Bradd Marquis is BOUNCE worthy & Certifiable!

You will only hear me praise artists who music I truly support and BRADD MARQUIS is one such, soul singer. Bradd has been compared to such greats as Teddy Pendergass, the late greats Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway. In 2007 he was named Soul Singer of the Year on BET's 106 and Park show. In addition to Bradd's vocal chops, he is a talented actor and certainly has model good looks -- height, stature and that handsome appeal that makes women swoon. He's also a genuinely sweet, thoughtful and well-mannered gentleman.

Bradd is a pleasure to work with! It fills me with pride when I introduce his music to someone new and they immediately embrace his sound. I was overjoyed when I was informed that Bradd was going to be featured on Soul Bounce and certified as BOUNCE WORTHY! (Please click the Bounce Worthy link above for the Soul Bounce tribute) I featured Bradd on my SoulMusiqLuva podcast today (check it out)

Bradd performed Donny Hathaway's 'Song For You' on Showtime At The Apollo -- judge for yourself and determine if Donny would have been proud of his effort.



Earlier this year, we (ONUTSS) hosted a tribute to Luther Vandross on what would have been his 58th birthday at the legendary Blue Note in New York City. We were fortunate to have had Bradd as one of the featured performers. The video below is a clip of some of the songs he performed at the show.



For more information about Bradd, please visit his myspace page. And if you are interested in having Bradd perform in your town or venue/event, please contact yours truly!

Holding Back the Tears

Woo woo woo!

Not a hint of sadness here, whatsoever! I'm reflecting on God's blessings in my life. The desires of my heart seem to be coming to me ever so steady with each passing day. I have come to realize that joy will not simply drop at my feet ~ I have to seek it out, make some noise and let people know that I am just so serious about what I want to do and what I am capable of devoting myself to doing.In the past I have blogged about:

• Rahsaan Patterson
• Pamela Nichols
• and a young dude who calls himself "V"
  

Pam -- I will speak of her every opportunity that I am able to because she has been a tremendous joy in a short period of time. She's a visionary who is still getting her feet wet when it comes to the inner workings of the music biz. I laugh to myself sometimes because even her bark is absolutely opposite of mine. She's sweet as the 'suga' that she refers to in her nickname (Sista Suga).

Rahsaan -- his music is like butter! I really need not say any more than that but I will. His music moved me after the first time I'd listened and the mission began! I was out to find a song, an album, a cassingle...that's for those of us who remember the forms music were presented in after the decline of vinyl. I reached out to his manager at the time, Lucille Hunt which was one of the boldest and wisest moves ever made by this here chic. She embraced my interest and desire to help spread the word about Rahsaan Patterson's music and the rest is history. Pam and I became friends via a message board of Rahsaan Patterson die-hard fans that I put together and a short while later ONUTSS was born.

People seem to always want to know what the hell went into developing a name like ONUTSS -- another blog -- another day -- but it was a lonely late late night notion that hit me hard. And in less than three years, Pam and I have poured our hearts into what we do. There have been many a day that I've told her vehemently that I wanted out! It's hard watching others make $$ off of your passion when you have a vision to do something grand for those you support and you're lacking $$. It's also an interpretation of a very painful and saddening slap, in my opinion when people silently refuse to join forces, for the sake of a bigger movement.

The Luther Vandross Tribute Story

One night I received a call from this brother, Kenny Wesley. I have always admired Kenny because when you call his cell phone, his voicemail picks up and he begins to speak what we have adopted as proper English. He then breaks into the most perfect Spanish interpretation of what was stated in English and then he breaks into another language that I have yet to identify. (lol) In addition to that, he's a really nice guy who can sing his 'face' off and is severely underrated. Kenny called me that night because somewhere in the depths of his musical soul, he had the idea of doing an ONUTSS Listening Party in honor of Luther Vandross. As he began to share more of his vision, I had my own pictures of who all I wanted to reach out to for the sake of participating and making it the best event ONUTSS could imagine.

