Your Top Ten Old School Slow Jams!!! Track #3!!!
Oooohhh.....YEAH!!
Track #10 was Rene & Angela - "You Don't Have To Cry".
Track #9 was Robert Brookins & Stephanie Mills - "Where Is the Love"
Track #8 was Vesta Williams - "Sweet, Sweet Love"
Track #7 was Glenn Jones -"We've Only Just Begun"
Track #6 was Lenny Williams - "'Cause I Love You"
Track #5 was Whitney Houston -"You Give Good Love"
Track #4 was Eugene Wilde - "Don't Say No Tonight"
1st He did the midnight croon with Shalamar in the ultimate slow classics "Somewhere There's A Love" & "This Is For The Lover In You" (one of the the ALL TIME classics!!). Then he snook up on the ladies with his debut album "I Commit To Love" & hit jam, "I'm For Real"! But Howard Hewett can rise & shine in any order of R&B, Jazz or Gospel fashion provided. As well as leave us speechless everytime we hear "Say Amen" - another Gospel classic holding ground on the Gospel Classic moment. With that said & without the holdup, we lay down "I'm For Real" on the blanket of our Top Ten Old School Slow Jams this time around....! Kick it to this!
KeAnthony's "A Hustlaz Story" premieres tonight (7/23/08) on BET.
“I sing about real situations in life. Reality. That’s what I’m talking about,” KeAnthony states. There are no smoke and mirrors with this multitalented singer/songwriter. His debut album, A Hustla’z Story, pulses with the truth of his existence; a musical foundation built on honesty.
Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, KeAnthony was exposed to a rich variety of music. At age five, he joined his family’s nine-member gospel ensemble, The Gospel True Notes, solidifying a dream for a future in music.
In fifth grade, KeAnthony made a friend that would influence his life in a way he never imagined. The two were inseparable. Childhood innocence would soon melt away, and as teens, they found themselves engaging in a life on the streets. When faced with the possibility of an aggravated robbery charge, his best friend turned KeAnthony in to the police, leading him to live the next eight years of his life behind bars.
Now with a lifetime of experiences behind him, KeAnthony is ready to share his story, A Hustla’z Story. This album is a self-written lyrical lullaby tenderly narrated with the strength of KeAnthony’s character. "It's all reality to me,” he states. “I can't sit down and write 'I love you' and not mean it. I write songs that deal with love and life." He addresses one’s need to escape the day to day in “Everytime I’m High,” a soulful plea for solitude, peace, and freedom. With passionate sincerity, he reminds listeners, particularly single mothers, to put the past in the past, “don’t let things get in the way of your happy days,” with “It’s Okay.”
The power of attraction, support and love is explored in the slow jam, “My Song.” Here he tells listeners of a powerful union, the kind he simply cannot live without. On the flip side, KeAnthony stays true to life and illustrates the flames of jealousy in “Medlin,” a song about someone content on destroying his reputation with the woman he loved, which unfortunately led to the break up of the relationship.
The highlight of the album is the lyrical portrayal of the story that led KeAnthony to his stint in prison. The track “Forever My Homie” cries out to his long lost friend, enlightening listeners on the creation and demise of their friendship. “A ni**a done snitched on me/ and I thought he’s supposed to be/ forever my homie,” KeAnthony croons. He goes on, “never saw it coming/ now I’m sitting in this jail cell wondering why/ I’m the only one doing time.” Definitely one to take the high road, KeAnthony served his time and never sabotaged or sought revenge on his friend.
With beats and production provided by The Underdogs, Tank, and Scott Storch, a narrative true to life and a mastery of soul stylistics, A Hustla’z Story is sure to catch the attention of listeners worldwide. "I don't care where you from,” KeAnthony states proudly. “You will feel this album."
ThinkTank
Stax Records Introduces Legendary Songwriter Leon Ware!
