Author: mitchmuse

Global communicator, Journalism, Entrepreneur, Web editor, Blogger, Freelance writer, Jazz enthusiast

Gerald Scott & Co. fuses disparate musical styles on “Incredible” CD

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date July 18, 2012

For the last five years, Gerald Scott & Co. has been one of the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area) metroplex’s top local acts. Now, the dynamic ensemble is poised to become one of the nation’s leading gospel acts. Although, the group has released two successful indie projects in the past, they are stepping up their game with their third CD release, “Incredible” (Habakkuk Music) – in stores now.

The bouncy radio single, “Alright,” is reminiscent of a new wave Earth Wind & Fire ’70s jam.

“We’ve been getting amazing feedback from it,” says Scott in a news release. “It’s very uplifting and encouraging. I like to call it a great song you can roll your windows down and ride to, so people are loving it and I’m just glad about that.”

Many people are glad, and Scott and company are picking up fans in high places.

“Gerald Scott is a phenomenal songwriter,” says Habakkuk CEO, April Washington Essex. “It’s like he writes from the heart of God. What’s more, he’s got the whole package: anointed ministry, great vocals & arrangements, exciting performance and he’s still young!”

Scott composed and produced all of the ten songs on the “Incredible” CD that ranges from lush, congregational worship tunes such as “Higher” to the ferocious rock vibe of “No Condemnation.” In between there are down-home church songs like “God Is Good,” the pop-styled ballad “Back with You” and the exhilarating rhythm of the title tune. Each track shows off not only Scott’s warmly earnest tenor but also the rich harmonies of the company.

“We’re going up and down the east coast promoting this CD,” says Scott. “We’re going to be everywhere each weekend – from New York to Orlando, Fla.”

Follow the group on Twitter @gscottco or go online to http://www.habakkukmusic.com/ .

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Veracity Entertainment scores two No. 1 hits and inks deal with Kobalt Music Group

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date July 11, 2012

Ted Winn – Photo provided

Singer/songwriter Ted Winn’s Veracity Entertainment music administration company continues to make great new strides in the urban and gospel music genres. This week, Rev. Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago sit at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart with the soul-stirring song of praise, “Awesome.” Last week, R&B star Tank scored a No. 1 Adult R&B hit with “Next Breath” – the second No. 1 of his career and his first since “Please, Don’t Go” in 2007. Both tunes are written by Veracity composers.

Recently, Veracity partnered with Kobalt Music Group for the London-based firm to sub-administer Veracity’s copyrights internationally. With over 175,000 copyrights under its jurisdiction, it’s the leading independent music publisher in the world and collects royalties from 33 territories worldwide. Some of its leading writers include Beck, Bon Iver, Kelly Clarkson, Gotye, LMFAO and Lionel Richie.

Veracity was established in 2005 by Nasceas Timms and Ted Winn, whom has made a name for himself as a gospel singer over the last dozen years with Top Ten hits such as “The Lifter” and “God Believes in You.” He began his career as half of the Stellar Award winning duo, Ted & Sheri, which is best known for their signature songs, “Come Ye Disconsolate” and “Celebrate.”

Veracity is a multi-faceted firm that serves the needs of writers, producers and independent recording labels. Among its services are song administration, copyright registration, licensing, contract negotiation and royalty collection. Winn launched the company when he had trouble receiving accurate royalty accountings for his own copyrights. Eventually, his fellow performers began to ask him to investigate their missing royalties and the word soon spread to the point that Winn decided to officially hang out his shingle and make this service a second career.

Through Veracity, Winn manages the career of tunesmith David Balfour who’s written songs for Anthony Hamilton, Marques Houston and T-Pain’s platinum smash, “Can’t Believe It.” He also manages Christopher ‘C4’ Umana, who has written and produced songs such as Musiq’s “Radio,” Kelly Rowland’s “Keep It Between Us” and Tank’s big comeback smash, “Next Breath.” Veracity writers have written songs recorded by Robin Thicke, Toni Braxton, TLC, Syleenda Johnson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Jonathan Nelson, Juanita Bynum, among others. Among recent smashes are the No. 1 gospel hits Earnest Pugh’s “I Need Your Glory” and Vashawn Mitchell’s “Nobody Greater” that won a Stellar Award as song of the year this past January. For more information, go to veracityentertainment.com.

