I saw this a long time ago before this blog was created, and recently came across it again so I had to post! Brandy is a beast!!! That's all I have to say about that...
See for yourself as she sings a Sam Cooke classic!
Welcome to "Put Yo' Records On", a spot for the souljazzhiphopfunk music lovers to chill. We are dedicated to KEEPING REAL MUSIC ALIVE!!! (Follow @TheReelChill on twitter)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Soundtrack Battle: Boomerang or Waiting to Exhale
As I flipped back and forth to Academy Awards last night, I began to think about movies and the soundtracks that go with them. The top two soundtracks in my opinion are Boomerang and Waiting To Exhale, but which is number 1? I could not decide...maybe you could help me figure this out... or even bring to my attention other great movie soundtracks. The battle begins!
Take the poll and/or comment to post your vote...
Here are some songs from both to refresh your memory:
Waiting to Exhale
Boomerang
Double Play: "Georgy Porgy"
Georgy Porgy was originally recorded by ToTo in 1978, then re-recorded by Eric Benet and Faith Evans.
Who sang it best?
Who sang it best?
Put On Yo' Record: Alicia Brown Young
Why is music important to you?
Music is important to me because it is an art form that transcends culture, age, religion, gender and simply can make a bad day great. I can hear a song and suddenly I am transported to a time in my life that reminds me of the good and the bad...Music truly is universal and I cannot imagine life without it.Favorite Song...
My favorite song is by Luther Vandross, "A House is not a Home"...this song was written many years ago, however Luther re-recorded it in 1980. Think about it...A House really isn't a home...it is only a building but it's those who dwell there that changes it into a home...the song represents a time when music was so real and romantic and the words would leave you reminiscing hours later.Favorite Musician...
George Benson....true artist...vocals and musician are real. That's real music he makes.Top 5 albums:
Michael Jackson.. Off the Wall; Denise Williams, Niecy; Earth Wind and Fire...That's the Way of the World; Be Be and Ce Ce Winans...Addictive Love; Stevie Wonder...Songs in the Key of LifeHow do you keep real music alive?
To keep real music alive we must always expose the younger generation to artist like Michael Jackson, Cameo, Luther, Aretha, Mahalia, Stevie, Nat King Cole, The Delfonics, The Temptations, The Whispers, The Mighty Clouds of Joy...they have to know real music has a message. And even when it doesn't have a message the beat and rhythm is so smooth there's a message there and you will find it.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Album Review: Marsha Ambrosius "Late Nights & Early Mornings"
You may remember Marsha from the hip hop soul duo, Floetry but this time she is back with her first new solo project, "Late Nights & Early Mornings" available March 1, 2011.
With anticipation of her first single to be released, I was very pleased with the heartfelt ballad, "Far Away".
Any song that has such a beautiful piano tune as this one brings high expectations for this long awaited album.
As soon as I pressed play, the interlude "Anticipation" builds yet even more anticipation to hear whats coming next. If you love the sound of piano like myself, you will see why. The album then proceeds with love ballads such as "With You", in which she describes her sexual desires to be with her man. She manages to turn what should be considered a freaky song into something that sounds romantically innocent (kind of like the Jill Scott effect, lol). The same could be said for her title track, "Late Nights & Early Mornings" but with a Prince sound and twist.
The bitter women's anthem, "Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player), I found to be more comical than anything. Sure its a great beat and melody, but I can't see myself wanting to play this song often.
The slow grooves continue throughout the album in songs like, "Lose Myself", "Your Hands" and "Chasing Clouds"...all reminiscent of our beloved Floetry.
"Sour Times" and "The Break Up Song" highlight the bad times of relationships, as well as "Tears" which has that old school, Motown, Smokey Robinson feel to it that we all know and love. The album ends finally with a more up-tempo track, but it's yet another version of Michael Jackson's "Butterflies" (which Floetry wrote and already has re-recorded).
Overall, the album was enjoyable for those like myself who love to hear songs about love and relationships, but would be a great disappointment to those expecting the hip hop and up-tempo vibe she had with Floetry. Either way, the album drops March 1, 2011 and I will definitely support this great artist. She has an amazing voice and a great future ahead with the neo-soul crowd.
