0 Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge, and Rihanna offer Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) Version 1.0

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• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 01/23/2010

As telethons go, Hope for Haiti made the right emotional connections urging us all to donate money for the people in need on the devastated island. Actors and artists provided 2 hours of music, messages, and optimism beamed across multiple TV networks. I'm sure you have your favorite moments. Jennifer Hudson's version of "Let It Be" was touching. John Legend's choice of Richie Havens "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" was ironically chilling. According to iTunes, 100% of proceeds from the sale of the album Hope for Haiti Now and any of its individual live performance tracks will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Program, and Yele Haiti Foundation. Here are the tracks: "Send Me An Angel" - Alicia Keys "A Message 2010" - Coldplay "We Shall Overcome" - Bruce Springsteen "A Time To Love/Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Stevie Wonder "I'll Stand By You" - Shakira featuring The Roots "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" - John Legend "Hard Times Come Again No More" - Mary J. Blige featuring The Roots "Breathless" - Taylor Swift "Lift Me Up" - Christina Aguilera "Driven To Tears" - Sting "Halo" - Beyonce' "Like A Prayer" - Madonna "Hallelujah" - Justin Timberlake featuring Charlie Sexton "Let It Be" - Jennifer Hudson featuring The Roots "Many Rivers To Cross" - Emeline Michel "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) live version" - Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge & Rihanna "Alone and Forsaken" - Dave Matthews & Neil Young "Rivers of Babylon/Yele" - Wyclef Jean "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) version 1.0" - Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge & Rihanna "Lean On Me" - Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock & Keith Urban A special shout out to Mary J. Blige for taking us to church! Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 60 seconds of "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)" Version 1.0, featuring Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge, and Rihanna. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Steve Arrington Slides into a Pure Funk Thang

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 12/04/2009

I was pleasantly surprised with the good news about Steve Arrington's new 2009 release, Pure Thang, a collection containing 17 tracks. Arrington was the vocalist fronting Slave, and Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame. These groups brought us "Just a Touch of Love," Slide," Weak at The Knees," as well as other hits. When Steve left classic soul to become a minister in the early 1990's, one assumed that his funky grooves would forever take a back seat to sacred melodies.     Like the metamorphosis of Al Green, and to a greater extent former Isley Brother Chris Jasper, Pure Thang keeps a legacy sound authentic while seeding the songs with positive spiritual messages. This record is definitely a funk album, however Steve subtlety works in lyrical references to reflect his faith and beliefs while keeping the devotional anecdotes about love respectful. There are lots of positive messages to pick up on between the funky grooves. Pure Thang is heavy on the bass and percussion, a signature Steve Arrington treatment. He plays most of the instruments on several tracks. Guest musicians round out the sound on other songs throughout the project. Arrington has his own style. He improvises a lot lyrically travelling through these tunes while keeping the pace lively. You'll find two instrumentals, "Coolin" and "Sunrise." These are jazzy mid tempo movements providing a couple of 'time out' breaks from his gritty n' glorious groove. The ballad "Song for Coretta and Rosa" is an ode to two great women of civil rights history. Spiritual shout outs don't distract from the fun as the tone of Pure Thang is to entertain rather than to preach. My favorite track is "Soul Food," a driving culinary confection complete with yummy references to 'stick to your ribs' delights. Arrington praises all things wonderful at the dinner table, including family, tradition, and history. He then tips his hat to both Marvin Gaye, and the Staple Singers. "Right On Time" talks about the beauty of a romantic relationship blessed and guided by virtuous good. In "The Devil Can't Sing Amazing Grace," Steve asserts that 'the devil doesn't run the show any more.' "It's True" follows the 'devil' track and pulls no punches with it's message of salvation. Steve reminds us with glee that 'you know this funk it's got power' in "Power." Funk rules. Overall, Pure Thang is a welcome return for Steve Arrington. When an artist writes, arranges, and produces their own album, it's hard to objectively balance the right mix of creative variety while you wear all the hats. I think some additional collaboration with other talent might have pushed Steve a little further. With that said, the stand-out tracks help sustain continuity throughout the release. The arrangements are not overly elaborate, keeping the funk groove up front without complicated distractions. Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 30 seconds of "Holla" from Pure Thang, Steve Arrington Pure Thang:   "Right Here Right Now" "I'm on Fire" "Time To Ride" "Nobody Else" "I Like What You Do" "Song For Coretta and Rosa" "Coolin" "Right There" "Power" "Holla" "Sunrise" "Tones" "Soul Food" "Pure Thang" "Right On Time" "The Devil Can't Sing Amazing Grace" "It's True"   Previous Post | Next Post

0 Whodini Spooks Halloween with Haunted House of Rock

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• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/29/2009

"Freaks Come Out at Night" was a 1984 hit released by the sophisticated hip hop - R&B ensemble Whodini. Jalil Hutchins, John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, and deejay Drew "Grandmaster Dee" Carter made their international mark with a string of popular favorites including the memorable "Friends." "Freaks Come Out at Night" has no connection to Halloween, but the Whodini hoot "Haunted House of Rock" does. Listen to 60 seconds of "Haunted House of Rock" by Whodini. This contemporary monster mash is no Frankenstein antique. Your browser does not support the audio element. Bonus Scares: 11 Halloween Music Picks to Spook Your Soul Halloween Funk from the Devil Town Vampire Ghoulish Grooves Make up Funky Halloween Treats Previous Post | Next Post

0 Leon Huff is King of Philly Soul Keyboard

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• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/01/2009

