A 90s classic from Meshell Ndegeocello – and one of the key records in showcasing how much new soul energy was beginning to brew up in the decade! The set forges an instant bridge between contemporary modes and the 70s – but all in a way that's freshly forward, not retro sleepy – as Meshell bursts forth with this voice that sets a whole new standard for female soul, and one that doesn't need to reference Aretha or Chaka, nor pretend it was raised on hip hop either! There's a power to the record that just gets stronger with each fresh listen – as you'll hear on titles that include "God Shiva", "Stay", "Bittersweet", "The Womb", "The Way", "Leviticus Faggot", "Deuteronomy Niggerman", "Ecclesiastes Free My Heart", "God Shiva", and her great cover of "Who Is He & What Is He To You". CD

Includes the songs "You Make Me Feel Brand New", "Thinking About You", "Africa", "Paradigms", "Summer Madness", "For The Love In Your Eyes (Prelude)", "For The Love In Your Eyes", and "Peace Of Mind". (Jazz, Neo Soul) CD

Keyon Harrold continues his rise from standard jazz into the realm of soulful superstar – working here with a great array of guests, and also creating a sound that's a fantastic blend of his own work on trumpet and some larger currents of soul and R&B! At some level, the record's almost Harrold's equivalent of the Black Radio projects from pianist Robert Glasper – and maybe no surprise, Glasper's in the lineup of guests here – alongside Laura Mvula, PJ Morton, Common, Jean Baylor, and others – all participants who find just the right spot in the music, yet leave plenty of room for Keyon to blow some solos in a way that mark his role as the visionary leader of the proceedings. Titles include "Beautiful Day", "Well Walk Now", "Don't Lie", "Foreverland", "Find Your Peace", "Gotta Go", "Pictures", and "The Intellectual". (Jazz, Neo Soul) CD

Keyon Harrold continues his rise from standard jazz into the realm of soulful superstar – working here with a great array of guests, and also creating a sound that's a fantastic blend of his own work on trumpet and some larger currents of soul and R&B! At some level, the record's almost Harrold's equivalent of the Black Radio projects from pianist Robert Glasper – and maybe no surprise, Glasper's in the lineup of guests here – alongside Laura Mvula, PJ Morton, Common, Jean Baylor, and others – all participants who find just the right spot in the music, yet leave plenty of room for Keyon to blow some solos in a way that mark his role as the visionary leader of the proceedings. Titles include "Beautiful Day", "Well Walk Now", "Don't Lie", "Foreverland", "Find Your Peace", "Gotta Go", "Pictures", and "The Intellectual". (Jazz, Neo Soul) LP, Vinyl record album

A classic album of jazzy diva soul, and one that put the Dorado label on the map. In spite of the record's age, we still get loads of requests for this one – and for good reason! The production's got that fresh, early '90's UK vibe, with a good mix of classic influences, and freshly crafted indie soul grooves – all topped off by Jhelisa's heavy heavy vocals. Titles include "Baby God", "Secret Place", "Hold My Peace", "There's Nothing Wrong", and "Friendly Pressure". CD

It's taken us a bit longer than expected to get this second installment in Maxwell's Black Summers' Night series – but it's been well worth the wait, given the greater depth in the music! All that we love about Maxwell's previous records is alive and well here – but there's also kind of a sharper edge to the sound, too – these fuller bottom currents that almost seem to be adding a second sort of instrumental commentary, alongside the lyrical activity up top – all while the whole thing is wrapped together with that warm keyboard flow that first made Maxwell stand out so many years back! There's almost this double edge to the whole thing – rough with the smooth, or turmoil under peace – which gives the whole thing a lot more power than this sort of record from some of Maxwell's contemporaries. Score another win for the mighty one – on tracks that include "The Fall", "Lake By The Ocean", "Lost", "Gods", "Fingers Crossed", "Hostage", "1990x", and "All The Ways Love Can Feel". CD

The title's a reference to a mis-heard Prince lyric back in the day – and it's clear that there's some influence from the purple one in the music – but at a level that's nicely distilled and taken into mellow-stepping territory that's mighty nice! The record's got a great way of bringing 80s elements future forward with a swirling sense of production – the intimacy of more personal projects by contemporary soul artists, who can deliver a grand vision of their own without needing to bring a full band into the studio! Tunes are trippingly soulful in a mighty nice way – and titles include "Sherbet Sky", "Arrive", "Pain Inside", "Peace Love Respect & Adoration", "Vilified", "Talk To You", and "All I Gotta Do". LP, Vinyl record album