Everyone would love to have a megahit record like Estelle’s “American Boy,” but the few who do, often find themselves at a loss for their next move—some try too hard to recreate that hit; others try too hard to distance themselves from it. On All of Me, however, Estelle wisely retains the personality and spirit that contributed to her successful first and second albums, but doesn’t dwell on the past. She sounds just as comfortable as she did on her last album, and overall, delivers her best LP yet.

Estelle has a broad scope of influences, but she successfully bends those various styles to her will and makes them all feel coherent. “Thank You” is more traditional R&B, but she simultaneously moves into the present and the past of the genre with the slinky “Cold Crush.” Many songs do feel like they fit into one specific radio format or another, but there’s enough effort put into the work that it all feels sincere rather than coming off as a series of deliberate cash-grabs.

There wasn’t necessarily much doubt, but Estelle has firmly proved that she’s worth checking for. In addition to her general growth as an artist, All of Me mainly works due to Estelle having the confidence to let it work instead of over-thinking it. She’s smoothly navigated around the burden of expectation, so while it remains to be seen if the public responds as well as they did last time, she’s done her part by delivering a solid album.

Herstory, is the fourth CD from Gail Jhonson, the First Lady of Smooth Jazz. She says, …”My story begins with her story…this is dedicated to you Mom!’

The music blends jazz, R&B and soul. It kicks off with Make It Happen, an uptempo, funky live trio. Electric Lady reveals her synthesizer work on the keytar , a treat for fusion fans. Crusin‘ After Dark , a summertime jam with guest trumpeter Lin Rountree. Still Care About Me, if you ever been in love, you’ll understand this passionate vocal feature by Ms Jhonson.

In past years, she has performed with Morris Day, Bobby Womack, Pink, Norman Brown, Vanessa Williams, Bobby Lyle/featuring Mindi Abair, Dave Koz, Jermaine Jackson and Sheila E. With early influences of Duke Ellington and Herbie Hancock and later Stevie Wonder and Joe Sample, Gail has shared the stage with Ray Parker Jr. Vesta, Howard Hewitt, Brian Culbertson, OC Smith, Paul Jackson Jr. Pamela Williams, Phil Perry and yes, Milli Vanilli. Her various television performances include: BET on Jazz, MTV, Lou Rawls/Parade of Stars, Soul Train, The Tonight Show and numerous video performances. Gail also has a love for theatre znd Gospel Musicals.

The journey continues with a tribute to her son Aaron aka Vein, with a smooth midtempo bass performance from Dwayne “Smitty” Smith and sweet vocals by daughter Tamina on Dear Aaron. The title cut , HerStory, produced by Chuck Jefferson pumps your heart & makes you understand that this lady has something for you to feel. After that ballad whoo’s you, jump back into swing with saxophonist Tom Braxton on Do Something Else, whose partial proceeds benefit The Do Foundation. This One, great smooth jazz top tappin’ listen, nice duet with Lin Rountree.

For You Mom, the soul searching solo piano piece dedicated to the lady that was a loving inspiration to her daughter, so she could someday tell her story…in music. American Boy features the feminine side of jazz with Jazz In P!nk, a lively rendition of the hit single. The bonus track Dee‘s Dance, named for her mother is reminiscent of early contemporary jazz and her Philly musical roots.

Gail invites you to join her on her musical journey for her upcoming live show on Friday, April 6th, at  Jazz at Sea / Onyx World Class @ Cicada, 614 Olive Street in Los Angeles, California, where she will be performing her new hit from Herstorty “American Boy”

Established in 1992, The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of cultural and racial tolerance and understanding through the exhibition of film, art and creative expression.

It is PAFF’s goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes. We believe film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.

Each year, PAFF presents:

The New York Giants
vs.
The New England Patriots

Best of all there’s No Cover Charge if you RSVP
$10.00 at the door

Music by:
DJ Sidney Thompson

Don’t Miss 1st Friday @ Cicada
February 3 | March 2
click here

Find out more about Lalah Hathaway

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