by vivrant thang on feeding the music jones
I’m still alive and kicking folks. Time has just not been on my side. I am still working out how to get myself on a regular posting schedule this summer especially since my stats are actually on the upswing. I attribute that to this and my debut here though. Gotta produce content to keep people coming through. It’s not going to be easy with my schedule in the months ahead – business and pleasure. As I always say, you make time for what’s important to you. The show will go on.
This past weekend, I enjoyed two great shows which I plan to review in the coming days – or as soon as I can get the video uploaded. Saturday night, I braved the brutal temperatures again to see Rahsaan Patterson, Kindred, and a local smooth jazz band called Phaze II at an outdoor venue in DC. I always enjoy Kindred. Ya’ll know how I feel about that Philly soul. I’ve seen Rahsaan several times, but this may be the first time I remember really enjoying the show. His voice is always amazing, but his whole disposition has changed. It didn’t seem as if he felt like he was doing us a favor by performing. He thanked us profusely for coming out, even cracked a few jokey jokes. It was just an all-around good time.
Sunday, was the Raheem Devaughn and Chrisette Michele show. Oh, Dwele was there too. You already know how I feel about “CM” as I like to call her. That girl can do no wrong in my book. I was very impressed by “Radio Raheem’s” set. I’ll do a full review at another time, but that dude didn’t want to get off the stage – and I didn’t want him to. I’ve mentioned before that even after several listens, I wasn’t in love with his second album. However, he has me wanting to give it another chance. Now that’s when you know an artist has put on a hell of a show.
This weekend, in the midst of a flurry of planned activities, I hope to get up to Philly to see Boyz II Men perform for free – followed by some fireworks. Can’t get any better than that.
I’m also excited about seeing my favorite band ever, Earth Wind & Fire, in a couple of weeks. I was hesitant because it’s on a Wednesday night, but I can’t miss them. They just make you feel good.
Actually, with all the things I got rattling around my brain, I need to be lying on a beach somewhere or at least underneath a professional masseuse’s capable hands. However, I have to sacrifice for the love of the music. I’ll be purchasing a new laptop this weekend – with a CD drive that actually works. So I’ll be able to load some new music onto the ‘pod. Music therapy, here I come!
Want to know a few of the albums at the top of my wish list? Barely scratches the surface yet I’m already salivating.
Share with me what’s on your wish list. If you have any of these albums, let me know whether they should remain at the top of my list.
This will likely be my one and only post this week as my holiday begins at about 2pm. Days like this, I love my j.o.
Enjoy people!
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE 
YES! You MUST tell us ALL ABOUT RAHEEM DEVAUGHN. I’ve been in love with him ever since he touched my hand at a show in Detroit last summer….big soup coolers….HMP!!!
So proud of ya girl. You talking about I inspire you? THE NERVE!!!! You’ve been inspiring me since I GOT on wordpress. Keep doin’ ya thang (vivrant thang, UH!)
Oh..an my wish list? Since I haven’t bought ANYTHING since Badu?
Raheem Devaughn
J. Davey ( the REal version…not just “land of the lost”)
Chrisette Michelle
Estelle
The new Strange Fruit Project (don’t even know if its out yet)
@crys – Rah and them soup coolers indeed! I’m not mad at em!
I appreciate that but seriously, you are over there not just talking the talk but walking the walk. You are making some excellent moves and doing what you love. I don’t even know you and I’m proud of ya! I am stealing your mantra by the way. Love it!
Strange Fruit Project – great add to my list. You can keep up with what comes out when on Soul Bounce every Tuesday. I wanna say I saw it on the list one week but don’t get me to lying. And I am feenin big time for that JDavey (yes, the REAL version). If I see it in Best Buy, I will probably cop it there for whatever they are selling it for. The rest of these I’m definitely getting discounted somehow.
You seeing EWF @ Wolf Trap?
I was just there last night for Zap Mama & Sergio.
I hope the weather holds out for you. Can’t beat beautiful sounds on a summer night on the grass with a picnic, some wine and a sweetie.
Hey this is my 1st comment, although been a regular on the site for last 6months!
I have the Al Green, Lina, Estelle and Ra-Re albums – all definitely worth buying!
Must say that if you only buy one of the above make it the Ra-Re album! Bought it on a whim from CD Baby, hadn’t heard any of her music (besides whats posted on her myspace) …. INCREDIBLE is the only description I can give!!
[Note: the Al Green album is also near perfection and the Estelle album is a must-have for summer]
I NEED the new Hill St. Soul album … saving the pennies as we speak!
If u all wanna check out some new talent try the UK artist Tawiah! Recently featured on Soulbounce in their ‘bounceworthy’ post – FANTASTIC new artist.
