Reverb

PHYLLE: MACK DOWN

2010-01-01T19:23:29Z

Words by Terron D. Austin, Reverb Editor

Photography by Ryan G Photography (Click image for PDF version)

Philadelphia's own, Phylle (pronounced Philly), is inspired by music that is therapy for the soul. "The One" represents real love from the beginning to the end.

As the sound and allure of once hard-edged and in-your-face Hip Hop morphs into more radio-friendly tunes with a pop crossover appeal, new artists such as Phylle (pronounced “Philly”) have suddenly appeared and begun to assume their position in the game. Larry “Phylle” Carter, whose stage persona represents his hometown’s (Philadelphia) nickname as well as a hybrid of his parents’ names, presents his debut project The One. The album features half-hustler lyrics and half-crooner style melodies for those willing to enter the psyche of a semi-schizophrenic entertainer’s two toned spectrum of ideas. As the founder/CEO of Real Talk Music, LLC and the first artist to be signed under the imprint, Phylle’s also developing his entrepreneurial hand as well as presenting the world with something to whet its appetite for the young artist’s slow-burning career.

Reminiscent of a few of the top-selling rappers and producers of the last decade who’ve taken on a happier, more sing-along style of lyricism (of course in an attempt to broaden their consumer fan base), on The One Phylle awkwardly straddles the fence between two vastly different fields of music. Boasting with the type of bravado evident in the male dominated world of Hip Hop, Phylle’s imperfect phrasing seems to fall short of inspiring and rides steadily into a less combative subgenre. Instead, his topics of discussion mostly dwell on overt sexual innuendo with records like the lead single “Making Love,” “Wet Dream” and “Digital Sex” – the latter of which climax with total runtimes that indicate interludes rather than potential radio singles. Each are attempts to suggest Phylle’s yearning for intimacy in song, but like the old saying, Phylle must remember that less truly is more.

When he’s not trying to grab your attention with a clever rhyme scheme, Phylle’s right hand is stuck in nostalgic R&B. Singing in an underdeveloped tenor’s tone, an often pitchy projection and that “mack daddy” attitude, Phylle may have a hard time persuading a global market of whether or not he’s an up-and-coming R&B vocalist from yesteryear (think Ginuwine and Bobby Valentino) versus the star rapper of tomorrow. Yes, the vocal arrangements and a few harmonies are indeed creative, but they lack the strength and continuity of past hits and the catchy compositions we’ve come to know and love from rappers/singers of this sort. One might even suggest Phllye choose which side of the game he prefers before the next offering. In fact, it seems Phylle hasn’t completely convinced himself whether he wants to make you two-step in the clubs by “singing over Hip Hop beats” or if audiences are expected to be enlightened by what he has to say.

Memorable tracks from the album include “Let Me Love You” for its blustering horn arrangement and the throwback “Oh Sheila” featuring guest rapper Al King. The most random part of the effort is Phylle’s “Santa Please” – a sampled request written and sung to Old St. Nick for the girl of Phylle’s dreams which really just seems out of place with the stuttering momentum of The One. Either way, whatever he decides to do, Phylle’s in a vulnerable place and might soon be forced to abandon Hip Hop altogether and increase his study of R&B in order to perfect the next project. In the meantime, listen to The One with open ears, but get ready to experience a mack down.

Connect with Phylle and check out more music by visiting www.phylle.com and www.twitter.com/phylle.

Terron D. Austin is a contributing editor and music writer currently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

ANDY ALLO: THE SWEET & LOWDOWN

2010-01-01T18:57:50Z

Words by Terron D. Austin, Reverb Editor

Photography Jesse Vasquez Makeup Artist Melody Mora

(Click Image for PDF version)

Newcomer Andy Allo hails from Cameroon, West Africa with her guitar as her companion and a charming sound she says has been influenced by real musical royalty such as Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, Hip-Hop’s spacey duo OutKast and even the late King of Pop himself – Michael Jackson. She’s quickly stepping into her own, however, with a brand new genre she affectionately calls “Alter.Hip.Soul” – a self-made concoction carrying the weight of alternative, Hip Hop and soul undertones, but for now, we’ll just call each of the 12 tracks found on UnFresh, Andy’s official debut purely feel good music.

