Strong soul voices on their way to Oslo – Dagsavisen

The world, especially the Commonwealth, is still full of wonderful soul music, traditional r&b or whatever you prefer to call it – it’s just that we don’t listen to it as much without actively advocating for it. The big stars of this game, such as Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and SZA, occupy a very large place in the media image, not entirely undeservedly, while the others who do not have the same news interest, who are a little less modern in expression, are unfortunately relegated to the background.

Now two of the best singers who specialize in the previous generation’s r&b are coming to Oslo, coincidentally in the course of a week. Ledisi sings at Cosmopolite on April 30, Leela James on May 5. Both have made their mark throughout this new century, and have more or less fresh albums out that confirm their good reputation. But they are unplaced on the album list Billboard 200. Not that there is anything wrong with that, because that can happen to the best: During the Grammy awards this winter, Victoria Monét received the award for newcomer of the year, regardless of genre. Granted, she’s had a bit of success as a songwriter for others, but her own debut album was a revelation. “Jaguar II” spans a large spectrum of soul, old and new, yes please, both, and everything in between too, but she had to settle for a 60th place on the same album list despite the much talked about accolade.

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I gladly declare myself guilty of not following enough in this area in recent times. I’m catching up with these artists and am amazed at how strong they sound. They remind me of the soul music I was captivated by in the 80s, voices that take you well without being gauleand who can convey thoughts about heart and pain with an earnestness that makes it feel like completely new experiences every time.

Ledisi Anibade Young has been nominated for the Grammy award 14 times. She finally got a statuette in the class for traditional r&b in 2021, for “Anything For You” from the album “The Wild Card”. The last nomination came for the concert album “Ledisi sings Nina” from 2022, which was a tribute to her great role model Nina Simone. Largely orchestrated, with nostalgic class over the arrangements, but fun updates of the celebrity gallery in “My Baby Just Cares For Me”: “Beyoncé is not his style.”

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The new album “Good Life” lives up to its title with its descriptions of the good sides of romance, or heartfelt wishes for it. Her voice beautifully meanders through the production, the great sound of a not-too-distant past, with rhythm tracks that are surely programmed but sound like they were organically played.

Leela James has been in this game almost as long as Ledisi. “Big new soul stars are a rare experience these days but Leela James is very similar”, I wrote about her first album “A Change Is Gonna Come” in 2004. Bold enough with Sam Cooke’s classic as the title song. At the same time, she was one of those who had recorded a duet with Ray Charles on the album “Genuis And Friends” just before he died. She too has recorded an entire album in honor of one of her role models, Etta James.

Half a year ago, her latest album, “Thought U Knew”, came out, which also gives a good feeling of soul at its most solid, in this case with a wonderful echo of the 80s at its best. Ledisi and Leela James both have Rex Rideout as stylish co-producer, a veteran who has been around since the last albums Luther Vandross made before he died early in the new century. It’s sad to see how little attention albums like this get, even in inner circles in their home country, because they sound like accomplished successes, both the songs, the vocals and the rest of the game.

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Another American soul singer is on his way to Torshov: José James will play at Cosmopolite on 5 June. Another one who updates old traditions, and with his personal twist makes them sound completely contemporary. He too has paid tribute to old role models with full albums, Billie Holiday, Bill Withers and Erykah Badu. Although both Prince and Marvin Gaye are great role models, there is little retro about José James’ music, which tickles the ear canals pleasantly, but also sharpens the senses with fixed instrumental details – not least guitar solos.

His new album is called “1978”, and is in a smooth tracks with sophisticated production. There is a lot of romance in these songs too, but also sharper social commentary. The album’s last two tracks are “For Trayvon”, for the teenager Trayvon Martin who was killed “on suspicion” by a private person in 2012, and “38th & Chicago”, the intersection in Minneapolis where George Floyd was killed by the police in 2020. This is how it takes new soul music takes good care of old attitudes, with joys and sorrows as equally important parts of life itself.