the nation, introducing to itching ears and weakening hearts…Lacee’s Groove!

• NEW MUSIC UPDATE…Trizonna discusses her upcoming album. Click here for video.
• Trizonna delivers her new single, “My Special“. Take a listen.