Luther Vandross: A True Soul Legend-RIP!

Back in the Day / How great they were: Koffee Brown

Africa Unite Reggaefest: Ghana 2006

Underrated R&B singers: Teedra Moses

When Teedra Moses’ debut Complex Simplicity was released in 2004 it was universally embraced by critics, receiving the kind of acclamation that’s equivalent to the commercial kiss of death. And so it was that her stunning collection of mood-setting songs failed to set the music world alight. Vocally reminiscent of eighties songstress Cherelle, Moses’ blend of intelligent lyrics set to subtle captivating beats was a breath of fresh air from the standard R&B fare. Her first single Be Your Girl showcased an intensity of spirit that was symbolic of an album full of class tracks including You’ll Never Find (A Better Woman), Backstroke, No More Tears, Caught Up and Complex Simplicity. Her passionate delivery combined with uncluttered production created one of the few musical highlights of 2004 and assured Moses’ of a small but dedicated fan base. While the rest of the world continues to miss out on this engaging talent the knowledgeable few await her follow-up with baited breath. SA

Recommended CD: Complex Simplicity (TVT, 2004)

Underrated R&B singers: Donell Jones

If chart success were based on talent alone then all things being equal Donell Jones’ star would be huge. The Chicago native from the La Face stable is a singer, songwriter and producer of considerable flair but has yet to reach the heights of lesser contemporaries. The triumph of 2001’s You Know What’s Up proved that it's possible to marry understated vocal prowess with musical integrity and produce a commercially viable product. Which is why it’s a shame that his 2006 disc Journey of a Gemini has barely registered on anyone’s radar, not because the music isn’t up to the same high standard as his previous offerings (My Heart, Where I Wanna Be, Life Goes On) but because no one except die hard fans know it’s out there. Jones should sack his PR team (if he has one) and instead employ a publicist who understands that regardless of how much talent an artist possesses it’s really all in the spin. Maybe then he’ll finally get the recognition he undoubtedly deserves. SA.

Recommended CD: Life Goes On (La Face, 2002)

Underrated R&B singers: Joe

Although Joe Thomas has been around for over a decade and is a household name in R&B circles, the singer has enjoyed limited and intermittent chart success, hence the title of his soon-to-be-released sixth album Joe Who? Joe Thomas. His most notable successes have come off the back of soundtrack cuts like the seductive All the Things Your Man Won’t Do and the club banger Stutter. Despite plying his trade for years with bigger and better tunes, his biggest hit to date was as recent as 2004 courtesy of his G-Unit collaboration Ride Wit U. Joe’s finest offering, however, 2000’s My Name Is Joe spawned timeless bedroom ballads like I Wanna Know, Treat Her Like A Lady and Somebody’s Gotta Be on Top and further confirmed his loverman credentials. While musically he may have a tendency to settle for the average, Joe is an exceptional vocalist and his longevity is testament to the fact that he makes quality R&B that hip-hop and soul fans can also dig, a fusion that’s produced a solid collection of long players spanning twelve years. SA.

Recommended CD: My Name Is Joe (Jive, 2000)

Underrated R&B singers: Jaheim

Vocally evocative of sixties soul while lyrically grounded in new millennia R&B Jaheim is, as his album rightly proclaims a true ghetto classic. Having drawn comparisons to soul legends Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross, the big man with the big voice boasts an impressive back catalogue of consistently authentic hybrid R&B/soul. His 2001 debut Ghetto Love signalled the arrival of a major talent, with hits like Could It Be? and Just In Case scoring moderate chart success. Still Ghetto, his 2002 sophomore effort featured the breakout hit Fabulous while Jaheim’s latest offering Ghetto Classics cements his status as the flag bearer of quality contemporary R&B. SA.

Recommended CD: Ghetto Love (Warner, 2001)