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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: funk, happy, Harmony, independent, music, Old School, performer, r&b, Show, singer, singing, smooth, soul, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, Vocalist
William “Smoke” Howard
Jan 29, 2012 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, The Business of Music, Today's Stars
Do you remember the Ebonys? If you do, then you remember the Lead Singer, Mr William “Smoke” Howard.
There are some guest who make the process of interviewing effortless. Smoke Howard is one of those. It was extreme pleasure chatting with him this past Saturday, January 28, 2012 (which just happens to coincide with WDGP’s second anniversary, and we couldn’t think of a better way to commemorate it) The name of the show is Conversations and that is exactly what we did. Smoke is a man of strong conviction and that comes across in conversation. Take a listen to the interview and get a glimpse of this talented gentleman and enjoy the music, then go add it yo your collection.
“Smoke” has his second Solo Project completed entitled Give Me Your Heart. Smoke continues to reside in the Philadelphia area and works to keep the Philly sound alive. Join us as we chat with Mr Howard and explore the project.
You can follow Smoke on ReverbNation as well as Facebook
Music is available on CDBaby
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, composer, encouragement, funk, giving back, Gospel, happy, Harmony, independent, independent record label, motivation, music, Old School, RnB, singer, singing, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, Vocalist
God is Speaking to Us
Dec 11, 2011 Beyond The Music, Spiritual Life, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
This is not just a title of one of Twon songs. it is indeed the message of most of the songs Twon writes and performs. On Saturday December 10, 2011, Twon sat down with Hostess Diana Broomfield and talked about his past, his family, his music and why he does what he does.
You see, Twon has a lot to say. He loves People and he wants you to know about the Goodness of God. Twon writes songs that give messages of Hope, Strength and Love. Add to that soulful beats and wonderful harmonies and you have the songs of Twon.
It’s hard not to love people when you grow up with 12 brothers and sisters. Twon and his family are known as the Gantt Singers. They grew up in the Detroit area and even auditioned at Motown, who wanted to sign them but Dad said no. None the less, Twon did get to perform with David Ruffin and has opened for Ms Vickie Winans.
Twon has been writing and recording music for years, and as such as a vast library of music ready to go. Take a listen to the interview and enjoy the music shared there. Then go to Twon’s website to sample more and most importantly, buy his CD’s
You can also find Twon on Facebook, befriend him there and look for his videos on YouTube as well.
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Tags: arranger, composer, Gospel, happy, Harmony, independent, independent record label, music, Old School, performer, singer, singing, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, Vocalist
Al Ghee
Oct 30, 2011 Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
Al Ghee is a great guy who deserves all the accolades that are sure to come his way.
Al hails from Richmond Virginia and says he’s been singing all his life. His voice puts this writer in the mind of a Eddie Kendricks. Our unofficial co-host, Kroshet says Al reminds him of the Isley Brothers. No matter who Al Ghee reminds us of, we know and we can hear that he has a tone and a style all his own. Al credits several folks with assisting him with this project. He has dedicated one of the songs to it’s co-writer who has since passed on. Al is a sweet and humble guy with a great big talent. He says the last four tracks of his soon to be released CD are “the bomb”. We say if that is the case look out world because we thought what we have already been so fortunate to hear is already “the bomb”. We can’t wait to hear the rest and wish Al Ghee all the successes he deserves. Have a listen to the interview and the music of Mr Al Ghee.
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Tags: independent, independent record label, music, Old School, preformer, producer, RnB, singer, singing, smooth, Soulful, Talent
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
Gloria Ry’ann the Songbird
Oct 9, 2011 Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
On October 8, 2011, Conversations was pleased to a sit down with Ms Gloria Ry’ann. Gloria is a phenomenal singer, writer, arranger and sweet person.
She has taken the talent God gave her and honed it to the marvelous instrument you heard on her remake of Inside My Love, which is one of several gems to be heard on her EP Just Glow. Which is due to be released on November 11, 2011 in digital format, which means it will be available from you favorite music download site.
We caught up with Gloria right before her show in Springfield Mass. She told us that they were about to rock out in Springfield, we are positive that she did. Gloria shared that she has been singing all her life, according to her Mom, she was a singing baby. All we know is that she has a very very broad range. We have heard other vocalist try Minnie Rippleton’s Inside My Love, but she is the first one we have heard who might even surpass Minnie’s range. Take a listen to the interview and decide for yourself. You will be surprised at what she practiced to prepare for this feat. Once you have enjoyed the interview, head on over to her website to keep up with what’s going on in the world of Ms Ry’ann.
There is more good news. Gloria has agreed to return to WDGP next month for a formal Listening Party. We will keep you posted on the finalized date.
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Tags: arranger, composer, Harmony, independent, independent record label, motivation, music, Old School, performer, RnB, singer, singing, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, Vocalist
CitaGrandson (The Lost Episode)
Sep 28, 2011 Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
This is an episode that aired on June 19, 2010 somehow it was lost during the transition to the new server in May of this year. So, just in case you missed it, it is reposted here.
Meet John Francis
Better known as John-John. John-John is a young man with an old soul. He is what used to be known as a “Crooner” He hails from Trinidad & Tobago and has a voice that is soulful beyond his years. He records on the Highway Records Label with Chromatics, Crown Prince of Hip Hop and can be heard delivering ear pleasing hooks on many of Chromatics’ and other Hip-Hop Artists on the label.
