TN’T@the Shrine Music Venue

Hello, We hope everyone has gotten their summer started on a positivenote .... Love, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity, etc. We just want tolet you know that on Friday June 27, 2008 we'll be returning to theShrine World Music Venue for a repeat performance with our band. Wewere there in March of this year and had such a cool time theyinvited us back.

You may or may not be aware that June is Black Music Month. We hopeyou' ll come out and vibe with us. Showtime is 10:30 pm. Ya'll knowhow TN'T get down, we always have lots of fun. This spot is hip andbuilt for live entertainment. So how about showing some love andsupport (stop by to see a Brother and  Sister). Let's continue thecelebration of Black Music Month.

The Shrine is located at 2271 Adam CLayton Powell Blvd. Between 133rdand 134st Harlem (NYC) New York.

Feel free to forward this e-mail and spread the word. As always welove it when you holla back, sign the guestbook and things like that.

Love, Peace, and Hair Grease,

TN'T (Trish & Tom)

Friday June 27, 2008 10:30 pm @ the Shrine World Music Venue 2271Adam Clayton Powelll Blvd. Between 133rd and 134st Harlem NYC NewYork

http://www.tritommusic.com

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tnt2

Other shows we know about during Black Music Month:

INJOY Enterprises Present

The Rendezvous - June 30th at Shrine World Music Venue, 2271 AdamClayton Powell Jr. Blvd. bet. 133rd & 134th Street in Harlem, NY.Admission is $10.00. Doors open at 6pm, Performances begin at 7:30pm

Taking the stage for the evening will be Hip Hop, Soul SongstressYoung Diva Tess, The Rock, Funk, Soul Band Uninterrupted, Thewonderfully talented Manchildblack, and there'll be a special guestperformance from Chandlar

MARTHA REDBONE Summer Sounds ‘08 @ Carl Schurz Park, NYC July 9th, 2008, 7pm!

Hey all,

Summer is here and we’d like to invite you to the first of our 3 FREE outdoor shows this season only 2 weeks from today!
Carl Schurz Park’s SUMMER SOUNDS ‘08 kicks off the opening night with me & the fellaz on Wednesday July 9th @ 7pm SHARP! We’ll play a full 90 minute set of summer soul madness, with new tunes and a few other surprises that you will see when you come out for the hang. Carl Schurz Park is the beautiful park next to Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side, East End Ave @ East 86th Street. Big thanks to friend and sista in spirit Cindi Stern for the recommendation. Rain date is scheduled for the following eve, hopefully we won’t need this! Band line-up: Aaron Whitby- keys, Fred Cash- bass, Mike Campbell- guitar, Kevin Johnson- drums, Keith Fluitt- vocals

**Bring a picnic, a low beach chair or blanket and lean back. Enjoy Summer Sounds ’08 as world-class musicians perform a wide range of great music overlooking the Park and the East River.

Concerts are staged on the John Finley Walk, at the top of the East 86th Street staircase. Performance times: 7:00 – 8:30 PM.**
http://carlschurzparknyc.org/events.html

Thanks for reading, see you soon
Much love, Martha
http://www.martharedbone.com
http://www.myspace.com/martharedbonemusic

Organix Soul – June 2008

Organix Soul: And the Beat Goes On

Organix Soul introduces Lynnette Johnson, Mind Evolution, D-Cross, Jeremy James, and one of the most phenomenal vocalists of our time: CHARMAGNE… and hosted by ya boy: D.Moss… With a smooth mixture of sultry soul music, smooth ballads, old school funk, spoken word and a whole lot of fun… Join Us on JUNE 28, 2008 in the Penthouse… (Melissa Young Will Not Be Performing This Month)

Soul is music that arose out of the Black Experience… In through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of funky secular testifying… and just when you thought it was gone…

Organix Soul Became!

