Happy Birthday Lady Day!!!

                             

                                               

I just want to wish one of the greatest singers of all-time Billie Holiday Happy Birthday!!!

I have always been infatuated by the lady with the flower in her hair.

Her voice was beautiful it encompassed the words of the song whether it was God Bless the Child, Strange Fruit, or Gloomy Sunday. I was introduce to her as a youth and was immediately drawn to the husky voice and the beautiful music accompanying that voice.

There are two new albums that  pay homage to the legendary Lady Day which are both must haves for your musical collection.

Jose James- Yesterday I had the Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday

Jose put his spin on Lady Day's music and it is a refreshing take on her classic music. Jose's voice is soothing to the ears a great purchase for those nights where you just want to close your eyes and go on a musical journey.

Cassandra Wilson- Coming Forth by Day

This woman's voice is amazing I have always loved her range and sound. Cassandra put her unique spin on Billie's music and hit a grand slam. There is one original song on the album "Last Song (For Lester)".  

This album is a unique spin on Lady Day's timeless music and will provide you with the ultimate Musical Eargasm.

2015 Motivation

                                           

Here we are January 2015 that time of year when we take our best shot at making this the best year of our life. The question is what are you willing to do to finish what you started. Will you give up when the going gets tough? Is it too cold for the gym? Did you eat bad already? You spent that money you were trying to save.

If the above things have already happen so what keep on your quest for the best year ever. If it was easy we would all be there just think about the things you want. Put your head down and keep moving forward don't look back forget about yesterday and don't worry about tomorrow.

These are a just a few of my thoughts to help inspire, motivate, and support all those who are like me working towards being the best they can be in 2015.

I am going to keep writing because if I stop that means I quit and quitters never win while winners never quit!!!

Musical Treat " Frankenstein" With Carlitta Durand

I was introduced to Carlitta's  beautiful voice through the legendary hip-hop group Little Brother and was a fan from the first note I heard. Carlitta Durand is songstress who has style,  range, and a passion for her craft.  The song "Keep Lovin" with Freddie Joachim is one of my favorite tracks her voice is summery, smooth and just gives you a great vibe a must for your playlist.

When I found out she was releasing a single followed by an album I had to reach out for a Q&A session with the NC songstress. So sit back read and then check out the dope single "Frankenstein"
          

                           

1. Please tell us a little about Carlitta Durand 

A girl from North Carolina, by way of Minneapolis, MN. Oldest of 3, raised around lots of music and creativity. From my mother always keeping us busy with arts and crafts, teaching us to sew and paint, to my dad throwing house parties blasting those 70's and 80's r&b/funk/soul gems. I was a sponge soaking up all the creativity and music. From a young age until now, it still seems to be the same thing lol.

2. How did you get started in NC music scene?

Moved to NC around 13 or 14, always had an interest in singing and music, first started out in the church like a lot of r&b soul singers. That passion grew, by the time I got to my junior year in high school, I knew this is what I REALLY wanted to do. By college I started to pursue it more, record tracks, perform at all open mics and talent shows, wherever and whenever I was there!

3. Who are some of your musical influences?

One of my favorite vocalists is Kim Burrell, such and pure and rich voice, she sings so effortlessly, I love that. Of course, I love Prince, I respect him as an artist and musician, there will never be another Prince Roger Nelson lol..  The greats, like Stevie, Michael, Whitney... Then my 90's girls.. TLC, Aaliayah, Mary j, Mariah.. to many to name, I have so many influences.

4. How did you link with Foreign Exchange?

 I linked with the FE from working with Little Brother first. I met Phonte first, then Pooh and 9th. I worked with LB and then it was only natural to work with Phonte and Nicolay.

5. Tell us about the new album " I'll Be Gorgeous When I Die" 

 "I'll Be Gorgeous When I Die" like most of my work, its true to me and my own life experiences or just how I feel at the time. IBGWID represents me and living a honest life, true to yourself and true to your peers and true to whatever or whoever is your higher power. I love to be able to express my feelings through the songs I write. I love to write a song that is relatable to the listener.2. How did you get started in the NC music scene?

Now check out the below soundcloud link for a song that will give you that much needed eargasms.

soundcloud.com/carlittadurand

New Music Kandace Springs

I was browsing for new music this past summer and came across the beautiful and talented Kandace Springs. Her voice is beautiful it brings a soothing comfort to your ears while blending perfectly with the track. The voice will feed your musical soul for days. West Coast is the first track I heard a perfect summer groove with a bass that moves you and her voice will take you on an unforgettable musical experience.

The self-titled EP released on Blue Note Records contains four diverse songs which flow together giving you a preview of her vocal styles. I really can't pick a favorite I give each song plenty of plays with Forbidden Fruit as one of my favorite tracks of the year.

Please do your musical library a favor and add her self-titled EP Kandace Springs and let me know what you think.

Thanks to Okayplayer.com and Soulbounce.com for posting new music.

Howard University Inspiration

As I experienced some of life's most challenging events over the last three years my usual sources of inspiration were failing to inspire me to succeed.

I gave blogging  a partial timeout only posting here and there. There was a feeble attempt to blog for thirty straight days which failed. 

So time passed as well as new albums to review, artist to interview, and sports teams to critique.

This past August on a quick trip to Washington, DC the spirit of writing started brewing. I walked up the hill of my beloved Howard University and upon entering  the gates leading to the yard a feeling of being home hit me hard. I knew that it was time to shift into high gear to start accomplishing my list of goals.

The Mecca as it's called did what many things had not which was igniting  my passion, spirit, and confidence to succeed.

I'm so glad I went to Howard U!!!!

The Black Album Tribute

I'm not the biggest Jay-Z fan on the scene but I have to give him credit for making the Black Album.

This is one of his top three in my opinion and the main reason is its a grown man hip hop album. He came out swinging from the intro with his mother to the classic line on December. 4th " they say they never really miss you till you dead or your gone so on that note I'm leaving after the song". That line let me know that this was his opus the defining album from his catalog.

The other highlights that made this a noteworthy piece from his catalog include Change Clothes which let the youngsters know it was time put the throwback jerseys up and put on some real pieces if you're trying to be on your grown man flow. Public Service Announcement interlude let us know that he was kicking it with the hottest  chick in the game Beyoncé.

The two tracks that really set this joint off were Threats aided by a ridiculous 9th Wonder beat and Ced the Entertainer giving a hit man's account of how to put in that work. 99 Problems where Rick Rubin went as hard as you can on a beat with Jay just absolutely wilding on the verses.

All producers came with it Pharrell, DJ Quik, Timbaland, 9th Wonder, and Just Blaze..

Thanks  for the real grown man guide to hip hop 

Love in Flying Colors Review

I anxiously awaited the release of Foreign Exchange's new album "Love in Flying Colors". I was smart enough to pre-order the cd and received a signed copy.  Here are my thoughts if you really want to experience a musical eargasm this is your chance from smooth grooves, vocal arrangements, and just a feel good vibe your ears will thank you. Creative, Original, Innovative, and Talent these are a few of the words to describe the songs. I suggest you open your ears for the solid musical production and for those who doubt Phonte Coleman he can hold his own singing...

Love in Flying Colors 4/5 stars..