Just saw Shades of J at the College Hill Coffee Co. & was quite suprised to see a full ensemble instead of a acoustic duo like you would at this type of places. The lead Poet/singer was very good, and the band seemed to be with her on every song she did. It was weird-electronic drums & synths & guitars and amplified Voices in a Coffeehouse setup, but it was smooth & not too loud at all!

A bit spoken, a bit sung -- and very unique album from Shades Of J! The record mixes a few passages of mellow spoken poetry with fuller-styled songs -- but even when singing, J's got a great way of putting over a lyric that almost makes you think she's laying the lines out to you in an intimate corner of the club! The album's got a style that's easygoing, but never too gentle -- very warm and seductive, even when the rhythms are full -- and a unique approach that has J doing a few interludes over the music, in a spoken style that's almost got the feel of some of Roy Ayers' talking on his mellower albums of the 70s. There's a simple, unassuming feel to most of the music -- even at the more poetic moments -- and titles include "Searchin", "Smile", "Do Whatcha Gotta Do", "Verbal Bullets", "Seek The Truth", "Life", "Stirrin It Up", and "Issues With My Phone".

I just knew from the CD title “Spoken Word Soul� that without a doubt it would conjure thoughts, soothe the soul, make you groove and put you in the mood. And that’s what this record does. It puts you in a chic, cool and eclectic place listening to a jazzy funky band with a soulful vocalist invoking sweet thoughts. Shades of J has a smooth and seductive style with great vocal range. #BR#How artistic and talented to combine both spoken word and music together. This is a display of her enormous ability as an artist to produce creative soulful music. Her delivery is incredible. The words grab your attention with her thoughts and conviction, giving meaning and truth. The word deliverance is persuasive and gripping. Vocally, she’s a gem with a hint of Vesta, Chante Moore and her own unique sound. On top of the wonderful words and voice, the music is awesome. Musically the tracks range from soulful R&B to jazz with both slow and mid tempo instrumental grooves that flow with the words and vocals producing soulful, hypnotic tracks for your listening pleasure. #BR#With the combination of spoken word and music Shades of J goes beyond giving you music, word and song. She gives you a part of her in both a poetic and musical fashion. Sharing her gift with us, leaving food for thought and tunes that will without a doubt make you groove is an artist that is destined to become a talent that will be sought out and appreciated by music lovers around the globe. #BR#The CD is full of great tracks with the highlights being “Seek The Truth�, “The Kiss…The Email Thread, “Under The Influence�, “Stirrin It Up� and “Searchin�. Just from the track titles gives you the anticipation of lyric bliss for your listening enjoyment. “Spoken Word Soul� speaks to you. This is definitely a must have for your collective. Undoubtedly, we’ll hear more from Shades of J.

Most Spoken Word albums are pretentious and boring to Me. This one is the complete opposite. The Team here made a project with Poems and Songs that came stand repeated listens. Some if it brings to mind a female tale on the Coco Brown sensuality that sprung up a few years ago. You go Lady J. Keep Making Moves!!!!!!!!

Saw them up at the Greenwich, J & the Guitar player, and they were great by themselves so I can imagine what the rest of her band sound like!

Shades of J - Thanks for "Cruisin" through Detroit and opening up the show. Your "Smooth" Lyrics came across as a "Melodic Breeze" full of the "Love In Your Heart". "Tell Me" the next time we'll "Walk" the "Urban Safari" and provide lasting "Memories" of "My Melody" and yours!

Just when we were about to miss Millie Jackson and Gil Scott Heron, Shades of J brings the spoken word back to contemporary soul music. Poetry and soul in perfect combination. The voice of Lady J is very sensual but also powerful and determined. Very vital and so very beautiful.....