Now Pass it On…

More information:

Please visit: www.organixsoul.com

$10.00 in advance / $15.00 at the Door

Or online www.organixsoul.com

You too can have a Social Network…

– Vol 1, Issue 1

In This Issue REMIX HOTEL APRIL HILL AFRO PUNK OWN YOUR POWER HESTON STRICTLY SOCIAL CHERRY BOMB KISSEY ASPLUND Friendly Links CHERRY BOMB KISSEY ASPLUND APRIL HILL MIZ METRO MONDAYZ OWN YOUR POWER SAM THE KID HESTON THE BLOOM BLOG KARINA NISTAL STRICTLY SOCIAL OURSTAGE SKY HY		Friends and Fam A couple years ago we had about 5-10 platform sites where we absolutely needed to post our profiles and stay active. Now, there’s a mass of social networking sites and the biggest dilemma is….Where do we find the time to maintain them and keep interactive? Now you can create your own network. Control your content, have member emails/info and the ability to do it all yourself…Push out and pull in…Pretty amazing actually…Is that where we’re headed? Our future… Well, afterall- it is all about Social Media... I am in the midst of a gameplan for my social network. Coming to a screen near you…Stay tuned…. Big shouts to Tony Z of Netmix for the Plug-Ins, and great assistance with my Blog. Just wait till he’s done! I owe you:-) I have another guest blogger on The Bloom Blog Her name is Kissey Asplund. I’m working with her booking shows as well so get at me if you’re interested.. She’s based in Sweden and coming to NY in July… So much coming up this next few days including REMIX HOTEL and Afro Punk Festival. A lot of my friends from around the world are coming in…Will be fun times… REMIX HOTEL I’m looking forward to this weekend. REMIX HOTEL NYC 2008 Friday June 27 to Sunday June 29 THREE DAYS OF TOTAL TECHNOLOGY IMMERSION Panelists Pete Rock, Just Blaze, Junior Sanchez, Rob Swift, Illmind, Apex, Frequency, Hank Schocklee, DJ Logic, Duro, Versatile, and many others- Also- Technology Partners such as Digidesign, Korg, Roland, Pioneer, M-Audio, Rane, Access, Serato and many others present the unique opportunity for producers, musicians, engineers and artists of all genres to not only experience the latest gear but also get user tips directly from the manufacturers. EVENT REGISTRATIONS IS COMPLETELY FREE – with tickets for each panel $12. For full Remix Hotel NYC info: Remix Hotel 1-8pm (Fri. + Sat.), 1-6pm (Sun.) SAE New York | Herald Square 1293 Broadway, 9th Floor (212) 944-9121 I’ll be speaking on a panel at 4PM on Sunday called ‘Independents Day’.

APRIL HILL

The Jazzy soulful sounds from this Atlanta artist April Hill are undeniably a talented force and she’s equally as charming and lovely. she’s performing in Atlanta at Wind-Down Wednesdays in Centennial Park as we speak. Her debut ‘Love 360′ is garnering critical praise everywhere and her live performances are infectious. She has tour dates in Birmingham, Norfolk, and back to NY August 15th at The Blue Note. Her single ‘ Wanna Be Free’ continues to stir up noise at radio… Look out for this young new artist to make a lot of fans fall in love…

AFRO PUNK

This time around Afro Punk Music and Film Festival has really gone above and over the top. Kudos to Rebel Music on this one. The title sponsor Toyota is not playin!! The 35+ acts are all incredible… Talking about social networks…If you haven’t joined Afro Punk- I suggest you jump on. Afro Punk They will have thousands of members before you know it. I’m so excited to see Hollywood Holt, Proton and Sky Hy- They’re all on Monday, July 7th at BAM parking lot. There are skate demos all day too.. Also, can’t miss the famous block party- Sunday, July 13th with my faves J*Davey, Kudu and others… There will be a full blog report/wrap up with all the background/behind the scenes posted shortly after the closing.

OWN YOUR POWER

Treat yourself to a relaxing escape with like minds- It’s the 2nd Annual OWN YOUR POWER RETREAT. Announcing NEW DATES: Sept 26-28th at Miami Botanical Gardens This retreat promises to be an empowering weekend. You will enjoy personal development, business and natural healing workshops designed to broaden your vision and bring clarity. A total integration of Body, Mind and Spirit. Don’t miss out…. Tables/booths selling out fast!!!! REGISTER NOW!!!

