0 Quincy Jones Music - One of a Kind

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 11/07/2024

Quincy Jones was one of a kind. These albums represent just a handful of his amazing work through the years. In June, 2006 I shared a review of the Quincy Jones autobiography, Q written by Jazzscript.co.uk. Check it out on our Powerhouse Radio website. Quincy Jones Musical genius Quincy Jones (1933 - 2024) was born in Chicago. He studied music at Seattle University and at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Jones wore many successful hats as a musical director, film scorer, composer, musician, producer, conductor, arranger, and record company executive. He played and toured with Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, and Dizzy Gillespie. Jones scored over 50 films. His first film score was "The Pawnbroker," in 1963. He won numerous Grammy Awards for his many years of creative work. Jones produced albums for the very best, including Michael Jackson. Besides winning Grammy Awards, Quincy Jones produced the actual network presentation on television of this music awards program. Bio courtesy of BlackHistoryPeople.com. Community Reentry Book Discussion Besides reading a lot of music books, memoirs, and biographies, within the last two years I became very interested in books about community reentry and justice. These manuscripts reveal shocking stories about the USA justice system. With so much gun violence across America, especially in big cities, I felt the need to look for solutions in the right places and offer some help. One of the specific things I do is donate financially to a Philadelphia organization that works with young African American men between 18 - 34 to open up their world to other options and possibilities beyond gun violence. The group has recently expanded their reach to younger teens. After all, when so many fifteen year-olds are packing firearms, the youngest in our society need the outreach too. I also joined a community reentry book discussion group. Our circle tackled the books below in 2024 reading and discussing various perspectives. My top picks are Yuseff Salaam's Better, Not Bitter and Monique Couvson's Pushout. The Second Chance Club by Jason Hardy is also very good. Jason was a New Orleans, Louisiana probation and parole officer. Hardy's stories reveal an up close and personal connection with New Orleans men and women who have been under the thumb of "The Big Easy" justice system. All of these books are really worth your read. Try one or all of them in the new year.      Previous Post | Next Post

0 From Reel-to-Reel Tape Machine to Digital Audio Glory

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/24/2024

Now, you only see these things in movies! When I put the Powerhouse Radio website back online in 2021, I needed a reel-to-reel machine to digitize old audio tape reels and cassettes so you could hear some magical history. This beautifully refurbished, vintage Teac 3300 - 10.5 inch reel wonder arrived in New Jersey from California in late 2024. Before this machine, I had an Akai X-200D - 7 inch (only) reel-to-reel that I acquired off eBay in 2021. As a teenager, I used a Lafayette RK 710 solid state reel-to-reel tape recorder to sample the best of AM & FM broadcasting. I mention this machine in my Powerhouse Radio Book (see my author website for book details). Does it Work? When I took the Teac 3300 out of the box, I wanted to test it immediately to check if the seller's promise of a refurbished machine was an honest evaluation. In the picture are two MacBooks: a MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air. I plugged the Teac 3300 into a small amplifier, then into a small mixing console that is  primarily used out in the field. Two mini speakers were plugged into the amplifier. Everything worked perfectly. No audio distortion from this reel-to-reel dinosaur. Mechanically it is solid. Aesthetically the look is pristine. The box was Grandma tested for dirt. It has a super clean gleam!   As a warning, if you need to hunt for a used reel-to-reel recorder, make sure you do your research and vet carefully what you are attempting to purchase. Usually, look for these: Lots of well shot pictures of the item A very long detailed description Full disclosure about any defects! Many positive reviews about the seller If all pass the smell test, I'm sure you'll get a boost in the trust factor for the possible transaction. How is Digitizing Done? Audio or musical features will jump from the tape / audio machines, possibly with the help of a mixing console, into the computer domain of MP3, MP4, or WAV files. WIFI can be used for some transfers. Most of the time cables get the job done, along with digital editing software for audio or video. We offer the produced versions when you hear or see them online! Thankfully, I did not have to return this 40 pound Teac 3300 machine back to California, but anyway, I saved the box it came in. Lucky me!  Previous Post | Next Post

0 Frankie Beverly, Philly, and the Musical Success of Maze

• Video
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/18/2024

Frankie Beverly formed the group Maze in Philadelphia, PA. The core members were Frankie Beverly, (vocals and guitar), Wayne Thomas (guitar), Sam Porter (keyboards), Roame Lowry (percussion), Robin Duhe (bass), and Michael White (drums). Other musicians would also join during the Maze journey. Time spent in the San Francisco/Oakland area in 1971 contributed to Beverly's unique blend of urban R&B. Frankie's legacy is his smooth, modern, soulful sound, presented through the context of a guitar and keyboard driven band. In this video, I honor Frankie Beverly's musical contribution, while noting his passing in 2024. Previous Post | Next Post

0 André Gardner - Philly Radio Professional and Legend

• Radio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/14/2024

  André Gardner (left) is a great broadcast friend. The photo of us was taken in August, 2023. In glory days, we shared the mic at three Philadelphia FM stations (WIFI 92, WSNI 104.5, and WZGO 106). André is a class act, a first class guy, and knows more about the class of The Beatles than just about anyone. Bonus: check out my Soul of the Beatles expose'. November 24 update: Radio is a tough business. André and 102.9 WMGK Philly (his most recent station) have parted ways. Not his choice. Super consolidation is a reality today across many jobs where employees are losing gigs because of downsizing and automation. Despite this, I congratulate André who in November became a member of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame! Oh my, the irony of life! All the best my friend. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Google Salute to Kingsley H. Smith and his NJ Library Appearance

