Category Archives: Feeding The Music Jones

Time Will Reveal

17 Tuesday Jun 2008

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I know just how you feel
But this time love’s for real
In time it will reveal
That special love that’s
deep inside of us
Will all reveal in time

Aside: Someone told me today that I seem to be losing my “blog juice” so I figured I better get in here and give ya’ll a real post instead of a bunch of videos! I know posting has been light but between an increasingly active social calendar and my work schedule, I will probably struggle to eke out 2-3 posts a week. I blog late in the evenings and I tell you after the day I had all I wanted when I made it home was a stiff one and some mindless television. Even now, I’m struggling to write this (and it will probably show) But I do what I have to do.

And it’s only going to get worse. When you work for an organization where President Obama (yup, I said it!) will be making a special visit this week to meet with the upper brass, you can imagine the work I have ahead of me this political season. I hope ya’ll can hang in there with a sista.

Now on to the subject at hand.

When I turned 30 and then two weeks later ended my last relationship, I vowed that was the last boyfriend I would ever have.

Things moved so fast and feelings grew so quickly that I didn’t have take a lot of time to really think about what I was getting myself into….who I was getting myself into a commitment with. All I knew was what I felt in those moments. I intended to take the time to let it grow and for things to be revealed before I called myself his and only his. But it just happened. I woke up one day and he was calling me his girlfriend. Really, that’s how it went. And I went along with it. I just felt so much. I couldn’t verbalize what my mind was screaming. NEED. MORE. TIME!

After that fiasco mercifully came to an end, I promised myself a couple of things.

In my experience, not many people can keep up an act for longer than a few months. Somewhere before or by that time, that person will begin to show you who they really are – if you’re paying attention. The representative will slowly begin to fade into the background and you’ll begin the discover the crust of this person. All along, while shit is new, you’ve been enjoying the white part of the bread. And as we know, that’s not where the realness is at. Now this is not to say that the person is intentionally misrepresenting themselves. We’re all on our best behavior in the beginning.

It’s so easy – and may even seem natural – to get caught up in the rapture and hurriedly change your Myspace status to “In A Relationship.” Ya’ll know what I’m talmbout! But who are you really in a relationship with? Do you really know yet?

For me, I’ve decided that the next time someone worthy of my attention comes along, I’m going to take my time and get to know him before he becomes the only one I’m giving the “red light special” to. What’s the rush? I need to let time reveal who I am really dealing with. Hell, I didn’t commit to buying my home quickly. I didn’t make any other major decisions in my life with the snap of a finger. I need to put the same thought into choosing a life partner as well.

Yes, I said a life partner.

The other decision I made is that at this point in my life, I don’t see any reason to enter a long term relationship where we’re committed year in and year out with no goal in mind. That goal being wedded bliss of course. Makes no sense to me. Nothing wrong with dating but I don’t see the need to commit again unless we’re both on the same page as to where we want to end up. If we’re not in the same place, we can enjoy each other’s company, but I always make it clear that at any given moment, another man could be beating my time.

I know I may sound flippant as if this will be an easy thing. It won’t be. I’m still a woman and we’re some emotional creatures. However, one thing my experience has taught me is that for my sanity (and so I don’t catch a case), I have to start listening to my highly developed intuition. I always know, but the trouble comes in when I don’t listen and act.

Since I’ve come to these conclusions, dating has become easier. Won’t go as far as to say it’s a piece of cake because your girl has been kissing some frogs…some very entertaining….but frogs alI the same. However, I feel much less anxiety than I used to.

I think I’m settling in to the dirty thirties quite well, yes?

Old School Friday: Favorite Female Singer

13 Friday Jun 2008

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by vivrant thang on old school friday

*note: second post for today

**note:I wrote this entire post before remembering the “before 1993” requirement. Technically, she has been in the game that long but first album wasn’t released until after 1993.

As someone whose list of favorite songs stands at almost a thousand and counting, it’s virtually impossible for me to narrow down my list of favorite female singers to just one. If I were to start making a list, of course it would include the usual suspects like Mary, Jill, and Erykah; classic soul singers like Patti, Anita, and Stephanie. Artists I miss from my favorite decade in music like Faith, LBoogie, and Aaliyah; underrated artists like Conya (Doss), Hil (St. Soul), N’Dambi….or my choice for today’s spotlight:

Ledisi closed out the Capital Jazz Fest this weekend and tore the stage down! I first saw her perform about five years ago on the pre-Capital Jazzfest cruise. I didn’t know much about her then…and probably neither did most of you. Although she was nominated for a 2008 “Best New Artist” Grammy, there is nothing new about this super-talented songstress.

