Lee Ann Womack Chris Stills
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Chico DeBarge Lee Ann Womack Last year at this time, I was inspired by the retro -soul Texas native Lee Ann Womack arrived on the country music of Erykah Badu. After one listen it was a no- scene last year with little fanfare. Before seeing Lee brainer to predict her future. Badu was discovered by Ann perform at last year's CRS luncheon, I admit I was Kedar Massenburg, CEO and President of Kedar among those who made careless comparisons with an Entertainment, who is also responsible for bringing the already established country artist-LeAnn Rimes. But, revisionist music of D'Angelo into the Urban when Womack belted out what would be her second Landzcape. Massenburg and his artists have changed single, "The Fool," during that luncheon, the jaded the direction of black music, turning away from the jack crowd was definitely impressed. Womack brings a very swing sound that dominated the airwaves in the '80s. real and traditional sound to our format, and blended Today, I find myself back in Massenburg's stable of with fresh production by producer Mark Wright (Mark artists as I make my selection for this year's breakout Chesnutt, Clint Black), her unique sound fits seamlessly artist. Ten years ago, Chico Debarge, the youngest with the more pop country sound that has become the member of the pop sensation DeBarge Family, had the format's norm in the '90s. world by a string. But just as his career was taking off, Lee Ann's first single, "Never Again, Again," intro- he was arrested for drug trafficking and just finished duced her to the masses and was followed up by the six years in a federal prison. "I signed Chico because Number One ballad "The Fool." Her third single, of the unique talent he has in arranging his songs, "You've Got to Talk to Me," is already nearing our top along with the instrumentation that he uses," says 10 and promises to continue to climb. There are at least Massenburg. "He's truly talented, and it is now his three more terrific songs on Lee Ann's album, including time to shine." one she co -wrote with ex-husband (and new BNA artist) Debarge's concept album, Long Time No See, bor- Jason Sellers and Billy Foster, "Am I the Only Thing rows heavily and honestly from the spirit of Marvin That You've Done Wrong?" Also be sure to check out Gaye; simultaneously street and romantic. Like a film, Womack's very retro duet with labelmate Mark Debarge's songs take us on an emotional journey Chesnutt, "Make Memories With Me," and the Billy beginning with his departure from jail to the beginning Montana and Ann Reeves -penned "Montgomery to of a brand new life. The music is haunting-full of won- Memphis." der, bitterness, and erotic notions. Hit songs from a hit artist, guaranteed! Chico DeBarge is a welcome addition to the young -JAMIE MATTESON soulful folks who are uplifting the world of R&B music with a new level of diversity and greatness. Welcome Chris Stills home, brother. As a youngster, Chris Stills first took to music by way of -QUINCY MCCOY Men at Work, David Lindley, the Police, Duran Duran, 1' www.americanradiohistory.com.