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Detroit Jazz Festival announces national jazz competitions

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 23, 2012

As part of its mission to foster and support jazz throughout the country, the Detroit Jazz Festival is now accepting submissions for two national competitions – saxophone performance and jazz arrangement – that will be judged by prominent jazz artists and educators, with prize money totaling $5,000 and the chance to perform at the Detroit Jazz Festival on Labor Day Weekend, August 31 through September 3.

The Detroit Jazz Festival’s JC Heard Jazz Big Band Arranging Competition and Jazz Saxophone Competition are the first of the annual competitions designed to highlight a specific jazz composer and celebrate the artistry of the saxophonist and arranger by encouraging new works from young talent throughout the U.S.

“The inaugural jazz saxophonist and arrangement competitions help seek out talented artists that deserve recognition,” said Chris Collins, artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival, in a recent news release. “It is important to help new and emerging artists establish a presence in the jazz world and continue developing their talents to hopefully become a permanent fixture. One of the definitive goals of jazz artists is to develop a highly individualized voice, and a goal of the festival is to positively contribute to jazz music and culture. This is one way we can merge these goals and make a difference.”

Arrangers will be asked to choose a composition from a significant jazz composer’s body of work, determined by the festival, and create an original arrangement for a designated ensemble. For the 2012 competition, individuals – 35 years and younger – are invited to arrange a Wayne Shorter composition of their choice for big band instrumentation with a featured soloist. Judges will include Collins; Terence Blanchard, 2012 Artist in Residence; Ellen Rowe, director of jazz studies, University of Michigan; and Russ Miller, department of jazz studies, Wayne State University. One grand prize winner will receive $1,000 and have the opportunity to see their arrangement performed at the Detroit Jazz Festival by the Detroit All-Star Big Band and a guest soloist. Two finalists will also be awarded with $500 each.

The jazz saxophonist competition seeks to recognize and provide performance opportunities to outstanding jazz saxophonists 32 years of age or younger. Applicants are asked to provide three tracks featuring a saxophonist with a rhythm section. Three finalists will be selected and scheduled to appear in Detroit to perform at the Dirty Dog Jazz Café on August 9, 2012, and at Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club on August 10, 2012. A panel of judges, including Blanchard, Collins and acclaimed Detroit saxophonist George Benson, will select the grand-prize winner and finalists. The winner will be awarded $2,000 and will be scheduled to perform a set at the Detroit Jazz Festival with the Detroit Jazz Festival All-Star Quartet. In addition, two finalists will be awarded $500 each.

“We are continually looking for the best ways to celebrate the jazz culture and its artists,” said Gretchen Valade, chair of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation board of directors. “The launch of these competitions, combined with the festival’s other efforts, provide a great foundation for developing future jazz talent. The festival has always been dedicated to acknowledging the importance of jazz within our communities.”

In addition to the events on Labor Day weekend, the Detroit Jazz Festival organizes year-round cultural and educational efforts, like the JC Heard Jazz Week@Wayne and the poetry slam series, to cultivate jazz in the community.

Artists can submit their applications online or by mail.

To apply for the Jazz Saxophonist Competition, visit http://www.detroitjazzfest.com/artistsaxophone.html–submission deadline is July 15.

To apply for the Arranging Competition, visit http://www.detroitjazzfest.com/artistsjcheard.html–submission deadline is August 1.

To mail an entry, download an application at http://www.detroitjazzfest.com/artistsubmission.html and send the completed form and score to: Detroit Jazz Festival,

19900 Harper Ave.,

Harper Woods, Mich. 48225

(Attn: Sax Competition or Arranging Competition, respectively).

Finalists must submit copied parts by August 15.

