2009: A Year in Soul Music

The spirit of independent soul music is stronger and louder than ever. Artists who do not fit in the restrictive radio format are breaking through to a hungry soulful public and winning support of fans, media and tastemakers alike. There are five artists that I have personally appreciated this year 2009 and I’d like to share a little of them with you.

Jesse Boykins III – The Beauty Created [Nomadic Music, Nov 08]
At the start of the year 2009 the second offering from one of the hardest working artists in soul music reached our shores (the album was released stateside end of November). At only 23 years old, Jesse Boykins III produced The Beauty Created, a jazzy, reggae, hip hop, salsa-fuelled innovative album. The Beauty retained all the necessary flavourings of the Isley Brothers and stylings of Dwele, but it also introduced Boykins’ wider eclectic tastes. Singles Come To My Room, Amorous, and Itis are outstanding tracks that allow Jesse to merge his differing musical influences – Sizzla Kolonji, Bilal or Donny Hathaway, convincingly. Buy from Amazon

Choklate - To whom It May Concern Choklate – To Whom It May Concern [MeMusic, May 09]
The Seattle native with the beautifully sweet infectious tones offered up her sophomore album To Whom It May Concern in 2009. Choklate’s already classic self-titled 2008 albummade people sit up and listen to this musical novice at the time, and she keeps us listening with this second offering. Different to Jesse Boykins III’s music, Choklate’s album is steeped in a hip-hop and r&b framework and unlike her debut, there are more uplifting brat-driven tracks produced by longtime friend Vitamin D. There are a number of outstanding tracks that promote the warm inviting raspy tones of this female vocalist: Pretty, To Whom It May Concern and Hunny’s Running are where Choklate really excels. Dare I say that this album is as sweet as chocolate? Buy from Amazon

Maxwell - Blacksummer's Night Maxwell – Blacksummers’ Night [Columbia, July 09]
Maxwell, the darling of soul music lovers everywhere and one of the pioneers of the nu soul movement returned to the scene after a nine year hiatus with the first of a trilogy of albums called Black Summers’ Night. The album is light years away from his debut album Urban Hang Suite, but sounds still as exciting. After a long time away where he says he “has grown up”, Maxwell has come back with an album that is fresh and cutting-edge if only just a bit short. In just 37 or so minutes, Maxwell serenades us about being devoted, finding new love and having regrets in love. The first track Bad Habit used Maxwell’s signature falsetto to outstanding effect. The sexy down tempo Stop the World is another killer track and a future classic. It may have taken him a while but I’m sure I’m not alone in saying bring on parts two and three! Buy from Amazon

Ledisi - Turn Me Loose Ledisi – Turn me Loose [Verve Forecast, August 2009]
After a groundbreaking album in 2007, the excellent Lost And Found, Ledisi returned with a new set Turn Me Loose in 2009. Change is the theme of this album as mentioned in the tracks Everything Changes, the Saadiq produced Love Never Changes and Going Thru Changes. This album does feel like Ledisi has gone through her own motions with production duties by Saadiq, but also Chucky Thompson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis allowing for a more youth orientated feel. The soul singer has also taken on a funkier, rockier punk feel a la Tina Turner which provides a breath of fresh air. Buy from Amazon

Erric Roberson - Nusic Fan First Eric Roberson – Music Fan First [Dome Records, August 2009]
Erro aka Eric Roberson is the best known underground independent artist of the moment. He produced his sixth studio album in August stating to all that he is a “Music Fan First”. In this offering, Roberson pays homage to Michael Jackson with the track Celebrate (ft Sy Smith) stating “There’s not an artist out there that can’t say they weren’t influenced by MJ”. With new and exciting intelligent beats to manipulate, and clever lyrics – this album is not to be taken lightly. Erro seems to extract the soul out of many genres and fits them perfectly into his tapestry. There are exceptional tracks on the CD: The Power That Kisses Hold, Wanna Believe It again (ft Wayna) and Bad For Me are just a few of the biggies on this 17 strong album. Buy from Amazon