Powerhouse Radio Blog

Flashback
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/27/2007

When Atlanta, Georgia based TLC first hit the music scene in 1992 with their spirited "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg," the track sampled Kool & the Gang, James Brown, Bob James, AWB, and Silver Convention. Despite the generous "borrowing" on their debut, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas went on to become the dominant female R&B/hip-hop trio in the 1990s. 1995's "Waterfalls" topped the pop charts at #1 for seven weeks. Even though the album Waterfalls sold over nine million copies, TLC still ended up filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy because of legal and financial problems. In 2002, at the age of 30, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez was killed in an automobile accident. Salt-N-Pepa passed the baton to TLC, (who handed it off to Destiny's Child). Each trio in the timeline redefined new benchmarks for success, eventually surpassing their predecessor. Forty years after the Supremes, strong, powerful, sexy, and independent women continue to capture the imagination of music fans. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Maze fans Joyful with Happy Feelings for Frankie Beverly

Concerts
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/22/2007

After more than a quarter of a century, fans just can't get enough of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Since 1996, the online Maze Community Guestbook has been connecting enthusiastic fans to one another as well as to the members of the band. Back in 1976, Philadelphia's Frankie Beverly combined classic soul "street corner harmony" with his posse of exceptional musicians to introduce Maze to the world. Here is a group that delivers an exciting live show that's 2nd to none. Even though they've released some satisfying studio albums, I've always thought that the early releases could have been amped up a notch. 1981's Live in New Orleans, one of the best Maze featuring Frankie Beverly albums ever, truly captured the missing dynamic absent from some of their early studio sets. Feeding off of live fans always brings out the best in performers. Here are some upcoming concert dates for Maze featuring Frankie Beverly: Saturday, April 7, 2007 - Jacksonville, Florida Saturday, April 14, 2007 - Buffalo, New York Sunday, April 15, 2007 - Syracuse, New York Sunday, June 24, 2007 - Hampton, Virginia Saturday, July 7, 2007 - New Orleans, Louisiana Saturday, July 28, 2007 - Cincinnati, Ohio Previous Post | Next Post

0 Black Music Review Flashback

Commentary
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/21/2007

For the next 5 Wednesdays we'll be featuring five interesting magazine covers from my personal magazine archive. The last cover will be the focus of a contest you can participate in. We kick it off with a real collector's item from 1969. Issue Vol. 1, No.1, of Black Music Review. Editor Richard Robinson brought this project to life, along with feature writers Lillian Barlow, Margaret Robin, and Lisa Mehlman. Issue Vol. 1 contained great articles on Joe Simon, The Impressions, Eddie Floyd, Sly & the Family Stone, Albert King, and Booker T. & the MG's members Donald "Duck" Dunn, Steve Cropper, and Al Jackson Jr. Lillian Barlow wrote a great piece, "Soul Women of America," featuring spotlights on Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Maxine Brown, and The Sweet Inspirations. Broad in it's survey of diverse "black music," you won't find this kind of magazine (or approach) around today. Black Music Review is long gone, but fondly remembered. Vol. 1 No. 1 critiqued the amazing influence of Jimi Hendrix in a series of headline articles and features. Sam & Dave and Johnnie (as Johnny) Taylor are both mentioned on the cover, but are no where to be found in the premier issue! This is Magazine Flashback part 1 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 2 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 3 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 4 of 5 See Magazine Flashback part 5 of 5 ----- Previous Post | Next Post

