While the Essence Music Festival was three months ago, it’s still fresh in my mind. I spent three nights seeing some incredible performances while eating good food and enjoying the company of my sister and sista girlfriend (this is what I call my friends who I’m really close to).
For those not in the know, the Essence Music Festival is a three-day extravaganza in New Orleans. Started in celebration of Essence magazine turning 25 in 1995, the festival was intended to be a one-time event.
Sixteen years later, it’s still going strong as the largest event celebrating black culture and music in the United States, according to Wikipedia.com.
I’ve been to Essence only once before – in 1998 – and I only stayed for one day. I didn’t get to experience any concerts, celebrity sightings or seminars.
Over the years, my sister and I have talked about going. Year after year, we would think about checking it out, but never made any plans to do so. This year, we committed to attending, and I’m so happy we did. Over the course of three days, we ate, shopped, listened to great speakers at various seminars, and saw celebrity after celebrity.
But the best aspect of the trip was the three-days of concerts. We attended every night and danced until we couldn’t dance anymore. Besides artists performing on the main stage, there were singers in the “super lounges.” Some of the best performances were in the lounges.
Following are some highlights of a fraction of the artists we had the pleasure of seeing.
Monica: Although we came in towards the end of her set, I was happy we were able to catch the last few songs. Monica has always had a powerful voice, and it came across well in such a large venue. Her tribute to Whitney Houston was memorable and sad at the same time. It’s unfortunate Whitney can’t even sing her own material well anymore.
Raphael Saadiq: I know he’s had his solo career for awhile now, but to me he will always be a member of Tony!, Toni!, Tonè!. He performed a variety of his own stuff mixed with his former groups (he was in the short-lived group Lucy Pearl as well), which made for one heck of a performance!
Mary Mary: This gospel duo has pipes that will blow a lot of todays so-called pop stars out the water. I’m not much into gospel music, but their song Yesterday always takes me to a higher place when I hear it. I would love to see them again.
Chrisette Michele: One word – astonishing! She performed every song I love off her second album Epiphany and left me wanting more. I hope she comes to concert here really soon.
Janet Jackson: One expects a high-caliber performance from Janet, and the crowd was not dissatisfied. We rarely sat down (I don’t think I did ever), while she performed Pleasure Principle, You Want This, Come Back to Me, Let’s Wait Awhile, Black Cat, Nasty, Rhythm Nation, Escapade, Love Will Never Do Without You, I Get So Lonely, and the list just goes on. The best part was when she called the unsuspecting male from the audience during Discipline. Let’s just say I’m sure he’s still thinking about Janet right now!
LL Cool J: The ladies definitely loved Cool J as soon as he uttered the first verse of Phenomenon. Those lips! Those biceps! That body! It was enough to have women going out of their minds. Oh, his performance was rockin! It’s unfortunate his set was cut short, but he did my favorite – I’m Bad!
Joe: Relegated to a super lounge, he should have been on the main stage instead of Trey Songz (who, incidentally I purposely missed seeing. Watching him perform live once was enough for me). Back to Joe’s performance – trying to see his show was a nightmare! I almost gave up, but decided I couldn’t miss seeing him sing at least one song. I was able to hear All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do) and Good Girls. Hopefully he’s coming here soon because what I saw left me wanting much more.
Alicia Keys: Disclaimer, I saw Alicia perform in April, so I knew what to expect. Still, I sang and danced like it was my first time experiencing her performance. There were slight changes because of the time constraints, but Alicia still sang all her hits and songs from her latest release The Element of Freedom.
Jill Scott: Another disclaimer, I saw Jill perform in June (see previous blog), but I love, love, LOVE watching Jill perform live. Anytime she comes to town, I’m there because each show is always different. She’s an artist who doesn’t always stick with the album version of her songs – and she need not to. With the voice she has, the crowd will always walk away pleased. Besides Jill’s voice, the best part of her show was the silhouette dancers. They were working it out.
Mary J. Blige: My last disclaimer, I’m going to see Mary on Oct. 23 (look for a blog about upcoming concerts in a few days). One would think that since I already saw Mary I would forgo the opportunity to see her again. NOT! I have been waiting – since Mary’s album Stronger With Each Tear dropped in December of 2009 – for this tour. Her New Orleans performance was just the warm up for me. The most exciting moment was when rapper T.I. appeared for his part on the song Good Love. The crowd went nuts. I can’t wait to see how she incorporates his part into her show this go round.