John-John also has his first solo CD available titled CitaGrandson. He chopped it up with Hostess Diana Broomfield on Conversations and among other things explained the name of his CD. Take a Listen to the interview and the music and follow John-John on Facebook.
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Tags: funk, Harmony, hip-hop, independent, independent record label, music, Old School, performer, RnB, singer, singing, smooth, Soulful, Talent, Vocalist
Gayla James
May 30, 2011 Spiritual Life, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
On May 28, 2011 Ms Gayla James we had a visit with Ms Gayla James, an Independent Gospel Artist who hales from Ft. Myers, Florida.
Gayla began singing at the age of 3, and she just keeps getting better. She has shared the stage with many icons of gospel music such as, Dorothy Norwood, Vickie Winans, Marvin Sapp, Lee Williams & The QCs, Rance Allen and Kirk Franklin. Gayla James worked as the gospel coordinator for NFL Player Jevon Kearse Foundation for 10 years.
Ms James has been a featured Artist on WDGP since our start. She has a very distinctive sound and she shared that she does all the vocals on her recordings. She recently released her second CD and we love it. She is definitely a Contemporary Gospel Artists and her music speaks to the young and the not so young. We predict she will be singing to us about the goodness of and praises to God. She will always have a home here. Listen to the podcast and then head on over to favorite download site and buy the CDs.
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Tags: arranger, composer, encouragement, Gospel, happy, independent record label, motivation, music, producer, singing, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting, Vocalist, writer
Tommy Brewster
May 12, 2011 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
In the last 4 years or so I have met many musicians, singers, writers, composers and arrangers, but every now and again, I have come across a soul in it for the sake of the music. The most recent being Tommie Brewster.
Tommie began her musical life before the age of 4, playing piano and later several other instruments. She graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London where she had begun a life long love affair with the works of Frederic Chopin!
However, musical influences at home were many- from jazz to ragtime, blues to rock, reggae to swing – and it was the blues that spoke loudest to Tommie’s heart and soul.
It was her dream to write, perform, arrange, record and produce her own distinctive music and this has now been achieved.
All musicians absorb so many influences, but Tommie does not knowingly imitate, replicate or emulate anyone – Tommie’s music in many different styles – just is what it is.
Tommie is into the music, completely, Tommie is the music. She says she writes everyday and judging from the abundance of tracks she sent me, I believe. Tommie is delightful, but you needn’t take my word for it. Have a Listen for yourself.
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Let’s hear it for Queen of the Blues of New Zealand Ms Tommie Brewster
Tags: arranger, blues, composer, funk, independent, independent record label, music, musician, performer, piano, poet, singer, singing, smooth, songwriter, Soulful, Talent
WE HAVE A WINNER!!
Apr 3, 2011 Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
Michael Stewart’s
Where I’m Going…has WON the
10th annual IMA (independent Music Awards) For R&B Album Of The Year!
Stop by his site and congratulate Him.
Influences: My influences range from Berris Hammond, Prince, The Police, Smokey Robinson just to name a few.
Describe your nominated work: This album was a long time coming project that finally took form about a year ago. I wanted to have music that people of all ages and walks of life to enjoy and feel good about. I really feel I was able to accomplish that with Where I’m Going….
Why did you choose to submit this work to The 10th IMA’s? It was the best choice to get an unbiased feeling of what other’s felt about this work. It also gives me an opportunity to network.
Did you use any unusual effects or instruments in this recording? No unusual effects or instruments were used just my trusty Open Labs, Neko, my bass, my guitar and my voice.
Were there any happy accidents while in the studio, or did everything go as planned? My happy accident was getting Neysa to write and duet with me on a couple songs which turned out wonderful.
Did fans help you fund this project? No, but they have helped with getting the word out and attending my shows
Who’s sitting in your audience?: A little bit of every one, but especially lover’s of feel good music!
What makes your fans unique? My fans are unique in that they have an eclectic taste of music!
Are there any songs you wish you wrote? Well hmmm let’s see, the 1st verse on “Try My Love” was so killer, written by IMA R&B Album winner Neysa
What artists are you listening to that would surprise your fans? Maroon 5, Linkin Park, Neysa, Big Country
What is your dream show lineup? Wow, Neysa, Eric Roberson, Ledisi, Rob Thomas
What is your guilty pleasure on the road? Seafood!
Any close calls or mishaps while on tour? While heading to a performance I forgot my guitar, I packed everything else and had to head back to get it before the show, close call
Do you have any rituals before you go on stage? No not really a ritual per se but I pray and go through the show in my mind before going on!
Should music be free? Yes to an extent some should be. But there would have to be a way for the artists to make money.
How has digital affected your career? Digital has leveled the playing field and has allowed me, as independent artist, to be able to promote and market myself like a signed artist locally as well as internationally,
Are digital singles vs. full albums the future of music? Well it seems the trend is going toward singles but I myself prefer full albums!
Finish this sentence: The music industry is… changing in a very unique way that is allowing the independent artist to have a leveled playing field to be able to get their music out and heard by many fans as the signed artists. With dedication and hard work the independent artist can be successful!
You can check out all the winners here.
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Tags: arranger, best-of-the-year, composer, funk, happy, Harmony, independent, independent record label, preformer, producer, RnB, singing, songwriter, winner, writer
