What’s up family? Chris Campbell here with The Progressive Underground, and it’s time for this week’s Pick of the Week. We’re shining the spotlight on Irene Renee — a vocalist, songwriter, and Detroit native whose journey through music is as rich as her voice.

She’s been singing since childhood, coming up in church choirs at Northwest and Glad Tidings COGIC in Detroit. She later took that love for music to Michigan State, where she danced, performed and eventually toured with MCM and the Hype Crew. After moving to New York, she hit the Apollo stage, sang at Café Wha?, and even plaudits and props from the New York music community.

Life took a few turns — motherhood, detours, comebacks — but the music never left her. Irene Renee re-emerged on NYC’s open mic scene, claimed wins in karaoke battles, and became a featured performer at the Sugar Shack and Zuppa Lounge. All of that led to the release of her independently produced debut album, “Serendipitous Experience.”

Her sound? Think Jill Scott meets Anita Baker with a twist of Cassandra Wilson — sultry, grounded, lyrical and real. We’ll dip into her musical vault and check out one of her signature singles. Here’s Irene Renee with “Smooth Step,” and its my Pick of the Week.

That was “Smooth Step” by Detroit native and soul songstress Irene Renee. If you’re feeling music like this, don’t miss The Progressive Underground — Saturday nights at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET. We serve up soul, nu-jazz, rare grooves, and b-side magic just for you. For the Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell and until next time, stay soulful and stay tuned.

What’s up family? Chris Campbell here with The Progressive Underground, and it’s time for this week’s Pick of the Week. We’re shining the spotlight on Al Lindsey — a Detroit soul singer with a voice as smooth as velvet.

Born in Virginia and raised in Michigan, Lindsey first hit the stage while serving in the military, opening up shows for none other than Jimmy “J.J.” Walker from “Good Times.”

After his service, he came back to Detroit and broke out on his own, dropping solo projects since the late ‘80s, always keeping that classic soul vibe alive.

His latest single is called “It’s Gonna Be Alright” — and its my Pick of the Week. 

That was Al Lindsey with “It’s Gonna Be Alright” — pure grown folks soul for your spirit.

If you’re feeling music like this, don’t miss The Progressive Underground — Saturday nights at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET. We serve up soul, nu-jazz, rare grooves, and b-side magic just for you! I’m Chris Campbell. Stay tuned, stay soulful.

More from The Progressive Underground: 

• Pick of the Week (April 8): ‘Touching Toes’ by Olivia Dean
• Zo!, Tall Black Guy transcend genres with synergetic ‘Abstractions’
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 29): ‘2 Step in the Living Room’ by Terrace Martin & Alex Isley

This week on The Progressive Underground, we’re tuning in to rising UK powerhouse Olivia Dean.

With a voice that’s pure and expressive, and a songwriting style that cuts deep, she’s been making waves in the global R&B and soul scenes. Her live performances are the stuff of legend, and her debut album “Messy” is filled with gems. One of them is this beautiful acoustic-driven number “Touching Toes” which is my Pick of the Week.

“Touching Toes” proves why Olivia Dean is one of the most exciting new voices in music. If you love discovering fresh, forward-thinking artists, tune into The Progressive Underground every Saturday at 6p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org. For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. Keep your ears open and your soul tuned in!  Peace.

More from The Progressive Underground: 

• Zo!, Tall Black Guy transcend genres with synergetic ‘Abstractions’
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 29): ‘2 Step in the Living Room’ by Terrace Martin & Alex Isley
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 22): ‘Good Vibes’ by The Pocket Queen ft. Duckwrth

On the latest edition of The Progressive Underground‘s Liner Notes, we explore “Abstractions,” a collaboration between two of the most revered producers in modern soul, funk, and hip-hop: Zo! and Tall Black Guy.

Metro Detroit-born Lorenzo “Zo!” Ferguson and Tall Black Guy, aka Terrel Wallace, took different paths to arrive at their shared groove-centric vision. Zo!, a multi-instrumentalist, came up playing jazz and classical before transitioning into the vibrant world of progressive soul and funk, producing for The Foreign Exchange and spearheading several solo projects. Tall Black Guy, known for his masterful beat-making, honed his skills through crate-digging and sampling, becoming a staple in the underground hip-hop and soul circuit.

Though they had admired each other’s work from afar, their creative paths finally converged through the Foreign Exchange Music family, an independent label founded by Phonte and Nicolay. Their shared love for deeply rooted soul, lush arrangements, and head-nodding rhythms made their collaboration inevitable.

“Abstractions,” released in 2021, is the product of this synergy — a sonic journey through jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, infused with their mutual respect for craftsmanship and storytelling. Let’s explore the album track by track.

Track: “Talkin’ To Myself” feat. BeMyFiasco

The album opens with a warm, contemplative groove featuring BeMyFiasco, the rising singer-songwriter from Dallas. With dreamy chords and a hypnotic rhythm, “Talkin’ To Myself” captures the feeling of self-reflection and inner dialogue. BeMyFiasco’s ethereal vocals glide effortlessly over Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s plush instrumentation, setting the tone for the album’s deeply introspective yet groove-heavy vibe.

