Black Sinatra was one of our favorite albums of 2010.  Eric Roberson, Carrol Riddick, The Floacist,  … Classic.  Always creating, Jsoul is releasing his third album “Blue Symphony”  Many people don’t realize that Jsoul is not only a voice but he also a gifted producer.   “The Blue Symphony”  is true display of this gift.  12 Instrumental (1 Vocal)  tracks all written and produced by Jsoul.   I honestly think this is some of his BEST work.  But don’t take my word for it check the video below or purchase the album HERE

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Qream, we were able to sit down with super producer Mark De Clive-Lowe and Dj Kemet at Moods Music. Facilitated by Dj Kemet,  Mark discussed his musical influences, creative process and his perspective on music in general.  Dionne Farris, Sy Smith and a few other Soul celebrities stopped by to enjoy the vibe.  After the Q and A session, the audience had the chance to take pictures/vibe with Mark as well as sip on complimentary hor d’oeuvres and drinks provided by Qream

That’s right the amazing play that EVERYONE is talking about is coming to Bmore!  OST will not only be giving away tickets for opening night, Friday, May 18th is Organic Soul night at Fela! Broadway Musical. If you purchase your ticket(s) directly from Murphy Fine Arts for that day and mention “Organic” you get a hefty discount and you can also use your ticket stub for discounted admission into Eden’s Lounge that night!

That’s right the Queen of all things funky and sonic forward will be in the building next Tuesday!!  Sy Smith ranks pretty high on my list of dope artists!  Always pushing the boundaries of soul. Sy has released 3 commercial albums that have all been stellar. “Fast and Curious”, the fourth addition to her studio album collection has some big shoes to fill!   Because Sy hasn’t  put out anything that I don’t rock on the regular.  From the samples I heard, the album is amazing and continues in the tradition of  “dope as shit” which has become Sy’s legacy.   I have not yet picked this one up, but I plan on copping it this weekend.  You should do the same!   Sy is also on tour and coming to Your city soon.  Check out her tour dates at www.sysmith.com

What do you get when you have an artist who vocally reminds you a bit of Jill Scott combined with the raspy soul of Mary J. Blige and the bare richness of India.Arie? Well, for me, that mix is how I would describe rising star Tamika “Love” Jones who is a revered name in all parts of the DMV and quickly amassing a following outside of the tri-state area since dropping her new self-titled album less than two months ago. Not to insinuate that she lack originality or her own creative flair–for her unique flava can’t be denied–but I do feel a familiar comfort when listening to Tamika sing, which is most definitely an ear-clincher at first listen. And, for this indie diva who has worked with such out-of-the-box indie acts like Wes Felton and newcomer Fatso–with whom she rounds out the trio known as The Dojo–the easy mix of old and new makes her a welcome addition to your music collection. A protege of former Bad Boy producer and SoulBounce favorite Chucky Thompson, Tamika has worked on projects with the likes of Faith Evans and DC natives Mya and Tanya Blount before making waves as a solo artist known for incredible stage shows. She has recently opened for acts such as Amel Larrieux, Marsha Ambrosius, Jaguar Wright and Maya Azucena while headlining many a show in her hometown stomping ground along the popular U Street corridor. We are excited to feature Tamika next tuesday at Organic Soul!

Be in the building April 10th for this exclusive intimate Soul Experience!

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I’m  a music snob.  I generally listen to albums that everyone loves and say ehhh. That said, I will admit that Robert Glasper’s new album did not blow me away at first.  I couldn’t form an opinion at first glance by I neither loved it or hated it.  After the third listen or so, the music slowed down and I could appreciate the complex simplicity.  Brilliant.  Jazz needs artists  like Robert.  Ambitious musicians who take risks.   It’s easy to be experimental on your self-released album that only a few will hear.  It takes real balls to push the walls of creativity when you get the opportunity to work with Bilal, Erykah, Lallah, Ledisi, Stokely and Lupe FIasco.   Again, music needs more artists like this.  Salute Mr Glasper and I encourage all to cop the album.
Check Robert out at www.robertglasper.com

Time for my weekly updates on the best places for poetry.  Stay tuned, I’ll add other genre’s of music and entertainment very soon.  This has been a great week!  After a good show at Everlasting Life with Immaletchufinish and Karega Bailey, we are getting ready to have a busy spring and summer with more gigs than ever!  So here’s the rundown for the week…

Busboys and Poets Open Mic

A BBnP open mic happens almost every day of the week at four location throughout the DC Metro area! For two hours audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast Continue reading →

As an educator, artist and father, I am glad to see so many responsible adults express genuine concern about the reunion of Chris Brown and Rihanna (even if only artistically) and the affect it is going to have on young people’s perception of a healthy relationship.  That said, I’m personally disappointed at how many people think there are absolutes when it comes to any romantic relationships, and that they know enough about Chris and Rihanna’s to tell them what those absolutes are.  But those thoughts are for relationship blogs.  This is more of a civil rights era style call to action, but with 2012 guerrilla tactics.  Think about it, is our best strategy for raising children, with strong self esteem and healthy decision making skills, to beg multi-billion dollar media corporations to “pretty please” represent us better?   In the end, protesting art that we don’t like is not the same as promoting the art that we do like.  The question isn’t what message Rihanna is sending little girls, or Chris Brown sending little boys. The question is, what message are you sending our children.  In the spirit of fighting new wars with new tactics, we must begin a #BUYcott.

