Read below for some releases/performances from the past couple of weeks which took our attention.
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Tracy Cruz – Keep Our Soul Alive
Bay Area vocalist Tracy Cruz, a soul singer of Filipino origin, has recently released her new single. ‘Keep Our Soul Alive’ was produced by Brandon Williams, who produced Vickie Winans’ Grammy-nominated gospel album How I Got Over (2009). Cruz’ vocals are pristine and clear and the production is very polished. The synchronisation of the horns and vocals at the chorus is particularly stylish. There is a steely-eyed determination to the song’s lyrics as Cruz, embracing the struggles of being an independent artist, insists that she has to keep ‘living’, ‘striving’ and ‘vibing’ to keep her soul alive. The song remains a low-key affair – it is perhaps lacking an extra injection of energy as it reaches its final stretch. Perhaps in her live performances she can push herself more vocally and emotionally. But a very listenable release nonetheless.
Mo Jamil – That Feeling
Coached by Jennifer Hudson, Mo Jamil won the 6th season of the UK’s (usually quite terrible) version of The Voice. ‘That Feeling’ marks Jamil’s first single from his debut album Evolve. I would go as far to say that Jamil has one of Britain’s finest contemporary soul voices with the much envied combination of gravel and range. Sadly, the studio has ironed out his unique sound on ‘That Feeling’ – an over-produced slice of generic pop.
Standout vocalists on The Voice (US)
Whereas the UK version of The Voice borders on ludicrous in some of its offerings, its American counterpart is rather impressive. Though yet to produce a truly commercial recording artist, many fine vocalists (several with previous professional experience) have been showcased. Watch below for two performances from two standout contestants on the current season.
Kyla Jade – ‘You Don’t Own Me’
Beginning with a defiant hand-on-hips pose, Kyla Jade (a former backup singer for Jennifer Hudson) tore into Lesley Gore’s feminist anthem ‘You Don’t Own Me’. She began in her velvety lower register with a tone reminiscent of gospel singer Kim Burrell. Gradually, Jade scaled up the song with tremendous strength and power. While the original has a pleading quality to its delivery, Jade imbued the song with more anger and frustration. Some of her melodic liberties will not be to everyone’s tastes, but Jade’s vocal prowess is undeniable.
Terrence Cunningham – ‘Tell Me Something Good’
Granted, this was not a perfect vocal. It began with a slight wobble, and Cunningham could have benefitted from delivering the chorus with more punch and restraining some of the vocal runs. However, he nailed the fiercely ambitious upper register notes he brought to this Rufus funk classic (while apparently singing in Chaka Khan’s original key). Under Alicia Keys’ expert coaching, he is likely to impress as the competition progresses. One should also check out his fascinating, ethereal re-interpretation of The Temptations’ ‘My Girl’.
(Image copyright: Polydor Records, Tracy Cruz, NBC)