Abiah jazz Jeremiah Abiah Life as a Ballad music new releases New York pop Rochester United States

Singer-Songwriter Abiah releases “Life as a Ballad” on August 28

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 23, 2012

Photo credit: Matt Furman

Ever since the untimely departure of Luther Vandross, the American pop scene has been absent of a Black American male balladeer possessed of chops beyond belief, staunch lyricism and emotional maturity. Abiah (pronounced Ah-bee-yah) more than adequately answers the call of that absence with an album and a presence that is sensuous, soulful, honest, grown-up and quite passionate about restoring vocal excellence to the contemporary airwaves.

Who is Abiah? These are the bare facts: he is a seasoned balladeer possessed of a five-and a half octave range; an established vocal coach and former Universal Republic recording artist; and he is of Ghanaian, Cuban, Native American descent, though raised in Rochester, NY.

While that background remains a part of his roots and identity, 2012 marks a musical, professional and personal evolution for the singer-songwriter. Previously known as “Jeremiah” in the music world (full name Jeremiah Abiah, the latter of which means ‘God is my father’), Abiah sets forth his highly anticipated sophomore album, Life as a Ballad, reflective of a long journey towards his intensely personal sound and overall musical growth – consisting of nine self-penned originals.

Growing up in a musical home – his mother an accomplished concert pianist – induced a love for learning about the nuances of the singer’s art and craft that found him studying at the Eastman School of Music as a young teen where he studied with legendary chanteuse Renee Fleming’s mother, Patricia Alexander. Afterwards came enrollment at Syracuse University and The New England Conservatory for operatic training. Abiah‘s pre-undergraduate obligations were completed while on the road, where he quickly found work as a backing vocalist for George Michael and while in college he also landed a steady gig with Yolanda Adams.

“There was a moment when I thought I had lost my voice. “I was experiencing growing pains which were hard to decipher at first but eventually they helped me to trust my heart, sound and aesthetic again. I thought I would never record again. I even toyed with the idea but the music perpetually tugged at me. Changing my stage name was the impetus of a new beginning,” says Abiah in a news release. “This is how Life as a Ballad was born as I dealt with the idea of finding beauty in the dark, that glimmer of light when all hope seemed lost.”

A move to New York City in the early 2000s saw Abiah “hitting the pavement hard” and eventually playing Central Park SummerStage and the world renowned Blue Note on a regular basis; though a turning point came when Abiah started gaining the attention of major labels. As is frequently the case for ambitious but not yet quite industry-savvy young artists, Abiah‘s fledgling recordings fell through the cracks. An entire album, brought to the verge of a major label deal, got shelved because the song the major label executives favored most was the only one not produced by a very major and deservedly much lauded producer.

“I’m not opposed to major labels. I just believe an artist needs to keep his finger on the pulse of everything. It’s hard to be artist and business, but it is necessary,” says Abiah. “Initially I was angry and came out pointing fingers, but the healthier aspect became, what did or didn’t I do? Taking that responsibility has given me power and greater perspective.”

This recording is the result of Abiah‘s steady and patient march over a decade in New York, finding the perfect songs and session mates to support his vision. Like any astute young artist in pursuit of a unique bespoke career path, Abiah wisely sought out collaborators who were of highly skilled and veteran pedigrees, and of course, simpatico. Notable among those collaborators are very well regarded young pianist Robert Glasper, who is Abiah‘s cousin who he met in earlier days while they cut their musical teeth in the New York’s music landscape. Marvin Sewell, the album’s stellar guitarist, has been a frequent flyer in Cassandra Wilson’s ensemble since the late 1990s as well as Jack DeJohnette.

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Mitch’s Giveaway: Free Coupon Giveaway for Post Honey Bunches of Oats

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 19, 2012

If you’d like to try the new Honey Bunches of Oats for yourself (there are different flavors), you can enter to win one of five coupons for a FREE box (up to $4.49). To enter, just:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Post provided me with a free sample of their Honey Bunches of Oats – Honey Roasted for my review. All of the opinions expressed are completely my own.

