sharciej's blog
New Film Generates Dialogue On U.S. Foreign Policy l blogged by sharcie j.
Have you realized that it has been six years since the start of the war in Iraq?This week marks the sobering anniversary of the day that George Bush launched the attack citing “clued - in” sources, many of whom have since recanted their opinions naming Iraq as a threat to the U.S. and world peace. I knew it, but had not fully realized that it has been that long. And on the other hand it seems like this war has been going on forever.
The Maxwell Trilogy "Black Summers' Night"
You have probably seen pictures of a faded-up, chiseled cheek Maxwell popping up all over the place in recent months. It has been nearly 12 years since “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite” propelled him to soul music royalty with legions of loyal subjects who, by the way, are awaiting word from him.
His next project, "Black Summers' Night," is said to be a trilogy of albums released over a three year span, starting this year with "Black." The following release, "Summers" is due out at some point in 2009 and the third album "Night" is slated for a 2010 release.
Awards VS. Rewards: Frankie Beverly’s Take On Going “Unnoticed” By Music Industry l by Sharcie J.
You would have thought a Grammy award winning artist had just stepped on stage with another artist of parallel acclaim. But it wasn’t. It was Frankie Beverly and Maze in Nashville. Eager fans ranging from age 21 to 75 were all overjoyed when the band in white took stage after super energetic opening performances by Angela Winbush and Kem. The packed crowd knew all the lyrics in all the songs. Everyone was smiling, dancing and obviously excited to be present in the moment. One poor soul even had to be escorted out by security after he refused to stop tossing crumpled dollar bills at Frankie’s feet. But we understood.
Gnarls Barkley is the Odd Couple l written by Sharcie J.
Gnarls Barkley knows how to effectively convey a message. On the cover of "Monitor Magazine" by Cat's Music, the duo strikes a pose as an indifferent bride and groom set. Cee-lo is the bride. He's in a white v-neck wedding dress, holding a cigarette and looks away from tuxedo(d) groom Danger Mouse, while the latter adjusts his sleeves or something. Though unexpected, the picture underscores the duo's latest album, "The Odd Couple."
Renee's Soulful Adventure
(Photo Courtesy of vervejazz.com)
It has been years since the duo Zhane released an album. And they aren't planning on doing so now. But there is something brewing for one-half of the super group. Renee Neufville's new offering, "Sovereign," (Verve) is slated to be released in February 08. If that's not exciting enough for you, Neufville is even said to be collaborating with Pete Rock on his upcoming 08 release.
Crystal Night
I was in Fairbanks, Alaska in August 2007 when I first heard the voice of Paris singer Crystal Night. I was browsing the menu at the Captain Bartlett's Inn, intrigued and mildly disgusted that caribou steak was on the menu. (Caribou is really reindeer and it's a local favorite I tell you). I met a band of Canadian siblings, whose names all began with T; two guys, two gals, all in their late 20s to early 30s. They looked like smokers to me so I looked around to make sure they were seated far enough from me so that I wouldn't inadvertently inhale the carcinogens. Not so much. As my luck would have it, they sat directly across from my booth and started conversing with me at once.
The Thing About Amel...
...is that she has this attitude of public service that is to be admired. Some of us lucky ones were able to experience this first-hand during her AMAZING performance this past Friday night at the Gibson in Downtown Memphis. The crowd was nice and it seemed that most of us wore bright colors for some reason. Hmmm. My coolest cousin Keith and I were just taken and outdone with her talent and beauty. But back to service... It's no secret that today's pop scene is saturated with 'foolery' and a style of arrogance that says "worship me now." Artists want to be idols. But not Amel. She aims to please, even stopped her band and re-started a song just to get it right...for us.
