Tag Archives: soul music blog

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!

Back In Stride Again!

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones

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I’m so happ–pp–yy to see-eee–ee you and meeee…back in stride againnnn!

Side note: Before I reintroduce myself, it’s only right that I stop and pay homage. They all doing it. But Nicholas is one cold cat in that red sport coat, ain’t he? He’s holding down the back row and all. But all eyes on him!

Although it may seem that I silently pledged not to return until Bilal dropped his NEXT album after Airtight’s Revenge, this two year break was unintentional. If I had some home training,  I would have at least dropped a “good bye, see you soon, thanks for the support” post. I kept waiting for my desire to write more than 140 characters at a time to keep returning. The years rolled by.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve never stopped loving the music. In fact, the amazing musical adventures I’ve had over these past couple years has made the love stronger. I just had to get over my exhaustion with writing about it. I’m not entirely sure it won’t return. If it does though, I’ll at least hang a closed sign on the door.

Although some would say that I write “well,” the words have never come easy for me. Some of these posts would take me hours to conceptualize and write.  I was burnt out. Then I began to foolishly compared myself to other writers and decided that maybe I didn’t write well enough to even bother. Self-doubt is a bitch. And NOT the business for grown ass women.

What I’ve learned over the past couple years is that it’s about my voice. You used to come here because you liked what I had to say and how I said it. Whether it’s 2  or 22, 222 of you (and I have no plans to HAVE to worry about that), I want to cultivate a community of true music lovers who learn from me as much as I learn from you. Since I stay stuck in the 70s/80s/90s, I need you all to put me on to the good stuff.

Enough of the explanations though. I’m back and I’m veddy happy to be here. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who have asked about my return either through a comment (always a pleasant surprise), through e-mail or on Twitter. You have no idea how much that meant. That “one day” is here! This time, I’m truly not worried about anything but sharing the tunes I’m digging and the  adventures I have with my fellow slaves to the music.

As some of you longtime visitors will see, I’ve cleaned up the house a bit. Put some fresh paint on the walls. Straightened out the clutter a bit with the categories and the about page.  Same ole Viv though.

I was supposed to re-launch in September with a mix of what I’ve been rocking out to in 2012. However, my mixologist and I work together like Fred and Esther. It’s all love of course!  So then as we were nearing the end, he experienced technical difficulties….again.  I thought of posting the unfinished mix but ya’ll don’t deserve that. One way or the other, I will bring you my personal Best of 2012.

Glad to be back. Let’s Rock!