Dusty Groove America
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Yamama'nym is back with a great second album
Baltimore's (DC's) Yamama'nym is back with a great second album -- one that's even richer and more fully-formed than the first! As before, the group's got a really collaborative spirit -- one that draws on a wide range of talents from its many players, yet which also comes across with a really clear, cohesive sound overall. The album steps nicely from mellow ballads into funkier material then back again into easier modes -- but never loses the sweetly soulful personality that makes the group so great -- and the album is laced with some really great interlude tracks that even further deepen the group's tapestry of sound. Titles include "Beautiful", "Celestial Joy", "My Life", "Looking At Me", "Groove", "Just Stay", "Special Kinda Love", "Due Time", and "On My Own".
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Honey Soul
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Who is Yamama'Nym? (for the ebonically challenged that's "yo mama and 'nem")
Xan, one of the musical connections I have made through this blog (and a very sweet, poetic soul who keeps me laughing through email) kept a sista on her toes when she asked about them. I had put them on the backburner and probably never would have gotten around to it if not for her. When I asked her to write a few words about them, these are some of her comments, "I like their style ...Kinda like Kindred the Family Soul" "Their transition was nice. From jazz, to R&B, to gospel, etc. They're pretty high in my book right about now". Her favorites are "Celestial Joy", "Beautiful" and "Obsession". Thank you Xan, there will be a pop quiz later, LOL
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Alfie Da Funkjunky
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It’s not just Due Time…it’s Due Respect
Listening to Yamama’nym, you can be fooled into thinking they’ve been around for years, and you’ve got the unenviable task of trying to find loads of previous albums ahead of you. But that’s not the case. Formed in the spring of 2002, this, in music terms, just about makes them toddlers, but toddlers with a lot going for them. “Due Time” is the sophomore release for this talented crew (the debut “2am” is currently on order as I type) and delivers the sounds that us here at FJ’s have been advocating and enjoying for a while now. To my everlasting shame, the album has been in the collection for at least a couple of months, but has only recently been pushed to a position of prominence, which is one of the downsides to cataloguing your in-tray in alphabetical order. The album automatically gets a couple of stars for having an unprecedented 21 tracks on it, including the Bonus track, but before you get too excited, 6 of them are intro’s and interludes, but even so, it’s still good value for money. Anyone expecting an even split of up tempo floor-fillers, mid-tempo grooves and laid-back vibes, will be surprised. A lot of this is chilled-out to the point of needing an overcoat to listen to it. But don’t let that put you off. Almost every track is a winner and some of them are outright Olympic Champions. The title track “Due Time” kicks off proceedings in earnest and is a wonderful track by any ones definition. Jazzy, funky, soulful and inspirational all in one sublimely assembled package this is Century 21’s alternative to “Optimistic”. “Celestial Joy” is a light and breezy ballad, reminiscent of those soul-stirring moments produced by Mint-Condition. An uplifting ballad? Sounds strange, but it’s true. Make sure you listen to this with headphones and turned up nice and loud for the drumming, which is sensational. “Beautiful” is another exquisite love-song, though you might hear strains that remind you of “My Cherie Amour”, but there’s nothing wrong with that. “My Life” brings it down to the ultimate chill factor. This introspective piece is listened to in total darkness, when you’re at piece with yourself and the universe in general. If self-motivation is a quality that’s lacking, this will undoubtedly provide some much needed assistance. If you found yourself being moved by Mary J Blige’s “The Love I Never Had”, this will transport your emotions to another continent. When it comes to sweet downbeat soul and RnB, then look no further than “Brand New”, I have to admit I prefer the bass-line and the verses to the chorus, but the whole thing is still nice. Describing “Looking At Me” as just another laid-back groove is the ultimate insult. This track has made its way onto the all-time after-dark list and every time I hear it, it moves up another couple of places in the standings. The first few bars of “Obsession (Gonna Be With Me)” has the plink-plunk keyboard intro that made Mary J’s “I Love You” an instant classic. Whether by design or accident, it doesn’t really matter, because this is divine. The track itself has more of a Club Nouveau meets Shae Jones feel to it and has to be one of the best tunes on the album. Regular review readers will know I’m not a great fan of electric guitar solo’s, but this one is worth listening to over and over. If you’ve been keeping an eye, and an ear, on the Top5 over the past few weeks, you’ll be familiar with “Groove”. There’s not really much that can be said about how good this tune is. It’s simple, enigmatic and utterly entrancing. The lyrics are uncomplicated to the point where you find yourself just following the advice and grooving to the perfect mid-tempo beat and angelic background vocals. “Special Kinda Love” is a Special Kinda Tune. I wouldn’t recommend listening to it on your own, especially if you’re in any way emotionally fragile. It could just push you over the edge. It’s the ideal lovers track. “A Chance To Love you” indulges in a bit of the jazzy vibe that until now was merely hinted at, but not really delivered. If you like your jazz as smooth as puréed Strawberries & Bananas, then this for you. Strangely, after chilling for the majority of the album, the track called “Just Chill”, is not chilled as much as the ones that came before. This is more of a mid-tempo groove beautifully fusing the RnB and jazzy elements with sublime ease. The Remixed version of “Love Don’t” is the bonus track on offer, and that brings this to a perfect close. It’s 70 minutes of superior soul that cannot be overlooked.
Overall…Is It Funky?....Or Is It Junky?
It’s not just Due Time…it’s Due Respect.
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