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SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE

~ Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE

Tag Archives: good soul music

Compilations: Yet Another Way To Discover New Music

03 Tuesday Mar 2009

Posted by Vivrant Thang in Feeding The Music Jones

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

compilation albums, good music to buy, good soul music, hed kandi, neo soul united cds, red star sounds, soul in the city cd, soul lounge cds

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.

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Character

13 Thursday Nov 2008

Posted by Vivrant Thang in Soundtrack of My Life

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

black love and relationships, good soul music, state of black relationships, van hunt, van hunt song character, women list of traits they want in a man

by vivrant thang on all about me

vanhunt_onthejunglefloor

Who are you
In the face of disappointment
Where is your character
The one that keeps you going (tell me)
Who are you
When heavy weather is blowing
Where is your character
The one who keeps you going

With the election of Barack Obama and the impending move of the 21st century incarnation of the Huxtables to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, much ado will be made about what this means for the state of black love and relationships. Call me a cynic but I’m not yet convinced that it will stimulate a mass change in our folks’ behavior but it certainly can’t hurt to see a black man and a black woman IN LOVE and parenting young black girls together.

Since Barack and Michelle were first thrust into the national spotlight, I feel a certain pang when I see pictures of themlooking at each other in total adoration. At first I couldn’t place it. Soon I realized it as a longing for that same thing – despite my creeping doubt as each year passes by that I’ll find someone to put up with me for more than a year, much less sixteen!

You know, as much as women (including me) will be hollering about wanting a Barack, we need to first ask ourselves, am I a Michelle? I know I’m sure as hell not – although I’m actively working towards being half the woman she is.

I was reading in Washington Post writer Liz Mundy’s new book, Michelle: The Biography, about the early parts of their courtship and marriage. It was clear early on that Barack wasn’t going to be pushing a luxury vehicle (in fact, he had a jalopy with a rusted hole in the door that would break down so often she would have to get rides for him). He wasn’t going to put his paycheck on his back (he had 5 shirts, 7 blue suits, and a bunch of ties). He wasn’t going to be moved by the almighty dollar and blinded by dollar signs. So she would have to do something real crazy and actually love him for his values.

Reading this made me take a look at my own expectations and list of non-negotiables for the future Mr. Vivrant Thang. The list has changed over the years. I made the first one back in the 90s after seeing an episode of The Real World Boston where housemate Kameelah made a list of 1000 traits she wanted in a man (!) I believe I made it to about 300. I barely remember any of the foolish things on my list except “must like my cooking better than his Mommas.” As if! I can laugh at that now. What the hell did my 20-year-old self know about what I wanted in a man when I didn’t even know who I was yet?

Today my list is much more realistic – filled with personality traits. Believe it or not, there is not one physical characteristic on there. I most certainly have my preferences. Attraction is very important but I’m not going to set any limitations on what package that may come in by putting that on paper.  Besides, I don’t want the list to be fifty eleven items long so I won’t take space from things that are ultimately more important.

Like character.

Who is Mr. Vivrant Thang in the face of disappointment? How is he going to handle things when the odds are stacked against us? When tragedy strikes?

I’ll use my hair stylist’s marriage as an example. Since I’ve known her, they have dealt with some incredibly rough stuff:  step-daughter’s two week disappearance; her father’s long-term illness and subsequent death; her mother’s mental illness; losing everything in a fire a week before Christmas (no renter’s insurance);  her mother’s sudden death less than a year after the fire, followed a couple of days later by her husband’s grandmother’s death.

Now I’m on the outside looking in but from what I can see, they are still standing strong – together- and still in love. Couples fall apart everyday trying to deal with much less. What I need much more than a boy more concerned with his $600-a-month car note and the designer labels on his back is a man who knows how to be there for me during the tough times and allows me to be there for him.

When the Jennifer Hudson tragedy occurred, one of the first things that came to mind was that the one good thing to come out of of this tragedy is that she would definitely see whether she is marrying the right man. As she lowered her mother, brother and nephew into the ground and continues to experience that unimaginable pain, is the man holding her hand through this the man she wants to spend the rest of her days with? I can’t think of a better test than that – as morbid as it may be.

Where is your character – who are you when the heavy winds are blowing?

