The H Bar adds Top Secret to its line-up

The popular music group Top Secret will kick off a regular Wednesday night live music session at the H Bar starting Wednesday, September 1, 2010.  The trendy martini bar has become a cool hang out for jazz lovers and business professionals looking for live music in a great environment. Located inside the very hip Hotel Highland in Five Points South,  The H Bar offers food and top shelf drinks in an atmosphere that is simply magical.

H Bar Weekly Line Up

• Monday Night Jazz returns this fall with Monday night football.
• Tuesday night catch Jack and Jazz featuring Shaun Pezant, Norris Jones and Mike Ham.
• Top Secret performs live every Wednesday night.  Live music coming to the patio this fall!
• Thursday night Jack and Jazz returns with Shaun, Norris and Mike
• Friday the All Stars deliver the best live band karaoke in the city.
• Saturday get the Blues with the legendary Elnora Spencer.

For additional information visit www.thehbar.com

Glenn Jones, keeping R&B alive

At long last, R&B music is making a change for the better and it’s not by coincidence that GLENN JONES will be present for the evolution. “After such an intensive focus on the youth-oriented market, this music is now gaining more substance. It seems that R&B is coming back to the raw deal - real music, real singers,” he notes…happily.  With a voice as memorable as his lyrics sincere, GLENN JONES has crafted some of R&B’s most significant love songs to date. After enjoying success with chart-topping hits including “Here I Go Again,” “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)”, “Baby  Come Home” “I’ve Been Searching” “Show Me” and  His Current Single “I Wonder Why,” JONES returns to the music scene a little older, a lot wiser and with his warm, distinctive riffs in tow. Having lent a helping hand in laying the groundwork for many of today’s most celebrated male vocalists (Joe, Donell Jones, Case and Jaheim, among them), JONES releases his debut CD, “Feels Good” on Peak Records.

The album, which boasts 12 solid tracks, features the songwriting talents of JONES alongside frequent collaborators Barry Eastmond (Barry White, Rachelle Ferrell) and Ross Vannelli (Celine Dion, Howard Hewett) as well as Herb Middleton (Ann Nesby, Al Green) and Grammy Award®-winning songwriter, Gordon Chambers (Anita Baker, Brownstone). “I really wanted to be myself on this album and for the first time, I was able to write freely. Anybody can relate to the songs, regardless of demographics,” he adds. “This is the kind of record I’ve always wanted to have.”  “I Wonder Why,” the album’s lead single, poses unanswered questions to a distant lover. Co-written by JONES and Vannelli, the song takes the listener on a seemingly unsuccessful quest to make things right as JONES replays the episode through song. In addition to the interlude, “I’ll Always Be Here,” which he performs with his wife and creative partner, Genobia Jeter Jones, he also shared the recording booth with fellow label mate, Regina Belle. On their heartfelt collaboration, “From Now On,” their voices are flawlessly matched. And against the backdrop of a gentle guitar, JONES makes his point, subtly, on the infectious track, “When Love Breaks You Down.” Long before the chorus fades, the message is clear.

No stranger to pen and paper, JONES was nominated for a Grammy in (2003) and has received the Stella award for his crafty lyrics, superior vocals and for lending his production talents to the gospel quartet, Canton Spirituals (Verity Records), garnering favorites including “Never Let Go” and “They Need to Belong.” In conjunction with his writing, producing and recording schedule, JONES has spent time on the road gigging and most recently, added acting to his repertoire. Between album projects, he joined the casts of both “The Devil Made Me Do It” and “When a Woman’s Fed Up,” touring across the nation for nearly two years. “We performed eight shows a week and I gradually saw my skills improving,” he notes. “Learning to act has been great training for me as a performer.”

