Highlights from Conversations
December 12, 2009
Sir Charles Cary, Motivational and Inspirational Speaker, Spoken Word Artist and Singer.
Sir Charles brought us up to date on what his doing and his plans for 2010 and beyond. He also shared some lovely Music, both Hip-Hop and Jazz. Including a favorite of mine “What A Wonderful World” You check out all the great music he has to offer right here. I love the way this Brother thinks and that he wants to make things better for our youth. Giving them some guidance, hope, pride and respect. We need more Brothers like him, smart, talented, honest and humble.
Then we talked with Losiel, a Song Writer, Arranger, and Singer. I was introduced to him by a mutual acquaintance. Once I’d spoken with him for 5 minutes, I knew he had the juice. He is a young man who has big dreams for himself and as such for his family as well. He has a story to tell and it’s only half done. He stands on a firm foundation and a God given talent.
December 19, 2009
Antwan Floyd – Author
Antwan Floyd has always had the heart of a writer even at a young age of 12 writing short films with family members and recording with a VHS camcorder writing has always been in his blood. He also wrote rap lyrics and poetry. Performing in talent shows and spoken word venues. He wrote a screenplay and traveled out West Luther B – Jazz Musician
Luther B, whose full name is Luther Earl Baker, was born in Baltimore, MD October 1, 1955 to Emmett and Kathleen
Baker. Luther B has always been influenced by music. As a little lad he could remember the Gospel Quartet singing by his father and uncles.
They used to sing songs by The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Dixie Hummingbirds, and The Five Blind
Boys. Many times Luther B and his brothers Ervin and Kenny, along with his sister Erma, were asked to join in with all that good singing. Those memorable moments in his life taught Luther B the art of harmony singing, timing, and rhythm.
Singing all of the latest Motown hits with his brothers also enhanced his singing ability.
When he was just nine years old, Luther B began playing drums and singing tenor in the choir at Unity Bible Way, a local
church in Baltimore. He developed the interest in playing the piano at the age of eleven.
While at Unity Bible Way Church, he asked the preachers to pray for his hands so that he would receive the gift of playing the piano.
That same year, Luther B’s father purchased his first piano for $20. One of those big, upright, spaceship pianos. Luther B then purchased a record player and began a collection of records. He would practice sometimes nine to fourteen hours a day, listening to every style of music he could get his hands on. He listened for chord progressions, phrasings, and improvisations of all kinds. His fingers became sore and achy from so many hours of practice. He would often become frustrated, but his determination to learn to play grew stronger.
As a result of his hard work and practice, Luther B has toured extensively with groups and bands that he had formed. He has performed many concerts, venues spanning from New York to the Bahamas. For a while, he relocated to Nashville, TN where he played for Dr. Bobby Jones and Derrick Lee of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel. He worked with Donald Lawrence, and was apart of several television show tapings, including Christmas and New Year’s programs.
He has performed in shows with Joe Lagon of The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and played for the incomparable Pastor
Shirley Caesar. He has performed for the legendary Andrae Crouch in California, and played for the late Danniebelle Hall, a former lead singer for Andrae Crouch.
Luther B was music director for a Larnelle Harris concert in Baltimore, MD, and has opened for artists such as Hezekiah
Walker at the Morris Mechanic Theater, and the New Jersey Mass Choir.
He also performed with Diana Ross at
Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. They did a special rendition of the classic “I Will Survive” with a 30 voice
choir which he directed. He has produced hundreds of music tracks for singers, songwriters, and other artists.
All of these great experiences are a result of Luther B’s dedication and hard work at perfecting his craft. He has studied
Classical Piano at Morgan State University, studied Jazz at Essex College, and even now Luther B continues to cultivate
his talent through private Classical lessons at Peabody Conservatory of Music.
December 26, 2009
Gospel Music Showcase
Come and listen to Independent Gospel Music Artists
January 2, 20010
TBA
January 9, 2009
Audrey Turner – Blues R&B Songstress
San Francisco-born Audrey Madison Turner attributes her musical inclination to her parents. Art and Georgia Madison surrounded their children with instruments and a wide range of music throughout their childhood. The captivating singer/songwriter, producer and actress began participating in beauty contests and talent shows at an early age, eventually debuting an original song for her graduating class at their commencement ceremony. Following high school Audrey’s trek to become a psychologist fell second to her dreams of becoming a star.
