So how about that Peter Gene Hernandez? He is really destroying the charts right now, huh? You have a weird look on your face. Maybe this will help. Peter Gene Hernandez = Bruno Mars. That simple mathematical principle proves that this Hawaiian born soulful cat is here to stay. Bruno Mars combines old school soul swagger with contemporary pop appeal. It has been scientifically proven that his voice is causing global warming; on account of it being so hot. Scientifically = some random lady I sat behind on the train who was gushing to her crew about Mars’ mad musical skills.
Peter Gene Hernandez = Bruno Mars
We here at FreshScouts have had Bruno Mars in our ears ever since we featured him in our Weekly Jukebox back in January. This cat is smashing up the charts right now with the ultimate love song, “Just the Way You Are”. But let’s not forget about his smooth collabo with Travie McCoy on “Billionaire” and his memorable hook on B.o.B.’s “Nothin’ on You”. But wait, there’s more! Mars also co-wrote Flo Rida’s “Right Round” and K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag”. Yeah, let’s just say that Bruno Mars knows what he is doing and he is ready to destroy with his first full album that is scheduled to drop in October.
While we wait for the October release, we offer up a sweet little gem in the form of an EP. On It’s Better If You Don’t Understand (released in May 2010), Mars delivers 4 hot tracks that showcase what he can do. Mars has the formula down and knows exactly how to get his music to the masses. That formula can do a lot of damage if put in the wrong hands. Thankfully, he uses his power for good and we are the victors. If Mars can keep himself out of trouble, he will no doubt become one of the biggest artists of 2011.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Count on Me” and “The Other Side” (featuring Cee Lo Green & B.o.B.)
Check out his live acoustic version of “Count on Me”
Buy It’s Better If You Don’t Understand
Oh girl. Preach on Leela James. Preach on. Now, this is some soulful R&B right here. Soulful R&B not your thing? I don’t want to say you don’t have a soul…but dude, you ain’t got no soul. One listen to Ms. James will unlock the groove that you were born with. Invite your groove to come on out and let it stroll around for a hot minute.
Ms. James
Leela James’ deep, gritty tone sounds a lot like Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. This young woman’s voice reflects a style that is twice her age. But, her music doesn’t sound old. James’ music is relevant, refreshing and meaningful. The tracks on the recently released album, My Soul, are packed full of soul. You might be surprised at the hard driving beats that accompany her stellar vocals. Each track takes you to magical locations and then kindly introduces you to the next trip. I loved James’ 2005 release, A Change is Gonna Come, but I am IN love with My Soul. Don’t get caught sleeping on the music of Leela James. Step on up a get ready to be a part of something special through her amazing music.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Tell Me You Love Me”, “So Cold”, and “Mr. Incredible – Ms. Unforgettable”
Watch the video for “Tell Me You Love Me”
Buy the album
Today’s music scene is saturated with auto-tune, lyrics with no meaning and airbrushed photo shoots. Andrew Dykers has been placed on this planet to save our ears. Dykers embodies fresh music. His lyrics come from the heart, not a thesaurus. Prepare to feel his music and let it wash over you. Yeah, it’s that good.
Andrew never signed with a major label. He hasn’t had his songs featured in CW television shows. You most likely have never even heard of him. Yet, he has toured all over the United States playing venues large and small. He has shared the stage with music industry heavyweights. Mainstream music would make us question his success as an artist. For me Dykers’ album Zoot is one of my personal top ten favorite albums.
Andrew Dykers
For me this album was less about mainstream popularity and more about meaning. Listening to Zoot always reminds me of the fall. While listening to the tracks this morning I can almost smell the leaves on the ground. Well, it helped that there are leaves on the ground. More importantly though is the fact that I got a chance to see Dykers perform live nine years ago right in the middle of the fall season.
