Blogcritics Author: Kit O'Toole

Les Nubians' 1998 Debut, Princesses Nubiennes, Seamlessly Combines Afro-pop, Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop

Kit O'Toole — Thu, 8 Jan 2009 09:00:05 EST

Over a decade later, world music duo Les Nubians still amaze with their sultry French vocals and modern beats.
Afro-pop? French hip-hop? Jazz? World beat? Les Nubians defies description. I first encountered the musically talented sister act back in 1999, when their single “Makeda” received airplay from urban adult contemporary stations. Instantly I became captivated by its infectious beat, sultry French lyrics, and its unique combination of...

Music Review: FLO - Romance, Chill, and Standards

Kit O'Toole — Sun, 4 Jan 2009 17:36:38 EST

Smooth jazz pianist Marcus Johnson's FLO project provides pleasant music for setting a quiet mood.
Some albums are meant to be listened to, to be savored and digested through careful analysis. Then there is the background music CD, which contains sounds meant to compliment a quiet evening at home or to set a calm, romantic mood. Jazz pianist Marcus Johnson’s side project FLO, or For the Love Of, creates such accompaniment with their...

Music Review: SaltmanKnowles - Return of the Composer

Kit O'Toole — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:45:53 EST

This jazz group's latest CD illustrates how artistic teamwork and cohesiveness can produce great music.
Fans of modern jazz should seek out SaltmanKnowles’ newest release, Return of the Composer. The Washington, D.C.-based jazz group includes Mark Saltman (bass), William A. Knowles (piano), Lori Williams Chisholm (vocals), Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson (drums), Rob Landham (alto saxophone), and Alvin Trask (trumpet). The band cites...

"I Believe in Father Christmas": One of the Darkest and Most Unusual Carols Ever Recorded

Kit O'Toole — Mon, 8 Dec 2008 10:07:55 EST

Greg Lake's classic Christmas tune holds some interesting secrets and communicates a lasting message.
Everyone has their favorite Christmas carol, those chestnuts that we play every year — “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee, “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley… the list goes on and on. But every year I would hear a unique carol on the radio,...

Music Review: Dionyza - Quite Like Me

Kit O'Toole — Mon, 8 Dec 2008 08:55:49 EST

Like Ashanti or Chante Moore? You might want to give Dionyza's debut CD a listen.
R&B vocalist Dionyza previously enjoyed success as a studio veteran, singing backup for Babyface, Christina Aguilera, and John B. She also performed on the High School Musical 1 and 2 soundtracks, but younger fans may best know her from the cartoon series Bratz — she provides the singing voices for the characters “Sasha” and...

Music Review: BSTC - Music for a Saturday Night

Kit O'Toole — Thu, 4 Dec 2008 21:23:43 EST

Keanna Johnnon's sultry vocals and the band's impressive jazz artistry are the main reasons to check out BSTC's debut album.
Acid jazz, or R&B mixed with jazz and a touch of hip-hop, continues to command a cult-like following. Artists such as Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies, the James Taylor Quartet (not to be confused with the “Sweet Baby James” singer), and Incognito popularized the movement in the 90s, achieving moderate success (at least in the United...

Music Review: Tony Bennett Featuring the Count Basie Big Band - A Swingin' Christmas

Kit O'Toole — Mon, 1 Dec 2008 09:25:27 EST

Tony Bennett's first Christmas album in 40 years provides the perfect soundtrack for all your holiday festivities.
What makes the holidays special? Traditions such as hanging ornaments on the tree, sipping cocoa, and opening presents come to mind, but another can be added to the list: listening to A Swingin’ Christmas by Tony Bennett featuring the Count Basie Big Band. A Swingin’ Christmas marks Bennett’s second foray into holiday...

Experience the "Robot Pop" of Kraftwerk

Kit O'Toole — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:02:42 EST

Kanye West's new album owes a great deal to visionary German band Kraftwerk.
Kanye West's new album, 808s & Heartbreak, has already generated a storm of controversy among fans. West takes a radical departure from his usual, straight-forward rapping style and actually sings (with some technological aid) most of the tracks on this album. Already shaping up to be the album listeners either love or hate, 808s &...

Make Your Own Holiday Compilation CDs

Kit O'Toole — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:01:22 EST

Looking for a meaningful yet inexpensive gift? Creating holiday compilation CDs give your friends and family an instant keepsake.
"A mix tape! He made a mix tape! He was thinking of me, which shows he cares!” sings Kate Monster in Avenue Q. While technology has changed since the irreverent musical debuted in the 1990s, homemade compilations still please gift recipients because of their highly personal nature. Since this Christmas has forced us to maintain...

Music Review: Chester Gregory - In Search of High Love

Kit O'Toole — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:45:57 EST

Broadway performer Chester Gregory releases an uneven but promising R&B album.
Chances are you may have already seen or heard R&B singer Chester Gregory without knowing it. Gregory first established his career as a Broadway performer, appearing in The Jackie Wilson Story, Hairspray, Tarzan, Cry-Baby, and the upcoming live production of Shrek. Recently he released his first CD, In Search of High Love, which showcases his...