0 Bobby Bland Finds Love in American Gangster

• Commentary
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/25/2007

One of my favorite Bobby Bland tunes is "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City." This song appears on his 1974 album, Dreamer. The tune "Ain't No Love..." is prominently featured in the trailer for the new Denzel Washington - Russell Crowe drama, American Gangster. Denzel stars as Frank Lucas, a Manhattan, New York City drug dealer who is smuggling heroin into the USA inside of the coffins of dead soldiers returning from the Vietnam War. Given the backdrop of the 1970's, "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City" is the perfect R&B - pop - blues hybrid to dramatize the theme of the movie. I once saw Bobby Bland perform in front of approximately 25 people at a large Southern New Jersey nightspot. Needless to say, with so few people there, many performers would have just gone through the motions, but not Bobby Bland. He's a legend in blues, R&B, and soul. It's great to see a song he made famous exposed again in the backdrop of American Gangster, scheduled to open this November on the silver screen. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Classic Soul Legend Betty Lavette to release The Scene of The Crime

• Biography
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/20/2007

Betty (also known as Bettye) Lavette is a stealth classic soul artist who has flown below the radar screen of many lovers of R&B. The Detroit, Michigan performer is scheduled to release a new album on Tuesday, September 25, 2007. A club and "chitlin circuit" veteran, Lavette recorded "My Man, He's A Lovin' Man" and "You'll Never Change" for Atlantic Records in 1962. After Atlantic, next stop was LuPine, a label that eventually when out of business. She recorded for a string of other record labels in the 1960's, but was forced to make the majority of her income from the club circuit. In 1969, Betty Lavette recorded Joe South's "Games People Play" in Nashville, a song highly regarded as a southern country soul classic. By 1971, it was back to Atlantic and their sister label Atco, where she recorded "Heart of Gold." Lavette next called Epic Records home in 1975, and cut Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors." Projects for West End Records, Motown, Street King, and the Motor City label were to follow. Betty Lavette albums: Easier To Say Than Do - Charly Tell Me A Lie - Motown Nearer To You - Charly Let Me Down Easy (live) - Munich A Woman Like Me - Blues Express I've Got My Own Hell To Raise - Anti Take Another Little Piece of My Heart - Varese Sarabande If you are a Betty Lavette fan, what's your favorite song from her catalog? A true survivor, Betty presses on with 2007's The Scene of The Crime. Catch all of the drama inside of the Betty Lavette story by visiting her official website. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Bobby Byrd's Glow was James Brown's Brightest Flame

• Biography
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/18/2007

Bobby, Maceo, Fred, Clyde, and Bootsy. Inside most of his funky hits during the 1970s, James Brown triumphantly mentions at least one of his band partners during the jam session. The notable 5 include bassist Bootsy Collins, drummer Clyde Stubblefield, horn players Fred Wesley & Maceo Parker, and vocalist/keyboard player Bobby Byrd. Byrd passed away on September 12, 2007. His biggest solo hit was, "I Know You Got Soul," but he's primarily remembered for trading 'shout outs' with James Brown during several memorable funk sessions. 6 of Bobby Byrd's Best: "I Know You Got Soul" (solo) "I Need Help" (solo) "Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved" (with James Brown) "Soul Power" (with James Brown) "Talking Loud and Saying Nothing" (with James Brown) "Sex Machine" (live version with James Brown) The Hip hop mc/dj duo of Eric B. & Rakim sampled "I Know You Got Soul" in 1986 to reincarnate the Bobby Byrd anthem on the dance floor. Hugh Gregory's biography of Bobby Byrd picks up the Byrd story in 1953, when he was lead singer and pianist in the Gospel Starlighters. Gregory mentions that James Brown joined Byrd's group that same year. Brown convinced Byrd to musically move the group from gospel to R&B, so they changed the name from Gospel Starlighters to the Famous Flames. When the Flames and James Brown parted ways, Byrd joined Soul Brother Number One's new band, the JB's. As a vocalist, Bobby Byrd's light did not shine as brightly as James Brown's, but Byrd in collaboration with "Mr. Dynamite" produced some of the funkiest tracks in the history of classic soul. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Diana Ross to receive Kennedy Center Honor