STAX RECORDS WANTS YOU TO TAKE A 'RIDE' WITH THE LEGENDARY SONGWRITER LEON WARE
Stax Records is proud to announce the release of Moon Ride, the debut album from legendary songwriter, producer and vocalist, Leon Ware. A music maker for four decades, Leon’s list of impressive credits includes classic recordings by Quincy Jones, Minnie Riperton, Michael Jackson, Maxwell, Average White Band and of course, the late Marvin Gaye (whose Ware-written and produced “I Want You” LP remains a seminal Motown album). The hypnotically evocative “Loceans” expresses a romantic love and lust for life. In the tradition of his prior recordings and work with others, songs on the new album like “Just Take Your Time,” “Hold Tonight” and “Smoovin’” are love-filled odes, a heady mix of fantasy and reality. The 12-track collection of new Ware-produced material will be in stores on August 12, 2008.
Moon Ride is the Detroit native’s first major label album in over two decades and represents the culmination of a very active period in Leon’s career. Since 1995, Leon has been writing, producing and recording as an independent artist with four albums to his credit – the R&B-flavored “Taste The Love”; the 2001 set “Candelight” recorded with jazz keyboardist Don Grusin; the passion-charged “Love’s Drippin,’” a 2003 release; and 2004’s Brazilian-themed “A Kiss In The Sand.” During the last decade, he’s been a frequent visitor to the UK where his sold-out concerts at London’s Jazz Café before an adoring audience (singing along with almost his entire repertoire) are legendary; U.S. performances at New York’s Blue Note and the Temple Bar in Los Angeles have only served to heighten interest in Leon’s musical catalog as an artist, writer and producer.
Even with a catalog of nine of his own albums released since 1972, Leon says “I’ve never really been out there as a fully-fledged recording artist and performer because of my love for producing and writing. Now,” he emphasizes, “it’s time to do that…”
ThinkTank
Congrats to our Winners for Tickets To The L.A. Jazz Festival!!
The Players from The Urban Music Scene held a drawing this morning to choose 3 winners from those who entered our Concert Ticket Giveaway to ths years L.A. Jazz Festival to be held this weekend, July 26th at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles, Ca. For more details of the event, check out the ad below!
Drum rolls pleeaassee.....
The 3 winners are:
~ Paula C. of Corona, Ca.!!
~ Paul P of Sacremento, Ca.!!
~ Kay T. of Long Beach, Ca.!!
Congratulations!! We will get in contact with you shortly to make arrangements!!
Keep it right here on The Urban Music Scene! Another Giveaway is on the horizon!!
George Duke - Dukey Treats
HEADS UP DEBUT
Dukey Treats Due in Stores August 26, 2008
Veteran keyboardist and producer George Duke remembers a time when funk was a powerful force – not just in popular music but in social discourse. Frequently with a measure of wit and irony, and often with a strong dose of positivity at the core, titans like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone and other funk icons of the ‘60s and ‘70s boldly addressed societal concerns ranging from poverty to racial disharmony to the battle of the sexes.
Duke invokes that same combination of wit and wisdom in Dukey Treats, his debut on BPM/Heads Up International set for worldwide release on August 26, 2008. A careful balance of rhythmic energy and simmering balladry, Dukey Treats recalls the golden age of funk and soul, while at the same time maintaining a fresh sound and addressing issues that are relevant to the global culture of the 21st century.
“I didn’t want to drift too far away from the old school sensibility,” Duke explains. “That was my main objective. I wanted to do an album where everybody went into the room at the same time and played. That’s important, because the personalities of the musicians come through, and it’s not just a progression of different musicians coming in one at a time, sitting down in front of a computer and laying down a track.”
Among the numerous treats on this album are not just the songs themselves but the roster of high-profile personnel helping to bring them to life – many of them alumni of Duke’s earlier bands and projects. Included on the guest list are bassist Christian McBride, percussionist Sheila E and trumpeter Michael “Patches” Stuart, to name a few. Along with Duke himself, the vocal crew includes Jonathan Butler, Howard Hewett, Teena Marie, Rachelle Ferrell and more.
The high-energy opener, “Everyday Hero,” is a song of praise for the various unsung and under-recognized figures who move in and out of our lives every day – police officers, firefighters, doctors, teachers and countless others who make contributions that often go unnoticed. “This is the first tune I wrote for the album,” says Duke. “I wanted something funky that had something relevant to say. It’s sort of a Sly Stone vibe, only on steroids.”