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, JONES fondly recalls, “Since the age of 4 or 5, I’ve always loved music.” Reared in the Pentecostal church, he often found himself risking punishment just to sneak a listen to the secular sounds of Stevie, Bobby, Marvin and Donny, in particular. Heavily influenced by the sounds of the time, JONES formed his first group, “The Modulations,” at the age of fourteen and was later discovered by the late, great gospel legend, Reverend James Cleveland. Although he initially made his mark in the gospel arena, JONES’ voice caught the ear of acclaimed musician, Norman Connors, with whom he toured and ultimately began performing R&B music.    Having officially made the transition from gospel to R&B, JONES joined the roster at RCA Records.  Four years later, he signed with Jive Records and enjoyed success with his self-titled album, which spawned the hit singles, “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)” and “Stay,” respectively. His move to Atlantic Records produced contemporary up tempo hits “Here I Go Again” and “I’ve Been Searching (Nobody Like You).” During 1998, JONES signed with SAR for the independent release of “It’s Time,” which sold nearly 200,000 copies, via a combination of internet, event and retail sales. In addition, the album included the hit single “Baby Come Home,” a Top 5 R&B single that was one of the Top Ten Most Played Records for 2000, according to Billboard Monitor. Jones was overwhelmed by the success of his last project and feels blessed to have an underground fan base that has sustained his career for over a decade.
Having endured the full spectrum of euphoric highs and creative pitfalls associated with the major label system. During early 2002, JONES reevaluated his focus and opted to follow an independent path, thus inking his current deal with Peak Records. At ease with his new label home, JONES notes, “The ‘indie’ route is best for me.  There’s no red tape - I can pick up the phone and speak with anyone at the label. They are always open and willing to work with me, individually, without trying to force me into a mold.”

Marketing, imaging and sleek packaging aside, GLENN JONES clearly understands the dynamics of creating a solid vocal performance and has consistently delivered - “Feels Good” is no exception! “My primary goal for this album was to make some feel good music. I want listeners to feel the sincerity in my songs and be open to giving the Adult Contemporary chart a chance, too.”

Dear Dad Tour with Ky Mani Marley

Pure Vibes promotions is proud to present nationally known son of Reggae Icon, BOB MARLEY -  KY-MANI MARLEY, “live” in concert on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 7 pm.  The concert will be held at Verizon Wireless Music Center, 1000 Amphitheatre Road, Pelham, Alabama 35124 and tickets are available on line at www.livenation.com. Alabama will witness reggae music with one of Jamaica’s infamous Reggae Artist when this concert presents “live” on stage, Ky-Mani Marley!!

The only child of Jamaican table tennis champion Anita Belnavis and Reggae Icon and legend Bob Marley, Kymani was born in  Falmouth, Jamaica on February 26, 1976. He is the second youngest of Bob Marley’s eleven children.  He spent many summers with his father and his father’s wife, Rita as a child.

Kymani moved to the U.S. at the age of 7 settling in Miami Florida. He inherited a love of sports from his mother and father and never intended to play music, until his mother encouraged him to take piano and guitar lessons. Eventually he ended up as the trumpet player in his high school band. Also based in Miami producer/manager Clifton “Specialist” Dillon who had mega-success in the early 90’s with Shabba Ranks, Patra and Mad Cobra saw the potential in Ky-mani’s hybrid of reggae/dancehall with the American music forms he grew up listening such as hip-hop and R&B. Kymani signed to Specialist’s label Shang Records and recorded several singles including, “Judge Not” with label-mate Patra and the Sly Dunbar produced “Dear Dad” in which he put to music a letter that he had written to his dad who passed away when Kymani was only 5.

His collaboration with Pras from the Fugee’s on the cover of Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” brought him to the national spotlight. The buzz was out that this was a Marley marching to the beat of a different drum. The labels came bidding, and under the guidance of Specialist and Shang he eventually signed an album deal with a New York based independent label called Gee Street/V2. His debut album “The Journey” hit the streets in 1999 to much critical acclaim and anticipation. In addition to “Dear Dad” it also featured “Country Journey” recorded with Morgan Heritage at their studios in New York. After touring the World in support of “The Journey” and often joining his brothers Damian, Stephen and Ziggy on stage he released his sophomore CD, “Many Roads.”

