Archive for the ‘PROGRESSIVE MUSIC’ Category
SoulJazz Orchestra “Rising Sun” Album Review
Friday, March 12th, 2010Adriana Evans: “Walking With The Night” Import Review
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
DVD GIVEAWAY FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH: “THE HIP HOP PROJECT”
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
“The Hip Project”, presented by Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah and featuring Russell Simmons, is a documentary which was the official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival and won Best Documentary at the Savannah and Harlem Film Festivals. It won Audience Awards at the UrbanWorld Vibe Film Festival and the Zurich Film Festival.
The film, which plays more like a narrative, tells the story of Chris ‘Kazi’ Rolle who launched the Hip Hop Project at Art Start, a non-profit outreach organization in New York City. The goal of the project was to provide inner city teenagers with the opportunity to write and produce a collaborative hip hop album.
Kazi begins the film with his rap which summarizes his goal and mission: “My name is Chris Rolle, better know as ‘Kazi’. My mother didn’t want me so I flew to the streets. Stole everything from food to eat to the shoes on my feet. From nothing I rose to leave my mark on this globe. To give back so others wouldn’t have to go through it, to use music as the conduit”.
Kazi’s story alone is a true immigrant’s story of being abandoned by his only parent his mother, coming from another country into the U.S. and being forced to do whatever it takes at 14 to survive. He gets involved with petty crimes to make money but, finally realizes his passion for Hip Hop. “The criminal mind is a creative mind” Kazi states and the goal is to channel that into positive actions. He decides he wants to be a positive example to youth showing that through hip hop you can share your personal stories and help inspire others.
It’s refreshing to see Kazi develop the project implementing a curriculum that involves respect and encouraging rap that’s original and personal staying clear of the same ol’ gangsta rap or materialism that is so prominent in mainstream hip hop. Kazi challenges the youth to dig deeper within themselves to hopefully inspire others. The program begins with a 3-year self development plan including self reflecting, meditating and various effective exercises to grow as an adult prior to recording the album.
Throughout the entire film we follow the personal stories of two of the youth, Cannon and Princess. Both are dealing with extreme hardships with Cannon losing his mother to MS and potentially losing the apartment he lives in. “When you feel like you don’t have anything in the world, your hip hop is a sense of ownership”. Princess raps about her abortion she had while dealing with getting her high school diploma, moving on to college and dealing with her imprisoned father’s fate.
With some help from Russell Simmons and Bruce Willis to move into a larger more equipped studio the project is on it’s way but, the film shows that when faced with all the tools one needs to achieve our goals, sometimes fear of success gets in the way. Ultimately, the audience follows brand new trials and tribulations along with new struggles and emotions brought on by the opportunities of “The Hip Hop Project”.
The stylish and slick production value of “The Hip Hop Project” visually compare to a long form music video but, it’s the personal stories and goals of the main featured characters that come together because of their passion for hip hop and the opportunities they are given. You become invested in these stories and lives making “The Hip Project” a story that transcends hip hop but, further legitimizes hip hop as the music of our generation that has impacted so many youth.
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW AND ENTER OUR DVD GIVEAWAY HERE!
Get the “The Hip Hop Project” at iTunes and Amazon
Download the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album:
The Real Diva is Back Marching Forward as a “Soldier of Love” Album Review
Monday, February 8th, 2010
From the futuristic, dark cover art to the usage of strong guitar licks, haunting string arrangements, delicate guitar chords and contemplative lyrics, Sade’s “Soldier of Love” is worth the 10 year wait. Earlier Sade albums have always touched on storytelling of a particular down and out/slice of life style including “Maureen” and “Tar Baby” or featured various social injustices in songs like, “Immigrant” and “Pearls” but, were always remembered by passionate and lush love songs like, “Paradise”, “I Couldn’t Love You More”, “Kiss of Life” and “The Sweetest Taboo”.
The lyrics in “Soldier of Love” are raw, honest, melancholic and deep, mainly focusing on love gone and the wounded heart. However throughout the entire album there is a sense of optimism and hope especially with the title track, “Soldier of Love”. There is a sense that Sade is looking over the horizon licking her war wounds but, keeping the fire alive of a hopeful future.
Since it’s been a 10 year wait from such an iconic artist I felt like each of the 10 songs on “Soldier Of Love” needed to be broken down:
1. “The Moon And The Sky” is the opening track setting the tone both musically and lyrically. With lyrics like, “You’ll always know the reason why we couldn’t have the moon and the stars”, shows a reflective and yearning side of Sade singing her heart out thus, creating a powerful opener. The lush arrangement combined with the eery constant guitar chords have the song building alongside a steady mid tempo beat. Great opening track!
