Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens - What Have You Done, My Brother?
(CD/LP) Daptone Records DAP-016, 2009-05-26

Hundreds of new artists rear their heads on the scene every year, each struggling in vain to distinguish themselves from the rest with the gimmicks and novelties of the latest radio fads. However, rarely will an artist come along that can transcend the boxes and boundaries of our musical landscape with nothing but the pure soulfulness of her voice. Naomi Shelton is one of these precious artists. Though she, like many others, grew up singing with her sisters in their Alabama church, she has also spent much of her life in the soul clubs around New York, and her 45s, "41st St. Breakdown" and "Wind Your Clock” b/w “Talking 'Bout a Good Thing,” have long been revered and prized by funk DJs around the globe. Now, with her first official full-length release coming this May, it's clear that her singing is equally influenced by both facets of her life. This is soul music - informed by the church, perhaps, but soul music nonetheless, relatable to all. Which means that What Have You Done, My Brother?, an uplifting record that conveys Naomi's energy, her excitement, her love of music, her compassion, is no ordinary album.

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