Earth, Wind & Fire: Closing out this year’s festival, the band’s performance was what you would expect from a group that’s been in the music business going on 40 years. EWF had the audience dancing in the aisle, and those with floor seats started the Electric Slide. I’ve never seen that many people doing the same dance at the same time.
Me
- Soul Sista D
- Bay Area, CA, United States
- Music wakes me and keeps me going all day, every day. I’ve had a love for music since childhood, and it’s only intensified as I’ve matured. Musings On Music was inspired by Kenny Lattimore. I saw him perform in 2008 and realized there was something in his music that spoke to me on a level which said I needed to write about what I witnessed. I’ve been writing ever since.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Caller number nine
Everyday, the local radio station (102.9 KBLX for those of you who live in the Bay Area) gives away tickets to various events. It could be tickets to a basketball game, Disney on Ice or concerts. Most times, I’m only paying attention the concert tickets.
Back in May they were promoting the upcoming Maxwell, Jill Scott concert by giving away fourth, third, second and first row seats. It just so happened that I bought my pre-sale tickets a few days before they started giving these seats away.
As I was getting ready for work, the DJ asked for the next line of Maxwell’s first single, Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder). The winner received second row seats.
Even though I just bought my tickets, I grabbed my cell and home phones and began the back-and-forth dialing. Each time a busy signal greeted my ears, I told myself I would try a few more times and end my quest to make eye contact with one of the sexiest singers my generation has ever known.
After I pressed send on my cell phone one final time, it began to ring. I immediately started praying, “Lord please let them answer the phone and I’m the right caller.”
“KBLX,” Kevin Brown answers.
“What caller am I?” I say.
“It happened the moment,” he says.
“When you were revealed,” I say back.
“Hold on and turn down your radio.”
For the next few minutes, I kept praying that my call wasn’t disconnected. Was I actually about to win second row seats to a concert of two of my favorite artists? My heart was racing when he finally came back on the line.
“KBLX, you’re on the phone with Kevin Brown and Nicky Thomas. Who is this?”
“Denice.”
“Denice, what city?”
And so it went. I remember him saying something about maybe they didn’t have the right caller because I didn’t sound excited. I told him I was concentrating on making sure I said the line right. He said something about Maxwell singing to me and I said he would be holding my hand.
Nicky said something about that was going to be her. I corrected her and said it was going to be me!
After I said the correct line, I lost it. Did I really just win second row?!?!?
Yes indeed. I immediately called my sister and asked if she would come out for the concert (she lives in another state). She made her plans that day.
So, I say to you this – the next time you hear a radio station giving away something you really want, keep trying. You may just have a caller nine moment of your own!
BTW: The concert lived up to all my expectations. See older post below for my review.
Back in May they were promoting the upcoming Maxwell, Jill Scott concert by giving away fourth, third, second and first row seats. It just so happened that I bought my pre-sale tickets a few days before they started giving these seats away.
As I was getting ready for work, the DJ asked for the next line of Maxwell’s first single, Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder). The winner received second row seats.
Even though I just bought my tickets, I grabbed my cell and home phones and began the back-and-forth dialing. Each time a busy signal greeted my ears, I told myself I would try a few more times and end my quest to make eye contact with one of the sexiest singers my generation has ever known.
After I pressed send on my cell phone one final time, it began to ring. I immediately started praying, “Lord please let them answer the phone and I’m the right caller.”
“KBLX,” Kevin Brown answers.
“What caller am I?” I say.
“It happened the moment,” he says.
“When you were revealed,” I say back.
“Hold on and turn down your radio.”
For the next few minutes, I kept praying that my call wasn’t disconnected. Was I actually about to win second row seats to a concert of two of my favorite artists? My heart was racing when he finally came back on the line.
“KBLX, you’re on the phone with Kevin Brown and Nicky Thomas. Who is this?”
“Denice.”
“Denice, what city?”
And so it went. I remember him saying something about maybe they didn’t have the right caller because I didn’t sound excited. I told him I was concentrating on making sure I said the line right. He said something about Maxwell singing to me and I said he would be holding my hand.
Nicky said something about that was going to be her. I corrected her and said it was going to be me!
After I said the correct line, I lost it. Did I really just win second row?!?!?
Yes indeed. I immediately called my sister and asked if she would come out for the concert (she lives in another state). She made her plans that day.
So, I say to you this – the next time you hear a radio station giving away something you really want, keep trying. You may just have a caller nine moment of your own!
