May 28 - Rob Garza (of Thievery Corporation), REMIXES
Jun 4 - J.Cole, BORN SINNER
Jun 4 - Maxwell, SUMMERS'
Jun 18 - Kelly Rowland, TALK A GOOD GAME
Jun 25 - Atlantic Connection, LOVE ARCHITECT REMIXED
Jun 25 - Femi Kuti, NO PLACE FOR MY DREAM
Jun 25 - Kendra Morris, MOCKINGBIRD
Jul 1 - AlunaGeorge, BODY MUSIC {UK release}
Jul 2 - Pretty Lights, A COLOR MAP OF THE SUN
Jul 9 - Thundercat, APOCALYPSE
Jul 16 - Candice Glover, MUSIC SPEAKS
Jul 23 - Gogol Bordello, PURA VIDA CONSPIRACY
Aug 6 - Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Pop-soul singer Bruno Marsis the total package. He plays the guitar, drums and piano. He’s an accomplished songwriter, co-penning hits like Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” to B.o.B’s “Nothing on You,” and he can dance, too. Last Thursday night he packed Reliant Stadium, bringing in 75,000 screaming fans — a record attendance, according to Rodeo Houston.
Mars carries a casual and comfortable stage persona and exudes self confidence. Dressed in a checkered flannel shirt, lime-green t-shirt, blue jeans and sneakers, the Hawaii-born singer immediately got down to the singles from his current LP Unorthodox Jukebox, released last December via Atlantic Records.He began with “Moonshine,” then moved to “Natalie” and “Treasure,” onto “Show Me,” mashing it with “Our First Time,” another R&B-reggae tune from his debut Doo-Wops & Hooligans.
Honestly, it was a short set. Thirteen songs in a bit over an hour. But ask me if it mattered? Mars danced and hammed it up the entire time. Fans ate it up (including me!). Performing “Billionaire,” mixing it with an oldie “Money (That’s What I Want),” the talented artist segued into “Marry You” from Doo-Wop and back to his recent with “If I Knew,” blending it with Boyz II Men’s 1992 hit “End of the Road.” Bringing the romance full circle, Mars, of course, sang “When I Was Your Man,” the vulnerable ballad that’s as beautiful live as it is on the radio. He closed out the night with chart-toppers “Grenade,” “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Just the Way You Are.” It was the fastest hour of great music I’ve ever witnessed at the rodeo. Total package indeed.
Grace Potter on stage at HOB’s in Houston, TX, on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (photo/ND McCray)
Opening with the title track from her latest album, The Lion The Beast The Beat, Vermont singer-songwriter Grace Potter showcased her rock-star style along with band mates the Nocturnals at House of Blues on Sunday night.
Undeniably a rock and roll outfit, GPN is also steeped in soul, blues, gospel and country music. Touring heavily in support of their newest project, released in June, the crew opened for country music superstars Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney in August at Reliant Stadium for their Brothers of the Sun Tour.
Potter told CultureMap Houston last week: “That whole tour was a highlight for me this summer — especially when I got to sit in with Kenny during his show and watch how he controls the energy of 50-some-odd-thousand people. It’s a pretty inspiring thing to see.”
Grace duets with the star on his track “You and Tequila,” a 2011 crossover hit that exposed the group to a much wider audience.
Grace Potter at House of Blues. (photo/ND McCray)
With a light show that rivaled many big-name major-label artists, Potter showcased that she learned from (and can hang with) the best of them. Divvying up sentimental songs like “Stars” and the theatrical “Turntable” (from The Lion The Beast The Beat) with their catchiest tracks from previous albums like “Money,” “Low Road,” “Stop The Bus,” Medicine,“ and of course, “Paris (Oh La La),” the band also included cover versions of Otis Redding and Elton John tunes.
Their set list was compiled via fan-requests on Twitter, thus, making every show a new and different experience. But I, as well as the people around me, could feel the passion in Potter’s voice during Redding’s “Pain In My Heart,” where her powerhouse vocals and organ skills shined through.
