Jazz-Soul Poet N-Side Delivers Spoken Word Gem 'Just A Broke Brotha' Tryin' To Come Up!

Berkeley, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Shalamar Records) - Shalamar Records is pleased to announce the release of the new CD, "Just A Broke Brotha Tryin' To Come Up!" from jazz-soul/poet N-Side. One of the most influential spoken word artists of our time, N-Side delivers a gem that features his thought- provoking poetry covering topics we all think about, but won't talk about in his usual non-aggressive simple style. N-Side's spoken art is featured over a musical landscape of funk, neo-soul, and nu-jazz.

On "Just A Broke Brotha Tryin' To Come Up!", N-Side's musical collaboration with Ricardo Love, who produces the music and performs on all tracks except two, displays a different creative flavor from his more noted straight jazz vibe. In addition, Russell Case contributes beat production on a couple songs. Radio and music critics have already lauded N-Side's new CD for its spoken word prowess and musical excellence. Listeners will love the funk vibe on "Bad Manners" and the hip-hop feel to "Hero, I Know". N-Side shines with his honest lyrics on the kick-off number "What I Know About Love (I Learned >From You)". Another great surprise is the latin guitar flavored "How Can I Be Sure?", a solo instrumental performance track featuring Ricardo Love.

Norman Woods aka N-Side hails from Berkeley, California and has been prolific with numerous jazz/poetry releases such as "Three Voices", "Hard Times on Planet Earth", "Jazz Opera" and the soon to be released "A Softer View From The N-Side". With "Just A Broke Brotha Tryin' To Come Up!", N-Side showcases his neo-soul and funk leanings while still adding jazzy touches. His influences are Gil-Scott Heron, Nina Simone, Donald Byrd and Ray Brown amongst many other great musicians.