NHOJJ: Soul Comfort

Nhojj

Soul Comfort

© 2008 John Martinborough (837101421201)

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Smooth R&B and Jazz to Caress your Mind, Body, and Soul.

notes

Submerge yourself in splashes of Funk, Jazz, Quiet Storm, and Soul. Float away with the voice Logo Magazine describes as “Honeyed, Subdued and Unadorned” and caress your mind, body, and spirit. With the help of some world-class session players, Nhojj aims to create an atmosphere that is soothing, rejuvenating, and affirming. Welcome to ‘Soul Comfort’.

Nhojj started singing at the age of 5 on local radio programs, and soon found himself performing before Presidents in a sold out stadiums, in both Guyana and Trinidad. After graduating from NYU with a BA in Economics (honors), this self-taught producer returned to his first love, recording what Musicdish.com would call “Musical Genius.” Music from his debut ‘I’ve Been Waiting for You’ was featured at the International Fringe Festival, in the 2001 Jacob A. Weiser Playwright Award-wining play “The Making of the Black Man” and premiered on Audiofile, which broadcasts on 125 radio stations around the world.

Mote Mgzn wrote “Reminiscent of R&B greats Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye” on hearing his sophomore ‘Someday Peace Love & Freedom’ and University of Calgary’s Gauntlet Newspaper concluded, “alludes to Marley's former call for ‘one love, one heart.’” OutMusic nominated the CD for Outstanding Male Album 2004, and the Fresh Fruit Festival awarded him Best Male Performance. With 2 recordings under his belt, Nhojj filmed the live DVD ‘An Intimate Evening with Nhojj’ with Emmy-Nominated director Bill Cote, and then returned to the studio with producer Sam Archer (Barbershop, B2K) to record an Inspirational album “John Martinborough Coming home” - a dedication to his mother.

The next few years earned Nhojj the #1 position on the Neo-Soul, Fusion, Nu-Jazz, Healing, Easy listening, and Gospel Myspace Indie NY Charts for a total of 31 weeks, and honorable mention at the 13th and 14th Annual Billboard Songwriting Contest.

In 2007, ‘Soul Comfort’ began to emerge. “Life ebbs and flows” Nhojj explains, “but I wanted to focus on the positive, and with this project share some ideas and have fun.” First came the bi-lingual Myspace collaboration with French/Caribbean artist Mike Ibrahim. After weeks of recording and emailing WAV files between NY and Paris, ‘Spring Rain’ was born. Nhojj continued the celebration with ‘Music’ and ‘Doing m’ Thing’ creating a smooth organic feel by sampling live instruments: Carl Evans on Keyboards (Stevie Wonder, Barry White); David Stark on Guitar (Rick James, Teena Marie); Tommy Aros on Percussion (Luis Miguel), adding live horn sections, live drums, and his signature style - layers and layers of vocals.

The result “exudes delicacy and controlled release” writes Echoes Magazine. The album features ‘Dream’, a personal meditation on gifts and goals; the ethereal a cappella ‘James Donovan’, honoring the lives of 2 friends with AIDS; the universal ‘Peace & Blessings’ and ‘My Brother’ which features biological brother Sam, Def Jam Poet ButtaFlySoul, Music with a Twist artist Jesse O, Poets baron and seân, all joining together on a thank you note to the men who have nurtured and inspired them.

So sit back now, relax and allow ‘Soul Comfort’ to surround you. Blessings, Love & Light.

reviews

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  • Fluidity of his Sound
    author: Chael Needle - A&U Magazine

    Categories are quickly dissolved by the fluidity of his sound. His so-soft-it's so strong and soaring voice reminds one of lullabies, though ones that work in reverse. They help gently wake you to reality rather than send you of to dreamland.

  • A warmth that is often missing from product of today
    author: In The Basement Magazine

    Here's a set from a young man whose name I have no idea how to pronounce but who cites as influences, among others, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross. Supported by a mixture of real musicians and string and drum programming and using often a multi-tracked vocal approach, there's a warmth about this set that is often missing from product of today, probably because it eschews the bog-standard fare of insistent single-beat metronomic percussion to each track and instead displays a thought in both structure of the songs and in the arrangement stakes. Even the ultra-short title track - just 'Soul Comfort' over keyboards - and the short, wordless-beyond-the-title of 'I Like That', multi-tracked over strings, fit well within the whole. 'My Brother', immediately follows 'James Donovan', an a cappella hymn to "…my dear friends, James and Donovan and all those we've lost to AIDS." 'The Light' and 'Peace And Blessings' ensure the set goes out in upbeat fashion and indeed we've been taken on something of a journey which has begun with the breezy summery sounds of 'Doing M' Thing' and 'Music', traveling through 'Please Come Back', a contemporary love song and on to 'Love', which starts as a gorgeous floater and slows a little as it builds. 'Dream' is a down tempo number that drifts along nicely and the tender 'Spring Rain' is the only song not written by Nhojj, who shares the vocals with its composer and acoustic guitar player, Mike Ibrahim.