She’s been perfecting that voice since the age of eight. Although her first album, Soulsinger (cop that!) wasn’t released until 2000, in the early 90s she was part of a group that tried to get a music dea – to no avail. She had also lent her talent to a various projects, including an album by deep house artist, Miguel Migs. Her voice lends itself very well to house music.

Ledisi is one of the few female artists who awes me with her voice (Jill is also on that very short list of course). The sounds that come out of her mouth can’t be anything but heaven-sent. When she gets to scatting, you just can’t stay still. You gots to break your MLK church fan out and yell out “Go head with your bad self!” You can train all you want and study with the best. But voices like hers and Jill’s are straight up blessings from God.

If you don’t know about Ledisi, I suggest you run, don’t walk, to your nearest record store and pick up her latest release, Lost and Found. After that, track down Soulsinger.

Not convinced? Press play. I dare you to tell me she ain’t the truth!

Alright (from Lost and Found; also one of my Top Songs of 2007 – this will get you through some things – TRUST ME)

Think Of You (also from Lost and Found)

Ledisi happened to be in the house at the Bilal concert in DC last month. He closed the show with “Soul Sista” and had her to come out and put the stank on the finale.

Want to know more about the woman behind the groove, check out SoulBounce’s interview with her right after the release of Lost & Found.

Be sure to check out the other participants’ favorite female singers. I just know you’re going to see something good.

Electronic Village | Chatting Over Cocktails | Mrs Grapevine | Quick | Marcus LANGFORD | Cassandra | Danielle | Lisa C | Chocl8t | DP | Kreative Talk | MarvalusOne | Regina | LaShonda | AJ | Sharon | Invisible Woman | Believer 1964 | Dee |SJP | sHaE-sHae

Music Is The Sweetest Hangover

12 Thursday Jun 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Let's Rock: Concert Reviews

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by vivrant thang music hangover

And hungover is just how I feel!

I hope everyone plans to take in some great live soul music during Black Music Month (even though every month is Black music month for your girl – but whatever). I probably celebrated enough this last weekend to last me all month. It’s taken me all week to get myself back together. I’m officially in my thirties now. Just can’t do it like I used to.

As I mentioned in my ode to underrated Philly soul singers, I spent the weekend in The City of Brotherly Love partaking in Roots Picnic festivities. However, before I made it up there, I had to see my man Bilal in Baltimore where he opened their Jazzy Summer Night music series. I know this may shock and surprise some of you, but I have to say it was a less than stellar performance. I don’t blame him though. I imagine that 80% of the crowd didn’t even know who he was. It was a nice night out and it was free – that’s all they knew. They were giving him absolutely no energy. B, if you’re listening, cancel that appearance at the African American Heritage Festival. Bmore doesn’t appreciate you. Come on down the road to DC. We act like we know!

Early the next morning, me and my fellow music stan / road dawg headed up 95 North and barely had a moment to throw down on our rib dinner before we headed out to TLA for the Pre-Picnic Jam Session. Another nice Philly music venue. DC, get your shit together, please!

I was annoyed that I wasn’t posted up at the very front – because of course I should have that right at every show. However when we pulled up to the South Street venue and saw the line wrapped clear around the corner, I wondered if I would even make it inside before the show started. Finding parking in Philly is worse than DC. Luckily, once I did get in line, everything moved quickly and was very organized. Kudos to whoever chose this venue.

The energy was high from the moment the first act to took the stage and remained that way – as there was little to no delay between artists. More kudos on that format. Artists of note that performed were Tu Phace, Dice Raw, Santogold, Janelle Monae, The Randy Watson Experience featuring Bilal, and of course the legendary Roots.

One of the things that attracted me to these two events was the diverse music styles represented in the lineup – which drew an equally eclectic crowd. Ya’ll know I’m soul music head all day but I also know I’m missing out on some good stuff that might fall outside that box. Nothing wrong with rocking out sometimes. My wild curly mop actually lends itself to that genre quite well.

