As the cliche goes, "They don't make music like this anymore." Ironically, what was once not only mainstream but a dominating music style is now underground and independent. However, do not compare Ronee Martin (http://www.roneemartin.com) with any irony-laden college band. Her music is straight-up '70s soul, the kind you still hear on some AM radio stations except that this is a brand-new product. And while she may sound like a seasoned vet, this is Martin's debut album, released in 2005.
With sharp photography and professional packaging that makes it look like a major label product (which it should be), "Come On Through My Door" is all about class and top-of-the-line musicianship. Do you mean it's old school? Of course it is. At a time when R&B is a term used to describe the most misogynistic garbage this side of slasher movies, Martin brings it back to its roots.
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The first track, "Get Real," has the closest to a contemporary groove with a beat that wouldn't be out of place on a hip-hop slow jam. But then you hear Martin's voice - sultry and icy cool. By the second cut, "Giving Up," we're travelling back in time to the days of Philadelphia soul, and hearing music as skin smooth and warm as this is like the feeling you get when you drink water after a long hike in the heat, when the sensation of fluid being swallowed tingles the throat.
Young or old, it'll be hard for anybody to resist Martin's charms. This lady can really sing, folks.
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