This week in Soul... | by Tonya DJ

Earlier this summer we spread the news about Maxwell's new album(s), "Black Summer's Night"...(click title to read) Well...it has just been announced that Maxwell will now be on tour promoting the first part of the album series, "Black", this fall. This will be his first tour appearance following a six year musical sabbatical. So far the tour is scheduled to hit 24 cities starting in Boston on October 8th and ending in Philly on November 21st with a Memphis date slated for November 11th. Joining him on the tour (well, the New York date) is J Records' newest sweetheart- Jazmine Sullivan. Jazmine is a newbie to the label , but a vet in the underground soul scene making vocal appearances on songs with Missy Elliott (Bus Stop) and Kindred the Family Soul (I Am- Surrender to Love).

Speaking of Kindred...Hidden Beach has just announced that a 3rd release from The Family titled, "The Arrival", will be coming soon along with a new single "House of Love"- so be on the lookout for that one. HB has also announced the signing of Tony Rich (remember...and nobody knows it but me...) and the official release date of his forthcoming album, "Exist" on September 23rd.

The 3rd Annual International Soul Music Summit will convene Friday, September 12 & Saturday, September 13 in Atlanta, GA. The largest music conference in the world dedicated to the soul genre; ISMS provides information and networking opportunities to artists, industry reps, and soul music lovers alike. Anyone- singer/songwriters, musicians, etc.- interested in going can hitch a ride on a bus leaving from St. Louis, MO (thanks to Vanita Thompson with Vanita Applebum Entertainment Services, LLC) on the Thursday prior to the conference. The cost of the trip is $399 (which includes transportation, 3-night hotel accomodations, and an all-access pass to the conference & other events). I will be a panelist at the conference discussing "Women In Music" & "Soul Promoters/Booking" on both days and would love to have others from Memphis (the birthplace of soul music) to attend. If you're interested mail info@neosoulville.com for more information.