HESTON

Atlanta’s Heston is readying his debut that’s much anticipated called ‘Storyteller’. It drops in August. CD exclusive sale with SOULTRACKS for July. He’s in NY the week of July 16th. ‘Good Morning America’ which is off the debut album ‘Storyteller’ is our modern day REDEMPTION song. If you haven’t heard it– you NEED to…. Audio Portraits

STRICTLY SOCIAL

I’m very excited about this event. It’s a 1 night only in NY… LA’s hottest cutting edge Soul Music monthly is headed East….Tis true….Thanks to Norman of Nu-Soul and Soul Union for letting me shine with you on this joint. It’s ‘STRICTLY SOCIAL’ It’s all going down at SUTRA on Wednesday, July 16th. Amazing performances from some of the hottest NY talent. ViceLounge Sarah White Jade Rep Life On the decks: Zilvinas and Yellowtail and the vision himself of Strictly Social- DJ Destroyer. Mel D Cole on the lens Special shouts to: Urb, Fusicology, and Styleaholics for helping us spread the word… Also we’ll be listening to HESTON’s ‘ Storyteller’ in its entirety.

CHERRY BOMB

We can all be Rock Stars now- thanks to this new book coming out early August by author and long time friend Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna. CHERRY BOMB- Published by Simon and Schuster- Simon Spotlight Entertainment. Carrie has rounded up some of her famous friends, favorite rock chicks, and cool experts to dish out advice, inspiration, and know-how in CHERRY BOMB: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Flirt, a Tougher Chick. and a Hotter Girlfriend, and to Living Life Like a Rock Star! CHERRY BOMB is an A-to-Z reference for everything awesome a girl needs to know, including the obvious (style, beauty, dating, and sex tips) and the not-so-obvious (how to prepare absinthe, how to sneak backstage, how to hit on a celebrity). Save the date for NY Book Party. Tuesday, August 19th- Beauty Bar 7PM-10PM DJ CAT on the decks Mel D. Cole on the lens Other surprises TBC

KISSEY ASPLUND

I am very excited to be working with Kissey Asplund. She is innovative, a delight to work with and super creative. Oh did I mention- she’s gorgeous too. She lives in Sweden and she’s Caribbean. Now that’s flavour! Kissey will be in NY and U.S doing dates, promo, interviews, hanging out and networking the whole of July. Holla if you have anything for her. Her newest project is on K7 called ‘Plethora’ and she has many many collaborations and several in the works. Somewhat Strange Life

And in closing, there’s a social platform for artists and fans a like… OURSTAGE It brings fans and artists to an equal playing field. One can judge their artistry in an equal and fair fashion… Fans get to decide which artist has the best song or video. They vote and judge and there are prizes awarded each month. There are other channel features for Filmmakers and Comics. I’ll also be attending Latin Alternative Music Conference which this year is at the Roosevelt Hotel. Get at me if you’re in town… Once again- have to shout out Tony Z of Netmix for the Bloom Blog plug Ins and hook ups….Wait till it’s all live and running…. Check my blog, peep my site, bookmark me, facebook me, follow me(Twitter), Ning me, Find me on Myspace, search me on the web and if you have anything that needs a buzz or a sprout or a booster…..Bloom is the name!!!! Sincerely, Fiona Bloom The Bloom Effect email: fiona@thebloomeffect.com

