I know I’m a little late with reviewing Tim Jackson’s debut album but as mentioned yesterday there are some records that doesn’t make it the first time into my mailbox. Who ever took my first copy of Next Of Kin is hopefully into quality soul music, which means combining the best of the past and the present, i.e. a strong singer, memorable hooks and some funky beats.
Tim’s upbringing wasn’t the most easygoing one could have. He was born on the West Side of Chicago, IL. He was raised by his mother and grandparents because his father denied him in the early parts of his childhood. He found relief singing and playing in the curch choir and as it has been proved numerous times, singing in church is always a good educational start to pursue a career in music.
Later in his life Tim was part of the group N2Soul but unfortunately they never got a chance to release any records although the major label Polygram/Universal showed some interest. Nevertheless, Tim followed up his musical career. In these days you no longer need a major label deal to release your music and attract listeners all over the world thanks to the internet. That’s why his self-written and self-produced debut is released by Chicago’s Nu Music Group.
Soul Colloquy, the album’s opener, gives a good indication of Tim Jackson’s influences with him doing some namedropping of soul music’s heros from yesterday and today. And there are lots of songs on offer that see Tim carrying the torch of soul music like the midtempo title track, Next Of Kin or the funky hip hop beats of Chocolate Paradise, which obviously draws inspiration from Tim’s own life.
Tim also delivers some great and memorable downtempo tracks and ballads like Good 2 CYA, Inseparable or the instant winners A Rose From Concrete and Miss U.
There are a two songs though, The Hustle and Alright, were Tim looses me with the R&B/urban rhythms ( I guess, if you’re into urban then these songs will certainly please you) but the excellent cover version of Bobby Womack’s A Woman’s Gotta Have It makes more than up for it.
In a nutshell Next Of Kin is a fine debut album from an artist with a fresh approach and the potential of longevity.

Tracklisting of Next Of Kin: 1. Soul Colloquy (spoken word)/ 2. Next of Kin/ 3. Chocolate Paradise/ 4. Good 2 CYA/ 5. Inseparable/ 6. Can’t Get Enough/ 7. A Rose From Concrete/ 8. Luv Thang/ 9. Mindset (interlude)/ 10. The Hustle/ 11. Alright/ 12. Rainbows/ 13. Miss U/ 14. Thank You (interlude)/ 15. A Woman’s Gotta Have It | released 2005 by Nu Music Group

For more infos visit cdbaby.com and soulcolloquy.com (hopefully with content soon).

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