Be sure to check out this selection of new music!

SINGLE OF THE WEEK:

He Loves Me by Terri Walker

SHE’S back! Well, to be fair, she never really went anywhere. But with recent times seeing Terri Walker busily working on new material, the uninformed could be forgiven for thinking the talented songstress had stepped out of the game.

On the contrary, Walker, one of the UK’s finest (but sadly, underrated) soulful singers, has remained on her grind, as her latest offering, He Loves Me proves.

The success of this song is in its subtlety. Rather than re-emerging onto the scene with an in-your-face type single, complete with every instrument known to man, Walker delivers her seamless vocals over an understated, soulful house groove, complete with a simple but effective piano melody throughout.

Lamenting on a relationship in which her beau isn’t treating her right, Walker sings: “I won’t be played around and taken for no ride.” Sing it, sister!

After a strong comeback single like this, only four words are necessary: bring on the album.

Available to download now at: www.theterriwalker.com

................................................................................................................................................

ALBUM OF THE WEEK:

April Showers, May Flowers by Yolanda Brown

PROVING her true sax appeal (no more corny catchphrases, promise), UK star Yolanda Brown releases her debut album April Showers, May Flowers.

From the sultry smooth jazz opening track Dear John, to the eerie one-drop reggae groove Tokyo Sunset, the album showcases the skilled saxophonist at her finest.

The slick production of contemporary jazz number Today, Tomorrow allows the MOBO Award-winner to effortlessly lace the track with her sax skills, while the easy-listening Nothing to Say (which wouldn’t sound out of place on an Alicia Keys album) sees Brown play seamlessly, with strong piano accompaniment.

The talented musician also steps out of her comfort zone, showcasing her vocals on album tracks Without You and Bitter Sweet. The sax is, undoubtedly, Brown’s strongest instrument, but her vocals are pleasant, nonetheless. All in all, a solid offering from the UK talent.

Out now on Black Grape Records. Yolanda Brown is currently touring the UK. For full dates, visit www.yolandabrown.co.uk

................................................................................................................................................

ALBUM REISSUES:

Club Reggae, various artists

IN early 1971, Trojan Records launched what would be the company’s most commercially successful series of all-time: Club Reggae.

Highlighting the most popular tracks on the club scene of the day, the first volume created the formula that was to be repeated for a further six volumes, with its dramatic yet simply designed sleeves becoming iconic images of the period.

Now, over 40 years since the Club Reggae range was launched, the best-selling first volume is finally made available on CD, with the original tape masters and artwork, ensuring the release remains as true to the original vinyl release as possible.

Highlights include Toots & The Maytals’ classic 54-46 Was My Number, Derrick Harriott’s Groovy Situation, and Rivers Of Babylon by The Melodians. Other gems include Dandy Livingstone’s Take A Letter To Maria, and I Need Your Sweet Inspiration from The Pioneers.

Out now on Trojan Records