Tag Archives: tortured soul

Highly Anticipated Albums for 2009…And A Wish List!

06 Tuesday Jan 2009

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Upcoming Album Releases

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You’ll remember at the end of my post on albums I was anticipating in 2008, I stated that I would start keeping vigil for albums from certain artist the second 2009 rolled in.

Light a candle and let the vigil begin!

We had a plethora of good music last year, particularly in the last half of the year. 2009 promises to deliver some very heavy hitters. However, promises is the key word. Music lovers, that’s why we have to use our collective energy and wish upon a star that these albums see the light of day.

Let’s start off with a list of  albums that I’m anticipating that actually have release dates….whatever that means.

January

  • 13 – Syleena Johnson, Labor Pains (already available on Itunes)
  • 13- Heather Headley, Audience of One (gospel album)
  • 20-Platinum Pied Pipers, Abundance

February

  • 10-India Arie, Testimony, Vol. 2: Love and Politics
  • 10- Muhsinah, The Oscillations: Sine (available on Itunes)

March

  • 3 – Tamia, Live in DC (CD/DVD will include three new tracks)
  • 6 – Tortured Soul, Did You Miss Me? (helllll yea!)
  • 10-Cornielle, The Birth of Cornelius
  • 17- V
  • 31-Chrisette Michele, Ephiphany Sigh.
  • Tweet, Love, Tweet (After the Dresden Soul Symphony album, I am so ready for this)
  • Kevon Edmonds

May

  • 5-Chrisette Michelle, Ephiphany

June

  • 16- Laura Izibor, Let The Truth Be Told
  • 30–Chico Debarge-Addiction

July

  • 7-Maxwell-Black Summers Night

 

August

  • 25 – N’dambi, Pink Elephant

Now there are some artists that have promised to deliver albums this year. No release dates yet of course. So we can only hope they made New Years resolutions to keep their butts in the studio 24/7 until the final track is done.

  • Prince We’re supposed to get THREE albums this year from everyone’s  favorite joy kill. We shall see. Stay tuned to his new official website and the internets for details. Update: (We got three albums, but only one of them was worth listening to. Sigh.
  • Erykah Badu (I’ve seen dates of 2/17 floating around but since I’m her close personal friend on Twitter, I seriously think she would have let me know. However, I do feel confident that we will get New Amerykah Pt 2 after the bambino drops. And hopefully another tour!)
  • Eric Roberson (I hear that he has fifty tracks already completed. Let’s get with the getting!)
  • D’Angelo (I will want to shut this whole shit down if we don’t get this album by year’s end) o_O Glad I was smart enough to say I would want to shut it down because I hear we’re not going to see the album until 2010.
  • Deborah Bond
  • Yazarah (After the Prelude she gave us, I need for her to hurry up this way again)

I won’t likely purchase these three but I will give them a listen.

  • Dr. Dre, Detox
  • Jay Z, Blueprint 3
  • Eminem, Relapse

I was scrolling through my iPod today and came up with a wish list for the artists that I hope, wish and pray are preparing to step back in front of the mic. Some of the people on this list I could have put on a separate “where are they now” post. If you’ve heard anything about when any of them will get back in the studio, please let me know in the comments.

  • Amel Larrieux (The standards album was cool and all but I’m going to need something else from her) Update: She’s been releasing a track a month, available for download on Amazon and iTunes.
  • Amerie (I got my hands on the unreleased album. Let’s see if it ever sees the light of day) Now that she’s on Def Jam, her fate, or better yet, the fate of a palatable album lies in the hands of the music gods.
  • Angela Johnson (“Presenting” others is cool but I want the next album to be all Angela)
  • Anthony David (I need NEW music from you, Acey Ducey)
  • Brand New Heavies (I know we got something in 2007 but I’m greedy!)
  • Brown Baby Girl
  • Corrine Bailey Rae
  • D’Nell
  • Darien Brockington (I hope he stops traipsing around with Little Brother and gets his own album done!)
  • Faith (The way to feed your family is with that voice. Quit the foolishness and pick the mic up!)
  • Fertile Ground
  • Georgia Ann Muldrow
  • Goapele
  • Jaguar Wright
  • Javier
  • Jazzyfatnastees (I got my hands on some unreleased music that I assume was from their third album, The World Is Coming. Good stuff. Needs to be heard.)
  • Joy Denalane (She was great on the Dresden Soul Symphony album. Let’s get on that solo material!)
  • Keite Young
  • Lizz Fields
  • Liv Warfield
  • Marie Tweek
  • Omar
  • Peven Everett
  • Ra-Re Valverde
  • Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
  • The Rebirth
  • Stephanie McKay
  • Teedra Moses (Will Young Lioness ever see the light of day?)
  • Van Hunt (after Popular was shelved, will a new album ever see the light of day?)