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff are usually identified as the signature writers, arrangers, and producers for their Philadelphia International Records empire. The hot piano riffs behind many of those Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, Intruders, and O'Jays recordings come courtesy of keyboard king Leon Huff. When you are pumping out the hits for a stable of stars, you have little time remaining for your own solo projects. Incredibly, Leon Huff released only one solo album in 1980: Here To Create Music. This record was re-released in 2008 on CD by Sony BMG, Legacy, and Philadelphia International Records. Listen to 30 seconds of Leon Huff strutting his stuff on "I Ain't Jivin', I'm Jammin'," an excellent example of his sophisticated Philly musical fusion pulling together orchestration, funk, and sensational soul. Your browser does not support the audio element. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Jennifer Hudson Celebrates Oz with a free NYC Concert

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• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/15/2009

Jennifer Hudson with Questlove aka ?uestlove of the Roots, are scheduled to perform songs from The Wizard of Oz, in honor of the 70th anniversary of the historic 1939 movie. The free outdoor concert in New York City's Central Park, Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at 7:30 pm is being sponsored by the online movie rental company Netflix. Following the concert, there will be an outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz. (8:30 pm - Rumsey Playfield). Have lots of bandwidth? Netflix says you can watch the movie online (no charge) on Saturday, October 3, from www.netflix.com/wizardofoz. We don't know what songs Jennifer Hudson and company will be singing in Central Park, but here are the top 5 songs from the original Wizard of Oz soundtrack: "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" "We're Off to See The Wizard" "If I Only Had a Brain" "If I Only Had a Heart" "Over the Rainbow" Judy Garland lit up the silver screen with her version. Now listen to 30 seconds of Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles singing "Over the Rainbow," followed by 30 seconds of Michael Jackson's "Ease on Down The Road" from the Wiz (1978). Your browser does not support the audio element. Previous Post | Next Post

0 B.T. Express Beat Non-Stop Groove

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• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/03/2009

Brooklyn, New York's B.T. Express are remembered for their 1974 classic soul hits "Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)" and "Express." They chugged along the funky 'dance-music' track conducting 8 energetic albums including Non-Stop, their 2nd release, shown here. Listen to 30 seconds of the underground favorite, "Peace Pipe," the first track on Non-Stop. Your browser does not support the audio element. Previous Post | Next Post  

0 Blue Magic - Major Harris - Margie Joseph Live

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• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/01/2009

Here's Blue Magic, Major Harris, and Margie Joseph on stage at the Latin Casino dinner theatre in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Bill Thompson, an entertainment writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer in a 1975 article described their appearance: "there was an Atlantic Records Company musical extravaganza and recording session Monday night that would make Caesars Palace in Las Vegas seem like a coffee shop." Thompson added "the show began with the orchestra playing the sound track of the movie Jaws, along with a film introduction of the recording stars, and it ended almost two hours later with a standing ovation." The Latin Casino is long gone. Subaru of America headquarters now occupies the Cherry Hill, New Jersey space. However, the double album recording of this event, released in 1976, lives on with many outstanding tracks. Major Harris, of "Love Won't Let Me Wait" and the Delfonics fame, sings solo, and in tandem with either Blue Magic or Margie Joseph. The performers sing their own songs, along with covers from Barry White, and versions of Gamble and Huff Philadelphia International hits including "I Love Music" and "Bad Luck." Blue Magic, Major Harris, and Margie Joseph Live is an enjoyable mix of classic soul memories. In 2007, Major Harris released his version of "My Cherie Amour," the Stevie Wonder hit. Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 50 seconds of Major singing "My Cherie Amour." Previous Post | Next Post  

0 David Ruffin - Eddie Kendricks - Family Affair

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• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/28/2009

Thanks to their mid-1980's collaboration with Daryl Hall & John Oates, former Temptations David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks captured another brief post Motown era curtain call in the spotlight. The four performed together at 1985's Live Aid concert in Philadelphia, and recorded a set at the Apollo Theater in New York City, (also in 1985). David and Eddie went on to record an album on RCA in 1987: Ruffin and Kendricks. You won't find any iconic Detroit chestnuts on this release, but notable is their 'new jack swing' version of Sly Stone's, "Family Affair." Within the next 5 years, both Ruffin & Kendricks would pass away (Ruffin in 1991, and Kendricks in 1992). Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to a 2 minute highlight of "Family Affair" by David Ruffin & Eddie Kendricks. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Marlena Shaw Sends a Message to Mr. Right

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/21/2009

What do music makers Marlena Shaw, Steve Lawrence, and Donny Osmond all have in common? They injected the same sugary Carole King 'lovers lament' song, "Go Away?," with unique spins turning the poetic story into a popular favorite. Although she didn't record the original, when Ms. Shaw turned "Go Away Little Girl" into "Go Away Little Boy," Marlena created a catchy, original update combining a rap introduction with a charming, memorable pop melody sung with spirit. In the liner notes of her 1999 best of CD collection, we learn that "with no nonsense and no niceties, Marlena sings "'Go Away Little Boy' for all the men who don't have the courage to satisfy a real W-O-M-A-N." The first couple of minutes of the song present a 'rap/monologue' sprinkled with humor and passion, equal to the best ramblings from Millie Jackson, Barry White, or Isaac Hayes. "Go Away Little Boy" originally appeared on Marlena Shaw's 1977 Columbia album, Sweet Beginnings. The monologue portion of the song is called "Yu-Ma." Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 30 seconds of New Rochelle, New York, native Marlena Shaw sing the main theme from her sassy hit. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Michael Jackson's A Place with No Name

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• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/17/2009

It's probably a step down for Michael Jackson to sample another artist, but lifting a melody with permission is the sign of the times. Your browser does not support the audio element. "A Horse with No Name" by America was always one of my favorites. Listen to 24 seconds of Michael Jackson's new "A Place with No Name." Yes, he did get permission to use the melody. Look for this posthumous Michael Jackson release soon. Previous Post | Next Post