News from Lifeforce Muzic & BrazenBunch

Lifeforce Muzic and BrazenBunch present ‘Lifeforce’ LATEST NEWS The next show in July! INFORMATION Find out more via these links: Lifeforce Muzic on myspace BrazenBunch on myspace REVIEWS June 6th at The Vortex The night began with Bianca Rose who, as the host for the evening, played one of her own songs before introducing the acts. First up was Lacey Adigwu who’s emotional and honest acoustic songs, though not technically brilliant, certainly reached the audience. She was followed by cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson who certainly can’t be faulted technically – her playing defies her young years and the night kicked into gear. Next was Andreya Triana, who is starting to make noise in the music industry and we were not disappointed as her mellow and mesmerizing performance proved she is someone to watch out for in 2009! Enitan then took the stage and the change from acoustic to full band was completed as the musicians from The Lifeforce Band joined her. Her smooth soul/jazz songs sensitively led us into a set from Abdul Shyllon who’s old school soul vocals conjoured up memories of the likes of Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. His enigmatic songs brought the pace a little faster and you could almost sense the energy of the room build. Keeping the energy levels up was the next artist, Mellow Baku who used the limited room on stage to dance to her reggae-tinged jazz numbers. Then it was back with Ayanna who this time moved to the keyboard and did a couple of her songs with the full band and was joined by the horns. The finale to this eclectic night was a performance by the aforementioned horns who form an integral part of the band Soothsayers. Joined by Mellow for action packed rhythms and melodies that had the room buzzing until the last note! (SW) UPCOMING SHOWS Fri 4th July 2008 – ‘Lifeforce’ at The Vortex Jazz Club London 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8JH Bookings: 020 7254 4097 Doors: 8pm. Tickets: £10 For advance tickets and table bookings visit: Vortex website Hi Mike, Well, after five very successful “Lifeforce” events at The Vortex the time is fast approaching for the 6th and final showcase in the series, to be held on Friday 4th July. We have, as usual, a great eclectic mix of superb and inspiring artists and musicians performing musical journeys through Jazz, Soul, Folk, Reggae, Blues and everything in between. This is one Finale show not to be missed, hope to see you there! Future collaborations with The Vortex are in the pipeline so stay tooned. Friday 4th July….. who’s on? Julia Biel Julia’s mesmerizing voice, magnetic stage presence and soul-bearing songs have long been admired and she bagged a nomination at the BBC Jazz awards. More info: Julia Biel Princess and the Pervert Princess is a vocalist and musician whose instrument is a 6-string electric violin called a Violectra. She has worked with a long list of established artists from the Gorillaz to Brian Ferry. More info: Princess and the Pervert Rasiyah Rasiyah is a soul-jazz singer most known for the DKD down tempo smash ‘Brighter Day’. She has toured with the Kyoto Jazz Massive and is well known in the broken-beat scene having worked with Bugz In The Attic, IG Culture and Diego (4hero) amongst others. More info: Rasiyah Poppy Seed Poppy blends poetry, singing and conscious lyrics heard on her album ‘Coming Through’. More info: Poppy Seed Baby Sol Baby is a singer songwriter with a vocal sound likened to Billie Holiday. Baby has worked with Groove Armada, UK rapper TY and many others. More info: Baby Sol Elisabeth Troy Elisabeth has worked with MJ Cole, Massive Attack, Incognito and many others and her soulful vocals have graced film soundtracks and TV shows, such as Later with Jools Holland. More info: Elisabeth Troy Note: artists and musicians are subject to change. Good Causes Bring essential learning and educational items such as note pads, pens, pencils, crayons, solar calculators etc to the event. We will then add them to our collection which we take directly to schools and orphanages where they are most needed. Buy one of the revolutionary 100% natural t-shirts from which 100% goes to good causes including the charity Anti Slavery international. Peace and Progress Contact: hi@brazenbunch.com infolifeforcemuzic@mac.com

Contemporary Soul

Soul as a concept has both sociopolitical and cultural functions and meanings.
Since the 60’s may changes have ocurred in African American communities which in turn have produced new attitudes and interpretations about the concept of Soul.
Soul embraces a philosophy, behaviour, symbols, cultural products and cultural style.

Portia Maultsby (adapted), Soul – Black Power, Politics & Power

To be modern is to live a life of paradox and contradiction. It is to be overpowered by the immense bureaucratic organisations that have the power to control and often destroy all communities, values, lives: and yet to be undeterred in our determination to face these forces, to fight to change their world and make it our own

Marshall Berman, All that is solid melts into air

The spirit, character and/or elements of soul, nevertheless, provided the foundation for the 80’s and 90’s forms of Black musical expression, marketed as R’n'B and neo soul, these genres illustrate how contemporary African American musical expressions represent a blending and re-working of past traditions. They also exemplify how the concept of Soul remains relevant in the production of Black culture.

Portia Maultsby – African American Music

There is a lot of music being made now that is reminiscent of or made in the style of old Soul Music, particularly 60’s Soul or 70’s Funk. This music is coming at us from a number of different angles, including from Major labels with their latest ‘big name’, or Funk outfits copying a particular style.

Contemporary Soul music, is different from soul music of 1998, is different from 1988 and so on right the way back through to its origins. (For me) Soul music is organic and has to be contemporary, progressive and represent what is coming out of (predominantly) independent Black America right now.

So when music is made to sound like a previous era then it is no more than pastiche, looking back not forward. This is equally so whether its 2008 made to sound like 1978, or 70’s music sounding like 60’s. It is the difference between absorbing influences and copying. Regressive not progressive.

I am not necessarily saying that the pastiche is not good music or musically, well meaning or well produced. Indeed I quite like some of it for what it is and do from time to time incorporate it in my shows (either on radio, or as a club DJ), where I adopt an all round holistic approach where my personal views and preferences are adapted to or for the listener or dancer. However, in terms of where my head is at and what I would and do promote, my main focus has to be new, and invariably live, which is where I believe the strength and focus lies.

