0 Mavis Staples Steps Up

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/02/2006

You'll find lots of food for thought in this conversation with Mavis Staples by writer Robert Morast. What do you think? After the article, my postscript fills you in on current Mavis activities. ---------- Mavis Staples: Big voice, Lots of Soul by Robert Morast of the Sioux Falls Argust Leader "Mavis Staples says she doesn't know what key she's in while singing. But the soul legend who moaned and bellowed some classic R&B songs while part of The Staple Singers does know that she's not a fan of today's R&B music because so much of it disses women. That shouldn't be a surprise. After all, one of Staples' most memorable vocal moments was in The Staple Singers' song "Respect Yourself," a tune that admonishes the acts of ignorant men. After Pops Staples introduced the funky church-tinged song, Mavis took over the second verse issuing a soulful criticism of men by singing, "You curse around women but you don't even know their names/then you're dumb enough to think it'll make you a big ol' man." Sound like any hip hoppers or R&B singers you know? 50 Cent? R. Kelly, perhaps? Staples doesn't name names, but she's not afraid to call out the machismo-soaked lot 30 years after "Respect Yourself" dogged the men of its time. "The songs today ... it's actually garbage to me, because you're disrespecting the ladies," Staples says from her home in Chicago. She then steps back in time to cite the material of R&B patriarchs such as Curtis Mayfield or The Temptations as more appropriate examples of how to sing about women. "These songs could make you feel like you were falling in love," Staples says. After singing a quick, syrupy sweet line from The Temptations' "My Girl," Staples says, "You would actually swoon when you heard these guys sing." Somewhere, there are probably women swooning over Fiddy's mush-mouthed "In the Club." But it remains to be seen if this style of R&B can transcend the moment and live on through time, like "My Girl" or "Respect Yourself." "I'll never forget hearing 'Respect Yourself' for the first time," says Shemekia Copeland, a young blues singer. "It's hard to explain. (Mavis) just comes in and you know she's there. It's like a tornado hit." Too much bling nowadays ... Another natural disaster reminded Staples of some other things plaguing today's R&B materialism and the lack of a cultural leader. After seeing how Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Staples says she wished more musicians were taking stands on the neglect that surrounded the Katrina evacuees. "I feel that these kids should get on board and forget about the bling-bling for a while and check out what's going on around them," Staples says. "But it's hard for them to see that. They came out and became big stars. They didn't struggle coming up like we did." And she says they don't have anyone to guide them. "We don't have a black leader today," Staples says. "Maybe that would show them that they should start putting some positive messages in their music about the world today." As a former convert, she knows. The Staple Singers were pushing their gospel soul sounds when Martin Luther King Jr. managed to convince the group to start singing about civil rights - like its song "Long Walk to D.C.," which implores people to take their opinions to the nation's capitol. "But I don't see anyone being a leader," Staples says. "I think somebody like Queen Latifah (could) ... not totally, but she could be instrumental in getting it together. "But we need a white leader, too. We need to start thinking about everyone together." Hmmm, sounds like a new song." ---------- Catch Mavis Staples on tour this Summer and Fall making appearances with B.B. King, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and others. In June, Mavis was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Fellowship. The Fellowship is the USA's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Mavis's father Roebuck 'Pops' Staples received a Heritage Fellowship in 1998, and 2006 marks the first time that a daughter and father have been honored individually with a fellowship. Awarded since 1982, other past recipients of the Heritage Fellowship include B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Michael Doucet, Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, Doc Watson, and Bill Monroe. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Classic Soul in the Bermuda Sun

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/26/2006

You may have noticed in our previous article that India Arie is scheduled to appear in Bermuda in early October. Bermuda is always a hot vacation destination. The string of islands, linked by causeways and bridges, offers plenty of fun in the sun. October 4 - 7, the 2006 Bermuda Music Festival kicks into high gear, offering a strong line-up of sensational classic soul and classic R&B. Gladys Knight, Teena Marie, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, and The Manhattans featuring Blue Lovett and Gerald Alston are just a few of the artists scheduled to perform. Island hop till you drop, soak in some sunshine, and tune into the soulful music. Previous Post | Next Post

