BILAL - “A LOVE SURREAL”
The Purpose Music gang has another winner on their hands and a well-deserved one at that. “A LOVE SURREAL” is the fourth release from BILAL and so far the reaction has been very positive. Pre-orders and great reviews helped Bilal’s latest album sell over four-thousand copies within the first week of sales (according to Billboard magazine) and rank high among the most downloads on iTunes. A colleague of Common, the Roots and Grammy winner Robert Glasper (who played keyboards on two tracks), this latest effort from Bilal is a much softer and more acoustic approach to his brand of lyrical R&B and soul. Check out the video for “Back To Love” and buy the album (click the link http://www.amazon.com/A-Love-Surreal-Bilal/dp/B00AXM48WG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362962998&sr=8-1&keywords=bilal+a+love+surreal )
MARC McBARRON KESSLER
Went to see Marc McBarron Kessler at Don’t Tell Mama’s here in NYC last month (thank you, Theresa Poukamissas for bringing me along!) where he presented his two-man show with singer J. Michael Reeds, “Notes From The Playground”. Marc’s works are indeed promising and with enough perseverance, he could someday be in the same league as the great composers of the Broadway stage (think of the two Stephens - Sondheim and Schwartz, to be exact). The stories Marc writes about are unapologetically autobiographical and poignant. His new show, “The Naked Arcade”, (with J, Michael Reed, Go Mahan and Francesca McAaron) will be at the Underground Lounge in NYC on Saturday, March 16th (show time - 10pm, click the link for details - http://www.theundergroundnyc.com/events/nextweek). Enjoy this clip from “Notes” where Marc sings, “You’re A Star”.
MARC McBARRON KESSLER "YOU'RE A STAR" VIDEO
SHARON RAE NORTH
Thanks to music manager Tonya Hawley for tipping me off to this Virginia-based chanteuse. From standards to smooth jazz, Ms. North has built up her rep during the past many years in her home state and the southern region of the USA. Sharon’s work has brought her to the attention of Hollywood, when she performed at the wrap party for the filming of “Lincoln”. Her second album on the 32 Bar label, “Gee Baby” was released last year to positive raves. For readers in the Richmond area, Sharon will be gigging at the Wine Loft (Glen Allen, VA) on Thursday, March 21st from 8pm to 10pm (click the link for more info - http://sharonraenorth.com/catch_me_here/ ). Here she is from a TV appearance performing the title of her debut disc, “The Way You Make Me Feel.”
THE J. DAVIS TRIO
For almost 15 years, the J. Davis Trio has built a strong following thanks to their perfect blend of hip-hop, jazz and cool rap. The “J” is Julio Davis, whose father was the legendary Chicago soul music producer/executive/label owner, the late Carl Davis (trivia buffs - Mr. Davis named one of his publishing firms after his sons Julio and Brian). Within seconds of listening to their tracks, I was pleasantly reminded of how the three elements I mentioned work so well together. The J. Davis Trio is definitely in the same league as the Roots, A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. Julio plays multiple instruments such as the vibes whereas the remainder of the group (Dave Smith, Sam Sharp, Chris Greene and Dave Winer) round out with acoustic bass, drums and horns. The group’s fourth album is now available and they will be in Brooklyn at Freddy’s Bar (the Back Room) on Friday, March 22nd at 11pm (click the link for details http://freddysbar.com/events/1094/the-j-davis-trio-11pm/). Meanwhile, enjoy this nickel bag of hip-hop jazz, "The Answer".
MIKE MacARTHUR
When I first met saxophonist and hometown pal “Big” Mike MacArthur, he was a young lion fresh from college in Florida and ready to tackle his grad studies at Columbia University’s Manhattan School of Music. It was a honor to have him work with me and my partners at M.O.F.U. Productions (he served in our pit orchestra for cabaret shows at NYC’s Duplex). A veteran of Maynard Ferguson’s orchestra, Mike went back to Florida and has recorded works both as a leader and a sideman. His latest album, “Feels Like Home”, finds him front and center with a group of heavy hitters that include Rick Braun (horns) as well as keyboardist Jeff Lorber. The long-player pops with energetic solos and precision performances. Click the link to buy the record ( http://www.amazon.com/Feels-Like-Home-Mike-MacArthur/dp/B00B35PB2S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362963798&sr=8-1&keywords=mike+macarthur) and check out this clip of Mike at the NAMM convention from last year.
A FINAL NOTE…
As many of you know, my passion for music has been in my being since I can remember. While I do have my preferences, as you may have probably figured out, I listen to as well as acknowledge many genres - from soul, jazz and rock to stage tunes, country, folk and classical. That is one of the goals for writing this blog - to bring attention to these forms of music and those who create fine works on an independent level. Yes, there are folks at the major labels who make great music but the big companies have the financial resources to promote their music. The independent acts and businesses have to be more creative to gain support - from social media to continuous gigs and good ol’ word of mouth. That’s why I do what I do here on the blog - help get the good word out for the independent folks. As long as I am here on this earth, I will continue to bring forth these great talents and their music. And I do thank you very much for the support of this blog and the music makers you read about on your PC, laptop, tablet, android, iPad, etc.
Take care and tune in for the next blog entry coming your way at the end of March!
Best regards,
Kevin
PS - Any and all inquiries regarding acts, gigs, music and info are greatly appreciated! Send me an email, kevingoins@juno.com , find me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter (kevingoins1). Thanks!
No comments:
Post a Comment