Your Sunday iPod Add: Rachelle Ferrell

Here is your Sunday iPod add.  Identified as a singer’s singer, Rachelle Farrell easily stands a top the small community of those truly gifted to sing.  Her GOD given vocal talent is revered by both veterans and up and coming singers who strive to hone their gift. The incomparable Anita Baker recently stated, “Rachelle Ferrell . . . is who we all want to be when we grow up.”  Rachelle is that rare talent that only comes around every once in a while.  Her voice, of seemingly endless amount octaves, can easily create a sonic tapestry that warms the soul.  Rachelle is one of a few artists that have mastered multiple genres of music such as jazz, blues, gospel, and R&B.  She is known for her ability to re-imagine and perform songs in her own unique way.  Rachelle is pitch-perfect in her endeavors and does not disappoint.  She is indeed a treasured commodity.  Take a moment to listen to this amazing vocalist then add her to your iPod.  You will thank me later.

And

Michael and the Michael list

Happy Birthday Michael Jackson!

Michael would have turned 54 today.  Hard to believe he is not with us anymore.  At this moment, Michael’s legacy still lives on and will certainly do so for quite a long time.

His name alone evokes the epitome of entertainment, showmanship, and unmatched talent.  Mention the name Michael amid a crowd of people and there will be no mistake of whom you are speaking.  To date, he is the most famous Michael to have ever lived.  Neither the Archangel Michael nor basketball’s “greatest”  Michael Jordan, can trump his popularity.

However, there are other entertainers/singers who share the name with the “King of Pop” who are well known in their own circles.  Although constantly in the shadow of the “Great One,” these other Michaels have successfully created a name for themselves.  Collectively, these other Michaels share the same name and my fandom and admiration.  Here is a list, which includes my favorite Michael album and 5 must have albums of singers who share the same name; Michael.

Yep, I like this one way more than “Thriller”

Michael Bublé. He is a Sinatra and Crosby reboot who is multiplatinum on mutiple chrats in multiple countries.

Michael Franti. The quintessential poet musician singer.

Michael Bolton. Over the top blue-eyed soul at its best. You gotta have it.

Michael McDonald. He sings some Teddy P on this one.

Michael Franks. Who else sounds like him? No one!!!

So, who’s your favorite Michael?

Black Music Month Pt. 3 of 4: Jazz

Jazz is by far the most influential music ever created.  I know this is a bold statement, but it is true.  Jazz music has a critical global influence.  I would wager there is no place in the world anyone can travel and not hear some form of Jazz.  There are no pages left in Jazz’s passport.  The genre has never had any problems making its way through customs.  Jazz music, once known as jungle music, and music of the savage, capable of corrupting minds of the most pure soul, and inherently evil, ascended out of the brothels of Storyville, danced its way through the mean streets of St. Louis and Chicago, learned to swing in Harlem, and took flight across The Pond with all the sensibilities of the Black American struggle, was ultimately embraced by the world.

Jay McNeely corrupting the minds of the pure

Jazz, also known as American Classical Music, carries with it the entire narrative of the Black presence on American soil.  It is truth, it is emotion, it is literate, it is pompous, it is fresh, it is uncontainable, and it is love all at the same time.  Jazz is universally appealing and has the ability to change lives.

As the Jazz genre emerged out of the turn of the century, it shifted and transformed its style, rhythm, and movement to accommodate the changing cultural and social tides in America.  Today, moreover, through it all it has been sincere in its production and its message to the masses.

Continue to celebrate this BMM and listen to as much Jazz as you possibly can.  Check out the origins of Jazz in the recordings of Scott Joplin and Buddy Bolden.  Listen to the role of the Blues in the formation of Jazz with W. C. Handy, and Jelly Roll Morton.  Dive deep in to the era that placed Jazz on the map and check out the work of Louis Armstrong.  Learn about swing through the bands of Count Basie, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington.  Listen to amazing and classic voices (singers struggle to emulate today) of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Johnny Hartman.