If you’re not familiar with any of these artists, consider this my ringing endorsement to get acquainted with their earlier projects until we get new music.

Share what albums you’re most looking forward to this year. Who needs to get their hindparts back in the studio ASAP?

I’ll be keeping this list updated so check back.

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Top Ten Live Performances I’ve Attended In 2008

18 Thursday Dec 2008

Posted by in Best Of Lists

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It seems you all have enjoyed the first of my best of lists for 2008. We started out with the best songs and albums that you probably never heard to give you a break from some of these best of lists that are starting to look a bit like carbon copies of each other. This is definitely not a bad thing. Just proves that were a few albums that were indeed the creme de la creme – essential for any true music fan to have in their collections. I’ll be adding my two cents to that discussion very shortly.

Before we get there, since I am also a very amateur videographer and live for my  concert-going adventures,  I have to throw those into the countdown fray as well. By year’s end, I will have attended exactly thirty live performances by some of the best artists in the industry today. I’ve also supported up and coming underrated artists who are trying to make a name for themselves. For those just joining us, you can find video from all of these shows and more on my You Tube channel which has grown leaps and bounds this year.

In 2007,  I shared my top five shows. I look back at that post and smile because back then, I was averaging about one show a month. My how we’ve grown! So this year, there was absolutely no way I could limit it to five.

Reminisce with me for a minute.

(in no particular order)

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Maxwell, Landmark Theatre in Richmond, VA  11/08

My my my my.

Maxie, don’t do me dirty now. You turned on the oven now you better be cooking something over there! I look forward to round two in 2009. In which time I should also have an album that I can cradle close to my bosom and play until my ears bleed.

Read my review of the Maxwell show and watch live video I captured of the performance. The review and videos ended up on several Maxwell fan forums and websites including The Latest Maxwell News, all Maxwell, all the time. Such serious stanneration  dedication. Gotta love it!

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Jill Scott, The Roots, Chuck Brown and Estelle, Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia , MD 8/08

Even if I wanted to forget about this summer superfest, Jill fans won’t let me. I get several comments a week on the videos I captured from this show. This was my second time seeing Jill in 2008. The first was at home in Philly and that show was then aired in a television special. Raheem Devaughn and Musiq were on that bill. I was iffy about going again since I had plunked down a nice piece of change and traveled a couple of hours at that. I had also seen The Roots several times this summer already. I am so very glad I went ahead and spent my grocery money on a ticket to this show. Those PB&J sammiches I had to eat for the rest of the month were SO worth it.

Read my brief review of the Jill Scott, Estelle, The Roots and Chuck Brown show  and watch live video of the performances on my You Tube channel.

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Foreign Exchange, Black Cat in Washington, DC 11/08

You already know. Phontigallo (the man of the year) in his good clothes getting his serious croon on. Yazarah styling on everybody in the baddest solid gold dress I’ve ever seen. Her and Muhsinah (the woman of the year) flowing so melodically over Nicolay’s  (the producer of the year, RECOGNIZE) beats. There’s nothing better than youuuuuuuu indeed.

Read my review of the Foreign Exchange concert and watch live video of the performance.

