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August 30, 2008
A Note from DDT Entertainment
Cherry Bomb’s the Rage and Bloom is Buzzing…..
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This D.C girl is going to bless the mic and stage at the Highline Ballroom this Thursday so NY get ready if you aren’t familiar with Wayna.
I became familiar after hosting a Nu-Soul Series show at Franks Lounge a couple months ago- Dare I say- I was impressed – so much so- that we’ll be collaborating together in the near future.
Wayna has just released her 2nd album called ‘Higher Ground’. Her debut is called ‘Moments of Clarity’. I suggest you buy both! They’re great…
Come to Highline Ballroom- Wayna is opening for Les Nubians. This will be a treat.. Wayna will also be performing in Atlanta for Strictly Social – Friday, September 12th.
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Reviews are starting to pour in for ‘Storyteller’-- Heston’s long awaited debut release and boy it was certainly worth the wait— The general feedback is pretty much consistent and in agreement saying it’s a brilliant first release with some amazing arrangements, beautiful vocals and stellar songwriting.
You know– i haven’t seen Heston live yet– can’t wait for that day but from I hear from everyone– he’s an amazing live performer. Heston has the full package…
He’s in St. Louis this Thursday, August 28th at Napps Vibe Lounge. He was supposed to do an outdoor concert in Birmingham over the weekend but the place got rained out due to the Hurricane. Oh that thing! Birmingham will be re-scheduled!
Heston’s album is #1 at Soultracks with regards to sales as compiled by CD Baby, Amazon and some other retailers. He’s up for 2 noms…..Best Male Vocalist and Best New Artist. Voting deadline today.
Soultracks Readers Choice Awards take place at Max M Fisher Music Hall on October 3rd in Detroit and yes– I will be there… If you haven’t heard ‘Storyteller’- you need to!
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You’ve been hearing her name a lot over the past few months and it’ s just the beginning. No more ‘Who is April Hill’. Her debut album ‘Love 360′ has been receiving accolades from wide and far. ..We congratulate her on the ‘Best New Artist’ nod. She’ll be in Detroit…
Her single ‘Wanna Be Free’ has been floating around the air-waves for a few weeks now and charted on Top 40 on Urban AC. Her gig at The Blue Note last Friday was incredible! She performed to a packed house and her musicians were on fire and she was entertaining, delightful vocally and eased into all the songs like a natural!
She also just performed with Fuzz Band in Norfolk. The reception was tremendous. We have a remix contest coming up and a ring back you’re going to definitely want your hand set to have and a lot of major things in the works so stay tuned…
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How excited am I to be repping for Brooklyn Academy and their long overdue and very anticipated debut release ‘Bored of Education’. Talk about Full Circle! I go way back with these blokes. Back to 3-2-1 Records days when I put out this hot split single that still to this day is considered an ‘Underground Classic’.
Skeme Team featuring Non-Phixion and The Arsonists with the split single Pumpkinhead, Word a Mouth(Met and Block) yes- They’re here- they never went anywhere but the studio, stayed busy and creatively have mixed and mashed up some incredible songs both musically and lyrically and the guests on this project are ridiculous. Keith Murray, what? Jean Grae, what? And the list goes on….
People- you need to be here at the celebration of their new endeavour- their DEBUT- for so many reasons I can’t explain them all here but for the main one– many many years in the makes and in the works and who says it’s not true!! Good things really come to those who wait !! And now the wait is over….
I’m so happy for my boys!!! For Hip Hop we all need to be…..Brooklyn Academy is keeping Hip Hop very much alive in NY….Who says Hip Hop’s Dead!
Wednesday, September 3rd Southpaw 9PM Park Slope, BK– where it all began!!!! They’re also doing an in-store at Fat Beats the day before – September 2nd- 5PM-7PM
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I got a lot of England in my life right now and this oh so makes me happy…My roots! All the way live from London is the funky soulful dance act- Reel People. Their 2nd album will see the light Stateside- as they ready the release of ‘Seven Ways to Wonder’.
Reel People spearheaded by Oli Lazurus of Papa Records fame… Oli will come over to NY for promo and guest DJ appearances sometime in September.
There are 12 juicy tracks on the latest project and a few guests including Darien and Omar… In fact– I can’t stop listening to this album..
