Ready For The World "Just Wondering" { Single Track } - { Copyright 2010 and beyond, Ready For The World Records }

Flint, Michigan natives, Ready For The World, best known for their '80's hits, "Tonight", "Love You Down", "Digital Display", and the worldwide hit, 1985's "Oh Sheila", returns after a six year recording hiatus with a song that's unlike anything they've ever done. Throughout the '60's, the late 60's in particular, to the present, message oriented songs has always prevailed in some form, shape or fashion in our daily lives. "Just Wondering" carries on that tradition of memorable melodies, thought provoking lyrics, along with a sense of retrospection, as well as introspection. Still to this day, consisting of all six original members, lead vocalist/keyboardist, Melvin Riley, percussionist/keyboardist, Willie Triplett, bassist/vocalist, John Eaton, keyboardist/vocalist, Gregory Potts, guitarist/vocalist, Gordon Strozier, and last, but certainly not least, drummer/keyboardist, Gerald Valentine, R.F.T.W., delivers a Folk styled driven tune, along the lines of such artists like The Eagles, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, John Mellencamp, and "The Boss" himself, Bruce Springsteen. ...... and it works !!

I strongly urge you to put aside all what you musically know about the band for this song here. The serious tone of the lyrics itself, something that is rarely heard from R&B bands in this day and age, are lyrics that make up the current state of affairs in this country, and throughout the world. They consist of helplessness, despair, the unemployment crisis, war, the economic meltdown, and issues that are affecting this earth upon which we live. But at the same time, there are lyrics that'll make one want to change their world around them, as it offers glimmers of hope, and they are magnificently sung by the distinctive sound of Melvin Riley, along with strong vocal support of the band members themselves.

Musically, the track itself does not mirror the soundscape of what is being heard on Urban radio today. I could go on for days about that, but I will not bring that negative aspect of what's being played on the radio in this review. This song doesn't deserve that, it deserves to be heard by every woman, man and child all over this planet, regardless of race, color or creed. It speaks to everyone, and anyone that is willing to keep an open mind, or better yet, an open heart. The live instrumentation of the track, which consist of the strummed and gentle pickings of the acoustic guitar beautifully performed by Gordon Strozier, the military stylings of the live drums performed by the talented Gerald Valentine, the emotion filled string synthesizer arrangement, which I feel could have easily been performed by a live string ensemble, and the great bass guitar performance courtesy of John Eaton, are elements to a song that will stand the test of time.

I strongly recommend and urge whomever is reading this review to spread the word about this song, particularly to those that maybe going through a rough time right now. It can be a song they may need to hear. It's not depressing at all, it's actually the truth of what is going on in our world. I liken "Just Wondering"  to songs such as the Marvin Gaye classic "What's Going On", the Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes standard, "Wake Up Everybody", and even Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror". As we all know, those songs are timeless and will be heard for an eternity, and I feel "Just Wondering" will have that same lasting effect, if we let it. It's worthy of it, I think, and I hope you do as well. Take a listen and look at the video below, and you decide for yourself. The video you're about to see, is one that rivals a multi million dollar video that we see today. Though done by humble means, to me, it's worthy of MTV airplay or any video outlet that is willing to air it. It speaks for itself, but like I said, you check it out and decide for yourselves.

I look forward with great anticipation to hearing, and reviewing, their upcoming full length project, "Love, Money and Music" to be released on their own eLabel, Ready For The World Records. To learn more about this exciting project, and the band, please visit their official website at http://www.readyfortheworld.net/ .... Please ladies and gentlemen, support this band, and any artist for that matter you particularly like. Please download this single, and forthcoming album, legally. That's one way artists are able to keep making music for us to enjoy. When R.F.T.W. play your town, show them love, and buy a ticket. They guarantee you a great show !

Thank you all for reading this review, and all my reviews for that matter. But most importantly, thank you all for listening, and showing financial love for the music and artists we all love.

Musically Yours,

Ran Man

Mary Mary "Walking" {Single} 2011 My Block/Columbia Records

Inglewood, California natives, sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell, and Tina Atkins, affectionately and professionally known as Mary Mary, first single, "Walking", from their forthcoming My Block/Columbia Records release, "Something Big", is a fantastic start to a project that WILL turn out to be, well,  SOMETHING BIG (pun intended). I'm not even going to attempt to categorize the music on "Walking", as well as Mary Mary's style overall. Let's just say it's "feel good, positive, uplifting, spiritually fueled" music. To attach the "G" word to the group and their music would be doing Mary Mary a terrible injustice. You absolutely CANNOT categorize this song as it will speak to people of all walks of life, believers and non-believers alike. In these, STILL, recession ladened times we're in, one could sure use an uplifting message to help them get through this rough period.

