Lady Tee. The Ivory Queen of Soul. For over 30 years Teena Marie has defied musical labels and boundaries, crossing over to R&B like few other blue-eyed soul artists. In addition to old-school jams such as “I Need Your Loving,” “Square Biz,” and “Portuguese Love,” she collaborated with mentor Rick James to create classics such as “I'm A Sucker for Your Love” and “Fire and Desire.” Marie's latest album, Congo Square, marks her debut on the historic Stax label (now under the Concord umbrella). While songs celebrate New Orleans's jazz and blues influences, they also pay tribute to her adopted soul heritage.
Congo Square refers to an area of the French Quarter, and the title track most explicitly refers to its jazz and southern soul roots (also courtesy of pianist George Duke). “Black Cool” also cites the music, food, and atmosphere of the Big Easy. However, Marie seems aware of the importance of being on the Stax label as well, as she acknowledges 70s-era soul on tracks such as “Marry Me,” which recalls Deniece Williams or Stephanie Mills. While sporting a hip hop beat, “You Baby” contains some horn breaks that mimic classic Stax soul. “Milk and Honey” name-checks great artists from jazz and R&B history with a smooth assist from Marie's daughter, Rose LeBeau.
One element jumps out at the listener: Marie's voice hasn't lost any of its soul and emotion. Amazingly, she sounds just as she did when “In the Groove” and “Lovergirl” were released. If anything, Marie has continued to enrich her voice by adding jazz nuances to much of her material, such as “The Rose 'N Thorn.” Her emotional delivery effectively conveys the romantic longing of the torch ballad. “Harlem Blues” features Marie using her voice's full range and ability to smoothly integrate jazz and R&B.
Like on 2003's La Dona, Marie fares well when collaborating with R&B and hip hop artists. MC Lyte guest raps on the album opener, “The Pressure,” where Marie sings with her typical sexiness and sass. Shalamar alum and solo singer Howard Hewitt duets with her on “Lovers Lane,” a steamy track that recalls some of her earlier work with James. On the first single, “Can't Last A Day,” Faith Evans accompanies her vocals, their two voices blending beautifully. While “Soldier Boy” contains some, at times, heavy-handed lyrics paying tribute to servicemen and women, her delivery — along with old-school legend Shirley Murdock — rescue the song from having clichéd meaning.
Article comments
1 - Pam
Teena is the greatest. Anytime a woman can do what she does, direct, sing, and move the way she does. She deserves a standing ovation. I saw her in Atlantic City, and she was GREAT............ Congo Square, I am going to have today.
2 - KB
Love it!!!!!! I thinks it's better than the last two CD (which were I think were fantistic). Let's give her a standing ovation!
3 - KB
Love it!!!!!! I think it's better than the last two CD's (which were I think were fantistic). Let's give her a standing ovation!
4 - marvin
Great CD ... Lady T just keeps getting better with time ... it hasn't come off my player since it was relaesed last month
5 - Rory Alcalá
Lady Tee is my favorite artist of all time! I've been trying to get an autographed picture of her but to no avail. She is the quintessential performer with her unique songwriting skills and delivering her sound. This latest album "Congo Square" is one of the most unique, incorporating the Lord's Prayer in it. The mix of R&B with jazz is awesome. She sings with such emotion, sexy and sultry. Anyone know where I can get an autographed picture of her? I want one really bad! It would complete my life! And I mean that literally! She is a brilliant,talented genius who I idolize. I love the song "Romantica" the best on this cd. And I don't think there is too much content on it. I know she has a tendency to pack her cd's full of all her songlets but they are greatly appreciated by her loyal fans, like me. She gives you a lot for your money both in her performances and the cd's she releases. What a woman!! Can't get enough of her!
6 - Rory Alcalá
OOPs! The song "Romantica" is on her "Sapphire " cd. I love the new song "Congo Square" on her new cd the most although "Black Cool" are awesome songs too!
7 - Rory Alcalá
Big Ups to whoever was responsible in sending me an autographed picture of Lady Tee. OMG! This is her best cd yet, I think and I have ALL her cd's, like 17 or so. Thank you for for giving me an autographed picture of Lady Tee. It means the world to me!!!! Made my day!!! I'm gonna have it custom-framed.
8 - VitaRhythms
Check out "The Revelation of Teena Marie" - The VitaRhythms Interview