Also- a listening party for the ‘Seven Ways to Wonder’ at Frank’s Lounge- Nu-Soul Series- Sept 20th…
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Treat yourself to a relaxing escape with like minds- It’s the 2nd Annual OWN YOUR POWER RETREAT. Sept 26-27th 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!!! Sadly- I won’t be going down there but Simone Kelly tells me there will be an OWN YOUR POWER – NY next year!!!! So stay tuned!!!
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I won’t be down for Soul Summit but will be there in spirit….Strictly Social- Sept 12th at Djangos…. The line up is fierce!
Shouts to Thomas Paul for interviewing me for Soultracks. The interview is live now and it’s juicy and candid….Check it out. Soultracks
I’m speaking at Baltimore Music Conference Sept 20th. Hit me up if you’re headed down there.
Shouts to everyone who’s digging the blog- thanks for your feedback…. Hit me up on all my social media pages….Find me if you can!!
I can’t stop listening to Roy Hargrove’s latest ‘ Earfood’. Especially ‘Strasbourg/ St. Denis’. It’s been in heavy rotation. I think I’ve listened to it 50 times…
I just heard a sneak preview of ‘Get it Together’ - a new Maya Azucena song and it’s so timely and it’s hot! I’m headed to see Eric Rico this week– I’ve heard nuff things about this bad boy!
I’m also super excited about Nicholas Payton and the trio at Jazz Standard featuring Mark Whitfield and Christian McBride. Sept 3-7th. Jazz is back in my life- full circle and I’m happy to have these fine musicians around me.
Lastly- it’s not what you think — It’s what you DO! I’m about to do the DO!
Sincerely,
email: fiona@thebloomeffect.com
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Vortex Outdoors – Sunday 28th September
Vortex Outdoors is a free outdoor event on as part of Open Rehearsal and the launch of the UK’s Cultural Olympiad.
VORTEX OUTDOORS
Sunday 28th September 2008
1pm – 7pm
Gillett Square, Dalston, London N16
Featuring dynamic artists:
Imaani, Zena Edwards, Tawiah, Abdul Shyllon
plus Andreya Triana, Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Baby Sol, Jnay, Sharleen Hector and BSIX 6th Form College Students.
website: http://www.vortexjazz.co.uk/
contact: info@vortexjazz.co.uk
Tel: 020 7993 3643
Jeremy James live this Sat. Aug. 30th, 9PM/$10 @ the Nuyorican Poets Cafe w/ poets: Nathan P. & Chance
Cisco – MGR, here to invite you to . . .
JEREMY JAMES
Acoustic Guitarist, Soul Singer and Song Writer
http://www.JeremyJamesMusic.net
http://www.youtube.com/user/CiscoIII
http://www.myspace.com/JeremyJamesMusicNet
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/video/underground_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003583759
NEXT LIVE PERFORMANCE this Sat. Aug. 30th, 9pm/ $10 @ the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH
WHO:
Urbintel, Inc. presents:
WHAT:
“Verses”, a poetry/hip-hop event
hosted by Helena D. Lewis
(the award winning playwright)
&
music by DJ Buddha LuvJonz
featuring:
JEREMY JAMES
(acclaimed performing artist)
CHANCE
(of El Grito De Petas)
NATHAN P
(former Nuyo Slam Master and Slam Finalist)
WHERE:
NUYORICAN POETS CAFE
236 East 3rd Street
b/n Avenues B & C Lower East Side,
Manhattan 10009
516-569-9600
WHEN:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH
TIME:
9PM
DAMAGE:
$10
urbintel.com
516-569-9600
Ed Jackson – Upcoming Gigs and CD release update news
Hello Friends,
I hope all is with you. I am back in Brazil just finishing up a few gigs. I also wanted to let you know that the release date for my new CD “Colors” has been delayed until September. However, I have decided that my CD release gig date will be Saturday, October 18 in NY. I now have to choose from one of 2 locations for the event. I will give you all the details soon.
In the meantime if you happen to be in the neighborhood I will be playing at a jazz festival with my quartet in Rio De Janeiro this Friday. (see details below) I hope to see you there.
Friday, August 29
Esch Festival de Jazz
Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ed Jackson Quartet:
Ed Jackson- Alto,Soprano Saxophones and Flute
Octavio Garcia -Drums
Alberto Farah – Piano
Fernando Costa -Bass
Showtime 9:00 pm
Cover : R$ 40,00
For more information call:
(55) (21) 2512-5651
Ed Jackson
email: edjackson@edjackson.com
Possibly The PARTY of The Year Early Warning!