Show Time Favorites: Janet Jackson (live)
I love going to Janet Jackson concerts! I have been attending her shows since her rhythm nation tour, and have never missed one since...as a little kid even then I was captivated. No, she's not the best singer, however her concerts were a great experience overall!!! From the set design and lights, to the costume changes and don't forget the classic janet dance moves...the atmosphere is so crazy that its easy for anyone to be mesmerized. If you love to be entertained, go see Janet on her next tour...you won't be disappointed.
Check out this performance from Janet....Ms. Jackson if you're nasty, lol
Double Play: "A Piece Of My Love"
This jam was originally recorded by popular new jack swing group, Guy! EnVogue, another popular 90's group re-recorded this slow jam. Which version do you like better?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Show Time Favorites: D'Angelo (live)
I can not WAIT till this brotha comes back on the scene. I saw him in concert for his Voodoo Tour in 99' and till this day it was one of the best shows I've EVER witnessed (and I've been to MANY so that says something, lol). Check out this live performance from D'angelo of his hit "Lady".
P.S. Did you know, Anthony Hamilton was D'angelo's former back up singer? Listen closely in background and see if you recognize his voice :)
Double Play: "The Closer I Get To You"
This classic love ballad was originally recorded by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway in 1978, but later remade by Beyonce and Luther Vandross. Both versions are absolutely beautiful, but which one do YOU like the best?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
New Video: Raphael Saadiq - Good Man
Check out this new song and video from Raphael Saadiq, Good Man! Top Model runner up, YaYa is featured in the video.
Interesting story line...your thoughts?
Interesting story line...your thoughts?
Double Play: "Cruisin"
Today's double play is inspired by today's Black History Spotlight, Smokey Robinson! He recorded the song, Cruisin originally and D'Angelo remade it on his album, Brown Sugar.
Who sang it best?
Who sang it best?
Put On Yo' Record: Dellareece Jones
Why is Music important to you?
Music is an integral part of my life. I wake up and turn on music, its on in my car or when I'm just chilling at home, and I end the day with music. Music can say the things that you can't say. It could also say what you want to say, in the most brilliant ways. There is a song that can portray any feeling that one may have. Music is art, and I can't imagine life without it.Favorite Song and why?
I have a lot of favorites, but I will go with "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder. Its the words, and that wonderful piano entrance of the song. Ribbon in the Sky was the first time I was exposed to Stevie. This song just kinda stuck with me, and I would play it over and over and over. I had to declare it as a favorite after that. :-) I want to dance to this at my future wedding reception.Favorite Musican and why?
Sade! I love her and her music. She is beautiful even in her older age. Many people may not know, but Sade was never trying to be an artist. She filled in for someone and the rest is history. Her voice is like no other. Never to be mistaken for anyone else. Her music, the lyrics and instruments(because Sade does include the band) always portray feelings that I understand. I forgot the term for her voice type its something alto similar to Anita Baker and Toni Braxton. I love that voice in a woman. Its not always about the highest pitch voice. Her music is also very relaxing, mellow, and grooving. :-)Top 5 Albums...
Love Deluxe Sade
Come Away with Me Norah Jones
Kayne West Graduation
Writings on the Wall Destiny's Child
Evolution of Robin Thicke Robin ThickeHow do you keep real music alive?
I listen to it, and I don't fall for the hype of some of this music today. I know its "cool" to be up to date with the latest artist and the latest song and dance craze, but I am never really moved to buy albums from "artist" who are "art-less". I know they will still make their money, and thats fine Im not hating...but I'm gonna stick with the good music. The ole skool and the new artist who really create art(Esperanza over Beiber).
Jam of the Day: Lil' Kim ft. Lil' Cease- Crush On You
This was a true party starter in 97' and even now! I will always hop on the dance floor when they jam this!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Back 2 HipHop Pick: 2pac- Brenda's Got A Baby
"I hear Brenda's got a baby...but Brenda's barely got a brain..."
Who Sampled Me? "Neither One of Us"
Who sampled this 1973 song by Gladys Knight and the Pips?
