Taking it back

I mentioned in my previous blog that my mother and I were going to see The Whispers and The O'Jays in concert this evening. I'm on such a high that I don't think I'm going to step down from anytime soon. I always pay attention to two things, in addition to the featured act - the audience and the accompanying band. Both, the band for The Whispers and The O'Jays were off the hook. But The O'Jays had about ten dudes in the horn section alone, kid you not. And the venue that we were at had not one bad seat in the house and the stage rotated in the round -- I was in heaven!

I have to say, age has been exceptionally kind to all of those brothers. The Whispers rocked in and then rocked on out -- touching on just about every major hit that I could recall. Scotty talked about the Christmas dvd that they'd just worked on, which was on sale in the lobby. Naturally, by the time I got out there -- they where all out. So he mentioned (http://www.thewhispers.com/) and I guess I'll have to check out the site to see what other goodies I can add to my library. They sang this newer song, "Butta" and it was a 'grown-folks' song, so you know what it was really all about. That's when the first red flag went up about our love songs today and what they lack. The passion, the intimacy, the illusion and mystery are all gone for the most part. I give these dudes a load of credit because they danced, sang, talked, cracked jokes and didn't pass out. I loved it and really enjoyed seeing them. When they sang a bit of "This Christmas" -- I had a Donny Hathaway moment. I have to do some serious research to find out how many people have legitimately recorded that song and then must put as many versions as I can find on a disc.

But I was there for The O'Jays and won't bs anyone who asks. They came out singing, "Give The People What They Want" and sang some songs that I'd forgotten they'd even recorded. I enjoyed watching my mother leap from her seat to dance along with them as they sang something that moved her in such a way, but at some point my thoughts went to my father. We used to have 'red light' parties in my livingroom when I was growing up in the Bronx. I'd peek in to see what the adults were doing. My father was king of "The Bump" (remember that dance?) and would bump my little boney hips until they were sore -- going down the Soul Train Line. Songs like Backstabbers, Money Money Money, Used To Be My Girl and so many more of the O'Jays hits, including Stairway To Heaven bring a flood of memories flashing back of good times, troubled times and family moments we shared.

You could have covered your eyes and not imagined that neither The Whispers or The O'Jays have been in the music making business for more than 40 years. They entertained and delighted the audience, were on-point with their vocals and showmanship. Tonight was a perfect evening.

Gratitude

I promised myself that when I put this blog spot together that music would be my mainstay but not my all. It's the morning after Thanksgiving 2008 and I think I may have slept for about four hours -- half an hour longer than usual. So much on my mind -- so very much. Thanksgiving is a time when someone like me who prefers to avoid the telephone, can send a wad of text messages to friends and family to wish them the best. I received a phone call that shocked me beyond belief -- a call from an old friend whose music I loved and friendship I cherished. You know how life distances you from people you care about unexpectedly? Well the circumstances that reconnected us were unfortunate, but I was grateful to speak with him again and I will keep in contact this time around!

[I find it surprising that the family upstairs slept later than usual and their three small children aren't running marathons over my head (just yet).]

It's bright and early and if I were a shopper, I would be out in the madness going on at the local mall. But, I'm an oddity to women -- so I've been told. I hate shopping. I cringe when I think of going to department stores. I run in and run the hell on back out. Target used to be one of my favorite spots because it was an in-house dream...clothes, food and MUSIC. Now their prices are so beyond belief and the pickings are slimmer than slim. So, I'm shopping more online than ever before.

Hanging with my family is always an experience. I watched my mother huff and puff, while exclaiming that she was thoroughly exhausted but absolutely refusing to turn the reins over to anyone else. My sister is a comedian without a title. She's what you'd call "nice/nasty" -- she's got this outter packaging that she tries her best to make appear as though she's shatterproof, but she's cookie dough. Mushy and sweet! And my niece is a piece of work. I'll leave it at that!

I'm so blessed to have my family to turn to. We've all suffered through some serious health challenges this year, but we're still holding on. God kept us.

