Kenny Dixon Jr.’s Mahagoni Music is releasing a limited edition vinyl sampler of J.Dilla songs from the upcoming Rebirth of Detroit project. The sampler comes out May 25th and the full-length album will be released June 25th on Ma Dukes’ Ruff Draft label.
Incognito’s Surreal 15th Trip: Interview With Bluey Maunick
Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick has always given credit to the music from the beaches of Mauritius for being the nucleus of the Incognito sound. The Sega music he heard during his youth started his visceral understanding of music’s power to heal emotional weariness. His connection to the slave music of the island and that of African-Americans started the reinterpretation of a path most notably lead by Herbie Hancock into Incognito’s sound of curative joy. Maunick’s British based band of multi-cultural musicians hit their commercial peak in the ‘90’s when “Always There” and “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” charted and put them in center view with their American fanbase. The 33-year mark and 14 albums to date after working with such voices as Maysa, Jocelyn Brown and Chaka Khan made the recording of the current project seem like a dream after a dream hence the name Surreal. This phase of the band’s journey revitalizes the R&B/funk/ jazz style they have always produced but with the new voices of Mo Brandis and Natalie Williams giving the album a subtle edge. Maunick spoke to Kickmag recently about Surreal, the structure of the band and the power of music.
Why do you call this album Surreal?
Well first of all, for several reasons, this fantasy world I live in making this music and 15 years later 33 years of Incognito and I’m really on top of my game and it felt really quite abstract because I really thought at some point in my life it would really stop and peter down. It felt surreal like I had a new lease on life I felt like I was producing in my own studio again and it just felt abstract every step of the way that I was making a new record again. The last album we had done Transatlantic RPM, I just felt that I had reached a peak at that point I was working with Chaka Khan, Leon Ware and Al McKay from Earth, Wind & Fire is on there and I felt it was a pinnacle album it marked the end of a chapter. I just felt that us beginning again was surreal.
You’ve talked a lot about how your travels influence the music and was there any particular place that set the tone for Surreal?
The main journeys that were made in recent times I’ve been to Mexico and Guadeloupe like that part of the world. I spent Christmas and New Year in Los Angeles on the coast so once again I’ve been close to water as you can see the Surreal album cover contains me in an astronaut outfit the concept is kind of surreal like me being a fish being a Piscean. I think my journeys still inspire me because we are not just journeying to play a gig like for instance in Guadeloupe I stayed over for an extra week in Mexico I stayed over for an extra five days. In Thailand I stayed over for an extra week. I see my journeys to play music as not just being a travel date from a to b but a chance for me to live that life and feel the culture and make some of the journeys I wanted to as a kid.
DONNA SUMMER DIVA OF DISCO DIES FROM CANCER: DECEMBER 31, 1948 – MAY 17, 2012
Born LaDonna Adrian Gaines, but known to her adoring fans as The Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, passed away this morning after a battle with cancer. Sources close to the family say Summer was working on an a album. Summer was a 5-time Grammy winner who shot to superstardom in the ’70s with iconic hits like “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff” and “Bad Girls.”
MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME TO PERFORM AT COMMON GROUND MUSIC FESTIVAL
A full week of live entertainment will heat things up for sure in Lansing, MI, July 9th – 15th a variety of performers are scheduled to headline various stages throughout the day. A for sure favorite, 1980s R&B hits such as “777-9311,” “The Bird” and “Jungle Love” still get plenty of play on mainstream radio — Morris Day and his band, The Time, will headline Pearle Vision Pavilion Stage during the Common Ground Music Festival July 10. Check out the full line up read more
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY WISHES, TAJ MAHAL
Born Henry St. Clair Fredericks, Jr. in Harlem, New York, on May 17, 1942, Taj Mahal, Legacy music label celebrates with a catalog reisssue of The Hidden Treasures of Taj Mahll 1969-1973. The two-disc collection of previously unreleased studio and live performances, will be available Tuesday August 21.