Unmatchable voice

Find out what all the fuss is about Bebop by listening to Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Bud Powell.  Listen to the magic of Jazz through Miles Davis and John Coltrane.  Groove to the descargas of Afro-Cuban Jazz y escuchan a Chano Pozo, Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Dizzy Gillespie (yes him again), Eddie Palmieri.  Then be reminded Jazz is still hot today and check out the new lions such as Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Gregory Porter, Esperanza Spalding, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Robert Glasper.

For now, listen to 4 of my favorites.

Black Music Month Pt. 2 of 4: Spirituals & Gospel Music

Emerging out of the rich tradition of work and prison songs were the spirituals and gospel music.

The choir sings its praises

To begin, spirituals expanded the role of song beyond the plantation grounds and prison walls.  It expressed the newly embraced tenants of Christianity of the enslaved.  In short, the spirituals articulated the sureness of a paradise after a long life of bondage.  The songs narrated the promise of God through individuals of the Old Testament and ultimately reinforced salvation, as they were hymn lined through call and response in churches and prayer houses [Negro Spirituals].

Gospel music expanded the role of song further for the enslaved and free black bodies.  It encompassed the promise of the spirituals but also added the lyrical account of a personal relationship with Jesus.  Gospel music was first testimonial in that it relayed to the listener the fruits of faith through the many trials of life.  In this way, gospel also reinforced salvation, but on a more personal level.  Furthermore, gospel’s music signified the genre like no other form of black music. Its choir and instrumentation: organ, piano, drums, bass, guitar (a contemporary musical element), are used in unique ways to achieve and maintain a heighten level of Christian worship.  You know it when you hear it.  When spirituals and gospel are expressed sincerely they do indeed invite the Holy Spirit into worship.

Spirituals and gospel, music according to scholars, are the purest form of black music in terms of how the genre parallels and revolves around the black presence in the U.S.  They are heavily and undeniably embedded in black culture.  Spirituals and gospel has continually allowed the black soul to experience freedom, and great joy in the midst of hardship.

Continue to enjoy and embrace Black Music Month and take a listen to some spirituals and gospel music:

A classic spiritual:

Gospel by Sam Cook.  Contemporary R&B has its roots firmly planted in Gospel.

Contemporary Gospel is powerful.

Gospel is very personal.

Debórah Bond: Your Sunday iPod Add

Here is your new Sunday iPod add “You Are The One” by the lovely Debórah Bond from her latest album Madam Palindrome (which is smokin’ by the way).  This song is well crafted and amazing!  Great video too!  Bond’s voice can be described as fresh and new although, I know I’ve heard it before in an era when music had a certain authenticity in its quality.  It’s familiar and warm.  Her voice contains undertones of jazz stylings while also delivering impressive nuanced Rhythm and Blues (not to be confused with today’s “R&B”).  Bond also exposes her vocal prowess as she executes little “funky” vocal riffs within the music.  In this song, Bond’s band Third Logic create a smooth rolling groove that makes your body move and lures the listener in to catch every tone of the song.  Nice!

If you are looking for/need some good soul music to listen to I suggest adding this song to your iPod and you will thank me later.

For more of Debórah Bond check these out:

http://twitter.com/#!/borahbond

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deborah-Bond-Music/47868913199

Gregory Porter: Your Sunday iPod Add 5/13/12

Welcome to the first Sunday iPod add.  This is a weekly* series that I moved from my Facebook page to my blog.  The purpose of the Sunday iPod add is to introduce and/or remind music lovers of what I feel are seldom-heard great music, songs, and artists.  Your Sunday iPod add will center on new under the radar music and artists that I believe have been missed by the general public aka “slept on.”  In the end, I’ll always encourage you to add these songs to your iPod (or whatever device you are using) and in doing so you will graciously thank me later.