**hint: she loves her black brotha, lol
**hint: she loves her black brotha, lol
Double Play: "If I Was Your Woman"
This song was originally made by the lovely Gladys Knight and the Pips, 1970. Alicia Keys re-made it with a hip hop twist. Which version do YOU think is better?
hmmmm...this is a tough one!
hmmmm...this is a tough one!
Black History Spotlight: Quincy Jones
An impresario in the broadest and most creative sense of the word, Quincy Jones’ career has encompassed the roles of composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, TV producer, record company executive, magazine founder and multi-media entrepreneur. As a master inventor of musical hybrids, he has shuffled pop, soul, hip-hop, jazz, classical, African and Brazilian music into many dazzling fusions, traversing virtually every medium, including records, live performance, movies and television.
Celebrating more than 50 years performing and being involved in music, Quincy’s creative magic has spanned over six decades, beginning with the music of the post-swing era and continuing through today’s high-technology, international multi-media hybrids. In the mid-50’s, he was the first popular conductor-arranger to record with a Fender bass. His theme from the hit TV series Ironside was the first synthesizer-based pop theme song. As the first black composer to be embraced by the Hollywood establishment in the 60’s, he helped refresh movie music with badly needed infusions of jazz and soul. His landmark 1989 album,Back On The Block–named “Album Of The Year” at the 1990 Grammy Awards– brought such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Miles Davis together with Ice T, Big Daddy Kane and Melle Mel to create the first fusion of the be bop and hip hop musical traditions; while his 1993 recording of the critically acclaimed Miles and Quincy Live At Montreux, featured Quincy conducting Miles Davis’ live performance of the historic Gil Evans arrangements from the Miles Ahead, Porgy and Bess and Sketches of Spain sessions, garnered a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance. As producer and conductor of the historic “We Are The World” recording (the best-selling single of all time) and Michael Jackson’s multi-platinum solo albums, Off The Wall, Badand Thriller (the best selling album of all time, with over 46 million copies sold), Quincy Jones stands as one of the most successful and admired creative artist/executives in the entertainment world.
Visit QuincyJones.com for entire bio
Recap: BET Honors 2011
Last night BET aired their annual BET Honors Awards! Honorees this year included:
Lonnie G. Bunch III - Education Award Recipient
Herbie Hancock - Musical Arts Award Recipient
Cicely Tyson - Theatrical Award Recipient
Jamie Foxx - Entertainment Award Recipient
Iman - Service Award Recipient
Linda Johnson Rice - Media Award Recipient
Peep some of the tributes and performances from last night's show:
Tribute to Iman
Tribute to Linda Johnson Rice
Tribute to Herbie Hancock
Tribute to Cicely Tyson
Tribute to Lonnie G. Bunch
Special Tribute in Memory of Teena Marie
Tribute to Jamie Foxx
Tribute to All Honorees
SN: I have no idea what Trey Songz performance had to do with the show and why he got to close it out, but whatever, lol.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Who Sampled Me? "Make Me Say It Again Girl"
Who sampled this Isley Brothers classic ballad?
** they considered themselves to be thugs...
** they considered themselves to be thugs...
Back 2 HipHop Pick: D.O.C.- The Formula
**p.s. do you know what sample Dre is using in the background??? :)
Show Time Favorites: Tamia (live)
One of my favorite singers of this time is Tamia! Homegirl does NOT get the props she deserves, but I will ALWAYS be a loyal fan to her. She has an amazing voice and great music (which she doesn't have to shake her tail to showcase). I've seen her live once when she opened for Beyonce and though it was a short set it left a lasting impression. I can not wait till she drops her next album and goes on tour. Check her out in this live performance!
Here's a bonus! (b/c I love her THAT much)
Double Play: "Tell Me If You Still Care"
Who sang it better? The original S.O.S. Band or the young Monica?
Black History Spotlight: Michael Jackson
American superstar Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958, and entertained audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joe Jackson, had been a guitarist but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Katherine (Scruse). Together they prodded their growing family's musical interests at home. By the early 1960s, the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964, Michael and Marlon had joined in.