With that being said, in comes "Walking". Drenched with it's real electric bass, electric piano performed, drum programmed hi hit and kick, as well as the hand claps, this song will have the dance floor packed. It incorporates a shuffle groove that is infectious to the ear and feet upon first listen. This tune is definitely taylor made for the "steppers", not only in Chicago, but around the country. The occasional turntable scratching throughout will cater to the Hip Hop fans that appreciated their 2008 monster hit, "God In Me". It's worth noting that the chords performed on the electric piano reminisce those of Crystal Waters' 1991 dance hit "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)". Once again, producer Warryn Campbell, Erica's husband, did a wonderful job on production chores, as he certainly deserves well respected props.

How can I forget Erica and Tina's vocal performance on this amazing track ?! It's nothing short of spectacular. Their harmonies
and blend are in total sync and riveting. They both sing with the true passion and fire as one would expect from them both.

But the highlight of this great song are the lyrics and the message they convey. This say it all ! :

"  Look at me, I'm trying, Every day, I fall down, Make mistakes, Get back up, Try again, Next time that, See me"

Now tell me that's something we all could relate to. Possibly at some point in our lives, we've fell short of the glory, but we've managed to pick ourselves up, and keep it moving. That's the message Mary Mary drives home and does ever so effectively. This song is destined to be a hit at Urban Contemporary and Urban AC radio, as early indicators is proving as such. I know this song will do exceedingly well at all prominent digital e-tail outlets. Sony Music's dynamic "Mean Machine" Urban Promotion team will certainly make sure this track is heard by the masses, as they have a bonafide smash on their hands.

Musically Yours,

Ran Man

For more information, please check out all the following websites.

Please Note : ******* Cut and paste the Amazon MP3 URL below into your web browser to view *****

Mary Mary's Official Website : www.mary-mary.com

Amazon's MP3 URL where you can download the single "Walking" for the iPod : www.amazon.com/Walking/dp/B004ECJOAW/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298248676&sr=301-1

 
Sony Music's Official Website : www.sonymusic.com

"Walking" is available on iTunes as well.

Darien "If These Walls Could Talk" - 2009 Righteous Music Records

Every so often a singer will emerge from the independent ranks and take the music industry by storm. Whether the major labels will take notice and carry that artist to the levels they deserve, well, that's to be determined. One such artist I was recently turned on to by their manager, industry veteran Miles Anthony, is an extremely talented singer/songwriter/keyboardist hailing from "Money Earning" Mt. Vernon, NY. His name is"Darien". This brother carries on the tradition of modern day soul men such as Maxwell, Musiq, John Legend, Dwele, and Anthony Hamilton, and delivers an outstanding piece of work via his 16 song CD aptly titled, "If These Walls Could Talk". Released on the up and coming indie label, Righteous Music Records, Darien's music range from the Neo Soul stylings made famous by the aforementioned artists, sultry ballads, mid tempo'd dance tracks, blues, to a beautiful, what I call, an "AcoustiFolk" song in the album's title track {At least that's what it sounds like in the intro}. There's something for everyone here. Let's check out some of the highlights of an album I hope will spread throughout the world like a cure for all the world's problems ..... and listening to this brilliant album, it may do exactly just that.

Opening track, "Just Can't Wait", magnificently produced by Jeremy Mage, is a song that will set the party off in the direction. It's a fun, soulful melodic, hand clapping tune that'll have you dancing and singing up a storm. Darien's lead vocal performance permeates the brain with his yearning to show that lucky lady what she's been waiting for. "Gone", falls in line with "Just Can't Wait" in that it's an up tempo and festive sounding song. Even with the "Arrested Development-esque" samples sprinkled throughout, it still percolates. Darien delivers another stellar vocal performance here, in both the lead and background vocal. On "Composure", the tempo is slowed down a tad with it's Fender Rhodes filled chords, acoustic piano fills and runs, as well as the steady groove held down by the electric guitar and bass. Darien convincingly sings a lyric of loving a lady he simply cannot resist. On"Showya", the slight funky bounciness of this song is what will get your attention right away. The synthesizer fills and performance are some of the elements that surely have your head moving from side to side. The echoed delayed processing in Darien's lead vocal, in some parts of the song, gives this track a mysterious, haunting feel to it.

