Roy Hargrove

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJNN-YmaJ8I

Roy Hargrove is a music sensation. His albums define the true creativity that Jazz can express. He has used hip-hop and funk, as well as R&B artists to contribute to this American Art Form.  You will find that Roy has been playing the trumpet ever since he was a little boy. He has been influenced by the greats, like Wynton Marsalis and David “Fathead” Newman. He has performed with legends such as Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Common, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, and John Mayer among many others. You will hear a lot of these artists on his recordings.

The RH Factor’s “Hard Groove” is one of my favorite albums; this was actually the first Roy recording I had ever heard. One song that I can’t stop listening too is called “Kwah/Home”, featuring Anthony Hamilton.  His sounds have such full eccentric sounding chords that always manage to evolve. He is very soulful, and any true lover of music will enjoy Roy Hargrove.  When I first heard he was coming to Blues Alley in DC, I was excited. When my friend and I got there, the line was practically around the corner. We had to wait a good while before they let us in. Blues Alley is known as one of the top performance venues for Jazz artists, so I felt glad that I was able to attend this event. Our seats were right in the front, because my friend actually knows Roy and has had the opportunity to play with him. The scene inside was very intimate, the place is only but so big, so everyone was able to see the stage.  The audience was in awe of his performance.  Each song gave them a chance to give him a warm and full applause. This night the music was truly straight ahead jazz with a little bit of funk at the end. He allowed guest musicians to come and perform with his band. His band members include: Justin Robinson (sax), Jonathan Batiste (piano), Ameen Saleem (bass) and Montez Coleman (drums).  Each musician on stage was able to carry their own show if allowed; their solos were full of rhythms, distinct melodies, and dissonant harmonies. I truly had a great night seeing and hearing this wonderful art form at it’s best.

If you do not know Roy Hargrove’s music you must begin your journey now!!!

More info about Roy Hargrove: http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/royhargrove

We as humans are always ever revolving. Our minds cannot be in control, but only our inner being and spirit must be in control. The ego can be a detrimental thing if it’s not understood. In order to stay committed to uplifting our lives, we must know who we are. No confusions or uncertainty. We must stay positive and keep looking onward. It’s hard to escape from the past when those choices you made affect you today. There is so much to look forward to, and there are many things that we want to accomplish. We really should put ourselves out there and do all the things we have dreamed of. There is no reason for us not to. It’s time, people. There is a life that most of us have envisioned for ourselves ever since we were little, and it will come to pass. Do less of looking to materialistic things and more digging into yourselves. I am learning that life comes from the inside. Look inside for health, creativity, confidence, and just for life. Take that step now, because you will begin to glow inside from knowledge, from living each day. Read the rest of this entry →

Artist: Karen O and the Kids
Album: Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack
Label: DGC/Interscope
Release Date: September 29, 2009
Decision: 5/5
Favorite Tunes: Hideaway, Igloo, All is Love

1. The Background

Karen O has been noted for her sense of fashion and her outrageous antics during live performances.

She has composed the music for this soundtrack and co-produced it with Tom Biller of the Afternoons. “The Kids” include her Yeah Yeah Yeahs band mates Brian Chase and Nick Zinner, along with Tristan Bechet, Bradford Cox(Deerhunter), Dean Fertita, Aaron Hemphill (Liars), Greg Kurstin (The Bird and the Bee), Jack Lawrence, Oscar Michel (Gris Gris), and Imaad Wasif. An untrained choir of children was brought in to provide extra essence to the songs and soundscapes. These are a sprawling group of indie-rock all-stars. Read the rest of this entry →

Who – Albert Rivera

Originally From – Bronx New York

Music Style – Jazz

Instruments – Tenor and Soprano Saxophone

School - Attended LaGuardia H.S. of Music and Art and Performing Arts “Fame”, New School University Jazz and Cotemporary Program

Most Popular Performance Venues – York’s Smalls Jazz Club, Sweet Rhythm, Zinc Bar, Cleopatra’s Needle, and the River Room of Harlem

Album – “Re-Introduction”

When I think of the music of Albert Rivera, it reminds me of being at the mountain top looking over the horizon. His music is very powerful and full of emotion. Albert’s album has a new sound that lets the listener know how far jazz has evolved and has not lost its way. It’s important that we have dedicated Jazz musicians dedicated to keeping this music alive. The sound of the saxophone is very smooth and articulate and it blends well with his choice of players for the piano, drums and bass.  “My Way of Sayin’ It” is my favorite track on the album, because it really shows his personality and passion. His dexterity and timing are uncontrollable. Read the rest of this entry →

Artist: Jay-Z
Album: The Blueprint 3
Label: Roc Nation
Release Date: September 08, 2009
Decision: 4/5
Favorite Tunes: “Empire State of Mind”, “So Ambitious”, “Thank You”

1. The Background

If you like a little bit of R&B, Rock and Hip-Hop you will love the Blue Print 3. Jay-Z has proven himself time and time again. Retired or not, he is truly at the top of his game. The Blue Print 3 was released on September 11, 2009, exactly 11 years after the first Blue Print Album. Jay-Z has evolved as a lyricist and emcee, because he no longer raps about being in the fast life. His latest songs are authentic as possible and explain about the life he is living now.  He is an entrepreneur, has a clothing line, is the president of Def Jam, Co-Owner of the New Jersey Nets, heavily involved in the community and lives a pretty demanding life. Read the rest of this entry →

Awesome place for chili!