The Hidden Treasures of Taj Mahal 1969-1973 track listing:
CD 1 – Studio
1. CHAINEY DO
2. SWEET MAMA JANISSE (February 1970, Criteria Recording Studios)
3. YAN – NAH MAMA – LOO
4. TOMORROW MAY NOT BE YOUR DAY
5. I PITY THE POOR IMMIGRANT
6. JACOB’S LADDER
7. AIN’T GWINE WHISTLE DIXIE (ANY MO’)
8. SWEET MAMA JANISSE (January 1971 Bearsville Recording Studios, Woodstock, NY)
9. YOU AIN’T NO STREETWALKER, HONEY BUT I DO LOVE THE WAY YOU STRUT YOUR STUFF
10. GOOD MORNING LITTLE SCHOOLGIRL
11. SHADY GROVE
12. BUTTER
CD 2 – Royal Albert Hall
1. RUNNIN BY THE RIVERSIDE
2. JOHN, AIN’T IT HARD
3. BAND INTRODUCTION
4. SWEET MAMA JANISSE
5. BIG FAT
6. DIVING DUCK BLUES
7. CHECKIN’ UP ON MY BABY
8. OH SUSANNA
9. BACON FAT
10. TOMORROW MAY NOT BE YOUR DAY
CHUCK BROWN, GODFATHER OF GO-GO DIES
Chuck Brown (August 22, 1936 – May 16, 2012) was a guitarist and singer affectionately known as “the Godfather of Go-go”. Go-go developed around Washington, D.C. in the mid- and late-1970s. Early hits include “I Need Some Money” and “Bustin’ Loose”.
SOUTHERN SONGBIRD TO RELEASE THIRD STUDIO ALBUM JUNE 5TH
Tweet signed with DuBose Music Group is wrapping up her third studio album and DuBose Music Groups first album release, headed by James DuBose, CEO of DuBose Entertainment. Dubose is known for television and film production, producing reality series for Keyshia Cole, Michael Vick, and many others.
#TweetTuesdays will launch on June 5, 2012 with the release of “Daydreaming” along with the music video exclusively on IamSimplyTweet.com.
NEW, WORDS AND MUSIC BY SAINT ETIENNE
After seven years, fans of Saint Etienne will have ear candy once again. There will a 2CD Deluxe edition as well as the standard version. The album will be released on May 21st. Look for it in stores soon!!
The tracklist is:
1. Over the Border
2. I’ve Got Your Music
3. Heading For the Fair
4. Last Days of Disco
5. Tonight
6. Answer Song
7. Record Doctor
8. Popular
9. 25 Years
10. DJ
11. When I Was Seventeen
12. I Threw it All Away
13. Haunted Jukebox
MA DUKE LAUNCHES RECORD LABEL
Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancy, head of Ruff Draft Records and family other members of hip hop producer J. Dilla, has formed a record label which will focus on his music. Dilla died from complications of lupus in 2006.
Friday May 25, a variety of artists will come together to celebrate the launch of Ruff Draft Records, in addition to the release of J. Dilla’s new album Rebirth of Detroit.
The listening party for The Rebirth of Detroit will take place at The Magic Stick in Detroit on May 25th.
Doors open at 9:00 PM.
Look for the Rebirth of Detroit due in stores June 12.
QUEEN OF SOUL TO BE INDUCTED IN GOSPEL HALL OF FAME
Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul is one of six people who’ll be inducted into the Hall on Aug. 14 in Hendersonville, Tenn. Bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs, family group The Hoppers, contemporary Christian singer Dallas Holm, the late TV evangelist Rex Humbard and Christian rock band Love Song will be inducted as well.
The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame was established in 1971. More than 150 members have been inducted, including Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley.
VILLAGE PEOPLE SINGER WINS A LEGAL BATTLE FOR SONG RIGHTS
Congratulations to Mr. Victor Willis, former lead singer of the 1970s disco group the Village People, recently exercised his right to reclaim ownership of “YMCA” and other hit songs he wrote. A provision of copyright law called “termination rights,” which gives recording artists and songwriters the ability to reacquire and administer their work themselves after 35 years have elapsed. read more
ENTER COMPETITION TOUR WITH DRAKE
Enter the Real Hip Hop Network’s “Rise” Competition by May 11, 2012 for your opportunity to win a spot onstage for 20 dates on Drake’s Club Paradise tour. Upload your hottest track, the fans judge, and all your travel expenses. Real Hip Hop Network will also make you the star of “Rise,” a documentary following your journey to stardom. read more
BOBBY BROWN TO RELEASE ‘MASTERPIECE
Bobby Brown has finally put the finishing touches on his “Masterpiece” and is ready to share.