2. “Soldier Of Love” is the title track and first single which has been heard now for a couple of months along with the vivid cover art and dramatic music video. I think this is one of the most powerful songs ever come out of the Sade camp especially when you hear the staccato soldier drums, aggressive electric guitar and Sade singing the final refrain, “…still waiting for love to come, turn it all around,” over and over again. An overall tone is set for the entire album paralleling a soldier’s endurance to withstand an unending war but, still marching ahead, wounded yet strong. Watch the music video for “Soldier Of Love” below:
3. “Morning Bird” brings the tempo down to a beautiful string arrangement and piano composition yet still keeps a trace of underlying, fast paced drum rhythms. If “Soldier Of Love” were a soundtrack to a film, this could easily be the song that preludes the number, “Soldier Of Love”. The most impactful line has to be, “If you set me free, I won’t run”.
4. “Babyfather” tells a story like only Sade can do in such a sweet harmonious manner featuring a reggae groove, male Jamaican vocalist and a children’s choir, singing, “Your Daddy don’t come with lifetime guarantee”. This may be the most beautiful song on the album!
5. “Long Hard Road” features once again Sade’s yearning voice over a steady acoustic guitar alongside a string arrangement that is haunting. With lyrics like, “It’s a long road ahead” has the listener feeling the cold chill of loneliness but, the overall message is to keep moving on. There is an assurance of hope with the lyrics sung over and over, “it’s gonna be alright”.
6. “Be That Easy” is a little gem in the middle of the album showcasing a twangy guitar arrangement sounding as if it was recorded on the Lone Peak Wilderness. Favorite line: “I could’ve been fallin’ free, fallin’ all of these years, now it’s easier for me to see.”
7. “Bring Me Home” has a steady driving beat with contemplative lyrics which state, “…I know nothing, so bring me home”. The song implies a long hard life experienced by its protagonist, sung effectively by Sade. “Bring Me Home” is perhaps a cry to the skies above about surrendering completely to life. Once again this track brings the theme of “Soldier Of Love” back to the listener’s vision.
8. “In Another Time” has Sade consoling the receiver of this beautiful song sharing that “in another time girl and in another place, your tears won’t leave a trace”. Such carefully constructed lyrics pair perfectly well with the gorgeous arrangement. Listen for the violins, sax and piano arrangement…simply breathtaking!
9. “Skin” is the one song that conjures up earlier Sade material that feature a heavy bass and infectious R&B hook. But, it’s the lyrics that leave an impression of sadness yet a feeling of moving on as Sade sings, “now as I begin to wash you off my skin, I’m gonna peel you away, cuz you’re not right within.” Sade lovers will appreciate the sexy groove and newbies will relate to the bittersweet lyrics.
10. “The Safest Place” closes “Soldier Of Love” as an ode to protecting one’s heart creating an image that no one has the power to destroy the walls that protect one’s heart. The blatant parallels to a soldier who fights in war show that the human spirit is the strongest soldier of all.
Download “Soldier Of Love”
Tony Nominated Justin Bond Performs “Close to You” at Castro Theatre in San Francisco on Valentine’s Day By Kevin Thomas
Thursday, February 4th, 2010
On Valentine’s Day, if you want someone to say they enjoy being close to you, as you’re lives have only just begun, Justin Bond is the voice you want to hear. Bond will be performing songs from the Carpenters during a Valentine’s concert at the Castro Theatre.
This lovely, lush evening of Marc Huestis’ presentation of “Justin Bond: Close to You,” features Tony nominated Bond, accompanied by a 10-piece orchestra, singing all the songs from the Carpenters’ signature, Grammy winning album, “Close to You,” including “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
Bond says he got the idea to do the entire Carpenters’ album after hearing Carla Bozulich’s performing the complete “Red Headed Stranger” album of Willie Nelson. “This seems like such an interesting exercise, so I wanted to do it myself,” Bond says. Bond adds that he has always loved the Carpenters’ album’s pacing and structure, and grew up singing every track from the album, which he says is really a concept album, opening with “We’ve Only Just Begun” in the morning and closing with “Another Song” at the end of the day. “I like a lot of the songs and not just the hits,” he says.
Those who do not recognize the Tony nominated Bond by name might be more familiar with the character he plays named Kiki, as whom he’s performed at numerous international concerts and appearances with his professional partner, Herb. Bond has taken off his stilettos and wigs and put them back in the box, and has been playing concert dates as himself in New York’s Central Park, London and the Opera House in Sydney. Bond was recently named one of the five best theatrical events by Hilton Als, of New Yorker magazine.
The evening will include more than Bond performing live. Huestis is starting the evening with the short film “Justin Bond is Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex.” Bond says this is going to be fun. Huestis filmed him in the late 1980s for a film Huestis was working on, and this is a compilation of the interviews that Huestis did with the younger, more naïve Bond. This fun evening won’t feature Bond in drag, but he does promise “pretty heels” at least.
The Castro Theatre is at 429 Castro Street in San Francisco. The evening begins at 8:15pm. Tickets are $25-35, or $75 for priority seating and admittance to the VIP post reception. You can order by calling 415/863-0611 or at www.ticketweb.com.
