A NEW DAY…..A NEW BEGINNING

Well, here it is folks…..the debut of THE KEVIN GOINS MUSIC JOURNAL, something I’ve been talking about for a few weeks. The goal of this blog is to draw attention to the music makers and shakers - past, present and future - with an emphasis on independent works. Why focus on the indies? Because most of the success in the recording industry, as far as contemporary music is concerned, has come from the indies. The list of folks is long, the record labels almost as extensive.

In addition to the artists and the labels, this journal will also serve as a place where issues dealing with the music industry can be discussed with candor. Also, and most importantly, I will bring to you, the reader and the listener, interviews and commentary from those in front of the microphone or guitar amp as well as behind the scenes folks who have brought excellence to this business of music.

Finally, look out for things to come from my archive of interviews and articles I have done over the many years as well as future discussions via the SOULFUL CONVERSATIONS series I launched in mid 2012.

I look forward to this new journey and hope you will enjoy it, too!


CARLTON J. SMITH - TRAIN SONG

Hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since I met the soulful force that is CARLTON J. SMITH. Singer, songwriter, actor, soul savant (to borrow a phrase from legendary record exec Jerry Wexler), Carlton has been doin’ his THANG almost as long as Gray’s Papaya in NYC has sold hot dogs (okay….a slight exaggeration….). For the past few years, he’s been playing the big and small rooms over in Shanghai, China as well as putting together some fine music for present and future release. Here’s a taste of what Carlton has been up to - a soulful twist on a Tom Waits tune that will be available soon for download. Check out the video for THE TRAIN SONG and click the link for more info regarding our dear Mr. Smith! (CARLTON'S WEBSITE)


ANTHONY DAVID - CAN’T LOOK DOWN

When’s the last time you’ve heard a song so catchy, the repeat button MUST be engaged! Well, my colleagues at PURPOSE MUSIC GROUP (George Littlejohn, Russell Johnson and Donald Cleveland - NYC and NJ's answer to Philly's Gamble, Huff and Bell!) has just the thing, courtesy of their Grammy-nominated artist, ANTHONY DAVID. His fourth album (now available), LOVE OUT LOUD, features this poppy slice of soul, CAN’T LOOK DOWN, and believe me I couldn’t give my CD player a rest from blasting this tune (yeah, yeah….I still play CD’s…and records….hell, even 8-tracks!!).

Anthony wiIl be sharing a bill with Dwele at B.B. King’s Nightclub in NYC’s Times Square on Monday, January 21^st so if you live in the area, get your tickets NOW ‘cause it’s gonna be sold out soon! (Opening act - Collette...more on her later!)
BB KING'S - DWELE, ANTHONY DAVID (opening act - COLLETTE)

In the meantime, enjoy the video and if you like it, click the link below and BUY IT!
ANTHONY DAVID - LOVE OUT LOUD


TEIRA DOOM and REAL SCHOOL PEOPLE



http://realschoolpeople.blogspot.com/

For many years, TEIRA DOOM has documented the histories of folks in the entertainment biz via her excellent blog series, REAL SCHOOL PEOPLE. No matter if the person or persons are well known, behind the scenes people or obscure, Teira has given the spotlight to those who have paved the way in the industry - people who have made their mark in their given fields with excellence and class. And Teira herself is no slouch, either - she’s composed music and produced jingles for the ad agencies, was a staffer for NBC-TV’s “The Midnight Special” and is an experienced tech wizard. Check out REAL SCHOOL PEOPLE and show Teira some love with your feedback


COLLETTE, CHOKLATE and DARIEN DEAN at DROM-NYC, DECEMBER 29, 2012

What a night for soul music here in the Big Apple! Three great indie acts with strong skills took to the stage on a light snowy Saturday night at DROM in NYC’s Alphabet City for the excellent SOUL FACTORY PRESENTS series - co-sponsored by Soul Factory, the Bloom Effect (hey, Fiona Bloom!),Rich Johnson, State Farm Insurance (“…like a good..” okay, I’ll stop singing!) and Purpose Music Group. The acts included COLLETTE, DARIEN DEAN and CHOKLATE (links contain music videos from their releases).

First up, COLLETTE wowed the audience with an upbeat set of songs from her album “Juneteenth Revolution”. Her brand of soul reflects what we need more of nowadays - music with melody that tells a story. (Link to buy album - COLLETTE - JUNETEENTH REVOLUTION)

DARIEN DEAN came on second with a solid set of smooth sounds that had the audience wanting more (and he gave more!). A suave singer with charm to boot, Damien was a winner from start to finish, performing tunes from his albums (click the link to buy his lateste release - DARIEN DEAN - IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK)

Finally, CHOKLATE closed out the show with a deep set of songs and a powerful performance. Choklate was a real trooper - doing her thang while under the weather and that did NOT keep her from bringing it to the stage, performing tunes from her albums such as her latest release, "Fly" (Click the link to buy - CHOKLATE "FLY")

My kudos to all involved with the Soul Factory Presents series - held the last Saturday of each month at Drom NYC. Click the link for more info and make your reservation for the next gig!
DROM NYC - SOUL FACTORY PRESENTS (Saturday.January 26th)


That’s all for now, gang! Stay tuned for more music news, interviews, the SOULFUL CONVERSATION series and other great things coming your way.

Feel free to drop an email or follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Kevin

kevingoins@juno.com
twitter - @kevingoins1