Orange Soul Sheet Tipping to the Nu Music Movement Volume 1 issue 10 718-455-0092 [email protected] 818-506-1424 (West Coast office)
June1-15, 2007 Kevin Harewood (Publisher) Bruce Jones (advertising sales) ======A Look Back to Move Forward
We are in the month of June which is hailed as “Black Music Month”. This yearly occurrence has led me to reflect on the music that has been the foundation of the music menu of my life.
The first artists I really got into were Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Sly and The Family Stone. It is a well known fact that Stevie and Marvin recorded for the then independently owned Motown family of labels. Sly recorded for the major Columbia Records. However, his music and visual output still exhibited that he was a bastion of independent thought.
In my college days I began an affinity for jazz by coming across Grover Washington Jrs Soul Box and Mr Magic albums. These records made me go back and find the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Dexter Gordon my father had played since I was a little thing. Grover was originally on the independent CTI label owned by Creed Taylor.
My excursion into reggae started with Bob Marley’s “Natty Dread” which was on Chris Blackwell’s then independent Island Records. I really got open to hip hop with “Rock Box” on the independent Profile label and “Eric B For President” by Eric B and Rakim which ended up on Island subsidiary 4 th and Broadway. My first job in the music business was at the then independent A&M records.
Independent labels have always advanced creativity in the face of the status quo. Advancing creativity has always bred excellence. That excellence has past the test of time.
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
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Kevin Harewood is the publisher of The Orange Soul Sheet and the author of the newly released book “Make Your Move” –A Guide to Releasing Music Independently
Industry Spotlight-Gil Robertson -The Robertson Treatment
For as long as I have known him, Gil Robertson IV has been a multi dimensional media-entertainment industry powerhouse. I met him first as a journalist when he was the urban music editor at the now defunct Cashbox trade publication. I have witnessed him as a publicist/media consultant on projects by the likes of Victor Fields, Kered, Tony Gwynn, Marcus Johnson, Omar Tyree and others.
He recently has been getting much attention due to involvement as author, editor, compilation producer of “Not in My Family-AIDS in the African-American Community ”. “Not in My Family” is a powerful book and companion CD that addresses HIV/AIDS in the Black community. The book has entries by such voices as Robertson, Patti Labelle, Jocelyn Elders, Randall Robinson, Hill Harper, Deya Smith Starks and others. The gospel oriented CD has contributions from Yolanda Adams, Byron Cage, Natalie Wilson and others.
In light of the epidemic that is among us this is Robertson’s most important output to date.
Orange News
The correct release date for Soul Thought recording artist Donnie’s new project “The Daily News ” is June 19 th .
New York based songstress Kendra Ross will be celebrating the release of her new CD with a party and performance at The Highlands on June 29 th . The Highlands is a new venue operated by the same folks that run The Blue Note and BB Kings in New York. Chris Rob heretofore largely known as a keyboardist for John Legend will also be on the bill.
Detroit based artist Nadir has returned to the marketplace with a project entitled, “Slave-The Mixtape”.
Orpheus Records is readying the Freddie Jackson track “Transitions ” for release to urban AC radio. This is the title track of Jackson’s most appealing full length in years and comes on the heels of “More Than Friends”.
Similarly Regina Records has released the title track from Victor Fields current full length “Thinking of You ” to urban ac radio. Track was already on of the most added new tracks at the format. It follows Fields high charting version of Bill Withers “A Lovely Day”.
Internet radio talk show “Complimenting Views ” is having a series of programs during June in celebration of Black Music Month. The shows airs live every Friday evening at 7PM at www.caribworldradio.com .
Soultracks.com has launched a new website with new interactive features to go along with the usual cadre of information. Check out www.soultracks.com
www.purposerecords.com
You know him as a Songwriter! You know him as a Producer! Now meet Gordon Chambers as a Recording Artist in his own right Featuring duets with Ledisi and Melonie Daniels Featured on AOL Black Voices, Honey Soul, Soul Tracks and Ebony Magazine Heard on WHUR, WHCR, WVBE, WGPR, Music Choice-The Lounge, XM Suite 62 and other outlets. For more information contact [email protected] www.gordonchambers.com www.myspace.com/gordonchambers
Artist Spotlight-Martha Redbone
Martha Redbone’s storytelling, wit and funk first came to me via her track “Boyfriend”. I thoroughly enjoy both of her full length efforts. Her recent show at The Highlands (PJ Morton and Steve Wallace opened) confirmed she is a high level live performer. Catch her when she comes your way.
Orange Soul Top 25 June 1, 2007 Compiled from a survey of Key independent retailers and radio programs.
1) Eric Roberson- Left 2) Maysa-Feel The Fire 3) Chuck Brown-We Are About the Business 4) Maya Azucena-Junkyard Jewel 5) Sunshine Anderson-Sunshine at Midnight 6) Choklate 7) Norman Brown- Stay With Me 8) Paul Taylor 9) Amel Larrieux 10) Julie Dexter/Khari Simmons- Moon Bossa 11) 4 Hero-Play with Changes 12) Freddie Jackson-Transitions 13) Peter Hadar 14) Gordon Chamber-Love Stories 15) Anthony David-Red Clay Chronicles 16) Conya Doss- Love Rain Down 17) Tamia- 18) Howard Hewitt- 19) Boney James 20) Jazzy Jeff-Return of the Magnificent 21) Elizabeth Withers- 22) Whispers-For Your Ears Only 23) Victor Fields-Thinking of You 24) Joe Sample/Randy Crawford 25) Russell Taylor-Somewhere in Between
Eric Roberson continues to hold at number 1. Several contemporary jazz titles like Norman Brown, Paul Taylor, Joe Sample/Randy Crawford and Boney James show up strong at retail. Could it be the beginning of the outdoor jazz festival season is influencing the activity on these titles.
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www.Rhythmflowradio.net ______
Somewhere in Between- A Stirring Debut from Russell Taylor Available now!!!!!contact [email protected] Check out www.russelltaylor.net