“A Fonk Tail,” an intergalactic epic full of over-the-top comic moments, is Duke’s nod to Parliament/Funkadelic, who perfected the caricature of the cosmic funk hero back in the early ‘70s. “I’ve often wondered what happened to funny funk,” he says. “What happened to the fun and comedy in R&B. This track is recorded in that old-school tradition.”
The title track is one of two songs recorded with Duke’s original Dukey Stick band (the other being “Mercy,” just a couple tracks later). On hand are guitarist Jef Lee Johnson, bassist Byron Miller, drummer Leon “Ndugu” Chancler and percussionist Sheila E. Duke who trades vocal lines with Josie James, Lynn Davis, Darrell Cox and Napoleon “Napi” Brock, while trumpeter Michael “Patches” Stuart (a longtime Marcus Miller sideman) rounds out the four-man horn section. “This one has all the loose talk and fun we used to have back in the day,” says Duke.
The comical “Creepin’,” which features Christian McBride on upright bass, is a rearrangement of a song that first appeared on Duke’s 2002 recording, Face the Music. “I did a remix of the song, and I had been sitting on it for a while. It’s a humorous look at sneaking around on your significant other, with the girls pitted against the guys.”
On the more serious side, “Sudan (It’s a Cryin’ Shame)” deals with the human tragedy that continues in Darfur. “Joining me to sing about it is Jonathan Butler and Teena Marie,” says Duke. “The song is not so much a political statement as an awakening to the tragic situation being perpetrated there.”
“Are You Ready,” the followup to “Sudan,” is Duke’s nod to the message of global unity intrinsic in the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. “What I always loved about their style was not just the great music but also the positive messages – peace, respect and tolerance. It’s a fitting song to follow ‘Sudan,’ as it is up to all of us to call attention to these injustices wherever they occur. The title asks the question: ‘Are you ready to make a change?’”
The closer, “Images of Us,” is essentially “a long keyboard solo,” Duke explains. “It’s a jazz/funk instrumental that gives me the chance to build a solo over an extended period of time, something more than the thirty seconds before the singing starts again. The tune is basically a jam vehicle for the rhythm section over a sometimes-syncopated bass pattern. I wanted to include a songwhere I could just dig deep and play.”
Digging deep and coming up with great music is what George Duke has always been about, and Dukey Treats is no exception. It’s a fun and entertaining ride, to be sure, but underneath the occasional tongue-in-cheek posturing and comedic moments – the stuff that made R&B and funk so engaging in the first place – is music of substance that speaks to both the lighter and darker sides of the world we live in.
“I feel a responsibility to carry positive messages in my music,” says Duke. “I think music is meant to lift people up. I don’t think you can push things under the rug and not address them. Those who have the ability and the opportunity to let people know what’s going on musically and socially should not be afraid to say it and do it and play about it and sing about it.”
No tricks here. Just plenty of Dukey Treats.
Heads Up International
S.M.V. (Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller & Victor Wooten) - Thunder
STANLEY CLARKE, MARCUS MILLER AND VICTOR WOOTEN
CONJURE A STORM ON NEW HEADS UP RELEASE
Thunder includes guest artists Butterscotch, Chick Corea,
George Duke, Patches Stewart and more
In the hot days of August, a low rumbling sound off in the distant sky usually means something powerful is rolling in. This summer, when an ominous reverberation makes its way across the landscape and rocks everything in its path, be ready for a storm of a different kind.
Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten – each a powerful force of nature in his own right – have done more in recent decades to redefine the electric bass and push the limits of its potential than any other musician alive today. When these three titans – collectively known as S.M.V. – converge on the low frequencies, the results are no less than earth shaking. Thunder (HUCD 3163), their debut collaboration set for release on Heads Up International on August 12, 2008, is a high-energy phenomenon whose impact is guaranteed to resonate throughout every corner of the jazz world.
“We wanted to make a bass record with a sound that would be somewhat unexpected to the listener,” says Clarke, the elder statesman of the three-man crew, all of whom share songwriting credits on the recording. “The biggest hurdle was to make a record with three basses – very low-end instruments, by definition – that would still be as musical as possible, and I think we achieved that.”
The initial idea behind Thunder goes back a few years, but the final push came after the three bassists played together for the first time in October 2006 at the Bass Player Live! concert in New York City. In addition to the historic convergence of three monumental bass talents on one stage in the same night, the event also included the presentation of the Bass Player Lifetime Achievement Award to Clarke.
