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.
Another year, another visit from one of our favorite Indie Artist, Kroshet.
He he is the hardest working Artist we know. He shares with us select tracks from his most recent project, Street Soul. Street Soul, is on K&J Records & Koffee’s Mellow Groove out of Los Angeles, California. Kroshet says he has worked with some great producers on this project. Folks like Tizone, Big Mike, Inzane Beats from Germany, Lil Tray Beatz and , Street Track Pros.
All we know is that anytime Kroshet visits there will lots of fun and laughter. So have a listen to the “Conversation”, enjoy the music and then, go and buy it. Connect with Kroshet on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.
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.
It was such a pleasure to welcome Frank McComb to Conversations, It was like seeing an old friend after a long absence, even though we’d never met. That’s the personality of the Man. He is a people person. He has been on stage and in studio with some of the Musical Elite, yet, he’s just Frank McComb. Take a listen to the interview, then check out more Frank McComb via these links,
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.
I am so excited for the future of this program. I look forward to dedicating all my time to making Children’s World Of Music (CWOM) successful. I am counting on all our supporters and our Featured Artists to help out in anyway your heart leads you. I will be contacting some of you for promotional assistance as we progress through our journey to aid assist young folks and maybe deter a few from taking the wrong turn at the forks in the road of life.
I will be setting up a crowd funding page (or 2) in the very near future. I will make notification here as well as other social sites when that happens. Also in the works are a couple of fundraising events A trip, and a silent auction (details soon). I have reached out in the recent past to an elementary school Principle in my neighborhood who is willing to work with me on setting up an after school program for her school population and so we are working toward this. We are not where we want to be, but we are moving forward. If you would like to find out more about CWOM you can check out out website, You can also donate there or here on this website, just add comment that this is for CWOM and don’t forget that if you purchase a subscription to The Soul Letter, a portion of your costs supports CWOM, just enter the Promo code CWOM on your order. Don’t stop there, become a Soul Head and get other perks., again, please enter Promo code CWOM when you order. Thank you so much, We appreciate you and all you do to assist our efforts.
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!
Alison Crockett has paid her musical “dues” in full… She is perhaps the quintessential nu jazz/progressive soul singer of her generation and yet you may not have heard of her – – but you’ve no doubt heard her voice… On seminal recordings by King Britt, Blue Six, Us3, Landslide, John Wicks, Mathematics and a whole host of others, Alison’s voice has provided the velvety, sensual sound of tomorrow’s yesterday’s…a captivating tone which evokes both the music of the past and that yet to come. A voice dripping soul with generous helpings of jazz, gospel and blue, Alison has taken the baton from divas of the present and past such as Lizz Wright, Rachelle Farrelle, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Donna Summer, Diana Ross and Sarah Vaughn and forged a uniquely personal and singular musical vision.
Here are a few quotes about Alison:
Mix Nina Simone’s urgency, Betty Carter’s chops and Jill Scott’s sass, and you’ll get the bold and bravura vocalist and Temple University alum Alison Crockett. Her songs about the system feature Philly’s Ursula Rucker, first on the Badu-bounced “Depression” and on a haunting solo rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Come Back as a Flower.” Crockett’s jazz cred comes through loud and clear on the midtempo Shirley Horn favorite “The Old Country” and a futuristic take on Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy.” Simply put: She’s the real deal. – Eugene Holley, Philadelphia Weekly
Alison Crockett is serious. – Howard Dukes, Soul Tracks.com
Crockett’s musical ideas find a wide range of expression. To call her an R&B vocalist would be too limiting; to call her a Soul artist is too conjure a tradition she is indebted to, but not defined by. On Mommy, What’s a Depression? Crockett’s gestures to Go-Go, Jazz, Santigold-styled Funk, gut-bucket Blues, Trip-Hop, Tin-Pan Alley, and what I like to refer to as “Cosmopolitan Soul” – Mark Anthony Neal, New Black Man(inExile)
Sat back, relax and enjoy the conversation between Alison Crockett and host Diana Broomfield, and met the Woman behind the music.
