and the rap star is DJ Quik, but the results are not what you'd think. For one thing, the Oakland trio applies its trademark of relaxed self-assurance to the mix. While everyone else in hip-hop and R&B is flinging electronic beats, synth bleeps, and vocal beefs at the listener, Tony Toni Tone never hurries. Lead singer Raphael Saadiq, his brother Dwayne Wiggins and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley exude the confidence that they're in control, so they can take the time to let the beat sway and slide rather than slam all the time. --Geoffrey Himes  (less)

and the rap star is DJ Quik, but the results are not what you'd think. For one thing, the Oakland trio applies its trademark of relaxed self-assurance to the mix. While everyone else in hip-hop and R&B is flinging electronic beats, synth bleeps, and vocal beefs at the listener, Tony Toni Tone never hurries. Lead singer Raphael Saadiq, his brother Dwayne Wiggins and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley exude the confidence that they're in control, so they can take the time to let the beat sway and slide rather than slam all the time. --Geoffrey Himes  (less)

which preceded it by a few months. Chaka sounds inviting--literally so on the title track, which finds her proffering "some really good beer or a glass of wine" in a manner even a teetotaler couldn't resist--but also like nobody's fool. "I'll never open my legs again," she asserts, "unless I'm really sure." With "Tell Me Something Good" and "I'm Every Woman," solid favorites of young fans of the old school, Chaka is back to let us know that the jam is still moving. --Rickey Wright  (less)

Morton, who maintains lively churches in both Atlanta and New Orleans, supplies two dramatic ballads for the project. The first is "Let it Rain" which took on a new dimension of relevance after his New Orleans church was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The other tune is the poignant "Seasons Change" that features Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Choir music flourishes on the project as well. Connecticut's J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise provide a churchy sing-a-long with their "Awesome God." Another infectious congregational tune is Houston-based Gary Maye's "Nu Creature." Although, she's a soloist, Dove nominee Stephanie Dotson gives a percolating choir-styled performance on "Give Him Glory." The Louisiana ...  (less)

on Respected Labels Like Funky Chocolate, Freerange and Bombay. Furthermore, House Virtuosos from all Over the World Are Featured Like Bioground from Portugal and Simuck from Lithuania and of Course the Artists from their Own Little Angel Label Like Derrick Thompson and Karu. Cd2 is a Family Reunion of the Heroes from the Old-& New School of the True House Scene. Veterans Like Roy Davis Jr., Blaze and Jose Burgos (As Soul Creation) Are on It, as Well as Fresh Talents Like Joey Youngman, Jt Donaldson and Mikiel. Top Labels Like Om and Deeply Rooted House Are Featured. Once Again William "Harley" Cataldo and Flavio "Muscle" Romanielo it is Hard to Go Deeper Than Them.  (less)

Grammy Award. With their first two singles taken from the album the duo have been racking up support from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Ben Watt , Fergie, Rodriguez Jr and Deadmau5. Their work is a blend of old-school funk, dub reggae, Balearic brilliance and driving house, all held together with the inimitable style of a pair of producers who are at the head of their respective games. Dave and Graeme's backgrounds combine to form a very distinctive sound, equally steeped in film soundtracks and house music. This is an inspired partnership that won't fail to impress.  (less)

musicians, most of whom play in the center's award-winning group. Many famous district groups from outside the city - and deep in the countryside - also pass through the center. This is how we were able to find some of the other groups and music we recorded as well. The music for this album is traditional, "old school" Bambara-based djembe music. These arrangements were put together by master drummer Aruna Sidibe. He plays and is joined by his students and other musicians. The style is noticeably different than the one played by younger drummers or the "young gun" arrangements, the style currently favored in Bamako, for example. The CD was made using a high-quality flash recorder and excellent microphones. It's surp...  (less)

is a real portal, a star gate, to another world. We will rise again, this is the overall positive message of the album!!! With this message, Atmas music will open the doors of perception, giving you, a one way ticket to the other side. -Take a good listen & find the right key to access the portal and pass beyond good & evil!!! The result of almost 3 years of studio work, this album has a large musical spectrum... (From deep melody to twisted sounds, from electronic sound effects to pianos & violins & from pumping full on bass lines to old school goa line).  (less)

Although he has previously released five studio CD's, this is his first live recording. Marc's sellout shows and glowing reviews from publications such as Music Connection led to an invitation to perform a Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitarest with guitar superstars Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Carlos Santana.  (less)