BTW: The concert lived up to all my expectations. See older post below for my review.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Erykah Badu, Mountain View Winery, June 19, 2010
Having discovered Erykah Badu’s in 1997 when I was fresh out of college (the same college Badu attended), I’ve been a die-hard fan of the “On & On” singer. If I were stranded on a deserted island and only had the option of listening to one singer – hands down – she would be the chosen one.
For 13 years, I’ve been on the Badu ride. I remember when “Mama’s Gun” was released and how I thought she had written “Bag Lady” with me in mind. For me, that album was a great follow up to “Baduizm” and I believed it was her best album (I still do. “Worldwide Underground” is a close second).
The first time I saw her in concert was at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA. As I stood in a long line to purchase tickets, I engaged myself in a conversation with some ladies about how profound Erykah was and how people just didn’t get her.
I have lost count of the times I’ve defended her against those that say she’s “weird.”
“She’s not,” I say. “She’s just a human being who happens to be different and on a higher plane some people will never reach. And she believes in being true to herself no matter what others think.”
If only everyone could be so brave and live according to their own rules.
When she released new “Amerkyah Part I, 4th World War,” I’ll admit it didn’t grow on me. I tried and tried – and tried – to like it. In the end, I just couldn’t. I was used to a different sound and message.
I told myself she had one more album before I couldn’t support her anymore. Then along came her single “Window Seat.” Aw, I proclaimed, here’s the Erykah I enjoyed.
I happily purchased “New Amerkyah Part II, The Return of the Ankh,” and after listening to this album over and over, I now have an appreciation for the first New Amerkyah. How funny is that?
All of this brings me to her Out of My Mind, Just in Time tour. Having missed her performance earlier this year because of aforementioned reasons, I quickly purchased my ticket to the Mountain View Winery. She was performing at the Paramount in Oakland, but I dislike that venue for reasons I’ll write about in another blog.
Through the red haze of lights, Badu’s band opened the show with “Amerykahn Promise” and transitioned into “20 Feet Tall.” Out strolled Erykah singing crisp and clear: “My love/ what did I do/to make you fall/so far from me.”
The jazzy, yet at times, up tempo set continued with “Out of My Mind, Just in Time,” “I Choose Me,” “Gone Baby Don’t Be Long,” and “On & On.”
During “Didn’t Cha Know,” Erykah told the crowd that there will be a “brighter day if you believe. Not because I told you to, but just believe in yourself as I believe in you.”
The song highlight of the night for me is from the album Baduizm. “No Love” is a song who’s meaning hit me while driving down the highway one night with my ex-boyfriend. Those lyrics expressed exactly how I felt at the time.
The most hilarious moment of the evening was when she sang “You Loving Me (Session).” Every time I hear this song, I crack up and Erykah let the crowd know she really wouldn’t do that to a man she was dating.
“I Want You,” is already a sexy song, but she made it even sexier by adding Zapp and Roger Troutman’s “More Bounce to The Ounce.”
My only complaint is that the set was too short – apparently the Winery has a 10:15 p.m., curfew I wasn’t aware of. The crowd didn’t get to hear “Bag Lady” or “Tyrone,” but I was fortunate enough to have seen Badu the previous evening at Yoshi’s in San Francisco, where she blessed the crowd with the aforementioned songs.
Side note: I really enjoyed the sound quality at the Mountain View Winery and there really wasn’t a bad seat in the house.
For 13 years, I’ve been on the Badu ride. I remember when “Mama’s Gun” was released and how I thought she had written “Bag Lady” with me in mind. For me, that album was a great follow up to “Baduizm” and I believed it was her best album (I still do. “Worldwide Underground” is a close second).
The first time I saw her in concert was at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA. As I stood in a long line to purchase tickets, I engaged myself in a conversation with some ladies about how profound Erykah was and how people just didn’t get her.
I have lost count of the times I’ve defended her against those that say she’s “weird.”
“She’s not,” I say. “She’s just a human being who happens to be different and on a higher plane some people will never reach. And she believes in being true to herself no matter what others think.”
If only everyone could be so brave and live according to their own rules.
When she released new “Amerkyah Part I, 4th World War,” I’ll admit it didn’t grow on me. I tried and tried – and tried – to like it. In the end, I just couldn’t. I was used to a different sound and message.
I told myself she had one more album before I couldn’t support her anymore. Then along came her single “Window Seat.” Aw, I proclaimed, here’s the Erykah I enjoyed.
I happily purchased “New Amerkyah Part II, The Return of the Ankh,” and after listening to this album over and over, I now have an appreciation for the first New Amerkyah. How funny is that?