EARLY WARNING OUR SECOND BIRTHDAY PARTY WILL ON SAT 27TH SEPT 2008 @ THE TROY BAR, 10 HOXTON SQUARE, N1 6NG 10PM – 4AM FREE FOR ALL B4 11PM £5 B4 2AM AND THOSE WHO NEED TO MAKE A ENTRANCE ( why bother) £10 after 2AM
We have the pleasure of having Nu Soul / Hip Hop producer Eric Lau doing a guest DJ set, his ground breaking debut LP called New Territories is available at all good record shops (a must have in your collection!). All you regular CRATES attendees will be used to us playing joints from Eric’s LP! We also have Soundspect taking it straight to the dance floor repping the underground.
The night will consist of Nu Soul, Funk, Boogie, Hip Hop, Jazz, Rare Groove and Soulful Broken Beat, it’s free before 11pm, £5 after and £10 after 2am (hope that makes sense lol!).
This will be a night of mature fun, happy faces and good ol funky music! People are still talking about our 1st birthday party last year…..we reckon this one is going to be better…..
www.myspace.com/cratesfam
www.myspace.com/ericlaumusic
www.myspace.com/soundspect
BLESS!!!!!!!
ALL ROADS LEAD TO LUCILLE’S AT 4460 SO. 3RD STREET, MEMPHIS, TN
http://sweetangel.org/calendar.html
Sunday, August 31st, 2008
Lucille’s
4460 So. Third Street
Memphis, TN
901.246.7545
Price: No Cover
The Mark IV Social Set will make their annual visit to Memphis, TN.
Their hangout was Mike’s Place and as Mike decided to do his hanging
out with Sweet Angel; their host this year will be Lucille’s at 4460
So. Third Street. DON’T WORRY, Mike and Sweet Angel will be in the
house. As a matter of fact, SWEET ANGEL voted “BEST NEW SOUTHERN
SOUL FEMALE ARTIST FOR 2008″ by Jus’ Blues Music Awards will be
behind the “wheels of steel”. OH YEAH! SWEET ANGEL IS ONE OF THE
HOTTEST DJs SPINNIN’. COME SEE FOR YOURSELF.
Doors Open at 5pm, NO COVER CHARGE, must be 21 years old
For more information call Lucille’s at (901) 789-4194 or Mike
Dobbins at (901) 246-7545
August 27, 2008
La Sonya Gunter – CrazyBeautiful
Review – Click picture below to preview and purchase
I have had some conversations with people, La Sonya may have been one of them, about concept albums and the effect of iTunes and the like on them. Are concept albums dead because people can select and buy only particular tracks? Or if an album has a concept or a message will peope miss it because of new age purchasing methods?
This album is not a ‘concept’ album as such but it is very deep and personal.It’s strength lies in the fact that it is written about personal experiences, its effect, the despair and the hope, the highs and the lows. So in an underlying way it is conceptual.
This album is La Sonya, she follows no other path other than her own, she doesn’t follow any trend or style – it would be so easy to do that, it is not Urban, or Neo Soul, or whatever, it is La Sonya. For that reason she must command respect for laying this down. I’m sure some people will look for the ‘dancefloor’ track, the ‘neo’ track, the ‘hiphop’ track, but that’s not the way this album works – it is La Sonya laying her Soul bare. Crazy yes Beautiful yes.
Go has a Spanish acoustic feel, fast paced with lilting sax, with strong passionate heartfelt vocals, setting the scene. Sitting here is funkier, pondering on the actions taken in the relationship.
The art of writing whether it is in fiction, in song or even in comedy, is the ability to give the reader or the listener a picture, an image, a feeling, an empathy, Sweet surrender ft Chester Gregory describes perfectly the depths of, the subconscious or unconscious things that one submits to in a relationship.
Musically Everything but you doesn’t do much for me in that it is a drivng rock orientated song but it does add another nuance and continue the storyline. Are you ready ft Hanifah Watilda musically changes genres to an Urban funky sound as we move into the phase where it’s not all about him, its about me to, culminating in Ode to the playa telling it like it is.
Crazybeautiful starts of in a Georgio Moroder stylee but actually evolves into a spoken word.
Tears is interesting in that it is intense and sorrowful, yet the track is light and uplifting. Mm hmm is an upbeat track, possibly the most instant and the one that sticks in your head as you hum along to it.