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Rock The Bells, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD  7/08

I think I may still be high from this show – literally and figuratively. Rock the Bells was probably one of the best shows of this magnitude and with this caliber of line up that I’ve ever been to. As I rode home that night (and almost crashed my car cause I had a contact high), I put on the CD sampler because I just couldn’t get enough. Me and h.e.r got a thang going on and I can’t wait to get some more in 2009.

Read my Rock the Bells concert review and view live videos of the performances.

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Legends of Hip Hop, Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore MD, 8/2008

Although I had a few critiques about this show, it made the list because of the lineup. Strictly for the thirty and over crowd. Just as I like it. It’s not often that you’ll see Mc Lyte, Chubb Rock (!!!), Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E Fresh, Rob Base, and Kool Moe Dee (!!!) on one stage. On a warm summer night by the water, I was throwing my hands up in the air and waving them like I just didn’t care. Real hip hop was definitely in the building.

Read my review of the Legends of Hip Hop Concert and watch the videos of the live performances.

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Raphael Saadiq, Black Cat in Washington DC, 9/08

This was the show where I probably should have just gone up on stage took the mic and sang because apparently I felt I knew Raphael’ssongs better than he did. At times, I’m all you hear on the videos! Not a good look but definitely a testament to my long standing love for him as part of the Tonys and as a solo artist. He has provided the blueprint for how the Motown sound should be done and his stage show was the perfect compliment.

Read my review of the Raphael Saadiq concert and watch live video of his performance.

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Amp Fiddler, Tortured Soul and Fertile Ground, 930 Club, Washington DC, 2/08

See that look on Christian of Tortured Soul’s face? It’s because of all that funk he created up in the 930 club back on that cold February night. I’ve seen many performances there but never have I seen the place turn into an all out party. I had to check to see if I was at a club. (I wasn’t or there wouldn’t have been any dancing. It’s DC). I left that show seriously considering following the tour bus up the road to NYC for their next gig. Turned out!

Read a very brief review of the Tortured Soul, Amp Fidder and Fertile Ground show and view my video of the performances on my You Tube channel.

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Q-Tip, 930 Club in Washington DC, 11/08

In which Vivrant Thang is still swooning over the fact that she met her muse and got to preview the hotness that is Renaissance. After seeing him with ATCQ this summer at Rock The Bells,  I couldn’t wait for him to get back to the area to give it to us live as only a true emcee can. I almost didn’t make it to this show and I would have hated myself the morning after if I hadn’t. There is nothing like the live versions of these songs.

Read about Vivrant Thang getting up with Q-Tip and watch live video of the performance.

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THE FIRST Annual Roots Picnic and Pre-Picnic Jam Session in Philly, 6/08

I was at the first annual Roots Picnic and I got the t-shirt to prove it. Heh. I think I am still scarred by how brutally hot it was out there that day. However, I hung in there because the energy and the performances were nothing short of amazing in spite of the heat. I’ll never forget how cool Binky Griptite of The Dap Kings looked out there in a suit. I don’t think I saw a bead of sweat roll down his face. I am so glad that The Roots will continue to put this on despite “retiring” from touring. I know that I will get a eclectic group of artists and make some new discoveries (like Santogold and Esperanza Spalding who both ended up on my best of 2008 lists).

Read my review of The Roots Picnic and watch live video of the performances.

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Can A Sista Rock A Mic?, Washington DC, 10/08

Look at that bad mamajama right there!

Yazarah performed on the third night of this multi-day festival showcasing the best in underrated female soul and hip hop artists. It was out of this year’s festival that my underrated female soul singers spotlights were born. I’ve profiled some of the performers including Jean Baylor, Tamara Wellons, and Liv Warfield. Stay tuned for more. I look forward to the talent this festival will bring to the area next year.

As you can see, it’s been a damn good year musically. Remember you can view live video from each of these performances over on the You Tube channel. Subscribe. There’s much more to come.

Have you been to any great shows this years? Share with me in the comments.