“Vic had this idea to do a bass thing a while back, but we really didn’t know when we’d do it,” Miller explains. “After we jammed at the award ceremony, it was clear that it would be pretty easy to do musically. Each one of us found a space to operate that didn’t compete with the other. We fell into it pretty naturally. I saw Stanley at the airport the next day and said, ‘You know we should do this soon, right?’ he agreed. We knew Vic was down, because it was his idea in the first place.”
Wooten was definitely down: “That performance made us realize how easy it was to play together,” he says. “We knew that we had to do it again. We were able to naturally find our own space with and around each other. That’s not always easy, especially when three people are all playing the same instrument.”
But Thunder isn’t entirely about the low end. Adding a little – and sometimes more than a little – to the top is a group of talented guest artists that include keyboardists Chick Corea and George Duke, trumpeter Michael “Patches” Stewart and vocalist/beatboxer Butterscotch (aka Antoinette Clinton).
The set opens with the intricate and layered “Maestro de las Frecuencias Bajas,” written and arranged by Clarke. “This track is cool because it starts out orchestrally and really takes its time building the drama before the basses come in,” says Miller. “Stanley arranged it so that Vic plays the melody line first, then Stanley comes in with the same line in harmony, then I come in to add a second harmony line. The horn section plays the same line completely harmonized. The arrangement really takes you on a trip.”
The title track, though written by Miller, features a classic Stanley Clarke melody from his power rock days, with vocals by Butterscotch. “The tune has a contemporary sound to it, but you can really hear each guy’s sound,” says Miller. “Butterscotch introduces each player, and halfway through we all start slapping away together. This kind of thing usually doesn’t work with three bass players, but it works here, and it’s pretty funky.”
The churning and funky “Hillbillies on a Quiet Afternoon,” written by Wooten, is likely to sound familiar to fans of Clarke’s earlier recordings. “Hillbillies” is based on the melody from Clarke’s “Quiet Afternoon” (a track from his now-classic School Days, released in 1976).
Atmospheric and evocative, “Milano” features Clarke on upright bass, played with a bow in a register so high that the resulting sound resembles a cello more than a bass. “This is a track that stands out in my mind,” says Wooten, “because I’ve always been a fan of Stanley’s upright bass playing. The cadenza that he plays is remarkable.”
“Pendulum” follows a moody, late-night groove, with astonishing vocal beatbox work courtesy of Butterscotch that defies any listener to distinguish between her and a drum machine.
The set closes with “Grits,” a track by Miller which he calls “a down-home, funky thang.” Clarke takes the final solo, wherein “he sounds like an old blues guitarist” says Miller.
More than just a musical collaboration, Thunder was an opportunity for all three musicians to get to know and understand each other on a newer and much deeper level. “It’s not until you really work intimately with another musician that you really find out what’s going on with that person,” says Clarke. “One of the things about this project that was a pleasant surprise was finding out how deep these guys are, and how far they’ve come in their careers. We couldn’t have made this record ten years ago. It just wouldn’t have been the right time. Each of us has reached a certain point, and I think we’re all celebrating what we’ve accomplished with the bass. This record is a picture of three guys moving forward, both as individuals and as a group.”
With that forward motion comes a deep and powerful vibration – not just in your ears, but under your feet, all around you, and in the very air itself.
Listen to the sound of Thunder.
Heads Up International
Soul Greg - Welcome To My World
Cold Representing London, UK.....R&B vocalist SoulGreg arrives in just the nick of time to simply remind all those folks in the R&B community the importance of love songs! So serious, SoulGreg is about to take it there in his upcoming project "Welcome To My World". You can listen to some of his music made courtesy of MySpace by clicking here.
Then check out more features & 5 complete tracks of SoulGreg's new music by going to his other site of choice! You'll dig it!
The Urban Music Scene dot Com.
Sneek Peak Video Into Robin Thicke's New Single "Magic"!
