Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Rhythm and Blues Editor, Rickey Wright FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Word for Word: Barry White * New And Notable: The Isley Brothers, Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige, Wilson Pickett, and Maktub * Feature: Basement Jaxx * Rewind: Stevie Wonder WORD FOR WORD: BARRY WHITE ************************** "We can't be totally serious. I mean, I'm serious, but you've got to inject humor into it. We laugh in the studio; we laugh when we're recording.... When you do it in a positive way, you're not hurting nobody, you're not stepping on nobody's toe, it's a nice thing, it really is." --Barry White Read more of Amazon.com's interview with White at R&B/Soul Download the title track from Barry White's new album, "Staying Power," for free at R&B/Soul NEW AND NOTABLE *************** "It's Your Thing: The Story of the Isley Brothers" The Isley Brothers http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K29F/entertainmentsit The Isleys' three-CD box set functions as a one-band history of R&B from the '50s to the '90s. Hit makers even now, the Isleys can boast of having a hand in everything from churchy early soul to rock-hard funk to some of the music's most beloved (and sampled) ballads. Included are too many hits to mention, plus a couple of smokin' tracks featuring an un-"Experienced" Jimi Hendrix. "Keep the Faith" Faith Evans http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000DF6M/entertainmentsit Faith Evans's overlooked 1998 sophomore set has gained new legs thanks to the No. 1 single "Never Gonna Let You Go." In "Keep the Faith," deeply personal ballads, sublime midtempo grooves, and party jams cohere into a one-of-a-kind whole. "Mary" Mary J. Blige http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JWQH/entertainmentsit This generation's foremost soul voice reemerges with her fourth album. This time, the state-of-the-art production backs her on pairings that range from Aretha to Elton--and on her usual dramatic solo confessions. "It's Harder Now" Wilson Pickett http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001IVQ9/entertainmentsit The wicked, wicked Pickett returns with a new disc spotlighting his still pleasingly rough voice on songs that (barely) update his classic '60s sound. Check out "Taxi Love" and "What's Under That Dress" for proof that this master hasn't tamed himself too much. "Subtle Ways" Maktub http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JJYS/entertainmentsit This semi-underground Seattle act offers a debut full of '70s-style R&B and funk. Singer Reggie Watts fronts the, yes, subtle band's meld of styles with assurance and lots of soul. FEATURE: BASEMENT JAXX ********************** On their debut, "Remedy," British duo Basement Jaxx inject house music with luscious strings, jazzy flourishes, deep soul, and ultra-funk bass. Among the most glorified acts in recent memory, the Jaxx arrive at new, pulse-quickening variations on poppy, beat-centric house. Check out Amazon.com's interview with Basement Jaxx's Felix Buxton. R&B/Soul REWIND: STEVIE WONDER ********************* Stevie Wonder has been chosen for a Kennedy Center Honor--a lifetime-achievement award generally given to artists in their golden years. The 1973 "Innervisions," released when Wonder was only 23, makes plain why his inclusion in the annual event is so deserved. Filled with classic tracks such as "Living for the City," "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," and "Higher Ground," it's a cornerstone of American music Also, check out our list of Wonder's essential recordings: Emerging Artists You can find "Innervisions" at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000001A6N/entertainmentsit ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's R&B and Soul Music section at R&B/Soul
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