Category Archives: New Flava In My Ear

New Flava In My Ear: Zo’s ‘ManMade’

21 Tuesday May 2013

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manmadeThere are very few artists whose album I would recommend you rush to pick up without having taken it for several spins first. Lorenzo “Zo!” Ferguson is one such artist. Don’t believe me? Google him and do his resume.

I was first introduced to the Detroit native as the man on keys at Foreign Exchange performances. I would always note how fine he is his eyes sparkled as he performed. I know. Odd to notice that Zo! has mastered smizing.  He just always looks truly looked happy to be there doing what he loves with his fam. I got schooled quickly that he was an artist in his own right with a discography dating back to 2001. Zo & Tigallo Love the 80’s and the ….just visiting series in particular stay in constant rotation. This man simply knows how to make good music.

ManMade, Zo’s second release with Foreign Exchange Music after the epic Sunstorm, features the vocals of Phonte, Eric Roberson, Sy Smith, Jeanne Jolly, Carmen Rodgers, and Anthony David. With a lineup like that, I already know this will make many Best of Lists for 2013.

As a social media professional, I also have to note that he did an amazing job creating build up to the release. On Facebook and Twitter, he took fans along for the ride every every step of the way from concept to completion. Artists should definitely consider Zo! as a case study on how to engage your fan base leading up to an album release.

I’m just back from celebrating my birthday in Vegas and this album is the perfect gift. I know it will be in heavy rotation because that’s what the super talented FE+ artists do—consistently put out hits.

Support real music and purchase Zo’s ManMade here or on ITunes (where I hear he is holding down the #2 spot).

Show Zo! some love in person at a listening event or release or release party near you. Dates are being added so if you don’t see your city, stay tuned!

Need to sample before you buy? Press play below.

New Flava In My Ear: Alice Smith ‘SHE’

19 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, New Flava In My Ear

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Alice-Smith-She

I was first introduced to the musical powerhouse that is Alice Smith several years ago at what would be the last Black Lily Festival (RIP). Black Lily, based in Philly, was a multi-day event showcasing the best in women’s artistry: music, film, visual arts, and more. That last festival in 2008 would be the only time I got to see Amy Winehouse perform. But this ain’t about her!

I still remember being completely awestruck as Alice, a tall, striking beauty took the stage in jeans and a ponytail and blew me away with her four octave vocal range. I don’t remember what she performed. She likely performed music from her debut album, For Lovers, Dreamers and Me (which you can stream on Spotify) which was released back in 2006. I just remember how the music made me feel. And I never forgot her name.

After a long absence from releasing new music —though not from performing— (thanks Industry Rule 4080!), a year ago, I saw posts about a Kickstarter for a new album she had in the works. I now want to kick my damn self for not getting around to supporting it because as soon as I pressed play, SHE went on my “Best of 2013” list. There is not a single song on this album I don’t like. Did you hear me? There are absolutely no skips here. It’s a stone cold groove from the first to last note. If this is what crowdsource funding for an album produces, more artists need to get into it!

Check out Alice performing one of my favorite tracks on the album, “The One,”  a slow groove with the refrain, “I’m not the one, don’t play me son, don’t you play, DON’T YOU PLAY IT!”

You’ve probably seen or heard the killing she put on Cee-Lo’s “Fool For You,” which has been floating around the interwebs for over a year. [Watch here] So glad that gem made the album.

I’ve seen so much excitement about this album from my real music loving friends all across social media. I’ve also seen a lot of “I’ve never heard of her!” That’s why I’m here — to let you know that you need to get familiar quickly and cop the new album today!

Alice is also touring so stay locked in to her website, Twitter and Facebook  feeds to see when she is coming your way. Her stage presence is mesmerizing and this is an album you’ll definitely want to see come alive on stage. DC music lovers, we’re fortunate to have her in the area twice in the coming weeks so get your tickets now!

Support real music. Cop SHE today and spread the word!

Have You Copped Bilal’s New Album ‘A Love Surreal’?

07 Thursday Mar 2013

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, In Heavy Rotation, Music News, New Flava In My Ear

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Watch: Bilal’s Musicians at Google interview and acoustic performance 

A few short months ago, I was gearing up for Bilal’s album release and it’s here!  During my blogging hiatus, he blessed us his third studio album, A Love Surreal, which immediately soared to the top of the  top of the Itunes R&B/Soul album charts. Three cheers for folks supporting real music.

I have been super impressed with the wide variety of promotion the album has received so far, which can likely be attributed to a change in record labels. His team is working it! As an online professional who would kill to be on Bilal’s online marketing team, I was also extremely excited to see that his official website is finally complete and his social presence is expanding. [Get all the links on his blog.] It’s been a long time coming!

The latest promotional effort for the album, Musicians at Google, was released today. He joins artists like Raphael Saadiq, Eric Roberson,  and Lady GaGa in being featured on this series. Very good company. Filmed a month before A Love Surreal was released, the showcase began with an interview, one that had its moments. However, where he really came alive was during the intimate acoustic performances of “Back to Love,” “Longing and Waiting” and “Never Be The Same” from A Love Surreal and “All Matter” from Airtight’s Revenge.  It’s definitely worth taking a look at, even if your ADD causes you to have to just skip ahead to the performances.

