Hi-de-ho, hi-de-hi! Thanks for clicking the link for another edition of the KGMJ. Dang, is it February already??? The new year is going by pretty quick so far! Hope everyone is having a sweet 2013, so far. Let’s get down to biz….
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THE SUPER BOWL DIVA-DOME!
My old partner from a 1990s production company, Bill Vila, asked me for my perspective in regards to the performances that took place during this year’s big game - musical, that is. In particular, my take on ALICIA KEYS doing the Star Spangled Banner. Well, let’s start from the beginning….
JENNIFER HUDSON - I have to admit that Ms. Hudson and the kids from the Sandy Hook Elementary School took the prize for their fine rendition of “America, The Beautiful”. Nothing but pure emotion here in their performance, folks. Jennifer’s contralto was in control and the kids made this worth listening in a big way. If you didn’t feel anything during this segment, better check your pulse.
ALICIA KEYS - Looking mighty fine in that red dress, Ms. Keys took a page from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin (co-opted by ‘Ree‘s legendary producer, Jerry Wexler) - just sit at the piano and sing. Alicia took her time with “The Star Spangled Banner”, no rushing, no going for the loud, high notes that has rendered her voice to a gravel-pitch in prior concert performances. She knew that she had to come correct and did so. A fine job, Ms. Keys.
BEYONCE, KELLY AND MICHELLE - All jokes aside regarding the electric bill, Beyonce and company brought down the house with their knock-out presentation. Yes, the musicians were miming to tracks. Yes, Beyonce cut her background vocals prior to show time. Yes, it was a dazzling light show that would have made the folks at General Electric smile. But Ms. Knowles was smart - her lead vocals were live and in the house. She didn’t try to dance and sing simultaneously from start to finish - she did one or the other. Having Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams along for the ride was a smashing touch. It was a performance, indeed. Didn’t expect anything less.
All in all, a fine show. A damn good game (congrats to the Baltimore Ravens). Just one note - being that the Super Bowl was in New Orleans, it would have been great if the handlers had included at least a couple of nationally-known NOLA-based acts for the half-time show or to perform our country’s anthems (Uh, can we say Aaron Neville!!! The man does have a new album out!). Okay, maybe these folks aren’t that well known to many of the young ‘uns who watch the performances but really, gang…..Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, the Neville Brothers, Harry Connick Jr, Lenny Kravitz…need I say more!
Okay, there’s my rant….moving right along….
ABIAH
Singer/composer ABIAH has been receiving rave reviews for his new album, “LIFE AS A BALLAD”, released via Madoh Music and NIA Distribution. A native of my hometown, Rochester NY, Abiah made his debut years ago under the name Jeramiah with an album on Universal/Republic Records. Lack of promotion for that effort prompted him to go the independent route and all for the better. Since the release of his latest disc, Abiah has earned praise from the jazz and contemporary music circles. How to describe his music? A moody piano jazz-influenced set of ballads with his sweet tenor and keyboard work being the highlight. Abiah will be at the Blue Note here in NYC on Monday night, February 11th. Check out his latest tune, “SEPTEMBER” and look for a review of his Blue Note gig in a future edition of this blog.
MONET CHERISE
The Brooklyn-based MONET CHERISE has been doin’ her thing for quite some time and her gig at Drom’s Soul Factory Presents in November had the crowd on their toes. Combining dance, jazz, Latin and soul, Monet plays a multitude of instruments (flute and guitar, in particular) and her vocals are as sultry as they are playful. Her current album, “LIFE SIZE MIRROR” is available via her own company, Nyamekye Songs LLC, and the folks at Purpose Music. In addition, Ms. Cherise has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Adelphi University and has directing as well as producing credentials on her resume. Check out Monet’s SPIRIT.