El Dantes Gabriel S. Hardeman Georgia gospel music Pennsylvania Philadephia rhythm and blues Savoy Records The Delegation United States

Singer-songwriter Gabriel S. Hardeman dies

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 19, 2012

Gabriel S. Hardeman

According to a recent news release, singer-songwriter Gabriel S. Hardeman, 68, best-known for co-writing R&B star Stephanie Mills’ 1987 #1 hit “I Feel Good All Over” and Teddy Pendergrass’ “Truly Blessed”, died on Saturday, June 16 in the Philadelphia area from complications of interstitial fibrosis. He was diagnosed with the illness in May 2000 but with medication functioned well until 2005, when he started intermittently using a portable oxygen tank. His condition improved after a 2009 single lung transplant at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, but he recently began contacting friends to say that his prognosis was grim and to say goodbye.

Born December 13, 1943, in College Park, Ga., where his father was an African Methodist Episcopal pastor. He kicked off his music career by singing and playing piano at his dad’s church. His parents moved the family up north for better financial opportunities when he was still a youth. They settled in Harrisburg, Penn., before finally moving to Philadelphia where Hardeman graduated from William Penn High School.

After graduation, he briefly joined R&B band, the El Dantes, before going off to West Virginia State College as a physical education major. Upon graduation, he worked as a physical education teacher, and it’s during that period that The Gabriel Hardeman Delegation was born.

“There was a talent show, and I wanted to get some kids together and do some gospel music,” he told Rashod Ollison at Philadelphia Inquirer in 2001. “’Oh Happy Day’ was hot then. I had about 40 kids, and the next thing you know, word got around and we had like, 80 kids in the choir.”

They started performing throughout the year, but he’d lose his best singers as they graduated from high school, so he decided to create an independent group and named it The Delegation in 1973.

“We were doing then what folks like Kirk Franklin are doing now,” he told the Inquirer. “We would go into these conservative churches, and they would tell us we were doing the devil’s music.” The group signed to Savoy Records, where they recorded hit albums such as the self-titled LP that featured the radio hit “Feels Like Fire” and earned a Grammy Award nomination.

Hardeman became disenchanted with the politics of the gospel world and retired from recording for a while. However, he and his wife, Annette Hardeman (from the disco era trio, First Choice, best known for “Dr. Love”) began to write songs together. They wrote Stephanie Mills’ #1 R&B hit “I Feel Good All Over,” Mikki Howard’s #2 R&B smash “Love Under New Management” and a “This Is the Last Time” and “Truly Blessed” for Teddy Pendergrass. They also did backing vocal sessions for R&B acts such as Patti Labelle, Phil Perry and Phyllis Hyman.

Eventually, the industry demand for them to write more salacious R&B music conflicted with their faith, and they devoted themselves to writing and producing gospel music. Aside from writing for gospel acts such as Edwin Hawkins and the Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir, Hardeman recorded his own albums for the Messiah and Birthright labels before making a comeback with the Stellar Award nominated To the Chief Musician CD in 2001. Hardeman returned to Atlanta in 2003 to take care of his elderly parents, and he became a pastor in the Belleview Circuit AME Churches in the city. He returned to Philadelphia in 2008 to take advantage of the better medical facilities in the city.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Hardeman, and their son, Michael.

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DJ Tiesto’s app named “Music App of the Year”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 8, 2012

App-o-Day, the app deals and discovery tool from Iddiction, Inc., announces today Tiësto’s groundbreaking app as “Music App of the Year.” To celebrate they will give it away for free on June 9. App-o-Day’s mission since launch has been to bring users the best, hottest apps out there, straight to their iPhone or iPod for free. That’s why they’ve partnered up with Tiësto – who was recently voted “The Greatest DJ of All Time” by Mixmag – to give App-o-Day users the top state-of-the-art music app for free.

With countless achievements including a Grammy Award nomination, several MTV awards, and a performance at the opening ceremony of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Tiësto, a.k.a. Tijs Verwest, is one of the most recognizable electronic artists worldwide. He has developed an incredible following over his career and compiled more than 12 million Facebook fans, 1 million followers on Twitter and over 300 million hits on YouTube.

“We’re proud to bring our users one of the best music apps out there from one of the best DJ’s of all time. Whether you’re a diehard Tiësto fan or just getting into the electronic genre, we know you’ll love this app – and will love it even more now that it’s free to download through App-o-Day,” said Andrej Nabergoj, founder and CEO of Iddiction Inc.