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/13/2007

Diana Ross will be honored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, December 2nd. CBS will broadcast the event live from the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, DC. 2007 marks the 30th anniversary of the gala. 5 artist/songwriters will be honored this year, including Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush will hold a reception at the White House for Diana Ross and the other honorees. The President and First Lady will also attend the broadcast event at the Opera House. Comedian actor Steve Martin, film director Martin Scorsese, and pianist/conductor Leon Fleisher round out the complete Kennedy Center class of 2007. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Hammer, & Paula Abdul Grab the Original MTV Video Music Awards

• Flashback
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/10/2007

Do you remember when MTV played just music videos? If you do, then you remember the early days of the MTV Video Music Awards. 1984 - Michael Jackson wins 3 MTV Video Awards in year one: Best Choreography, Best Overall Performance, and Viewer's Choice for Thriller. 1985 - Tina Turner wins the Best Female Video award for "What's Love Got to Do with It?" 1987 - Paula Abdul wins the Best Choreography award in year 4 for setting up the dance routine in Janet Jackson's "Nasty." 1990 - MC Hammer wins Best Dance Video and Best Rap Video for "U Can't Touch This" at the 7th annual MTV Video Music Awards. Still going strong after 23 years. See you next September. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Jill Scott, Peabo Bryson, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey Prepare New Fall Releases

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/06/2007

Post Labor Day, new music releases hit the distribution pipeline like clockwork. 2007 is no exception. Here are 5 collections coming your way that place R&B out front. Jill Scott - The Real Thing - Tuesday, September 25 Peabo Bryson - Missing You - Tuesday, October 2 Alicia Keys - As I Am - Tuesday, November 6 Boyz II Men - Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA - Tuesday, November 13 Mariah Carey - TBA - Tuesday, November 20 Previous Post | Next Post

0 Stevie Wonder Overjoyed to Tour Again

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/04/2007

Stevie Wonder last toured in 1995. According to his website, he's back on the road for several special dates this Fall: Tuesday, September 4, 2007 - The Mountain Winery - Saratoga, CA Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - Greek Theater - Los Angeles, CA Monday, September 10, 2007 - Charter One Pavilion - Chicago, IL Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - Meadow Brook Music Festival - Rochester Hills, MI Friday, September 14, 2007 - Chastain Park - Atlanta, GA Sunday, September 16, 2007 - Pier 6 Concert Pavilion - Baltimore, MD Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - Radio City Music Hall - New York, NY Thursday, September 20, 2007 - Bank Of America Pavilion - Boston, MA Wonder historically puts on an excellent show, so he's not to be missed. More dates will be added. The September 18th show at Radio City Music Hall is a benefit concert, co-headlined with Aretha Franklin, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Washington, DC National Memorial. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Joe Tex, Denise LaSalle, & Leon Haywood Deliver Southern Soul

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/30/2007

Many artists never become superstars, but their talent still pushes them to big success. Turn on the radio during the golden age of classic soul, and you'd hear hundreds, if not thousands of groups, bands, and solo vocalists. Here are 3 R&B performers who put their heart and soul into their craft - and had their share of hits back-in-the-day. Joe Tex, (1933 - 1982), had several novelty hits. He doesn't get nearly enough credit for the very good straight-forward R&B in his catalogue. This image of Joe is from the cover of the original vinyl album, Joe Tex Spills the Beans. Tex, born in Rogers, Texas, has a large collection of songs, recorded primarily for Atlantic, between 1965 - 1979. The Top Joe Tex Hits: "I Gotcha" "Show Me" "Ain't Gonna Bump No More (with no Big Fat Woman)"   Another Southerner, from Mississippi, the bluesy and bombastic Denise LaSalle released more than 25 albums between 1972 - 2007. This photo is from a vinyl copy of her very first release, Trapped By A Thing Called Love. The title cut from the album was an R&B hit, dominated by the Memphis arrangements of producer Willie Mitchell, the guy responsible for crafting much of the Al Green sound. LaSalle reminds you a lot of Koko Taylor, (the Chicago blues Queen). LaSalle has an amazing voice. She should have had many more R&B hits.     Everyone tries to carve out their own niche. Leon Haywood certainly found his. He took Johnnie Taylor's direct message, ("Who's Making Love"), to the next level with blatantly sexual songs. Haywood avoided "double entendre" and got right to the point. While Marvin Gaye, Barry White, and Isaac Hayes were romancing, Haywood skipped the foreplay and dived right in for some instant satisfaction. The Houston, Texas native had a string of classic soul hits: "I Want'A Do Something Freaky To You" "Don't Push It Don't Force It" "Strokin'" This photo of Haywood is from the back of his 1976 vinyl album "Leon Haywood," which contains "Strokin'." Previous Post | Next Post