Robin Thicke will premiere his highly anticipated video for his new hit single "Magic" on Monday, July 21! In the meantime, Myspace gives you a sneak peek into "Magic." Check it out! Something Else IN STORES SEPTEMBER 9!! Interscope Records
Taj Mahal - Maestro
TAJ MAHAL ANNOUNCES 40TH ANNIVERARY TOUR
TO COINCIDE WITH RELEASE OF MAESTRO
Cleveland - Composer and multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal, a two-time GRAMMY® winner and one of the most influential American blues and roots artists of the past half-century, will embark on a nationwide tour in the final months of 2008 in support of Maestro (HUCD 3164), his September 30th release on Heads Up International. Maestro, Taj’s first U.S. recording in five years, marks the 40th anniversary of his rich and diverse recording career by mixing original material with chestnuts from vintage sources and newcomers alike. Guests on this anniversary gala include Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley and others – many of whom have been directly influenced by Taj’s music and guidance.
Much more than just a tribute to past glories, Maestro captures the same level of intensity and depth that has characterized every one of Taj’s recordings since his self-titled debut album in 1968. Simply put, four decades have done nothing to dilute his energy quotient. “The one thing I’ve always demanded of the records I’ve made is that they be danceable,” he says. “This record is danceable, it’s listenable, it has lots of different rhythms, it’s accessible, it’s all right in front of you. It’s a lot of fun, and it represents where I am at this particular moment in my life.”
Heads Up International
Willie & Wynton Mark Career High Standings!
WILLIE NELSON & WYNTON MARSALIS MARK CAREER-HIGH
CHARTINGS WITH TWO MEN WITH THE BLUES
ACCLAIMED COLLABORATION DEBUTS AT #20 ON THE BILLBOARD TOP 200
GIVING WILLIE HIS HIGHEST RANKING OF THE SOUNDSCAN ERA
& WYNTON THE HIGHEST CHART POSITION OF HIS CAREER
Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis’s acclaimed collaboration Two Men with the Blues debuted today at #20 on the Billboard Top 200 chart with first week sales of 21,650, marking a career-high for both of these legendary artists. That ranking is Willie’s highest of the Soundscan era, and his highest since 1982 when his album Always on My Mind hit #2 on the charts (Stardust peaked at #30 in 1978). For Wynton the charting is a career best. Previously, his album Hot House Flowers reached #90 on the Top 200 back in 1984.
Released July 8, 2008, by Blue Note Records, Two Men with the Blues has also been garnering rave reviews from critics across the musical spectrum. The Boston Globe called it “an unmitigated, ear-tickling success,” while Billboard remarked that the album’s “enviably assured vibe pretty much drips out of the speakers.” The duo gave a stunning performance of “Bright Lights Big City” on NBC’s The Tonight with Jay Leno on July 10th, and NPR’s All Things Considered broadcast a fantastic 11-minute interview segment on July 12th.
Jazz at Lincoln Center has also just announced a return engagement to the site where the album was recorded live in January 2007. On February 9, 2009, Willie & Wynton will reunite, this time in JALC’s Rose Theater to help celebrate the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records. Tickets will be available for purchase thru JALC’s box office beginning August 13. For more information please visit www.jalc.org.
Light Records Releases The Singing Bishops
Light Records Releases THE SINGING BISHOPS Compilation CD Set To Release July 22
The album will present luminaries Bishop G. E. Patterson, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop Albert Jamison, and Bishop Walter Hawkins, to name a few
The album features the hand-clapping tune, “When I Think of The Goodness of Jesus” by Bishop Patterson; praise inspired “Walk On By Faith” by Bishop Morton; and Bishop Robinson brings a traditional gospel medley with snippets of “This Little Light Of Mine”, “Jesus Is On The Main Line” and “He’s Alright”.
Sure to be a must-have for every gospel enthusiasts music collection, THE SINGING BISHOPS, brings a well-rounded assortment of hits. Light Records, based in
Light Records
Ryan Leslie presents "Diamond Girl" (The Movie)
Ryan Leslie presents "Diamond Girl" (The Movie)
Ryan's creative genius extends beyond music as writer, co-director, producer, and star of "Diamond Girl" (The Movie). Self Titled Debut Album In Stores September 16.
G John Martin - Black Ice
G John Martin "Black Ice" Releases Debut CD
Tokyo, Japan - July 15, 2008
After touring the world and opening a record label in Japan, G John Martin "Black Ice" releases his debut CD, Black Ice.