The New Edition member, Bobby Brown has released a date for his latest project, that has been in the making for over a decade. Check your media outlets for project scheduled to be released June 5th.
JEFFERY OSBORNE TO PERFORM IN DETROIT
Jeffrey Osborne performs at 8 p.m. May 10, at Sound Board in the Motor City Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. read more
Rapper Andre 3000 IS TO STAR AS JIMI HENDRIX IN NEW MOVIE
Andre Benjamin, a.k.a Andre 3000, will star as Hendrix with filming to start in just a few weeks in Ireland.
The Irish Film & Television Network reported that All Is By My Side would be directed by John Ridley, who wrote the script for Three Kings and U-Turn.
The story line focuses on Hendrix’s breakthrough in London from 1966 to’67.
Benjamin, has previously starred in a string of films and TV shows including Be Cool and Four Brothers.
read more
Cedric the Entertainer returns to TV
Cedric the Entertainer heads back to do a television sitcom with his new show “The Soul Man.”
Cedric plays Reverend Boyce ‘The Voice’ Ballentine, an R&B legend who turns into a minister and takes over as preacher of his father’s church. Niecy Nash plays Lolli, the reverend’s wife. “The Soul Man” premieres June 20th on TV Land.
Bluesman, Michael Burk passes away
Just after returning from a European tour, Arkansas bluesman Michael “Iron Man” Burks has died Sunday (May 6, 2012) after collapsing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He was 54.
Burks released three albums with Chicago-based Alligator Records and headlined blues festivals worldwide.
He was scheduled to play in Little Rock on June 2. read more
Maurice Sendak, ‘Where Wild Things Are’ Author, Dies
Most may not personally know him but most school age children may have come across a book or two by this author. Maurice Sendak, the children’s book author and illustrator who wrote books like “Where the Wild Things Are” and “In the Night Kitchen,” died early Tuesday. He was 83. read more
MAYSA, SHEILA E, PATRICE RUSHEN, OLETA ADAMS HEADLINE SMOOTH JAZZ SUMMER NIGHTS
The 15th Season of the Smooth Jazz Summer Nights Concert Series at Penn’s Landing celebrates women in music. The inviting sounds of horns, smooth vocals, and pulsating percussions will certainly make this an event to make on your calendars. A power house line up of female artist will grace the RiverStage on the Delaware River Waterfront every Friday night in August beginning at 7:30 pm. This Friday night concert series is absolutely F-R-E-E. read more
Les Nubians June 28th, 2012
Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 28th, as Les Nubians are scheduled to perform at The Shrine in Chicago. Also featuring Aniba Hotep & the Sol Collective. read more
Gran Baile de MAELO RUIZ
This Thursday in kalamazoo at Papa Pete’s Salsa night we will be doing a door raffle for FREE TICKETS TO THIS EVENT! Don’t miss it! 502 Burdick street Kalamazoo MI….. Sponsored by Kalamazoo Salsa!
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MC Lyte and educators to lecture on hip-hop literacy at Ohio State
The School of Teaching and Learning is scheduled to kick off its Second Annual Hip-hop Literacies Conference at 9 a.m. Wednesday through Friday. Female rapper MC Lyte and professors from Duke University, Harvard University are scheduled to lecture at Ohio State. The purpose of the conference is to explore what makes hip-hop powerful through scholars who aim to educate a younger generation. On the final day, MC Lyte, will perform.
