::RECAP:: LIANNE LA HAVAS & ALICE SMITH LIVE

::RECAP:: LIANNE LA HAVAS & ALICE SMITH LIVE

by Daniel Harris end note by Gypsy
Photos by: Nocturnal Charm

While Baltimore may not be thought of a city for great acts to perform, 24-7 Entertainment and Baltimore Soundstage is doing what it can to quickly change that perception.

This past Friday, the Marketplace venue was blessed host to two powerful, sultry, dazzling artists in Alice Smith and Lianne La Havas. Aside from two amazing performances, what was most intriguing about the night was the composition of the crowd.

The concert was open to all ages and that's exactly what the crowd consisted of. Those under 21 were represented very well. In fact, it seemed as if they made up the majority of the crowd. It was quite inspiring. There are a lot of notions about those under 21 and their music selections these days. Many major labels seem to think that if it doesn't have a catchy hook or repetitive beat, this group will not support. Observing the crowd last Friday, it may be in the best interest of some labels to reevaluate their notion.

The show starts and the place erupted with cheer for Alice Smith as she took the stage. Judging from the expression on her face, it really took her by surprise. No full band, no instrumental tracks, no DJ; Alice took the stage with an acoustic guitar player and her booming voice.

Her setup proved to be the perfect means to get lost in her music. Alice is a pure singer and her lyrical content was not overshadowed by her singing ability. As she was singing, it was apparent that she possess the ability to draw listeners in to the raw emotion of her music.

Once her set was finished, Alice Smith left the stage to the same eruption of cheers she received at the start of her performance. The crowd is given a few minutes to wrap their heads around the experience while the stage is set up for Lianne La Havas.

Lianne delivers her music with intense passion, connecting with her audience on a very real level. Setting up to perform "Forget", she let the crowd know that their singing of the hook needed to be as angry as possible to really express the emotion of the song. In fact, throughout the night, Lianne seemed unashamed to share many of her life experiences through her music.

Her vocal abilities are equally matched by her incredible talents as a musician. It is a well known fact that she has the talent to play guitar. Her album "Is Your Love Big Enough?" did a great job to highlight her talent with songs like "They Could Be Wrong" and "Age". However, during her live performance, she showed the audience that her skill set goes way beyond just being able to merely play guitar. Lianne La Havas is a rocker in every sense of the word!

Thanks to the efforts of groups like 24-7 Entertainment and Baltimore Soundstage, the Charm City is quickly on the rise to host more amazing shows like this one. Thank you to the Baltimore Soundstage for the access.

To view more pictures for the show please click HERE

Gypsy Note:

Ive seen many shows and heard many artists perform but this was one of the best musical experiences I have ever participated in. I say participate because there is a giving and a taking done by both the artists and the audience during a live show such as this where the artists are so vulnerable and raw. After being a fan for so long of Alice Smith it was fulfilling to be able to FINALLY see her live and to experience what I hear in my car or all over my house was incredible. To add to the night the beautiful voice of one of my new favorites, Lianne La Havas made for an unforgettable evening. Not to mention they both were sweet as pie and incredibly gracious. Imagine if these ladies were played on the radio here in Baltimore, imagine how the things were hear might change the things we do...how substantive music on the airwaves might change the culture of a city...

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::RECAP:: Christian Scott Live

::RECAP:: Christian Scott Live
Photos and post by Leo Wilson

As I walked down the staircase leading to Bohemian Caverns, all I could hear was a voice speaking out into the audience. No music, no uproar, no ambient sounds; just a voice speaking. That voice belonged to Christian Scott as he explained his music and the meaning behind one of his songs. 

 

Scott actually focused a good bit of effort in laying out the details of events leading up to the making of his intense music. One particular account was of a verbal standoff between him and New Orleans law enforcement, who had unfairly profiled him, resulting in the very encounter that gave inspiration for one of his songs, "K.K.P.D".

 

 The music performed after such an explanation hit dead on point, only a further expression of emotion fueled experience. Through varying movements and facial expression, the depths of the passion which he has for his music and his instrument was displayed, both of which he has mastered with precision.

If you have not heard the double album Christian Atunde Adjuah I suggest you purchase it quickly. Its more than Jazz, its emotion made melodies and tunes. His album was named by Allmusic.com as one of the best of 2012. Become a fan of Christian Scott HERE.

 
Thank you O for the access! To see more pictures click HERE

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::RECAP:: Cody Chestnut | LIVE On Love Day

::RECAP:: Cody Chestnut | LIVE On Love Day
Post and Photos by Diamond Dixon 
Additional photos by Leo Wilson

 

 Photo: Diamond Dixon

This past Universal Love Day was definitely a night to remember at The Hamilton, a restaurant and music venue located in Washington, D.C. 

The Hamilton's ambiance created by nicely dimmed room and beautiful portraits all catered to the nights positive vibe. The immensely talented soul musician, Cody ChesnuTT performed an amazing set of tunes and totally rocked it out!