Doubt of love summarises the confusion of it all. Sometimes contains lots of influences, as does the whole album really, electro, hip hop, string samples, lots going on.
Here in NYC raises the questions, what next, why am I here, do I need to be here, things have changed – La Sonya didn’t we talk about this, just before I left last time I saw you! Ha!
This is how we living The Remix ft John Gordon concludes with a funky remix of a track from the BlakGerl album which is astonishingly 8 years old.
I know the effort and the sacrifices that have been made in getting this album completed and on to the streets. It is well produced and well structured and stands together as a great piece. La Sonya has opened up and created a work to be proud of, which will appeal on that level. What I have described as being a great strength – the concept and individualness – however may sadly be its achilles heal, in that it doesn’t have the ‘big’ track that gets latched on to that helps sell the album. I hope not because it deserves to be heard.
Tracks: -1 – Intro2 – go 3- sitting here 4 – sweet surrender 5 – everything but you 6 – are you ready ft Hanifah Watilda 7 – ode to the playa 8 – crazybeautiful 9 – tears 10- mmm hmm 11 – doubt of love 12 – sometimes 13 – here in NYC 14 – The Remix
Links -
http://www.lasonyagunter.com/index.htm
http://www.myspace.com/lasonyagunter
Cdbaby.com/lasonyagunterZoomoozik.com/lasonyagunter Bio:- For LaSonya Gunter, art does not merely imitate life, it feeds it. She sings of the questions we have all pondered like "Where is my place in this world?" and "How do I cope with life’s struggles?" Though the questions may be pointed, Gunter’s jazzy alto takes the edge off while beckoning us to explore the answers with her. Detroit native always knew that music was her destiny. At age three she began displaying her vocal gift by standing and singing on the kitchen table. Later, like many great vocalists, she found inspiration in the church. Growing up during the 80’s her biggest influences were soul and jazz legends like Donny Hathaway, Phyllis Hyman, and Sarah Vaughn. She recalls, "I t was the emotional depth of the vocals in soul and jazz that stirred me. I wanted to be a part of this." As an only child Gunter’s most fervent ally was her grandfather, Jesse Gunter, who always encouraged her musical talents. A period of exploration led her to study fashion at renowned FIT in New York City. Yet, a string of disappointments including the untimely death of her grandfather, urged Gunter to rethink her choices. It was this catharsis that not only drew her back to music, but also lent itself the creative backbone of Blak Gerl, her debut project. The journey to Blak Gerl was an uphill one. Gunter believes that "God helps those who help themselves" and understands the courage and sacrifice required to crystallize one’s dream. Blak Gerl was released independently on Gunter’s on Blak Dol Recordings in conjunction with Regular Records. She and executive producer, Jessie Khan, work arduously in promoting and exposing the album. Gunter emphasizes the importance of support from loved ones. "You must surround yourself with people who genuinely take your best interest to heart. No one does this alone." A musical composite of soul and jazz with a folk sensibility, Blak Gerl, showcases Gunter’s vocals as well as her writing and arranging abilities. Going beyond its title, the album offers much for any listener who has loved, struggled, dreamt, and pondered.Fatima Thomas.Press Release
For Immediate Release"CRAZYBEAUTIFUL"
LaSonya Gunter LaSonya Gunter has been generating quite a buzz in the independent music scene. A native of Detroit, Michigan, LaSonya brings the urban female persona to new heights with a soulful blend of rock, pop, classical and hip/hop mixed with jazz influences. La Sonya’s deep, smoky vocals have been described as a cross between Sade, Des’ree and Sarah Vaughn. Ms. Gunter’s music has also been described as “A funky socio- soul experience. La Sonya Gunter’s new CD “CRAZYBEAUTIFUL”, her sophomore project, is an eclectic, yet funky blend of soul, poetry, hip/hop, rock and operatic self-expression. ”There is something for e veryone on this CD”. “This project is special to me because it is more personal and emotional”, says La Sonya “I have had some turning points in my life and in my career”. “This compelled me to open up write about those things and bring them out into the world”. ” Each song has strong lyrical content and tells a story about love, life and pursuing your dreams”.” I write the way I sing, from my heart and soul”.” I also had the pleasure of working with some phenomenal producers, musicians and other talented artists.” Performing throughout New York City and nationwide, La Sonya has had the opportunity to work with some talented forces in the industry such as Herbie Hancock, Brian McKnight and Bruce Willis. Her latest venture was singing background for Gloria Gaynor. For More Information and for song previews, please visit: www.zoomoozik.com/lasonyagunter Press inquiries please contact Rory Rogers at pr@zoomoozik.com for more information.PR@ZOOMOOZIK.COM