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Underrated Female Soul Singer Spotlight: Liv Warfield

20 Monday Oct 2008

Posted by Vivrant Thang in Feeding The Music Jones, Underrated Artist Spotlights

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

good soul music, good soul singers, liv warfield, liv warfield embrace me, underrated female soul singers

“New” feature here on Songs In The Key of Life where I’ll shine the spotlight on artists from my underrated singers lists. Whenever I am fortunate enough to catch any of them live, I’ll be sharing the experience under the new category, “Artist Spotlight.”

As I mentioned, a couple weeks ago, I attended the 4th annual Can A Sista Rock A Mic? concert series where I had the opportunity to check out several of the artists on my underrated female soul singer list. One in particular, Liv Warfield has stayed on repeat in the ‘pod ever since. She is definitely an artist you should know.

Liv has long been on my radar but with such an overwhelming amount of music on deck right now, I hadn’t yet pressed play on her 2006 release, Embrace Me. Can I get a late pass?

From the moment she stepped on the stage that night and grabbed the mic, I knew all we would be able to do was hold on for the ride. Her self-assured stage presence said loud and clear, “I was born to do this.” “Embrace Me”damnit!

Growing up in Illinois in a household that didn’t embrace musical expression, Liv instead filtered her talent into excelling in track and field. I can’t imagine what it must have felt like to hide such a voice. After moving to Portland, Liv honed her skills in part by performing karaoke. She began performing with a hip-hop band in 2002. In 2004, The Liv Warfield Project took the Portland music scene by storm. Embrace Me hit the shelves tin 2006. Oh but if she would have stayed on this biannual schedule, we should have been due a new album this year!

Until that day comes, check out the live performance of some songs from Embrace Me. I must admit while I love the studio album, the live version of the songs are what pulls me in. The raw passion and soul she brings to the words on stage reminds me of one of my all-time favorite artists (and one of Liv’s musical idols) Mary J. Blige. Much like when I see Mary, Liv makes you want to get up out your seat, wave your Martin Luthada Kang church fan and get to shouting. She takes you to chuuuuch. Let’s hope this underrated soul singer sees even half the success that Mary has had. It’s truly well-deserved.

Stay tuned for spotlights on some of the other super talented artists I saw at CASRAM who are responsible for the “new” flava in my ear.

Sophisticated Sista

Waiting

Brotha Man

Get into this!

Who Is Liv Warfield?

website | myspace

photo credit: adrianadelphotography.com via flickr

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Me, Myself and I

16 Tuesday Sep 2008

Posted by Vivrant Thang in Feeding The Music Jones

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

algebra blessett, algebra blessett concert review, good soul music, good soul music website, heather headley me time, kennedy center open house, live performances, marcus johnson project, soul music

by vivrant thang on all about me

This past weekend was one of the best I’ve had in a long time.

Friday evening, I took myself to see Tyler Perry’s new movie, Family That Preys. LOVED. IT. And I’m far from a Tyler Perry fan. This is only the second movie of his that I’ve really enjoyed. (Why Did I Get Married?was the other). So believe me when I say, support this movie. Maybe then we will see less of Madea and her tomfoolery.

Saturday, I went to the Kennedy Center’s Open House, a day of exposure to all the artistic, musical and cultural offerings of this historic institution. It made me smile to see all the families out with their small children who were playing with musical instruments, drawing, and participating in other creative outlets.

 

However, the top item on my agenda was to see Algebra Blessett perform. I’ve been a fan for a while now but I’ve never seen her live. I have her last album, Purpose, and I have to admit I wasn’t feeling it save a couple of songs, “Run and Hide,” and “What Happened.” So I was especially anxious to see her live performance. As I’ve mentioned before, a great stage show can turn me from a fan into a stan.  She did not disappoint. Check out her reggae-flavored version of “Run and Hide,” complete with a side of Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain”and Jazmine Sullivan’s “Need U Bad.”

I got my album signed and also took a picture with her. We got that glow like Shonuff and Leroy, huh?!

On the way home, I popped the album back in and sure enough, I gained more appreciation for it. I definitely still have my stand out tracks, mostly on the first half of the album. Algebra will be on my list of artists to support whenever she is in my area.

