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Toni Braxton
Libra
Blackground/Universal
Toni Braxton is still very much loved. Proof positive is the fact I had to go to three different major stores on the release
date to find her latest album because the first two were sold out. "Libra" is a 10-track set of her alto voice cooing
over mellifluous tracks, starting with the single, "Please," which has hung around the charts for a few months now.
One of the things that is attractive about "Please" is the intense strings. There's a lesson there - people really
do like different sounds, that it's not all about the bump and grind on an uptempo track. "Trippin'" is gaining
some air play now, but I'm not crazy about the siren sounds behind a song talking about love. "Take This Ring" sounds
like Amerie's "One Thing" with its pervasive percussion and erratic yet pleasant enough hook. A possible single
is "I Wanna Be Your Baby," a sweet slow jam that doesn't drag but in fact rolls up to a rocking climax that is sure
to sit well with new lovers looking for an anthem. A track on the slow tip that may take off in Quiet Storm is "Shadowless,"
where Braxton's tender tones are complemented only by an acoustic guitar. The album is nice; however, I think it's missing
that emotionally-intense track in the vein of "Unbreak My Heart." Seems Braxton is at a comfortable place in her
life right now, so maybe some of the passion that comes with struggle or fresh love, which can add real life to a song, is
missing. It's still worth the buy though.
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Ramsey Lewis
With One Voice
Narada Jazz/EMI
Ramsey Lewis is a true icon. Old schoolers will remember that incredible jam he did with Earh Wind & Fire back in the
'70s that made people aware that he was more than a jazz musician. Speaking of 70s, can you believe this cat is 70 and still
kickin' it! Lewis' latest release is a 11-track collection of Gospel tunes, both new and "old." This is his first
Gospel album, which is amazing considering how steeped in the church Lewis and his family are. "With One Voice"
also features the amazing voice of Smokie Norfil, as well as the talents of Donald Lawrence and Darius Brooks. This album
is jazz meets Gospel. A particular cut that showcases that concept is "Sunday Strut," a breezy jaunt that conjures
up images of women showing off their new hats and finery, while youngsters squirm in the pews under the discomfort of suits
and tight shoes. Another uptemp track that is sheer joy - "God Can Work It Out With Smokie." Ramsey's robust composition
is complemented by Smokie's compelling vocals and a full choir. Lewis himself has radio roots (he hosts "The Ramsey Lewis
Morning Show" on WNUA in Chicago and the syndicated "Legends of Jazz,) which airs on 65 stations nationwide), so
it's no wonder he has put out an album chock full or radio-friendly Gospel tunes. Ramsey caresses his tender keys on "My
Love For You," but the most awesome song (it's worth buying the CD just for this!) is the poignant and passionate "Healed
Heart" with Darius Brooks. Lord have mercy if you don't feel this!
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Leela James
A Change Is Gonna Come
Warner Bros.
This is not a new release, but it still has a lot of life. Leela James has one of those big ol' soulful voices in the vein
of Tina Turner, Betty Wright and Millie Jackson, yet with a contemporary twist. She is raw talent and delivers her soul with
a gutsy sincerity that will probably have white folks (smile) adopting her much like they adopted Macy Gray. Instead of beats
and guest shots, her voice is the focus of each track, as she uses her voice to paint a canvas that throbs with emotion and
an earthy power. "Music" pounds out a bluesy pulse that accentuates that vociferous voice that is at once sweet
and hard. Another superb track is "When You Love Somebody," a totally get down and dirty torrid love song built
on the back of anguish, lust, heart-ache, joy and all the things a good love story evokes. Her passion is unbridled, her emotion
totally in touch with the notes that pour like pudding. James is actually very diverse. Check out "Ghetto," where
the vibe is at once hip hop and '70s socially-conscious R&B. And then there's the highly-touted "A Change Is Gonna
Come," her scintillating yet poignant version of the Sam Cooke classic. There are so many gritty yet beautiful tracks
on this 19-track CD, I suspect it will be around for quite some time. James is out on the "VH-1 Soul Presents The Leela
James Tour," which hits New York October 19, in Washington, D.C. on October 20 and wraps in Philadelphia on October 22.
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