August 14, 2008
Organix Promotions Featuring Angela Johnson & Friends
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Angela Johnson’s most recent offering, A Woman’s Touch (2008 Purpose) is a single-producer project that furthers Angela’s evolution as an erudite production talent and continues a legacy of female musician/producers not seen since the pioneering days of Patrice Rushen and AngelaWinbush. Boasting the crème de la crème of soul and R&B, from Rahsaan Patterson and Eric Roberson to Maysa and Julie Dexter, A Woman’s Touch is more than an indie soul project, it is an industry event unseen since the timeless producer albums of Quincy Jones and Norman Conners. When considered alongside a body of work that includes two solo masterpieces and two highly-hailed group projects as the lead singer of the soul-funk band, Cooly’s Hot Box, Angela’s fifth studio release is a revealing testament to the time and commitment Angela has spent honing her multi-faceted skills to a spit-shined perfection. Definitely not the show that you would want to miss! Unfortunately due to cost increases, we were forced to go up on the ticket prices, we hope that those of you who have supported us for the last two years will continue to do so. If we could avoid this measure we would… THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
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Stephanie McKay
AUGUST UPDATE
Just sending through a quick message of thanks to everyone for all of the messages of support that have been coming through in the last few weeks. Stephanie’s album is flying off the shelves in the UK, and with the release coming across Europe, Australia and the States, there’s a busy few months ahead! The album continues to receive glowing reviews including ‘Album of the Week’ in The Sunday Times, and this feature in New Nation.
Stephanie is back in the States now after her recent UK and Holland tour, and has just recorded a New York music special with Gilles Peterson for his BBC Radio 1 show. She’ll be returning to Europe next month for a series of live dates in Holland, France and Italy, before heading to Australia to perform with Big Lovely at the Melbourne Arts Festival. Full details coming soon!
If you havent already picked up a copy of Stephanie’s album, you can get the album and the limited edition 7-inch single of Jackson Avenue by clicking on the images below. You can also download the tracks as high quality 320kbs MP3 files by clicking here
–
Muthas Music Group
www.muthas.co.uk
Representing Amp Fiddler – Stephanie McKay – Bugz In The Attic – Morley – Drugs
SoundDoc Entertainment Drea Update: August 2008
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Greeting friends! SoundDoc Entertainment is excited about Drea’s solo career and the momentum she has behind her as a national independent artist. We are in the process of closing out the summer, and beginning to focus on our planning for 2009 |
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Check in at Drea’s Myspace page for upcoming promotions and surprises in 2008!
Have you purchased your copy of Love Affair? If not, you can visit CD Baby at : http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dreasounds To check out pics from Drea’s most recent performances and other Drea events go to: http://www.myspace.com/sounddoc2
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August EventsAugust is full of activities for Drea. First up is The Rising Stars Showcase at Sputnik in Brooklyn, 262 Taaffe Place in Fort Greene. Save the date…Tuesday August 12, 2008, the doors open at 8 so you will want to get there early to get a seat. After performing last month we’ve been asked to return so this show is going to be on and poppin. This will be a live performance with Drea’s hot Long Island band Christy Defeo on drums, Frank Scavone on bass, and Drea holding it down with keys. Drea is joining with friends, Paul Rivers Bailey, Dain Harris, and JimiJames…you won’t want to miss this one! See you there.
The next evening August 13th at 5:30 Drea will support her fellow artists Paul Rivers Bailey & Dain Harris at their ONUTSS (One Nation Under the Soul Shack) listening party. Go to http://www.onutss.com events for details. That night Drea will do it all again, performing at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar NYC, 254 W. 72nd St. Doors open at 7, and show time is at 8 so make your reservations in advance (212)579-022.