It doubtless has a place, people do like it. What I am saying is that it is not Soul Music in the overall sense, it is simply ‘in the style of’. It adds nothing to the genre or the progression of the music style, particularly in it’s cultural context. For me whilst can I fully appreciate the musicianship, the love, the professionalism and so on of, for example, the new breed funk outfits I have difficulties with the overall concept for the reasons stated. It is what it is. Furthermore when it is taken up by the major labels and the marketeers and they start to influence (new)artists to go down a particular path for ‘profit’ purposes it does irrepairable harm.

Soul music is organic, it has to be new and it has to reflect principally Black America now – in the same way as we moved on from My Girl to Ball Of Confusion and so on and so forth Soul Music is now different but it is still out there in its own form and is today every bit as potent as it always was.

There is a whole movement out there forming, shaping and promoting (new) Soul Music for now and for the years ahead. We need to look forward and not back, it’s going to be different but to say it is any the less meaningful, or potent, or soulful is at best narrowminded and at worst just wrong.

Kloud 9

New album forthcoming in 2008, previewed tracks and interviewed Kendal & Kelvis Duffie on Radio Cardiff Spring 2008,

Jean Baylor – Testimony, My Life Story

links: -
http://www.jeanbaylor.com/home.html
http://www.myspace.com/jeanbaylor

Info: – Jean Baylor, formerly of Zhane’, returns with her first solo effort, Testimony: my life story. As one-half of the duo that gave us some of the most memorable R&B hits of the nineties, Baylor experienced enormous success with smash hits including “Hey Mr. DJ,” “Groove Thang,” and “Sending My Love.” Now with an incredible new body of work and a voice that seemed to only get better with time, Jean comes into her own, delivering a compassionate anthology filled with hope, inspiration and gratitude. This album is a compelling collection of songs remarkably blended in elements of hip-hop, pop and R&B/Soul. Testimony: my life story is a personal soundtrack of Baylor’s life that takes you through her journeys of love, pain and spiritual growth. Simply put…Jean brings a sincere tenderness to music that is not only refreshing…but powerful. With her purpose at heart and music in hand, this album is sure to be one of the highest regarded R&B albums of the year.

Jean Baylor (formerly of Zhane) Acoustic Experience

Ra-Re Valverde

Review – To Come
Tracks – 1 Outside the Box
2 Love Will F/ Peter Hadar
3 Superhero
4 May B I’m the 1
5 In This Love
6 Til U Come Home
7 RV Intermission
8 B With U
9 Girlfriend
10 Complicated
11 All the Things F/ Joe Webb
12 Do I (4 Daddy)
13 Them Eyes
14 Abm Outro

Links – http://www.myspace.com/rarefootagemusic

To Purchase or sample click the pic

Calvin Richardson – When love comes

http://www.myspace.com/calvinrichardson
http://www.iamcalvinrichardson.com/

Info :-

You know you’re in for something different the moment you hear “Sang No More” the catchy, provocative lead single from Calvin Richardson’s new album, When Love Comes. Over a Fifties-style doo-wop ballad pulse, Calvin sings frankly about the hard choices a singer must make given the trade-offs between being an artist, a star, and an authentic human being. His choice? If fame and fortune means forgetting what’s important love and the core values of life; then he doesn’t want to sing anymore, doesn’t want to be successful. The price would be too high. Spoken like a true soul man, which is what Calvin Richardson is – a contemporary, hip-hop generation version of a classic soul singer. Richardson, who grew up with K-Ci and Jo-Jo, sang alongside fellow soul crooners Angie Stone and Raphael Saddiq and appeared on numerous soundtracks including “Bringing Down the House” starring Queen Latifah and Steve Martin, demonstrates why he is one of the best singers to emerge in R&B in years on his new Shanachie Entertainment/NuMo Records CD, When Love Comes, to be released May 27, 2008. Affectionately known as “The New Prince of Soul”, Calvin Richardson demonstrates that he is a worthy heir to the tradition of Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack and Marvin Gaye.