My son decided late in the day to hang out with his other relatives on the paternal side of his bloodline. I felt some sort of way but didn't want to hold him back or drop the guilt-trip on his shoulders. I was more concerned than usual because the terror threat in NY is up for all forms of mass transit. We are living in a wicked time, if you didn't know. So he trekked up to the North Bronx and then down to Harlem and who knows where he ended up with his father.

With my son being gone, I had some time to really feel 'all alone in this big space and not much to do with myself' in a great way. An overtly blatant reminder that he will be going off to college in a couple of months (if he stops procrastinating) and then it will be just me. I've got to start establishing firmer ties in my community so that I'll have even more to occupy my time. I need something to prevent me from going stir crazy.

I'm excited about tonight because I've treated myself and my mom to The Whispers and O'Jays concert. I can't say that I remember being in a situation to do something like this in quite some time. I also have not seen Eddie Levert live since the passing of Gerald and Sean. I hope he doesn't bring me to tears but I am so looking forward to rocking out with them tonight.

The Rugrats upstairs are awake -- guess I'll pop my earphones in close my eyes for a while.

Peace, blessings and cherish your family while you can!

The O'Jays: Flashback

The Whispers - Walter & Scottie (The Mustache Men)

Still thankful..but sleep deprived - on the musical haunt

Thankful for life and the love of family & friends -- sending thankful love to you all!

My Soul Ascension

Inspiration to revitalize often comes from unexpected sources. There has been too much music floating through my personal airwaves for me to pass on exposing others to. Here I am digging deep and wanting to share more of my inner soulful collection. This volume brings to you a little old, a lot new:

Midnite - D-Influence
Mt. Airy Groove - Pieces Of A Dream
I Reminisce - Ayah
If It Wasn't For You - Day 26
Candlelight - Jody Watley
Your Eyes - Lamone
That Was Then - Lalah Hathaway
Take Me Home - Sara Devine
Open Book - Dain Harris
Pull Up To The Bumper - Grace Jones
Freak Like Me - Adina Howard
Best Friend - V
Fly - Lina
Ascension - Maxwell
Rise - Martin Luther
Rising Up (Instrumental) - The Roots

Enjoy!

Here's the download link
My Soul Ascencion

Hits & Misses: New Spotlight Series featuring V

Some time ago I heard a lot of fuss about an artist named V and had finally taken a chance to check him out for myself. Most people know that my taste in music differs from the masses and that I'm a hard sell. So in my mind I had already put off checking him out and had little hope of being the least bit interested in his sound; besides I was anxiously awaiting the release of Rahsaan Patterson's Wines & Spirits (smile). We are living in a time where the filtered music that is played in the mainstream channels generally has no distinct sound. Every artist sounds the same and leaves you feeling unenthusiastic. So although I was getting heads-up about V from people who I turst, their ears are not mine and our taste in music has often clashed.

I believe in giving credit where it's due and I must thank 4 Da Soul for the sale that led to them liquidating their stock of good music. I placed my order one day and waited intently for the arrival of the hype music. Finally, the cd arrived and I smiled at the title, The Revelation Is Now Televised, as well as at the photo of V lounging in what seemed to be a pensive state of mind on the cover. I had a feeling that I was about to be impressed by this guy whose snippets of music I'd heard during an interview on HoneySoul.com. Once I popped the cd in, there was no doubt that I had slept on a musical gem so sweet that even Rahsaan would have to take a back seat for a minute.

The Revelation Is Now Televised was released in 2006 but it wasn't until sometime in 2007 that this treasured piece of musical property was claimed by me and has yet to leave my sight. I travel with V in my truck, he accompanies me while I am at work and when I happen to travel by train his music lives in my iRiver. This album opens with V's soulful singing eminating from so deep within that you envision the journey he's taken to arrive at this point. If I were asked to do a comparison of V's sound to an artist with a bit more familiarity, I would have to name none other than the legendary Marvin Gaye. His voice compliments the music on each song, with lyrics and melodies so sincere that it leaves little doubt that V is personally caressing your ears with his sensual vocals.

