Ike Love
Apr 26, 2012 Bands, Legends, Today's Stars
On April 21, 2012, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ike Love CEO of Love One Entertainment.
Ike is also a music producer, promoter and manger for several old school groups including The Legendary Blue Notes and is the booking agent and promoter fot the Inruders, The Ebonys, and Blue Magic.
The Ebonys
It was fun to reminiscence down memory lane with the music some of us grew up on and others are just discovering. Ike shared how there our several groups out there performing as the Ebonys and the Intruders with no rights to the names. If you’d like to have the original group(s) at your next event, contact Ike Love at 257-256-9338 or email him – loveonerecords@aol.com Connect with Ike on Facebook and enjoy the videos on YouTube.
Listen to the interview below and support Our Old School Artists – Lead Vocalist for the Ebonys, William “Smoke” Howard has a Solo CD available and look for a new release from the Ebonys this summer.
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Tags: funk, happy, Harmony, independent, music, Old School, performer, r&b, Show, singer, singing, smooth, soul, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, Vocalist
Divas Don’t Apologize
Apr 1, 2012 Legends, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
On Saturday March 31, Diana Broomfield had the pleasure of speaking to Aziza and sharing a taste of her wonderful music with the audience.
Aziza (formerly known as Linda Williams) is a breath of fresh air. She is a song writer, composer, arranger, singer and all around wonderful person who is definitely a true Diva with no apology needed. She worked with Natalie Cole traveling the world and making beautiful music until she decided to do her own thing. She talks candidly about the business, record labels, being independent and pros and cons of both. She also offers advice to those who might be considering getting into the music business.
Aziza currently makes her home in New York, but continues to perform all over the globe. She has promised to keep us abreast of her shows so those in that area can support her.
Please listen to the interview and then visit her website, like her Facebook page and buy the music from your favorite download site including but not limited to CDBaby and Rhapsody, and Itunes.
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Tags: arranger, composer, Harmony, independent, independent record label, Jazz, music, musician, performer, poet, poetry, producer, singer, smooth, Spoken Word
United Funk Order
Oct 23, 2011 Beyond The Music, Legends, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
Once upon a day, the powers that be decided to remove the musical creation we had come to know as FUNK from the record store bins and formats of radio stations worldwide. The primary intent was to completely obliterate the concept of FUNK from our collective consciousness in order to facilitate the control of our thought process and reprogram our minds to their liking. They attempted to exterminate all interference from the forces of those “rebellious Funkateers”. They almost succeeded in crushing the resistance… but… it’s a new day and United Funk Order has arrived to remove all restrictions currently imposed on your memory banks so that you may once again enjoy the groovalicious music your subconscious has been secretly craving for… rockin’ it hard and funkin it slow for ya………
Currently the world of music seems plagued by large doses of mediocrity and an overall deficiency of truly compelling music…. it seems artists and record companies are often driven by financial considerations as opposed to heartfelt inspiration. Spearheaded by Thulani and Indigo, United Funk Order is on a mission to restore balance to the musical equation. Their existence is proof positive that quality, integrity and musicianship need not be sacrificed for the sake of a dollar.
Welcome to the United Funk Order experience….
Just beamed out of the studio, and onto the music scene. Intergalactic-Funk-Rock Band “United Funk Order” headed by the Multi-talented Thulani, Master Guitarist Indigo and Master Keyboardist Gregg “Daffy” Fitz, is pleased to present their new music CD set for fourth quarter release. Phenix Productions, Inc. presents Intergalactic-Funk Rock Band “United Funk Order”. The band’s vibe is rooted in classic funk and contains elements that appeal to diverse audiences.
It was exciting to hear the passion and concern in the conversation between Thulani, Indigo and Hostess Diana as the discuss the Funk, the history, gave credit and shared the music. If you are nostalgic for the sounds of Cameo, Mother’s Finest, Chaka Khan & Rufus and the King George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic (which includes Prince Bootsy) Then take a listen to United Funk Order.The band’s vibe is rooted in classic funk and contains elements that appeal to diverse audiences.