All of this brings me to her Out of My Mind, Just in Time tour. Having missed her performance earlier this year because of aforementioned reasons, I quickly purchased my ticket to the Mountain View Winery. She was performing at the Paramount in Oakland, but I dislike that venue for reasons I’ll write about in another blog.
Through the red haze of lights, Badu’s band opened the show with “Amerykahn Promise” and transitioned into “20 Feet Tall.” Out strolled Erykah singing crisp and clear: “My love/ what did I do/to make you fall/so far from me.”
The jazzy, yet at times, up tempo set continued with “Out of My Mind, Just in Time,” “I Choose Me,” “Gone Baby Don’t Be Long,” and “On & On.”
During “Didn’t Cha Know,” Erykah told the crowd that there will be a “brighter day if you believe. Not because I told you to, but just believe in yourself as I believe in you.”
The song highlight of the night for me is from the album Baduizm. “No Love” is a song who’s meaning hit me while driving down the highway one night with my ex-boyfriend. Those lyrics expressed exactly how I felt at the time.
The most hilarious moment of the evening was when she sang “You Loving Me (Session).” Every time I hear this song, I crack up and Erykah let the crowd know she really wouldn’t do that to a man she was dating.
“I Want You,” is already a sexy song, but she made it even sexier by adding Zapp and Roger Troutman’s “More Bounce to The Ounce.”
My only complaint is that the set was too short – apparently the Winery has a 10:15 p.m., curfew I wasn’t aware of. The crowd didn’t get to hear “Bag Lady” or “Tyrone,” but I was fortunate enough to have seen Badu the previous evening at Yoshi’s in San Francisco, where she blessed the crowd with the aforementioned songs.
Side note: I really enjoyed the sound quality at the Mountain View Winery and there really wasn’t a bad seat in the house.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Jill Scott & Maxwell, Oracle Arena – June 5, 2010
As soon as I heard these two power house voices were touring together, I immediately sent out the “Do you want to go to this concert,” e-mail and bought the tickets.
The very next day, I won 2nd row seats on a local radio station – and I’ve been anxiously looking forward to this concert ever since.
I’ve only had such great seats at a concert one previous time, and I vowed to always try and sit as close as I possibly could.
The concert promptly began at 7 p.m., and according to my sources (I was running slightly late), the opening comedian, Guy Torry, was pretty funny.
While standing in line to buy a T-shirt, my sister – who flew from out of town to enjoy the second row with me – said, “Is that music?” It was indeed the beginning notes to Jill Scott’s “Gimme.”
While rushing to our seats, I danced my way down the aisle to seat number 11, enjoying Jill singing about wanting it in the morning and evening.
There is something about Jill’s voice that is at once powerful yet mesmerizing. You can feel her emotions come through as she sings about life, love, relationships and self. Throughout the entire show, she gave her all.
It was apparent that it was painful for Jill to sing the popular “He Loves Me,” yet, she made it through. This came after a commanding performance of a new song which will hopefully be on her forthcoming album.
Attending a Jill Scott show has always been, for me, a chance to feel how she feels when she’s singing about living her life like it’s “Golden,” or people hating on her or having “Crown Royal” on ice. I know where she coming from on that “Long Walk,” or when that certain man “Crosses My Mind” and she wants him to “Come See Me.”
Maxwell, on the other hand, just gives me the opportunity to live in a fantasy-land the entire time he’s on stage. Maxwell has an undeniable sex appeal that continues to improve as he matures.
When he appeared on stage and slipped into a mellow groove, I knew it was going to be another memorable Maxwell performance.
The voice, the moves, the smile, the style – Maxwell is just one sexy being! He could sing the pages of the telephone book and make it sound like a sweet love song.
Maxwell sang songs from each of his album including "Sumthin’ Sumthin’," "Ascension (Don’t Ever Worry)," ". . . ’Til the Cops Come Knockin’," "Get to Know Ya," "Lifetime," "Stop the World" and of course the encore was "Pretty Wings." He even busted out with Al Green's "Beautiful."
While I was worried about the performance of both artists not translating well in such a big venue, they both proved the show will still be dynamic no matter the size of the stage.
Up next:
Erykah Badu, June 18 at the Paramount Theater in Oakland and June 19 and the Mountain View Winery in Saratoga. Ticketmaster.com
Essence Festival featuring such artists as Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jill Scott, Chrisette Michele, LL Cool J, Lalah Hathaway. New Orleans, LA. July 2-4. essencemusicfestival.com
The very next day, I won 2nd row seats on a local radio station – and I’ve been anxiously looking forward to this concert ever since.
