Doomtree is Coming to D.C. [finally!]
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin'
I love hip hop; but I generally lean towards rap from the 80’s & early 90’s and the more indie hip hop groups like Heiruspecs, P.O.S. (also performing with Doomtree) and Panacea. I like some artists of today like Outkast, The Roots, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, but most certainly cannot get with the Lil Wayne’s and T-Paine’s of today.
One of my favorite indie hip hop groups is Doomtree and I just learned they’ll be coming to D.C. I am going to try my best to make it out to see this group. If you don’t know about Doomtree, take a moment to check em out.
Catch Doomtree LIVE!
Venue: Rock N Roll Hotel
Address: 1353 H St. NE
City: Washington DC
State: DC
Phone: 202-388-7625
Doors: 10:00PM
Ages: All Ages
Cost: $10/$12
What indie/underground hip hop groups do you listen to? Share with us…
31 Days of BlackBerry App Love – DAY 31
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin'
Day 31: Slydial – $FREE (ad supported) – paid plans available
Let’s just start this post by admitting the fact, sometimes we need to call people back, but really don’t want to talk to them. We just need to be able to say “I called you back, but I got your voicemail”. Well, guess what??? We no longer have to lie about that. Now, you can use Slydial. I think out of the 31 apps I’ve featured this month, this is one of my top favorites.
When using Slydial, it connects you directly to the voicemail of the person you’re calling [this is truly genius]. Not quite sure when and how you would use Slydial; here are some scenarios http://www.slydial.com/situations.php.
Once you download and install our BlackBerry app from your MYslydial account, simply select from your address book the person you want to voice message and choose slydial from the full menu. The app will connect you directly to this person’s mobile voicemail.
To install Slydial, you must sign up for a Myslydial account. Please visit http://www.slydial.com/signup.php to get started.
I hope you enjoyed my 31 Days of BlackBerry App Love series. You hear plenty about the iPhone and all of its wonderful apps; I just wanted to give my BlackBerry family some love…
The Sunday Soundtrack – Jazzin? It – The 51st Annual Grammy Awards
Filed under: Music, Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
Welcome all, to this special edition of The Sunday Soundtrack. I’ve been graciously asked by The Grammys to do a special podcast featuring the jazz nominees. This Grammy podcast mini-collective also includes three other podcasters in our massive – Fave of The Friday Favecast, who will feature the R&B/Soul nominees, Todd Kelley of Flowink, who will feature the Hip-Hop nominees, and Macedonia of BSOTS (Both Sides Of The Surface), who’ll be producing a “Grammy-on-shuffle” podcast of various category nominees.
I think I can speak for all us in extending thanks to The Grammys for bestowing upon us such and honor as this It’s definitely with great pleasure that I bring to you my picks in each Jazz nominees category. I think you’ll like the colors on this musical palette.
My picks, in Categories 45 – 49, comprise the following playlist-on-shuffle:
On Feb 3rd, my podcast will be featured by The Grammys during their Salute To Jazz.
Special thanks to The Grammys for selecting me to feature the Jazz nominees via The Sunday Soundtrack. Thanks to all for checking out the podcast. Definitely tune into The Grammys next Sunday, Feb 8th, and most definitely check out my fellow podcasters doin’ it big, representing The 2009 Grammy Awards, podcast style.
Lastly, if you’re on Twitter, we’re all there too:
Fave/The Friday Favecast
Todd Kelley/Flowink
Macedonia/BSOTS
The Grammys
The Sunday Soundtrack
Be sure to check out all the other podcasters in my blogroll!
peace.
F!
SOUL In Their Words – The Artist
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
What is Soul Music? We know the legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Curits Mayfield and Marvin Gaye but really what is it? Can it be defined by a simple definition? In their words:
“Soul is the ability to make other people feel what you’re feeling. It’s hard to laugh when you want to cry. Some people can hide it. I can’t, so when I sing, It doesn’t come across fake.”
The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, Newsweek, August 1967
“What is a soul? It’s like electricity – we don’t really know what it is, but it’s a force that can light a room.”
Ray Charles
“Painless preaching is as good a term as any for what we do.“
Curtis Mayfield
“When I’m on stage, I’m trying to do one thing: bring people joy. Just like church does. People don’t go to church to find trouble, they go there to lose it.“
Godfather of Soul James Brown
“I sing about life.”
Marvin Gaye
Conclusion: Soul Music is Secular testifying. It is the child of Gospel and Rhythm and Blues, born in the late 1950’s. It is struggle put to music and it is still alive today.
Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved A Man
Ray Charles – Hallelujah I Love Her So
Curtis Mayfield – We The People Darker Than Blue
James Brown – Please, Please, Please
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On / What’s Happening Brother
Earl Klugh’s The Spice of Life Nominated for the 2009 GRAMMY® Awards
MORNING CUP OF SOUL – THE SPINNERS
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
Let’s go back to 1976 with The Spinners singing “Rubberband Man” This is what you call a performance! They even break out their Rubberbands…
HAPPY FRIDAY – Craig David – Friday Night
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
Thank God It’s Friday! Remember Craig David? I’ll be honest I didn’t even know he was still making music:
FNDP Week #151 – PC Wasteland
Enjoy tonight’s tunes!