So here is your first Sunday iPod add­–Gregory Porter’s “Be Good.” Porter is the real deal.  If you ever wanted to truly know what a soulful voice sounds like then take a listen.  This Grammy nominated and onetime football player headed to the NFL is billed as a jazz singer but, Porter is capable of singing anything he damn well pleases.  The tone of his voice is mesmerizing and perfect in every way.  His lyrics are indeed a breath of fresh air.  He uses music to tell a story with perfect inflection and cadence.  The way it should be done.  You are most likely not going to hear his music on the radio (too bad for radio).  This is good music y’all!  Add this song to your iPod and you will thank me later.

I’m making plans now to see him at the Mint this September.

For more on Gregory Porter: http://www.gregoryporter.com/

(* I might miss a week here and there)

Take a listen:

Here is an bonus song to add to your iPod. Hold onto you socks for this one!

Meet The Kennedy Center’s New Jazz Man

For my Jazz Heads!

After experiencing pianist Jason Moran a few weeks ago at the Hammer Museum, I am convinced he is the perfect person to guide the Kennedy Center in new and bold directions!

Written by Keli Goff                     Original post at Loop21.com

“Genius” Jason Moran talks Jay-Z, President Obama and The Roots with The Loop

For many, watching The Kennedy Center Honors, the annual celebration of the world’s greatest artists hosted by the President and First Lady, has become a holiday staple, right up there with relaxing and watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.” While Jason Moran was among those who enjoyed this year’s Honors he was not among those relaxing and taking it easy.

Instead Moran was gearing up for his greatest professional challenge, what one might call his very own Kennedy Center “honor.” He was recently named the new artistic adviser for jazz for the Kennedy Center, one of the world’s leading artistic institutions. The designation caps off a stellar few years for Moran, who was awarded a coveted MacArthur fellowship in 2010. The awards are known colloquially as “Genius Awards” because of how competitive the $500,000 fellowships are to receive.

Both honors have firmly established Moran as one of the most influential jazz musicians in the world. His accomplishments — all before the age of 40 — mean it is quite possible that Moran will find himself seated alongside the President and First Lady as a Kennedy Center honoree one day. The 36-year-old Houston native spoke with Loop 21 about his favorite musicians and what he would suggest President Obama add to his iPod. [Also read about Moran’s wife “Broadway’s Next Big Star: Alicia Hall Moran”]

Loop 21: What was the last song you added to your ipod?

Jason Moran: The Roots record that I got yesterday, “Undun” their conceptual album about the life and death of someone.

Loop 21: Who are some of your favorite artists?

Moran: If I started within my own genre, Thelonious Monk is at the top of that pile. In classical music, it would probably be Leontyne Price and there’s this guy from the Congo who does this popular music from there called soukous. His name is Koffi Olomide and that music is transforming for me.

Loop 21: Jazz is not perceived as popular among younger people. Why has it struggled to remain popular with that particular audience?

Moran: That’s an accurate perception but sometimes I try to make this a broader answer which is this: I think culture is not popular among young people. Pop Culture yes. But are they well versed in dance, choreography? Are they well versed in literature? Are they well versed in contemporary art? No. Are they well versed in classical music and opera? No. So it’s a problem for me in that it’s a question of how come culture and the arts are not important to the fabric of America [anymore] considering American culture has helped create the global sound.

So much of music history has been affected by what has happened in America. Jazz is one thing. It’s a very complicated form of music. A jazz band sounds one-way one night and another way another night. Pop music is not like that Jay-Z will sound like Jay-Z all the time. People know what to expect. It’s challenging when people don’t know what to expect. I liken jazz to those makeover shows where they give someone a new wardrobe then they put the guy in a suit but he’s not accustomed to wearing a suit but he’s not comfortable in a suit so he walks strange. So when people listen to jazz they don’t know what the context for it is so what I’m aiming to do at the Kennedy Center is refocus the context of music.

Loop 21: Do you think in your tenure at the Kennedy Center we will see more artistic efforts aimed at appealing to younger audiences?

Moran: Considering my age it kind of dictates how I think about things anyway. I’m a kid who grew up in the 80s. It’s impossible for me to think like a person who’s 60 years old. It’s impossible for me to contextualize music that way. That is an aim. I want to have good audiences and I think a good audience is extremely mixed, people from their teens all the way up to their 80s And I think they all enjoy the same thing.