Developed by Penté Group alongside Tiësto, the Tiësto App allows users to stream Tiësto’s music as well as his weekly Club Life podcast using a custom Tiësto music player. The app also allows users to connect with fans worldwide, access concert footage, photos and tickets, and unlock full VIP access to Tiësto’s InTheBooth.com website.

Here’s how the app works, and how you can get the Tiësto app for free:

1. Download App-o-Day from the iTunes App Store, or visit App-o-Day on the web (http://www.appoday.com/), Twitter (www.twitter.com/appoday) or Facebook (fb.me/appoday).

2. Discover the best, newest, hottest daily app deals, curated and delivered to your phone, every day.

3. Get the app deal from the iTunes App Store. From June 9 to June 11, Tiësto’s app will be featured as the App of the Day.

App-o-Day is available in the iPhone and iPod App Store for free download here: http://itunes.apple.com/en/app/appoday-free-app-deal-day/id492105097.

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Mitch’s Travel: Halekulani Corp. forges alliance with Japan airlines

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 8, 2012

Halekulani Corp., which includes globally-acclaimed luxury resort Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotel, is pleased to announce an inspiring partnership with Japan’s premier air travel provider, Japan Airlines (JAL). From June 1 to August 31, 2012, the alliance will extend the hotel’s renowned gracious hospitality and iconic services to flyers on the Narita – Honolulu route. Offering JAL’s discerning clients a taste of Halekulani Living, a unique lifestyle that is distinctly Halekulani and founded upon the core principles of Connoisseur, Wellness, Masterworks, and Legacy, this collaboration marks a new phase in the airline’s focus to extend a cultured experience and deliver a personalized service. The alliance builds upon Halekulani and JAL’s existing relationships with Japan’s legendary hotel group, Imperial Hotel, LTD of Tokyo.

“The partnerships of Halekulani, Imperial Hotel and JAL offer a powerful fusion of legacy-based world class services that provides the discerning Japanese traveler with a fluid, harmonious experience in either or both locales,” said Peter Shaindlin, chief operating officer of Halekulani Corp. in a news release. “It’s about offering the best of both worlds to every guest: two iconic, luxury independent hotels, east and west, at your personal service from door to door.”

Halekulani’s three most popular signature drinks will be offered throughout the evening in JAL’s First Class Lounge and Sakura Lounge at Narita Airport. Each beverage perfectly captures the essence of the world-class hotel. A tropical cocktail, the Halekulani Sunset features fresh guava, pineapple, rum and orchid flower. The Halekulani Iced Tea is the ideal summer infusion with a hint of lime for a refreshing finish, while the Passion Fruit Iced Tea offers a dash of sweetness from passion fruit that instantly brings a taste of Hawaii. In addition, Halekulani’s iconic Coconut Cake, featuring custard cream and a handcrafted raspberry sauce with a sprinkling of fresh coconut shavings, will be offered in JAL’s Executive Class onboard its three daily Narita-Honolulu flights.

Furthermore, as part of the alliance, all travelers who make reservations on a JAL flight to Honolulu during the Halekulani Fair taking place at Imperial Hotel Tokyo until June 30 will receive access to the JAL Sakura Lounge at Narita Airport through August 31, 2012.

Halekulani, meaning “House Befitting Heaven,” is an oasis of luxury, fine cuisine and personalized service for travelers worldwide. The property’s highly acclaimed original cocktails, refreshing iced teas and signature coconut cake, served every day at the hotel’s historical House Without A Key outdoor lounge and at award-winning Orchids restaurant represent one of the many unparalleled experiences of Halekulani.

For additional details on the collaboration, please visit www.jal.co.jp/japan/collaboration/halekulani/. For additional information on Halekulani, go to www.halekulani.com.

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Hot Club of Detroit expands its horizons with “Junction,” available Aug. 14

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 7, 2012

Hot Club of Detroit. Photo credit: Anna Webber

Following up It’s About That Time, Night Town and the eponymous 2006 debut Hot Club of Detroit – Hot Club of Detroit expands its sonic and compositional horizons with Junction. Retaining its original lineup of reeds, two guitars, accordion, upright bass and no drums, this is the band’s fourth release for Mack Avenue Records. There are personnel changes, however, and for the first time, the Hot Club of Detroit is joined (on three tracks) by a vocalist: French musician Cyrille Aimée, a native of Django Reinhardt’s hometown and third-place winner of the 2010 Thelonious Monk International Vocal Competition.

