When India.Arie first debuted her music to the world on her album, Acoustic Soul, from 2001, she was seen as a welcome change within the music industry. Existing slightly inside of the neo-soul box, but far away from the pillow-talk R&B at the time, Aries songs spoke of black love and self love in a way that touched music consumers young and old. That album eventually went triple platinum, which obviously is a strong start to ones music career. The Denver native, who spent much or her adolescence in Atlanta, is a talented vocalist and guitar player and she also writes most of the songs on her album. Her latest disc, Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics recently hit stores in February, and while it doesnt have a single on it as catchy as Brown Skin or I Am Not My Hair, the song Chocolate High featuring Musiq Soulchild is a jazzy, modern soul hit. Other jams on Love & Politics include Therapy featuring Gramps of reggae group Morgan Heritage and Better Way which has a guest appearance from blues singer Keb Mo. Its a solid album and anyone that likes their R&B/soul music to be hard hitting without the cheesy, baby-come-hither lyrics should check her out.
Sat., April 4, 8 p.m., 2009