Loop 21: I know that you performed at the Kennedy Center when you were younger. Did you ever dream you’d have a role like this there?

Moran: Never. [Laughs.]

Loop 21: Is it a dream come true?

Moran: It’s a dream but I never dreamed it! So it didn’t come true. It came out of nowhere. I was really pushing my own envelope when I performed there. I remember the first time playing there at their jazz piano Christmas concert but the first time I did it I was very ambitious and wanted to play this huge classical piece that had ten pages of music and I played it awfully. [He laughs] I don’t know if the audience thought it was okay but I was disappointed. But I was happy to use a performance at a place as prestigious as the Kennedy Center to test ideas and I like to think that they continued to call me back because I’m the kind of person who will experiment.

Loop 21: What are some of your dream projects to execute at the Kennedy center in your new role?

Moran: I can’t give a way my program! [He laughs.] What I will say is what I dream for them is if there is a way to contextualize jazz again that will be extremely fun but extremely serious, that’s my goal for them.

Loop 21: What was it like to win a MacArthur Genius Award?

Moran: Well, one there’s a sigh of relief that happens and then two a recognition that there’s so much work to do. The sigh of relief is that the family can maintain itself. My wife is also a musician and we are parents of twins here in the city [New York City.] So the sigh of relief is that the family can sustain itself here in the city and I can get to some of these artistic things out. It helps sustain my family which helps sustain me as an artist and then helps me sustain projects that I want to create as well.

Loop 21: If someone doesn’t know anything about jazz, and you want to introduce them to it, what three cds would you give them to get started?

Moran: If they don’t know anything and they’re talking to me I’m going to say, “Let’s start with one of my records.” [He laughs.] With that I would start with my last record TAN. Then I would say John Coltrane “Giant Steps” and then there’s another record. I don’t know the name of it but it’s a Redd Foxx record where he’s just doing standup comedy and this pianist is playing behind him and I consider that a great jazz recording.

Loop 21: President Obama has said that in addition to Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen and Jay-Z. He also has Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane on his ipod. Who would you recommend he add to his play list beside yourself?

Moran: Thelonious Monk! Because he contextualizes John Coltrane and Miles Davis His artistic practice served as inspiration for John Coltrane. He called himself the high priest of bebop and I think given jazz history we can look at him as a titan in that sense. He’s an artistic icon, one who is both brilliant at being complex and brilliant at being simple.

In The Christmas Spirit Groove!

I can’t believe it’s December and Christmas time is here! It seems like only yesterday it was July and I was watching my neighbors shoot off fireworks haphazardly reenacting revolutionary bombs bursting in air from my front yard on Independence Day.  Now I’m knee deep in December and only now beginning to get in the Holiday spirit.  With the constant bombardment of Holiday commercials (the Target lady in the red sweat-suit is my favorite, so far), sudden pine forest springing up on vacant lots, sales on egg nog and brandy, and Christmas cards from family in Phoenix, I’m slowly making headway in to getting caught up in the Christmas spirit.

Everyone has that “thing,” which launches him or her fully into the Christmas season; it could be snow, or shinny decorations or even “Hunky Santa” at the Beverly Center.  Everyone has their own rout so-to-speak to the Christmas spirit.  However, what lures me into the Christmas spirit is the Holiday music.  Not just any kind of music, but the kind that has been dipped elbow deep in “soul.” You know what I mean?  Don’t get me wrong I do like the so-called classics Holiday anthems sung by bona fide icons of the music industry.  I was steeped in this classic music of the Holiday season at an early age.  I can remember every December my mother would boil apple and cinnamon potpourri on the stove then break out her Christmas tapes and loop them on her Technics dual cassette deck all day . . . everyday!  I didn’t know it at the time, but I was listening to Holiday classics sung by vocal luminaries such as Bing Crosby, Pat Boone, Perry Como, The Andrew Sisters, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Dean Martin, and  . . . wait for it  . . . Elvis!  Don’t trip Elvis can belt out “Blue Christmas” like nobody’s business.  At the time, this music definitely ushered me into the Holiday spirit.

