Rather than bringing the whole story of the concert earlier mentioned, I wrote a review over at Last.fm…

His voice was… well, it was still Maxwell’s. From first to last song and encore, his voice was a smooth and slick as we know it, and where possible he did show off his great reach from Maxwell high to Barry White low.

You can read the whole review here.

Further to explain his absence, the following video interview does give most details.

He’s touring the States now… anybody been to his concerts? What do you think?

Received a message in my Last.fm account from Nika17, suggesting an artist I might like… A nice way to be introduced to the voice and lyrics of Paola Jean.

I know I still have to further dig in the possibilities of Last.fm, as it is my main radio station, yet I listen wayyy not enough… Happy that every now and then I am notified and made aware again of what else there in my flavor of music.

Paola Jean

In Bern, Switzerland an 11 year old Paola Kraehenbuehl sings in her school choir and discovers her desire for the stage. Choir practice led to competitions and winning led to the conviction that music is her message.

Vocally trained at the Swiss Jazz School, her singing/songwriting career since then has only moved in the positive direction. Shortly after recording her first demo with producer Ben Thaler, the two became known as pioneers of soul music in Switzerland, Paola’s song “You gotta know what you want” was aired in Montreal, Canada. Using this momentum her singing ability was noticed by national and international artist’s R&B singer Emel, and rapper Kamel of the famous French group Alliance Ethnic with whom she co-wrote several songs with. Paola knew exactly what she wanted. She recorded her first single “Strong” with Session All-stars Compilation released on Universal Records as well as re-writing and performing the anthem of her hometown in Switzerland.

[more & source: paolajean.org]

Her voice and style do resemble do remind me of Lina, yet the color is different. Will dig a few more songs of her soon.

Artist impression

The impression I get from the below video overview is good… Though must say that her voice does seem to fit the up-tempo songs less than the easy ballads I heard on her Myspace site.

Enjoy and show her some love!

No explanation needed, just listen to Smooth Beats [stream].

From the upcoming album by Kanye West (Graduation), Bittersweet is the first track released.

[youtube n_z-shZL1KU Kanye West and John Mayer recording Bittersweet]

John Mayer has a great sense of humor in this vid… Ye can do nothing but smile…

This is what hiphop is:

[youtube WwT_aSfTOXU Common ft Dwele - The People]

It has been a while again… so I am pleased to link to 2 mixes, from mixoftheweek.com and digital-djs.com. I keep on promoting these sites, as they have provided in some great mood-changing material. Here’s the love:

Kay-Dis-Ko by Pirkka [right-click here to download] from MixoftheWeek.com

1. Moodymann: Shades of Jae (KDJ 12″) 1999
2. Shalamar: Right in the Socket (Solar 12″) 1979
3. Five Special: Why Leave Us Alone (Elektra LP) 1979
4. Don Ray: Standing in the Rain (Polydor 12″) 1978
5. Tamiko Jones: Can’t Live Without Your Love (Polydor 12″) 1979
6. Caroline Crawford: Coming On Strong (Underdog Edits 12″) 1978/2005
7. Loleatta Holloway: Seconds (Salsoul 12″) 1982
8. Steve Shelto: Don’t Give Your Love Away (Sam 12″) 1983
9. Lowrell Simon: Love Massage (Zoo York 12″) 1981
10. Joe Thomas: Plato’s Retreat (T.K. Disco 12″) 1978
11. Patrick Juvet: I Love America [Weapon re-edit] (Casablanca LP) 1978
12. King Harrison: Well, Have A Nice Day (School Yard Breaks 12″) 1977/2005
13. Record Player: Free Your Mind (Soul Cal 12″) 1979/2005
14. Loose Joints: Tell You (Today) (4th Brodway 12″) 1983
15. Voyage: Follow The Brightest Star (Friends 12″) 1982

DJ 1derful – Soulful House Mix – DDJ is not dead (The Soulful Affirmation) [right-click here to download] from Digital DJs.com

1. Tonya Renee – Off My Mind (Reel Soul Mix)
2. Corrine Bailey Rae – Put Your Record On (Darryl James Vocal Mix)
3. Linn – Available (Jay J’s Shifted Up Mix)
4. Leela James – Good Time (Groove Junkies Vocal Mix)
5. Soul Central – In-ten-city (Vocal Mix)
6. Luther Vandross – Shine (club mix)
7. Blvd East f. Jenny Morrison – Brand New Life
8. DJ Spen & The Muthafunkaz – To The Rock (Praise Party Vocal)
9. Su Su Bobien – Set Free (Fusion Remix)
10. Dennis Ferrer – Church Lady

That’s it for the weekend! Enjoy!

On Sophia Darcell’s Soul Eclectic SOULBROTHER wrote:

Very nice smooth and sultry album from Miami songstress, that reminds me of both Sade and the Kuh Ledesma album from a few years back. The full band play well throughout and the soft horns and acoustic guitar interspersing with Sophia’s sophisticated voice gives the album a nice feel, that is familiar but refreshingly different, which will appeal to both soul and smooth jazz fans.

Listening to here voice over at sophiadarcell.com and her MySpace site, I think I can not really put it in better words. Being a passionate fan of Sade, that was exactly what first came to mind when I listened to Sophia.

On her MySpace site:

Some smooth funky jazz-alicious soul music spiced with Afro-Cuban flavas’.
A sensual soundscape of urban grit and tropical vibes; songs to kick back and relax to… make love to… mood music…Think Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Sade, Sweetback. Jill Scott, etc.

So, do not hesitate, get over there, listen and show your love.