0 India Arie makes Positive Contact

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/25/2006

Here I am, visiting with India Arie, right after her live nationwide NPR studio concert, in Washington, DC, on Thursday, July 20. She's currently on tour to support her number one CD, "Testimony: vol. 1, Life & Relationship." This release is India's best to date. The standout tracks are: Good Morning There's Hope India's Song Summer Better People I Am Not My Hair featuring Akon Here's India's remaining 2006 tour schedule... July 29, Chastain Park - Atlanta, GA July 30, Orpheum Theater - Memphis, TN August 5, Aronoff Center - Cincinnati, OH August 6, Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN August 10 Tampa Performing Arts Center - Tampa, FL August 11, Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, FL August 12, BJCC Arena - Birmingham, AL September 16, Cascade Theater - Redding, CA September 17, Black Oak Ranch - Laytonville, CA October 6, Royal Naval Dockyard - Bermuda Previous Post | Next Post

0 Bobby Brown's Peppy Prerogative

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/12/2006

According to the Associated Press, Bobby Brown's recent Essence Music Festival reunion with New Edition in Houston, Texas was an eye opener. It's hard out there being Bobby Brown. Singing solo since leaving New Edition in the 1980's, Mr. Brown has made more news off the musical stage than on it. The 2006 Essence Music Festival New Edition set also featured original members Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, plus Johnny Gill, (who replaced Brown). Not content to stick with slick New Edition choreography, Brown moved around the stage throwing down some wild and raunchy dance moves. By the time Bobby moved into his own solo set, "Don't Be Cruel" morphed into some provocative chatter about his sex life with wife Whitney Houston. Many folks in the Essence Music Festival crowd were getting restless as Brown finished up with "My Prerogative," pretty much screaming for Bobby Brown to get off the stage. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Brunswick Records Releases Classic Soul Legends

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/11/2006

On Tuesday, July 11, 2006, Brunswick Records is scheduled to release a remastered double CD collection of their 1966-1975 classic soul hits. "Brunswick Top 40 R&B Singles" features Jackie Wilson, Tyrone Davis, Young-Holt Trio, Barbara Acklin, The Chi-Lites, The Lost Generation, Gene Chandler, The Artistics, and several other artists. I was excited to see that The Lost Generation's "Sly, Slick, & The Wicked," a song I recently listened to that I have on 45 rpm vinyl, is included on the 2nd CD. This track is an underground R&B classic. Many of the Chi-Lites big hits are featured, including "Are You My Woman," the song Beyonce' sampled and turned into the smash "Crazy in Love." You may also recognize other vintage Brunswick melodies here as a few more have been recently sampled by Joss Stone and Paul Wall. The strength of "Brunswick Top 40 R&B Singles 1966 - 1975" is the showcase of "The Chicago Sound," a classic soul R&B signature style from the windy city. Worth its weight in gold are several of the lesser-known tunes sure to thrill many collectors. Check out the complete track listings of "Brunswick Top 40 R&B Singles 1966 - 1975. Disc One: Disc Two: Previous Post | Next Post

0 Atlantic Unearthed: Soul Brothers

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/06/2006

Just released, Atlantic Unearthed presents rare and unreleased tracks from the label's biggest classic soul and classic R&B male stars from 1967 - 1973. Can't Stop A Man In Love - Wilson Pickett (previously unreleased) How Does It Feel - Bobby Womack You Left The Water Running - Sam & Dave Rome Wasn't Built In A Day - Arthur Conley (previously unreleased) Book Of Memories - Percy Wiggins That's How It Feels - The Soul Clan I Love You More Than Words Can Say - Otis Redding Baby, Baby, Baby - Percy Sledge (previously unreleased) Hold On - James Carr Pouring Water On A Drowning Man - Otis Clay Lovebones - Mighty Sam Love Of My Woman, The - Darrell Banks Coldest Days Of My Life - Walter Jackson Whiter Shade Of Pale - R.B. Greaves Change With The Seasons - Carl Hall What A Woman Really Means - Donny Hathaway (previously unreleased) Compared to Atlantic's Unearthed Soul Sisters, Unearthed: Soul Brothers contains even more rare tracks. R.B Greaves, Percy Wiggins, and Darrell Banks gain deserved exposure next to well known legends Otis Redding, Bobby Womack, and Donny Hathaway. There are two ways of looking at "previously unreleased" tracks. Were they lost in the music vaults, or did they not make the cut when originally recorded? As a historic reflection of the classic soul era almost forty years later, I suspect Unearthed: Soul Brothers is a little bit of both. However, these artists were so good at their craft, that these adventurous tracks hold their own in 2006 with the best of the genre. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Atlantic Unearthed: Soul Sisters

