New Orleans native Colin England has a new album on Motown Records called Out of Control. The first single from the LP is an uptempo, “Come Over Baby.” England co-wrote and produced the album along with Christopher Williams, Hakeem Abdulsamad (of The Boys), Roy “Dog” Pennon, Kiyama Griffin and Tim Miner.

The album is a collection of love songs and funky R&B tracks. England calls it “blue collar soul. I wanna be the guy who sings what guys feel but don’t know how to say it or are too macho to say it.” England sings about the ups and downs of being in love. He remakes the Elton John classic “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word to Say” with a New Orleans jazz flavor.

Born in New Orleans, England moved to California in 1983. He grew up listening to Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder and Jeffrey Osborne. Influenced by a musical mother and uncle, England and his cousins sang in a group called Suave. He also had an interest in sports, but when his coach screamed at him for humming during basketball practice, he quit. It was then that he decided to get serious about music. He released two EPs on an independent label and was approached by several record companies after his songs received radio airplay. A record promoter for Motown Records invited England to a convention and later arranged for him to perform at a showcase. After signing a deal with Motown Records, England recorded his debut LP. It was a learning experience that England says taught him how to improve his writing and producing skills. In 1991, he returned to the studio, and last month Motown released his second album.

The Don Rousell Band is rehearsing material for a new CD to be released later this year on local label Alpha Records. The album will be a mixture of remakes, ballads, instrumentals and some of the traditional “Don Rousell Band danceable funk,” according to the group’s leader, Don Rousell. In between rehearsals, Rousell (lead vocals and bass) and band members Garland Paul (drums), Joe Santiago (percussion), Tyrone Norwood (keyboards), Reynard Poche (guitar) and Mark Bergeron (lead and background vocals) are doing private parties and gigging around town. You can check them out this month at Cafe Istanbul on the 17th and Charlie B’s on the 20th.

“I love the clubs ’cause I can act a fool,” says Rousell. Rousell booked his first club gig in 1990, before he actually had a band. He rounded up drummer Kevin People and guitar player Al Parker, and the original Don Rousell Band was formed. The band played the local circuit—Cafe Brazil, Muddy Waters and Lucky’s. After receiving requests to do private parties, Rousell expanded his band to six members. In 1992, they opened for War at Tipitina’s.

Rousell always wanted to be a guitar player. “I played air guitar for years,” says Rousell. His cousin gave him an acoustic guitar when he was twelve, and he taught himself how to write and play music. He enrolled in music classes and took private lessons to improve his technique. In the service, he joined the military band and continued playing music off and on for years while maintaining steady day jobs. In 1989, he opened his own insurance agency, which he later closed. Driven by a passion for music, he returned to the music scene, working with local groups Y’shua Manzy and H.B. and the Homeboys. That experience and a compliment from a fan during a show in Gulfport convinced him that he had what it takes to go out on his own.

The Don Rousell Band plays R&B funk and ballads, mixing standards like Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ On” and Grover Washington, Jr.’s “Mister Magic” with contemporary music done New Orleans-style. For booking information, call 486-8946.

The Bloods and the Crips, notorious rival Los Angeles street gangs, are making music history. Members from both groups got together to record Bangin’ on Wax, a hardcore rap album released on Dangerous Records. It was a chance for gang members to express their hostility in a non-violent way. “It’s about pickin’ up a pen instead of a 9 (millimeter gun),” says Ronnie Phillips. Phillips created and produced the project to give gang members an opportunity to better their lives. Part of the proceeds from the album will be used for inner-city training and recreational programs.

New releases this month…Epic Records releases albums by Luther Vandross and Alex Bugnon, and the soundtrack for the movie Poetic Justice…Ruffhouse/Columbia Records releases “Alright,” the first single from Kris Kross’ new LP. The single features reggae star Super Cat. Also, look for the new single from Cypress Hill, “Insane in the Brain,” from their new album, Black Sunday.