Customer Reviews

Tunin Up & Cosignin

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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Die-hard Erykah Badu fans all know that one of her former back-up singers and Dallas, TX, friend -- N'Dambi -- is equally bad. As in awesome. Period.

Less commercial, and perhaps more an original than the quite original Erykah, N'Dambi is arguably the ultimate Neo Soul artist for '70's Jazz-Funk fans. As in this sister's style is so intricate, she's sort of not even Neo Soul. She feels like the real deal from back in the day. From many different, better days.

These are The Six Degrees of N'Dambi, based on her superb, now classic double-CD set from 2002,
Tunin Up & Cosignin...

First Degree: Her raw emotion and adeptness with classic funk rhythms is as finely tuned as Bilal's. In fact, in some way, I consider N'Dambi the female answer to Bilal and wish these two would get together in a studio sometime. But where Bilal takes powerful hip-hop turns, N'Dambi masterfully dives into pure jazz.

Second Degree: That laid-back sound that put Erykah on the map? N'Dambi has this gift, too. They both exude a talent for a sound that says, "I'm way too busy telling you what's up here, pouring out my heart -- and having fun doing it -- to fret singing within the commercial norm." N'Dambi doesn't have a pretentious atom in her voice. Au natural and earthy.

Third Degree: Heavy (and these days rare) use of live studio musicians that jam in the style of Chaka Khan's killer band, Rufus. However, N'Dambi's band throws down serious jazz, too. There's consistently flawless bass work going on, at times reminding me of Ron Carter (the genius behind Badu's Certainly) or the spirited Marcus Miller. (Check out producer Kenneth Crouch's bananas bass in Black Star!!!) The musicanship on this double-CD is simply off the chain.

Fourth Degree: N'Dambi sometimes triggers a double-take with her pared down, plain-truth sound, "neo reincarnating" Nina Simone. (Check out Ode 2 Nina and Crazy World.) I'll even say that her unique interpretation is to purposely go flat and off into tricky keys at times. But it's cool as all get-out! Somewhat like Cassandra Wilson, N'Dambi's fearless about doing her own distinctive thing (in higher octives, though).

Fifth Degree: About that smoking band again... They take to the stratosphere two songs with a jazzy House music beat: Day Dreamer and Call Me. In both songs, the singer gets to the bottom of things. In one, getting deep inside your head to get up and get yours in life; in the other, basically asking, like Roberta Flack, Where Is the Love, baby?

Sixth Degree: With all of the above said, N'Dambi sounds precisely like... no one. Which is exactly why we dig her vibe. True to the meaning of her Muslim name, this sister's work is without a doubt, "most beautiful."

Viqi French

I was a bit skeptical about scooping up this CD as one cat here reviewed it and spoke of her "atrocious" vocals but I got it anyway. Now, I have an idea on why he thought that but I don't think he's well-versed in the art of "scatting." See, in scatting, you can go off key and it not really matter, just as in Jazz one gets to mess around between the more common/expected notes, called a blue note (A flatted note, especially the third or seventh note of a scale, in place of an expected major interval). Well, same thing applies in scatting...you can mess around like that all under artistic license, it's all good. Now..after saying that...

There was a time where she PURPOSELY sang out of key as a joke with her producer and it was documented as being just that from their dialogue after they finished the "riff" of the song.

Ok, now, this double CD is pretty damn strong, folks! This is a nice blend of Jazz and Neo remniscent of Ledisi's "Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue." This is a perfect "Get-together" CD to play as you and your close friends sit back and take in the smoothness of the afternoon as it mellowly swings into the evening. Great production and N'Dambi, as always, delivers the goods vocally. Get this CD, folks. Period.

If you are a fan of Neo Soul or Acid Jazz, this album is for you. Insightful lyrics blessed with live instrumentation mix for a great sound. N'Dambi is one of the most gifted artists on the scene today; it's a shame her albums have been overlooked by the mainstream. Her previous release, Little Lost Girl Blues, was a true Neo Soul masterpiece; and was in my opinion the most slept on album of the last 2 years. Tunin' Up and Cosignin' is a slight departure from the Neo Soul ranks; as N'Dambi explores her Jazz roots. The double disc set starts with a brilliant Nina Simone cover, and continues the vibe with similar jazz pieces. Although the bulk of both discs is previous material, she deftly breathes new life into it with infectious grooves from her band. One gets a sense that these artists play solely for the love of the music. Most of the songs are uptempo, intermixed with a few slower grooves, but the blend is captivating. I HIGHLY recommend purchasing this album, and if you can find it, her first album, Little Lost Girls Blues. You won't be disappointed!

This album is easily comparable to some of the hottest neo-soul/jazz type albums out on the market right now. The unique and powerful voice of N'Dambi meshes wonderfully with the music on this CD which is just off the hook...."Bitter Bitter Blue" "Crazy World" and "Call Me" and "Ode to Nina" are standouts in my opinion but there is so much tha I'm sure something else is bound to be someone else's favorite. I recommend this for anyone who is feeling great music right now and for anyone who cleans up their junky house on a Sunday afternoon and needs excellent background music to flow to. We all need help when it comes to scrubbing bathroom tubs and washing dishes and what a helluva way to get it done. Buy this CD now.....