That night I particularly fell in love with Santogold aka “Ms. Jaleesa Vincent.” Her music is described as punk rock or ska – which I never saw myself taking an interest in. Apparently I was late to the party because the crowd couldn’t get enough of her. She was originally supposed to perform at the Picnic the next day but had to bow out due to a scheduling conflict. I am so glad I caught the jam session or I would have surely missed out.

Here are two of my favorites from her:

Unstoppable

Creator

Janelle Monae has been on my radar for a while but I never really gave her a listen. When I heard she signed with Bad Boy, my side eye exploded. Not quite sure what will happen to her there but I will say that I love her voice and her live performance will certainly hold your attention.

Violet Stars

You should already be familiar with The Randy Watson Experience. A very high (on life that is) Bilal joined them for a couple of songs, including “Everything In It’s Right Place.”

The Roots were…well, the legendary Roots. They do what they do and they always deliver. Black Thought can do no wrong in my book. He has my vote hands down for the dopest MC out right now (make sure you cast yours too!).

You Got Me

Rocking out to Jungle Boogie / Band Solos

The next morning, someone had definitely turned the oven on outside. The venue didn’t allow folks to bring in chairs or much of anything besides a bottle of water. We had complained about that all the way up the road so I was resigned to it just toughing it out and hanging in there as best I could. Turns out I also had to go it alone as my road dawg had a mishap and eventually ended up in the ER (long story).

Fortunately we were staying about a mile up the road but the heat made it seem like 20 miles. I slowly made my way down Purgatory Lane and arrived just as The Roots were taking the stage for the first time. Their sets were interspersed throughout the lineup which included Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Esperanza Spalding, J*DaVeY, The Cool Kids, and Gnarls Barkley. Diplo and Deerhoff also performed but I didn’t check them out. It was also nice to see DC artist Muhsinah performing on the smaller stage as well. Lots of different sounds represented – which of course drew a very large, diverse crowd.

As hot as it was, the energy stayed high. These were some serious music lovers I was hanging with. I was surprised at how people largely stayed pretty congenial throughout the day. Personally, the sun was whooping my ass and the angry black woman came out in full effect. I would have been much more pleasant had I been able to sit my tail down and chill with some decent food and libations – like I did on Sunday at the Capital Jazz Fest (check for a review of that in an upcoming post). Hopefully the feedback we gave on OKayPlayer will translate into a different venue for next year. While I did enjoy being out on the water, I felt not a hint of summer breeze to make me feel fine.

Let’s get to the music.

You already know how much I heart Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. It was my second time seeing them and as usual Sharon was one sanging, entertaining ball of energy – even in the heat! I love the way Quest introduced them by saying they were around long before Amy Wino and her Back to Black album were even thought about. And I would bet the farm that they will be around long after Amy is gone.

Esperanza Spalding is a name you should watch out for. Little woman with a big bass – and a big fro. I loved the way she connected with the crowd and jazz lovers should definitely be digging her sound.

Check out Body and Soul

I’ve been feeling J*DaVeY for a minute and have been (im)patiently waiting for them to bless DC with another live set or two. They finally stopped off here for a what I hear was a hot show before heading up to the Picnic. One of the best descriptions of their music I’ve seen has been “punk funk.”

The duo is being heralded as a cross between Prince and the B-52s, with traces of funk, surf, and soul fused together into its own unique recipe. Read more.

Prince and the B-52s?! That’s saying a lot! Keep your eye on this duo ya’ll. This is real music.

Slooow

Fast Auto

Just a little taste of what I experienced this weekend. I’m still uploading video, which is part of the reason I’ve been away so long. It’s tiring work. There’s other videos from this show on my YouTube channel and I’ll be uploading more daily. So be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss out.

It was also really cool to run into one of my readers who I originally met at Bilal’s last DC performance. What they say about birds of a feather?

At the end of the day, as dramatic as the weekend was and despite the fact that I had to leave before Gnarls Barkley or I would have faded to black right there in front of the stage, I can say I was at the first ever Roots Picnic – as I’m sure they plan to make this an annual event. How cool is that!

Underrated Philadelphia Soul Singers

05 Thursday Jun 2008

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 by vivrant thang on philadelphia soul singers

Last Friday’s trip down memory lane starring classic Philadelphia soul singers inspired me to think about all the music coming out of the City of Brotherly Love today that folks may not know about. As I said, first we gotta look back to move forward.