Top Ten Songs of 2008 You’ve Probably Never Heard

15 Monday Dec 2008

Posted by in Best Of Lists

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It’s that time of the year! Everybody and their play cousin is counting down the best of 2008 – including yours truly. Last year, I counted down my Top 10 songs and concerts of the year. Those are still coming your way so stay tuned.

However, since this site’s mission is to shine the spotlight on underrated artists that you’ll likely never hear on your local fm radio station I decided to kick things off with a list of songs I’ve been grooving to throughout the year that you may have never heard before.

You’ll notice that on this particular list, the ladies are running this mutha. A lot of the  male artists I recently discovered didn’t release new music this year. Or I was on the late bandwagon and don’t have their music in constant rotation (looking at you Kameron Corvet, Darien, Heston, Cornielle, and Colby Odonis – to name a few).

Here is my hard-wrought, hard-fought Top 10 in no particular order. Get into these artists.

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1. Eric Lau f/ Serena, “Time Will Tell”

I believe it was my good friend Soul UK who introduced me to London-based producer Eric Lau. I have mentioned by love for producers like J Dilla, Nicolay and 9th Wonder before so  I was all too happy to take a listen to Eric Lau’s beats. It was love at first listen, especially since it led me to the discovery of female UK soul artists like Rahel, Taiwah and Serena Leah who appears on this track. This was one of the songs that stayed on repeat from Lau’s New Territories. Time will tell indeed what’s in store for this producer and the artists whose voices flow so effortlessly over these head nodding beats.

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2. Santogold, “You’ll Find A Way”

Actually, Santogold is probably no stranger to most of you. You’ve likely heard her music, maybe just not this song if you didn’t buy her album or see her in concert. I was fairly unfamiliar with Santi until I saw her perform at the Roots Pre-Picnic Jam session back in June. It’s definitely a departure from the type of music I typically like but there’s something about this song. It energizes me, makes me want to rock out. No, I really do start headbanging every time I listen to it.

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3. Zaki Ibrahim, “Connected”

I discovered this Toronto-based artist by accident while digging through the crates for something else. Sometimes the best things happen accidentally. It was hard to pick my favorite off of this EP but this particular song about feeling so connected to her man that she wants to breathe him in so she can see what he’s made of really got under my skin. It made me want to be bunned up posthaste. Very Sade-esque.

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4. Tortured Soul, “Home To You”

Months later, I am still reminiscing about my first Tortured Soul Experience. As much as I consider myself to be a soulful house fan, I am very ‘shamed to say I wasn’t up on them before the show. Let’s just say after seeing them live just once, they have a fan for life. After seeing the live performance of  Home To You , from their EP, In Transit, it stayed in constant rotation. A second full-length effort cannot come quick enough.

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5. Sy Smith, Fly Away With Me

After seeing DC native Sy Smith perform live for the first time earlier this year (notice a trend here?), and being thorough entertained and impressed by her stage show, I was checking hard for her albums. I started out with her latest, Conflict. Don’t tell anyone but Viv made a playlist for a “friend” earlier this year and this track was on it. “Lose yourself in my love without trying.” Sy said it better than I could ever say it – and sounded MUCH better than I would have!

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6. Brittany Bosco, “8 Trak”

Yet another discovery I owe to Soul UK. I am looking forward to what 2009 has in store for Brittanybecause if this EP was any indication, the future is indeed bright. The title of this track was what intrigued me at first. From the moment, I pressed play, I fell in love with the old soul feel to it, which is of course very apropos. I picture her opening for Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings or Raphael Saadiq with a song like this. And of course Viv loves the sentiment 😉

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7. Taiwah, “Watch Out”

You already know how I feel about Taiwah. If you didn’t listen to me the first time, I’m really going to need you to get on that. This is the first song on the EP and the opening chords drew me in immediately. Hauntingly beautiful. And I have so been here. This song takes me back there but it isn’t an entirely unpleasant visit.