  • Sweet-Soul Approach
    author: Echoes Magazine

    Nhojj stands out as the real deal, his sweet-soul approach coming across like an understated Maxwell on an album, Soul Comfort, that exudes delicacy and controlled release. The Lucky Fellow-ish Peace & Blessings has already been picked up by many a DJ, a deservedly so - it really ought to be a big early summer tune - while Dream has that under-current pull of sexiness which Urban Hang Suite achieved most of the way through. The opener Doing M' Thing pulses and bounces in just the right amounts. Yeah, this guy could grow into something.

  • A highly recommended offering for 2008
    author: Toby Walker - www.soulwalking.co.uk

    When Di-Lee sent me a copy of the album last week, I got stuck on track two! The repeat button was on big time! This is a track called, simply, 'Music'. Some folks describe these songs as 'toons'. Well I am not going to argue. State of the art in 2008. Nhojj has a very appealing vocal styling and is a very competent songwriter, penning the whole show himself. The album, overall, has a semi-acoustic feel to it's Soulful proceedings, which is very pleasing on the ear and culminates in the glorious anthemic 'Peace and Blessings'. A barnstormer of a song from a very worthwile effort. A highly recommended offering for 2008.

  • An album that comes highly recommended!
    author: Barry Towler - www.soulchoonz.com

    A very nice, warming little set is this from newcomer Nhojj. Vocally, Nhojj, has elements of both Maxwell and Pete Belasco and on the musical front the vibe is fresh and definitely of a soulful vibration. The opening song really does speak volumes about what the gentleman is about – he is literally doing his thing, and having a ball at the same time. The funkiness is what we would expect from an Amp Fiddler set, but far less street if you know what I mean. The instrumentation is, as appears to be the norm again, very real and the funky guitar licks, brushing drums and warm keys are miles away from the squeaky, programmed R&B that the majors are churning out at present. “Please Come Back” could be likened to something that Van Hunt would do on a more soulful day, and “Love” with its hushed, gentile premise is much more to my taste. A fair few tracks are excellent yet woefully short and give but a mere insight into what we may expect from a future album. It’s this variety and fusion of the short and sweet with the funkier elements that make this CD gel well. Following a series of shorts you will discover an excellent track called “Dream” which rolls along nicely with subtle bass guitar and flute. This is a real gem, as is the excellent “My Brother” which reminds me of a Toni Tony Toné cut from their last album in 1996. For dancers, check out the Chic-ish guitar funky licker “The Light”. The horns blow, the drum beats proudly and the groove is tighter than a tupper are seal! This is great but the real killer come sin the form of “Peace And Blessings”; a FANTASTIC cut that simply shines out like no other. This is total quality in the form of a Leroy Hutson classic – think “Lucky Fellow”, “Closer To The Source” or “So Nice” and you are not a million miles away from where you need to be. The CD is therefore thoroughly essential for this track alone, let alone all the others I have already highlighted. This song, complete with soulful sax and horns hit me as strong as when I first heard Cam’Elle Hinds’ “Sausalito Calling” back in ‘94. This is a real killer and deserves to be played on the radio every hour on the hour! What a great new talent, though and an album that comes highly recommended!

  • Purchase this piece of Art
    author: John Frazier, GBMnews.com

    He's unique, original, spiritual, gifted and is a must hear, must see and don't walk, run out & purchase this piece of art. Trust me, you will be glad that you did. If you want something new, fresh and off the hook, just click and order your copy.

  • SOLID EFFORT
    author: Corey Jarrell

    This is the first CD that I've heard from the artist known as Nhojj. This brotha has a very elegant approach to a song, and it's very evident that he has more musical depth than many of his more well-known contemporaries. Having said that, much of this CD is very radio friendly, laid back & relaxed after-the-party kinda material, and that's neither good nor bad. It just is. However, there are two cuts on this CD that immediately made me sit up and take notice - the track JAMES DONOVAN is absolutely beautiful; it's almost ethereal, & the cut MY BROTHER superbly compliments it. Both transcend the whole CD and make the purchase of the whole CD worthwhile & satisfying. All in all, Soul Comfort is a very solid effort from Nhojj. Congrats!