Not only has Kymani made a name for himself in music, he starred with dancehall deejay Spragga Benz, and Jamaican actor Paul Campbell in the movie “Shottas”, directed by Cess Silvera that told the story of two young gangsters hustling and running drugs in both Kingston and Miami. He also appeared in another movie called “One Love” as the lead character ‘Kassa.’ with singer Cherine Anderson in 2003 (a love story about a Rasta musician who meets a gospel singer when they both enter a music contest in Kingston); and as singer John the Baptist in 2004’s Haven , starring Bill Paxton and Orlando Bloom (a love story-cum-underworld revenge drama set on a exotic island). His television credits include: Living the Life of Marley on BET J; NBC/Telemundo’s The Shuffle; FOX Business’s Happy Hour with Cody Willard and Rebecca Gomez; plus Music Choice, MTV Jams and VH1 Soul, to name a few.

Remaining true to his Jamaican culture, Ky-Mani’s fondness for all genres of music influences the work he creates.  He is an artist with no limits.  Incorporating world music, hip hop, blues, rock and a grass roots sound into his music, the end product is the pure representation of life for Ky-Mani.  His sound is one that transcends cultural lines and prohibits him from being categorized as only a reggae artist.  His raw, unadulterated, gruff sound captures the listener and reverberates the essence of Ky-Mani’s life story.  Songs such as “Dear Dad” and “I Pray,” and “Ghetto soldier” displays the versatility and fiery-passion he exudes when sharing his voyage through song.  Peace. One Love. Unity. Street Life.  These are the makings of Ky-Mani’s music.

Ky-Mani is on a book tour for his latest book “DEAR DAD” and will be available at his book signing which will take place at the same venue; on the same day between 6pm and 7 pm. Ky-Mani will also be available for phone interview.  Please contact Patrick at 205-985-4900 to set up a time that is convenient.
Please visit Ky-Mani on his website at www.kymanimarley.com. Alabama will witness reggae as it has never witnessed before at this concert!!!!!

Glue, Glitter, Glove! The HOTTEST Michael Jackson Tribute Ever!

Thed Weller teams up with Constantine the Emcee and the film making team The American Wizards for the 2010 Sidewalk Scrambled Jam music video making film festival. This music heard in this song was produced by Sam Addams and the music video features The Neo Jazz Collective. This video won best song and best video in the competition.  Check out this tribute to the King of Pop!

Laura Luke - Single Mother Chronicles (1st album of its kind…- a So Fo Real Productions)

An Evening with Eric Roberson

This Friday June 25th, 2010 you are invited to experience an evening with Eric Roberson LIVE exclusively held at
OLD CAR HEAVEN 115 35th Street South

(Take 1st avenue south from 20th street and follow it all the way up old car heaven on the right across the rail road tracks)

Get Ready for an Awesome Night with MORE ARTIST TO BE ANNOUNCED!

WENN 101.9FM & GENTLEMAN JACK
presents…

AN EVENING WITH ERIC ROBERSON LIVE

There is a quiet, and strong emerging force in music that is making its way back to the forefront. Soul music is trying to continue it re-emergence from the early millennium, when artists like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, India Arie, D’Angelo, and Maxwell were common household names in the music scene. Though it seems that Hip Hop/R&B and commercial R&B has retaken the reigns away from soul music, it is heavily rising underneath the repetitive rhetoric heard on the radio waves.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Click Here To Purchase Your Ticket Now!

This concert will feature one of Birmingham’s Hottest local bands!

Take advantage of
GENERAL ADMISSION TIX
$25.00*

Doors open at 8PM

This
FRIDAY
June 25th, 2010

Eric Roberson featuring Lalah Hathaway

Buy Your Tix Now! Don’t Wait… Purchase Your Tickets Now Online!