Mister Mann Frisby'
Author of 'Blinking Red Light'

N'Dambi's new album is one of nostalgia and extreme honesty. She gave us just a hint with Little Lost Girls Blues. It's unfortunate that she is not on a major label but at the same time it's a blessing. She doesn't feel the need to conform or compromise her craft. Tunin' Up & Cosignin is a truly great project. It resembles those great albums that were made and produced in the late 60's and 70's where it was live and the grooves were real. You can't compare her to Erykah or any of the others unless you are saying that she is creating fresh vibes and real music as they all do. How much of that do you hear on the radio? She should be the real millionaire. I won't bother to insult or comment other artist that are overexposed on the radio. N'Dambi's Ode to Nina is a true example of artistry. The inflection and intonation that she gives to the pitches is exactly what Nina would have done. It was quite impressive. Some say that she has pitch issues on the record but that is bound to happen sometimes when you are recording live. That is so irrelevant in the overall scheme of things. She is an instrument with a unique timbre and approach. There are so many songs on this project that are refreshing. She may not be a household name yet but it is coming if she sticks to her convictions.

I picked up N'dambi's CDs without having heard them or knowing anything much about the concept or lyrics. I love raw, soul music! When I heard N'dambi's "Ode 2 Nina," I knew this sista was a shining star. Not many vocalists can capture the rawness of Nina and the truth involved in recreating such lyrics and emotions. Beautifully done.

As a whole, I enjoy both CDs by N'dambi. I am captured by the two CD set "Tunin Up & Cosignin." Her vocals are raw and not subject to overly done production and engineering. Her light shines and there is no comparison. I agree with an earlier reviewer that her talent is obvious but it takes an ear that is not biased to today's commercial, radio music. Have an open heart and receive the gift of ROOTS talent brought to you by N'dambi.

Can't wait to see her perform!

'are you 'people' that do what the other 'people' do?'......

.....'there are 'people' who do as the other people do......how about you? Strong lyrics from one of my favorite gems on this instant classic. My question to you is... are you 'people' who do as the smart people did......and grab this CD quick! N'dambi is a sexy vocal goddess (she is on the cover of Marc Baptiste's book "Beautiful: Nudes")who hasn't got her props as one of the best soul singers of our generation. This CD falls right in place where 'Little Lost Girls Blues' left off. N'Dambi is swooningly cosmic, ecclectic and beautiful without the need to incorporate any sort of vocal mannerisms and tics or, more importantly, personal eccentricities. She has been present in the recordings of D'Angelo's Voodoo and all 3 of Badu's releases. Covering styles similar to Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell, she has among the most stimulating and adventurous voices in the game today. Re-releasing the gems from the 1st CD in a live studio format was a extra bonus. The 11 minute version of 'Lonely Woman/Eva's Song was said to be too long but.....you really can't get enough of N'Dambi.

This is my last warning on telling y'all what you are missing by not hearing what the little Texas girl has to say in pure powerful soul. I told you guys back on my 'Little Lost Girl Blues' review and many failed to hear. Now that one is hard to find and I'm telling you.....DON'T SLEEP ON THIS ONE. I was in a record store the other day overhearing a conversation about this CD between a clerk and a customer. The clerk advised her to get 'Faith' and not N'Dambi and I had to step in before this customer made the mistake of her life. I respectfully told her that she was holding a classic and not to ever put it down and then cut my eyes over at the clerk in a confused discuss. I've seen her perform 4 times now and everytime she visits the ATL...I'm there! 'Call Me' is one of the best dance tracks on this CD along with 'Day Dreamer'. My Favorite gems are all those from the last CD. 'Broke My Heart' and 'The Sunshine', I like even better on this one with the Roy Ayers sample. My new gems are: 'Hot Pearl C', 'Call Me', 'People' and 'Black Star'......yo! last warning.....betta get it!

oNe

These two DOUBLE cd's are layback & chill. The 1st cd is laced with some newer tracks & the 2nd are cuts from her 1st Lp but with a slight twist. It's boldness of a live performance but without the crowd. I LIKE THE TWIST & the effort of coming-up with a live remix cd and hearing small clips of the band in rehearsal. N'dambi has the voice of a jazz vocalist that easily puts you in the mind of Ledisi. N'dambi has deep Texas roots and has definitly been influenced by Erykah Badu. This cd has been out for some time but its worth buying I cant wait until the next release.

I love this CD. Some of the cuts are jazzy, some are in the house music style, some are blues. And N'Dambi has such a versatile voice. It's like listening to 3 or 4 CDs and all of them being good. For those who have her first CD, Little Lost Girl Blues, most of the cuts are repeated here, but with different beats. They actually sound different and maybe even better. I highly recommend this CD.

Fantastic I consider this album like one of the best ever, amazing vocals arrangements, very jazzy nu soul, smooth and mellow but also with power vibes. Up tempo rhythm section with tight grooves creating sweets atmospheres.
Chonita Gilbert as N'Dambi, was who push Erykah Badu to start to sing, No doubt about this check this album and you will see.