Latest CD releases reviewed

ANGIE STONE
Stone Love Arista
***

After a spot of acting, including a spell on Broadway as Mama in Chicago and roles in The Hot Chick and The Fighting Temptations, Angie Stone returns to face a recording studio microphone. Both her distinctive soulful warble and resolute belief in the magnetic power of a slow-burner are still in situ. Stone Love is endowed from top to bottom with tracks that slowly take their time to cast a magic spell, the sassy summertime swing of I Wanna Thank You (with Snoop Dogg supplying another sort of Stoned fare) giving way to the slow-motion, warm funky hugs of Stay for a While and Cinderella Ballin'. With pedigree songs of heartbreak and survival and old-fashioned musical smarts, Stone walks the walk and talks the talk like no other modern soul crooner. www.angiestoneonline.com

Jim Carroll