R&B/contemporary jazz vocalist G John Martin, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA, is an artist who personifies art with unified melodies manifested with balance, life and wisdom. Martin's musical journey began with the discovery of the bass guitar at the age of seven. By age twelve, he was writing and producing his own and formed a local band. Additionally, he taught himself drums and guitar before developing a unique vocal style that would mark the beginning of his musical career.
Martin's professional journey began at age eleven during a visit to Hollywood. He quickly caught the ear of performer James Mitchell of the "Detroit Emeralds," who offered him a role in the development of musical pieces for several projects including his first tour. With Mitchell's encouragement, Martin quickly moved to study music and began what would become a long history of music production with groups like 7 Mile under the Sony label. World tours would also include the likes of Earl Klugh/George Benson, After 7, Clark Sisters, Universal Nubian Voices (UNV) opening the "The Madonna Girlie Tour" and Japan's Speed, Anri, Yuki Kokanagi and Ken Hirai, just to name a few.
Within the next ten years, G John Martin felt the pressures and practices of the music business overshadowed his passion of music. Deciding he would no longer work under the influences of corporate ideals and demands, he chose to quiet himself, find spiritual solace and honor his soul. This led him to Japan, a culture based on divination and order. Martin transformed his career into a company venture - JP Entertainment & Nitram Records.
"My life is music. I was a singer when I was born and remain a singer today," said Martin.
The self-titled CD, Black Ice, marks the solo debut for this R&B singer. The CD is available for sale in Japan and world-wide via CDBaby.com.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/gjohnmartin
http://www.myspace.com/glynismartin
Cheryl Hughey Promotions
Mike Reed Releases 2 CD's Simultaneously!
Drummer/Composer/Music Presenter MIKE REED
Releases Two Albums Simultaneously on 482 MUSIC
September 9, 2008
The Speed of Change and Proliferation
Further Prove Reed To Be One of Chicago's Leading Composer-Bandleaders
A Rare Musical Renaissance Man,
Reed Is Founder of Emerging Improvisers Organization,
Director of PITCHFORK Music Festival,
Sits On Curatorial Committee of Chicago Jazz Festival
"A few more recordings like Last Year's Ghost, and Mike Reed will be in the first rank of living American bandleaders." wrote critic Bill Shoemaker of Loose Assembly's debut album. As a member of the new generation of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), Reed continues the organization's self-made aesthetic. Since 1996, Reed has been an active member of the Chicago jazz and improvised music community, working prolifically as both a performer and an organizer/presenter of live music.
"A stunning and imaginative player," according to AllAboutJazz.com, Reed performs with Chicago-based bands such as The David Boykin Expanse, Rob Mazurek's Exploding Star Orchestra as well as in various improvised settings with acclaimed players such as Jeff Parker, Craig Taborn, Cor Fuhler, Ken Vandermark, Jeb Bishop, Eric Boeren, Nicole Mitchell and countless others. His own projects have included work with the collective The Treehouse Project and 2006's In The Context Of, a recording of improvised duets with keyboardist Jim Baker, Mitchell (flute) and Parker (guitar).
Reed is also the founder of the Emerging Improvisers Organization, a not-for-profit improvised music series, a member of the Chicago Jazz Festival's curatory committee and director of the widely popular Pitchfork Music Festival. As an experienced music presenter his efforts led the Chicago Tribune to name him a Chicagoan of the Year (2005).
Mike Reed's Loose Assembly - The Speed of Change
The Speed of Change, is the sophmore release by Reed's quintet Loose Assembly. Comprised of multi-reedist Greg Ward (Hamid Drake, Ernest Dawkins), bassist Josh Abrams (The Roots, Sam Prekop, Fred Anderson, Nicole Mitchell, Prefuse 73), Tomeka Reid on cello (Nicole Mitchell, Dee Alexander) and vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz (Rob Mazurek, Aram Shelton), Loose Assembly has evolved by working through a number of set compositions as well as instant composition (or energy music).