As for my thoughts on A Love Surreal: I listened to it three times before it was officially released thanks to the First Listen series on NPR. I didn’t fall in love with the entire album from the time I pressed play. Although I have stanned for Bilal since before the term existed, I can admit that. There were certain songs like “Slipping Away,” “Never Be The Same,” “Longing and Waiting,” and “Butterfly” that drew me in right away. Others it will take more time. Seeing them come alive on stage in a couple of weeks will surely have me listening to the album with new ears. Watching some of the performances that have popped up on YouTube have already done just that.

One thing that immediately struck me about the album is the live instrumentation. It’s simply breathtaking. Unfortunately, it’s a rarity to hear real instruments on albums today. You will find them here. I appreciated hearing about the process of making this album on the two-part (very well done) video series, Welcome To A Love Surreal [Watch Part 1 and Part 2]. Bilal breaks down everything from where he goes to write, what inspires his creative process, the evolution and maturation of his writing, and working with King and Robert Glasper, the only two guests on the album. He also shares how he likes to record by the beach because it calms him. Me too! Twinsies!

Listening to Bilal talking about the road to the making of this album, which was originally supposed to be just a five song EP, enhanced my appreciation for his growth as an artist. Although the long lost Love for Sale remains my favorite, I am more than willing to let him move on. Bilal is at the top of his game and is hands down one of the most gifted vocalists making music today. I may not like every song he releases but as long as he stays true to his art and takes care of that voice, he will have my eternal support!

Be sure to cop the album. Spread the word to your music loving folks to buy it and to support him on tour when he comes to your city.

Gearing Up For Bilal Oliver’s A Love Surreal

14 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, New Flava In My Ear

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bilal_backtolove

It was fitting that the last post on this blog before I went on hiatus was an announcement of the official date that Bilal Oliver’s first “official” album in eight years would see the light of day. It was quite a celebration, bitches!

Airtights Revenge was released in 2010 to stellar reviews. Now, just over two years later, your boy is back with A Love Surreal, coming to an ITunes near you on February 12. Yes, I am plotting on how to get to his album release concert in Philly at my favorite venue, although he is coming this way a couple days later. I’m just that kinda stan!

To get us geared up for the release of the first single for the album, Bilal recently released a mixtape(on his Facebook page!), appropriately titled Retrospection. Curated by fellow Philly artist, Vikter Duplaix, Retrospection —much like 2009’s The Return of Mr. Wonderful— takes you on a journey through some of his greatest hits and unreleased recordings that should have seen the light of day like his rendition of Stevie’s “Too High.”

Grab your FREE download of Bilal Oliver’s Retrospection.

bilal_mixtape

I was excited to see Vikter Duplaix involved in this project, having just been blessed to be at one of his body-rocking Kiss N Grind parties when the Fall tour rolled through DC recently. We danced, we shouted, and shook out bodies down to the ground as Vikter spun the hottest soul, house, classic r&b, funk and Afrobeat. Want to get an idea of what you missed? Feast your ears on this.

Bilal and Vikter also sat down  for a chat —surrounded by some very lovely works of art at the Norm Maxwell Gallery in LA — to talk about Bilal’s evolution as an artist. He talks about defining his sound and what it means as an artist to hail from Philadelphia. I’ve already schooled you about the hotness that has come out of Philly. 

So while he had all our attention, Bilal released his first single, “Back To Love,” on Essence.com. The theme for A Love Surreal is that Bilal is a love doctor teaching people how to find their way back to each other.

Are you as excited about this project as I am, fellow B_Ollowers? Let me know what you think of the first single.

Be sure to connect with Bilal on Facebook and Twitter.

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New Flava In My Ear: This Is What I Want

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by in New Flava In My Ear

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nea_posey

I think the first time I heard Ne’a Posey sangggg was Inauguration Weekend 2008. Listen to a clip as she tore the house down like she was auditioning to perform for Obama himself!

I’ve been not so patiently waiting for her to drop an album ever since and the day has finally come! Not that I haven’t enjoyed her in other roles like “Head Drank Mixtress in Charge” or Hostess with the Mostess. But I have been more than ready  for  Ne’a to kick some new flava in my ear.

Her debut EP, This Is What I Want, Vol 1, was just released on the Suite 301 label and it is a stone cold groove of soulful tracks that were just what the doctor ordered to get me through the “It’s 3PM And I Am RET To Go” doldrums at work. I didn’t care who was listening as I pumped up my favorite track, “Spin Me,” and got a serious chair dance on. “State of the World” is another fave, with sassy songstress, Debórah Bond holding it down on background vocals.

I look forward to seeing what else Ne’a has in store. A volume 2 perhaps? I hope so. The game needs her. I’m also checking for future releases from the Suite 301 label. It’s about time to put Maryland on the map! We got talent.

Download Ne’a Posey’s This Is What I Want, Vol 1 for FREE.

Connect with Ne’a Posey on Facebook.

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