Bringing a close to the week SoundDoc Entertainment is glad to finally announce Drea’s 1st Long Island performance at our event Soul Sounds, a soul/r&b independent artist showcase in our own backyard. The event will take place at Tula Kitchen, Drea’s personal favorite L.I. spot. Drea will be joined by Dain Harris bringing wonderful sounds to you. An Atlanta native Dain Harris has shared the stage with artists such as India Arie, Kiete Young, Eric Roberson, Chrisette Michelle, and Anthony David. I know L.I. is going to help get the movement flowing. We will see you there Friday August 15th at 41 East Main St. in Bayshore, NY. The show starts at 9:30 and there isn’t a cover so make sure you support both artists and purchase their CDs.
Escaping New York for a few weeks Drea is performing in New Mexico with our friend Paul Rivers Bailey for two dates. Saturday August 23rd they will showcase their talents in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Apple Store location is, 2240 Q St., in the mall. Please visit our website for additional details. Closing out August, Drea is thrilled to support fellow artist Paul Rivers Bailey opening up for soul legend Al Green Saturday August 30th at the Santa Fe Opera Theater. For tickets go to the theater’s box office http://www.santafeopera.org. For information about SoundDoc Entertainment, booking Drea, and other upcoming events please check in at Myspace or at SoundDoc Entertainment’s website: http://www.sounddocentertainment.com
Tracy Lymus
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year. You can expect the following: retail store stocking of Love Affair, an upcoming national tour (spring/summer ‘09), as well as potential dates abroad. We promise to keep you posted as usual. If you have any suggestions please feel free to send them in to 
Sweet Angel’s Current Tour Schedule
http://sweetangel.org Friday, August 15th, 2008WASHINGTON COUNTY CONVENTION CENTERhttp://www.rocksoulandblues.com/The Delta Music Showcase 2008 - 7:00 pmGreenville, MSSPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE BY SWEET ANGEL(662) 403-0482Price: General Admission $20.00 Saturday, September 27th, 2008 - 7:00 pmBIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA FOR MIKE DOBBINS AND JACKIE "THE MAIL LADY"The Whitehaven Celebration Complex3270 Elvis Presley Blvd.Memphis, TNENTERTAINMENT BY ECKO RECORDS RECORDING ARTIST SWEET ANGEL [Winner ofthe 2008 Jus' Blues Music Awards Best New Southern Soul Female Artist]and THE SINGING DENTIST-DR. O. T. SYKES(901) 246-7545Admission: $15.00 advance tickets on sale now at Rite 2 Ride onElvis Presley$20.00 at doorAdmission includes food and concert
THIS SATURDAY! Show in BK, BABY!
hi beautiful people!
Some of you may already have heard, but the Asian Hip Hop Summit is rollin’ into town! I’m honored to participate this year – I’ll be playing on Stage 2, reppin a full set with my amazing band. I hope to see you there!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16th
@ Public Assembly (formerly Galapagos)
North Sixth Street, btwn Wyeth & Kent, Williamsburg BK!
Doors open at 8:30pm (I go on at 10:30pm)
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 @ the door
http://theamclassics.eventbrite.com/
DC Popular Pages discuss state of Soul Music
http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/music/marcell-and-the-truth/
Marcell interviewed with a serious music connoisseur and a frequent face in the DC area Mr. Peter St. Laurent. Peter is a journalist for DC’s brightestyoungthings.com. If you don’t want it written down don’t say it around Peter, lol! Marcell & Peter spent their time talking in historic Mt Vernon, Charles Village, and at a new hot spot Milton’s Grill. The time flew as the Aries Men spoke with passion and honesty. Peter wasn’t afraid to ask it & Marcell was quick to answer. 
“In the Bible some of Moses’s family & friends pretty much asked God why he didn’t talk to them directly like he talked to Moses. God (paraphrasing of course) basically told them - “…Oh it’s simple because you can’t handle the truth”. They were angry he came to them in clouds only.”God said listen when it comes to Moses I can say fix your clothes, deal with your marriage, change this or that, and ‘great job keep it up’ and he’ll embrace me. The rest of you I have to come to you in books with nice covers – 8 steps to this or that, I have to say parables, write poems, and songs because your ego and insecurities make it hard for me to be genuine with you. 
“My response was in jest as usual, but definitely with some sincere undertones. M&TT has done over 300 performances in the past 10 years (at least) and I can say I haven’t seen many on levels we have been on so far, who take what they do more serious than M&TT. A few call us higher but most seem to do things half-hearted. My band – I love these guys. I’m surrounded by “Average” musicians that simply make extraordinary music. I’ll take them everyday over extraordinary musicians that make average music. Our motto as a band – “One band one Sound” 
 Back to Back at the Beautiful house of POSH!