Keep up with the Band, check out videos of the band and check out the animated characters for the upcoming series by plugging into their website.
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Tags: arranger, bassman, composer, encouragement, funk, giving back, independent, independent record label, musician, Old School, performer, RnB, singer, singing, Soulful, Talent, vintage, writer
Jeff Majors
Sep 25, 2011 Beyond The Music, Legends, Today's Stars
Conversations was graced with the presence of DC’s Native Son Jeff Majors
As a native of Washington, D.C., music flowed throughout the household of JeffMajors courtesy of his mother Annie P. Fitzgerald — a talented jazz trumpeter in her own right with a circle of friends which included legendary actress and singer Pearl Bailey.
At age 15, JeffMajors had a dream in which he saw himself strumming the harp; an instrument he had never played before. Inspired, he used the dream to fuel his passion for music and literally change the course of his life. With the harp hand-made for him by a local music store owner, he began to pursue mastery of the
He spent the next several years in Los Angeles studying under the wings of jazz pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane, wife of jazz legend John Coltrane. He later teamed up with legendary jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby. He returned to the Washington D.C. area, where he formed several jazz bands and became a radio personality at Radio One. This led to the opportunity to host “Sunday Joy,” the semi syndicated inspirational and gospel on-air ministry that can be heard on Magic 95.9 and 102.3 in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia area. From there he evolved into the vice presidency of gospel music programming for the Radio One network of
Hailed as an inspirational jazz / gospel producer and renowned harp master JeffMajors has touched the hearts of millions through his television program, TV One’s “Gospel of Music with JeffMajors,” along with his faith-affirming, soul-stirring Sacred series and outreach initiatives that include his annual nationwide free concert tour “JeffMajors Blankets for the Homeless,” and most recently “Hiphop for the Homeless.” During which there are performances and provision of clothing, blankets and other items necessary for surviving life on the
After being welcomed to perform on her talk show, media mogul Oprah Winfrey stated that the music of JeffMajors, “…energizes my faith and transports my spirit. For me, it is the best way to start my day.” And when he was hand-picked by the Martin Luther King Family to perform at Coretta Scott King’s memorial service, JeffMajors demonstrated that his music could console a Nation
Today, he appears in more than 40 million homes through “The Gospel of Music with JeffMajors,” the flagship program on TV One. The hit show provides a venue for diverse well-known and emerging talent, and has showcased some of the biggest names in the industry, including James Ingram, Mavis Staples, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams and Gerald Levert in his last television appearance.
It was my extreme pleasure to have this Gentleman on Conversations. It was even more special to know we are not only from the same city, but share the same values. If you are in any of the cities that will house Jeff Majors National Homeless Tour, I hope you will get involved in whatever way you can. Remember, For He who is much is given, much is expected. As Mr Majors said, “Give from the heart and you will be Blessed…”
Enjo the interview and keep up with Jeff Majors via his website.
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Tags: arranger, composer, encouragement, giving back, Harmony, harp, independent, independent record label, motivation, music, musician, Old School, performer, smooth
Jay King
Mar 14, 2011 Beyond The Music, Legends, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
On March 12, we were graced with a visit from the Legendary Jay King.
Jay burst on to the music scene in 1984 with a group called Frost from Alaska. Their first single was Battle Beat. In 1986, King released several songs on his own label Jay Records like Active Boys and the well known song by Timex Social Club, Rumors. With the success of this record Jay King changed his music style from Electro Rap to more dance orientated songs.
1986 he founded Club Nouveau, perhaps one of the most distinctive and original groups to influence the contemporary music scene. Since their formation the group has sold over ten million records, toured worldwide, charted 11 Billboard hit singles and garnered numerous awards and prestigious nominations. The release of their project, The Collection Vol. 1, chronicles not only the many successes of Club Nouveau, but also rouses our unconscious as the magic of their music once again hits home to our very hearts. Singer/songwriter/arranger, Valerie Watson and producer/writer/singer and entrepreneur, Jay King formed Club Nouveau. Jay is currently producing a new album for Club Nouveau.