Living in DC has many perks: The White House, Smithsonian Museums, Georgetown, and most of all, the Music.  Jazz, R&B, Go-Go, Hip Hop, Latin, Classical, it’s all in Washington DC. There are so many good places to go and hear live music, especially on U St. It does not matter what day of the week it is, you will always find a broad selection on this side of town. U Street is the center of Washington’s music scene, with the Lincoln Theatre, Howard Theatre, Bohemian Caverns, and other clubs and historic jazz venues.

U Street has a collection of shops, restaurants, nightclubs, galleries, and residences located along a nine-block stretch of U Street in NW Washington DC. It extends from 9th Street on to 18^th Street and Florida Ave. On Mondays through Thursdays you can visit Club Pure, Jo Jo’s Restaurant and Bar, or HR 57, and listen to a variety of music.  On Friday thru Sunday, you can check out Café Nema, Twins Jazz Lounge, Indulge, Station 9, Bohemian Caverns, Utopia Bar and Grill and if you don’t mind traveling further than U Street, visit the 18^th Street Lounge. There are also specific groups that perform on certain nights. On Thursdays, The Young Lions give a great show at Café Nema. On Fridays you have the Collector’s Edition at Utopia Bar and Grill, Saturdays are the Twins Jazz Lounge to hear local and national touring jazz greats, and if you want to hear some Go-Go, visit Indulge on Sundays.  It really does not matter when or where you go because there will always be an artist performing there.

A wonderful view of U St.

Source

If you would like to check out these places visit the links below:

http://dc.about.com/od/washingtondcnightclubs/tp/UStreetNightclubs.htm

http://www.dcjazz.com

Marc Armstead

I have had the honor to meet Marc while I was in LA. He is a true aspiring music who can put you in a state of wonder. His voice is very tender and soft and his words completely make you think about life. Marc’s connection to the guitar is simply amazing, because his skills and chord playing are smooth and emotional. I took some time to ask him a few questions and get his view on things in his life. I love his music, and I know you will too. This is my ARTIST OF THE WEEK!

1. Where are you from? What is your age?

I am from Redlands, California. I am 25.

2. When did you begin your music career?

I began to sing at the age of 2 in church. I have been singing since I can remember, and I play the guitar. Read the rest of this entry →

If you like the sounds of Janet Jackson, Amerie, or Rihanna, than you’ll love the music of this up and coming artist, Miss Amani. She is a very energetic performer with a promising music career ahead of her. She is 21 years old, comes from Honolulu, Hawaii and has settled, for the time being, in Los Angeles, California. Read the rest of this entry →

Going to the recording studio can be the most exhilarating adventure of all time. Whether you are singing in the vocal booth or watching and/or producing in the control room, every true artist should have their material recorded. I believe I have been waiting years upon years to go and record my own music, and maybe you have had the same feeling. Since being in California, I did have the opportunity to experience this. Although the process was very tedious, it was well worth it.

First things first, you need your track. Picking the actual track gave me the enjoyment to hear all kinds of music and concentrate on what style I would like to focus on. It’s better for you, the artist, to be involved as much as possible in this process so you can be comfortable and really treasure your work. After I picked the music, I took a few days to come up with the lyrics, drawing from my relationships and experiences in the past.  I picked which part of the song was going to be the verse, the chorus, and the bridge. The next step was rehearsing and rehearsing with my producer to get a feel for the song as well as have the chance to switch things up if need be; this  helps you spend less money and time in the actual studio. Now off we go to the studio!!! Read the rest of this entry →

What is it that makes an artist truly an artist?

There are some “9 – 5” workers who might not take you seriously if you say you want to make a living off of singing, acting, painting or dancing.  Artists are often made to feel like second class citizens in a world that favors people with concrete jobs.  This could be crippling to an artist’s identity, but never the less, they must succeed. Looking within and being true to your dream is the only way to do it. The actor, dancer, painter, writer, and singer were put on earth to express and stimulate the emotions of their audience. This is such an important task for an artist to embark on.

Being in Los Angeles for these past three weeks has shown me the meaning of faith and dedication to one’s craft. I have been to an actor’s workshop at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, concerts in the streets, clubs and even at Spiritual Centers. Everyone that I have seen and spoken to has extreme passion and confidence in what they are doing. How else are you supposed to live in this world without doing and creating what you love? It does not matter how old you are, where you live or what you ultimately want to do, as long as you follow your journey.  There is always a way out of ‘no way’. Use all the resources you have in your community, seek guidance from the internet, authors and classes. There is always information available for your craft. Read the rest of this entry →