M&TT Performing 2 Nites at the gorgeous Supper Club
Friday August 15th @ 7pm
Saturday August 16th 2008 @ 8pm
730 11th St, NW Washington, DC 20001
Featured Performance: Marcell & the Truth
Cost: No Cover just enjoy your meal
The average cost per person – food & drinks is $30.00
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Concord Music Group Statement on Isaac Hayes
August 11, 2008
CONCORD MUSIC GROUP’S STATEMENT ON ISAAC HAYES
The Stax Records and Concord Music Group family lost a great friend on Sunday when soul music giant Isaac Hayes died suddenly at the age of 65.
To the world he was Black Moses, Ike The Ripper and, later, Chef from TV’s South Park. To the rest of us who had the extraordinary opportunity to work with him in recent years, he was just Isaac. He was humble, unpretentious and refreshingly down-to-earth. Not bad for a man who delivered a record-setting seven #1 albums to the Billboard R&B chart, scored numerous awards (including multiple Grammys and 2 Academy Awards), appeared in over three dozen films and was named a Royal King of Ghana along the way.
In the ‘60s, the Covington, Tenn. native helped define the Stax Records sound, co-writing with David Porter such hits as “Soul Man,” “Hold On (I’m Coming),” “B-A-B-Y,” and “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby” for Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas and Johnnie Taylor, among others.
He took soul music in a new direction with his 1969 album Hot Buttered Soul, which featured expansive re-interpretations of Jimmy Webb’s “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and Bacharach and David’s “Walk On By.” The music’s impact was matched only by the visual impact of the record’s cover, which featured Hayes’ signature bald head, gold chains and bare chest.
Two years later, his “Theme From Shaft” exploded on the pop and R&B charts, putting him on the map as an artist and icon. The rat-a-tat of that lone high-hat, that cultural-shifting kick of the wah-wah pedal — no other piece of music signaled the true end of the ’60s, ushering in the gritty 1970s than Isaac Hayes’ <http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/artists/Isaac-Hayes/> theme from Shaft <http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/albums/SCD-88002-2/>. The song won him not only a Grammy but two Oscars, for “Best Song” and “Best Score” in 1972. That same year he won a Grammy for his double album Black Moses. The hits continued for Hayes throughout the ‘70s.
In later years, Hayes’ career took some other directions. He became the voice of Nickelodeon’s Nick at Nite and later the voice of Chef in the animated series South Park. He had a role in the upcoming movie Soul Men with stars Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac (who also died this past weekend).
In 2007, Hayes participated in the Stax Records 50th Anniversary celebration shows in Memphis, Austin and Los Angeles. Despite health problems that slowed him down in recent years, he continued to tour the world. He had proudly returned to Stax Records, both as an artist and as an advisor in planning the reactivation of the imprint in 2007 by Concord Music Group. Isaac was also in the process of recording a new album for Stax.
To borrow a phrase from the man himself, he was “one bad mutha.” And through the music he so generously left behind, the world will be talking about him and more importantly listening for lifetimes to come.
Concord Music Group president and CEO Glen Barros states, “Isaac Hayes exemplified all that is Stax. We are all very fortunate to have worked with a visionary who changed music in indelible and profound ways. His talent was matched only by his kindness of spirit. On behalf of the entire Concord/Stax family we express our deep sympathies to his family, friends and fans all over the world.”
Gene Rumsey, Concord Music Group general manager added, “The enduring influence of Stax Records could only have been made possible through Isaac’s brilliant song-writing which laid the ground work for the future generations of rap, hip-hop, and soul. Isaac played a pivotal role in the recent re-launch of Stax, once again infusing the label with his creativity, inspiring a whole new breed of Stax artists. Our condolences go out to all the people whose lives Isaac touched throughout his unparalleled career and lifetime.”
John Burk, executive VP and chief creative officer, Concord Music Group, states, “Isaac had a profound and multifaceted impact on the Stax label, contributing to its legacy as a writer, producer, arranger, studio musician, A&R executive and, of course, one of its most successful artists. Having collaborated closely with Isaac during the past few years, I came to know the man behind the music and his deep love for humanity. He was an extraordinary individual who used his talents to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. I feel tremendously privileged to have had the opportunity to work along side this giant of a man.”
