Blog Checka

05 Thursday Mar 2009

Posted by in Weekly Round Up

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , ,

SECOND POST OF THE DAY

Trying again to institute this feature on a weekly basis. Hold me to it!

In the spirit of spreading the linky love, here’s a roundup of posts I enjoyed over the past week. As I’ve mentioned, I read a lot of blogs and often fall WAY behind. I hope you find some new blogs here to stalk so you can share in my misery!

Esperanza Spalding and Ayo Tell City Stories for Banana Republic

05 Thursday Mar 2009

Posted by in Music News

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , ,

I’m dealing with a major case of wanderlust so news of this project was the perfect fuel for my escapism.

Ayo and Esperanza Spalding are a taking part in Banana Republic’s Spring “City Stories” Campaign, a collection of mini documentaries that combine elements of city life – the music, culture and fashion. Filmed against gorgeous New York City and Brooklyn backdrops, these pieces capture the artists talking about their love for the city and how it influences and inspires their art. They also perform while donned in pieces and accents from the casually chic Banana Republic spring collection

ayo

Ayo is a Nigerian-German singer-songwriter who has long been on my radar. I’m glad she’s apart of this campaign because it puts her music back in my mind and hopefully yours as well. She has quite an interesting background and calls both Paris and New York home, which she talks about in her documentary. Her entire first album, Joyful, was recorded live in New York in 2006 in just five days. Her sophomore effort, Gravity at Last, was released last year.

esperanza2

I have been taken with Esperanza Spalding since her live performance last summer at The Roots Picnic. Taking the stage on that on that unreasonably hot day , the super talented little lady with the soaring voice, big fro and even bigger bass was cool as a fan. I love the way she describes her love for New York in all it’s ” conscious fearlessness.” The irony is just today I was contemplating how to move there for a short time. I grew up minutes from the city and even though my grown teen-aged behind experienced more there than I should have, adult Viv needs more.

I’ll experience a taste in May during a weekend trip. Until then, I’ll have to live vicarously through Esperanza and Ayo. How simply beautiful are these two?

These pieces, along with stories from an eclectic group of other artists, will be shown as in flight entertainment on Virgin America. Not taking a flight anytime soon? Head on over to the City Stories website where you can also see the documentaries as well as unplugged performances, streaming audio, and free music downloads.

As always, support these artists and real music.

Ayo photo: Hermosodef

Compilations: Yet Another Way To Discover New Music

03 Tuesday Mar 2009

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

In previous posts, I’ve alluded to my affinity for compilation CDs. I think they are another great way to discover new artists. I was recently listening to a couple of compilation albums I’ve had for a years and realized I had been enjoying the sounds of Jazmine Sullivan and Ra-Re Valverde long before I ever got my hands on Fearless or A Beautiful Mess.

They are also a good way to hear songs from your favorite artists that may not appear on any of their albums. Sometimes it’s impossible to stay on top of everything that an artist you love puts out. Most times it is! Especially if he or she is as prolific as say, Eric Roberson.

So I thought I’d share a few of the compilations I own or am planning to own, that you may want to put on your wish list for that fine day when this recession is over and we can get back to spending the grocery money on music!

soulounge5

This fifth volume of this UK-produced series was released in September 2008. I have been enjoying volumes 1-4 of these three disc sets for several months now. Great for long drives. This one looks to be just as promising with tracks by Hil St. Soul, Don E, Omar, Joy Denalane, Carleen Anderson, Conya Doss, Adriana Evans,  Rahsaan Patterson, Incognito, Maysa, Anthony David, and Reel People.

It also includes my favorite Angela Johnson andErro song. Can’t go wrong with that.

