In recent years we have had several male artists make their mark in the neo-soul arena. The likes of Maxwell, D'Angelo, Bilal and Musiq Soulchild have all made a big impression but perhaps none might make an even bigger impression than that of newcomer Remy Shand.

The 23 year old Canadian native's time has come to light with 'Way I feel ', (his debut release on Motown Records) a masterful collection of songs that is of both the pride and joy of the young man's work. The lead off single is 'Take a message ' a  wicked track that's laced with guitar licks and organ keys with a thumping bass line to boot a very charming and irresistible track that's both soothing and relaxing to the listening ear.

Remy started writing songs for the album 'Way I Feel ' at the age of 19. Songs like the "Everlasting," and the lovely  "Rocksteady " were among the first to be completed but he needed to be heard, get a deal. Said Remy "I wanted to get some feedback, so I put some songs on a tape and a friend sent the tape to his brother (a manager in Toronto)". Out of the blue, Steve Warden, (now Remy’s manager), called to assure him that he could be signed to an artist deal within a year. I said, "Yeah, right". But in just three months, two labels had offered development deals. Remy took a deep breath and declined, choosing to press his luck and insist on a contract to make a full album. Soon there were several labels knocking at his door. He chose Universal, who signed him as an album artist, and gave him all the time he needed to complete the work himself. Remy worked on his album for the next four years recording and mixing it entirely from home in Winnipeg. Being an admirer of what Kedar Massenberg has done with Motown he decided to sign with Motown. 

The finished product is some of finest array of songs to come from the mind of the man, every note shows emotion and strength, every song a pleasure to listen to. Notables include 'Burning Bridges ', 'Everlasting ', 'I Met Your Mercy ', 'Liberate ', 'Looking Back On Vanity ' and the title cut.  

He will be compared to others (Maxwell and Lewis Taylor comes to mind right off) but he's definitely in a class all by himself to me. Look out for this one it has the potential to be big. A worthy and most definitely TY-D pick indeed. 

View the video "Take a Message" (Courtesy of motown.com)

Listen to "Take a message"

Listen to "The way I feel"
 

TD