When people think about the Philly soul scene, the usual suspects that immediately come to mind are Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild. Think a little harder and you may come up with Kindred or Vivian Green. Absolutely nothing wrong with that because as you should already know I stan for Jill (preparing to buy tickets to see her for the second time this year and I CANNOT wait) and I’ll always love Musiq. They essentially put the Philly neosoul scene on the map. I just want to shine the spotlight on some other artists that deserve some recognition as well.

As I did in the last post, I have to start this off by talking about the man that has written for, produced, and performed with a lot of these artists I’m spotlighting.

James Poyser

  • Grammy Award winning songwriter, record producer, and keyboardist from Philadelphia, known for his R&B, hip-hop, gospel and pop productions.
  • Written and produced for Al Green, Jill, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Mariah Carey, and Musiq, and Lauryn Hill
  • Scored several films and television shows including “Chappelle Show” and “Brown Sugar”
  • Played on albums by artists like Roy Hargrove, Aretha Franklin, Prince, D’Angelo, and Queen Latifah
  • Member of the Soulquarians and The Randy Watson Experience

I’ll be attending a jam session in Philly this weekend with The Randy Watson Experience featuring Bilal. Here’s their interpretation of “Can’t Hide Love” and Radiohead’s “Morning Soul.”

 

Carol Riddick

Hailing from the South Side of Philly, Carol started out backing artists like Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, and Kindred. Once you listen to her sound, you’ll see why she couldn’t possibly stay in the background. I saw her live at Zanzibar Blue (RIP) a couple of years ago and she blew me away – a young Anita Baker in the making. Her album, Moments Like This, was released in 2006. She worked with James Poyser on some of the tracks.

“I Don’t Wanna”

Cover of Anita Baker’s “Angel”

 

Vikter Duplaix

Vikter is a singer, songwriter, producer, and plays multiple instruments. He’s released several albums and appeared on tracks by artists like Erykah Badu, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Incognito, Esthero, and Eric Benet.

Make A Baby

 

Jaguar Wright

I love Jaguar’s style. Straight, no chaser. Highly underrated. I own both of her albums and would love to see her perform live. She has worked with artists like The Roots, Bilal, and Jay-Z.

So High

Cover of Patti’s Love, Need and Want You

Ashley Phillips

Ashley is a Philly-born singer and songwriter. Her band formed in 2003 and they mostly perform locally. l had the pleasure of catching her acoustic set here in DC last year. Her stage presence is soothing, yet captivating. She reminds me of Dionne Ferris or Me’Shell Ndegeocello – especially with the way she handles that guitar. You can tell when she performs that it’s truly for the love of the music. I hope to see an album from her sometime in the near future.

Can’t Stop The Record


 
Kevin Michael

With a fro like that, you know he got soulllll! He calls his music a mixture of soul, pop, R&B, and funk. He’s a self-taught artist who has been singing since childhood. His mother was embarrassed to take him out because he would often randomly break into song. His song of choice? “Me So Horny!” His musical selection has evolved a bit since then. He released his first self-titled album last year and has collaborated with the likes of Wyclef Jean and Lupe Fiasco.

 

Jazmine Sullivan

I been hearing rumblings about the next coming of Lauryn Hill for a while now but never really investigated further. It wasn’t until I heard “Need You Bad” on Soul Bounce that I sat up and took notice. Evidently, I am late. Ain’t nothing neo about this soul singer. She sang on Showtime at the Apollo at the tender age of 11 and performed with Stevie Wonder at 13. She appeared on a couple of tracks on Fantasia’s album, Free, and wrote a couple of songs on Christina Milian’s album. This 20-year-old singer and songwriter is indeed one to watch. Look out for the album on J records sometime this year.

“I Am” with Kindred

Cover of “What’s Going On”

A true stan would never end this post without mentioning her favorite Philadelphia soul singer. None other than my man Bilal. He should be no stranger to my faithful readers. But for those that happen in here that may have never heard of him, I’ll let the music speak for itself.

Here are a couple of videos from the last show I attended. I’m thrilled to say I’ll be seeing him perform later today in Baltimore and then again on Friday at a jam session with The Randy Watson Experience. With President Obama finally delivering that knockout blow to Billary, can this historic week get any better?

“White Turns To Grey” from the never released “Love for Sale”

A NICE version of “Soul Sista”

Did I miss any underrated Philly soul singers that you think deserve some shine? Shout them out in the comments.

