A fourteen track eclectic mix of sounds and styles that marks somewhat of a departure from the vintage Stone who garnered a 2005 Grammy nomination for “Mind Body & Soul,” this new release is still a remarkable showcase of Stone’s vocal ability with all the heart and soulful renderings that we’ve come to expect from this talented Brit.
“Love Me,” the opening track; sets the tone with its rehearsal space uncertainty at the start quickly giving way to a rhythmic, electronic, semi-reggae feel. Stone’s vocals are much more pop oriented than what her fans may be used to; yet quite as enticing as the title suggests.
“This Ain’t Love,” makes great use of additional percussion to set a sultry tone. The conga drums and shakers lightly woven into the background by the engineer/producer are a beautiful touch and create a sensual feel; highlighted once again by Stone’s R & B influenced crooning.
Two tracks into this effort and one may be faced with a dilemma; press on to track three or stop fighting the urge to smoke a cigarette. The first two cuts oozing sexuality, Joss cuts us a break with the Middle Eastern/Indian sound that permeates and dominates “Stuck On You.” “Every time you get me close enough, I fall for you, it’s everything you do, I just can’t get enough you’ve got me truly, you got me truly…” This track has a harder edge than the first two but still a nice departure in style and is the first markedly “Different” sounding offering on the record.
“Star,” is a synthesizer driven work using faux strings and what appears to be a tuba track embellishing some nice guitar work and Stone’s layered vocal. The utilization of a children’s playground at the end is a neat touch but not really needed to drive home the point. This track may be the weak link in an otherwise strong chain as it seems to be more of an add-on rather than part of a progression.
Joss instantly redeems herself with “Let Me Breathe;” a decidedly Latin flavored tune with a flamingo style guitar which permeates this conga laden cut. A mildly aggressive touch is perfectly done as Stone attacks this one with an edge that would make Sade blush.
“Cut The Line” is yet another percussion driven ditty which uses it’s choppy rhythm punctuated by a perfectly placed, accented guitar wah pedal to create a great back-line for Stone’s urban-esque, near rap vocal track. Again, another semi-aggressive mature effort showing just how far she has come in her career and one she should be happy with.
“Wake Up” is a cross between reggae and slowed down hip hop and is no better or worse than anything else on the disc but it definitely requires a different taste and an open mind. Somewhat urbanized with a Jamaican rap interjected in various spots behind a repetitive percussive keyboard riff; Stone fluctuates between song bird and street corner busker with relative ease. The song itself seems to lack a definitive direction but as stated; an open mind works wonders here.
The reggae vibe continues with “Way Oh,” in which Joss shows some very nice range as she winds her way up and down and in and out of this tune like a snake through high grass; sneaking up on you one minute and lying low, almost unseen the next.
“Underworld” is the ninth cut and has a definite movie theme feel to it. Here too, Stone combines an urban sound with reggae, rap and soul overtones; which much like the aforementioned “Star,” seems to be a bit all over the place. Joss shows her vocal versatility, utilizing many styles to meld the tune together much like a patchwork quilt where the individual parts are a sum of the whole.
“I met this boy in Molly Town I said, boom, boom, boom…” this is one of the strongest offerings on the disc. “Molly Town,” with its reggae feel and playful yet seductive story line has punch and a great feel; once again showcasing Stone’s ability to harmonize and dominate with her strong vocals.
“Sensimilla” is the most diverse track on the record and another left up to one’s interpretation; enough said.
The twelfth cut is “Harry’s Symphony” and it takes us on a unique ride through various styles of R & B, scat, ska and rap. Stone takes what could be considered a near cacophony of sound and blends it perfectly into a smooth transient trip, complete with a stop at “Cops” which lends a small touch of humor as well.
Track thirteen is titled “Clean Water” and is a synthesizer driven piece with some nice guitar work and a well-produced back mix that accents Stone’s vocals with precision. The upbeat pace makes this one even more appealing.
“The Answer” should be an emphatic yes! This song rocks from beginning to end as its tribal African drum sound gives way to a fantastic rhythm laden, semi-gospel performance with Stone really pouring herself into the song from start to finish. Another prime cut off of this “Grade A Top Choice” album and a beautiful way to close it out; if “Always leave them wanting more” is true then Stone has done her job.