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8. Esperanza Spalding “I Know You Know”

I admit to being late to the party once again in discovering this jazz phenom. But that’s why I make it my business to attend as many live shows as I can. Once I saw her at the Roots Picnic that miserably hot June day singing and handling that bass like it wasn’t twice her size, I knew I had to learn more. I don’t talk much about my love for jazz here but Esperanza’s album makes me want to make that a priority in 2009. Although she didn’t perform this song at the picnic, it was one I kept coming back to.  I know you know that you should put her on your playlist whether you’re a jazz lover or not. It’s simply good music.

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9. Angela Johnson f/Julie Dexter “How Sweet Life Is”

I put this song on when I need to be reminded that regardless of what I’m going through, how sweet life is. I’m alive and have all my limbs and mental faculties (most days). Julie Dexter’s melodic voice immediately pulls me into a serious groove. I start to rocking and want to jump up and testify! If I could actually carry a tune, I would want to sing this in church. How grateful indeed. I am so glad that Angela Johnson “presented” us with this one. Take notes, you’ll see this album again.

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10. Hil St Soul, The Sweetest Days

I have been all about the UK Soul this year haven’t I? I have been a Hil fan since her debut album. I was so excited to see her perform at the Capital Jazz Festival last year. I was on pins and needles waiting for her latest release and she did not disappoint. She is on my short list of truly underrated female artists.  I can totally related to that yearning for “yester-me, yester-you, yesterday” as she sang, “In the words of Stevie, what happened to the world we knew?” This song also reminded me of how I felt the first time I heard Jilly from Philly’s “Do You Remember?”

Your turn, my dear readers. Let me know some of your favorite tracks of the year that you’re sure nobody but you has on constant rotation.

Music Makes Me Highhh!

23 Sunday Mar 2008

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

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by vivrant thang on let’s rock

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Just a quick post to talk about my musically delicious weekend. Will be very brief because I’m recovering from the strip aerobics class I took on Saturday that had me using muscles I forgot I had. I literally feel like I’ve been thrown down a flight of stairs. Ahhh, feels good.

Friday night, I went to a party held at the Meat Market Gallery. I know. Got the side-eye from me too. More important than the promise of free food and open bar (sponsored by Hennessey), 9th Wonder was going to be on the wheels of steel. You should already know I was in there. He’s not local so when he’s in the area, I try not to miss him!

As usual, he didn’t disappoint. I was pop locking, doing the snake and whopping it out like I didn’t have a care in the world. It was the perfect way to end the week. However, as is typical in DC, I felt like I was one of the museum displays because the fake-bourgeois folk must have forgotten this was the music they grew up on. The most they could manage was the cool head nod. Yes, it was one of “those” parties.

Whateva.

I couldn’t stay still and I was glad I brought along a girlfriend who also knew what time it was. She says she hadn’t danced like that in a minute. I proudly handed her a membership card for the 9th Wonder Stan Association.

I spent a good part of the evening just looking up at him do his thing. He was up in this space above the party so I had a good view. The artistry of DJ’ing has always fascinated me…when he or she is in the zone and really feeling it. Totally different type of head nod.

Don’t know what I’m talking ’bout? Check out DJ YZO of Industry Soul’s ode to the ones who keep your body rocking…and make you forget that you’ve been waiting over an hour for the next act to take the stage (looking at you, Bilal)

I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out some of my favorite female DJs.

I’m crazy for you, Mr DJ. Keep Playin.

Saturday night was the Amp Fiddler, Fertile Ground and Tortured Soul show. I was anticipating this show because while I grew up on house music, being from North Jersey and all, I tend to get all caught up in soul music and forget my roots.

I’ll have a full review and videos coming up in the coming days weeks. This wasn’t a concert. It was an all-out party. I felt like I was back home. I still haven’t come down from the high.  While I thoroughly enjoyed Amp’s set,  Tortured Soul has a sista clearing space on her stan list…as if it isn’t jam packed already. I must see them whenever possible.

Here’s a preview. I couldn’t even get this posted without getting up for a dance break…sore and all.

Play that funky music white boys!

This kind of flava will have Vivrant Thang considering putting a little creme in her coffee.

JKriv, call me! Something about those bass players.

 *photo credit: forever12