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The Grammys come and go and very rarely rerecognize key artist in the soul or jazz genres. There are however a few exceptions and a super salute to the break through artist who were honored this year.   Terri Lyne Carrington and Corine Baily Rae are two of the stand-outs from this year.  The full list of winners is below

Record of the Year: “Rolling in the Deep,” Adele

Song of the Year: “Rolling in the Deep,” Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth

New Artist: Bon Iver

Pop Solo Performance: “Someone Like You,” Adele

Pop Performance by a Duo or Group: “Body and Soul,” Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse

Pop Vocal Album: “21,” Adele

Alternative Album: “Bon Iver,” Bon Iver

Rock Song: “Walk,” Foo Fighters

Rock Album: “Wasting Light,” Foo Fighters

Rock Performance: “Walk,” Foo Fighters

Hard Rock/Metal Performance: “White Limo,” Foo Fighters

R&B Album: “F.A.M.E.,” Chris Brown

R&B Song: “Fool For You,” Cee Lo Green, Melanie Hallim & Jack Splash

R&B Performance: “Is This Love,” Corrine Bailey Rae

Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: “Fool For You,” Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona

Rap Album: “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” Kanye West

Rap Performance: “Otis,” Jay-Z and Kanye West

Rap Song: “All of the Lights,” Jeff Bhasker, Stacy Ferguson, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter & Kanye West

Rap/Sung Collaboration: “All of the Lights,” Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie

Dance Recording: “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” Skrillex

Dance/Electronica Album: “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” Skrillex

Musical Theater Album: “The Book of Mormon,” Robert Lopez, Trey Parker & Matt Stone

World Music Album: “Tassili,” Tinariwen

Latin Pop Rock, Rock or Urban Album: “Drama y Luz,” Mana

Tropical Latin Album: “Last Mambo,” Cachao

Banda or Norteno Album: “Los Tigres Del Norte and Friends,” Los Tigres Del Norte

Regional Mexican or Tejano Album: “Bicentenario,” Pepe Aguilar

Country Solo Performance: “Mean,” Taylor Swift

Country Album: “Own the Night,” Lady Antebellum

Country Performance by a Duo or Group: “Barton Hollow,” The Civil Wars

Country Song: “Mean,” Taylor Swift

Jazz Vocal Album: “The Mosaic Project,” Terri Lyne Carrington & various artists

Jazz Instrumental Album: “Forever,” Corea, Clark & White

Improvised Jazz Solo: “500 Miles High,” Chick Corea

Large Ensemble Jazz Album: “The Good Feeling,” Christian McBride Big Band

Blues Album: “Revelator,” Tedeschi Trucks Band

Folk Album: “Barton Hollow,” The Civil Wars

Pop Instrumental Album: “The Road From Memphis,” Booker T. Jones

Bluegrass Album: “Paper Airplane,” Alison Krauss & Union Station

Americana Album: “Ramble at the Ryman,” Levon Helm

Reggae Album: “Revelation Pt. 1: The Root of Life,” Stephen Marley

New Age Album: “What’s It All About,” Pat Metheny

Children’s Album: “All About Bullies… Big and Small,” various artists

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Paul Epworth

Remixed Recording, Non-Classical: “Cinema (Skrillex remix),” Sonny Moore

Gospel Song: “Hello Fear,” Kirk Franklin

Gospel/Contemporary Christian Performance: “Jesus,” L’Andria Johnson

Gospel Album: “Hello Fear,” Kirk Franklin

Choral Performance: “Light & Gold,” Eric Whitacre

Classical Contemporary Composition: “Elmer Gantry,” Robert Aldridge & Herschel Garfein

Producer of the Year, Classical: Judith Sherman

Orchestral Performance: “Brahms: Symphony No. 4,” Gustavo Dudamel

Opera Recording: “Adams: Doctor Atomic,” Alan Gilbert, conductor

Spoken Word Album: “If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t),” Betty White

Comedy Album: “Hilarious,” Louis C.K.

Compilation Soundtrack Album For Visual Media: “Boardwalk Empire,” various artists

Score Soundtrack Album For Visual Media: “The King’s Speech,” Alexandre Desplat

Song Written For Visual Media: “I See the Light,” Alan Menken & Glenn Slater

Historical Album: “Band on the Run (Paul McCartney Archive Collection – Deluxe Edition),” Paul McCartney

Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists: “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me),” Jorge Calandrelli