In early 2004, Two Brothers recordings artist, Ricardo released his debut project "Dazed," featuring stand out tracks such as Baby Don't Say No and You Get What You Give which were well received here in the UK. I'm happy to say he is back with his sophomore project "Hold Tight," featuring more of those smooth heart felt vocals, thought provoking songs, and bumpin' grooves produced by his partner, the one and only "J."
As many of you know, "J" CEO of Da'Soul Recordings Group LLC. And Co-Founder and President of Two Brothers Records along with Ricardo, has produced an unprecedented string of critically acclaimed CD projects over the past few years. Oh you hadn't heard... Let me fill you in. Along with Dazed for Ricardo, "J" also produced CD's for Chazz Dixon (Back To The Groove, Hitsville, The House That Berry Built, Crackin', Surrender, and soon to be released Let Me Be The One.) Gary Brown, (Journey and Two), Mona J (My Frame Of Mind), Renee (Flavor Of The Day) Carmen Nickerson, (Carmen), Sonny Garr, (Mood Of Love), Anita Easterling, (My Experience), Murphy Edwards, (Precise), The MGO (Mature Groove Orchestra-Never An Ordinary Day) and if that isn't enough... Two projects on himself, "J", (Take Me As I Am and Conversations!) (Sorry if I missed any fellas!) So let there be no doubt, as the previously mentioned projects were all impressive... Hold Tight is without a doubt, another very impressive CD from the Da'Soul Recordings Group. The project features guest vocals from Da'Soul Recordings Artist Chazz Dixon on a track called Just A Matter Of Time, as well as J Enterprises Artist "J" on I'm Lost. Ricardo wrote and arranged lead and background vocals & "J" delivered the grooves... Composing, Arranging, and playing all Instruments heard on the project. As if that wasn't enough, he added additional backing vocals, backing vocal arrangements on several tracks, recorded all vocals, and then mastered the project! Whew!!
Outstanding tracks to watch out for on this project are the slammin' Whenever, Whatever, the aforementioned Just A Matter Of Time, I'm Lost, Hold Tight, and the pleading I Don't Know. To be honest, there's no filler on this album, all tracks are worthy of a listen. Oh and at the end of the CD, we are treated to a little something special from Ricardo and no I'm not telling, get the CD!!
Ricardo is a talented singer/songwriter and his songs take you on a journey into the true to life situations that we've all experienced at one time or another. Ricardo shares with us the good, the bad, and the ugly side of male/female relationships. His vocal style is smooth and soothing. The grooves are mid-tempo stepper friendly and the ballads are to die for. In the end... The brother doesn't seem to be too bitter about it all... In fact, he seems to want us all to "Hold Tight."
Elbert "Rico" Taylor (UK)
Independent Soul Reviewer
Be sure to Check Soul Express Online for reviews on many of the above-mentioned projects.
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