I’ve only had such great seats at a concert one previous time, and I vowed to always try and sit as close as I possibly could.
The concert promptly began at 7 p.m., and according to my sources (I was running slightly late), the opening comedian, Guy Torry, was pretty funny.
While standing in line to buy a T-shirt, my sister – who flew from out of town to enjoy the second row with me – said, “Is that music?” It was indeed the beginning notes to Jill Scott’s “Gimme.”
There is something about Jill’s voice that is at once powerful yet mesmerizing. You can feel her emotions come through as she sings about life, love, relationships and self. Throughout the entire show, she gave her all.
It was apparent that it was painful for Jill to sing the popular “He Loves Me,” yet, she made it through. This came after a commanding performance of a new song which will hopefully be on her forthcoming album.
Attending a Jill Scott show has always been, for me, a chance to feel how she feels when she’s singing about living her life like it’s “Golden,” or people hating on her or having “Crown Royal” on ice. I know where she coming from on that “Long Walk,” or when that certain man “Crosses My Mind” and she wants him to “Come See Me.”
Maxwell, on the other hand, just gives me the opportunity to live in a fantasy-land the entire time he’s on stage. Maxwell has an undeniable sex appeal that continues to improve as he matures.
When he appeared on stage and slipped into a mellow groove, I knew it was going to be another memorable Maxwell performance.
Maxwell sang songs from each of his album including "Sumthin’ Sumthin’," "Ascension (Don’t Ever Worry)," ". . . ’Til the Cops Come Knockin’," "Get to Know Ya," "Lifetime," "Stop the World" and of course the encore was "Pretty Wings." He even busted out with Al Green's "Beautiful."
While I was worried about the performance of both artists not translating well in such a big venue, they both proved the show will still be dynamic no matter the size of the stage.
Up next:
Erykah Badu, June 18 at the Paramount Theater in Oakland and June 19 and the Mountain View Winery in Saratoga. Ticketmaster.com
Essence Festival featuring such artists as Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jill Scott, Chrisette Michele, LL Cool J, Lalah Hathaway. New Orleans, LA. July 2-4. essencemusicfestival.com
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Mary gets Stronger With Each Tear
I made sure I bought a copy of Mary J. Blige’s new album, Stronger With Each Tear the day it was released. I was confident that MJB would provide listeners with another CD that would be played from beginning to end.
My confidence was not misguided. I haven’t stopped listening to this album since Dec. 22. I’m actually listening to it right now. What better way to review a CD than to have it playing in the background?
I’d like to think that Mary has been on a journey of self discovery since the release of What’s the 411? in 1991. It’s a journey that I’ve taken with her. Mary has been with me from my junior year in high school, to what I like to call my grown woman years. My Life was on heavy rotation my freshman and sophomore years of college, and I related to Growing Pains (her last release) on every level.
I knew I would love Stronger With Each Tear the moment I heard The One. I’ve been walking around saying “I ain’t sayin’ that I’m the best, but I’m the best” for much of 2009. Then I heard I Am on the radio a few months ago and couldn’t wait to hear the rest of her CD.
I absolutely love I Feel Good. It’s a song you throw on when you are getting ready for a night on the town – knowing that when you step out the house looking fly, all eyes will be on you – and there isn’t anything anyone can do to you to make you feel any different.
I also love In the Morning. It’s a very simple song about Mary wondering if her man is going to be around in the morning after the relationship starts changing.
I’m wondering if she’s trying to send a message to her hubby, Kendu with the song I Love You (Yes I Du). Notice to spelling of “do.” If she is, he better pay attention!
With lyrics like, “I want to be together/together for forever/but I don’t think that you can see our love that far/cause when I’m giving you lovin’/I feel you’re holding back/we can be in the same room and I don’t know where you’re at,” she’s definitely saying something!
Kitchen always makes me laugh when I hear it. The line, “Trying to take my man/is like trying to take my money/and trying to take my money/just ain’t happening,” cracks me up. Never let a girl cook in your kitchen!
My sister and I have been discussing what song should be the next single. I think it should either be Each Tear or I Feel Good.
On repeat: The One, I Feel Good, I Am and In the Morning
Skim through: Not a single song!
I can’t wait for Mary to tour. I think it will be another pass-out experience for me!
Speaking of tours:
Chris Botti: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, Flint Center , Cupertino
Erykah Badu: 8 p.m., Friday, Feb 19, Fox Theater in Oakland
Chrisette Michele: 9 p.m., Saturday, March 27, Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
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