"Sail Thru", breezes through the mind like a trip on the open sea cruising on a yacht. The Fender Rhodes, once again, steadily holds the groove in place, with a sleeky and funky bass supplementing the bottom end, as well as the back beat of the subtly played hi hat/snare combination and kick drum. Darien's lead and doubled background vocal parts are sung in tune and "in the pocket". "The Road", is a mid tempo'd feel good song with spirit filled, optimistic fueled lyrics that'll have one reflect on their past, and where they'd like to be in the future. The track itself is genuinely honest and original in terms of the melody. Consisting of a bass guitar, electric piano, programmed drums, synth strings, and the strong vocal performance of Darien, certainly made this a shining highlight of this album. On "Saturday", we're back in the party mode, and that you will surely do ! Light turntable scratching effects, synthesizer fills, a bumping kick drum, and saxophone fills, adds that flavor a song should taste like, and that's savory and delicious !

On the album's title track, the aforementioned, "If These Walls Could Talk", starts in that "AcoustiFolk" mode I previously mentioned, then delves right into a "Stevie Wonder-esque" groove, one that will make Mr. Wonder himself wish he'd written, ...... that's how good this is ! This time around, the acoustic guitar strums holds center stage here, as they interwine with the tambourine, the melodically charged bass guitar performance, and the oh so funky drummer. Darien's, once again, lead and background performance is nothing short of spectacular. On "Seasons", Darien takes it down lover's lane with this "cuddling up with your significant other by the fireplace" number. The acoustic piano DEMANDS your utmost attention here, as it's chords are entrenched in the beauty of a great song! The chimes, the gently played drums, the ear pleasing synth strings, and those heavenly sounding Flugelhorn fills, has HIT written all over it !

Ladies and gentlemen, do yourself a favor, and pick up this CD ! It's a MUST HAVE for your collection and it's reasonably priced at $10, a more than fair bargain in these recessionary times. We often complain about buying CD's to only get one or two songs that are worth while, after spending so much money. But this CD folks, EVERY CUT is a "non skipper" !! I GUARANTEE YOU THAT !!

Kudos goes out to ALL contributing producers, recording and mastering engineers, additional background vocal support, and the "THE CATS", a.k.a. "The Musicians", as well as to the photographer and CD Cover Design expert ......You all did a WONDERFUL job on a talent that will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come, and his name is Darien ........ and to Darien, .... A JOB WELL DONE !!! CONGRATULATIONS MY BROTHER !!!

To learn more about this incredible artist : Please visit the following websites :

www.RighteousMusicMedia.Com
www.RighteousMusicRecords.Com
www.MySpace.Com/DarienOnline
www.ThisIsDarien.Com

 

Cindy Mizelle "Cindy Mizelle" 1994 East/West Records

Cindy Mizelle's career as a background vocalist, whether backing a touring superstar act, or that of a first called studio session singer, has seen her perform with the likes of veteran singers such as Jennifer Holiday, Grace Jones, Al Jarreau, and Peabo Bryson, to more contemporary singers like Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Alicia Keys, and many others. Her strong, yet tempered alto range allowed her the ability to handle the most demanding, and simple vocal parts ever written for a singer, and that goes for a lot of her colleagues in that field as well. From the first time we heard her, or at least the first time I've heard her on the Atlantic Records single culled from the soundtrack of the 1984 break dancing themed movie, "Beat Street", "This Could Be The Night", I knew she was a force to be reckoned with. On this, her self titled solo debut album, she confidently sings songs of love, heartbreak, and pure emotion. Let's take another look at the highlights of this wonderful critically acclaimed album, but one that did NOT get the proper promotional push from the record company at the time, it so well deserved.

It's also worth noting that Cindy is accompanied by a talented group of background, and lead vocalists in their own right, and they are, Rachael Choate, Paulette McWilliams, Brenda White-King, Audrey Wheeler, and Tammy Townsend.

