February 8, 2014, that’s when the Duo of Janice B and QueenEarth came to visit Conversations. They call themselves Queen B, a combination of both their names, which just happens to suit them so well. Janice B has been a previous guest on Conversations and we are so happy to her back as well as our new friend QueenEarth. These two are a tribute and a testimony to Acoustic Soul. Their sound is smooth and soul stirring. Of curse you don’t have to take our word, Just listen and form your own opinion. When your done, make your way over to Bandcamp, or Itunes or their websites and add them to your personal music collections.
We couldn’t think of a better person to spend time with on the show of Conversation 2015. We had the pleasure of speaking with and getting to know R&B Icon Chris Jasper.
If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you have heard the music of CHRIS JASPER, who was primarily responsible for writing and producing all of THE ISLEY BROTHERS music during this time, including such beautiful love songs as “For The Love of You” and “Between the Sheets” and uptempo funk such as “Fight the Power.” His arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and his expertise on the keyboards and synthesizers, are the foundation of the legendary “Isley Brothers Sound.” When the six members of THE ISLEY BROTHERS disbanded (1984), Marvin and Ernie Isley joined CHRIS JASPER and formed ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY. Without this crucial musical component, THE ISLEY BROTHERS were no longer a self-produced, self-contained group.
CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” and musical talents to ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY, and topped the charts singing lead vocals on “Caravan of Love” (1985), a song that was covered by English recording group, the Housemartins, an international #1 pop hit. “Caravan” was also used in commercials as part of a Dodge Caravan advertising campaign. He was also awarded a CEBA Award For Excellence for a Miller Brewing Company commercial. The music for that commercial formed the basis for “Brother to Brother” from the “Different Drummer” album, which supported the anti-apartheid struggle going on in South Africa at that time. His music has also been used in radio and television commercials, most recently “Who’s That Lady” (Swiffer) and “Between The Sheets” (L’Oreal).
When ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY disbanded (1987), CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” to his own solo projects, topping the charts with “SuperBad,” a song promoting the value of education. CHRIS JASPER has continued to write songs and produce his own R&B/Gospel music, as well as other artists, for his independent record label, Gold City Records (www.goldcitymusic.com).
It was a treat t discuss his music and music in general. We can’t wait to hear music from is son, Mike Jasper. Enjoy the interview and then go buy the music. You can find out more by liking his Facebook page. or visiting the Gold City Music Website.
Kathy Yolanda Rice hails from Huntsville, Alabama, where her passion for music and art was recognized at an early age. Kathy writes her own lyrics and musical compositions. Most of her original tunes are based on real life experiences and emotions, from childhood throughout her adult years. Kathy is a gifted vocalist with a style of her own while she captures the hearts of many with her precious voice and original compositions.
Kathy Yolanda Rice tells real-life stories of love, faith and hope in musical compositions. Her debut CD, “After All These Years” released in 2004, is seasoned with a flavor of jazz and consists of 10 timeless contemporary tunes.
Through her networking with other women musicians, Rice was a featured artist on the Women in Jazz South Florida Volume III compilation CD, released in December 2012. Her classic jazz piece, Cloak and Dagger Affair, heads the lineup of this eclectic mix of jazzy tunes. In 2011, Rice performed her mellow vocals on Marc Lacy’s Narcoleptic CD on the track entitled, “Exodus.” In December 2010, Rice collaborated on a Soulful House project entitled, “Feeling the Heat” with world renown Dance/House music record producers Fabio Tosti and Francesco Tarantini on Music Plan Records out of Bari, Italy.
August 2012 marked the release of a beautiful gospel project…the recording of the Walter Hawkins remake of Jesus Christ is the Way, by Nuove Mystique. Rice is the lyric soprano in the group. The jazzy rendition was released on Audio State 55 and is distributed by the Warner Music Group.
Kathy’s latest 2013 release is a collaborative smooth jazz project with songwriter Gary Swann. The tune, Love is Like a Sunny Day, features Kelley O’Neal on Saxophone. Rice joined several other women musicians on the Bobby Pin Diaries movie soundtrack, which features her up-tempo tune, I’ve Gotta Find a Love for the February 2013 release.