On Saturday, Jay chopped it up with hostess Diana Broomfield about his views on current events, the state of our communities and the importance of sharing knowledge and reaching back to help others. He discussed his mother Helen, her influence and his musical dedications to her.
We heard his CD Open Book which was released in 2010 and we got a sneak listen to tracks from his soon to be released project, Helen’s Son Listen to that interview:
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Jay King’s music can be purchased at Barnes & Nobles, Amazon.com, Best Buy and itunes
Tags: arranger, composer, giving back, independent, independent record label, Jazz, preformer, producer, RnB, singer, songwriter, writer
Spoken Word Interviews with Angela Jellison of Boston Write Out Loud
Oct 30, 2010 Beyond The Music, Legends, Spiritual Life, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
From Left to Right, Dl Davis, Spoken Word, EMichele Paul, Angela Žunić Poetic Works Event-Oceanside, CA
Angela Jellison
Is being a writer an occupation or definite lifestyle for you? How so?
Spoken Word
I consider my ability to write a gift from God. The desire to write has stuck with me throughout my entire life. I find writing to be more of a lifestyle because it’s something I’ve always done and like doing. I have a big imagination that gives me a passionate desire to create new things. As I’ve matured through life experiences, God has found a way to reach me as well as others through the gift that he birthed inside of me long ago.
Angela Jellison
When did you first become fully conscious or aware that you were a writer? What were your early perceptions of being a writer and how did race or gender play into your perception?
Spoken Word
I never defined myself as a writer growing up. I always considered myself a Poet or Emcee. It wasn’t until I was about 18 years old when I begin to write Screenplays and Stage Plays that I considered myself a writer. Race and Gender didn’t play a major role in my life when I first perceived I was a writer. I was not culturally aware of who I was because the only education I received about Black history was during black history month. It wasn’t until I was around twenty years old when I became fully aware that racism was still alive and I was a victim of it. I learned a lot through life experiences about being a black woman in America. Today I believe that God gave me the gift to rebuild, rebuke and encourage those that need to be encouraged; also to educate in areas such as cultural awareness, spirituality, health and mental well being.
Angela Jellison
How do you define Creative Survival?
Spoken Word
Hmm…, that’s a tuff one;
Creative Survival-Being able to produce creatively through hardship, perseverance, negativity, and endurance without letting any of the above have a negative impact on the gift itself.
Angela Jellison
Do you apply this idea of creative survival to the reception and viability of your work within, or outside of the mainstream media? In other words, how do you resist dismantling or the complicated politics of large publishing houses? (by politics I am referring to what black women writers are “expected” to write-how do you resist the editorial revision of your voice)
Spoken Word
I do apply the definition of creative survival to the quality and viability of my work within and outside the mainstream media. It is hard being a black female writer, especially in a world where black women are defined as being weak and materialistic. I believe in order to change how we are defined we must first change the visual image that is promoted through mainstream media. A woman must know what makes them beautiful. It’s not the outer appearance, but what’s inside that counts. If a woman truly identifies with herself, mainstream media would not be able to control the way she wishes to be perceived. Too many female writers neglect to find their own voices out of fear they will be not be heard; afraid to be anything outside of what sells. Some even consider themselves the product because that’s what they’ve been taught by Corporate America. That’s why it’s important to know your history. Black Slaves were considered a product for sale in Corporate America during those times. Until we come to the realization that we are individuals that produce a product that can be sold, the image of us as black women will remain the same. Understanding who I am and what I was purposed to do, gives me the motivation and determination to stand firm in what I believe. And it also gives me a visual image on how I wish to be perceived as a writer and Poet. I’ve become immune to rejection from those that do not wish to display the stronger image of a black woman. My voice has been overridden by those that refuse to understand or accept my history. I have been criticized by those who think I’m not traditionally spiritual enough, and those who feel I should create a more commercial sound. I have been abandoned by those who feel the need to be heard through my voice. So I call myself Spoken Word because it is through the Spoken Word of God that I am able to succeed.