Kenny said that he had already spoken with Gordon Chambers about participating and he, too was on board. Well, if you have Kenny and Gordon, then... That's where V might come in.

I have been in V's corner since hearing his album, "The Revelation is Now Televised" a few years back and have told him so many times via Myspace messages. But, I didn't expect to work with him so soon and on such a level as what unfolded earlier this week. When he agreed to consider being part of the lineup, I hung up the phone and let out a squeal. Our Luther Vandross Tribute singers were nearly complete and I was more than pleased.

V: A vision in motion

Actually, before reaching out to V, I called on a friend who I thought would be a perfect addition to the growing lineup. That friend, Mike Hammond loved the idea and had songs in mind to perform before the conversation ended. It was all so perfect, in my mind. An extravaganza of this sort was a risky venture for ONUTSS because we did not want anyone whom we had worked with previously to feel slighted because they were not asked to participate. We also had not done an all-out show in the years that ONUTSS has existed. There was so much we would need to pull together, in a short period of time to make it all so right. Securing the venue was most important and what better place to present a showcase dedicated to one of soul music's greatest and most beloved crooners than the world famous Blue Note in New York City! Then, bringing in key players for the band -- and the necessity of background vocalists -- and the little details.

I have to say, Pam and I put our best hustle hats on and made sure it was all taken care of. Our band consisted of Kelvyn Bell (guitar/Music Director), Kim Davis (bass), Alex Marcelo (keys) and Daru Jones (drums). Each musician has a special story and credentials that stretch far and wide. If I took you through their collective list, your eyes would pop as the names of singers and musicians, as well as previous project involvement they've had were to become known to you. Simply marvelous! Our background singers, Tess and Ki Ki Hawkins were absolutely stellar. They were a perfect compliment, not only to one another but to each singer. We also realized that we needed a host(ess) with the ability to charm the crowd and hold their interest between singers. Who else but Lorenda Robinson would be perfect for the task. She told us that she was honored to be asked and would do the damned thing. That she did and so much more!

As we moved closer and closer to the date, things seemed to fall into place. The rehearsals were scheduled. The event was listed on The Blue Note's calendar and the unbelievable was unfolding into the realistic. Unexpectedly, we got a call that Mike Hammond unfortunately needed to cancel. We wished him well and needed to decide quickly if he should be replaced or whether we should fill his slot or not. Filled, it was! I called on Bradd Marquis who had been a featured performer at our ONUTSS Listening Party and he agreed immediately to be on the bill. There it was -- done!

~ ~ ~

Kim Davis (our bass man)

Tess and Kenny

Lorenda Robinson & Kenny Wesley

Bradd Marquis (in a zone)

Working it out at rehearsal: Alex Marcelo & Kelvyn Bell

(l to r) Gordon Chambers, Lorenda Robinson, Kenny Wesley & Alex Marcelo

Daru Jones killing the skins!

Kenny Wesley & Bradd Marquis

* * *

So it was ... Monday, April 20, 2009 ... a very rainy and cold day in New York where the weather made not a bit of difference to the packed house at The Blue Note. People came out for a show honoring a legend and left with names they had not known before, right at the forefront of their thoughts.

The night began with the band playing a funky rendition of Luther's Til My Baby Comes Home featuring Kelvyn Bell. Heads in the crowd were nodding, fingers tapping and I'm sure feet stomping too. Hot!

Lorenda Robinson stepped on stage and set the tone by introducing One Nation Under The Soul Shack like we'd never heard ourselves described previously. It was so touching that I found myself wiping my eyes. Damn her! I'd bet Pam that she was going to be the first to break down and here I was on the verge of an outright babbling sob. (smile) But it was dark where I sat and very few seemed to notice the waterworks. (whew!)

Kenny Wesley came out and sang Luther's song, "Any Love" in such a way that was similar to the original but certainly with his own impression. Kenny is unassuming until he opens his mouth to belt out some sounds that definitely make you want to stand up and scream out, "You'd better sing, sugar!" He then went to the piano and played for himself as he sang, "Time" a song that Billy Porter put his stamp on, but Kenny Wesley put his foot in twice!


