Goapele
The Oakland, California-based songstress broke onto the Bay Area music scene in 2001 with her ethereal EP, "Closer", and the follow-up album, "Even Closer". Released on her family-owned record company, Skyblaze Recordings, the album's mix of soulful grooves and thought-provoking lyrics introduced the world to a multi-faceted artist and songwriter, known as much for her lush romantic ballads. Since the release of “Even Closer”, Goapele has been signed by Sony, and in 2005, released "Change It All". A collection of love songs and politically and socially inspired songs have become her trademark.
www.goapele.com
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The Rebirth
The LA based group broke onto the scene in 2003 with a cover of the
Mighty Ryders "Evil Vibrations". The song appeared on the Ubiquity
Records compilation "Rewind 4" and was nominated for song of the year
at Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards show with another single, "This
Journey In". It would turn out to be the title of their debut album.
Carlos Loslito, leader and creator of the group, was previously a
member of LA underground funk group, the Breakestra. "This Journey In"
was released in the summer of 2005.
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Conya Doss
Born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, Conya Doss has made a name for
herself since emerging on the scene in 2002 with "A Poem about Ms.
Doss". The album received critical acclaim and some regional success.
After two more years of touring and polishing her skills, Conya
returned on the UK label Dome Records with "Just Because". This brought
her more commercial success and a huge following. Now in the fall of
2006, Conya returns with perhaps her strongest album to date, entitled
"Love Rain Down".
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Raheem DeVaughn
Raw, gritty, smoothed-out soul. That's how you would describe the sound of Raheem DeVaughn. While many of today's rnb singer's lyrics are aimed to take you straight to the bedroom, Raheem's lyrics will certainly stroke your heartstrings and expose you to his genuine old fashioned love and respect for the ladies. The Maryland native knew that he wanted to be an entertainer and it wasn't long before he got noticed. After winning a talent contest at a DC night club, Raheem caught the attention of an executive from Jive records. Henceforth, the long awaited debut of "The Love Experience".
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Leela James
The little lady with the powerful voice. The moment you hear Leela James, many people come to mind, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan and Etta James. You can sure though that Leela's talent stands sorely on her own. The Los Angeles native's debut cd "A Change is gonna come" is combination of soul, blues and funk with a host of stellar musicians. Even with production from James Poyser, Raphael Saadiq and Kanye West, the stage belongs to Leela.
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Dwele
Born Andwele Gardner, the man better known as Dwele caught the attention of soul music lovers everywhere with his debut album, "Subject". A mixture of jazz-infused rnb over hip-hop beats, the album's laidback vibe and his signature voice would soon make him a household name. Dwele created a buzz on the Detroit underground circuit on the strength of a demo he created in his bedroom. While gigging a local hot spot, hip-hop trio Slum Village caught wind of his sound. Soon after, he would sing the hook on their hit single "Tainted". Dwele would go on to work with artists such as Bahamadia, Raphael Saadiq, Roy Ayers and Common. The follow up to "Subject", "Some Kinda" provides more of the same soulful flavor that fans have come to expect from him.
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Fertile Ground
Remember back in the day when soul music was filled with awesome bands? Let me refresh your memory. There was Earth, Wind & Fire, the Ohio Players, Parliament, among others. While most of these groups are still relevant. Not many new groups have emerged. Let me introduce you to Fertile Ground. This seven piece Baltimore band has evolved from a local band into an international powerhouse. They have performed approximately 50-80 shows a year and have sold over 125,000 albums independently. Fertile Ground's sound can be described as spiritual soul. Keyboardist James Collins is the founder of the group and the lead singer is the dynamic Navasha Daya. Looking the part of a sun goddess, Navasha's cosmic stage presence, classically trained voice and the band's tight musicianship will leave you mesmerized. The current disc is called "Black Is...". With a catalogue that is four albums deep, you need at least one in your collection.
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