On Facebook? Take a look at a Clip of the movie at http://tinyurl.com/yc529em. You can also Become a fan of Justin Bond on Facebook.
“PHONIC FUNK” NEW LP DELIVERS INSATIABLE HOUSE BEATS
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
One of the most refreshing outcomes of an evolving music industry is the way music is delivered to people. Now that most everything is done online, indie artists which include dance music producers have an easier time getting their music heard via the many blogs and sites devoted to promoting indie artists. No longer do we have to peruse a tiny corner in the back of a music store to find progressive music but, we can now turn to labels such as Salted Music who are releasing some truly original music and artists.
Salted Music’s latest release, PHONIC FUNK: THE NORTHERN LIGHTS EP VOL. 1 is the first in a mini -series of multiple releases showcasing Phonic Funk’s tight top notch productions skills, infectious soulful beats and luscious house rhythms. This is night time sexy house music that is uplifting and totally danceable. There’s plenty of well crafted synth arrangements and atmospheric soundscapes plus a nod to funky past melodies to replay over and over again.
The brilliance of Phonic Funk and their new LP is that it makes you want more! Another exciting outcome is that artists can release shorter LP’s of only four songs to wet the appetite of their audience and come back in a few months with another batch. This is the new wave of music and Phonic Funk is right up their delivering some of the best dance music.
Track Listing
1. I Like It
2. Feel The Soul
3. The Rhythm
4. Why
Download Here:
MAYSA IS “A WOMAN IN LOVE”
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Maybe you’ve never heard of Maysa or maybe you recognize her as the one of the most memorable lead singers of the British Acid Jazz group INCOGNITO or as one of the members of Stevie Wonder’s former group, WONDERLOVE??? As a solo artist Maysa is releasing her 8th studio album, “A Woman In Love” and she keeps getting better and better.
Classically trained, Maysa can sing just about anything but, she showcases all of her talents on “A Woman In Love” with a combination of Jazz, R&B, Funk and Soul complete with originals and re-worked versions of classics. There are many singers who get to a point in their career when it’s time to make an album full of Jazz standards. I can think of a slew of forgettable albums of current day singers doing nothing more than singing a classic usually not as good as the original. Maysa seemed to approach all of the classic material on this album with a new twist and interpretation making each song her own and offering the listener something new to wrap their ears around and embrace.
Classic re-interpretations include Thelonious Monk’s, “Round Midnight”. The song begins in a jazz standard and soon transcends into Maysa’s funkdafied delicious version making this true to the original but, a refreshingly new version for 2010. Not many singers can tackle a song remembered by Barbra Streisand except Maysa on the track, “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life”. According to Maysa, the jazzy and sultry new version ‘really kicked her butt’.
When I first saw Michael Jackson’s, “The Lady In My Life” on Maysa’s album, I wasn’t sure this would work but, her soft and gentle approach sung on this track make it a great tribute as well as a beautiful rendition.
Hot, is the word to describe Maysa’s verison of “I Put A Spell On You” which features a smoking hot sax solo by Kim Waters.
“A Woman In Love” isn’t all about classics as it features some melodic/press repeat gems including “Honey Bee” written by John Jones which is a perfect Valentine’s Day ode to that connected couple without the saccharin, instead opting for an up-tempo R&B Jazz vibe. Other new favorites include, the Maysa and Chris Davis penned tracks, “Spend Some Time” and the title track, “A Woman In Love”. The latter effectively uses spoken word and layered airy vocals over a staccato beat.
Kudos to Maysa and executive producer Danny Weiss for creating a very strong set of 11 songs that create a vivid image of “A Woman In Love” re-working classics alongside new material while mixing several genres of music successfully.
DOWNLOAD “A WOMAN IN LOVE”
New Single & Video from Groove Armada: “Paper Romance”
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
The new single from Groove Armada, out February 22nd, taken from the forthcoming “Black Light” album. Watch it!
SADE: “SOLDIER OF LOVE” OFFICIAL VIDEO RELEASE!
Friday, January 15th, 2010
WINTER PLAYLIST
Monday, January 4th, 2010
1. “I Just Wanna See Ya: DJ Bitman Remix” – Pacha Massive
2. “Light of the Moon” – Zigmat
3.”Baby Blue” – Celisse
4. “Club Love Remix” – Cataracs
5. “Medicine Man” – Zero 7
6. “Cherie Le Sabbo Remix” Vieux Farka Toure
7. “Frenesi” – Jonny Blu
8. “Current Events” – Krystle Warren
9. “I’d Do It All Again” – Corinne Bailey Rae
COMING SOON!
10. “Machine” – Zigmat
11. “See What I Wanna See” – The Lovemakers
12. “Shy” – Celisse
13. “Cruz De Olvido” – Buika
14. “Soldier of Love” – Sade
COMING SOON!
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