Zo, Sy & the Foreign Exchange Cats Are Definitely CERTIFIABLE!!

Zo of Foreign Exchange released a collection of 7 gems (covers) entitled, Just Visiting Too earlier this week. The playlist is posted below and this collection features all of the members of his band. It's a keeper and I would definitely love to hear what you all think of it after listening! You can get to the download link by clicking on the album title.

Tracklisting:
1. Perfect Angel feat. Yahzarah
2. Nights Over Egypt feat. Carlitta Durand
3. Crazy You feat. Sy Smith
4. Holding You, Loving You
5. My Flame feat. Phonte
6. Somethin Special feat. Yahzarah
7. The Highways of My Life (Pts. 1&2) feat. Darien Brockington

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!

Remembering Mr. Magic: A True School Pioneer

Remembering a New York legend who went on to become a global hero!
John Rivas aka Mr. Magic aka Sir Juice
Transition Date: October 2, 2009

As per NY Daily News

Rap legends from Biggie Smalls to Tupac Shakur lionized him in their verse. And now, like them, he's gone.

DJ Mr. Magic, one of hip hop's conduits to radio, died Friday of a heart attack.

Born John Rivas, he launched and hosted the first all-rap radio show in the U.S.

Titled "Rap Attack," the show debuted in 1983 on WBLS and quickly became an inspiration point for key players in hip hop. The show, which lasted six years, also featured deejay Marley Marl and Tyron (Fly Ty) Williams.

At his peak, in the mid- to late '80s, Magic had a rivalry with Kool DJ Red Alert, who had his own show on WRKS. They each had their own rap groups. Magic's Juice Crew featured such key names as Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Kool G. Rap and Masta Ace.

In 1992, Nas immortalized Mr. Magic in "Halftime" while Biggie name-checked him in a track called "Juicy." Tupac also mentioned the record spinner on his 1995 cut "Old School."

* * *

My personal memories --
* trying to find the best spot in my bedroom to get good reception when he was on the air on WHBI -- had to get my cassette ready for the ride the following morning to (junior high) school

* laying in bed, well after I should have been asleep (school the next morning) and hearing my mother get up during the night -- praying that she wouldn't come in my bedroom and bust me for listening to the radio

* seeing people like LL, TJ Swann and Biz Markie around town and being so star struck because Mr. Magic played their music

Courtesy of DJ OhSoKool's tweets -- these are some of the phrases that became standard when you listened to Mr. Magic on the air:

* "Oh my god I think I'm having a Rap Attack!!"

* "Any man can learn from his or her mistakes, but it takes a wise guy or gal to learn from the mistakes made by others"

* "Be yourself, or you might find yourself - by yourself - and that's no fun"

* "Persistence overcomes resistance"

WBLS here in NY had an on-air tribute to Mr. Magic on the day he died. Marley Marl was mixing some classic hotness, hip hop pioneers called in: Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, Doctor Ice, Jay-Z and Sal from Disco Fever (<~~ wow) to share their 'magic moments' If you missed the tribute... here's a link

Certifiable Music For Your Soul #1

I revealed recently that I have put my pen down as an official reviewer of new music cds. What I have come to realize is that my words are solely my opinion, and as selective as I am about music -- it's best for me to support the music that moves me. Having said that -- and knowing that I definitely need to get back on the ball to making this blog come to life -- I'm going to begin with the first post in a long series of Certifiable Music For Your Soul! Although it truly refers to the music that moves 'my' soul -- I want to let you in on my secret audible pleasures. I don't know how often I'll post in this category because music that grooves me doesn't come in any specific frequency. Sit tight and ride with me. As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts.

CERTIFIABLE MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL #1

(1)
Calvin Richardson: Facts of Life: The Soul of Bobby Womack

Calvin really did his thing on this project
Check out the video for "A Woman's Gotta Have It"



(2)
J. Moss - Just James


JMoss is on Twitter and from the tweets that are being posted, besides me -- people are really feeling this new album. Already, there are a couple of cuts on this album that really stand out for me -- but nothing has moved me like "Anointing" has in quite some time.

For a preview of the new album...visit InsideJMoss.com

(3)
V: It Is Finished! The Paradox: Vol I


Although I am his Publicist, I am and have been a 'fan' first of his music. That is what brought us together. This album has evoked for those who've listened to it, many different feelings. For me, it is a complete album from start to finish.

This album is now available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes.
No library for a music lover of today's indie soul is complete without it!


Rounding out this edition are songs sprinkled here and there:

Eric Roberson & Lalah Hathaway: Dealing
Eric Roberson: Newness


Ledisi: Turn Me Loose
Say No
Goin' thru Changes


Remember to: support INDIE SOUL music makers by purchasing the music you enjoy. Not sure who's doing what?

Well, here's a gift for you from Vikter Duplaix ~ Electric Love (free download)

Until we meet again...
I wish peace & musical blessings upon you!

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!!!!