A Young Drummer on a Mission

Join us on Saturday June 26, 2010 as we come together to support 12 year old drum prodigy, Isaiah Fogle in a benefit concert at the Highland Conference Center.  Isaiah is preparing to attend the World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood, CA as he represents Birmingham and the United States.

We are encouraging musicians and music lovers throughout the Greater Birmingham area to attend this free concert and make a donation in support of Isaiah’s trip to California.

After the concert patrons are welcomed to attend another great live music event called Southside Live, which will feature an all star line-up of some of the areas top talent.

Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Highland Conference Center
2012 Magnolia Avenue - Five Points South
Next to Cosmo’s Pizza in the Pickwick Plaza
Time: 5:00 PM

Check out the video below of young Mr. Fogle.

The Tribute to Roscoe Robinson

Gerri Records and the Birmingham Record Collectors present an international tribute to the legendary and Hall of Fame gospel and R&B singer, Roscoe Robinson, June 25th at 8:00 pm at Birmingham’s Cedars Club. Roscoe Robinson has shared the stage with the greats of all time from Sam Cooke to Jackie Wilson, from the Five Blind Boys to the Mighty Cloud of Joy. The world recognizes him as one of the greatest voices of all time.  Celebrating and performing the tribute to Roscoe Robinson will be JoJo Benson and Leon McMullan.  Invited guest include Clarence Fountain of the Five Blind Boys of Alabama and The Controllers.  Roscoe Robinson will also perform some of his old hits and selected songs from his new CD “Oh What a Joyous Day.”  Don’t miss this international tribute to Roscoe Robinson, June 25, 2010 at the Cedar Club.  The Cedar Club is located at 301 Green Springs Avenue S. For more information call (205) 919-8451.

Tickets can be purchased at Music -N- More, 2247 Bessemer Road,  (205) 780-0914; Charlemagne Records, 1924 11th Avenue South, (205) 322-5349; 8th Avenue Records, 500 8th Ave N, #B, (205) 324-3932; Moe’s BBQ, 731 29th Street South, (205) 252-5888; Foot Soldiers call Shirley @ (205) 214-5740.

About Roscoe Robinson

Hall of famer and living legend Roscoe Robinson represents the foundation of the world’s most popular music. This giant has led the forefront of gospel and R&B music.  Archie Brown Lee, considered the most powerful gospel lead singer ever, handpicked Robinson to succeed him as lead singer of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.  Roscoe Robinson not only succeeded him, but through his vocal skills took the group to its highest level.

At the height of his gospel career, Roscoe Robinson became a part of the bridge that led from Gospel to R&B.  History reveals that it was the bridge that laid the foundation for the musical styles of history makers such as The Beatles, Elvis, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Ray Charles, Rod Stewart and countless others.  Roscoe Robinson led the R&B world, scoring a million seller and several top ten best sellers.

For the length of his career, Roscoe Robinson has remained involved in both the gospel and secular music scenes.  His reputation spreads throughout the world.  Historical societies and music organizations all agree that Roscoe Robinson is truly and American treasure.

Southside Live Concert Series

The Southside Live Concert Series, which will launch June 5, 2010 in Five Points South, will deliver a nice blend of live soul, alternative and hip-hop music targeting Birmingham’s creative crowd and serious music fans. Jona Crooner, who is experiencing great success in other cities with the Fifth Element Band, will highlight local talent as well as talent from across the United States.  Crooner will bring artist that are slated as the “Next Big Thing” giving patrons an opportunity to witness these talents before they become household names.

