We are pleased to welcome Blues Journey to Our Family of Independent Music Shows.
Tommie Brewster has been a musician all her life, since reaching up to the piano keys before age 4 and going on to study classical piano and gain a doctorate in music. She plays several other instruments and creates, sings and plays her own original music. She has released two blues albums, a double album of other genres and a spoken word album all on CDBaby. Find Tommie on Facebook.
Blues is the genre that speaks loudest to Tommie and she is proud to be an inducted member of the US Blues Hall of Fame and have her work added to the National Cultural Archive of New Zealandwhere she lives. She also is a professional member of the British Academy of Songwriters and has a catalogue of over 400 songs.
Tommie has been broadcasting blues shows and interviews for eight years and is particularly keen to present to her audiences the many different styles and eras of blues from way back when to right now, with an emphasis given to including her fellow independent musicians in the shows. There is a dedicated website at ttmradionetwork for her Blues Journey shows.
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.
Yolanda R is a classically trained vocalist, who started off like many great singers, singing in the choir.
She perfected her instrument at LaGuardia H.S. of Music & the Arts and Harlem School for the Arts. Despite her love of, and passion for singing , she strayed from her calling on more than one occasion. After meeting with many failures and internal fears, she decided that she wasn’t “cut out” to be a singer. It took many years for her to understand the words of motivational speaker Les Brown “I will fail my way to success.”
We have to make A LOT of mistakes before we get it right. And Dion Jordan is a motivational speaker who has impacted her the most in her life. He said ” I may not be the best __ [singer] , but I have the potential to get better.” In 2011, she resolved that before her lifetime was over, she would give her dream all she had. Yolanda’s burning desire to leave a musical legacy reflective of who SHE REALLY is in this world moved her to record and release her own music. It was such a pleasure to speak with Yalonda. Listen as she shares herself and her music with me on Conversations, then check her out on ReverbNation, Facebook, Twitter and her site, Yolanda’s Voice. Most importantly, add her music to your personal collection.
I first met Ms. Collins in October of 2013. She was supporting other Indie Artists at a showcase in Washington, DC. I became aware of her because of a friend who was visiting. He heard her voice and said to me that he would love to have her do a drop for his Radio station in the UK. I convinced him to ask her and we found out that she was also an Indie Artist in her own right. Carl had offered her his phone to record on. She said that she would do the drops for him and for me and send them to our respective email addresses, which she did as well as a few of her tracks. Once I heard her sing, I was an instant fan. Gwendolyn is sweet, talented and down to earth.
It is incredulous to me that she she has only been a solo Artist since August 2013. She is a generous performer, who happily shares the stage with her talented friends. If she ever comes to your town, be sure to get your ticket. It was such a pleasure speaking with Gwendolyn on Conversations. The interview below is from January 11, 2014. She has been on the show since then and I can hardly wait to share the second one with you, but for now, enjoy this one and then visit her website, Befriend her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and most importantly, add her music to your personal music library.
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.
On January 31, 2015, we had the pleasure of speaking with a few of the Artists that will be performing in the Bronx in New York on March 7, 2015 at the Ralpael Hernandez Auditorium, located at 997 Tiffany St, Bronx, NY 10459
It’s always a good time when The Smooth 1 is in the house and we got up close with members of The Best Kept Secret and Jenee Evans. Also on the show will be Crysta Notez, Princess Lanita, Dijon, Little L and LesBoggie & Jimmy Dee will Masters of Ceremony. If thi interview is any indication, patrons are in for a real treat. Enjoy the interview and then be sure to get your tickets and enjoy the performances on March 7th.
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!
Moe “Better” Williams is a born musician. Moe grew up on the Eastside of Oklahoma City, and by the ripe age of 11, Moe picked up his first instrument; the drums. He continued learning to play various instruments, the clarinet, the bass, the guitar, and the keyboard; before finally mastering the saxophone. While he plays all saxophones in the sax family well, he prefers the unique tones of the soprano sax.
At the beginning of 2009, he connected with an up and coming producer by the name of “Markkii Notes” to create a totally new and unique sound for his first project. That goal was easily achieved and they quickly began recording his debut album entitled “Moe Forever”. Moe Williams’ “Moe Forever” was first released to public ears on November 24, 2009. With smooth rhythms, impeccable timing and flawless horn riffs; this newly created style is sure to catch and keep listeners. Moe “Better” Williams is here, changing the faces of Jazz and R&B!!
This collaboration is what Moe “Better” Williams to our attention, the smooth and sexy sounds of his sax begged for attention from our Listeners. We think is one star to watch. He’s going to do big things, and we want a front row seat. So get comfortable and listen to this humble and somewhat shy gentleman as he shares a bit of himself and get to know more about the man behind the horn.
Keep up with Moe on Facebook and Reverbnation. Purchase his music on itunes and for sure, hear him in the WDGP Radio Playlist!
Learning to play flute at the tender age of seven, the Houston native’s formative years found her firmly rooted in many musical traditions, including classical, Broadway musicals, soul, gospel, 80’s rock, and opera. Some of her mentors included world-renowned flutists Hubert Laws and Marina Piccinini. Having graduated from Prairie View A&M University and The Peabody Conservatory of Music, Delandria’s impeccable ability earned her numerous awards including top prize at the International Association of Jazz Educators’ Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Competition in 2005, resulting in a European tour.
Delandria’s love of music, education, and passion for success led her to develop the Kingdom Flute Works Summer Camp, “The Global Presents” ensemble, and a groundbreaking trio of recordings in 2010- Kingdom Goes Classical, Be Happy, and the Be Opened EP. Her latest project “Be Opened”, is a hip hop (expression) EP of her soon to be released LP, entitled, “Ephphatha”. Ephphatha will be a collaboration with some of today’s major hip hop artists, and represents Delandria’s openness to creativity, freedom of spirituality, and rebirth of original music. Along with “Kingdom Flute Works”, Delandria teaches Jazz & Classical Flute instruction in the Preparatory Department of the Peabody Conservatory of Music. In addition to teaching and her own recordings, Delandria has toured, recorded, and performed with numerous musical greats such as: Jazz legends Billy Harper and Hubert Laws, and a number of Gospel artists such as; Tye Tribbett, Fertile Ground, Mary Mary, Israel & New Breed, and Judith Christie McAllister.
It was pleasure speaking with and getting to know a bit about this phenomenal woman. Have a listen to the interview and let me know if you agree. You can her music to your collection here.
