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(September 20, 2020) I remember speaking to the leader of one of the top soul vocal groups of the 1970s, and when I asked about his group’s success, he said, “Some artists are innovators. That’s not us.” His point was that for every Stevie Wonder or Prince, there are hundreds of talented artists who thrive by being very good at writing and performing while generally following the genre-bending innovations of others.

(September 20, 2020) While gospel music progressively branches off in many different directions, from neo-soul to hip-hop, the precious sounds of gospel touched by jazz improvisation is rarely recognized on the charts.  Yet there are special exceptions like Richard D’Abreu, Jr., whose childhood was enriched with the sound of music.

September 20, 2020 — I’ll just say it: H.E.R. is the most gifted and authentic of the new generation of artists who are moving soul/R&B music forward. Her voice is like warm honey, she’s a multi-instrumentalist, she’s a thoughtful songwriter, and as we’ve said before, she’s the “rebirth” of the cool.  

Just watch this recent “virtual” live performance at The Roots 2020 Picnic where she performs two of her newer tracks. Her nuanced and spidery guitar solo toward the end of the set is alone worth your time!  Enjoy.

Below is an update we received today from the great LaMonte McLemore of the 5th Dimension, updating us on his health as he celebrates his birthday.

(September 18, 2020) Saxophonist Jermaine Lockhart seeks to bring some sunshine into the lives of his listeners. His new project, The Sunshine Album, drops digitally on September 18. The Sunshine Album includes originals and covers and finds him collaborating with an all-star cast of musicians, vocalists and is produced by Preston Glass and executive produced by none other than George Benson.

These two talented women broke out one year apart two decades ago, with very different styles and in very different circumstances. But what they had in common is that they would each change popular music tremendously and open the door for other strong female artists. And now they have recorded together.

(September 18, 2020) Amp Fiddler and Tomas Doncker know the way of The One. In other words, Fiddler and Doncker are both Funk Men. Detroiter Fiddler spent more than a decade as keyboardist for Parliament-Funkadelic prior to embarking on his own career. A keyboardist who sat in the chair once occupied by Bernie Worrell definitely brings something to the table.

(September 17, 2020) We are sad to report to SoulTrackers the death of Southern Soul legend Roy C. Hammond, known to music fans as Roy C. Best known for his 1965 hit, “Shotgun Wedding,” Hammond had a long and fruitful career. He was 81.

New York, NY - September 17, 2020 - Legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, announce the release of "September" 2020. The evergreen EWF global hit has been remixed by acclaimed production master Eric Kupper and executive produced by PRO MOTION The Brad LeBeau Company, Inc. The “September" 2020 remix is now available for streaming and download.