The trio known as J.R.Nu began way before the three even knew each other. “I’ve always loved music,” says Johnny aka J. “I wrote my first song at 10. Since then, Johnny has always kept a pen and a pad nearby.” Honing his skills as a writer and composer came somewhat easily, but performing not so much. “He comes from a family of singers, but would always get nervous whenever he had to sing in front of people or in church. It was something that came with maturity. Now the stage is like his second home.” A native of Auburn, AL, Johnny attributes his success in life to God and family. Maurice a.k.a “Nu” hails from Camilia, Ga. Blessed with a distinctly soulful voice, he has been featured on mix tapes and albums all over the south, with genres ranging from Gospel to Rock. “Everyone in his family is a singer”. It’s something that brings them together,” says Nu. Once you have heard his voice, you remember it. Nu stated “he excited about finally getting this project off the ground. I think the feedback will be good.”  Ray aka “R.” was a sleeper. He was always around the music scene, but was never out there really as an artist until 2006 when he met “J. and Nu”.  I told them I sing and they invited me to come along to record one night. The rest is history.” How did the three come together? Nu and J. played college football together at Jacksonville State University. They met Ray in college as well. Coming together to do this was inevitable,” says Nu. “Nu is a soul singer. No doubt about that. He is R&B Soul at its finest. I’m more of an R&B Pop guy myself. The fusion of our styles is crazy,” adds J.  We finally have the chance to make this happen. So watch out…Here we come!!! The three audition at TMANIC RECORDS on March 27, 2010 and blew away the owner and staff of TMANIC RECORDS and was offered a contract and signed on April 10, 2010.

“Danni Rose” born Danielle Renee Roseborough, is a native of Birmingham Alabama. She began her music career at a very early age in life. She further sharpened her gift at Miles College, Fairfield Alabama, and Morgan State University, in Baltimore Maryland. While serving faithfully under the pastoral leadership of Dr Jamal Bryant , she has had the privilege of accompanying and singing with the industries best, such as Karen Clark Sheared, KeKe Sheard, Min. Jonathan Nelson, Min. Steve Lawrence, R & B sensation Lil Mo and ” Sundays Best” Shirley Addison to name a few. Her harmonious, symphonious voice when paired with her antithetical style, truly engages every listening ear.  On March 8th 2010 Danni auditioned at TMANIC RECORDS and left all the staffs of TMANIC RECORDS astonish and dazzled, she was offered a contract the same day.  On March 13th 2010 Danni signed with TMANIC RECORDS.

SOLO - JacquiseRache’l Antoinette Herlong was born September 29th 1982, in Birmingham, Alabama. Her parents Antonio W. Robinson Sr.(father) and JayevernTyletraHerlong(mother) became parents at a young age. Due to unfortunate circumstances, her grandmother, Josephine McClemoreHerlong left the biggest impact on her life as she contributed to her rooted Christian “up bringing”. Her grandmother, a singer and music lover herself; introduced Jacquise to her idols Gladys Knight, Betty Wright, Chaka Khan, and many more. Jacquise and her younger brother Antonio W. Robinson Jr. both became active in the music ministry in church. Not only did she sing, but she took dance lessons for many years to follow. Singing and dancing in places like the Alabama Theater, Carver Theater, City Stages, plays, various jazz and blues clubs, and with Neo Jazz Collective as a lead vocalist. She has also recorded with numerous artists’ around Alabama. In 2010 SOLO was born. Jacquise’s alter ego. She believes that even alone, she can be perfect and effective, just like a solo. She strongly believes that she can make an impact on the young and the old, by simply telling her story. She believes that everyone has a unique story, and if someone can just know that they aren’t alone it can cause them to continue to want and live life, not just exist. SOLO also has a love for Cosmetology, Make-up artistry, and People in general. She believes that a servant is what everyone and every artist should be.

Robert Kelly Nicholas Hill, who goes by Nick to keep it simple. Keeping things simple, so to speak, has always been his creed. When Nick was only eight years old his  parents were divorced which forced his mom and sister to move into section eight housing in Clanton, Al. Nicks father was a drug addict who chose his addiction over his family. Music has always given Nick Hill the one thing that his father never did……Hope!

Nick can remember hanging out on the balcony of our apartment building when he was only 10 or so, overhearing Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and many other similar artists being played by the neighbors. People would sit outside there doors all day talking and listening to music. “The funny thing is, I would rather hang out with the ‘old folks’ than play with friends so that I could listen to the music.”

