East Side Story (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Larry Gold (strings); Asdru's Sierra, Daniel Heffernan (horns); Salaam Remi (bass guitar); Paul 'Buggy' Edwards, Paul "Big Bird" Edwards (drums); Mister Maygreen (background vocals); Kelvin Wooten (piano).

Additional personnel: Lupe Fiasco.

Audio Mixer: Manny Marroquin.

Illustrator: Danny Miller .

Photographer: Malcolm Beckford.

The debut from singer Emily King ranges across genres with a light, breezy, pop ear. The production is contemporary, but the album boasts the organic feel of live instrumentation, making for a sound that's retro and modern at once. King does this same balancing act with style, trying out old-school R&B, gospel, and jazz alongside hip-hop, reggae, and pop. And while on paper it might sound overly eclectic, King's soulful voice unifies it beautifully. Those who like their pop accessible but not stylistically one-note should check out EAST SIDE STORY. minimize