• Powerhouse Radio Book
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/24/2024

  In May I was contacted by Google. They interviewed me for 45 minutes on a Zoom call. The conversation was to be used for a future publication. Google requested that I not mention any details until the July 23rd publication date. #WeArePlay features stories about people from all over the United States and the world who build apps and game businesses. In the Google Play story, my Powerhouse Radio book is mentioned. I'm holding an actual circulating library copy standing in front of my regional county library. Thank you libraries for adding the book. Thank you Google for featuring my work after thirteen years of Android app development! I represent New Jersey along with other Garden State developers in the Google feature. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Art Blakey Interview - Jazz Is?

• Interview
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/19/2024

Art Blakey has a lot to say about music and the electronic influences diluting the genre he loves in this audio interview recorded 13 years before his passing. I learn why Art Blakey thinks there is an important connection between our ears and the craft of jazz. You know I was thrilled to talk to this jazz legend live on-air during my broadcasting journey through Atlantic City, New Jersey radio. Definitely check this one out! Previous Post | Next Post

0 AWB - Average White Band Interview - Pick Up The Pieces Interview

• Interview
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/16/2024

Average White Band - AWB were the real deal. While a student at New York University, I interviewed AWB members Hamish Stuart and Molly Duncan live on WNYU FM radio right after the first AWB Atlantic Records album was released. It was one of the first USA interviews by the Average White Band. It's 1974! AWB was in New York City to appear at the Bottom Line music venue. Enjoy! Previous Post | Next Post

0 Harvey Mason Sr Talks Marching in the Street

• Interview
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 04/09/2024

Drummer Harvey Mason Sr. was 28, and I was 24, when we chatted up a storm live on-air in the WUSS 1490 AM Atlantic City radio studios. We discussed the life of a studio musician, growing up in the shore resort, and the release of Harvey’s first solo album, Marching in the Street. The conversation happened on a chilly, January day in 1976. In 2024, you can say that Harvey humbly reflects a persona of understated confidence. It goes without saying that you need a lot of talent to sustain a '50 year plus career.' In the video you’ll learn how the teenage Harvey played with his home town musical group while he matured in Atlantic City, New Jersey, before going on to be one of the most requested players for studio sessions among the greats. I had only been at WUSS for fourteen months, in what was my first full-time on-air gig. My entire story is in the highly rated audiobook, eBook, and paperback Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth available at Amazon and other online retailers. Experience, Credentials, Expertise If you are not impressed by the artist shout-outs you'll hear in the video, check out this incredible list of Harvey Mason artist credits on his website. Harvey Mason Sr. attended Berklee, one of the leading institutions for music, dance, and theater study. He graduated from the New England Conservatory. Here's my nine minute and change, exchange with the amazing Harvey Mason. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Good Friday Divine Emotions

• Flashback
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/29/2024

What do Whitney Houston, the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jeff Beck, and Gladys Knight have in common? They all have been touched by Narada Michael Walden. Drummer Walden played with the fusion-rock group Mahavishnu Orchestra, and with British guitarist Jeff Beck. As a solo artist, Narada Michael had a bunch of R&B hits: "I Don’t Want Nobody Else (To Dance With You)"  "I Shoulda Loved Ya" "Tonight I'm Alright" He produced and arranged hits for Whitney Houston "How Will I Know" "So Emotional" Walden co-wrote "Licence to Kill" for Gladys Knight in the James Bond movie. The songwriter, producer, and drummer is from Kalamazoo, Michigan. His groove laden music emphasizes bass and drums, marching through galloping dance tracks.   'Jam on Good Friday,' so says Narada Michael Walden, in his 1988 hit song "Divine Emotions." We love the longer eight minute, forty-eight second 12" single remix with additional Shep Pettibone production. Hear the 'lyric line' in this 15 second segment from the 8:48 track: Your browser does not support the audio element. Here is a shorter, full-length 5:14 song version on YouTube. The "jam on Good Friday" song lyric is mixed down in the final quarter of the song. It is loud and clear in the 8:48 remix!  Walden shares writing credits and the arrangement for Gladys Knight's "Licence to Kill." Here's Gladys on YouTube: I saw Narada Michael Walden perform at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey with Rufus and Chaka Khan and The Brothers Johnson. Walden was the opening act. The entire show, as well as Michael, was fantastic! Previous Post | Next Post

0 Black History Month Book Signing at L'Ouverture Books

• Photo
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 02/14/2024

Three fans join me (Kingsley H. Smith), among other attendees, at L'Ouverture Books in Pleasantville, New Jersey for a book signing on February 10, 2024. Discover my complete story, relevant to students or professionals who are learning about digital media, announcing, audio production, podcasting, content management, and life. African Americans in radio broadcasting is a sub theme discussed as the story develops. The important concept of specializing in a niche without abandoning broader opportunities to grow is detailed. It's in Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth. eBook, audiobook, and paperback available at Amazon (above link) and at other online retailers. Previous Post | Next Post