Opening track, "Because Of You", was produced by an overlooked and talented duo of writers/producers/musicians, Greg Charley and John Winston. Some may best remember them as recording act "Kiara" that recorded two brilliant and underrated albums for Arista Records in 1988 and 1990 respectively. The rhythm track itself is mainly drum/percussion programmed and keyboard driven, but it's mid tempo and feel good melody complements Cindy's dynamic and rhythmically charged vocal delivery. But what I love the most about her singing on this particular track, is the emotion she put behind the lyrical content, and that content is one of a woman confessing her love and appreciation for her significant other. .... Songs of which NO LONGER EXIST exist in 2011, sadly :-(

The Brian McKnight produced, "I've Had Enough", {Refer to video above}, incorporates slightly more live instrumentation by way of the drums, electric bass guitar, and the classic warm sound of the Fender Rhodes. It's, once again, mid tempo flow of the programmed percussion, synthesizer fills, light guitar pluckings, along with Cindy's vocal acrobatics, as she sings from a gentle roar to a fervor pitch in the latter verses, has the makings of  classic ballad that still stands the test of time 17 years later. Has it been that long ? Could've fooled me. This time though, the lyrical subject matter is that of a woman .... or man, it could go both ways now .... that has had enough of a relationship that is on it's last leg. Cindy sing those anguished lyrics so convincingly, you yourself will think back to a time when you had to break off such a relationship.

On this heart string pulled ballad, "Smile", features a duet with the late, and still missed, then label mate, Mr. Gerald Levert. Co-produced by Gerald with the gifted, yet underrated talent, Gerald's then musical partner, Edwin "Tony" Nicholas, we hear the full presence of the live drums, particularly the snare and kick drum, the "churchified" acoustic piano chords, synthesizer strings, and a beautiful soprano saxophone solo. Gerald and Cindy's vocal chemistry and blend, are nothing short of spectacular. Their vocals runs, fills, and improvised phrasings, whether performed individually or together should be considered, "Vocal Dueting 101", this is how it's done, CORRECTLY ! Neither Cindy or Gerald tried to out sing the other, if anything, it sounds as if they were in competition with themselves. Lyrics are in the same vein of the Gladys Knight/Stevie Wonder/Elton John song, "That's What Friends Are For".

Another stand out song on this fantastic piece of work is the multi-instrumentalist Reggie Griffin produced track,"Two Hearts". Reggie himself, is yet another, terribly underrated musician/songwriter/producer/artist that never received the recognition he deserved. He and Babyface were once members of a '70's funk band called "Manchild". Cindy's vocal performance here, as it's pretty much throughout the entire album, is sharp, on key, dead on, and executed with the soul, passion and fire of a true singer. Here she sings a song of a woman and man, "standing by each other through thick and thin, no matter what", accompanied with a celebratory, uptempo groove. A feel good song at it's finest.

On "Imagine", and not to be confused with the John Lennon classic, is produced by YET ANOTHER, songwriter/producer/arranger and composer that has not received his just due, the talented Lemel Humes. {Refer to some of the hits of Miki Howard's Atlantic Records tenure, and you'll hear Lemel's work} ..... This tune is probably one of the many songs that should have been released as a single ...... Beautiful ! ....... Simply Beautiful is how to best describe it. But rather than have me talk about it here, I'm going to do one better, and let you hear it for yourselves ;-) ..... {Refer to the video below}
 

The remaining songs, on what should have been a Grammy nominated album, "I Can't Let Go", "Over You", "Back To My Emotions","My Favorite Song", and "Love To Talk To Me", are just as equally enjoyable to listen to. If you already own this record, then what I'm saying are nothing but words to you. But if you do not own it, I STRONGLY recommend you seek it out. Though long out of print, you can still obtain a copy, it's out there somewhere .......... As a matter of fact, ol Ran Man's gonna hook you up ;-) ..... Here's an Amazon link where you can purchase a copy ....... Don't worry, you can do a DRAKE and "Thank Me Later", just go ahead and buy it. (Copy and paste the link into your web browser) : www.amazon.com/Cindy-Mizelle/dp/B000008NC9

........ and to Cindy, if you're reading this, I hope you can find some time out of your busy schedule to record another album, it's time. The natives are getting restless :-(

Musically Yours,

Ran Man

Audrey Wheeler "I'm Yours Tonight" 1991 Ear Candy Records/BMG Distribution