Having been making music as well as performing live with her band for just under a year, Andy Allo is poised to become one of the industry’s breakthrough artists if she retains the momentum set forth by her debut offering. Released independently this past fall, UnFresh features a girl with grit, spunk and a style all her own. Though it hasn't been long, the cool chemistry between Andy and her band plus their oscillating ode to Hip Hop’s golden children The Fugees among others (check out the breezy opening number “Fly Away” featuring The Tones to see what we mean) is what makes this group of musicians so unique. Taking that kind of daring musical approach and blending it with strong lyrical content draws first-time listeners in with ease. It’s not too far out there nor is it so familiar that you’re too comfortable and taking it for granted.

UnFresh lacks one thing though – that surefire hit many new artists need to make their mark. Filled with mostly lazy Sunday afternoon tunes or those sweet joints some of us like to ride to on those long vacations and car drives, UnFresh does boast a few must-haves. Check out the title cut (which falls halfway through the album’s full sequence) with its atmospheric string and funky vocal arrangements. Coupled with a few monotone bars by a guest emcee known as Flave and Andy’s swift transition between rhythm, rhyme and rhetoric, “UnFresh” is actually a clean take on the future of soul/Hip Hop fusion and is definitely a tune you’ll bob your head to all day long. There’s also the stripped down “Knew You At All,” a brave acoustic tale about a former love and the symphonic samples strutting through the funky “Dreamland” (featuring guest artist Blu) like a Disney movie soundtrack. If you’re gearing up for something left field, you won’t find that pinch of alternative you might be looking for. Instead, UnFresh adds to the mix a few stellar choices to keep Andy out of the one-hit wonder category for quite some time.

All at once sincere, passionate, beautiful and liberating, Andy Allo’s subtle sound and writing skills on UnFresh are remarkably refreshing. It only adds to the mix that she’s undeniably striking with that captivating smile and unforgettable “girl next door” energy. Easily placing her in the league of guitar-strumming and soul-singing sisters Vivian Green, Corinne Bailey Rae, Laura Izibor and Alice Smith, this record launches the promising career of a new starlet whose full potential has yet to be fully introduced to the world.

To learn more about Andy Allo, visit www.andyallo.com . Twitter: www.twitter.com/andyallo

Terron D. Austin is a contributing editor and music writer currently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

RYAN LESLIE: SHOOTING STAR

2009-12-30T16:03:05Z

Word by Terron D. Austin, Reverb Editor

Rarely does an artist impact the music industry with a seemingly continuous stream of new music like singer/songwriter/producer prodigy Ryan Leslie has done. Nearly eight months following the release of his critically acclaimed self-titled debut, Ryan delivers his sophomore set Transition (released November 3^rdon Universal Motown), a sincere sonic saga detailing some of his most intimate musical recollections of the highs and lows of a summer love.

Emotionally charged, cleverly written, and precision produced are each of the 11 tracks (14 if you can get your hands on the special edition version) featured on Transition. Ryan again proves his musical genius by continuing to showcase the many gifts he possesses and sharing with the masses what we’ve come to know and love him for since the instantly classic first album which spawned radio hits “Diamond Girl” and “Addiction” – his music tells a story, it's music we can feel. The self-taught pianist and multi-instrumentalist returns to the spotlight dressed in the best brand of soulful R&B-infused garb and trust us when we say he wears it well.

“This album is a collection of songs inspired by a summer of secret love,” Ryan stated just before the album’s release. The album transcribes messages within his heart and tells the story of Ryan’s struggles to make sense of his relationships with women. It celebrates the liberation found in living and loving freely. “In the end, I chose you and you chose the life that you had before me,” continues Ryan. “Nonetheless, the world will forever have this music and I will forever have the memories.”

Transition is powered by the lead single “You’re Not My Girl,” a guitar-laden funk/R&B jam that’s equally infectious as it is full of Ryan’s raspy vocals and his witty conversation starters. The tune tackles life with the kind of macho attitude and ego it takes for a guy to sweep a girl completely off her feet. Ryan also co-directed a documentary-style video called “The Making of Transition” which features interviews and footage from the creation of the new album and the experiences Ryan says inspired him to write the music. Furthermore, Transition is highlighted by the endearing ballad “I Choose You,” the mellow vibe of “All My Love,” and “To The Top” which showcases Ryan’s ability to soar through a song with his signature sound.

