MUSIC FROM MY LOFT

Well, another 12 months have flown by and where did it all go I have to ask myself. 2005 was full of musical suprises for me mainly in the indie soul/R&B scene, so I thought I'd share a few delights with you folks who've taken the time to download my mixes and drop the odd comment. So here are my favourite artists of 2005 in no particular order.


Maya Azucena - missed her fleeting visit to these shores in 2005 but she has mentioned that she'll be back in 2006. She's one of my fave indie soul singers and I will unashamedly plug her at every opportunity I get as I think she's excellent. Her music is varied (love her live sound) also she's very friendly and she keeps in touch with her fans. I like her spirit as she's doing it her way, which I think is good, I think 2006 could be her year.

John Legend - Definately a multi talented star, however keep Elton John off his next album and he'll be fine. My favourite track has to be 'Ordinary People', which is the best thing I've heard in the charts years and the video that goes with it is awesome.

Kanye West - it was what he said about Bush that turned my head along with the song about diamonds, seems like someone in black america has a voice and is prepared to use it. Oh and 'Late Registration' hit the spot excellent follow up album, did it sell well, of course it did.


Martha Redbone - Yikes, is all I can say as this girl can sing the pants off anyone in the US top 500, but what about the UK you may ask, hey, lets not go there. Another indie soul singer doing her thing and doing it very well, again I will plug her music as she's the real deal. Apparently her album 'Skintalk' will get a UK release in March via the quality soul music label Dome Records. Martha and her band will be performing at the Jazz Cafe in London on thursday March 2nd.


D-Minor - Do not hide ones' talent under a bush, in a room or under one's bed is my advice. Stumbled across this guy courtesy of a band called 'Living Out Loud'. He's got some funky gems available for download on his website, well worth checking out just for 'I Can't Get You Outta My Head' and the Stevie Wonder inspired 'Watchin You', which he's now remixed but I preferred the original version, which is no longer available on his website.


Emerald Jade - If Roy Ayers had a daughter who followed him into the music business, then she would have been Emerald Jade. The album 'A New Classic' lived up to it's title, damn it was good better than any of the material put out by any of the wannabees, trust me on that. The top track is 'I Found Love' sounds just like a cut from Roy Ayers 'You Send Me' album, excellent.


Debra Bond - Her debut album 'Dayafter' just knocked me off my feet, the production was superb and her vocals sent shivers down my spine. I am not sure who I can compare her to, in fact no one she's that good, the album is a gem buy it asap.


Walter Earl - The Leroy Hutson/Donny Hathaway for the new millenium, he's made three albums, which are all well crafted jazz/funk/soul, he's certainly a breath of fresh air in these smooth bilge times. Apparently he operates out of San Franciso, please someone get him over to the UK as we need him and his albums need a UK release. Check his website for some live tracks for download, unfortunately his earlier albums are deleted.



Kisha Griffin - One to keep an eye out for as this girl can sing; a lot of the music is mainly demo material but you can hear the talent and with better production she can reach a bigger audience. The album I picked up is called 'Chit and Chat'and I am sure is a demo album but if you check her website, she's got oodles of tracks for download.


Lisa Deveaux - A self-funded debut album called 'Shakin That Jazz' full of jazzy soulful goodness, which in my humle opinion is a little gem. She reminds me of the late Phyllis Hyman and it turns out Lisa was one of her backing singers. An immense talent, who I'd love to see live and I am also waiting for the new album. Ignore her at your peril. Listen to the album samples here


Stoney Ellis - 'Love Changes' is the album and I liked what I heard as he didn't try to tread the same old ground as he was quite inventive with his music oh and as I like to put it "he can hold a tune". The production on the album is pretty good some very soulful numbers on there, he's someone to watch out for. No website but you can listen to samples from the album here.


Janita - All the way from Finland and has she got soul, damn right she has two albums out and they are on the money, the production is spot on and yes she can "hold a tune and then some". The only problem I can see is that the suits at the major record comapnies will try and 'sex her up' for the pop market or try and turn her into another Josh Stone. Another artist doing the indie route but I believe she's now repackaged her last album and it'll be reissued on a WEA records subsisdiary, so best of luck to Janita.

Ian Martin - I came across Mr Martin in October (I lead a very sheltered life!) but have only just listened to his album 'The Way', it's filled to the brim with soulful music tinged with some jazzy vibes. He hails from Canada but resides in the USA and has played with the likes of Maxwell amongst others. Plenty of guest artists on the album and it's good to hear the golden voice of Gavin Christopher on 'Brother' sounding like it's straight off an Incognito album. If you like the Incognito sound and I know I do, then check out his album. No website but the albums available on Expansion Records via Amazon UK