Rain Adama
Borderline (Vocal Mix) Jody Watley
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album
Pretty Mess Erika Jayne
The Suburban Dweller ft. Natasha England – If Only DJ Cristo
Luv Me So – DEMO Karmyn Tyler
The beauty of imperfection – deconstruxion remix Albert Lee Fizz
We Are Family Seven5Seven
Flight Black Cotton
I Go Still Make Am Feat Prophecy Kaynay Drenco
Make Your Mum Be Proud John & Jehn
You Look So Pretty Burning [we are] the end
catharsis comfortable
Opening song: Switchblade Yamasaki
Closing song: Gymnopedie Seed A.I.
Check out all the action at www.fridaynightdanceparty.com
Music provided via direct permission from the publisher, iodaPROMONET, ccMixter or the Podsafe Music Network
Buy songs from this episode at the iTunes Store Music
BY REQUEST: SWEET SOUL JAMS
Various Artists – Once – Soundtrack/Score
Filed under: Music, Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
Even if you don’t like musicals, you’ll love this phenomenal underrated movie and the companion soundtrack. You may not even realize it’s a musical until you’re about halfway through it. It’s an engaging romantic story of what happens when two struggling artists find each other. The film stars musicians/singers Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (now a real-life couple), who wrote the songs for the film. They also recorded a CD under the group name The Swell Season prior to the making of this movie.
Even if you haven’t seen the film, you may recall Hansard and Irglová when they won the Oscar for Best Original Song. The telecast cut to commercials before Irglová was able to thank anyone. When the commercials ended, Jon Stewart had her return to the stage so she could give her thanks.
Both of these singers sing with an intensity that will instantly penetrate your heart. Hansard, with his fiery vocals that can singe your eyebrows and Irglová, with a vulnerability that makes you want to protect her from all the evils of the world. Definitely go out and rent this one today. Then, after the movie, you can enjoy the soundtrack over and over again…like I have.
Jason Mraz – We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things – Alternative Pop
Filed under: Music, Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things is the third full-length release from this incredibly talented singer/songwriter/guitarist from Virginia. His style of music is generally described as “blue-eyed soul” but you can easily see the many other influences in his music…from acoustic guitar/folk to funky R&B horns, to catchy pop melodies to hip-hop lyrical phrasing. It all comes together to make Jason Mraz a unique artistic gift.
Jason Mraz moved from Virginia to New York to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy but dropped out after a year. He eventually moved to San Diego and quickly became a favorite at a local coffeehouse. He’s been at it for a long time and the dedication to his art clearly shows in his clever and intelligent lyrics, his vocal style and his willingness to embrace and challenge his uniqueness, instead of attempting to fit the molds created by more popular artists.
As you hear his voice skateboard over tightly-constructed grooves, you’ll appreciate just how special he is.
Halou – Wholeness & Separation – Electronica
Filed under: Music, Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
I must admit I’m a little close-minded when it comes to trip-hop. Though my mind allows an artist like Tricky to slip in with a special exemption (there’s something incredibly special about his raspy voice), I usually want my trip-hop performed by a female singer….and I usually want the vocals performed on a sweet and sour mashup of lush strings and noisy beats and samples, especially when the resulting tracks have a dark, industrial or ethereal quality to them. Halou is exactly that. They do electronica exactly the way I like it and I can feast on their tracks forever.
Wholeness & Separation is the third full-length album from this husband/wife duo out of California. This is another one of those CD where I like every single track. I particularly enjoy the way the variety of sounds and samples used in their tracks battle for attention…delicate sounds and voices poking their heads from the background battle against powerful (sometimes harsh) sounds that hog the musical spotlight. To enjoy them both, you just have to surrender. If you’re a trip-hop fan, Halou will take you on a ride you’ll definitely enjoy.
Duffy – Rockferry – Soul
Filed under: Music, Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
Everything old is new again. The sounds of the 60s are once again making a comeback and noone does it better than Duffy (born Aimeé Ann Duffy). But, unlike the current crop of throwbacks who attempt to dress today’s sound in yesterday’s clothing, this Welsh singer cranks up the time machine and drives us back to the fat, bell-bottomed pop-soul sound of that decade. It’s the good stuff. I cannot find enough words to adequately express how much I love this CD. From beginning to end, Duffy’s melodious voice gives you your money’s worth and more. It’s absolutely amazing.
She’s frequently compared to Amy Winehouse. And though Winehouse sounds more believable at times (especially in her expression of pain), the superior quality of Duffy’s voice and CD makes Winehouse seem more like a singer playing dress-up after rummaging through Mommie’s closet.