But if you’re recently catching onto the phenomenon known as Ryan Leslie, you must first get acquainted with the tenacious star’s business-savvy intellect. Currently traveling abroad and living between Harlem and Hollywood, the 1998 Harvard University graduate earned his degree in Government with a concentration in political science and macroeconomics before signing with Casablanca Records/Universal Motown in 2003. The world was then slowly but surely introduced to the distinct sound Ryan spent many a night during his college years perfecting. After a brief production internship with producer Younglord and a series of calculated movements, Ryan’s genius began impacting the airwaves with hits like sexy pop/R&B singer Cassie’s “Me & U,” which became the #1 R&B and #3 song on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006 due in part to strategic online marketing campaigns and sharp viral promo through the use of YouTube, Myspace, Facebook and most recently, Twitter.

Today, Ryan is busy being a musical pioneer. He’s signing new acts to his music and multimedia company NextSelection Lifestyle Group all while touring, promoting, and churning out the hits for some of modern R&B’s biggest acts from Mary J. Blige, Keri Hilson, Jazmine Sullivan, Fabulous and Chris Brown. It seems like this R&B crooner’s real transition into the stratosphere of superstardom is just beginning.

www.twitter.com/Ryan_Leslie

Terron D. Austin is a freelance editor and contributing music writer currently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

AMERIE: LOVE CONQUERS ALL

2009-12-30T15:51:30Z

Words by Terron D. Auston, Reverb Editor

Twice Grammy nominated R&B sensation Amerie returns to the music scene with a resounding bang with In Love & War. The sexy songstress serves up her daring trademark harmonies and heavy dance rhythms tailor made for progressive R&B fans. Amerie, 29, is hotter than ever on her fourth studio offering complete with a collection of intense club bangers and sexy slow jams.

Let us remind you just who she is though. As one of the many pretty faces whose careers were launched by Rich Harrison, the D.C. producer who gave Beyoncé her mega-hit “Crazy in Love,” Amerie’s journey began after her introduction to Harrison and their collaborative chemistry. From there, the two developed a solid hybrid of spacey R&B with both Hip-Hop’s no nonsense attitude and the high energy, drum-and-bass evident in D.C.’s funk sub-genre of Go-go music. Thanks to Harrison and Amerie, this signature sound and syncopation catapulted her to the top of the charts with such career defining hits as 2002’s summer anthem “Why Don’t We Fall In Love,” the first single lifted from her debut release All I Have, and “1 Thing” from her sophomore disc Touch. (Ironically, Touch was also the last time we’d actually see the singer/songwriter and producer duo working together amicably.)

Since then, Amerie has struggled repeatedly to encounter the type of commercial success of her previous hits and has since ventured out on her own with the absence of longtime collaborator Harrison on her third album Because I Love It, the coveted 2007 European-only release. Later that year, she announced she’d left Columbia Records and reportedly began work on bold mixtapes and musical featurettes. Only true Amerie fans knew how to get their hands on them until she formally returned to center stage under a new label/production deal with her imprint Feenix Rising Entertainment through Island Def Jam Music Group.

In Love & War delivers fully on the modern rhythm and blues spiced up by Amerie’s percussive vocals and intense songwriting. The first half of the album features the distinct combination of live drums, rock fused with R&B and over-the-top synthesizers strategically placed over familiar samples and haunting Hip-Hop interpolations. There’s of course The Buchanans-produced lead single “Why R U” derived from the Ultramagnetic MC’s fave “Ego Trippin’.” The single premiered earlier this year and received rave reviews in NYC on Funkmaster Flex’s radio show. Flex reportedly played the record for listening audiences for 15 minutes straight stating he “never thought this record would ever be flipped so well” and lauded Amerie for her latest and most impressive work to date. Also check out “Pretty Brown” featuring another underrated R&B talent Trey Songz and the ‘90s classic Mint Condition sample “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes).” Proceed to the second half without rewinding or stopping to hit the repeat button and you’ll soon fall in love with the lush “Red Eye” and the sometimes dreary yet honest balladry of “The Flowers” and “Different People.”