Junction’s sound is at once vintage and boldly new, rooted in the legacy of Django Reinhardt but also the sensibilities of Ornette Coleman, Pat Metheny, John Zorn and even the rock band Phish. Far from a traditional gypsy jazz ensemble, Hot Club of Detroit (HCOD) proves itself a versatile modern jazz group, with a unique acoustic-electric sound that surges past expectations and genre boundaries.

“A lot of bands that model themselves after the Hot Club of France are now working with drummers, or percussion of some sort,” says HCOD rhythm guitarist Paul Brady in a news release. “We never have. And by doing that it forces us to think creatively about what we can do without it. How can we approach odd meter, how can we approach certain grooves? Regardless of what a drummer can add, that absence to me is interesting and different.”

Unfortunately, Junction comes at a difficult time. HCOD bassist Andrew Kratzat and his fiancée were both seriously injured in an auto accident in July 2011, and are currently on a long road to recovery.

“This album is a dedication to both of them,” declares Brady. “It’s been tough for us, musically but also emotionally,” adds HCOD accordionist Julien Labro. “Andrew is like a brother, a family member. But we’re still hopeful, and one day I’m sure he’ll be back to playing.”

Honoring Kratzat’s example, bassist Shawn Conley brings stellar musicianship to Junction. Another new face is saxophonist Jon Irabagon, winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition and member of the acclaimed punk-jazz quartet Mostly Other People Do the Killing. Andrew Bishop, also on reeds, makes appearances on three tracks, increasing the band’s power and timbral variation. (Family obligations required Carl Cafagna, the group’s original saxophonist, to step aside.)

Different sounds coming together, band members collaborating from different cities: all of this makes Junction the perfect album title. “It’s a nice mix of pop-oriented material and also rather avant-garde stuff,” Brady concludes. “I remember an interview with Marc Ribot, my favorite guitarist in the world, talking about how avant-garde and pop have a lot of crossover, and even some of the musicians are the same people, like Marc himself. It made total sense to me, and it came into my mind while preparing this record.”

Perri concurs: “We’ve always believed that if Django Reinhardt were alive today, he wouldn’t play the same way he always did. In his short lifespan, you can see how much evolution and vision he had. To pay tribute to him is to continue pursuing our own ideas.”

BLAC Inc. black history Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. books Deep Deuce Oklahoma Oklahoma City United States Yukon

BLAC Inc. director to receive Creative Women of Oklahoma Award

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 6, 2012

Anita Arnold

Anita G. Arnold, executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. in Oklahoma City, OK, has been chosen to receive the Creative Women of Oklahoma Award at noon on Saturday, June 9 by Delta Kappa Gamma of the International Society for Key Women Educators.

Arnold learned in a letter that she would receive the Gamma State award as the author of “Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond.” The award is given in recognition of Oklahoma women who excel through an expression of creativity that encourages, inspires and reaches children. According to the letter, “the extraordinary story of the place and people of Deep Deuce is exemplary of these qualities.

Delta Kappa Gamma Society of International Society for Key Women Educators is a professional honorary society of 150,000 women from 14 different countries. It is a membership by invitation only society. Among their several purposes are 1) To unite women educators of the world in a genuine spiritual fellowship and 2) To honor women who have given or who evidence a potential for distinctive service in any field of education.

Arnold, who is in the field of arts education, said she is thrilled to have been recognized by the international organization for the work that she has done.

“It is reflective of the great music history, traditions and African Americans in Oklahoma City. It is wonderful to know that others in our state and across the world think so highly of this history,” she said in a news release. “I am just an instrument to bring that awareness to Oklahoma. It is an honor, indeed, and an humbling experience to find myself in this place at this time.”

The affair will be held at Yukon High School. Arnold will do a book signing of “Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond” at the event. She is an author of three other books.