STYLE: R&B RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 81094-15637 LABEL: Revolution Art 850010002026 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2009-06-09 RRP: £9.99
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
This bundle of precocious talent from Jacksonville, Florida has been singing since age five and now that Revolution Art, the imprint owned by hip-hop pioneers Grits have signed her we can expect big things from the 20 year old. Jade certainly has a delightfully flexible and soulful voice. On the catchy "Who You Are" she swaps licks with Ayiesha Woods, on the drivingly funky "The Unseen" she emits the same kind of knowing sass we heard when Kierra 'Kiki' Sheard burst onto the gospel scene, while on "Rain" her comforting vocal is interspersed with ragamuffin interjections from Stefan The Scientist. Sometimes the producers rather overdo the vocoder, like on the dance grooved "Me And My Radio" but generally wherever one looks on this 13-song debut you'll find music which covers a wide range of bases, from the old school "Don't Leave" (which with its on-the-fours groove you could imagine whipping up a storm on a Northern soul all-nighter) through to "Broken" where she "exorcises her inner demons" (according to the press release) over a ricocheting ambient electronic groove. A hugely impressive debut.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.
Product Description
Nashville-based label RevolutionArt moves forward with its mission to “usher in the next generation of artist” with it’s latest signing, 19-year-old singing sensation, Jade Harrell.
The soulful singer, from Jacksonville, Florida, began her solo career at age 5, singing regularly for her home church. Growing up with a love of all genres of music, Jade’s influences include Brandy, Trinity 5:7, and Michael Jackson. This is evident on her eclectic debut record, Class Reject.
The Album’s funk and techno elements combine with danceable melodies to make Class Reject a “must have” for anyone’s summer fun music collection.
A refreshing new voice on the emerging Christian music scene, Jade is DEFINITELY one to watch.