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New Music: Jeff Bradshaw’s ‘Bone Appétit’
Jeff Bradshaw, a trombone master, released “Bone Appetit”, April 24, which is a collection of music rooted in Jazz with a number of Soul and R&B artists including Marsha Ambrosius, Raheem DeVaughn, Kindred the Family Soul, Maysa (Incognito), Coko (SWV) and more. “Bone Appétit- Double Issue” is a Limited Edition which includes Vol.1 and Vol.2, “Bone Appétit- Vol. 1 Main Course” is available as single CD. Both volumes are available via Digital download at iTunes and Amazon.
Show Calendar:
5/30 Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA
5/31 Hidden Beach Unwrapped AllStars @ Blues Alley, Washington D.C.
6/06 Suffolk County Jazz Fest, Suffolk, VA
6/21 NABJ Chairman’s Reception, New Orleans, LA
www.jeffbradshaw.com Twitter: @IamJeffBradshaw Facebook Page: Jeff Bradshaw
Chaka Khan Gives Stellar Performance at Howard Theatre
A voice that commands your attention, Chaka Khan, paused her performance of “Through The Fire”, to testify and share some of the “fires” she had to overcome in her personal and professional life. Celebrity members of the audience commented on how moving her words and performance were. read more
MDP Presidential Caucus
VOTE in tomorrows DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS. Voting is from 9am – 11am. Please come and bring a friend. Commissioner Stephanie Bell will be hosting the site at the Douglass Community Assoc. There will be music and food. Come out and meet the Democrat candidates! read more
Beastie Boys rapper Adam Yauch (a.k.a. MCA), 47, dies
Adam Yauch (a.k.a. MCA),passed away Friday morning. Yauch’s representatives confirmed that the rapper passed away Friday morning in New York after a nearly three-year battle with cancer.
Yauch was diagnosed with a cancerous salivary gland in 2009. At the time, Yauch expressed hope it was “very treatable,” but his illness caused the group to cancel shows and delay the release of their 2011 album, “Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2.” read more
CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION AT PAPA PETE’S
It’s going down May 5, 2011 at Papa Pete’s!! Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with your family and friends. Check out Salsa Dave for more information!! read more
“Rhymefest” FREESTYLE FRIDAY
Rhymefest” FREESTYLE FRIDAY FRI. MAY 4, 2012 @ THE 36TH ST. LOUNGE located at 945 36th st. GR. MI.CALLING ALL MC’S, FREESTYLERS, SINGERS, POETS, LYRICISTS AND FREESTYLE HIP-HOP DANCERS. Come out and check out some of the best talent in the midwest performing tonight. read more
Saudi Arabia’s first ever hip-hop radio show
Hip Hop genre of music that has single handedly infiltrated cross generations and has connected to Saudi Arabia, where, Big Hass hosts a hip hop show that showcases Arabic hip hop artists that are not heard FM radio. “Laish Hip-Hop” is Arabic for “Why Hip-Hop.” It is a radio show that educates people about hip-hop music and discusses all related issues in Saudi Arabia and the world in general.
The show is a big hit among the thousands of Saudi youngsters. Launched in June of 2011, the show runs for an hour and talks about Arabic hip-hop.
D’Angelo, Trey Songz join roster of the 2012 Essence Fest
D’Angelo, contemporary R&B’s mystery man, has joined the roster of the 2012 Essence Music Festival in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Essence has released its night-by-night schedule:
Friday, July 6: Charlie Wilson, D’Angelo, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, The Pointer Sisters, Marsha Ambrosious, Q. Parker & Super Jay, Khris Royal, Kindred The Family Soul, Vivian Green, Stephanie Mills, Gary Clark Jr., Rebirth Brass Band, SWV, Goapele.
Saturday, July 7: Mary J. Blige, Kevin Hart, Ledisi, Tank, Eric Roberson, Teedra Moses, The Stylistics, Robert Glasper, Dru Hill, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Stephanie Mills, Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Sunday, July 8: Aretha Franklin, Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Melanie Fiona, Carl Thomas, Alex Boyd, Eve, The Stooges Brass Band, Estelle, Luke James, Raheem DeVaughn, Bridget Kelly.
Single day tickets are on sale today, priced from $50 to $300 per person per night. Weekend packages range from $150 to $900 per person. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
