Spring is Bloomacious!
[cincopa AkDA_mquhUpP] Reprint from 4/2010: Reminder of what is to come Spring is …
Esperanza Spalding “New Voice of Jazz”
Already Esperanza Spalding has created buzz among the more creative of the music community and her Grammy award will do much to encourage them to express their own individuality, stay true to their calling, and be recognized on their own merits. Maybe it’s time for talent again. Maybe 13 years olds don’t dictate musical success.
Grammy’s Pays “RESPECT” to Black Baby Boomer Aretha Franklin
Last night’s Fifty-third Grammy Awards Tribute to Aretha Franklin featured five amazingly talented women. One black gospel singer, one black R&B singer, and three white women-Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride, and Florence Welch. This pretty much set the tone for the night.
What’s Happ’ning
Anita Baker is BACK! If you’ve missed her like I have, let’s get our tickets and be on hand Saturday, February 12 to welcome her back. Fella’s, this is the treat your lady deserves for Valentine’s Day!
OSM “Don’t Ask My Neighbors”
The Hutchinson Sunbeams was one such group. These four young girls, accompanied by their father, Joseph Hutchinson, on guitar, were talented gospel singers who delighted our audiences and inspired other youngsters to follow our passions. In 1968 The Hutchinson Sunbeams changed their names to The Emotions and released their first secular album, entitled “So I Can Love You”.
Old School Music of the Day
Hugh Masekela, South African trumpeter, first recorded “Grazing in the Grass” as an instrumental in 1968. The song sold 4 million copies and was one of the few jazz numbers to reach number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100’s Chart. Later, Harry Elston, lead singer of the popular singing group, Friends of Distinction, penned the lyrics
What’s Happ’ning
Macy Gray at the Park West, Chicago, Oct 7, 2010
Jazz Under the CC Hills Stars
Roy Ayers was overwhelmed by the unexpected shower of love he received from the exuburant crowd. He and his musicians outdid themselves to pay us back, exciting the crowd even more. It was an emotional reunion
Old School Music of the Day
The song which is probably Aretha’s most famous was a cover. By that I mean it wasn’t originally written or performed by her. Just as she covered Dionne Warwick’s “Say a Little Prayer For You” which she sang the hell out of, she also re-made Respect.
The Diva and The Diplomat
Former Secretary of State, Condeleeza Rice, and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, can still work it. Aretha and Condoleezza teamed up on Tuesday night at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia for a concert to benefit inner-city youth programs and education initiatives.