Track: “Sightseeing” feat. Diviniti & Pirahnahead

We next step into a short but mesmerizing interlude featuring Detroit’s own Diviniti and producer Pirahnahead. The track showcases the duo’s ability to paint vivid sonic landscapes with minimal elements. It’s jazz-infused, dreamy, and transports the listener into a meditative headspace. 

Track: “The Ride” feat. Sy Smith, Black Milk & Elzhi

“The Ride” features vocals from longtime Zo! collaborator Sy Smith, who delivers silky, jazz-inflected vocals, while Black Milk and Elzhi drop in to spout razor-sharp verses over an intoxicatingly rich instrumental. This track is a testament to the album’s seamless fusion of live instrumentation and hip-hop aesthetics. 

Track: “Blackout”

“Blackout” is short instrumental interlude that acts as a sonic reset, which finds Zo! and Tall Black Guy leaning into their experimental side. Layers of synthesizers and deep bass tones create an otherworldly atmosphere, demonstrating their knack for crafting interludes that feel just as essential as full-length tracks. Throughout their career both have cultivated relationships with artists of varying iconographies. 

Track: “I Love The Way” feat. Omar

On this cut, British soul legend Omar graces the mic, on a breezy, feel-good anthem that exudes warmth and sophistication. With Omar’s unmistakable voice riding over a buttery-smooth bassline, this track recalls classic ‘90s acid jazz while remaining firmly in the present. Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s production shines here, highlighting their ability to craft infectious grooves that feel both timeless and forward-thinking. 

Track: “Hold My Hand” feat. Darien Brockington, Muhsinah & Phonte

“Hold my Hand” features an all-star lineup of Darien Brockington, Muhsinah, and Phonte, where the harmonies are lush, the instrumentation pristine and the chemistry between the vocalists undeniable. The whole arrangement feels like a Foreign Exchange family reunion with its spotlight of TFE artists and affiliated/adjacent artists on the track. This tune exemplifies the power of collaboration, as each artist brings their unique touch while staying true to the album’s cohesive sonic palette. 

Track: “Northland” feat. DJ Dez

With their strong Detroit musical roots, Zo! And Tall Black Guy continue to rep their hometown. Representing the heartbeat of Detroit, “Northland” features turntablist DJ Dez, a legend in the Motor City’s hip-hop and funk scenes. The track blends chopped jazz samples with raw, dusty drums, evoking the spirit of crate-digging culture. It’s a reminder of the album’s deep roots in hip-hop’s production techniques, seamlessly merged with live musicianship. 

Abstractions is more than just an album; it’s a masterclass in modern soul production. Zo! and Tall Black Guy, both virtuosos in their own right, have crafted a project that transcends genre boundaries while maintaining a deeply personal touch. With its seamless blend of jazz, soul, hip-hop, and electronic elements, the album embodies the spirit of collaboration and artistic evolution.

This record also highlights the importance of independent artistry in today’s music landscape. As key members of The Foreign Exchange Music stable, Zo! and Tall Black Guy have built a movement that champions authenticity, musicality, and innovation. Their work on “Abstractions” reinforces their reputation as architects of a new wave of soul music—one that respects tradition while fearlessly pushing forward.

We’ll close with a track that highlights the album’s versatility, and features some house music vibes from music luminary Josh Milan, who drifts into soulful house territory, radiating warmth and positive vibrations. Milan’s unmistakable vocals soar over an intricately woven backdrop of lush keys, subtle percussion, and hypnotic bass. It’s a track that feels equally at home on a dancefloor as it does during a late-night drive. Let’s check out “Connected.”

Track: “Connected” feat. Josh Milan

That was “Connected” from Zo! & Tall Black Guy’s “Abstractions”, an album that stands as a shining example of what happens when two visionary producers come together with a shared purpose.

If you love deep musical dives, tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6p.m. on 101.9 WDET. This has been Liner Notes, and I’m Chris Campbell. See you next time!

This week’s pick comes off of the album “I Left My Heart in Ladera” by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Terrace Martin and songstress and music royalty Alex Isley, daughter of Ernie Isley of R&B funk pioneers The Isley Brothers.

The album is considered a modern soul classic in various circles of soul pundits, and with each listen there’s a new layer of lush R&B and soul to be discovered.

We’ll sample a track that has the hallmarks of classic soul groovers — an infectious rhythm and bassline, angelic vocals and that nostalgic “Blue Lights in the Basement,” roller skating vibe from back in the day.

It’s grown folks’ music at its finest. Let’s check out the track “2 Step in the Living Room,” my Pick of the Week.

If you dig artists at the apex of the future soul music movement, be sure to check out The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org, where we take you through soul, nu-jazz, nu-funk and everything else in between. For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell and we’ll see you next time.

More from The Progressive Underground: 

• Pick of the Week (Mar. 22): ‘Good Vibes’ by The Pocket Queen ft. Duckwrth
• Snoh Aalegra, the cinematic songstress who feels every note
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 15): ‘Society’s Man’ by Spiral Deluxe