In addition to Reed's original compositions and the band's improvised pieces, two selections are covers: "Tezetayé Antchi Lidj" ("Baby, My Unforgettable Remembrance") by the renowned Ethiopian vibraphonist Mulatu Astatke and Max Roach's Garvey's Ghost. With an ease seldom heard today, Loose Assembly moves from pastoral sonic explorations to edgy post-bop and even to Chicago post rock. "In the end, I guess I'm still thinking about early AACM bands like [Henry Threadgill's] Air, as templates for what is possible," says Reed.
People, Places & Things - Proliferation
Proliferation is the debut outing by Reed's quartet People, Places & Things. Alto saxophonist Greg Ward is featured again along side tenor man Tim Haldeman (Smokeless Heat) and bassist Jason Roebke (Tigersmilk, Jorrit Dykstra, Aram Shelton). Reed and company set out to reinvestigate the under-recognized influence of Chicago's Jazz scene from 1954-60. "We tried to re-invent the music we were covering," says Reed. "In order for it to be as current as it was back then, we had to find ways to incorporate styles and influences of improvising that pertain to us."
What has resulted is an edgy, swinging and high-energy blow out. The quartet breathes its own life into the tunes and takes the listener on a rollicking ride of hard bop gone off track. It's sound is as modern and cutting edge as was presented in the original time. Alongside compositions written by and featuring the likes of John Jenkins, Wilbur Ware, Sun Ra, Tommy "Madman" Jones, Wilbur Cambell, MJT=III and John Neely, Reed contributes three pieces dedicated to the era.
On both The Speed of Change (Mike Reed's Loose Assembly) and Proliferation (Mike Reed's People, Places & Things), we hear the development of not only one Chicago's rising improvising talents but a leading conceptual force in today's changing music landscape.
Advance - Take Me To The Top (Video)
By an overwhelming vote, The crew from The Urban Music Scene wanted to help spice up your day with one of the hottest Old School Jams from 1983! We already have this video placed as our "Video Of The Week" on the "Back In The Day" page....but we liked the song so much, we wanted to share it with those of you who have this page bookmarked! And if anyone knows where we can buy a copy of this obscure hit, please drop a comment in this article. The Search is On!
Introducing a group from Italy called "Advance" with "Take Me To The Top"!!
(This is not an original production from the group)
Leigh Jones - Music In My Soul
Blue-Eyed Soul Songstress Leigh Jones Gets Dream Team Launch with
Berry Gordy (that’s right – the 
ALL Involved in Her Sumptuous Debut, Music In My Soul
Only once in an era does a young performer come along who is so dazzling, so captivating and so undeniable in their talent that they gather the gale force of the most respected icons in the business beneath their wings. Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Leigh Jones is that amazing once in a lifetime artist. Having made passionate believers and hands-on supporters out of both Motown Records founder Berry Gordy AND Stax Records maverick Al Bell, Leigh Jones is fortified to take on the international pop music marketplace with her powerful debut album, Music in My Soul (on Peak Records – a division of the Concord Music Group).
The daughter of a prolific Hollywood session singer/former Berklee School of Music instructor and the graduate of a Los Angeles County High School for The Arts (Josh Groban was a classmate), Leigh Jones has been developing a steady buzz ever since she was taken under the wing of industry veteran Kerry Gordy. “I had a concept for an idea unique to the marketplace,” he states. “I told my staff to find me a beautiful young girl who had soul at the very core of her being. They brought me over a 100 girls to audition, but when Leigh sat next to me - before she even opened her mouth - I knew she was the girl. And when I got her in the studio, she was even better than I could have imagined.” After Leigh and Kerry matched wits on Billie Holiday’s proverbial “God Bless the Child,” they’ve been sworn and loyal partners in creative crime ever since.
Leigh has held her own on the exclusive late night jam scene of the session musician elite at Studio City spots such as Cozy’s, showcased all over Southern California from Hollywood’s The Knitting Factory to Santa Monica’s Temple Bar, shared stages with legends such as the Temptations and Thelma Houston, and opened for stars such as Brian McKnight and John Legend. That she is an artist with instincts beyond her young years is also evident in the jazzier standout Quiet Storm album tracks “Same Game” (on which – over muted trumpet, brushed drums and reverent organ - she warns a lover that while he’s out creepin’, she can do the same things, too) and the galvanizing “Words You Never Say” (an eleventh hour love confession of dreamy, celestial wizardry).
With Music