Teena Marie - Congo Square Audio CD

Congo Square music CDs All the subtle variations on Kem's sound -- his exceptionally smooth adult contemporary R&B, modern quiet storm that has earned the singer two gold-selling albums -- add up to a set that doesn't sound like a mere rehash of his past successes. While Intimacy features his familiar gentle, less-is-more touch throughout, it's more forwardly sensual -- skillfully so, without being too brash or overt for his audience -- and upfront all-around, from the romantic material to the odes to mothers and inner peace. On Kemistry and Album II, there often was a slight distance to Kem's voice, both sonically and lyrically, but there is no such air of mystery here. His voice is clear over the sparse arrangements, and his words are more direct than before. That said, the biggest surprise is "Golden Days," in which Jill Scott, the first vocal guest on a Kem album, rants and preaches for over a minute. ~ Andy Kellman Recording information: 54 Sound, Ferndale, MI; ...

Congo Square CD music LA DONA is mostly vintage Marie--sweet, dark, and sultry. Tracks such as "I'm Still in Love" and "My Body's Hungry" are steeped in the kind of '70s soul perfected by the Delfonics and the Stylistics. Many tracks open with modern hip-hop-flecked beats, as on "Honey Call" or "I Got You" (featuring her mentor James), but a jazzy sort of funk prevails, bringing with it a more timeless quality. Even "Makavelli Never Lied" with its opening calls of "thug life," mixes references to both '90s stars (2Pac and Lauryn Hill) and '70s icons (Marvin Gaye and Chaka Khan). On LA DONA, Teena Marie returns, sounding like she's never been away. Over the course of more than 20 years, Teena Marie has led a career full of unusual twists and turns. Taken under the wing of Rick James while working for Motown in the late 1970s, this fair-skinned California girl sang soul deeply, vibrantly, and truthfully. After hitting the R&B charts repeatedly, Marie suddenly crossed over to the ...

Congo Square songs 2006's SAPPHIRE is not only Teena Marie's best release in some time (even trumping her fine 2004 "comeback" album, LA DONA), it may be her best album since her early '80s heyday. Lengthy and sprawling, yet packed with superb songwriting, vocal performances, and production, Marie proves she is still one of the strongest talents on the contemporary R&B scene, her age (50) and her race (white) notwithstanding. SAPPHIRE boasts vintage smooth-soul tunes ("Cruise Control" is sung with the architect of smooth soul himself, Smokey Robinson), bumping dance-pop ("Make It Hot"), and even nods to G-funk ("Love Is a Gangsta"), proving Teena Marie can keep it as fresh and real as any R&B upstart from the 2000s. Personnel: Teena Marie (vocals, guitar, keyboards, programming); Smokey Robinson (vocals); Kurupt (rap vocals); Gerald Albright (saxophone); George Duke (piano).

Congo Square album All songs written by Teena Marie except "Square Biz" (T. Marie/A. McGrier) and "The Ballad Of Cradle Rob And Me" (T. Marie/J.D. Jones). Principally recorded at Motown, Hollywood, California and Wonderland Studios, Los Angeles, California. Originally released on Gordy (G8-1004M1). Includes liner notes by A. Scott Galloway. Former protégé of Superfreak funk maestro Rick James, Mary Christine Brockert, the R&B powerhouse better known as Teena Marie, blossomed into her element on early albums for the Gordy/Motown label. The singer's fourth and final album for Motown, IT MUST BE MAGIC--her second fully self-written, self-produced effort--oversaw Marie's true creative emancipation. In an inspired set taking in smoldering ballads, introspective singer-songwriter-style material, and vibrant dance floor numbers, her versatility is evident throughout. From the jubilant horns and proto-rap-style delivery of "Square Biz" to the thoughtful and poignant tribute to gunned-down Beatle John Lennon ("Revolution"), the entirety of the album is infused with the singer's forceful, robust vocals and imaginative arrangements. Among the highlights in the career of one of R&B's ...

Congo Square CD music While Eric Benet's 2005 release, HURRICANE, reflected the urban contemporary singer's personal struggle following the break-up of his marriage with actress Halle Berry, 2008's LOVE & LIFE represents a new page in Benet's life and career. Positive, celebratory, and imbued with the spirit of classic R&B, the album plays like a ray of soulful sunshine. Lead-off single "You're the Only One" (which shot to number one on the Urban Adult Contemporary charts) drips with a vintage R&B feel, and there are touches of gospel, hip-hop, and jazz throughout the album as well. Whether playing the loverman ("Chocolate Legs") or taking a more meditative turn ("Still I Believe"), Benet is sensual, smooth, and life-affirming on LOVE & LIFE. Audio Remixer: Kevin Sucher. Recording information: Andy Duncan's Studio; Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA; Human Rhythm Studios; Numia Studios; SRM Studios, Sherman Oaks, CA; The Laboratory Recording Studio, Milwaukee, WI; Universal Music Publishing Studios. Photographer: Christian Lantry. Arrangers: Brent Fisher; Benjamin F. Wright. Personnel: Linda Király, Terry Dexter (vocals); Rochad K. Holiday, Michael Feingold, ...

Congo Square music CDs The re-launched Stax label is an appropriate home for neo-soulster Angie Stone. Her 2007 album The Art of Love & War nods to classic styles, blending funk, soul, balladry, and R&B in one tasty package. The appearance of soul great Betty Wright on the album highlight "Baby" only strengthens the retro vibe. Yet The Art of Love & War is contemporary through and through. Shimmering with a modern, digital production sheen, the album is clearly steeped in urban contemporary R&B, more lush and languid than stripped down and raw. Stone is no mere puppet of the past (and apparently neither is the revamped Stax): her voice, delivery, and feel are all her own, whether on butter-smooth love songs ("Make It Last") or hard-swinging groovers ("Play wit It"). The highly anticipated 2007 album from the R&B diva, released on the newly re-activated Stax label. Angie's mix of Neo-Soul, Gospel and Funk mixes 'old school' with a modern sophistication. Includes the new hit single 'Baby' featuring the legendary Betty Wright and 'My People' with the incomparable James Ingram. Stax. Audio Mixers: Victor Flores; Jon Nettlesbey; Khaliq Glover. Recording information: ATM Studios, North Hollywood, CA; Doug's Dungeon Studios; Marvin's Room, Hollywood, CA. Personnel: Angie ...