Calvin Richardson may not be dancing across your screen or running from a mob of screaming fans, but his music exudes soulful R&B which the singer says is priceless. Richardson, who recently released âWhen Comes Love,â his latest effort, says âThe industry puts the money on these guys because their fans buy their music right awayâ of his younger counterparts like Chris Brown, Lloyd and Ne-Yo who sometimes lack creative freedom, a phase that Richardson encountered early in his career. In nine years, Richardson has released a total of three albums. Although they are no where near seeing the ink that younger R&B singers are seeing from their sales, Richardson says its not about the money anymore. All of Richardsonâs albums are classics, showcasing a voice that can be compared to a silken falsetto, also reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and Bobby Womack all of whom Richardson cites as influences. âI grew up listening to Marvin Gaye and Bobby Womack. Marvin, heâs a much smoother singer. But Bobby has a much more gritty quality. I go in between.â According to a recent interview with the NY Daily News, Richardson straddles two styles in his music – retro and modern soul – quoting guys like Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield on an older song like “Keep on Pushin,'” without stooping to mimicry. While his songs can fit today’s soul mold, he allows no hip-hop. “It’s not my true influence,” he says. For the new CD, Richardson wrote all the songs, something his earlier record companies never let him do. Since his 1999 solo debut Richardson has been through two failed recording contracts including a failed deal with Hollywood Records, which offered him a hefty advance but without the experience of marketing an R&B act the album failed. This unfortunate experience fatefully led him to his current home with Shanachie, where Richardson says he has the freedom that many artists only dream of. “For me,” says Richardson, “this deal has the satisfying aspect of letting me say what I want to say. It lets me be free.” Calvin Richardsonâs new album âWhen Comes Loveâ is in stores now. Richardson is also on tour, see tour dates below: 8/16/08 New York, NY – BB Kings Blues Club 8/22/08 Tuscaloosa, AL – Bama Theater * appearing with Musiq Soulchild 9/07/08 Augusta, GA – Bell Auditorium
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