Angela Jellison
What authors’ lives/experiences have encouraged or discouraged you? Do you have a mirror self? In other words, do you find yourself and or your work reflected in the experiences of authors such as Audre Lorde, Jun Jordan, Mayo Angelou, Alice Walker, etc.
Spoken Word
Sojourner Truth is one of the first black female poets I remember reading about. I remember her vividly because I was her in a high school presentation during Black History month. I performed, “Ain’t I a Woman”; a poem that was delivered by her in 1851 at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio. There were a lot of things I did not understand back then. You never understand a woman until you become one. Now I can stand tall and ask the world, “Ain’t I a Woman?”
I can walk as much and talk as much as a man when I can get to it, and bear the lash as well.
Sojourner Truth 1851
My art is a reflection of poets such as Sojourner Truth, Audre Lorde, June Jordan, Alice Walker, and Mayo Angelou. They all know and knew the worth of a black woman. Not just because they are black women, but because they sought to understand their purpose here in this world as black women through their own individual experiences.
I compare myself to Audre Lorde because I too identify issues of class, race, age, gender and health through my work. In comparison to June Jordan, the racial turmoil of America set my path to social activism. My most shaping experiences came through child and adolescence just as Alice Walker. I’ve absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African American family community just like Mayo Angelou.
My reflection of Mayo Angelou tells me that “I am a women phenomenally; a phenomenal woman, that’s me!”
Angela Jellison
What positions or jobs have you maintained to support your work? How has this contributed or subtracted from your identity as a writer? Do you think working an outside job to support your work is distracting or able to balance this divide? How so?
Spoken Word
I’ve worked in Law and Government. Working under educated middle class and first class people has given me a deeper understanding of the human experience overall. I’ve learned whether rich or poor, young or old, black or white, ignorance can be found on all levels of life. Honestly working under government officials has been a more positive experience than the racial discrimination I experienced working with attorneys at law a few years before. It was through the totality of that experience that opened my eyes to the deprivation of civil rights in the state of Virginia. Through that job, I discovered who I am as a black woman, and how strong I am, as well as those before me. It provoked me to learn more about my history, and exposed the ignorance of some of those within our own race who claim to fight for civil rights in the African American Community, but really don’t. I believe the real Civil Rights fight died along with some of the strongest Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King and W.E.B. Dubois. Nowadays we just stone each other to death which means Willie Lynch’s method worked. We were trained from slaves to always fight one another and only trust outside cultures. History is deep and only repeats itself. It is up to us to break those chains in our own culture.
The work I do is not distracting at all to me. I work in a quiet area that allows me the time to really think. As a Writer, it is important to think, learn, and study more; especially if you intend to be a great writer. You have to know the world that surrounds you while being able to discern the good from the bad. I was watching T.D. Jake’s movie, “Women Thou Art Loosed!”, and there was a scene where he was ministering to a young lady behind bars. T. D. Jakes told her, “We give the devil too much credit.” Her response was, “no, we just under estimate him.”
Angela Jellison
Are you the first writer in your family or are you from a generation of writers? How have your family and friends received supported/negated your choices?
As a child, I watched my mother write short stories. My mother was deprived of an education to help care for her nine brothers and sisters. Because of that, she was not able to fulfill her dream as a writer. My dad writes music as well. He was in a band when we were much younger. My mother supports me fully. Although she was unable to fulfill her dreams, she still writes and encourages me to do the same. According to my mother, “you should never give up on your dreams.” Life is hard yet survivable.” Through hardships and trials, I find that to be true.
Write Out Loud Boston
Joyce Angela Jellison
Founder/Director/Workshop Facilitator
http://writeoutloud.yolasite.com/
www.reverbnation.com/spokenword1
Tags: activist, composer, education, encouragement, giving back, Harmony, independent, justice, motivation, Old School, poet, polictical, preformer, smooth, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting
HotLanta
Oct 22, 2010 Beyond The Music, Legends, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
The week of October 11 saw me in the wonderful city of Atlanta. I always love to visit Atlanta but this was a special trip. Not only did I get I spend time with extended Family.