A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH…..LILA POLITE
A media maven and entrepreneur based in Harlem, LILA POLITE is the publisher of Utley Branch Books, a sweet boutique house of fine publications. In the past, Ms. Polite has worked for broadcasting and sports entities as well as spent her time in the music biz trenches as a concert promoter and record executive. This SOULFUL CONVERSATION took place in late September of last year. I must admit that it was folks such as Lila and many others who motivated yours truly to expand into the blogging arena and this journalist is forever grateful. Click the link below for my interview with Lila....
https://soundcloud.com/#user140611011/lila-polite-soulful
A SOULFUL CONVERSATION WITH…..DONALD CLEVELAND
This brotha has been in the record biz so damn long, he should have taken over the major labels eons ago! But nooooo! DONALD CLEVELAND spent several years making sure that classic soul, R&B, dance and jazz albums make it onto CD and download thanks to his work with labels such as Universal Music Group, Razor & Tie Music, Funky Town Grooves and currently, the Purpose Music Vaults. This SOULFUL CONVERSATION covers not only his work in the industry but even advises the music lover as to what needs to be done in order for folks to see their favorite classics come back out of the vaults.
https://soundcloud.com/#kevingoinsproductionmedia/donald-cleveland-soulful
ELISA RANDAZZO
She’s the daughter of two songwriting legends, composer Teddy Randazzo and lyricist Victoria Pike. Based on the West Coast, ELISA RANDAZZO served as an executive for Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) for quite some time Two years ago, she recorded a great solo disc, “BRUISES AND BUTTERFLIES”, that showed off her prowess in the genre of folk-rock. But don’t call her music “retro-works”, Elisa brings a fresh, modern perspective to her compositions, creating something quite original. In addition, Elisa has her own clothing line based on the duster look of the old west. She took time off from music to raise her young daughter but will be heading back into the studio soon. Looking forward to hearing some great new stuff from Ms. Randazzo. In the meantime, check out “CIRCLES”….
THE BOLTS
Produced and managed by industry vet Guy Eckstine, THE BOLTS and their new album, “WAIT ‘TIL WE’RE YOUNG” is as crisp as a cold splash of water to a sleeping giant. Tight musicianship and solid harmonies grace their latest album. The Irvine, CA-based band consists of guitarist Heath Farmer, bassist Adam Farmer, keyboardist Austin Farmer, guitarist Ryan Kilpatrick, and drummer Matt Champagne The long-player will be available in 24-bit high resolution audio via iTunes this month (translation - it’s gonna sound SLAMMIN’ in digital!). Check out their video, "THE TRUTH"..
Yes, yes, yes!!!
ReplyDeleteSoulful Kevin.
Chazz Dixon
Thanks,Chazz! Look for a spotlight on your works in a future edition of the blog.
DeleteTell it, Kev. Tell it. FYI, Monday (02-04-13), I went to Michiko Studios on West 46th Street and rented a studio (with, of course, a Yamaha grand piano) and for the hour, attempted to place the proper voicings to my singing the Anthem in the key of C. Kev, you KNOW I've been playing for a while, but to be able to play on the piano AND SING the Anthem is truly a test of a musician. I found it easy to do after about an 1/2 hour, but what it doesn't take into account the fact that (a) I was in a studio by myself - Alicia was in the middle of a stadium with millions looking on, including Beyoncé; and (b) Alicia sang and played by herself (- a testiment to her musicians chops - and not just playing tonic chords, but dissonant leading to concordant chords), and had the presence of mind to hit them while singing?!! PULEEZE!! She was SPOT-ON. There's no comparison to what Jennifer Hudson (big props to her) and Beyoncé did. Alicia has set the bar on rendering the National Anthem and I can't wait to do it myself.
DeleteMy sentiments exactly, Bill. Alicia in particular did what very few artists who accompany themselves on an instrument can do. And she did it very well.
DeleteYou're always on the one, Kevin, and this edition is no exception. You've always got such tasty bits of relevant soul music news and history---that should all be written in a book and treasured forever! You top it off by staying current, right there on the cutting edge! I may not always agree with your critiques (hated the anthem), but I definitely can't argue with your wealth of knowledge and connectedness -- and your memory -- like a sieve! : )
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yogi, for the kind words. Keep in mind that while soul music is indeed a passion of mine, I also dig rock, pop, soul, jazz and other genres. Gotta keep it real and current.
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