It wasn’t long before Audrey founded “Madison Avenue,” which benefitted from contributions from musical genius Stevie Wonder, who wrote songs for the family-based group such as “Buttercup” and “Much In Love.” Audrey appeared in various talent search competitions and on numerous talk shows, particularly Playboy Carol Vatalie’s Talk show and the “Big Break Talent Search,” hosted by Natalie Cole. Additionally, she became the assistant choreographer to Lon Fontaine of Motown, creating routines for major superstars such as Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, and the Pointer Sisters. It wasn’t long before Madison-Turner graced the stage with Chuck Berry, Little Richard, BB King and Little Milton, Chaka Khan, and Sting. She was personally requested by the Royal Family of Brunei for two special performances.
As she began catching the sights of the industry and public alike, “The King of Rock & Roll” – Ike Turner – took an unabashed liking to Audrey. After meeting Ike Turner through a mutual friend, Madison-Turner didn’t think twice about sharing the stage and going on tour with the man himself. Their professional relationship eventually segued into a romantic one, leading to a wedding years later. Ike and Audrey recorded multiple tracks together on his Live Montreaux Jazz Festival CD and Ike Turner’s Final CD before his historic passing in December 2007. She is currently writing a book about the last years of their life together.
Audrey Madison-Turner will soon release her first solo album, appropriately titled Picking Up The Pieces. Empowered by her sexuality, the R&B sex-symbol’s vocals have a haunting passion and her looks are reminiscent of a young Tina Turner. With subtle, yet dominant sultriness of Chaka Kahn and the mystifying huskiness and tone of Macy Gray, Audrey is a fusion of today’s best female vocalists with a personal twist. Audrey Madison-Turner’s dignified style never fails to delight the millions of classic R&B, Blues/POP fans looking for a modern-day diva with a classic feel.
January 16, 2009
Katrina Gurl – Author
“Katrina’s biggest dream is to create a sensual and guilt free haven for couples to enjoy the art of sensually written literature. Katrina feels that intimacy is created spiritually by God between a woman and a man through holy matrimony while respecting and honoring each others bodies.”
The Balcony View – Introduction Of The Lovers
Meet the Lovers
Noreen and Trent: Two business workaholics that happen to meet during a much needed hiatus. Noreen dreams an unexpected romance after brushing off the man, (Trent) that she may come to love for a lifetime.
Sholondrah and Langston: Two high powered attorney’s, co-workers, friends are having a new office battle that may lead them to catching a case of their own…for each other. Who will win this round of passion?
Skylar and Brandon: Skylar has a fantasy to fulfill and intimacy is key. The two hit the road in search of the perfect antique chair to fulfill a rather sensual position.
Frenchie and Tyler: Frenchie Langston, wife of high powered attorney, Terrell Langston, world renowned life coach and marriage counselor is having trouble in her own marriage. Frenchie is having no answers as to how to fix her marital status anytime soon. Her text book training seems to work for everyone else while her own marriage is in shambles. Will Tyler make his move in her duress? Will he admit his committed love for her?
Finding out what is in store for these lovers will leave you wanting more.
Visit the web: The Balcony View
January 23, 2010
Arvell Bates — paving his own road to success
President and Producer, ALB Productions
Arvell Bates was dissatisfied with the way the music industry was treating his local production company…
But instead of giving up, he decided to go another route by making a name for himself internationally… Bates, CEO of ALB Productions, is now receiving phone calls on an hourly basis from countries like the Philippines, India, Australia and Belgium requesting the music of his artists…
“You think about the hoopla of the way [the music industry] wants you to do
things,” he says… But Bates didn’t want to sit around and wait for a mega-label to come along and acknowledge the talent that he knew he was developing… So he re-invented the wheel… “They want you to get out there, make your own name, get some buzz behind your name and get some sales… If you [are] doing all that, my question is what do they bring to the table other than just a name?” he challenges…
During the days when Chicago’s man music was house music, Bates was producing house beats with his own signature style… “I used to make tracks for people’s cars so they could get looked at and noticed because they were beating something different from everyone else,” he recalls…
Going against the grain may have secured Bates international acclaim, but making good music is what’s going to keep him at the forefront of the music industry… “We strive to be the best that we can be and we are doing that by making good, quality music,” he affirms…
-autumn williams-
Join us as we listen to some of that music and chat with Mr Bates and form your own opinion.