0 Stax 50 delivers Classic Soul Grand Slam Hits

Review
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/20/2007

Here is Rufus Thomas, catching a nap, after "Walking the Dog" during a show stopping performance. The Thomas classic, and 49 others songs from the Stax stable, are featured on the new Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration. This is a magnificent two disc set, profiling the best of the Memphis sound. Congratulations to the Concord Music Group for bringing the Stax label back into the public spotlight. Each track deserves to be a part of this collection. Some of the artists are not household names, however classic soul fans will remember these troubadours for their contributions to the Stax legacy. My title, "Stax 50 delivers Classic Soul Grand Slam Hits," may be taking artistic license, as some of the songs were more commercially successfully than others. As an example, "So I Can Love You," the 1969 seminal hit by the Emotions, (pictured here), though not a monster smash, adds depth to this compilation. Sheila, Wanda, and Jeanette Hutchinson, (the Emotions), would later obtain their biggest success with Columbia Records under the tutelage of Earth Wind & Fire's Maurice White. Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, and Johnnie Taylor get several tracks, as do Isaac Hayes and Sam & Dave. Sam Moore, on the right in this photo, with his partner Dave Prater, are represented with "Soul Man," "You Don't Know Like I Know," and "Hold on I'm Comin'." We are also treated to some gems by Shirley Brown, the Soul Children, Mel & Tim, Jean Knight, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, the Mad Lads, the Astors, and the Temprees. The 51 page CD booklet has a wonderful history of Stax, along with some great photos, including the three you see here. Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration is an outstanding double CD capturing the essence of the best of Memphis soul: "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)" - Carla Thomas "Last Night" - The Mar-Keys "You Don't Miss Your Water" - William Bell "Green Onions" - Booker T. & The MGs "Walking the Dog" - Rufus Thomas "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)" - Otis Redding "Candy" - The Astors "Respect" - Otis Redding "You Don't Know Like I Know" - Sam & Dave "I Want Someone" - The Mad Lads " Hold On I'm Comin'" - Sam & Dave "Let Me Be Good To You" - Carla Thomas "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)" - Mable John "Knock on Wood" - Eddie Floyd "B-A-B-Y" - Carla Thomas "Tramp" - Otis Redding & Carla Thomas "Soul Finder" - The Bar-Kays "Born Under a Bad Sign" - Albert King "Soul Man" - Sam & Dave "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding "I Got a Sure Thing" - Ollie & The Nightingales "Soul Limbo" - Booker T. & The MGs "I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)" - Eddie Floyd "What A Man" - Linda Lyndell "Private Number" - William Bell & Judy Clay "Who's Making Love" - Johnnie Taylor "I Forgot to Be Your Lover" - William Bell "I Like What You're Doing (To Me)" - Carla Thomas "Time is Tight" - Booker T. & The MGs "So I Can Love You" - The Emotions "Walk on By" - Isaac Hayes "Do the Funky Chicken" - Rufus Thomas "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone" - Johnnie Taylor "Mr. Big Stuff" - Jean Knight "Never Can Say Goodbye" - Isaac Hayes "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" - The Dramatics "Respect Yourself" - The Staple Singers "Theme From Shaft" - Isaac Hayes "Son of Shaft" - The Bar-Kays "That's What Love Will Make You Do" - Little Milton "I've Been Lonely For So Long" - Frederick Knight "Hearsay" - Soul Children "In The Rain" - Dramatics "I'll Take You There" - The Staple Singers "Starting All Over Again" - Mel & Tim "Dedicated to The One I Love" - The Temprees "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)" - The Staple Singers "Cheaper to Keep Her" - Johnnie Taylor "I'll Be The Other Woman" - Soul Children "Woman to Woman" - Shirley Brown Previous Post | Next Post

0 Phil Spector Faces the Music

News
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/19/2007

What do several pioneering hit songs from the Crystals, Ronettes, Darlene Love, Righteous Brothers, and Ike & Tina Turner have in common? If you guessed the mark of Phil Spector, the musical mastermind behind the famous "wall of sound" production technique, you would be right. From "River Deep Mountain High" by Ike & Tina, to "You've Lost That Lovin" Feelin'" by the Righteous Brothers, Spector created a live, dramatic, layered, sonic studio sound in an era way before multi-track dubbing that was innovative and unique. Others have copied the "wall of sound" concept, including Phil Collins in the late 1980's. Spector is currently receiving attention as a defendant in his criminal trial in Los Angeles. Here is Phil Spector as "Bad Santa," with "back to mono" buttons and all, from the cover of the vinyl version of his spectacular classic, Phil Spector's Christmas Album. My copy of the album is a reissue on Apple Records from 1972. Don't look for this disguise in court. Update: Phil Spector passed away January 16, 2021. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Big Time for Macy Gray

News
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/17/2007

Can collaboration partners Natalie Cole, Justin Timberlake, Fergie, Nas, and will.i.am (of Black Eyed Peas) fame help reinvent the Macy Gray groove? Only time will tell, when Macy's Big drops on Tuesday, March 27 (scheduled release date). Big is the first Macy Gray album in four years. She's remained active with film soundtracks, (Spiderman), and other projects. Macy's unique voice hasn't captured strong commercial success since her 1999 breakthrough, On How Life Is. It's her appealing graceful growl that made "I Try," a hit from On How Life Is. Versatility is a double-edged sword. Macy Gray has it. Unfortunately, the music industry has difficulty promoting artists who don't fall into neat categories. Macy's fans will ultimately decide whether Big gets over. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Sly Stone takes you Higher with Reissues