Bradd Marquis was next to hit the stage and hit it, he did! Bradd is a handsome drink of water, so I watched closely as the ladies near the stage gave one another 'that' umm hmm glance. He certainly didn't disappoint either. His two Luther covers, Never Too Much and So Amazing would have pleased Luther. The crowd rocker for sure was Bradd's original song, "Radio" ~ a feel good tune that you can't help but bounce to. The hook draws you in before you even realize what has happened. Bradd's smoky raspiness has brought comparisons of Teddy Pendergrass, Jaheim and Marvin Gaye. What wonders lie ahead for him and the other singers is all in God's control.

Kenny Wesley returned to the stage after being summoned by our hostess, Ms. Robinson who kept the crowd laughing and thoroughly entertained between performers. They then engaged in musical love before all hungry eyes. The sultry ballad, If This World Were Mine that Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn made a staple for all of us romantic-types had come to life. In Lorenda and Kenny, I saw Donny and Roberta, Ashford and Simpson, Marvin and Tammi, Rick and Teena and any other fabulous male/female duo who possessed the ability to join genetic forces, blend souls and deliver a heartfelt performance dripping with sensuality!
I loved the show, as a music fan first and then, pridefully as a co-producer and promoter. I couldn't help but reach out to Pam and share a smile. This is what we had brought together. The Blue Note was packed -- you know how they somehow manage to put twenty people in a space that should rightfully hold about five -- there were faces I'd never seen, faces I didn't expect to see and even more faces of people whom I love (my mom, my sister, my friends). I turned to take it all in as Lorenda introduced V. He stepped on stage and this is when the show turned into a personal concert for me. Having listened to his music for so long, witnessing the live performance -- even after two rehearsals -- was special. I zoned out as he sang If Only For One Night. I remember clapping when the song ended but my mind was so far away from what my eyes were taking in. I thought back to how scary it was for me to send him a note on Myspace in which I'd shared how much I loved his cd, or the time I was brazen enough to ask him to be part of an ONUTSS listening party. Let me say, there was little room for disappointment as he sang one of my very favorite songs that Luther blessed the world with, Make Me A Believer. V's song ,This Moment from his recently released sophomore album, The Paradox has quickly become a song that touches me to the core. He sang that and I was filled...period! Tess and Ki Ki's backing vocals were just sheer perfection.


The final performer for this magnificent evening was Gordon Chambers, who becomes a vibrant character on stage. His stage presence brings from within all of the charm, personality and vigor that he possesses. His interaction with the crowd exemplified the professional entertainer he truly is. His Luther song choices included Creepin', Superstar and a personal dedication to the departed crooner, I'll Miss You Most. Gordon took the audience through a range of emotions and vocal acrobatics. From encouraging the crowd to celebrate the life of a talent gone all too soon on what was to have been his 58th birthday, to having them participate in the songs to applauding his parents who were in the crowd for a lengthy union, Gordon Chambers was sheer perfection as he brought this incredible showcase to a close.


No Luther Vandross tribute show could have ever been complete without a rousing rendition of The Power of Love/Love Power. Gordon called all of the evening's performers, even the hostess Lorenda back to the stage and they rocked out as Luther would have had it!

Long Time Coming!

Timecheck: 1/27/09 approx 1:30am
Status: Sifting my head for thoughts & chat~laughing with CarlBoogie on FB

It's well after the bewitching hour and I need to get to bed for at least a couple of hours of sleep before heading into the "Twilight Zone" (my 9-to-5) but these past few weeks were filled with so many treasures, ranging from musical gems to historical wonders -- that I have to put this down in black and white before I let another day go by.