V is no stranger to the soul stage and his credits are impressive. He can always be found singing along with Jill Scott and has worked with such notables as Jazzy Jeff, Musiq (Soulchild) and Justin Timberlake, to name only a few. Check out his MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/vsign) for video clips of a few performances with Lady Jill and information about how you, too can own a copy of The Revelation Is Now Televised.

In a short span of time, I have become a champion for V's music and was elated to speak with him a few days ago to my utter delight. He assured me that he is in the studio now working on the next masterpiece and the release date is slated for early 2009. With all honesty, I am a little disappointed that more people aren't standing up to raise the flag for this brother's music. I have not heard of him being nominated for any independent soul music awards or seen more features and interviews about this talented gentleman, but I truly believe that all of that will be a thing of the past.

This is a bonafide slept-on hit!

Check out this video: V does Marvin!

Unleashed!

What better way to kick off my blog (a blog I've been dragging my feet in the mud -- deeply -- for well over a year) than to share my latest blog post from Myspace. This is a post filled with thoughts, emotions and ultimately joy at the end of the day -- so get ready! This is the start of something wonderful!

Don't know what to say or where to begin, but so much on my mind.

A night in Bridgeport, Connecticut turned into a night of insightful reflections and welcome suggestions. ONUTSS has really taken me to places I'd never imagined and put me in situations and conversations that I'd only dreamed of.

It's funny how your view can change in a matter of hours -- I was seriously going to tell Pam to do this thing solo cause I'm not good with rejection. I'd rather quit at the top of the heap than to let the heap make me quit after I suffocate.

Make sense?

Prob not -- *shrugs shoulders* -- makes sense to me!

Lamone is so sweet -- not that sweet -- but just really personable and warm. Sings from the stage and makes eye contact with you as though he's really singing those words to you. And damn, can he sing! (If you DO NOT have a copy of "Eclectically Speaking" -- take a trip over to ONUTSS' page and click on Lamone's link -- get it! Get it! Get it!)

Gordon Chambers -- man! He made me step out of character -- you should've been there to see it go down! Aww nah -- not like that, I actually stepped on stage (yep, Jeff -- Troy -- ya'll should have seen me -- and I did it TWICE) and asked him to do his medley of award winning songs that he's produced for others. He did that and then kicked off his set with "I'll Miss You Most" and just went on from there. All I know is that at the end of his fourth song, I was on my feet. Clapping. Yelping. Gordon was on fire -- absolutely.

I believe in giving props where due. Gordon has supported ONUTSS where lesser known artists who could have truly benefitted from our love shunned us or poked their noses in the air about our terms. Everyone has terms, right? Or should we just let you walk in and decide who we should be? Anyway, Gordon's performance warranted that I climb back on that stage and get back on the mic.

I don't even remember what all I said -- I just spoke from my passion -- spoke from my heart! I reminded people that independent artists aren't artists that you'll hear on the radio. And most still work 9-to-5 jobs. Making music is secondary and our support of their projects makes all the difference in the world. So make it your business to leave an event with at least one cd for your library.

While I'm on my soapbox let me tell you what else I did tonight!

I got up from my seat when I couldn't take it any longer! I went right to that table of chics and told them to lower their cackles. How rude is it when someone is singing their heart out onstage and some talentless gweep is having a conversation OVER the music. I can't -- I can't -- I just can't! At our events, I have been known to get onstage, ask the artist to STOP and bless the crowd out right then and there. I think it's just hurtful and thoughtless to be so damned inconsiderate.

But enough of my droning --

I'm floating!

Ask me, Finnicky Frannie to name my favorite singers and I'll rattle off the following:
Donny Hathaway ~ Rahsaan ~ Stokley ~ V ~ Fred Hammond ~ Eric Roberson ~ Rick James ~ PJ Morton ~ Frank McComb ~ Phyllis Hyman ~ and I'll probably throw in some more men. Somebody asked me tonight about women -- female singers and I couldn't think of one other than Phyllis and Erykah that I'd call a favorite.

So imagine my glee when one of those listed above participated in a back and forth dialogue with me and said yes with no hesitation when I asked HIM to work with me on a project.
Hot damn! Ooowee

ONUTSS ~ I love you!