For Elton John’s sing-a-long classic “Rocket Man,” country-blues singer RayLand Baxter, who opened for the group, joined in for a rousing rendition. As for other tracks performed (think: “Nothing But The Water II,” “Sweet Hands,” “Apologies,” “2:22,” “That Phone,” as well as an amazing cover by Heart (“Crazy On You”).
Potter says this about a live show: “People come to a rock concert to get lost in the moment and to lose themselves. [And] the best way to do it is to dance, shake off your inhibitions, just really let go and sing at the top of your lungs, whether you know the words or not. That to me is a true visceral rock-and-roll experience.”
And what an experience it was.
The Lion The Beast The Beat is available everywhere now.
Playing to a sold-out crowd at Warehouse Live in downtown Houston, Alabama rapper Yelawolf once again proved that white boys could still kill it on the mic.
Hitting the stage he immediately says, “I come back to Texas reppin’ Shady Records,” bragging about his recent come-up with Eminem’s record label.
But don’t get it twisted; Yela has put in work to get signed with one of the illest rappers in the game. Rocking a mullet mohawk, a tatted-up torso, and lyrics at head spinning speed, the Gadsden, Ala.-native meshes rock, hip-hop, punk and country-roots as if he were born to do it. As the crowd recited lyrics, Yela, in a black hoodie and overalls, never faltered in stage presence and interaction. Even encouraging a mosh pit in the middle of the floor; as guys slammed danced, the emcee deftly ran through a catalog of underground and mainstream hits.
Opening with “Daddy’s Lambo” and subsequently running through “I Just Wanna Party” “Pop the Trunk,” “I Wish” and “Love Is Not Enough” from his 2010 mixtape Trunk Muzik, Yelawolf, otherwise known as Michael Wayne Atha, smashed any doubters as to his authenticity to “speed-rap,” slow it down, smooth it out, pay homage to greats in country (Johnny Cash), rap (Too Short, Easy E, Outkast, Wu-Tang and The Beastie Boys) and dedicate his track “Marijuana” to his mama, all in a single hour. The energy was palpable. “Hard White (Up In The Club)” from his proper full-length Radioactive was a requisite performance, as it amped up the crowd of mostly white twenty-something’s even more. Making appearances were rap idols Trae the Truth and Bun B of UGK. Yela closed out the show with the Kid Rock-assisted single “Let’s Roll.” It was def a hip-hop show but I think it’s more interesting to image what could have happened if the country rocker, known for killer shows as well, would’ve actually showed up.
Bridging the gap between local emcees, jazz musicians, and hip hop fans has been the goal of Revive Da Live since 2006; and it was no different on Thursday, April 21st at Le Poisson Rouge, as they celebrated with a Big Band Tribute to the late Keith “Guru” Elam and the Jazzmatazz legacy. It was a very special event but do read the review and peep the photos at The Couch Sessions.
On September 15, 2010 at SOB’s SOL Village showcase, singer-songwriter-pianist-composer-arranger (okay, a sister with a lot of titles) AVERY*Sunshine essentially brought down the house with her soul-stirring, emotion-filled, gospel-inspired-R&B vocals. “Fluent in many languages from soul and house to classical and hip hop”, Ms. Sunshine performed a 25-minute set that made me and the 100 or so other folks want so-much more. Opening with the classically old school-new school joint “I Got Sunshine” and moving into the beautifully flawed “Ugly”, the former choir director showcased honesty and vulnerability that was very relatable yet flat-out chilling at the same time. Though she closed the night shortly thereafter with the funky “All In My Head”, her down-to-earth vibe, beautiful spirit and a self-titled debut album (which is in stores now), will keep her around for years to come.
SOLVillage is a New York City showcase that brings up-and-coming R&B talents from across the world and is hosted by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Roberson. Held the third Thursday of each month, last night also featured London-based singer-songwriter Terri Walker and VA-native Kay Tunes.
ND McCray is a Brooklyn-based music writer, blogger and student.
