0 7 Jeffrey Osborne Melodies on the Wings of Love

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/16/2007

Jeffrey Osborne, the golden voice of L.T.D., (Love, Togetherness, and Devotion), has had several successful solo hits. The Providence, Rhode Island native hooked up with L.T.D. in Los Angeles in the 1970's and spent a decade with the group first as a drummer, then exclusively as their lead vocalist. Jeffrey has been one of the dominant male voices in classic soul, distinctive for his bellowing baritone. He's had several hits with many duet partners including Joyce Kennedy ("The Last Time I Made Love" - 1984), and Dionne Warwick, ("Love Power" - 1987). In late 2005, Jeffrey released From The Soul, an excellent collection of classic soul favorites elegantly performed to perfection. Here are 7 Melodies from Jeffrey Osborne's solo songbook: "On The Wings of Love" "You Should Be Mine" (Woo Woo Song) "We're Going All The Way" "Don't You Get So Mad" "Stay With Me Tonight" "Room With A View" "So Emotional" Jeffrey Osborne in Concert: Tuesday October 23, 2007, Fairmont - Fort Lauderdale, Florida Thursday November 15, 2007, Apollo Theater, New York City Monday, December 31, 2007, Hyatt Regency - Huntington Beach, California 5 Jeffrey Osborne hits with L.T.D. "Love Ballad" "Back In Love Again" "Shine On "Holding On (When Love Is Gone)" "We Party Hearty" Previous Post | Next Post

0 Chaka Khan Funks Up Her New Release

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/11/2007

Chaka Khan dedicates her new CD, Funk This, to her grandma, and to her recording industry mentors Arif Mardin and Ahmet Ertegun. She digs deep into her soul to project some sonic emotion through an adventurous collection of songs, all produced by the crafty song-hook magicians Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Chaka pulls you in and commands your attention with her magnetic voice, but the subtleties of her mastery of different genres reveals the cadence of a song styling surgeon who knows what she is doing. When called for, her trademark powerful pipes still pump up the vocal volume. Overall, Funk This takes risks with material that you might not expect on a Chaka Khan record. Most of the songs are uptempo, and they don't all fit into the classic definition of "funk." The track that will sell the album, (or downloads), is "Disrespectful," a soul shoutin' hootenanny with the mesmerizing Mary J. Blige as Chaka's duet partner. This is the best cut on the collection. Guitarist Tony Maiden of Rufus & Chaka Khan fame contributes to a couple of tracks, including the opening cut "Back In The Day," and a medley: "Pack'd My Bags/You Got The Love." Do we really need a rehash of "You Got The Love?" It seems to appear out of nowhere as "Pack'd My Bags" fades. The synthesizer arrangement on this version of "You Got The Love" lacks the horn overlay of the original, but it is true in tone to the way the song was sung the first time around, and Chaka punches it out. "Back In The Day" has that 'Rufus rhythm' old school fans should enjoy. Track 2, "Foolish Fool," reminds me more of Macy Gray than Chaka Khan, despite the voice differences. In "Foolish Fool," guitars dominate and drive the track with Chaka in control. "Castles Made Of Sand," from the Jimi Hendrix songbook, parallels the original song. Chaka does not jump into uncharted "funk" on this one. You are listening to a mostly mellow mid-tempo rock classic. I never really liked Prince's "Sign of the Times" because it's much too depressing. Chaka Khan's version builds on Prince's arrangement but just can't rescue me from the morose. Michael McDonald stops by for a remake of the Carly Simon classic, "You Belong To Me." To my ear, this new duet with Chaka sounds overproduced. More successful is "Ladies Man," a Joni Mitchell song which lends itself to Chaka's careful reading of the lyric while fusing elements of jazz into the pulse of the song. "Super Life," an uptempo anthem about carrying the flag forward in the memory of those who have lost their lives (through genocide) is a great cut that features Chaka Khan radiating the energy of "I Feel For You." Funk This is a misleading title for this CD. Yes, it's a departure from the jazz of her 2004 Classikahn, but Funk This is much more of an expansion into a broader array of music. There are several hits here. Chaka expands her scope yet again. Ms. Khan has also co-written 7 of the 13 songs. Producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis show some restraint and don't get in the way. What they do is guide the project with creative resourcefulness, showcasing the unique manifestations of this daring diva: Chaka Khan. "Back In The Day" "Foolish Fool" "One For All Time" "Angel" "Will You Love Me?" "Castles Made Of Sand" "Disrespectful" featuring Mary J. Blige "Sign 'O' The Times" "Pack'd My Bags/You Got The Love" featuring Tony Maiden "Ladies' Man" "You Belong To Me" featuring Michael McDonald "Hail To The Wrong" "Super Life" Previous Post | Next Post

