Album Review: “East Babe” by Rad

Almost every song on this album is better than the previous one.

Album Narrative

“East Babe” is an album that offers a deeper narrative. It’s about a woman fighting stereotypes while being a committed wife and mother. Not only is she a musician, but she also shares profound thoughts that are either hidden or boldly presented throughout this engaging album. This isn’t just mindless Pop-Styled Jazz, Funk, and R&B music—some of the tunes are thought-provoking and emotionally evocative.

An Album That Commands Attention

This isn’t an album you can just leave in the background as white noise; it demands your attention. Many times, I found myself trying to work but ended up sitting back, engrossed in her lyrics, attempting to understand her message. Anyone familiar with Jazz, Funk, Rhythm and Blues, and even some New Age music will recognize that the sounds on this album are authentic. I defy you not to dance.

More information on this artist and music can be found on her website.

Other Album Reviews

Ms. Jaz: “Me, too… Live”
There’s something brave about a performer who doesn’t fit the mold of what the media or general consensus thinks a new performer should look like. There’s something about someone who defies age, stereotypes, and the odds to say to the world: “This is me, this is who I am, this is what I’m doing… accept me for who I am.” …I’m rooting for Ms. Jaz!

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
“It’s a bit arrogant of me to think that I could say anything new about the best-selling Jazz Album of all time—but here’s one thing I can say: the sounds on this album are all the real deal. I defy you not to dance.”

For the footer section:

Written content copyright Eric “Renderking” Fisk, 2007.
© Copyright 2007 – The Fedora Chronicles.

Silky, smooth and not so subtly jazz – is Ms. Jaz.  Her second release, titled Chances, is a sultry blend of her voice and the accompanying instruments that make this CD a total jazz experience.  Recorded on the D’Mar Entertainment label, Ms. Jaz’s smoky tones will remind the listener of great female jazz vocalists like Sarah Vaughn and Anita Baker.

In these 8 tracks there is a mixture of original lyrics and familiar lyrics to songs such “This Masquerade”, written by Leon Russell, and “My Funny Valentine”, written by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers.  Ms. Jaz puts her own unique spin on each of these cuts.

An easy bass, provided by Kerry “Smurf” Jordan, along with the mellow keyboard talents of Jordan and Andrew Toombs, wrap around the listener like a haze, while Ms. Jaz seduces the listener in cut 6, “You Take My Breath Away”.  Things that you do to me/Open up my eyes to see/The beauty that’s inside of you/It lets me know you love me too”.

Soulful and sultry blend together to create the mood in cut 8, “Chance On A Lover”.  Jaz croons a laid back melody, “Even if you’re not with somebody/The power of love doesn’t quit/And all you got to do is tap into it”.  What good jazz is complete without a good sax player?  Alpha Frierson reveals his expertise on the saxophone in this, and other cuts.

Take a chance with Ms. Jaz on her newest release, Chances.  This innovative artist will capture many new fans through her own style of jazz.  Don’t miss her fresh, new sound!

CD Reviews by C. J. Overton

The Circle, Fall 2003