Singer, songwriter, producer, fashion goddess and diva extraordinaire Sandra St. Victor showcased her diverse talents to a full house on Monday night at the world famous Blue Note Jazz Club in the West Village.
Mixing old school rhythm and blues, jazz, funk and soul with a live band and turntablist (DJ Logic); Ms. St. Victor set the stage for a different kind of show –cool, fun and eclectic to be exact.
First performing the funky “Mack Diva,” the seductive “Come Over,” the sexy “Wet” and eventually the blues-infused “Knocked Up and Locked Down” from her 1996 debut solo album Mack Diva Saves The World, Ms. St. Victor displayed a confidence and sass every woman should grasp immediately. Rocking a black shredded off-the-shoulder ensemble with sky-high over-the-knee platform boots, the Mack Diva clearly has no issues in the self-esteem department.
Mixing it up with live scratching and classic hits such as “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” by The Spinners and the ever-popular “American Pie” by Don McLean, the singer, along with Family Stand member V. Jeffrey Smith on guitar, performed a mash-up of their hit song “Ghetto Heaven” with a series of Bob Marley classics (“Exodus,” Waiting in Vain,” and “Jammin’”) to the tune of a near two-hour, non-stop set.
Nonetheless, having recorded and/or toured with such legends as Prince (her fellow Gemini), Smokey Robinson, Chaka Khan, Darryl Hall, The Temptations, Curtis Mayfield and Roy Ayers (who also appeared on her 2001 sophomore album, Gemini: Both Sides), Ms. St. Victor’s latest project, a dance EP entitled Sinner Child “at my spheres”, or the sinful inner child of SSV—is the first installment of a series of R&B, soul, funk, electro, and jazz EPs.
Sandra St. Victor is set to perform in Brooklyn at BAM Café on September 25, 2010.
Ridin’ Solo is R&B crooner Keith Sweat’s 10th album –and yes, he’s still begging. However at a crowded B.B. King’s last week, the singer-songwriter decided to revisit the classic hits that made ladies love him, and guys hate that their ladies loved him.
Hitting the stage nearly a half-hour late, Keith immediately hit the audience with up-tempo tracks “Something Just Ain’t Right” and “Don’t Stop the Love” from his debut album Make It Last Forever (1987); and twenty-some-odd years later, the songs can still bring a crowd of mostly ladies, and gents to their feet.
Having attended a slew of R&B shows at various venues over the years, I’ve got to admit though, B.B. Kings was the last place I thought I would see a red g-string flung to the stage in the middle of Keith performing “Get Up On It” –but at this point, the singer’s cream-colored blazer was off, sweat was pouring, energy was high; so he held them in the air, smiled and kept it moving to “Keep It Comin” from his 1991 album of the same name.
At times during various dance tracks, Keith’s hype man was a bit distracting jumping about the stage, screaming into the microphone…but I suppose that was the point, right?
Nonetheless, once Keith segued into “I’ll Give All My Love” (1990), he was in full-effect mode (read: romantic whining), hitting the falsetto and flirting with women in the audience mainly. Eventually he moved into “Make You Sweat,” but shortly thereafter we were surprised by a guest appearance from fellow crooner Joe, who’s featured on the lead single “Test Drive” from Ridin’ Solo. Looking dapper as ever with shades on and a drink in hand –if only for a few minutes, Joe’s smoothed-out vocals brought squeals from many ladies in the audience (present company included).
Overall the show was a delicious trip down memory lane with other classics such as “Make It Last Forever,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” a touching tribute to Gerald Levert on “My Body,” as well as other radio hits like “I Want Her,” and “Nobody,” even songs Keith penned for other groups and singers like “Freak Me” by Silk and “Just Got Paid” by Johnny Kemp.
Also, be sure to check out Keith Sweat’s Platinum House –a reality show featuring Dru Hill on the CENTRIC network.