A musical prodigy, Michael's singing and dancing talents were amazingly mature, and he soon became the dominant voice and focus of TheJackson 5. An opening act for such soul groups as the O-Jays and James Brown, it was Gladys Knight (not Diana Ross) who officially brought the group to Berry Gordy's attention, and by 1969, the boys were producing back-to-back chart-busting hits as Motown artists ("I Want You Back," "ABC," "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Got to Be There," etc.). As a product of the 1970s, the boys emerged as one of the most accomplished black pop/soul vocal groups in music history, successfully evolving from a group like The Temptations to a disco phenomenon.
Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 1980s, he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group. Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, "Thriller" in 1982. A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978), but had much better luck with elaborate music videos.
In the 1990s, the downside as an 1980s pop phenomenon began to rear itself. Michael grew terribly child-like and introverted by his peerless celebrity. A rather timorous, androgynous figure to begin with, his physical appearance began to change drastically, and his behavior grew alarmingly bizarre, making him a consistent target for scandal-making, despite his numerous charitable acts. Two brief marriages -- one toElvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley -- were forged and two children produced by his second wife during that time, but the purposes behind them appeared image-oriented. Despite it all, Michael Jackson's passion and artistry as a singer, dancer, writer and businessman are unparalleled, and it is these prodigious talents that will ultimately prevail over the extremely negative aspects of his seriously troubled adult life.
For it all to end on June 25, 2009, with his sudden death at age 50 of a drug-induced cardiac arrest, just as he was coming out of a four-year reclusive period and rehearsing for a sold-out London concert "comeback" in July, seems uncommonly cruel and tragic. Millions upon millions of dedicated fans will remember where they were "the day Michael died".
mini bio courtesy of IMBD
I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news of Michael's passing...I was getting ready to ride a camel in Egypt when one of the guys said, "you like Michael Jackson?"...."you miss him?" I was so confused, but then he told me what happened....WOW, I will never forget that day we lost the greatest performer EVER.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Who Sampled Me? "Juicy Fruit"
What hip hop legend sampled the Mtume song, "Juicy Fruit"
**no hint today, this is too easy :)
**no hint today, this is too easy :)
Triple Play: "Hello, It's Me"
I got another triple play for you guys today!! The battle is between The Isley Brothers, John Legend and Mary J. Blige... Who sang it best!?
In my opinion, the isley brothers win this one, hands down!! :)
In my opinion, the isley brothers win this one, hands down!! :)
Black History Spotlight: Ella Fitzgerald
Dubbed "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums.
Her voice was flexible, wide-ranging, accurate and ageless. She could sing sultry ballads, sweet jazz and imitate every instrument in an orchestra. She worked with all the jazz greats, from Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Nat King Cole, to Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Goodman. (Or rather, some might say all the jazz greats had the pleasure of working with Ella.)
She performed at top venues all over the world, and packed them to the hilt. Her audiences were as diverse as her vocal range. They were rich and poor, made up of all races, all religions and all nationalities. In fact, many of them had just one binding factor in common - they all loved her.
visit EllaFitzgerald.com for entire bio
Show Time Favorites: Kem (live)
If you're not a fan of Kem yet, I suggest you take a second listen. He is an amazing performer and has written some of the most beautiful love ballads of this time. He gives me hope that music can still live and artist can deliver passion and vulnerability in their music. Check him out the next time he's in your city because he puts on an awesome show!!!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Who Sampled Me? "Friends"
Who sampled this hip hop classic by Whodini, Friends?
**Hint: recently released an album with Bob Marley's son
**Hint: recently released an album with Bob Marley's son
Double Play: "I'm Wishing On A Star"
Which version do you like the best, Rose Royce's original version or Beyonce's remake?