Today, Amerie still gives us top notch production and a serious groove. As for the more casual fans of contemporary R&B, some might agree that Amerie possesses a much more pleasant albeit sometimes thinner vocal ability than Beyoncé, but Amerie also lacks the larger than life persona of her fellow diva counterparts due to the incredibly unfortunate label promo and support. In spite of it all, Amerie more than makes up for not consistently over saturating the marketplace by remaining the type of female R&B artist who chooses to be completely in control of her own imagery, production and songwriting. She proves once and for all she can do it all on her own. In Love & War also proves however that she’s quite comfortable with perseverance - knowing her boundaries and ignoring limitations all at the same time.

www.twitter.com/itsmeAMERIE

Terron D. Austin is a freelance editor and contributing music writer currently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

TURN HER LOOSE

2009-10-13T21:57:40Z

by Terron D. Austin

Riding the winds of change can sometimes cause even the strongest to waver in their faith. As the music industry’s systematic number-crunching schemes and the multitude of new sources where a consumer can discover new music all seem to change at the drop of a dime, one thing stays the same and that’s good music. Two-time Grammy Award nominee and singer/songwriter Ledisi proves that once again she can flow right along with this period of change as she returns to the scene with her spectacular new musical offering Turn Me Loose, her fourth studio album and sophomore release on the Verve Forecast imprint of Universal Music Company.

Ledisi fans who are familiar with her powerhouse vocals, the incredible range and versatility she possesses and that polished stage presence will find this new collection of music more than rises to the occasion. Featuring 14 stellar selections primarily written/co-written by Ledisi, Turn Me Loose shifts seamlessly from spicy soul on “Say No” and progressive R&B on “I Need Love” – courtesy of top producers Carvin Haggins, Ivan Barias and Johnny “Smurf” Smith – to the Buddy Miles’ 1970’s soul-rock classic “Them Changes,” the very song Ledisi claims she built this project on. The album, which began to take form after Ledisi’s startling six-month writer’s block, proves evident the singer’s growth and perseverance, but also catapults her further into the realm of R&B mainstays like Chaka Khan, Sade and Anita Baker. After a friend presented her with the new music, Ledisi was inspired to explore such liberation as she explained in a recent interview.

“I had never heard it [“Them Changes”] before,” Ledisi says. “Once I heard it, I wanted to be able to be free on the new album. On my previous album, I was contained a little bit, but I said on my next project that I was going to be off the chain vocally.”

And so the chains were broken as Ledisi chose to flex her creative muscles with more adult contemporary selections driven by exquisite production elements from high profile Grammy-winning collaborators including Raphael Saadiq (“Love Never Changes”), Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (“Higher Than This”) and Carl “Chucky” Thompson (“Everything Changes”) all detailing Ledisi’s life experiences with love, womanhood and the pressures of global fame and success.

The New Orleans-native/Oakland resident doesn’t stray too far from what made her an instant mainstay on her Verve debut Lost & Found (2007). Instead, she continues to draw you in with her soaring vocals and a series of courageous songs like “Knockin’” – a funky, upbeat tune that easily drums up the attitude and strength of Tina Turner in her prime. Ledisi also reunites with Lost & Found contributor Rex Rideout on the lead single “Goin’ Thru Changes.” If you’re wondering if this is a new Ledisi you’re hearing, indeed it is. Today, she’s stronger than ever and more confident in her blend of rhythm and blues, classic rock, sassy soul and gospel. Even in the midst of change, Ledisi turns loose her inhibitions and goes for what she knows best – the freedom of making great, timeless music.

Terron D. Austin is a freelance editor and contributing writer currently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

THE MODEST ONE

2009-07-06T06:44:12Z

Sherman Modeste is no stranger to music and its affect on the masses. This very shy man (and very kind) has the ability to draw attention to him without him even trying. His presence alone makes you feel like you're in the room with a long lost friend.

His first recording project, Modest Coversation is exactly that, modest - with a twist. This cd of mellow moods, smooth ballads, sultry uptempos with Gospel influences will put you in the mind of Musiq Soulchild or Maxwell but on Sherman's terms.

Sherman took the time to answer some of our questions about what he prays for and his music:

Where are you from? I was born and raised on the island of St. Croix, USVI. I have lived in Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Georgia. I currently reside in Rochester, New York.

When did you start singing and where? I started singing as a child in church. I can remember exactly when that was. It was a Sunday night testimony service, a friend of mine went up to sing a song and asked me to join her and I did. They tell me I got up there and stole the show. I've been singing ever since.

How did you get involved with music? Growing up I spent most of my time at home, school, or at church. Music was embraced all across the board. At home my mom played a variety of Gospel, Country, and love songs. In school, I sang in chorus, concert choir, show choir, madrigals, gospel choir, vocal jazz, and glee club....LOL...whew!

