I’M BACK!!!!

Hey Folks! I know it’s been a mighty long time (shoo-bop-shoo-bop, my baby…sorry, couldn’t resist!) since my very last entry here on the KGMJ. Hell, it’s been practically a YEAR when I made my last posting.  A lot has been going on thanks to my venture into the wonderful world of music management and consulting.  Been working with a few great independent artists on the scene who are making some SERIOUS music and getting their tunes to the masses.  You’ll get to meet them as the KGMJ rolls on a monthly basis.  I do plan on setting up direct email to those who’d like to get updates on a weekly basis. So, if you’re interested, drop me a line at kevingoins@juno.com and you’ll receive them.  Let’s get on with KGMJ, starting on a somber note.

FAREWELL, BOB ABRAHAMIAN

A comrade-in-arms within the world of music research. During his 35 years with us, Bob Abrahamian's work is massive. A young man who dove into record collecting in his native Chicago thanks to hearing classics being sampled, Bob took this passion quantum leaps further. He not only collected literally thousands of recordings, Bob became a researcher in the area of Chicago soul music. Via his weekly WHPK-FM radio series, "Sitting In The Park" (yes, named after the Billy Stewart hit from 1965), Bob featured the artists and their music. 

Bob expanded his collection to publicity photos, concert posters and radio station charts. Most importantly - he cast light to Chicago soul artists who may not have had hits outside the Windy City but had a tremendous impact within their own backyard. Thanks to his archiving, Bob became one of many go-to folks when record companies such as the Numero Group needed an old picture still from a Regal Theater show or recording session notes.

Bob became a friend to several of us music collectors, including yours truly. When he and I communicated via the Soulful Detroit Forum site, Bob shared a ton of information that helped me within my work as a liner note writer and reissue consultant. His radio series was one of many things that inspired me to launch SOULFUL CONVERSATIONS in 2012 and for that, I appreciate Bob's support.

But here's the point of this post and forgive me if it reads like I'm rambling. Bob's cause of death last Thursday (June 5th) was suicide, prompted by years of depression. In a note he left behind, Bob said that he felt as if his life's work didn't matter.

Like hell it didn't.

Tell that to the many older artists whom he helped over the years, those who felt as if the public had forgotten all about them. Bob did more than document their life's work - he assisted them in many other ways possible. Teaching computer skills, running errands on their behalf, spending time listening to their stories. But more importantly - Bob helped document their HISTORIES so that the public will remember and never forget.

I will miss his FB postings and the knowledge he shared over the years. All I can say to conclude is to please let those in your lives know that they are appreciated, respected and loved. And don't wait to tell them, do it TODAY.

Thank you. Bob, for being there for this fellow musicologist and friend. You and your work WILL be remembered.

For more on Bob, here's his obituary from the Chicago Sun-Times with a link at the bottom to the last segment of "Sitting In The Park".

Chicago Sun Times Obit for Bob Abrahamsian

THE RAJDULARI EXPERIENCE!!

A lot has been happening with this powerhouse curvy girl since she was last featured here on the KGMJ! Three sold out shows here in NYC, a successful tour of the UK and France (with another European jaunt planned for late June of this year), the release of her sophomore album, “JOURNEY OF A WOMAN" (pictured above) earlier this year. But rather than go on and on, let’s go to her last press release...

- "JOURNEY OF A WOMAN"  entered BILLBOARD’S TOP 200 R&B ALBUM CHART at #95 and the Top 200 R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUM listings at #153

- Topped the UK’S STARPOINT RADIO SOUL CHART for THREE CONSECUTIVE WEEKS (March 6th-20th)

- THREE AND A HALF STARS OUT OF FOUR in DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE (May 2014)

- FIVE STARS in HARLEM TRENDS MAGAZINE

- RECOMMENDED by SOULTRACKS.COM (February 2014)

Here’s what folks have said about “JOURNEY OF A WOMAN”…..

“’Journey Of A Woman’ has an uplifting tone that should bring new life to the neo-soul movement” - Downbeat Magazine

“Rajdulari takes the listener on a melodic ride…filled with expressive and welcomed twists and turns. ‘Journey Of A Woman’ is one blessing worth listening to.” - Soul Train.com

“Rajdulari’s ‘Journey Of A Woman’ commands the listener’s attention (with) musicality and confidence.” - Urban Music Scene

“JOURNEY OF A WOMAN” is featured on Bob Baldwin’s syndicated radio series, NEW URBAN JAZZ LOUNGE. Album in rotation at WVSU-FM (Birmingham, AL) as well as the UK’s STARPOINT RADIO and JAZZ FM. 

Video for the single, “NATURAL”, now has over 10,000 views.

What more can be said?? Oh yeah, BUY HER LATEST ALBUM!!! Available via her website - http://rajdulari.com/ - as well as Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes and fine retailers such as the following….

SOUND OF MARKET (Philadelphia)

MOODS MUSIC (Atlanta)

CHARLEMAGNE MUSIC AND VIDEO (Birmingham)

HYDE PARK RECORDS (Chicago)

DUSTY GROOVE USA (Chicago)

STREET CORNER MUSIC (Oak Park, MI)

DEARBORN MUSIC (Dearborn, MI)

GREEN LIGHT MUSIC AND VIDEO (Kalamazoo, MI)

As mentioned before, Rajdulari will be performing in Paris and London in June and July!  Watch out for her, Europe!! She can't wait to share her journey with you again!!

Here's a behind the scenes peek at a studio session for JOURNEY OF A WOMAN....

IN CLOSING……

Thanks so much for checking out the latest KGMJ and look out for more to come in 2014!! If you like what you see and hear, feel free to share this with a friend or colleague.  Take care and be well!

Kevin