Cupid's Hunt 2010: Twisted Love - fellas

Cupid's Hunt 2010: (Vol II) Twisted Love ~ fellas mix

Picking up where I left off: Volume II of 2010's Cupid Hunt takes me to a special zone = a place where men know just what love truly means. Either by trial and error or just knowing what wins, these brothers make the women swoon!

• The Never That You Never Know ~ Mint Condition
• The Love We Almost Had ~ Randy & The Gypsys
• Love Don't Love Nobody ~ Phil Perry
• Still ~ V
• It's You ~ Troy Johnson
• Let Me Make Love to You ~ The O'Jays
• Wildflower ~ New Birth
• Maybe Tomorrow ~ Jackson 5
• Yearning for Your Love ~ Gap Band
• Stay Awhile ~ Rahsaan Patterson
• Ask of You ~ Raphael Saadiq
• Ebony Eyes ~ Rick James/Smokey Robinson
• Adore ~ Prince
• Your Body's Calling ~ RKelly
• Wanna Make Love ~ Lillo Thomas
• Giving My All ~ Johnny Gill
• In My Hands ~ Jaheim
• The Moon ~ Eric Roberson
• Bullseye ~ Lakeside
• I've Found Someone ~ Barry White

Cupid's Hunt: Twisted Love (fellas mix)

Cupid's Hunt 2010: Heart's Aflame - Ladies

I felt like a kid unleashed in a candy store back in 2009 around Valentine's Day. A musical movement was unfolding around me, clueless I jumped in and absorbed as much as I could. The extravaganza would later be revealed to me as 'Cupid's Hunt' -- a consortium of musicloving podcasters who joined forces to show even more love to good music in the name of Valentine's Day. I decided then and there that I had to be down for 2010 -- and down, I am.

In the time since I'd stumbled upon this event, the wonderful organizer (TGrundy) and I have become so cool that we refer to one another with the endearing label of 'Co-Chef' because we collaborated on a project of the musical sort not so long ago. I thought I was a lover of good music -- TG takes the love of music to a totally different level. The honor of knowing him is totally mine!

Volume I of the 2010 Cupid's Hunt, which I've entitled, Heart's Aflame: Ladies is now available for download. Eleven specially selected songs that come from female singers whose voices I truly love comprise this edition. It opens with United Together by Aretha Franklin -- a song that I intend to be the first that I dance to with my future, yet unnamed/unidentified husband (lol).

4am and there's still so much more for me to do -- the all male volume will be posted this evening. Stay tuned and be sure to spread the word because I can guarantee you that the goodies the other Cupid's Hunt Collaborators will be posting will blow you away!

Cupid's Hunt 2010 ~ Heart's Aflame: Ladies Edition

Feels Real Good!

 

After a wonderful weekend up in Springfield, Massachusetts at the Organix Soul showcase (get there, if you haven't experienced it) -- I touched down in New York with my favorite fellas. My love runs deep and the talent is real!

(to the left = Bradd Marquis http://www.myspace.com/braddmarquis)
(to the right = V http://www.myspace.com/vsign)

PINCH ME!!!!

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!

The Musiq Spotlight

I'm always interested in finding new ways to bridge the communication divide by introducing music makers to so many people who I know that have the power to move mountains on their behalf. (a large charge, huh?! I have big dreams)

In addition to being a native of New York, an intense music lover and the co-founder of a company called One Nation Under The Soul Shack which is better known to most as “ONUTSS” ~ I enjoy shining “The Spotlight” on individuals who may not be known to others. I launched another blog spot, The Musiq Spotlight which is intended to do just that — turn the mic over to people who work hard behind-the-scenes and might not receive their just due.

As a part of the ONUTSS team, I am often asked by others who they should connect to within the indie soul circle. The aim is to introduce you to people who may only be names to you, show you just why you need to know them and create a path for those bonds to be formed.

I will continue to blog here at my "Inner Soul" because this is where my peace of mind is unfurled. I can share music news, views about society, everyday stresses that concern me just as I'm sure they are of concern to you all. So please stay tuned -- and if you have new music tht you think I should take note of -- please hit me up (soulmusiqluva@gmail.com).

One final note, if you've followed my postings I'm sure you remember me going on and on about the music of a gentleman by the name of V. V has sung background vocals for Jill Scott and has also worked with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith, Silk, Justin Timberlake, Musiq Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton, and Heather Headley. He's been in the studio working tirelessly on his second album and has been leaking songs, little by little for the followers of his Myspace blog. From what I've heard this far -- this album is going to easily be one of early 09's smokers!

Check out new music from my soulman, V ~~> (here ya go)


Each song download is a mere $.99 -- you'll blow more than that if you buy a pack of gum, a Lotto quick pick, a small order of fries -- just do it -- for the love of good music!

This Moment ~~> http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=216404

Gone Away ~~> http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=225717

Say You Love Me ~~> http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=230198

Here's the link to his myspace page

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.

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!