Gato Barbieri is a mystical figure. With over 50-years in the music business, countless recording projects, an upcoming album (Encounter) due out later this year, as well as turning 76 on November 28, the smooth jazz saxophonist commands attention like no other. Playing to a sit-down crowd at B.B. King’s last Thursday, the man barely said 10 words for close to an hour, yet the audience hung onto his every note respectfully, consciously, and gladly.
Rocking his signature style of a black Stetson hat and dark shades, the Argentine jazz legend could have played one note over and over again during his near two-hour set and no one would’ve cared. He played the classic “Europa” for which he is best-known and loved for but for most of the night, Mr. Barbieri was the laid-back commander, allowing the percussionist, keyboardist, drummer and bassist to shine in at least three solos. But the essence of the musician who composed the score to the controversial film Last Tango in Paris was still there: avant-garde yet beautifully crafted.
It was a romantic set no doubt. Couples snuggling up, rocking to the mysticism of a legend, which made it a perfect date-night in the city.
I believe most artists would agree: We have a sixth sense, meaning that most times we can feel when something amazing is about to happen. It’s an instinctual type of thing. That said, most of my encounters with celebrities or other artists are hardly ever planned, often times they happen in a serendipitous fashion. I’m walking down the street on the Upper West Side, and I literally bump into a well-known news anchor. Or I’m covering a show at Highline Ballroom, and a popular poet and her friends are seated two tables away from me. So Saturday night at SullivanRoom, I had a feeling something good was about to happen. As I’m posted next to the DJ booth (as close as one could get without being the DJ), guess who walks pass me, and basically posts up next to me about a half hour prior to his set? Once I stopped doing internal cartwheels, I tapped DJ Mark Farina on his shoulder and simply stated that I was a huge fan and was so glad to finally catch one of his sets live. Ever gracious he was. And that’s how the night began.
The Chicago-bred, San Francisco-based down tempo king hit us gently at first with his signature acid jazz-infused, West Coast-style beats: a mixture of jazz, hip hop and R&B. It was funky, it was sexy; undoubtedly, it was Farina. However, one thing about live DJ sets, you should never expect to hear the same ol’ same ol’ mixes from their albums. Yes, Farina packed in the sounds of soulful Chicago-San Francisco house but he upped the intensity levels with hard house ala up-tempo rhythms, off-beat timing and hard-hitting basslines. As he rocked out behind the decks, we boogied down on the dance floor. But if you could imagine dancing with 200 or so people for nearly two hours in a room the size of a New York City apartment, you’d know it felt like a sauna plus a hundred degrees in that place. But it felt awesome.
Even so, if you’re an acid jazz fiend like me, you know of the DJ-producer’s newest EP, Geograffiti but you also remember that it all started with the lovely Mushroom Jazz series (1-6) back in ’96 (and #7 is on its way!); the San Francisco Sessions from ’99; Air Farina (his debut artist album) from ’02; Live at Om with another house legend and his mentor, Derrick Carter in ’04 and the countless other compilations over the years.
Farina has been quoted as saying, “I look at my job as a modern day traveling minstrel, to bring new music to as many places as I can, and expose obscure records that, otherwise, might go hidden”. In the game for nearly 20 years, I’d say the man is doing his job and at SullivanRoom, he did it damn well.
When two-time Grammy nominee Ledisi performs, one should expect a LOT in terms of showmanship, energy and sex appeal. Performing for two sold-out shows on her birthday at B.B. King’s had to be an amazing feeling for the New Orleans-born, Oakland-based singer. Having seen the artist twice in five-months; the night was especially thrilling for me.
Energized and ready to go, at the top of the show Ledisi unexpectedly walked through the crowd blasting folks for showing up late: “Excuse me, ya’ll should’ve got here on time,” she said while passing by and waving to those of us seated at tables.
Though the night was filled with dancing, shouting, and testifying; its mood was definitely geared toward the positive, uplifting and expressive side. She shared her struggles as a then up-and-coming artist in the early 00’s and how she almost gave up her dream of becoming a singer. However, her rock-energy, juke joint sensibilities (think: provocative dance moves) and blues storytelling kind of overshadowed the message. Then again, I don’t think she really cared (and honestly, neither did we).