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/05/2006

Just released, Atlantic Unearthed presents rare and unreleased tracks from the label's biggest classic soul and classic R&B lady stars from 1964 - 1972. Exceptional tracks from some women who are not household names are included as a big bonus. Soul Sisters offers these wonderful gems: My Way - Aretha Franklin It's Growing - Margie Joseph 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 Count The Days - Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles Please Little Angel - Doris Troy Hands Off My Baby - Mary Wells My Best Friend's Man - Dee Dee Sharp Rescue Me - Dee Dee Warwick What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted - Baby Washington Full Time Woman - Irma Thomas I Got To Love Somebody's Baby - Judy Clay Cheater Man - Esther Phillips What A Man - Laura Lee Ain't Nothing Gonna Change Me - The Sweet Inspirations It Ain't Who You Know - Jackie Moore I Ain't That Easy To Lose - Bettye Swann Thankful For What I Got - Barbara Lewis Dee Dee Warwick, Dionne's younger sister, never received big time promotion from any of her record labels. It's great to see her cover of the Fontella Bass hit included in this great collection. Another interesting track is the Temptations "It's Growing," stylized here by Margie Joseph. Aretha's version of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" showcases the song in a completely different light. Atlantic did their homework when they put these songs together. Unearthed Soul Sisters is highly recommended. Released on Rhino Records. Previous Post | Next Post  

0 Bush and B.B. Sing King's Blues

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/28/2006

B.B. King, Patti Austin, and Irvin Mayfield performed at the White House Monday, June 26, as President Bush acknowledged the celebration of "Black Music Month." Back in 2001, George W. Bush proclaimed June as Black Music Month. In the first year, Regina Belle and Take 6 performed in the East Room of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, while Lionel Hampton was honored for a lifetime of achievement. While it's nice that the President is giving some exposure to "the great contributions that black music has made to our nation," this choice of artists is too safe, and too conservative. These artists represent a 25 to 50 year gap between the popular reality of black music today, and nostalgia. Don't get me wrong, I'm the biggest B.B. King and Patti Austin fan, but there's a lot more happening in the 2006 iteration of black music than just jazz, and the blues. Irvin Mayfield is only 28. He's Artistic Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, but he represents a genre of music that has been honored repeatedly at the White House. In fairness, this year's Black Music Month celebrates indigenous sounds of the USA's Gulf Coast, specifically soul, blues, and jazz. Patti Austin has sung at the White House for every President since Ronald Reagan, so she doesn't need the exposure (or the work there). Maybe next year, when Black Music Month is celebrated at the Bush White House for the next to last time, we'll have much more flava in the mix. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Kool & the Gang Spirit Rests

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/28/2006

The Kool & the Gang message board is alive with messages of condolence over the recent loss of guitarist and co-founder Claydes Smith. Claydes was an integral part of Kool's funky rhythm section. Discover more at the Kool & the Gang website. Don't miss the "history" link either. You'll find an excellent timeline documenting the band through the decades. I've been a fan of the group since day one, and still have all of their vinyl albums from the "pre-CD era," including their first, 1969's "Kool & the Gang," recorded when they were still teenagers (weren't we all back then). Kool & the Gang are in my personal top 10 list of the best R&B groups of all time. I've seen them live twice, and have never been disappointed. Although I lean towards their pre-1979 "Ladies Night" releases, their entire body of work, (including 2004's compelling "The Hits: Reloaded" CD), reflects classic soul, funk, and pop music at it's best. Previous Post | Next Post

0 More Good Times from Chic

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/21/2006

Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers is keeping the legacy of his group alive. Despite the loss of bassist Bernard Edwards to pneumonia in Tokyo, Japan in 1996, Rodgers continues today as "Chic & Nile Rodgers." Best known as a founding member of the group, He co-wrote "Le Freak" and "Good Times," and has successfully produced hits for Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Duran Duran, Madonna, and David Bowie. Chic & Nile Rodgers will appear at the 40th Annual Montreux Jazz Festival, along with Solomon Burke, Ben E. King, George Duke, and the Atlantic Soul All Stars featuring Les McCann and Cornell Dupree: June 30, 2006: Montreux, Switzerland, Montreux Jazz Festival July 3, 2006 Brussels, Belgium, Place de Brouckere August 19, 2006: Los Angeles, CA, USA Greek Theatre In addition to touring, Nile is staying very busy with different projects. He tells Computer Music Magazine in the June 2006 issue that he's heavily involved in producing music for many new video game soundtracks. Previous Post | Next Post