BlackVoices.com

Do you have to be Black to possess that elusive quality known as "soul"?

R&B veteran Betty Wright, of "Clean Up Woman" fame, doesn't think so.

Neither do we!

Wednesday was my birthday and our anniversary, so we took the day off (i.e., the reason for no postings on any one of our three sites). The first gift I was handed was Joss Stone's "The Soul Sessions." Needless to say, my day was off to a good start.

After dropping the girls off at school, we headed north to test drive new convertibles.

By sunset, we were driving across the Golden Gate Bridge back into the city in our new vehicle, singin' "The Soul Sessions" to our heart's content. But not before selling a half dozen car salesmen on Joss Stone. Every one was hooked.

Yesterday, I picked up my daughter from soccer practice. The first thing she asked for - even before a bottle of water - was "Mom, Can You Put On 'Diggin' On Me'?" Oh yeah!

"Rewind."

We've not only got the whole family diggin' on Joss, you should hear us beltin' out her acoustic prompt "Play it for me, Little Beaver" - all of us, on cue.

Yes, us white girls confirmed that you don't have to be black to possess that elusive quality known as "soul."

Mind you, Joss & Co. doesn't have to worry about competition here. But, if they haven't set up a Fan Club, they might consider The Rugged Elegance Inspiration Network to be their interim solution. In fact, Joss, if you're looking for a President of the Club, we have an eight year-old daughter who would be honored.

By the way, the title for "Diggin' On Me" is actually "Super Duper Love."

Here are all nine track names from "The Soul Sessions:"

Chokin` Kind
Super Duper Love
Fell In Love With A Boy
Victim Of A Foolish Heart
Dirty Man
Some Kind Of Wonderful
I`ve Fallen In Love With You
I Had A Dream
All The Kings Horses

Thank you again, George, for introducing us to this sweet happenin' soul sister.

Thank you, "Super Duper" Joss, Little Beaver, Betty Wright, Steve Greeberg, Michael Mangini, The Roots, Angie Stone, Timmy Thomas, Latimore, and S-Curve Records, for helping make our drivin' time oh so "soul-full."

We're diggin' on you!

ox

~Jennifer

P.S. If you haven't bought your copy of The Soul Sessions yet, click on the "Related Products" link below and do it now.