And that is why Zoot is so amazing to me. One listen transports me. Dykers’ music is so real and so raw that it dares you not to be taken in. It was always clear to me that when on stage he became his music. He channeled the emotion of soulful performers that have come before him. Every movement and every word is intended to provoke an emotional response.
My reactions to this album are why I love music so much. Maybe you won’t have the same response from Andrew Dykers. And that is ok. To each their own, right? I would be shocked though if at least one track didn’t speak to you. I dare you to listen. I double-dog-dare you.
I would highly recommend that you give “Saturday”, “Do What You Gotta Do” and “In Spite Of You” a listen. Oh, and don’t forget my personal favorite “Shine”. The video below showcases Dykers on this track when he recently stepped back into the studio after a temporary vacation from performing.
Buy the album
Whoa. It is kinda like Fresh Scouts can see into the future. Think of our Weekly Jukebox as our crystal ball. Back on February 8, 2010 we first featured Eli “Paperboy” Reed. And earlier this month, we featured him again on August 2, 2010. As we gazed into our crystal ball, a.k.a. the Weekly Jukebox, we just knew that Paperboy was going to be huge. His latest album, Come and Get It!, is a smashing success. So yeah, we will be playing the lotto this weekend.
These guys deliver.
I love a good list. Grocery lists are cool. Letterman’s Top 10 lists are dandy. “List” is in word “Listerine” and it keeps my mouth feeling crisp. Yes sir, I love me a good list. So here you go. My list of why Eli “Paperboy” Reed is the bee’s knees.
- Eli spent a good amount of his formative years practicing his music in Chicago. Chicago is rad.
- Eli has an awesome head of hair.
- He has a nickname that doesn’t refer to slingin’ rocks or killing someone. He just appreciates a good hat.
- The music that he puts out is fun-throwback-party-soul. I will be trademarking that genre so don’t even think about it.
- Listening to Reed makes me wanna dig out my Sam Cooke records.
- The lead single “Come and Get It” is infectious. Infectious in a good way.
- Eli’s backing band, The True Loves, are out of this world.
- The guys have been touring around the world like crazy in support of their new album. Expect to see a lot from them in the States in the coming months.
So there we go. Not only did I have a chance to highlight my passion for lists, but I was also able to focus on my appreciation of Eli “Paperboy” Reed. Join me and take a trip back in time with some *fun-throwback-party-soul music. Paperboy does not disappoint. I guess you can say that he delivers.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Come and Get It”, “Pick a Number”, and “Name Calling”
Check out the video for “Come and Get It”
Buy the Album
*Trademark pending
Shontelle – “Impossible”
Shontelle has been on my radar for some time now. Let me apologize for not featuring her here on Fresh Scouts much sooner. My bad. Now that you have forgiven me, I will go on.
Barbados gave us Rihanna and now the country gives us Shontelle. Way to go Barbados! “Impossible” is made possible because of her upcoming release of No Gravity. Prepare yourself, because you will be listening to Shontelle on the regular. I guarantee.
Buy the Single
Jenna Andrews – “Tumblin’ Down”
I can’t get enough of this track! Canadian singer/songwriter Jenna Andrews is positioning herself to make a huge splash on the music industry. Her soulful voice is absolutely incredible. When I came across the song the order of events went like this:
- Listened to the song and was blown away by the vocals.
- Watched the video and scratched my head in wonder.
- Realized that the old soul voice was actually coming out of her mouth.
- Wrote about the song on Fresh Scouts.
Buy the Single
Freshlyground – “Fire is Low”
Congrats to Spain for taking home their first World Cup title. Ah, the sweet song of the vuvuzela will finally be fading away. Well, not completely. Hello, new ringtone! Another sound that I am sure you will recall is the World Cup theme song, “Waka, Waka” from Shakira. What you might not be aware of is that the backing music and supporting vocals were provided by a group called Freshlyground. This talented band from South Africa mixes traditional South African music with blues, folk and rock. Shakira is great and all, but I am loving me some Freshlyground right now!