News
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/15/2007

Over the next few months, several classic Sly & the Family Stone albums will be reissued on CD. Teenage prodigy, producer, radio deejay, and musical powerhouse Sylvester Stewart also known as Sly Stone was a trend setter during the dawn of funk laced classic soul in the late 1960's. Here are four Sly albums now back in the spotlight: A Whole New Thing - Original release, 1967. No hits on this one, but it was his first collection. Out of the box, Sly & the Family Stone took a different approach fusing pop, rock, and soul. Dance to the Music - Original release, 1967. One of the best creative albums released in 1967, featuring "Dance to the Music," "Dance to the Medley," and the original version of "Higher." The track, "Are You Ready," hammers home the idea of ethnic tolerance, a reoccurring theme in several Sly Stone songs. Life - Original release, 1968. Not as consistent as "Dance to the Music," but moving the Family Stone formula forward, with "M'Lady," "Love City," and more Sly enhanced fun. Stand - Original release, 1969. Clearly, the best Sly & the Family Stone album. All 8 tracks sparkle with creative energy: "Stand!" "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey" "I Want To Take You Higher" "Somebody's Watching You" "Sing A Simple Song" "Everyday People" "Sex Machine" You Can Make It If You Try" These four albums, along with several other Sly & the Family Stone collections, are scheduled for reissue in March, April, and May 2007. What's a reissue without some previously unreleased tracks? To sweeten the pot, several bonus cuts will seed these legendary albums. Is that really necessary? Not really. The music is so good, new fans can easily turn on to the Sly & the Family Stone experience (without the bribes). Previous Post | Next Post

0 Carla Thomas Leads Stax Revival

News
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/14/2007

Carla Thomas, the daughter of Memphis Legend Rufus Thomas, remains a "southern soul sweetheart" of iconic stature. Next week, Carla Thomas' The Queen Alone will be reissued (on Stax) in what's being called a deluxe expanded edition. Carla had a nice run on Stax, with "Gee Whiz," "B-a-b-y," "Let Me Be Good To You," and "Tramp" (a duet with Otis Redding). The 11 songs on the original 1969 album will be complemented by five bonus tracks that were omitted from the original vinyl release: "Me and My Clock" "Same Thing" "Your Love Indeed (Alternate Take)" "I Want To Know (Take 2)" "I Wonder About Love" The Queen Alone will be reissued on the reactivated Stax Records through Concord Music Group as part of the label's yearlong series of 50th Anniversary events. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Vanessa Williams Hits the High Notes

Biography
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/13/2007

When Vanessa Williams pulls a rabbit out of her talented hat, the emerging bunny is no one trick pony. The former Miss America has topped the music charts, scored on Broadway, excelled in television, excited in movies, and mesmerized magnificently in music videos. Her official biography emphasizes what an important role music played in her early years... "Both her parents are music teachers who recognized her musical gifts early on and encouraged her to pursue her love of the arts. When she was young, she acted, danced, played piano and French horn in her high school orchestra, concert band and marching band, concert choir, and chorus." "Her early interest in performing led to a passion for musical theatre, which began in school and continued as she went on to star in numerous community theatre productions." "Vanessa won a Presidential Scholarship in Drama and chose to continue her education at Syracuse University, where she majored in musical theatre. While at college in 1983, Vanessa was sought after by local talent scouts who invited her to participate in the Miss Greater Syracuse Pageant." "Three months later, Vanessa won the 1983 Miss America title and a $30,000 scholarship that accompanied it. The controversy that followed only left Vanessa stronger and more empowered in her commitment to a career in the world of entertainment." Playboy and Penthouse magazines both published some unflattering pictures of Ms. Williams in 1984, (that were shot a few years earlier), featuring her and a female friend doing some really raunchy "girls gone wild" posing. She was stripped of her Miss America title when the photos were published. Four years after she won and lost her crown, Vanessa was signed to a recording contract, thanks to some efficient back-up-vocal work on a George Clinton track, "Do Fries Go with that Shake." In 1988, her first album, The Right Stuff was released. Here are some of Vanessa Williams? most memorable tracks: "Dreamin'" "Running Back to You" "The Right Stuff" "Save the Best for Last" "Love Is" (with Brian McKnight) "Save the Best For Last" was a #1 song in the USA, Australia, Holland and Canada, (and top five in England and Japan). In 1996, Vanessa recorded her first solo Christmas album - the critically acclaimed and Grammy-nominated "Star Bright." There's much more magic to come from Vanessa Williams. Previous Post | Next Post

0 The Wild World of Grace Jones

Website
by Kingsley H. Smith
03/08/2007

Model, actress, and song bird Grace Jones knows how to liven up a party. One of her fans recalls: "the Grace Jones Show will often devolve into mayhem. She'll throw champagne bottles at the audience, drag fans onto the stage by their hair...she once jumped at me stilettos first." "Pull up to the Bumper," "Slave to the Rhythm," "I'm not Perfect," and other punchy dance tracks from R&B glory days capture the Grace Jones audio style. Back in the day, her visual image dominated her portfolio of talent, although Grace was always serious about her musical and acting career. She appeared in several popcorn flicks, including among others: Conan the Destroyer with Arnold Schwarzenegger A View to a Kill with Roger "James Bond" Moore Boomerang with Eddie Murphy I wandered through the wild world of Grace Jones searching to find her spiritual purpose, but alas, after clicking on an endless series of flirty photographs with catchy captions, Ms. Jones as well as her eclectic website remain an entertaining mystery. 2021 Update: Her current website is less "jonesin'," and more gracious. Previous Post | Next Post