R&B radio is much, much more conservative than it was back in the 1960s and '70s; consequently, most modern R&B singers play it way too safe, and many A&R people who focus on R&B are quick to sign the most generic artists they can get their hands on. Nonetheless, some seriously talented neo-soul/urban vocalists managed to break through in the '90s and 2000s, including Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu. And Mem Nahadr shows herself to be a welcome addition to neo-soul on the self-produced Eclecticism.
This is hardly one of those cookie-cutter urban contemporary albums that sounds like the cynical result of a marketing meeting; Nahadr takes chances, bringing a strong jazz influence to stream of consciousness offerings like "Starlight," "Deep in a Shallow Bed," and "Funny Ha Ha or Funny Strange."
This isn't a jazz vocal album per se; stylistically, the expressive Nahadr is much closer to Badu and Scott than she is to hardcore jazz vocalists such as Nnena Freelon, Vanessa Rubin, Judy Niemack, and Kitty Margolis. But like Badu and Scott,
Nahadr obviously knows how much jazz elements can do to enrich an R&B foundation -- and she is certainly free-spirited in a way that most of the R&B singers who emerged in the 2000s are not.
Nahadr isn't afraid to be quirky when she feels like it; actually, she becomes a little too self-indulgent on occasion. But Nahadr's excesses are not a major issue, and they are a very small price to pay considering how rewarding Eclecticism is on the whole. All things considered, this is an excellent and highly promising CD from Nahadr. ~
Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
to M on WBAI FM with SISTER FROM ANOTHER PLANET host
Andrea Clarke
BIO
M
From her very first venture into the world of creative arts, M - artist and person – has carved a bold and brilliantly unique path through the field of traditional and contemporary music as well as into new and uncharted artistic territories. With a powerful six octave range, a captivating and mesmerizing stage presence and a rich musical and lyrical palette, M has excited audiences across a broad and diverse demographic. Interestingly, it is in the very fundamental nature of diversity that one can begin to appreciate M the person as reflected in M the artist.
One area of music that has been instrumental in providing a creatively charged space for M's compositional inspirations is ‘free-jazz'. An environment full of improvisation, the pushing of boundaries, the merging of styles, the bold and daring release of divergent energies, the free-jazz movement has enabled M to experiment with sounds and tones and textures in the development of her vocal skills and allowed her to experience the free flow of ideas and thoughts that inform and inspire her in the shaping of her own compositions.
From the very start of her musical career, even while working in whatever genre that presented her a platform on which to perform, M devoted her most precious time to writing, composing and developing her own material. Teaming with Grammy Award winning Producer- Engineer James P. Nichols and New York Theatrical Director, claude e. sloan, jr ., M has shaped a collection of songs she had composed through the years into an Off-Broadway "Conept Concert" of exoression and electricity.
In 2004, M was requested by National Geographic Magazine to have a portrait made of her by renowned photojournalist Robert Clark . This portrait would be included in an explosive article on genetic inheritance and Darwinsim. M's work with "Madwoman" was highlighted in relation to the article as her work directly expresses ideas of diversity and acceptance of difference. Later that same year, M's portrait and artistic work became a featured part of a collection of images deemed "Best of The Year".
Composer, vocalist, actress, multi-faceted performance artist – M assuredly illustrates through her artistry the universal cord of creativity that, when crafted well, can passionately move us to listen and experience across whatever boundaries that may separate us. The little girl who long ago looked into a mirror and discovered her uniqueness has grown up; But the woman, mature and set firmly upon her destined path, remains inspired to creatively challenge and be challenged by this world that ever engages us. In this unfolding of life's complex questions and marvelous mysteries, M's artistic evolution continues . .
Appearances Include
Aretha Franklin, Soundtrack - “A Rose Is A Rose”
Nona Hendryx,
Lillias White,
Linda Eder,
Julie Andrews,
Liza Minnelli
Salif Keita,
Hassan Hakmoun,
Horacee Arnold,
Matthew Dickens
Liesbeth List
Timothy Graffin-Reed,
Simply Red,
Maxwell,
Chaka Khan,
Freddie Jackson,
Don Harris, lead horns - Tower of Power
Johnny Kemp,
Sabir Mateen,
JoJo Kuo,
Richard Bona,
Check Tidliane Sec
Sandra St. Victor,
Eric Benet,
Kenny Lattimore,
El Debarge,
Tonni Smith - Voice of "Funkin" for Jamaica"
Vernon Reid,
Bemshi,
Corey Glover,
Will Calhoun,
Phoenix Rivera,
Maysa Leak - Incognito,
Felicia Collins,
Everton Sylvester,
Stephanie McKay,
Jeff Golub,
V. Jeffery Smith,
Omar Hakim,
Dennis Davis,
Michael Raye - Kristen Gray "SoulRaye"
Pat McGuire Band
Kid Lucky,
Sussan Deyhim,
DJ Spooky, “That Subliminal Kid'
DJ Sticky, - Neil Strauss - Writer, Music Critic New York Timesv
Knoninklijke Luchtmacht Orchestra,
Snithsonian Institute,
National Arts Club,
CBGB's New York,
Knitting Factory New York
HBO Special "Summerfest starring Sinbad,
VH-1 "Hard Rock Live"
NBC Late Night with Conan O'Brien,
Blues Alley “M Live at Blues Alley with the Millennium Jazz Group”
Japanese Animee - "Cowboy Bebop 2000 Future Blues",
"Barend & Van Dorp" - 'Top Rated Dutch Television Show
Entertainment Tonight / The Insider - "Da Vinci Code"
Discovery Channel
Onaje Allan Gumbs
Sandra Nkake
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