With When Love Comes Calvin had a vision of embracing the essence of classic soul. To achieve that vision, he wrote and produced all the tracks himself. “I wanted to highlight the vintage soul sound and reconnect with the Curtis Mayfield sound, the Betty Wright sound and put it into a contemporary context,” Calvin explains. “I had done that before but this time I wanted to try to make it a more coherent statement than previously when different producers were bringing me tracks. A lot of the songs were inspired by samples, digging in the crates and listening to old music that put me in the mood to create this album. It helped me to take a sample and build off of that. When I hear that music it speaks to me in a way that just having some musicians sitting around trying ideas does not. It’s sort of a road map back to the way things used to be. I took it to another level.”

When Love Comes is notable for its wide-ranging lyrical themes. Tracks such as “Fire In The Attic,” “Nobody’s Gonna Love You” and “When Love Comes” are sure to become classic love anthems suitable to set the mood for any late-night rendezvous. Then there are the songs with a more subtle message, such as “Daddy To My Kids,” in which Calvin sings of a man’s simple desire for a strong, positive relationship with his children, or “She’s Hurtin”,? a sensitive portrait of a lonely woman looking for love in the midst of the party atmosphere of a club.

The songs highlighted on When Love Comes are personal to Calvin, who explains the story behind “Daddy To My Kids.” “I’m really, really close with my kids but I’m not with any of the mothers and it’s tough sometimes when others are controlling the situation. The overall desire is just to be there without the restraints of the mother in the way. A lot of guys deal with that. A lot of guys could be great dads if the situation let them.”

“”She’s Hurting” was inspired by a real situation. I was with a friend of mine and she had just gotten out of a relationship. We were talking and I recognized her pain. A lot of women when they break up become vulnerable and guys prey on that. I’m letting some guys know maybe that’s not the best thing.” At the same time, he?s not afraid to celebrate a woman’s sexuality on the booty bumping “Give It To Me,” which is one of several tracks that reinforce Calvin?s image as a “ladies man. “I don’t have a problem with that. I’m not a one-dimensional guy. I’m somewhat of a ladies man. I like women. I love whatever they bring to the table and I can match whatever they bring to the table.”

The variety of lyrical themes is matched by the variety of the grooves. The fresh conga-driven groove of ?Give It To Me? is miles away from the intimate, acoustic textures of “Make Friends With Love” or the lush textures of “Fire In The Attic.” Most impressive is the fact that Calvin wrote or co-wrote all the tunes. The centrality of finger-picked or strummed guitar, often acoustic, reflects the fact that Calvin plays the instrument, writes with it and can go into a radio station and accompany himself for an impromptu performance if need be. It’s all held together by Calvin’s impressive vocalizing, an ability that is all-too-rare these days. He can move from the guttural growls of a Bobby Womack to the joyous arpeggios of Sam Cooke. He can sing hard, sweet, rough or tender. He’s not a copyist though; he has absorbed his influences and delivers an authentic rooted soul voice with a contemporary sensibility.

Calvin Richardson came by his soulful style honestly. Born in Monroe, North Carolina, the first of nine children, Calvin had a strong musical upbringing. His mother sang in the local gospel group, The Willing Wonders, and he sang with them as a youth. But he was able to listen to secular soul music and funk and was particularly inspired by Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Donny Hathaway. Singing on the gospel circuit he met and became friends with Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey and Joel “Jo Jo” Hailey, who went on to form the hit-making group Jodeci in the early Nineties and later as K-Ci and JoJo scored numerous hits. Calvin was encouraged by their success to form the urban contemporary vocal group, Undacova, whose song “Love Slave” was included in the New Jersey Drive soundtrack in 1995. When Undacova folded, Calvin launched a solo career that resulted in his debut solo album Country Boy on Uptown/Universal Records in 1999. Despite strong material, including a great cover of Bobby Womack’s “I Wish He Didn’t Trust Me So Much,” the album failed to sell, despite notable guests such as Chico DeBarge, Monifah and K-Ci, possibly due to confusion occasioned by the album title. While Calvin was working on his follow-up, Angie Stone heard a demo of his song “More Than A Woman” and invited him to duet with her on a version of the song for her album Mahogany Soul. A second album for Universal was shelved before release but Calvin’s second album release 2:35, named after the time one of his children was born, was released by Hollywood Records in 2003. The album went on to sell more than 250,000 copies and generated significant adult urban radio play. Though lumped in with the rising crop of new-soul singers, 2:35PM revealed Calvin as an authentic soul singer bringing a classic vocal style to a contemporary production sound. With When Love Comes, Calvin Richardson delivers at last an unfettered musical vision, a compelling statement of his true artistic identity.

