WOW! I’m full of so many words for this album that I’m afraid I may miss something. Here goes my evaluation of The Chapter’s “The Return of Real Soul Music.” The title is an understatement to what this entire album is truly about. I am so elated that there is still young talent out there that has roots in what real music is. I have always been a fan of Patricia Whitfield’s melodic and soulful voice, Slater Thorpe’s energetic and variable styles of singing, Adrian Morris’s hypnotizing, strong and confident sounds, not to ever forget how much I have always adored Doc D’s producing (if my memory recalls, he plays the keyboard too!), he is so gifted in how he hears how sounds are supposed to be placed, it’s criminal; and never to forget the lovingly hard work from Taurus, Mike, Mark Russell and to the others that helped to make this album “The Sound of Music.” (Hey… I like that, you might wanna consider naming your next album something like that!)
God has truly touched you all individually with your talents and by you all working together, you are gifted even more abundantly. I am very critical to music that I hear and for me to write this to you all, is not only something that I don’t do for just anyone, but I am honored to complement you all on your finest project yet. You know that you are not where you need to be yet, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. If you meet God halfway, then He will help to open doors for you that money can’t buy! I know it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get this album together, but I would like to speak words of encouragement to you and to tell you that you are not done yet! You have to press through whatever obstacles continue to come your way and keep going. I know as well as you, that there are people out there who are wishing that you all fail, but I want you to know that with the power of God and all His people who come into agreement with your success, YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. Please continue to acknowledge God for all the talent He has given you as an individual, and as a whole.
Back to the critique… “The Return of Real Soul Music.” The entire album should be slapped in the faces of every music executive in every R&B market worldwide. You have all the ingredients needed for a multi-platinum album! The sounds are so perfect; every track on this album is perfect, it has that big-budget production sound, even the spoken-word interludes. There are songs that remind me of what Gerald Levert is trying to market his younger-style of music to, songs that seem to take me back to the sounds of Intro, Blackstreet, K-Ci and Jo-jo (just a little), and other hot flavors from the early 90’s, with personalized production from Teddy Riley. Patricia’s songs are on the same level with Jill Scott and Kelly Price, but in Tricia’s own class; she has such a soothing, melodic voice. Slater’s songs are “Purely Outstanding.” Slate has always been a showman in his own arena, he puts so much energy in his songs, so much passion behind his words, and his style compares to no one, but if I can pick a name, I’d have to say that he will make K-Ci and Jo-jo work harder for their money and Slater will definitely out-perform them any day! Adrian is the king of the younger generation of talented singers. The way he controls is voice is amazing! Adrian has such a strong, confident sound that one can’t help but to compare his sound to Gerald Levert. Someone please tell Gerald that his time is up, because Adrian has entered the building! Doc-D, what’s up man? You know you got talent, so what else can I say? When God was filling up your cup with music talent, the faucet must have gotten stuck on “HOT!” I’m just awed by your musical talent and arrangement, you will be the next sought after producer! God bless. Oh, will you be doing anything with Pat Rowe and Keiff Washington? It may be waaaaay too dangerous to have those two mixed on the album as well.
Now… I must end this, because I feel like I’m writing your acceptance speech. I have to make note that my absolute favorite song is Slater’s “Thinking ‘Bout The Way.” I’ve already told him that this is the biggest song in my head right now, it’s crazy how many times a day I listen to this song. I’m going to get fired from my job because of ‘dancing on the job and hitting notes that I have no business trying to hit!’ It’s a “feel-good, spirit-felt” song that needs to be on everyone’s radio station and in everyone’s cd player. Now if you all can turn that around into a gospel song, I think I’ll pass out! Hey, turn the whole album into a gospel album and you may have a whole new set of fans! I see it now, a two-disc set, 1. Secular side and 2. Spiritual side! LOL! No really, I’m serious.
All right, last thing for real. Holla at Vaughn Wilson of www.MegaAce.com for your photo shoot for real, he can help Teresa get this promo package together with the proper pictures. I didn’t forget about all the hard work you do Teresa! No one forgets that Teresa works the heck out of The Chapter’s promoting! I wish I were a multi-millionaire, you’d have my endorsement, and if I feel that way, I know that there is a multi-millionaire out there that will endorse you! Teresa, you have worked so hard, but there’s even more ground to cover; just continue to think outside the box.
God bless you all… good night.
With many love and blessings,
Thais Wilson
P.S. I told you I was full of words on this album! Oh, and I’m sending your material to the Miami street magazine, The Grind, www.TheGrindMag.com. I’ll get them to set up an interview with you. That’s about all the connections I have :)
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This really is "The Return Of Real Soul Music".