Nick Hill started singing in church when I was about 18. This is when he realized that he actually had some ‘soul’. Guess sitting with the ‘old folks’ listening to music rubbed off on me a little.

Nick has tried out for American Idol 3 times since it’s inception. The last time was this past year and he made the first cut in Atlanta, Ga. Unfortunately he was cut a month later. But the lesson learned was a very positive thing for Nick. After he was cut Nick started writing his own music and singing his own songs. This is something that Nick says he never dreamed he would do!  “Music is my life so I believe by writing songs I am actually writing my own book of life. My life! If others like what I do then that is cool with me, and if not I guess that is cool with me too.”

Venues played: Eddies Attic in Atlanta, GA; Old Car Heaven in Birmingham, AL, where I met the sensational Jona Crooner; Rogue Tavern Music Festival Birmingham, Al; Horse Pens 40 Natural Rock Amphitheater in Steele Al.

For event listings and music samples;
Visit my music page @ www.myspace.com/nickols7music

Does Her Sexiness Upset You?

Full disclosure: I’m a big Erykah Badu fan. The sister is deep. I’ve been a supporter since she arrived on the music scene draped in African cloth and wielding a bad turban. She inspired my totally sincere (but stylistically-misguided) head wrap and cowrie shell phase in college. Her music has been interwoven in the soundtrack of my life.

So when I heard her new song Window Seat and saw the video featuring Erykah stripping down butt nekkid to take a leisurely stroll on the grassy knoll where JFK was shot, I gave her a slow hand clap. Not because I cosign gratuitous nudity and inappropriate displays, but because I knew where she was coming from. (If you are living under a rock and haven’t already peeped the video, YouTube it.) Yes, she walks past children. Yes, she’s in public.

But somehow people are okay with watching Beyoncé shake it like a salt shaker and Lady Gaga drop it like it’s hot? And far too many of us don’t bat an eye when Trey Songz bares his barely legal chest. Whoa.

As Ms. Badu tweeted, “the physical nudity is nothing. i been naked all along in my words actions and deeds. thats the real vulnerable place.” She didn’t shed her threads for us to ogle her and then contemplate whether we should also go vegan to obtain similar curvage or become Five Percenters. I don’t believe she staged the daring stunt to hype her newest album. And I don’t believe we can simplistically discount Erykah’s artistic sensibilities as a desperate cry for attention or press.

By getting caught up in this superficial controversy, we obscure the real issues Badu is putting before us. Yes, black women’s bodies have been a political battleground since we were brought through the Middle Passage. For so many hundreds of years we didn’t own our physical, emotional or reproductive spaces. Badu is claiming that ownership. But even beyond that, she is making a statement about the need to express individual freedom and to step outside the soul-killing restraints of conventional behavior. With each stitch of clothing that she removes, Badu is peeling back the self-protective layers shielding her inner self from the oppression of criticism and shame. With each purposeful step, she is being brave enough to show us the imperfect parts, the hurt parts, the healed parts. She is strong enough to go out on a limb and save space for the rest of us who are hiding behind our self-importance, hiding inside our over-inflated egos, our so-called swag.

By giving us a window seat into her journey, Erykah is showing us what freedom looks like. It’s scary. Because try as we might, we still want people to approve, to clap for us. We still need people to “get” us. The reality is sometimes people are going to whisper and stare when we try to be too different or too honest. People are going to try to shame us into stepping back inside the box so they can close the lid on us. People are going to disapprove, impose fines, talk about us, and hold prayer circles for us to come back to the safety and mind-numbing boredom of the herd. People are going to misunderstand. And that’s okay. If we break away and liberate ourselves, we can come back stronger than ever, like a Rick James-beads and braids wearing Badu does at the video’s conclusion.

I’m not saying I’m going to head out to Linn Park in my birthday suit anytime soon, but it’s admirable that this sister got free in her head. I’m trying to get there.

Next Page »