Lots of “new” names that I need to investigate like Richard Anthony Davis, Karen Bernod, Richard Darbyshire, Tony Remy and Bluey, and Mikelyn Roderick.neosoulunited2

This is the second volume of a series of three. Here, discovered Maiysha long before she dropped This Much is True and earned a Grammy nod. This is where I first heard Lisala before I first heard her perform with Angela Johnson last Fall at Can A Sista Rock a Mic? At the time I purchased this album, Lizz Fields, Temika Moore, and LaSonya Gunter were all names I had on my radar but never got around to listening to their music. These volumes were a chance to get a taste. I truly took a leap of faith on this purchase because most of the artists I hadn’t heard of like Michael Bohannon, Theresa Morton, Harmon’e, Abenaa, and Latanya Lockett. I wasn’t disappointed and it still makes it’s way into the rotation every now and again when I want to mix it up.

soulinthecity1

I was reminded that I had this compilation in my collection after Soul UK mentioned one of the standout tracks, Michael Hammond’s sexy, sultry “The Morning After” over on his new blog.  Head over there for a listen. In addition to this gem, with tracks from Ra-Re Valverde, Heavy, Russell Taylor, Peter Hadar, and two DJ Spinna mixes, I’m sure you will agree that this is a must add.

redstarsounds

This compilation is eight years old and some of these artists now have albums worth of material for us to listen to. But this is still one that I throw on from time to time. It stayed on rotation when I first got it. Absolutely no skips on this one for me. There are tracks from our favorite soul artists like Jill Scott, India. Arie, Amel Larrieux, Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton, Glenn Lewis, and Jon B. The lesser known artists like Jack Herrera, Lathun,  and Eddie Jenkins shined just as bright.

I recently acquired the second volume, which has more of a hip hop slant. I have yet to listen to it but the first volume will always be the standout for me

I don’t have any of these compilations but they come highly recommended.

Hed Kandi– very eclectic array of CDs; highly recommended by The Connoisseur. read more here.

Nude Dimensions – deep and soulful house; albums you can put on at an intimate party or just lounging with your boo.

I haven’t even scratched the surface of great soul compilations out there. Please share some of your favorites in the comments. Or let me know what you think of some of the ones I’ve mentioned here. If none of them peek your fancy, check out Dusty Grooves for a very large selection that spans genres.

Love What You Do: Mark de Clive Lowe & Vanessa Freeman Concert Review

26 Thursday Feb 2009

Posted by in Let's Rock: Concert Reviews

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

mdcl1

I know posting has been scarce around here lately. Between being under the weather, over the weather, over the Internets (and the people that infest it) and just generally dealing with a case of the blahs, I haven’t been in much of a writing mood. However, my plans to take time and get away often over the next few months are underway. So that’s helping some.

What’s also helping, as it always does, is how musically delicious March and April is shaping up to be. New music in my ear and great live performances are sure to put some spring in my step. I’m particularly excited that Omar is going to be in the States and I plan to get my dance on with wild abandon.

Speaking of UK soul and shaking that thang on the dance floor , last week I was blessed to check out uber musician and producer Mark de Clive-Lowe accompanied by the smooth vocals of Vanessa Freeman (of Reel People) as they neared the finish line of their world tour. I previously heard of Mark and own The Politick, his collaborative album with Bembé Segué. However, I must admit I didn’t fully appreciate this man’s talent and certainly had no idea what I what I was in store for that night. I blame this guy for slacking a bit on his stannery. He didn’t beat me in the head enough. I’ve since forgiven him though.

I don’t know how you would categorize Mark’s music. I’ve seen it called broken beat. Soulful house. Nu jazz. Spacefunk. 21st century soul. Nu house. Cosmic hip-hop. How about plain old GOOD shit. Some flava that needs to be in your ear.

But I can show you more than I can tell you.

Check out some of my video from of his set –  which he is now using on his blog and his Myspace page.

In case you’re couldn’t tell, he is creating the beats right there.  I don’t know about you but I am in awe of his artistry – what he was creating right there on stage. As I watched his every movement, I know how people who were fortunate to watch Dilla make music must have felt. I thought about how his ability to be able to use all of those instruments, sometimes simultaneously, to create that incredible sound is the result of God-given talent and hard work. He started playing the piano at age four and look at him now. It really inspired me to keep pushing and doing what I love.

vanessa

The same could be said about the melodious sounds of UK songstress Vanessa Freeman. She has collaborated with Reel People (most recently on the Seven Ways to Wonder, one of my top 2008 Albums of the Year You’ve Probably Never Heard), 4 Hero , Bugz in the Attic and released a solo album, Shades back in 2004.