Only has an EP out at the moment (In Jodi’s Bedroom) but eagerly awaiting the full album due later this year. Really she is not to be missed!
as always i admire the music savvy person you are. i can always stop by your spot and become well-informed on whats going on where it concerns the good music. then, you always give exceptional and first-hand accounts of the shows you have attended. what’s better than that?
i think i am going to make sure i get some al green in the mix. after seeing dude @ the awards show i just keep thinkin to myself that i have missed out on his greatness. i know the usual suspects, but i had no knowledge of songs such as ‘simply beautiful.’ so, yeah, an old school classic al green CD is coming any day now.
i’m going to hit up the essence festival this weekend. i will miss the first date. like you, i might do a write up about it. lol. then again i don’t know. i doubt if i can make an entire blog post dedicated to keyshia cole, work.
be safe. also, i dropped a blog post.
@ stylus – first, thanks for coming through because that reminded me to stop over at your spot. as i mentioned, your site is no longer updating in my feeds so i’ve been missing the good good! anyhow, yes i just decided to make the trek. i don’t think i’ve ever been to a show there surprisingly. i think it will be highly enjoyable – except i will be minus the sweetie š how was the zap mama show?
@ soul uk – well i’m glad i found a way to bring you out of lurk mode! thanks for commenting.
I’m definitely sold on the ra-re as well. i’ve heard NOTHING but good things about her and she’s definitely been co-signed by some major talents. i can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Yes, I found out about Taiweh on SB as well. Those cool kids keep me in the know over there š Whatever would I do without them? I can’t wait to get my hands on something from her as well. I’m really feeling a LOT of this UK Soul coming out. Me thinks it needs a post.
@don- see that’s why you can never go away because i needs these kind of comments right here to keep me going!
Admittedly, ol Al was not on my list of architects whose music I’ve collected and studied (like Stevie or Marvin). But hearing that Simply Beautiful makes you want to take another look huh? I admit his working with ?uestlove of The Roots is what made me take notice of this album. Soul UK gives it a thumbs up.
Yes, you have got to report back on Essence. And I think it is possible to do a whole post on Keylolo Cole. It’s been done before. Ha!
Enjoy Don!
Zap Mama knows nothing except how to be dope. More sedate than usual, but that makes sense for the situation. They played first and early and it’s a seated venue. Sounded great, looked great, but if you want to wil’ out with the Belgian-Congolese goddess and her all female front line, catch them at 9:30 Club.
This feed thing is problematic though. Erase and sign back up again?
And am I odd because I can’t name a single Keyshia Cole song? She’s like a big deal now, right?
@ Stylus – You’ve convinced me. I will keep my eye out for a show there. I’m ‘shamed to say I’m not all that familiar. It just takes one show to get me strung out though.
I don’t think that helped unfortunately. When I resubscribed, the first post it showed was from 5/1! That was a good mix though. Gotta check to see if I grabbed it. It’s not just your blog though. Couple others. Might have to investigate another feed reader although I do love my Bloglines.
Yea you’re odd! But that’s what we like her at SITKOL. And you know you played “Let It Go” at least once on the ho stroll. Or you should have…very apro pro.
@ Vivrant
Yeah u should definitely do a post on UK Soul … some great up and coming artists. If you like Tawiah check out:
Eric Lau (www.myspace.com/ericlaumusic) – also check out the myspace pages for the ‘featured artists’ on his album – some great unsigned talent.
Ebony Alleyne (www.myspace.com/ebonyalleyne)
Bryn Christopher (www.myspace.com/brynchristopher)
Obviously there is HIll St. Soul
Why were at it, although they are not from the UK what does everyone think of Rahsaan Patterson’s new sideline SugaRush Beat Company???
Hello wise blogger,
Late to the party as usual, I am, but at least I am here!
I have the Hil St. Soul but haven’t listened to it yet. Too busy trying to dig up some old school hip-hop for some friends of mine. Not that I don’t have any, but I’m trying to dig deep in the crates for some classic material.
I have listened to the Al Green and I like it. The Roots have modernized him just enough without the Rev. losing his old school sound.
I will definitely be checking out the others.
@Soul UK- I was going to message you offline to give me some more recs on UK artists. I’ve just heard of Eric Lau…forget how I happened upon him but pure dopeness. He led me to some other artists as well.
Ok, why am I just hearing about SugarRush? I really like “Love.” I am going to have to keep my eye on the album release.
@tws – you’re never late to the party! latecomers are welcome here š i understand getting side tracked when you’re trying to dig in the crates. I have a couple of music-related projects I’m working on so I know what that’s like. Stop back through and let me know how much you enjoyed the albums if you get a chance.
Sweets, “Shine” by my girl Estelle is pretty solid and I am so loving the Al Green as well. I know you will like those two for sure. I have Hill St. Soul, Conya and Santagold on my list too. If you get your hands on them first, holla at your girl and let me know what you think. I tried to get to Montreal for our amazing Jazz Festival, but I missed it by a week. So hopefully I will have something from the Toronto shows. You know that we are kindred music lovers and sisters, and I too will be seeing Earth Wind and Fire in August. We will have to trade notes! I am off to see George Michael next week and Rock The Bells in the end of July. We will chat!!
Tha Connoisseur
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