Who have you worked with? Currently, I sing tenor with Ricky Dillard & The New Generation Chorale (New G). In the future, I would love to work with Donald Lawrence, John Legend, Musiq Soulchild, Fantasia, and Jill Scott just to name a few.

Who inspires you through your music? Just living the natural course of life gives me all the inspiration I need. My mother also inspires me. Her strength is amazing.

Why did decide you to do an album? I'm most passionate about music and it is time to share my music with the world. Instead of sitting at home praying, hoping, wishing, dreaming about my place in music history, I decided to take my own advice and act now by stepping out on faith and making an investment in self.

You call you album 'Modest Conversation'. Can you explain the title? When I sat down to consider the direction of the album, I wanted to make music and write songs that music lovers will related to. My goal was to create a dialogue between me and those listening.

Do you consider your album Gospel or R&B? A mixture of both. If I had the power to create my own genre, I would categorize my music as 'life' experience music. Each song has a real life story attached to it and was written out of a personal life experiences.

Do you feel Gospel artists are losing their roots? No. Gospel has evolved and will continue to evolve like every other genre.

I looked at the credits in your album and noticed you wrote all of your songs. Why was it important for you towrite your own songs? As a singer/songwriter, it was important for me to write all of my songs to keep the conversation authentic and genuine.

One of my favorite songs on the album is 'Star Struck'. Explain the meaning behind that song? I'm the epitomy of a hopeless romantic. I wanted to write a song that will be played as brides are escorted down the aisle and I found the lyrics of "Star Struck" in a conversation I had with a friend about the joy of loving someone.

How do people find out more about you? www.shermanmodeste.com www.myspace.com/spottedmusic Stay tuned. I promise to keep making great music. My goal is to become a world-renown/top-selling artist.

Where can people buy your album? My CD is available at www.cdbaby.com.

When you aren't doing anything musically, what do you do? I'm a home body. I enjoy being home entertaining family and friends. During my down time, I read, watch a little TV, I enjoy walks in the park and long drives.

Random: When you go to the movies, what do you go to see? I like romance, comedy, suspenseful thrillers, and movies based on true stories that depict courage, strength, triumph, bravery, and hope.

No Midi, No Problem

2009-06-30T01:44:03Z

by Jerris Madison, Creative Director

Super duo Damon Trueitt (left) and A. Salih (pronounced sah-lee, on right) are bringing a revamped version of what we hear today in music.

The twist to their unique sound is their use of pure vocals without instrumentation. The non-use of instruments sounds interesting when you have Pop music taking its reign again with mega stars like Lady GaGa and Britney Spears. No-Midi is making it known that they are here to make their presence known by giving you a taste of their eclectic dance grooves.

The ‘Midi’ in their name means (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Midi an industry-standard protocol defined in 1982 that enables electronic musical instruments, such as keyboard controllers, computers, and other electronic equipment to communicate, control, and synchronizes with each other. I sat down with these talented men in their first (definitely not their last) public interview to ask their stance on the music industry currently and about their contribution to the industry short and long term. The humility they share resonates in their music and in their private lives.

Hey Fellas! How are you?
We are fine man. Thanks for asking.

Explain the meaning behind your name?
A. Salih – It’s pretty self-explanatory as long as u knows about making music. No-Midi means we don’t use any midi to import sounds from synch modules. We only work with audio files, specifically vocals, for all original production.

What are the roles of each member?
Damon – We both come up with the song reverb concepts and lyrics, then I take over for the visual interpretation and A. Salih takes over for the audio interpretation.

How did you meet?
Damon – We met through a mutual friend, recording artist Gaelle and when I had “I Refuse” on the charts, as a solo artist. A. Salih was dancing for Crystal Waters. We stayed friends and did collaborations over the years, which led us to eventually come up with the concept for No-Midi, after we couldn’t get any tracks from producers that fit our eclectic style to write to.

Where are you guys from?
A. Salih – I was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to South Orange, NJ to attend what my parents called a better high school...LOL. I’ve been here ever since and still love the city. Damon – I was born in Aspen, CO but being an army brat, we moved a lot around the world. We lived in Bermuda, Italy and Germany. Luckily for me, my family ended up in New Jersey. Currently I reside in Maryland.

Do you have a church background?
Damon – I was raised in an African Methodist Episcopal church myself. My grandfather was a
reverend and I’m still very involved. A. Salih – I was raised Roman Catholic, but have since chosen to walk a more spiritual path rather than to associate with any one religion.