But as the quintessential artist, it was obvious that she also wanted to please not only her R&B fans but her jazz lovers as well. She performed tracks from all of her albums: her latest, Turn Me Loose; her jazz-influenced holiday LP, It’s Christmas; Lost and Found from 2007; as well as the independent releases, Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue (2002) and Soulsinger (2000). She even delighted us with a five-minute scat – accapella style. The set list included “Everything Changes”, “Turn Me Loose”, “Higher Than This” “Get To Know You”, “Think of You” and of course, the well-loved tale of woe, “In The Morning”.
A bit over a month ago I had the chance to catch an in-store performance and autograph signing from Cali producer, rapper, singer and all-around cool spirit Georgia Anne Muldrow and emcee and street scholar Declaime (aka Dudley Perkins) at Fat Beats record store here in New York.
The stop was to promote their latest project, SomeOthaShip - which is a psychedelic trip into the underground world of hip-hop, funk and jazz. With a blend of heavy beats and even harder production by Georgia, Flying Lotus, Black Milk and Oddisee, some of the standouts are “Shine On”, “SomeOthaShip Connect Game”, “Heaven or Hell”, “Get Up”, and “WhatChallKnowAboutThis”. One word: Dopeness!
Though they’re not calling it a comeback, 90’s R&B group Dru Hill (Sisqo, Nokio, Jazz and new member, Tao) seems ready for the release of their first studio album in eight years, InDRUpendence Day - which is due in stores on June 29th. During an intimate listening session at Le Lupanar on the Lower East Side of New York City, the quartet along with label head, Kedar Massenburg was full of excitement, energy and emotion.
The eight singles played were signature Dru Hill sounds: soul and gospel-tinged R&B to include a mid-tempo, funk-infused cover of “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by British pop-rock duo, Tears For Fears.
The group will also star in Sweat’s Platinum House, a reality TV series produced by label mate Keith Sweat, which premieres May 20th on the CENTRIC network.
On a Friday night in Times Square a crowd of single ladies, single guys, couples, friends, lovers and tourists rocked to the sounds of R&B singer-songwriter and Grammy-Award winner Chrisette Michele at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill.
Simply put: Chrisette Michele is beautiful, energetic and playful. However, as one could have expected, the native New Yorker knew exactly how to milk the crowd’s anticipation during her sold-out performance. Starting a half-hour behind schedule and with a Queens-bred emcee named Lem Payne as the opening act, the singer made a grand entrance by performing her most popular tune to date: “Epiphany,” the lead single from her 2009 studio release of the same name. And from that moment on, it was one hell of a party.
The night was filled with high energy and passion-filled tales of love, relationships, family and staying positive. In addition to the funky R&B hit “What You Do” and a soul-stirring performance of “Blame It On Me,” she also blessed us with several tracks from her 2007 debut, I Am, to include the Grammy-nominated single “If I Had My Way.
Nonetheless, for an hour-and-a-half Ms. Michele took us on a lovely jazz-influenced, gospel-inspired, neo soul ride – as did her backing vocalist and cousin (during a 15-minute intermission of covers by Jill Scott, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys).
(Side note: I did a bit more digging…Lem Payne is Chrisette Michelle’s little brother). So the show was a family affair. Love it!
Covering our 2nd anniversary party last Friday was a fun assignment for me, not only because of my brief introduction to DJ Rob Swift, who I’m a huge follower of, but it also introduced me to a host of talented artists.
We had Venn Diagrams (modern-day cabaret) who opened, Apse (ambient rock band) who upped our energy levels, and then there was our beloved Brooklyn’s Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers (rock, blues, punk, jazz but, not in the traditional sense!) – who basically stole the friggin’ the show. A fun night indeed! Anywho, check the show review at shortandsweetNYC.com.
Being that actor Alan Cumming randomly appeared in my dream a week prior to his New York performance at Joe’s Pub on January 11th, I felt it my DUTY to see the Scotsman live and direct.
