New Soul Notes: Calvin Richardson, N'Dambi and Solange
Whether Angie Stone was the manipulative cougar or Calvin Richardson the opportunistic journeyman in their bandied about on and alleged off record relationship, I can't call. What is clear is that North Carolina native Richardson, who's travailed long and hard on today's chitlin circuit, is back and a little worse for wear. Admittedly, I'm not familiar with his catalogue beyond "More Than a Woman," his GRAMMY nominated duet with Angie Stone but his forthcoming album, When Love Comes, due in stores May 27th, is a little muddled. Richardson has always managed a sweet tension in his voice that distinguished himself from other R&B dudes, but on When Loves Comes his songwriting is intolerable, like most contemporary R&B, but with much lower production values that just sink many of the album's songs.
Stone, on the other hand, benefited from the resources of a revitalized Stax Records on last year's Art of Love & War, most memorable for the Betty Wright featuring single "Baby," but guess who else in on the Stax roster? None other than Erykah Badu's big-haired former background singer N'Dambi. My excitement is tempered with recollections of the strong and sensual voiced singer's tendency to underwhelm. Her music can be unsatisfying but with more resources to marshal I'll certainly be listening for what more she can do. In the meantime, I'm looking to get my hands on her Stax labelmate Lalah Hathaway's new album, which is set for a June 3rd release.
With her father's Music World Entertainment and her sister's influence at her fingers, Solange Knowles is also prepping a new album, SoL-AngeL and The Hadley Street Dreams, as has been widely reported. I just gave a listen to the single, "I Decided," and maybe not so surprisingly enjoyed it. After all, she recruited a credible all start cast to work with her including Jack Splash whose "Right Now" featuring Cee-Lo always makes me smile. It's derivative definitely, of Amy Winehouse most immediately, and 90's super boho Lauryn Hill but entirely listenable. She is nowhere as powerful a singer as her just betrothed sister Beyoncé and when attempting ardor, she strains constipated, but I'm looking forward to hearing what she can do outside of the Proud Family theme and that old duet with Lil' Romeo. After all, I chose Solange as my French class name in the 6th grade and lil' sis was at last check a fellow vegetarian (Common dropped the ball and returned to fish a while back).
Tags: Calvin Richardson, Music, N'Dambi, Solange, Soul
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