Tag Archives: jean baylor

Underrated Female Soul Singer Spotlight: Jean Baylor (Formerly of Zhane)

25 Tuesday Nov 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Underrated Artist Spotlights

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by vivrant thang on underrated female soul singer

zhane1

Judging by the response to my Old School Friday post spotlighting one of my favorite 90s girl groups, Zhane, I figured you might like to see more of what one half of the dynamite sangin duo is up to these days.

I had the opportunity to see Jean Baylor perform music from her solo album, Testimony: My Life Story at the Can A Sista Rock A Mic Festival back in October (yes, I know I’m late!). It was a simply beautiful set, just Jean and the guitar or behind the piano, sharing seven songs from the project that’s been in the works for 8 years.

Although we reminisce over the days when we had classy girl groups that could sang circles around most of these chicks that are hot in the streets today, I am really glad that Jean came back on the solo tip.  The beauty of this woman’s voice is well-matched with the material. It was perfect for the intimate setting the venue provided. Since I did it backward and saw her live before hearing her album, I was more than excited to get my hands on a copy.  I was in luck as I won a free copy of her EP after correctly guessing the artist she was channeling in “Made To Love You” (can you guess?)

The EP wasn’t enough. I had to get the entire album. I think you’ll see why.

Love Poem

Morning Time

Come Go With Me

This is the first project that Jean and her husband Mark (yea fellas she’s happily taken!), a fellow musician, put out under their Be A Light label. You can download it from her website for the low low price of $9.99.

Support good music!

photo credit: solSource

Old School Friday: Girl Groups

12 Friday Sep 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones

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by vivrant thang on old school friday

Party people! I hope everyone has had a great week. Mine has been mostly sweet with a touch of sour but I roll with the punches.

This week’s OSF theme is Girl Groups. This was a rough one to narrow down! As I anxiously await Tuesday when Raphael Saadiq’s The Way I See Itdrops, I thought about giving ya’ll some Motown sounds. Maybe some Marvalettes, Supremes, or Martha Reeves and The Vandellas.

Then I thought that since I’ve been in a sassy mood this week I should drop some Klymaxx, “The Men All Pause.” and “Meeting In the Ladies Room.” I play “The Men All Pause” is mood music when I’m headed out on a Saturday night.

However, as I’ve mentioned, the 90s is my favorite decade in music in part because of the proliferation of girl groups. So many to choose from: Jade, Changing Faces, 702, En Vogue, XScape, Total, Blaque, and two of the best selling female groups of all time: TLC and SWV.

And then there was Zhane.

Should be no need to introduce you to Zhane.  For the one or two…

When I tell you I let my tape rock til my tape popped, I’m not exaggerating. My freshman year of college as I was getting over an unrequited love, I estimate Pronounced Jah-nay got about 8,873 spins and Mary’s My Life twice that (but that’s another post).

They also won a hard fought spot on my Top Fifity Songs list. It wasn’t easy to choose just one from that album.

Sweet Taste of Love

“Love Me Today,”  “Everything Happens For A Reason,”  “Off My Mind,” and “La La La,” are my other favorites from that album.  I guess I’ve covered the whole thing! These songs still bring back some very deep emotions even fourteen years later. That’s real music.

However, I got to end it with their first hit, “Hey Mr. DJ,” the ultimate party starter. I dedicate this one on the “request line” to DJ YZO of Industry Soul.You’re the greatest mannnnnn!

Where are they now?

Both Jean Baylor and Renee Neufville are both enjoying solo careers.

Jean’s album Testimony: My Life Story is available for download on her website. I think I am going to cop that!

Renee performs with Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor. Check out her You Tube channel for some outstanding live performances. and Check out some of her new music that will presumably be on her album, Sovereign whenever it’s released. I will get my hands on that as well. She sounds great with RH Factor.

Party is not over. Be sure to visit the other OSF participants.

Electronic Village | Mrs Grapevine | Quick | Cassandra | Danielle | Lisa C | Chocl8t | Kreative Talk | MarvalusOne | Regina | LaShonda | AJ | Sharon | Invisible Woman | Believer 1964 | Dee |SJP | sHaE-sHae | Thembi