“Working on this album before I got a new label deal was an opportunity to express myself, to let my voice be heard without hearing too many opinions about what the music was,” Calvin says. “Sometimes it takes you a while to discover your voice and your soul. I had found my way before but sometimes it can be hard when there’s a lot of people with opinions. So that was the great part for me this time around. I was able to just do me without any pressure.”

KiKi Hawkins

http://www.myspace.com/kikimusic

info;-Keyontia “Ki Ki” Hawkins, originally from Baltimore, Maryland attended The Baltimore School for the Arts where she expanded vocally from gospel, R&B, jazz, rock, into classical. This classically trained prodigy further continued her education at The Juilliard School of Music. Ki Ki then began her performing career by touring with notable artists such as Amel Larrieux; Kelis; Nona Hendryx; and Angelique Kidjo. As an established writer, Ki Ki has written and performed lead and backing vocals on dance singles, “You Don’t Tell Me Anymore,” “Get Up,” “Thank You,” “Keep It Movin,” and “Give You What You Need,” for Wakko Records with singles released in the UK, and the US. She has been invited to lend her vocal stylings to many studio sessions, including Raheem DeVaugh’s “Love Experience” album, Q-Tip’s “Kamaal the Abstract,” and is the featured vocalist on his newest 2007 single “Work it Out.” Ki Ki: A brand new sound of alternative rock, funk, infused into one, adding a unique blend of soulful sounds enriched with breathtaking warm yet powerful vocals.

ViceLounge

http://www.mobileunderground.com/artist/vicelounge
http://www.myspace.com/thevl

Pillows by ViceLounge

info:-

Once labels used to hit us with the cassette tape, and often in this fashion: midtempo banger (“Deep Inside”); fast tune for the clubs (“Cause Of Love”) and then slow jam (“Never Fall Away”) to “sleep” to. RBM and Vicelounge are bringing it back, futuristic soul music.The maxi-single features the production and vocals of Craig Knight, Dee Ferguson and our favorite producer Joaquin. All under the craziness and guidance of the Vicelounge: Jonn Nubian + Tai.Vicelounge: the soundtrack for stylish and dangerous lifestyle.”Drum stabs, merge into dissonant echoes of wandering chants portraying the true darkness of an urban landscape. Vicelounge once again captures what real soul heads seek, a true melting pot of emotions where we can dream freely.”– Mike Adasko (Mike Steady on “Cause Of Love”)”Zero7 meets MF Doom”– Mr. Len (Company Flow, Smacks Records)”Thanks for the tunes my friend – I am digging them right now – perfect for today with my window open and a little breeze.”–Toshi Reagon (indie rocker, righteous babe)

Tomas Doncker – Inside Out

Review – To Come

Tracks: – 1 Faith And Trust 2 Don’t Throw Our Love Away 3 Learn To Cry
4 Bring Me Your Sweetness 5 Another Thing Comin 6 I’m So Tired 7 Peace Train 8 Somebody already Broke My Heart 9 We Should Be Lovers

Links:- http://www.myspace.com/tomasdoncker

Click album cover to purchase or preview:-

Info:- Producer, Singer, Songwriter & Guitarist Tomas Doncker has been a mainstay on the New York music scene for over twenty years. He cut his teeth hanging out downtown in the fertile punk-funk explosion of the 1980s. Quickly, he found himself among the ranks of New Yorks groundbreaking musical elite, and in such groups as:James Chance & The Contortions, James White & The Blacks, Defunkt, Latin-groove-meisters Konk and New Yorks absolute 1st hip hop group, J. Walter Negro & The Loose Joints (featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Arturo OFarrill). During these formative years in NY, Tomas played several gigs with his upstairs neighbor, a then-unknown singer named Madonna. Tomas amassed performance and recording credits with a diverse list of musical luminaries including: Bootsy Collins, Ivan Neville, Yoko Ono, Amp Fiddler, Bonnie Raitt, folk-pop-diva Morley, Japanese saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, Grammy winner Prince Charles Alexanders City Beat Band & spoken word / hip-hop pioneers Sonya Sanchez & Toni Blackman. The result of Tomas’ passion for production and artist development, can be heard on several upcoming releases: kyra gaunt’s”be the true revolution”, Nick Martin’s “Lonesome Time” & A collection of works with poet Hermine Pinson titled “Change the Change”. Tomas is also busy working on a collection of new songs with pulitzer-prize winning poet Yussef Komonyaka titled ” the mercy suite.” Currently residing in Brooklyn New York. Tomas records and performs with his trio, and is finishing his highly anticipated “acoustic/soul” CD. The album is being co-produced by Ethan Ryman at garden of Ethan studios, and of course, the production team of hollins Steele@ The Steele Factory Brooklyn, NY!!!www.TheSteeleFactory.com