The Holiday season at our home for the most part, was void of soulful Christmas songs.  It wasn’t until I was a bit older when I began to encounter and embrace soulful Christmas songs.  I can remember listening to radio stations such as KDAY, KACE, KJLH, and even early on KGFJ would play soulful Christmas songs every Christmas season.  When I heard these songs they resonated within me; I connected with them; they were familiar to me.  These soulful Christmas songs contained all the Black music sensibilities that I’d listen to all year round.  Some of these Christmas songs were Motown slick, Stax raw, and had that unrivaled “Philly Soul” sound.  They were majestically dipped elbow deep in, not only soul, but also in blues, gospel, jazz, funk, and R&B genres.  These soulful Christmas tunes took hold of me; made me sway back and forth as the rhythms, chord progressions, melodies, and vocal riffs communicated to my soul.

To add, my early encounters with African Americans who sang Christmas songs was severely limited to Mel Torme’s “Christmas Song” sung by Nat Cole whose voice is immutable from the tune in much the same way as Jimi Hendrix’s is from Dylan’s “Watchtower.” And “Santa Baby” sweetly voiced by the ravishing Eartha Kitt.  These songs have crossed over into the realm of classic Holiday songs as they have stood the test of time, which is why they are familiar to me.

So, when I first heard Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” I was mesmerized to say the least.  Everything about the song was amazing.  It’s almost Steely Dan’s Aja album and Miles and Bill Evans collaboration perfect.  Hathaway’s voice contained a familiar tone and passion; the orchestration was lively and festive, in short, it grooved.  For me, this became the quintessential Christmas song.  Later, when I first heard the Temptations sing “Silent Night” I was blown away. The Motown group delivered the song by what seemed to me, to be a deeply heartfelt performance.  It wasn’t quaint, airy or angelic as some sheet music describes it to be played; rather it was guttural, emotional, heavy, and bad . . . bad as in good! They meant that ish!  Every soulful, jazzy, bluesy, funky, R&B-ish Christmas Holiday song I heard I embraced from Louis Armstrong’s “Zat You Santa Clause,” to Charles Brown’s “Merry Christmas Baby,” to James Brown’s “Santa Goes Straight to the Ghetto,” to the Jackson 5’s “Santa Clause is Coming to Town.”  I also embraced other artists and their versions of Christmas songs such as Jerry Butler, Albert King, and the late Luther Vandross, just to name a few, as well as groups who recorded entire Christmas albums such as The Drifters, The Manhattans, The Whispers, O’Jays, The Emotions and many many more . . . oops now I sound like an old K-tel commercial.  These songs easily brought me into the Christmas spirit because they spoke to me.  These Christmas songs are guaranteed to get Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch to boogie around the Yuletide log.

Today, as a budding African-American historian and ethnomusicologist I recognize that soulful Christmas songs are embedded with African-American history.  In their own way, they ironically echo the struggles and sorrows of black bodies in America during a season of joy.  They contain elements of great mourning and loss brought on by the Maafa (Middle Passage), which can be heard in the spirit felt moans and hums.  Soulful Christmas songs also recount in musical terms, African-American emotional struggles that have clearly evolve from despair to hope to freedom, and have taken their musical cue from field hollers, ring shouts, and spirituals.  Historically speaking/writing these songs are just as significant as any other genres of music in terms of their narratives in African-American culture.  I believe the story of the African-American presence in the Americas can be told through the music they my ancestors have created and continue to create.

If you want to take my route to getting into the Christmas spirit and actually want to hear that soul and African-American history listen and compare Bing Crosby and Otis Redding’s versions of Irvin Berlin’s “White Christmas” and get back to me.

I think I’m in the Christmas spirit now!

Did I say K-tel?

Merry Christmas!