I got to hang out with Glenn Gordon, Jimmy Brown, Reggie Hargis and Micheal Stewart. I didn’t get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked but I got some great pictures that I will share here.
I saw Glenn briefly but he was busy doing his thing on a gig, we were supposed to hang out a bit before I left, but it didn’t happen.
I spent some time with Jimmy and Reggie at Reggie’s home. We discussed their past as well as what they’re doing now. Reggie has a couple of CD out right now, which will be played on WDGP starting this week. Jimmy expects to have his next CD out in the Spring and you know you’re hear it on WDGP first.
I met Reggie’s Mother and the Guys shared a lot of their Memorabilia with me.
Of course, I had to meet with Michael Stewart, I just missed Neysa but she’ll be my Guest on Conversations on the 30th of October.
Michael hopes to start a Tour soon and I can’t wait for them to get to the DC area. There is also a possibility that he and Neysa will do a duet CD,
now that’s exciting and I can’t wait. You can check out Neysa and Micheal’s Latest Video Deep In Love to see why I’m excited about this.
These are the highlights and all in all it was a good time. Thanks to my sister Doreen for rolling with me.
Tags: arranger, Atlanta.Georgia, composer, funk, happy, Harmony, independent record label, musician, Old School, preformer, producer, RnB, singer, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Travel, Vocalist
Carl St Clair
Jul 11, 2010 Beyond The Music, Legends, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
One of the things I love about being involved with WDGP is the fact that I get to meet and talk with so many people. The first living legend I got to interview was Drink Small, a blues artists whose been in the business for over 50 years and still going strong.
On July 11, 2010 I got to chat with Mr Carl St. Clair who’s career in music has been vast. Mr St Clair had the music in him. He has entertained since childhood. From pretending to be a Dj to competing in talent shows. This was preparation for a long and rewarding career as a Reggae Artist. Being transplanted from Kingston, Jamaica to the UK did not dampen his spirit or his talent, since he has continued to enjoy a healthy career. Best yet, he’s not done. He continues to turn out great music as well as produce other artists in his own studio. It was my pleasure to share him and his music with my listening audience.
He is a very personable young man that has much more music left in him. Look to hear more. Keep up with Carl St. Clair on Myspace.com
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Tags: arranger, composer, Old School, preformer, Reggae, singer, Vocalist, writer
Living Black History
Jan 28, 2010 Legends, Today's Stars
Tonight, I had the pleasure of speaking with a Blues Legend. Drink Small has been making music for well over 50 years and he shows no signs of slowing down. During our conversation we played and sang for me, told jokes and shared some of his very language “Drinkism”. It was a delight speaking to him.
If you don’t know who he is, here’s part of our history: “The Blues Doctor”, who has been entertaining music lovers since the mid 1950s.
Drink Small (his real name) was born in 1933 in Bishopville (Lee County), SC. Known worldwide as “The Blues Doctor”, he plays virtuoso blues guitar, two-fisted piano, and sings in an inimitable basso profundo voice.
Drink is a recipient of the S.C. Folk Heritage Award, a member of the S.C. Hall of Fame, and has spent his life touring, recording, and playing a spectrum of Southern roots musics. He has performed at some of the nation’s top music festivals – Chicago Blues Festival (twice), New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (three times), King Biscuit Blues Festival (twice), Smithsonian-Folklife Festival, Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, Lincoln Center and Central Park concert series (NYC), and every major blues festival in the Southeast. He has been written up in myriad music magazines (downbeat, Metronome, Blues Revue, Il Blues, Juke Blues, Soul Bag, Blues News) and even made the cover of Living Blues (July/August, 1992 issue).
At the age of 76, Drink Small is at the top of his game and performing better than ever. Always creating new music, his latest opus is a tribute to President Barack Obama: “The United States Will Never Be the Same” (2009; CD single, ONLY available from Drink Small). He performs solo (acoustic or electric) and with his band. Drink Small will be a guest on Conversations on February 20, 2010.
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Hot Buys – Drums and Percussion
Tags: blues, doctor, drikism, drink small, guitarist, Old School, songwriter