Kamal Imani – Spoken Soul Dedications to the Sistas

I’m not really too sure how popular spoken word is amongst my readership. It isn’t too popular in the UK save for in a niche artistic way but my readership is only about 20% UK anyway.

Well Kamal Imani, Kamal Supreme would be a good place to start, conscious lyrically and drawing from Soul, Jazz, Reggae, Blues, Drum and bass, traditional and contemporary forms which all serve to give the music accessibility and listenability. And the messages are evocative, provocative, thoughtful and strong and there is an underlying vibe permeates through the music and the word.

Check the videos on myspace or youtube

Tracks:-
1 Ms. Melanin 2 Lovin her nappy nappy 3 Revolutionary Diva 4 lets Jump the Broom

Links:-
myspace.com/kamalsupreme

Other Product – Click pic to buy and sample

Info:-

Kamal Imani was born in Harlem NY and grew up in the Bronx NY and moved to Bergen County New Jersey at the age of 9 where he was inspired by the emerging Sugarhill Records and underground New York City Hip Hop. He was introduced to poetry from the poetry anthologies that his grandmother would give him at the age of 7.

Kamal Imani represents the best in spoken word and hip hop fusion. Kamal brings the revolutionary spirit of the Last Poets ,Amiri Baraka together with artist like Rakim, Public Enemy and Brand Nubian. He also brings a positive Common and Kanye West vibe while maintaining his own unique character, versatility and raspy voice.

Kamal has performed at venues such as the Nuyorican, Bowery Poetry Club, Nells, Princeton University, Farleigh Dickinson University and Medgar Evers College and Hampton University to name a few. He also performed at The NJ Nets halftime show as one of NJ’s most talented. His songs are featured in http://www.rbgworld.com films “Goldigger Killer” and “Holla” in which he has cameo appearances in. He has also acted in the play by Gloria Williams “The Greatest is Love”. He has shared stages with the likes of Buju Banton,Julie Dexter,Ragan Whiteside,The Last Poets, Cassidy, Doug E. Fresh and more.

He has over 25 years of experience as a talent showcase promoter, cable television producer and host, recording studio and artist manager.

Crowd favorites are “Copped a New Whip”, “Blast Off”, “Armchair Revolutionary” and “Ms. Melanin”.

See his video “Armchair Revolutionary” at
http://www.myspace.com/kamalsupreme

His new wedding CD “Jump The Broom Maxi Single” is at http://cdbaby.com/cd/kamalimani2

To contact Kamal for bookings email cipherkam@yahoo.com 201-964-6275, cipherkam@gmail.com http://www.myspace.com/kamalsupreme

TN’T@the Shrine Music Venue

Hello, We hope everyone has gotten their summer started on a positivenote .... Love, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity, etc. We just want tolet you know that on Friday June 27, 2008 we'll be returning to theShrine World Music Venue for a repeat performance with our band. Wewere there in March of this year and had such a cool time theyinvited us back.

You may or may not be aware that June is Black Music Month. We hopeyou' ll come out and vibe with us. Showtime is 10:30 pm. Ya"ll knowhow TN'T get down, we always have lots of fun. This spot is hip andbuilt for live entertainment. So how about showing some love andsupport (stop by to see a Brother and  Sister). Let's continue thecelebration of Black Music Month.

The Shrine is located at 2271 Adam CLayton Powell Blvd. Between 133rdand 134st Harlem (NYC) New York.

Feel free to forward this e-mail and spread the word. As always welove it when you holla back, sign the guestbook and things like that.

Love, Peace, and Hair Grease,

TN'T (Trish & Tom)

Friday June 27, 2008 10:30 pm @ the Shrine World Music Venue 2271Adam Clayton Powelll Blvd. Between 133rd and 134st Harlem NYC NewYork

http://www.tritommusic.comhttp://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tnt2