And, what a night it was! Read the show review at shortandsweetNYC.
Neo-soul songtress Amel Larrieux blessed New York’s Highline Ballroom on the last Sunday of 2009 – and for the first time, yours truly was a part of the in-crowd. Read the show review at shortandsweetNYC.com.
They always say, better late than never. Back in October of this year, experienced the Sexy Soul Tour 2009 in Houston, Texas at Verizon Wireless Theatre, which featured Eric Benet, Mint Condition and Ledisi.
Though the theatre was only half-full, Ledisi’s rock and soul performance started the night promptly at 8:15pm. Sporting a dreadloc’d faux-hawk, multi-belt jacket, leather pants and six-inch stilettos, Ledisi churned out tune after tune from her latest hit album, Turn Me Loose and her debut, Lost and Found. Giving equal parts Baptist church and juke joint, her set was full-on high energy, sex appeal and soul-stirring testifying. The hits: “Knockin” “Everything Changes” “Turn Me Loose” “Higher Than This” “Alright” and a cover of “Happy Feeling” that would’ve had Frankie Beverly beaming with joy. But it was her over-the-top performance of “In The Morning” that had the audience on its knees. The only way to sort of describe it: it was somewhere between a Broadway show slash gospel stage-play slash lounge act slash Sunday morning in a Southern Baptist church. Yeah, that’s the best I could do.
Following Ledisi (which was a very hard thing to do!) was Minneapolis funksters Mint Condition, who actually held their own with several old and new tracks. Read: “You Got Me Swingin’ “I’m Ready” “Nothing Left To Say” “Moan” “What Kind of Man Would I Be,” a killer “Heartbreak Hotel” dedication to MJ, and the much-anticipated closing number, “Pretty Brown Eyes.” However, it was their mid-set band battle that wowed us the most. Jeffrey on keys jumped on sax, while lead singer Stokley hopped on rhythm guitar and then switched to a second set of drums to bang it out with the drummer. It was pure ROCKSTAR SHIT!
To be honest, no diss to Eric Benet as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter but by the time he hit the stage, the crowd (and ME!) were definitely still in the mood for more dancing and singing – but all we got were mostly ballads in the form of ”Chocolate Legs” “Love, Patience and Time” “Spanish Fly” “I Wanna Be Loved” “Spend My Life With You” and “You’re The Only One.” I mean he is a balladeer, and it was nearing 11pm – so we collectively joined the movement.
For those who got the memo, and their tickets on time, Jill Scott performs tonight at eight pm at the Verizon Wireless Theatre(downtown, 501 Texas), while those of us who dropped the ball, sulk! The show sold out about a month ago, and I knew about the show months ago, however I got cocky, thinking I’d just buy my ticket “later” forgetting she’s one of the hottest performers on the soul circuit right now. Plus she dropped her third cd, The Real Thing, a few months back, which of course increased everyone’s desire to see her live because the cd is so freakin hot.
Now to soothe my pain and bruised ego, I’m stuck watching her Live in Paris DVD, which was released a couple of weeks ago. It’s a great performance, she’s flirtatious and funny, poetic and intriguing however, it’s a taped performance. I’m missing out on her talks, as she’s known to do with her audience, her boldness, her sassiness. It just doesn’t hold the same appeal.
Nonetheless, I am determined to see this woman’s show–this year, if it’s the last all-in-the-name-of-music thing I do! So more to come…
Being that actor Alan Cumming randomly appeared in my dream a week prior to his New York performance at Joe’s Pub on January 11th, I felt it my DUTY to see the Scotsman live and direct.
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Neo-soul songtress Amel Larrieux blessed New York’s Highline Ballroom on the last Sunday of 2009 – and for the first time, yours truly was a part of the in-crowd. Read the show review at shortandsweetNYC.com.
They always say, better late than never. Back in October of this year, experienced the Sexy Soul Tour 2009 in Houston, Texas at Verizon Wireless Theatre, which featured Eric Benet, Mint Condition and Ledisi.