That same day, I moseyed on over to the Silver Spring Jazz Festival. I was there to finally catch Marcus Johnson Project, one of the premiere jazz acts out of the DC area. I’ve been in the area almost ten years and I have never managed to catch him live. I’ve been sleeping. He had me grooving out there under the stars along with all the other jazz aficionados. Clearly, I’ve been sleeping.

I wasn’t able to get many videos as taping wasn’t “allowed” and I was too mellow to don my undercover operative hat. Here he is covering Floetry’s “Say Yes.” Sax man Marcus Anderson came up from North Carolina to sit in on the set.

Ironically, what made these days so wonderful for me is that the only company I had for the majority of the weekend (other than fellow music fans) was me, myself and I. I was telling my mother that I think I’m beginning to enjoy my own company a bit too much – especially after my solo vacation! I just loved be-bopping down the street at my leisure and doing what I wanted to do in my own time without having to take anyone else into account. 

Although I ended the weekend by joining a fabulous group of women for the first meeting of our new Sunday Brunch/Dinner group, the   still that time spent alone. Although I’m an extrovert, on occasion “me time” is just what the doctor ordered.

*Note: Raphael Saadiq concert review coming up on Wednesday. I know, a date late. coming very soon. I blame football. Meantime, cop The Way I See It, which is in stores TODAY.

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Old School Friday: Girl Groups

12 Friday Sep 2008

Posted by Vivrant Thang in Feeding The Music Jones

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

90s girl groups, 90s group zhane, best girl groups, favorite girl groups, girl groups, good soul music, jean baylor, Renee Neufville, what happened to zhane, zhane

by vivrant thang on old school friday

Party people! I hope everyone has had a great week. Mine has been mostly sweet with a touch of sour but I roll with the punches.

This week’s OSF theme is Girl Groups. This was a rough one to narrow down! As I anxiously await Tuesday when Raphael Saadiq’s The Way I See Itdrops, I thought about giving ya’ll some Motown sounds. Maybe some Marvalettes, Supremes, or Martha Reeves and The Vandellas.

Then I thought that since I’ve been in a sassy mood this week I should drop some Klymaxx, “The Men All Pause.” and “Meeting In the Ladies Room.” I play “The Men All Pause” is mood music when I’m headed out on a Saturday night.

However, as I’ve mentioned, the 90s is my favorite decade in music in part because of the proliferation of girl groups. So many to choose from: Jade, Changing Faces, 702, En Vogue, XScape, Total, Blaque, and two of the best selling female groups of all time: TLC and SWV.

And then there was Zhane.

Should be no need to introduce you to Zhane.  For the one or two…

When I tell you I let my tape rock til my tape popped, I’m not exaggerating. My freshman year of college as I was getting over an unrequited love, I estimate Pronounced Jah-nay got about 8,873 spins and Mary’s My Life twice that (but that’s another post).

They also won a hard fought spot on my Top Fifity Songs list. It wasn’t easy to choose just one from that album.

Sweet Taste of Love

“Love Me Today,”  “Everything Happens For A Reason,”  “Off My Mind,” and “La La La,” are my other favorites from that album.  I guess I’ve covered the whole thing! These songs still bring back some very deep emotions even fourteen years later. That’s real music.

However, I got to end it with their first hit, “Hey Mr. DJ,” the ultimate party starter. I dedicate this one on the “request line” to DJ YZO of Industry Soul.You’re the greatest mannnnnn!

Where are they now?

Both Jean Baylor and Renee Neufville are both enjoying solo careers.

Jean’s album Testimony: My Life Story is available for download on her website. I think I am going to cop that!

Renee performs with Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor. Check out her You Tube channel for some outstanding live performances. and Check out some of her new music that will presumably be on her album, Sovereign whenever it’s released. I will get my hands on that as well. She sounds great with RH Factor.

Party is not over. Be sure to visit the other OSF participants.

Electronic Village | Mrs Grapevine | Quick | Cassandra | Danielle | Lisa C | Chocl8t | Kreative Talk | MarvalusOne | Regina | LaShonda | AJ | Sharon | Invisible Woman | Believer 1964 | Dee |SJP | sHaE-sHae | Thembi

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