Talented, sexy, intelligent and one of the greatest pianist of our generation - just  who is she? Her name is ChandaLeigh Bailey that's who and I ask you to remember her name because you'll be hearing it a lot in the future. 

A brief bio on Ms. Bailey. She was born in Massachusetts and at the age 12 was playing music in her father's church. Finishing high school with honors she proceeded to attend Spelman College in Atlanta where she studied creative writing and created The Chanda Bailey Trio that performed live jazz all over the city, delighting audiences at several festivals including the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Montreaux Music Festival. Two years after graduating, she moved to Los Angeles and got a gig playing keyboards in the house band of the Keenen Ivory Wayans Show. In March of 1998, she met  producer DaMone Arnold (Jamie Foxx, Gerald Albright, Mikki Howard) and the two just clicked. In the spring of 1999, she set off on a world tour with reggae band, Morgan Heritage. This was an important phase for her as she would gain valuable exposure the world over. Returning back to LA, she and Damone started the process of creating material for her debut album.

That album is called 'Easy on the Eyes', which she playfully describes as a hybrid of Janet Jackson, Thelonious Monk and Stevie Wonder Producers include DaMone, Noel McKoy of London's own The McKoy's, Nicholas Cooper (Kenny Lattimore) as well as background vocals by poet Sonja Marie. The album is a soul lovers paradise with every song breathing life into your listening mood. 'Things I'd Do' was written and recorded within a week of her meeting Damone 'Bright Sunshine', (is a work of art in my opinion) 'Makes Some Time', 'Take a Chance', 'People Are the Same' and 'Star Sign' are all  delightful tracks (she simply doesn't disappoint here).

She says, " I am not afraid of branching out and doing all kinds of music. R& B is what I like to sing, but I love all music. So if you're looking for some soothing, mellow yet soulful music, check ChandaLeigh out. This young talent has a promising future ahead of her. A most-definite Ty-D Pick across the board don't miss out on this one.

TD. 

Source: mp3.com

 

 

 

Omari Shabazz is someone you've heard of before (only under a different name). Originally known as Paul Stewart, Omari Shabazz is best remembered for the critically acclaimed 2-Step floor mover ‘Glad You’re In My Life ’,  (he wrote and created the track) which dominated many a underground UK dance-floors during the late 80’s/early 90’s. 

This multi-talented musician/producer and remixer has worked with some of the finest talent the music industry has to offer, from Janet Jackson and Jody Watley, to Frankie Beverly & Maze. 

The album starts off with "Get My Groove On " a dance floor filler that gets the juices flowing through you. Next is the sweet ballad "Fall In Love Again" very soothing and powerful from the word get go. Another strong ballad is "Spend Some Time "  requesting the attention of your lady to be present. The danceable tracks are "Never Gonna Let You Go " and "Have A Good Time " - which should make you move to the groove.    

Throughout, the album delivers something for everyone's taste and is well worth the money spent purchasing it. This one should not be overlooked it's one of my candidates for Album of the Year. A most definite TY-D pick here.

TD 

    

 

 

I thought that this gent had vanished off the face of the earth since his last outing (1995's 'Not the Perfect Man') but low and behold here he is with a new track called 'Dance for me' (Renegade)

Taken off the album called 'Real men Do', this dance floor pleaser has all the right ingredients to go to the top, nice synths, a catchy hook and thumping basssine to drive it home. Written by Jellyroll, Christopher servers as Executive Producer again (he was executive producer on his last project 'Not the Perfect Man') and with a guest appearance from DJ Quik to boost things up a bit, don't be surprised to see this one turn up on many a radio station's playlist.  

The album was released last month and as soon I get a copy of it I'll give you a review on it's performance. Another Ty D Pick indeed not to be missed.

TD