1 Millie Jackson & Isaac Hayes Exposed

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

What are Millie Jackson & Isaac Hayes so happy about in this photo? The pair are celebrating during a photo shoot from their 1979 album Royal Rappin's, a much overlooked release featuring: "Sweet Music, Soft Lights, And You" "Feels Like The First Time" "You Never Crossed My Mind" "Love Changes" "I Changed My Mind" "Do You Wanna Make Love" "If I Had My Way" "If You Had Your Way" "You Needed Me" Although not a chart topper, the album was a unique collaboration between Jackson, and Hayes, two gritty R&B entertainers who extended their reputations as flirtatiously naughty sex symbols. As for the music, the songs are thoroughly enjoyable, rolling through some smooth and entertaining tongue and cheek adlibs between Millie and Isaac on both slow and medium tempo tracks. Favorite songs: the uptempo "Do You Wanna Make Love," and the old Anne Murray hit ballad, "You Needed Me." Royal Rappin's is a regal effort from a noble king and a majestic queen of soul: Millie Jackson & Isaac Hayes. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers Celebrate Christmas 2007

• Christmas
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/02/2007

The first ever Isley Brothers Christmas album will be released on Tuesday, October 9, 2007. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, famous for their work with Janet Jackson and others, are the executive producers. Recorded and completed in Santa Monica, California, this past Summer shortly before Ronald Isley's incarceration, I'll Be Home for Christmas features a mix of old and new. Single holiday tracks have previously been available from The Isley Brothers on several Christmas anthology collections (featuring various artists). I'll Be Home For Christmas offers 8 traditional, and 2 contemporary tracks on this brand new collection: "Winter Wonderland" "I'm in Love" (a new song written by Jam & Lewis) "I'll Be Home For Christmas "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" "First Noel/What Child Is This/Joy To The World" medley "What Can I Buy You" (another new Jam & Lewis song) "The Christmas Song" featuring Doc Powell "White Christmas" "Silent Night" I'll be Home For Christmas follows 2006's Baby Makin' Music from The Isley Brothers. Former Isley Brothers member Chris Jasper also released a new album this year, the contemporary gospel oriented Invincible. Previous Post | Next Post

0 7 Patti Austin Picks for Live Concert Action

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/27/2007

Patti Austin brings her unpredictable charm and stunning voice to several international stops on her current 2007 tour. The New York City native has shared her glowing warmth with both fans and fellow musicians. Patti's duet credits include some passionate vocal power with both George Benson and Michael Jackson. Like many performers, Austin paid her early dues singing background vocals on the recordings of Roberta Flack, Angela Bofill, and others. You probably remember her number one hit, and biggest song to date, the classic: "Baby Come To Me." Here are 7 Patti Austin picks for live concert action: "Baby Come to Me" (duet with James Ingram) "How Do You Keep The Music Playing?" (James Ingram with Patti Austin) "Do You Love Me" "So Amazing" (tribute to Luther Vandross) "Stop Look and Listen" "Every Home Should Have One" "Honey For The Bees" Patti Austin on Tour: Friday, September 28, 2007 Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, California Wednesday, October 10, Myerson Symphony Center - Dallas, Texas with Duke Ellington Orchestra and Byron Stribling Saturday, October 27, "IMAC" - Huntington, Long Island, New York Sunday, October 28, Ramshead Tavern - Annapolis, Maryland Wednesday, November 7, Basel, Switzerland with Clayton-Hamilton Big Band Friday, November 9 - Sunday, November 11, DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids, Michigan with the Grand Rapids Symphony Tuesday, November 13 - Wednesday, November 14, Papillon VI, The Centre - Vancouver, Canada...special guest artist of Emil Chau Saturday, November 17, Papillon VI, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium - San Francisco, California...special guest artist of Emil Chau Monday, December 31, Kennedy Center - Washington, DC Previous Post | Next Post

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