Untitled (How Does It Feel)

03 Tuesday Jun 2008

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by vivrant thang on some ole random ish

This post has nothing to do with the artist formerly known as D’Angelo.

A moment of silence please.

Moving on.

Posting has been sort of light as of late. I’m really trying to commit to a minimum of three times a week but it’s not easy. It takes me forever and a day to put these things together sometimes. I wish I was a faster writer but practice makes perfect I suppose.

Just wanted to share a few updates and thoughts – you know completely random ish for which I can’t think of a title.

I’ve mentioned SoulBounce many times in the space. Surely I’m preaching to the choir because I know all of you are reading. Anyway, I was asked to join the family last month and my first post appeared yesterday. I’ll be posting over there every couple of weeks, keeping ya’ll in the know about events you can’t miss. So check me out! I just know you’re reading everyday anyway so you shouldn’t miss me!

I’ve also got a few other things in the works. A sista has really started grinding and getting serious about getting her side hustle on  and working towards fulfilling her personal mission. Trying to fit that in between work (which is going to be ridiculous this summer with our battle against McCain), concerts, traveling, and other hoodrat shit I like to get into, I’m trying to figure out where I’ll find the time. But I have to create it. The year is half over and I got goals to fulfill.

Anyhow, speaking of concerts, I am completely overwhelmed and thrilled by my calendar. Seriously. It seems as if I’m adding something everyday. Good thing that’s pretty much my sole form of entertainment. I wouldn’t be able to afford anything else!

This week alone I’ll be overdosing on music – starting on Thursday with Bilal (never too much) and Wayna performing in Baltimore. A couple of days later, I travel up to Philly for The Roots Picnic and then back down here for the closing day of the Capital Jazz Fest. I can’t wait to sit out in the sun all day sipping on a lil sumthin sumthin while the tunes carress my ears. It can’t get any better. And the party just continues on through August until I leave for seven whole nights in Barbados.

Are any of you attending any good shows this summer? Any summer travel plans?

This past weekend was one of the more interesting ones I’ve had in a while. Saturday, I went on a party cruise with this group I’m a part of. I love being in, around, and on the water so this was right up my alley.

 I noticed him from the beginning because he’s my “type.” Yea, Vivrant has a type. And if you look at my dating resume, you’ll see that very few of the dudes on there look anything like the “prototype.” I won’t go into what that is right now but I will say he’s not “fine.” I’ve done fine and those negroes are crazyderanged. Seriously. Nah, I won’t lump all of you fine brothers together into one category. But what turns my head probably wouldn’t turn every woman’s head. Well, with the exception of him but we’re talking about an everyday dude here.

When I saw him, “Untitled” started playing in my head. He looks nothing like D’Angelo so this was completely random. For some reason, that was the soundtrack to this scene. We had a couple of interactions throughout the night but I couldn’t really tell if he was going to be interested enough to make a move. Believe it or not, Vivrant is old-fashioned in that way. She never makes the first move.  Well, maybe this one a few times. But a cocktail many, many cocktails were involved. Might make me miss out on some opportunities, but that’s just never been how I operate.

Long story short, he did make that move. It was the first time in a long while that I’ve actually been approached by someone I’m attracted to off jump. I can’t tell you the last time that’s happened. Sad, I know. Initial attraction/chemistry is definitely not mandatory for me. I’ve had some of my most memorable and intense relationships with men that I’m still not sure I was ever really attracted to physically. So while it’s nice to have, it’s not a deal breaker. Besides, it can get a girl like me in trouble.  Remains to be seen what happens with this one.

If you don’t feel that initial attraction to someone, do they even get past hello with you?

One thing I’m liking about my thirties so far is that men are starting to call me “beautiful.” When I was in my twenties, I got “sexy,” “fine,” or “cute.” Maybe an occasional “pretty.” I’ve never particularly cared for any of those, especially “sexy.” That’s not saying anything to me. Call me “beautiful,” you’ve got my attention. Everytime I think about the fact that I’m now in my thirties and want to cringe, I think about this and it makes me smile.

Ended the weekend by seeing Sex and The City with a group of women. Not that I would write a long review here, but even if I wanted to, I didn’t have to. My exact thoughts are nicely summed up right here (beware: spoilers!) . Feel free to share yours if you saw it.