Random Thoughts

I should be in bed, typical. I have so much to take care of but there are not enough hours in any day. I am charged over what I experienced in this past weekend. I added a new post to my project, The Musiq Spotlight Blog: SoulUK.

I put this blog together in hopes of it being a resource for independent musicians and for people looking for opportunities to network with the movers and shakers who make things happen behind-the-scene in our INDIE SOUL world. There are talented, skilled and enterprising individuals and companies listed in The Musiq Spotlight Blog.

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This past weekend in New York, the annual Indie Soul Mixer took place up in Harlem. This is year number four and the gathering has grown to such a level that the organizers, Dexter Myers and Mike Ashley know that the venue which has hosted the Mixer for its years of existence, Billie's Black can no longer hold the crowd. People were wall-to-wall, even more so this year than any other year I can recall...this is year #3 for me.

The evening opened with some enlightening commentary from Marko Noble of RhythmandSoulRadio.com, Kevin Harewood of EDclectic Entertainment, Terry Bello of the International Soul Music Summit and Drake Phifer of Urban Organic Entertainment.

This event has literally become 'the' networking event for any independent soul artist who is either in the New York area or able to come to New York to exchange cds, pass out business cards, rock the mic and show people what you're working with and to gain some knowledge from a few pioneers who graciously gather to mix and mingle. There were way too many artists in the house for me to remember, but those I recall: Nikki Wade, Rogier, Teisha Marie, Kev.O, Terrence Darnell, Lenora Jay, Kenny Wesley, Mika, Abby Dobson, Kendra Ross, LaSonya Gunther, Steve Wallace, Tomas Doncker, Veronica Dawkins, Green Tea, Jeff Hendricks, Mahasin, Anthony Dixon, Tom Paul, Drea, Jimmy Salvameni, Paul Rivers Bailey, Kimberly Nichole, Ashanti, Johnny Kemp and others whose names I didn't catch or hadn't been told. There were some who blessed the mic and made you really open a wide eye and take note, there were others who got on the mic and should have opted to stay in the audience to spectate -- there were a few who went well over their allotted one song and there were even more who didn't step to the mic.

Here are a few pictures

Mike Ashley & Dexter Myers


Marko Noble


Terry Bello & Mike Ashley


Kevin Harewood

~ ~ ~ Thrilled ~ ~ ~

Sometimes you reflect on where you are in life and you wish for more. Sometimes you think back on the path you've taken and become overwhelmed. This year is off to a great start for my side~gig, ONUTSS. We've got some really exciting events coming up and other ventures in the works -- I wanted to share the following with whomever is out in the blogosphere (Fiona turned me on to that word :) and might be reading my words:



Ashanti Munir and Paula Ralph-Birkett are two very special ladies. We have the distinct honor of announcing that they will be our featured performers for our Women's History Month celebration. What better way than to celebrate the strength of a woman than with two beautiful feminine gems who have fabulous voices?!

Listen to these ladies sing:

Ashanti Munir sings the National Anthem

Paula Ralph-Birkett


Please save the date and plan to join us for an evening of good music, good vibes and a guarantee of great memories!



It is no secret to anyone who loves music that Luther Vandross was a gift sent to us from God. He's one who we still find great difficulty in knowing that nearly four years have passed since he left us, in the physical sense. For our utter enjoyment, we have a treasure chest of music that Luther created for us all to enjoy with the point of a finger.

It is with all the pride that we can muster that we announce that ONUTSS is honoring the memory of Luther Vandross on April 20, 2009 at NY's legendary Blue Note. It's important to point out that Luther would have celebrated his 58th birthday on that same day. We truly believe that this tribute in song will be blessed by Luther's spirit -- which will be with us in the building that evening.

We will be featuring an unbelievable ensemble of male vocalists: GORDON CHAMBERS, KENNY WESLEY, V and MIKE HAMMOND, along with a backing band of incredible musicians -- headed by our Music Director/Guitarist (Kelvyn Bell), Funktified Drummer (Daru Jones) and Bodacious Bassman (Kim Davis), with more to come. Our hostess for the evening will be the vivacious, Lorenda Robinson of Brown Baby Girl fame. These musicians have worked with the best of the best -- from Najee, Kashif, Sybil, Talib Kweli, ?Love of the Roots and so many more noteworthy talents -- it's just ridiculous!

There will be two shows (8pm and 10:30pm) and reservations are STRONGLY recommended. For more information and singer bios please visit The Blue Note's website.

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

I'm Missing You...

I was listening to music today (what else is new :) and thought of all who I miss terribly -- take a trip down memory lane with me!

TUPAC


I really dug Tupac, on the good and bad days. I loved him as an actor - he was a character, for sure but the one memory that makes me smile is his role on the episode of A Different World as Jada Pinkett's boyfriend, Pickolo.

GERALD LEVERT


This brother, Gerald Levert just brings a chill to me now, even though he's no longer with us in the physical. Gerald performed in New York a few months before his shocking death and my sister and I were on hand to take it all in. I was so angry at her because we sat close enough for her to run to the stage to get one of the teddy bears that he was tossing into the crowd -- and this dummy was too scared!

Here, Gerald sings one of the songs made famous by my other departed boyfriend

RICK JAMES


I had this private love affair with Rick James that even he didn't know about. Lord, this was a favorite song and still is -- bless him.

MINNIE RIPPERTON


My father was in love with Minnie Ripperton and because of his love, I was exposed to her fabulous music and beauty.


PHYLLIS HYMAN
In my mind, Phyllis Hyman is a goddess and there will never be another to top her. Secretly I wanted to be Phyllis -- statuesque, smoky voiced and a diva with loads of class -- fawned after by many men.







DONNY HATHAWAY



No commentary necessary for Donny and his music. Genius -- pure genius and a brother that holds a special place in my heart filled with music!

MARVIN GAYE



Nobody rocked like Marvin - he was supposed to wait for me so we could hold hands, walk off into the sunset and live this happy life -- he didn't know it though and God had other plans for us both.

LUTHER VANDROSS



This will forever be a favorite of mine -- Gregory Hines and Luther Vandross -- whoever thought to pair them together did a marvelous deed!

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.