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09.23.04 09:07 PM
stamp of approval
This couldn't have come at a better time, especially with all the buffonery she's gotten herself into in the film arena lately. As far back as Black Reign when I heard her sing "Winki's Theme" honoring her brother, I knew she had chops. From there I started thinking what would happen if she did an R&B album? Then after her minor role as a soulful lounge singer in Living Out Loud, I started thinking she should certainly do a jazz album. And finally an answer has arrived with the Dana Owens Album, which must have been inspired by her appearance in Chicago. The album, a collection of 12 of her favorite soul, blues, and pop songs ranging from the '20s to the '70s, is refreshing and will without a doubt garner her a new fan base. Let's just thank ourselves that she's being unlike Will Smith and has realized that a hip-hop album is not what anyone wants from her. Man first Anita Baker makes a comeback and now this. I can not contain myself.
Have a listen:
The Same Love That Made Me Laugh
posted by lynne | link to this |
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Comments
I've been waiting for her to show off her singing skills ever since I saw her perform My Funny Valentine on an awards show years ago. Good to know about this album.
posted by Michelle | September 23, 2004 9:48 PM #
"Winki's Theme" is one of the few songs that make the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up because of it's sheer power and emotion. While I like the selections you've posted here, they seem somewhat passionless in comparison. She has chops, no doubt, but where's the warmth? The spirit?
posted by Cecily | September 24, 2004 10:52 AM #
Has Anita Baker come back? I'm just sayin'.
posted by j. brotherlove | September 24, 2004 11:17 AM #
As usual, your ears are on point.
I bought the CD based on this mini-review. I was skeptical at first.
But I'm listening to it now and I'm impressed. Queen Latifah, er, excuse me, Ms. Dana Owens has vocal chops.
She's going to tour in support of the album, too. I expect her shows to sell out.
Her album comes at the right time for me. I'm tired of listening to rap music right now. I need to take a break and embrace some jazz and soul music.
You know, get away from the rap bullshit flooding the radio.
Whenever you get a chance, go out and buy Martin Luther's CD Rebel Soul Music. It's a masterpiece. And yes, buy the album, support this dude. F**k Usher. Nah, Mr. Entertainment is cool with me, I like his stuff.
My iPod is jammin' right now with hot shit from the Queen and Martin Luther!
Oh snap and go cop K-Os' CD Joyful Rebellion.
My iPod is on fiiyaaa right now with hot shit!
Dammit, I love this iPod. Steve Jobs you're motherfuckin' genius!
posted by Trent | September 27, 2004 4:14 PM #
On a quick note, another reason why I wanted to cop Dana Owens' CD was because she has a rendition of one of my favorite John Coltrane/Johnny Hartman ballads "Lush Life."
And of course, Dana does the song justice. Although it's a little too orchestral for me. "Lush Life" is a solemn ballad that needs to play with just only a piano and a saxophone.
Big-ups to you. Your ears are on point.
I'm still trying to figure out what you heard on that Shyne CD. ;-P
posted by Trent | September 27, 2004 4:31 PM #
i'm not ready for the dana owens album; there are too many other neo-soul/jazz artists that i'm trying to catch up to right now. QL has mainstream support, so she'll be a-ight until i catch up with her.
The comment about film buffoonery is right on point, though. it's not even that she's acting it (even though she is) but that she's FINANCING it. i wish we had a public forum where we could address her and any other entertainer (e.g., Chris Rock/Tucker) that takes on movie roles that perpetuate stereotypes...
posted by Bemused | September 29, 2004 3:58 PM #
Hello. I found you guys by way of a Google for 'My Funny Valentine'. I fell in love with that song when she did it on an awards show some time back. Does anyone know if she ever recorded that song because I have been searching for it since forever. And I just now came across 'The Dana Owens Album' and just downloaded a copy. I will be putting 'Lush Life' on repeat, I so love that song.
posted by Monica | November 23, 2004 1:43 PM #