We became aware of Kathy after hearing her duet with Phillip Michael Thomas, Flesh Of My Flesh.
Flesh of My Flesh is a powerful duet, written by Philip Michael Thomas. Kathy Yolanda Rice and Philip Michael Thomas capture the essence of true love with the magical blending of their voices, beckoning the listener to make an emotional connection to each romantic note. Accompanied by Kelvin Wooten’s Cool Jazz/Gospel/R&B track, their unique sound excites the soul and spirit! This anointed love song will cause you to fall in love over and over again, and renew your vows, and keep your commitment to your significant other.
If you missed the Conversation with Ms. Rice, or you would just like to hear it again, Enjoy it now. Then connect with Kathy and keep up with her goings on via her website. Purchase her music at most online music sites like CDbaby, or iTunes
Our Guy, Tiger Roberts, Grammy Award Winning Producer, Musician, Singer and Writer has just released the video to his single, Strange Fruit. We love it and hope you do too. If you’d like to know more about Tiger, Check out the interview he did on Conversations and enjoy the Video!
Last October, Jimi James guested on Conversations, She is dynamic, intelligent, independent, and cutting edge. At the time, we couldn’t share the next single – Lead Me On. but now it’s a staple on WDGP. Jimi is a Singer, Songwriter, and Composer.
She is showing up all over. Places like the BET Awards Official Post Party:
https://youtu.be/BnzNVJhR_zY
The first time I heard of or listened to Jimi James was this music video:
https://youtu.be/S0e381CokF0
You can follow Ms. James via her webpage, Twitter, and Instagram.
I had the privilege of being at Sugar Bar when some of these scenes were shot, unfortunately I was all the way in the back having gotten a late start from Maryland but I saw it and I did get to meet Valerie Simpson, I would have loved to meet Natalie Cole but Sister had an early morning back in the DMV. I am so pleased with the way it turned out. Take a look and a listen and then go get your copy from CDBaby.
Tiger Roberts has been in the game for a while. He is a Grammy award winning producer, musician, writer, and singer. Now he is stepping out into the spotlight with creation of his own project, New World Order.
Tiger is funky old school swag with a new jack twist. Here is some Press about Tiger:
“Chicago based Tiger’s voice draws you in, never shows off, always taking you to the right place. “Since U Been Gone” shows a soulfully im- pressive vocal range, from falsetto to baritone, and a fine, wailing guitar coda. The song’s winning hook and dramatic feel make it a good candidate for film/TV. The similar “Hands Down” deploys a whispery falsetto and a memorable chorus. While there’s deft vocal layering on these recordings, we can only imagine how good his guitars would sound if Tiger got out of his cage and into a proper studio.”
MUSIC CONNECTION
““The one thing I got out of boxing was discipline,” Tiger says. “When I decided to go full force with the music I knew I had to be diligent and do things that weren’t necessarily comfortable. I’ve already had a chance to see what discipline can bring, and I knew that I would get results.””
Peter Cronin – SESAC Focus (Page # 15)
We invite you to listen to interview and then decide for yourself.
I have known Glenn Gordon for a few years now. We met when he joined my social network Internet Marketers Network on the Ning platform. He was the first talented musical artists to join us there. After him there were several that joined and thus led me to start a Music hour on Conversations which was then on Blogtalk Radio.
Through the years we have become the best of friends, actually, more like family. He is the big brother I never had. Thus, it gives me pride to see him come into his own. You may know that he is an Inventor, and and Author, but his passion is MUSIC.
His Latest Release, Exposures, is being well received. So well, in fact, that he will soon be opening for Legendary, Archie Bell.
During the interview, we got to speak with promoter Debbie Dixon and the man himself, Archie Bell. Archie was most complementary to Glenn.
Have a listen and hear how surprised GG was, then go get your copy of Exposures. Connect with Glen on his website or Facebook so you can keep up with what he and the Band are doing.