  • gentle
    author: caroline guirr

    you can tell that a lot of care has been taken over the subtleties of this laid back album, and that it sounds like one person's own project which is always interesting.

  • author: Tencho Yordanov

    Nhojj is artist name like no other! With that unique type of blends of spiritual and soulful,translative and extra humanity that is bursting from his production is multi-clulti and international spoken language!It's a feeling deep from your heart and soul.You must have this production and you all must know this artist..Just can't wait to hear it LIVE!!

  • Never sacrificed your message...
    author: baron

    What I love most about this record is its transition from your former work, the instrumentation heavy ballads and up-tempo’s are exceptional. What I also like is that you never sacrificed your message for your new direction musically. The peace, love, and all things beautiful still transcends throughout this album. You've found it and telling everyone where to go to get it. Deep inside themselves. I just love that concept because it can’t be found anywhere else but inside yourself. My favorites: “My Brother” Not because I’m on it… lol. But just how powerful and complete it sounds. Also I love listening to the undertones… and hearing Butta, Jesse-O, and you do your thing... It’s just something magical. I remember smiling as I was listening to the song.. Good thing. “The Light :)” it’s just fabulous and it reminds me of a Crystal Waters song I love. You can dance to it.. I love to dance…lol. Also I love the how the beat switches and transforms.. “Soul Comfort” and “I like That..” are just sexy… I love the Bonus song.. it’s just so innovative… I love that it’s different in a way from the album and a tease of what’s to come. And I get a Prince feel from it... ”LOVE” cuz it makes me feel it. I love the project as a whole. Thank you for giving it to the world... We are inspired... love.baron.

  • Amazing
    author: ButtaFlySoul

    I am loving this CD ~ Oh my God, baby you are amazing this CD is the hotness... I mean the entire CD, I actually love all the tracks.

  • Sensual Sexy & Spellbinding
    author: Alkamal Jemmott

    Sensual sexy & spellbinding with splashes of sonic funk. Favorites - I like that, Dream, Doing m' thing, bonus track, Music & The Light

  • Delicious
    author: Monet

    You sound delicious!

  • Fun Happy Spirit
    author: Ron San Marchi

    The most incredible thing happens when I listen to the new Nhojj album – it reconnects me to my own soul, to the healing nature of music, and to the love within me. It rekindles the fun happy spirit and joins me to the brotherhood of humanity. Hip, and yet highly personal, “Soul Comfort” is uplifting and truly inspired, representing a kaleidoscope of musical styles. Favorite song: “Music”. Kudos to Nhojj for his exquisitely beautiful voice, and for his amazing ability to connect in such a heartfelt way with his listeners. Yes, the CD is entitled “Soul Comfort”, and it is truly that.

  • A Million Stars :)
    author: Karen

    A Million Stars :) And a Million Nhojj Smiles :) Soul Comfort Beautiful Nhojj Smiles Proves again he is a Musical Genius :)Soul comfort(: This is just a prelude to my thoughts :)Soul comfort(: So much more than the two words that they are. Not only is Nhojj music on this CD literally "Soul Comfort" there is a mighty spiritual revealing in his music and his style. Nhojj is a beautiful heart and friend to any who have had contact with him. He is a part of my heart and this CD is quickly becoming a friend also. I never cease to be amazed at where he takes his talent and how much of his heart he is willing to share with the listener. I believe wholeheartedly that he has accomplished what he set out to do with this CD. There is a tremendous pouring of "Soul" but even much more alluring is the "Comfort" this CD exudes. It draws you in with beautiful abounding Soul and then wraps it's Comfort around you bidding one to slow down and enjoy the sounds and feelings the music evokes inside. I see you now Nhojj,,,you have grown so much in this last year. Become even more confident in your love and you being than one could imagine. It shows in this music. I can feel it through and through. this expanding confidence in you has not changed your loving, caring heart for the world and the people who need to hear your message of peace. This is a beautiful thing in and of it's self. Of course my ever loving friend. I do promise to be back to write in detail about the music. Just allow me to bask in the comfort it brings. Thank you once more for being so brave to put so much of yourself out here. And as I have said before,,,,one can never have too much Nhojj,,,,,smiles or music. Until later,,,,Krazen

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