Mark is looking to book more dates so if he comes to a city near you, don’t miss out.

You can keep up with any additional news on his official website, blog,  Myspace, or Facebook fan page.

You can also dig in his deep catalog here.

Let The Truth Be Told: Laura Izibor Is A Star On The Rise

19 Thursday Feb 2009

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Underrated Artist Spotlights

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

, , ,

lauraiz1

Every once in a while an artist comes who gives you “that” feeling.

I remember having “that” feeling the first time I pressed play on “Who Is Jill Scott?”

Now I’m by no means comparing Jill and Laura Izibor musically. While I do hope that Laura has even half the success that Jill has had and will continue to have, I don’t think Laura is an artist that needs to be compared to anyone.

My introduction to Laura’s music came once again from faithful reader Soul UK (who thankfully has been inspired to start sharing these discoveries on his own blog which will debut soon).  It took longer than it should have to finally give it a listen. I realized that I had heard her voice before on a couple of movies and television shows and was intrigued then. She has been in constant rotation every since and her album, Let The Truth Be Told, in stores on April 28, has earned a place on my list of highly anticipated albums of the year. It needs to be on yours too.

lauraiz2

Laura hails from Dublin and will only be 22 in May. She’s a Taurus like me 🙂 You know we talented and stuff!

(Aside: I can actually carry a tune but no one will EVER hear me sing. I leave that to my fellow Tauruses Laura and Stevie!)

She started digging in the crates around the age of 13, discovering the joys of Stevie, Candi Stanton, Roberta Flack, Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye and it was love at first listen.

She won a singing competition at 15 and started work on what is Let The Truth Be Told at the age of 17. While working on the album in Dublin, Philly, Atlanta, and New York, “The Soul of Ireland” has warmed up the stage for acts such as James Brown, Angie Stone, and The Roots as well as her own sold out shows at home.

Her songs have been the featured on television: Grey’s Anatomy and The Hills and on the the soundtrack to the films The Nanny Diaries, Step Up 2: The Streets, and Why Did I Get Married.

I was fortunate to see Laura perform live the other night here in DC at Bohemian Caverns or “the cave” as she “affectionately” called it.  She performed about ten songs, some which will be on the album. She was backed by a magnificent band that included Chris Rob on keys  and Maurice Brown on trumpet, both amazing artists with their own projects going. You’ll be hearing more about them both here. The way they all vibed on stage, you would think they had been performing together decades.

What attracts me to Laura’s voice is the grit and richness you hear from the artists that came before her. Like Chrisette Michele, I can hear in her voice that she has been studying “Ms. Billy, Ms. Ella, Ms. Sarah Vaughn, and Ms.Natalie Cole.” She also commands the stage with ease and it’s obvious she’s completely comfortable there and with her ability to connect with the audience. Songs that are “for the ladies” don’t feel like another sad love song. Thank God for that.

Check out a couple of her uptempo tracks. When she got up from behind those keys, she had us rocking down in the cave.

This track I may have to put on my 2009 Inspirational songs list, a reminder to be thankful for what you got. This should be a theme songs for the tough times we’re in. Whatever you’re going through, the next woman may be going through something worse. I have already been reminded of that several times this year.

Laura is headed back overseas to open for John Legend ahead of her album release. She wrote every song and co-produced the album as well. It’s all Laura, with no guest artists. She says,

“I didn’t want to be anybody’s protégé.” “It’s very tempting to put in the reinforcements, but for my debut album I wanted it to be 100% from me.”

Just like a true Bull. And let the truth be told, she doesn’t need anybody. She can stand alone. Quite well.

Mark your calendars for April 28th. Complete set is over on the You Tube channel.

lauraiz3