Over all, “Water For Your Soul” is a great mix of rhythms, soulful vocals and styles that is guaranteed to evoke some “Wow” moments with a lot of toe tapping, dancing and head bobbing thrown in; don’t fight it, just go with it.
(609) 448-7144
Fri. 8 p.m. Rock & Rhythm
Sat. 8 p.m. Hunter Hayes
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Fri. 7 p.m. Stories Ff Living (Album Release), Another Day Wasted, Cut The Act, Too Far Gone, D'bkle. All ages, $10
Sat. 5 p.m. Results Not Typical, No Wifi, Redox Envy, (TBA). All ages, $10
Wed. 6 p.m. Fire From The Gods, In Search Of, Silent To Slaughter, Rome's In Ruins, (TBA). All ages, $10/$12
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. John Simon Sax Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)
Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Wed. 9 p.m. Trivia Night
Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Kevin Toft & The All Stars
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Keli Vale Jazz Duo (9 p.m.) New Pony
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Dave Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Soul Custody
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (3 p.m.) Pop Fiction Trio
Mon. 8 p.m. Mike Ghantt
Tues. 8 p.m. Brian Cono
Wed. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson
First n Ten
1961 Hamilton Avenue Hamilton
(609) 587-1028
Sat. 2 p.m. "Quests For Vests" feat. The Dawgs
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Thurs. 6 p.m. North X New Hope
Fri. 9 p.m. North X New Hope
Sat. 9 p.m. North X New Hope
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party
Fri. 8 p.m. Citizens Band Radio. General admission, $15
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Jumper
Sun. 6 p.m. JB Kline
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Tues. 7 p.m. A Taste of Artistry's "Paint & Sip Night"
Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran & Friends
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 10 p.m. Papa Deluxe
Sat. 10 p.m. Polish Nannies
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Justin Pope
Fri. 8 p.m. North X New Hope
Sat. 3 p.m. North X New Hope
Sun. 3 p.m. North X New Hope
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Tim
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern
2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series at the Capital Green
201 Barrack Street Trenton
Sat. 7 p.m. Justin Trawick and The Common Good. All ages, outdoor event
Mamma Rosa's Restaurant
572 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Sun. 6:30 p.m. Deb & Mike
McGuinn's Place
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Sat. 9:30 p.m. It Starts With I
Millhill Basement
300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Please check web site for upcoming events
Mill Hill Park
Front & Broad Sts. Trenton
Thurs. 12 p.m. "Summer Concert Series" feat. Paul Plumeri Band
NJ Weedman's Joint
322 East State St. Trenton
(609) 337-9973
Sat. 4 p.m. "Music For The People" Hosted by Steve Meer, feat. Kevin Toft & The All Stars, Saxophone Dre, Master Samuka Capoeira & Samba Dancing
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Polish Nannies
Sat. 9:30 p.m. (TBA)
Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check Web Page for Upcoming Shows
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 9 p.m. "College Night" w/ DJ Paul Desisto
Fri. (4 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (8:30 p.m.) The Black Frost Band
Sat. 9 p.m. "Birthday Event for The Trillest" w/ DJ William H. Live Performance Performance. Ages 21+, $25 (advance)
101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
Sat. 9 p.m. Quartet Of Catastrophe
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. Seth Tieger Band
Sat. 10 p.m. El Ka Bong
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. (8:30 p.m.) Tune Trivia (10:30 p.m.) DJ Rockn Ron
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Fri. 8 p.m. Hilary Scott Band / Quimby Mountain Band. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance)The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Breeze Band
Sat. 9 p.m. General Crank
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check web site for upcoming events
The Yardley Inn
82 E. Afton Ave. Yardley
(215) 493-3800
Sat. 9 p.m. Paul Plumeri & Jerry Monk
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Mike Brill
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine St. Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Hek Cat
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Cinema Thursday Presents: (TBA)
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic.
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 10 p.m. Holy Ghost Tent Revival
Fri. 10 p.m. Porch 40 ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Mister Revelator / Quimby Mountain Band ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night (Sign ups 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
All Shows 21 +