2 Chris Jasper's Journey from The Isley Brothers to Invincible

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/30/2007

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chris Jasper was an important member of the expanded Isley Brothers. Chris, along with Marvin and Ernie Isley, joined original members Ronald, Rudolph, and O'Kelly Isley in 1973. After 13 years with the Isley Brothers, Chris, Marvin, and Ernie formed Isley/Jasper/Isley in 1984, delivering the number one 1985 hit, "Caravan of Love," featuring Chris on lead vocal. After moving on from Isley/Jasper/Isley in 1988, Chris formed the independent label Gold City Records. While with Gold City Records, Chris Jasper has performed and written music for other artists. Invincible, is his new 2007 release, featuring these tracks: "Invincible" "Keep Reaching Higher" "I Know That You Love Me" "Without Love" "Let God's Will Be Done" "Thank You Lord" "A New Life In Christ" "He's The Judge" "Do You Believe" "Come On and Testify" Invincible is very much a producer project. Jasper writes, produces, and performs all of the tracks. He sings lead and background vocals. Each original song is based on a particular scripture from the Bible, (listed in the CD credits). Jasper projects a clear, inspirational, positive message, skillfully weaving divine themes into these 10 "songs of praise." Chris doesn't deviate from the melodic rhythms of his past success. This CD presents familiar Isley styled instrumentation that should easily appeal to progressive R&B fans. When an artist conceives and implements an entire project by themselves, there's a danger that the final result becomes an expression of perceived perfection. One point of view controls every aspect of the creative process. There's a formula to how the lyrics are integrated into these songs, and the lyrics are the focus. I suppose I was expecting more musical virtuosity highlighting Jaspers' skill as a musician with more instrumental soloing. I wonder if the spiritual message of some of these poetic praises might have been better presented in a more traditional way with more gospel, and less R&B. However, it's clear that the aim of this release is to appeal to both R&B and sacred fans, and C.J.'s goal for the most part has been accomplished. I found Jasper at his best on "Without Love," and "A New Life in Christ." Vocally, "Without Love" recalls the classic harmonies of The Impressions with Curtis Mayfield. Compared to the first 7 songs, the last 3 tracks, "He's The Judge," "Do You Believe," and "Come On and Testify" embrace the Isley/Jasper/Isley-Isley Brothers style more openly with slightly more funk to the bottom beat. "Come On and Testify" has a nice guitar riff that hints respectfully to "Move On Up," the solo track by Curtis Mayfield. Tailor-made for the lovers of inspirational music, Invincible may attract an expanded base of R&B lovers too, as Chris Jasper has fused a sound he pioneered together with the reverent message of God on this accessible release. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Roberta Flack Hits the Road

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/22/2007

4 Time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Roberta Flack has several highly anticipated concert appearances coming this Fall. You probably remember these 10 Flack favorites: "Killing Me Softly with His Song" "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" "Feel Like Makin' Love" "Reverend Lee" "Making Love" "Where Is the Love" with Donny Hathaway "You Are My Heaven" with Donny Hathaway "Back Together Again" with Donny Hathaway "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" with Peabo Bryson "At The Concert" with Michael Henderson But are you aware of The Roberta Flack School of Music? Funded entirely by private donations, the school sponsors children who demonstrate a strong interest in studying music. Students are educated and encouraged to master fundamental principles of music, and are taught to read, and write music. As a former Washington, DC teacher, Ms. Flack is helping to inspire the crown of creation in blossoming young minds. Catch an evening with Roberta Flack coming soon for an "Oasis" of musical joy: August 27, 2007 Althea Gibson Evening of African American Women's Firsts, Opening Ceremony, 2007 US Open Tennis Tournament, New York, NY September 7 & 8, 2007 Chinook Winds, Lincoln City, OR September 22, 2007 Concert for Autism, Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT September 26 - 29, 2007 National Symphony Orchestra with Marvin Hamlisch, Kennedy Center, Washington DC September 30, 2007 Ho-Chunk Casino, Hotel and Convention, Baraboo, WI October 27, 2007 Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA Previous Post | Next Post