I’m grateful her record label let her record a CD that’s an expression of who she is and the music she loves instead of attempting to fashion her into the next Britney. (No disrespect intended. I actually like Britney.) Now break out your tambourines and ease into this one.
(Here’s an interesting piece of trivia. In the late 1990s, Duffy and her family had to go into police protective custody when it was discovered that the ex-wife of Duffy’s stepfather hired someone to murder him.)
JAY-Z’S SOUL MAKEOVER
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
THE SPINNERS: SPIN WITH ME
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
12 Play May Be Over Before The Fore Play
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin', SuperFriends
Although there was supposed to be a release date for the singer’s fourth branch to the 12 Play tree, R.Kelly’s new CD may not live at all. The entire album was leaked over the internet through various sharing sites. Rumor is it was leaked by the ‘R’ himself. But the question at hand is why? I mean from what I’ve heard, the whole album isn’t a far cry from the previous albums in the 12 Play roster. With his metaphoric strength and symbolic wordplay, well that of which is only expected of him, he could have another top seller. Then again maybe the singer has found every possible way to get freaky. With number ones like ‘Sex Planet’ and ‘Freaky In The Club’, I doubt thats it. Since the entire album has been leaked a release date doesn’t seem likely. But if theres anything we have learned from Mr. RnB is to always expect the unexpected.So here is a song that I am addicted to from the album …. it’s pretty catchy .. so enjoy.
And Until Next Time … Keep It Fresh …
Ms.Sada
Bootleg Friday: Sam & Dave, 1967
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin'
There are two kinds of improvisation in music. One kind is self-conscious. It is improvisation for improvisations sake (countless jam bands). Then there is the kind of improvisation that exists because the performers can’t be contained within the known limits of a song. The songs from this Sam & Dave show in Stockholm, 1967, are examples of the latter. The greatest of all soul duos take some of their best known songs and recreate them – slow them down, expand them, inject subtle changes in tempo and feeling and make them overwhelming.
Stax’s Spring 1967 tour of Europe was one of their greatest triumphs. Greeted with a love and an un-ambivalent respect that they could not receive in America, they responded by delivering shows that forty years after the fact, remain legend. The four songs contained here are a small example of the fire they brought to the stage every night. Both Michael Jackson, who used to watch them in the wings at the Apollo, when the young Jackson 5 was playing the chitlin circuit, and Bruce Springsteen, who went to see them in the 70’s, both said they stole liberally from Sam & Dave’s show. Mediocre artists borrow, great artists…
Download: “You Got Me Hummin’” – 5/2/67, Stockholm, Sweden
Download: “Soothe Me” – 5/2/67, Stockholm, Sweden
Download: “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby” – 5/2/67, Stockholm, Sweden
Download: “Hold On, I’m Coming!” – 5/2/67, Stockholm, Sweden
31 Days of BlackBerry App Love – DAY 30
Filed under: Podcasts, Soul/R&B, SoulSites, SoulTrackin'
Day 30: Blackbird – $FREE
Blackbird is another Twitter client for BlackBerry devices [and you thought only Twitterberry existed]. Blackbird doesn’t look to have all the fancy bells and whistles like Twitterberry, but I’ve heard some people say they like it better and it gets the job done.
To install Blackbird, visit http://dossy.org/twitter/blackbird/.
All That Jazz: In Celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month
I don’t talk about my love for jazz enough on this blog so I figure jazz appreciation month is the perfect time to do so. I have to admit that my knowledge is lacking. Mama Vivrant Thang was never really into jazz so it wasn’t played much around the house. She did love Kenny G though and [...]
The “Boys” Are Back In Town…
Remember the Four Brothers Beats blog? Well, the boys are back! BUT... not quite in the way you may have been expecting. It's, how shall we say, "the same, but different!"
Vendors, Authors and Artists– Sell Your Items in This Year’s Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest
Last year's Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest was a musical celebration while vendors sold their products to eager to buyers. Book authors, including Felicia Pride-- writer of The Message and activist author Devin Walker were among some of the top authors who sold their books. The 2009 Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest will be held this year on Sat., July 25 in Marvin Gaye Park in Washington DC. While the musical acts are still being selected, vendors are able to reserve their tables now to receive our Early Bird Discount. For more info, email us at CapitalHipHopSoulFest@gmail.com
Fusion: Where Music, Technology, and Artist Creativity Intersect
Hello readers and listeners. I trust all is well today. This post is a follow-up to the previous post about the subject of an upcoming podcast I hope to resurrect entitled Fusion. The concept of this podcast came to me via an off the cuff discussion I had a few years ago with a fellow podcaster/recording artist/graphic designer. Both of us, being musicians in our own right, began discussing our backgrounds and influences in making music, which invariably talking about how technology (past and present) played a role taking the music from inner to outer. I began to see the different paths ...
Twitter Me!
Cupid’s Hunt: 2009
Translator
By N2H