I will forever reflect and bring forth a hearty deep rooted smile. On Sunday, January 18th my favorite soulful band, MINT CONDITION returned to New York and I have only one regret. I am now somewhat physically challenged and cannot stand at the foot of the stage -- where I've been able to count the number of fillings a singer has up in their top row. So, I sat with my girls (Ann Marie and Pammie) and watched this sister next to me diss the essence of real music as she slept through most of the show. I guess I can say it openly now since Pam caught on last week -- Stokley is my first love, only he doesn't know it. (grin) I've seen many a musicians in my day, but there's just something funky about this brother -- maybe it's the wiggle and the glide he's perfected on stage or it could be those monster high notes he manages to unleash or it might even be the way he chews his gum or ties his scarf up under his hat (lol) -- whatever it is, the magic has had me hooked for years. The first time I met him, I kept asking the young lady I'd hung out with (Aisha) to pinch me. It was a dream that somehow materialized into a reality. And then, year before last -- I met him again. Utter delight!


Anyway, getting back to the show last week. I can't give you a play by playlist because I'm not good at that. I just know that the New Congress and Mint Condition rocked the packed house. From the new to the old to the even older, Mint Condition is a band with an eternal flame that seemingly will never fade. With songs like "Pretty Brown Eyes" "You Don't Have To Hurt No More" "Someone To Love" and "Someone To Love" -- you would have been satisfied but still yearning for the more recent gems if they'd left the stage right then and there. Fortunate for the captivated audience, there was much more to come -- in the form of "Gratitude" "Baby Boy, Baby Girl" (my son and I made the video cut! yaaay) "Nothing Left To Say" and an impromptu acoustic version of "If You Love Me" - a request from someone in the crowd.

That was Sunday, the start of a fabulous week -- fast forward to the wee hours of Tuesday morning, before the sun came up. I was on a bus with members of my church and community, headed to Washington, D.C. for the historic inauguration ceremony for our nation's first black President. The experience was unbelievable and I will always relish in the fact that I was there! I saw nothing and heard even less, but I shared that experience with my son and we enjoyed one another. We walked for miles trying to find the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of something -- anything, to no avail. We did, however come face to face with one of my all-time favorite football players, the former New York Jets running back, Curtis Martin. Curtis was walking past us when I'd called out to him and asked him if we could take a picture with him. Did I mention how cold it was in DC? How the wind felt like it was slicing a piece of skin from you every time it blew past you?! Curtis took the pictures with us and was so much more humble and gracious than I could have ever imagined.

I also saw Donnie McClurkin in passing while we were doing all of that walking. But I truly did not get to enjoy the inaugural ceremony until I returned home to watch on tv what I'd missed in person.

May God shine his richest blessings upon President Obama and his beautiful family.

Wednesday evening -- up in Harlem, ONUTSS kicked off the 2009 season with two exceptionally gifted singers, Tim Dillinger and Monica Blaire. It was an explosive and moving night of performances. I always feel a sense of pride when artists come out to be part of what Pam and I have built. It's a tremendous honor and an overwhelming sense of pride takes me on as they get on stage and show the crowd just why they're there and let them know that their names are not to be forgotten. That night was one such night. Massive shout out and love to both Tim and Monica.

Friday evening -- down in the Village at Joe's Pub, Fiona Bloom put an event together that not only brought the spectacular soulful talent of Monica Blaire and Kameron Corvet, but the guests in the audience were amongst the underground soul movement's 'who's who' (names I won't list, but it was something) ! I'd heard about Kameron but hadn't been able to see him perform live until that evening and what an awakening I received! Kameron was just a man with his guitar -- but he made you feel as though he was performing a private event where just you and he were in the room. Wonderful! Nothing more needs to be said about Monica Blaire. She simply is...the truth and nothing but!


There was one other artist on the bill at Joe's Pub, Postman. I really didn't dig his music -- it wasn't for me. I felt bad for him because it appeared that I was not the only person to feel that way. His hip hop/song style was an awkward addition to the lineup. Overall I had a wonderful time and I hope the Bloom Effect will take heed of the reaction from the crowd and make an attempt to bring these two artists together again.

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!