Black History Spotlight: Lena Horne
Lena Calhoun Horne was born June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. In her biography she stated that on the day she was born, her father was in the midst of a card game trying to get money to pay the hospital costs. Her parents divorced while she was still a toddler. Her mother left later in order to find work as an actress and Lena was left in the care of her grandparents. When she was seven her mother returned and the two traveled around the state, which meant that Lena was enrolled in numerous schools (for a time she also attended schools in Florida, Georgia and Ohio). Later she returned to Brooklyn. She quit school when she was 14 and got her first stage job at 16, dancing and later singing at the famed Cotton Club in Harlem (a renowned theater in which black performers played before white audiences. It was immortalized in The Cotton Club (1984)). She was in good hands at the club, especially when people such as Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington took her under their wings and helped her over the rough spots. Before long her talent resulted in her playing before packed houses. If she had never made a movie, her music career would have been enough to have ensured her legendary status in the entertainment industry, but films were icing on the cake. After she made an appearances on Broadway, Hollywood came calling. At 21 years of age Lena made her first film, The Duke Is Tops (1938). It would be four more years before she appeared in another, Panama Hattie (1942), playing a singer in a nightclub. By now Lena had signed with MGM but, unfortunately for her, the pictures were shot so that her scenes could be cut out when they were shown in the South, since most theaters in the South refused to show films that portrayed blacks in anything other than subservient roles to whites, and most movie studios did not want to take a chance on losing that particular source of revenue. Lena did not want to appear in those kinds of stereotyped roles (and who could blame her?). In 1943 MGM loaned her to 20th Century-Fox to play the role of Selina Rogers in the all-black musical Stormy Weather (1943), which did extremely well at the box-office. Her rendition of the title song became a major hit on the musical charts. In 1943 she appeared in Cabin in the Sky (1943), regarded by many as one of the finest performances of her career. She played Georgia Brown opposite Ethel Waters and Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson in the all-black production. Rumors were rampant that she and Waters just did not get along well, although there was never any mention of the source of the alleged friction. That was not the only feud on that picture, however. Other cast members sniped at one another and it was a wonder the film was made at all. Regardless of the hostilities, the movie was released to very good reviews from the ever tough critics. It went a long way in showing the depth of the talent that existed among black performers in Hollywood, especially Lena. Lena's musical career flourished, but her movie career stagnated. Minor roles in films such as Boogie-Woogie Dream (1944), Words and Music (1948) and Mantan Messes Up (1946) did little to advance her film career, due mainly to the ingrained racist attitudes of the time (aven at the height of Lena's musical career, she was often denied rooms at the very hotels in which she performed, because they would not let blacks stay there). AfterMeet Me in Las Vegas (1956), Lena left films to concentrate on music and the stage. She returned in 1969, as Claire Quintana in Death of a Gunfighter (1969). Nine years later she returned to the screen again in the all-black musical The Wiz (1978), where she played Glinda the Good Witch. Although that was her last big-screen appearance, she stayed busy in television, appearing in "A Century of Women" (1994) and That's Entertainment! III (1994).
for more on Lena, visit Lena-Horne.com
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Put On Yo' Record: Ke'un Montgomery
why is music important to you?
Music is a zone; music is the zone. When you get in the zone nothing else matters in that moment in time. Like the first time I heard "What a wonderful world" by Louis Armstrong or "You give me fever" by Ella Fitzgerald. It takes you back to a place, where the memories were endless. It takes you back to the days where you had no worries. Soulful music expresses real things and regardless of the present situation you can always relate to a moment in time when the song stood for everything you were feeling. Music is who we are, what we do, and what we strive to achieve. There is one song out there that symbolizes you. There is one song out there that expresses the depth of your soul. Real music brings us together, when everything else seems to tear us apart.favorite song...
If I had to choose one favorite song of all time it would be If only you knew" by Patti LaBelle. She is the epitome of what music should stand for. Patti LaBelle can sell out Madison Square Garden on any given night. Her songs will forever be sampled but none will ever come close to the original.favorite musician...
Favorite musician would have to be Luther Vandross. Back then courting a woman was desirable. People actually believed in the power of love. Luther Vandross is so amazing. His tone of music was and still is classic.top 5 albums...
1. The Love and War MasterPeace- Raheem DeVaughn
2. Controversy- Prince
3. Be- Common
4. 19- Adele
5. My Life- Mary J. Bligehow do you keep real music alive?
I carry music wherever I go. I am a form of music and keep it in heavy rotation. Music will always keep us united. Rather in the form of a LP, 45, 78, or CD. Thank you for helping keep the movement in motion.
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