 

 Photo: Diamond Dixon

Performing innovative songs like “Love Is More Than A Wedding Day” and “Where Is All The Money Going” from his latest album titled, Landing On A Hundred, had the crowd wowed at his heartfelt lyrics. As his performance came to an end, he embraced the audience letting us know we are all one.

  Photo: Diamond Dixon

Cody is such an remarkable and passionate artist, definitely someone worth seeing live! 

Thank you to The Hamilton for the access be sure to follow them at @thehamiltondc to find out about upcoming live shows and make sure to keep up with Cody ChestnuTT at www.cchesnutt.com and @codychesnutt. 

To view more photos from the night just click HERE.

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::RECAP:: The Roots at Fillmore Silver Spring

::RECAP:: The Roots at Fillmore Silver Spring
Photos Courtesy of: Joe Noyes Photography & Joi-Marie McKenzie

Special shout out to our good friends at CD Enterprises & The Fillmore Silver Spring for access

Last night a diverse and eclectic crowd was literally seeing sounds at the Fillmore Silver Spring as the phenomenal Roots Crew took on the stage. The show opened with "Sleep" and "Make My", two tracks from their latest album Undun. The crowd was pleasantly surprised when Bilal hit the stage where he and Black Thought took us to the How I Got Over album with "Dear God", while P.O.R.N. and Dice Raw rocked the stage on "Walk Alone".

Fans that have been with the Roots Crew since 1994 were also in for a treat when a go-go spin was put on their liberation anthem "Proceed" from their Do You Want More album. The crowd went wild, and it became evident that you were in the DMV as everyone went off to ?uestlove becoming completely in sync with his drums. The instrumentation throughout what seemed like a 90 minute segment was simply amazing where there was a mix of latin, electronica, jazz, and funk providing eargasms for all that were in attendance.

Classic song "Break You Off" was done beautifully and sounded even better live. This was followed by Bilal returning to the stage and literally ripping it apart with his amazing energy on "The Other Side" where he belted out loudly “That’s When We’ll Settle Up the Score” as the crowd chanted along aimlessly. Although lyricist Black Thought obviously held his own, the band members also had their own epic moments, such as the percussion battle between ?uestlove and F. Knuckles, the solo done by Damon "Tuba Gooding Jr." Bryson, and the band rocking out to their own version of "Jungle Boogie".



The long awaited song of the evening was of course "You Got Me" . Electric guitar player Captain Kirk Douglas sung the vocals, while Black Thought graciously spit his lyrics over instrumentals that were remixed to the "Ni99as In Paris" beat. If you were not a Roots Crew fan prior to seeing them at this sold-out show, one could not help but to become one after seeing their live performance. The Roots Crew has successfully mastered the art of having mass appeal, which can be reflected in the assorted groups of people regardless of race or age that follow their music.

And if you haven't been to the Fillmore Siver Spring, the venue is incredible and nice night life addition to the area. Make sure to support consistantly popular shows in 2012.

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::RECAP:: Mint Condition

::RECAP:: Mint Condition
Photos by Nocturnal Charm

Take some classically-created soul, stir in elements of rock, pop and jazz, and top it off with a generous helping of old-school funk and you have the flavorful recipe of musical gumbo that Mint Condition fed to fans at Baltimore’s Sound Stage last Thursday night, and no one left unsatisfied.

While the quintet has always enjoyed a loyal following from the 35-and-older crowd, there were several younger listeners in the building to witness how the self-contained band manages to remain a powerhouse in the fickle music industry.

In just over an hour and a half, Mint Condition took fans through a mesmerizing mix of proven classics ("U Send Me Swingin'," "So Fine," "You Don't Have to Hurt No More") and newer favorites from their latest album 7 released on Shanachie Records, such as the show opener, “Can’t Get Away” and the 2008 break-up anthem, "Nothing Left To Say," which proved to be a crowd favorite as they jumped to their feet and sang along.




In the midst of heart-felt ballads and up-tempo jams, the band partook in some monster jam sessions. It may have been a surprise for some of the newer fans to witness live instrumentation and experience the effortless, unspoken chemistry at work right before their eyes, but even the seasoned fans in their midst were awestruck when Stokley and drummer Brandon Commodore battled each other on the percussions, and keyboardist Jeffrey played a phenomenal, pitch perfect solo on the saxophone.



Another highlight of the night was the band’s musical journey through a medley of funk staples like "Atomic Dog" and "Soul Power" before Stokley initiated a compelling (and at times, borderline insane) call-and-response session of croons, growls and scats. Stokely thanked the crowd for coming out, and exited stage right; but fans stood in anticipation of an encore, chanting “MC” loud and harmoniously. Suffice it to say, the band gave the people what they wanted.

"Pretty Brown Eyes," easily the most anticipated song of the evening, was the encore, but it was revitalized with a Prince-like intro before segueing into its signature groove, reminding all in attendance of how far they'd come as a band while, simultaneously, acknowledging how much farther they can still go; A perfect ending to an exemplary show.

For more information on Mint Condition follow them at http://www.mintconditionmusic.com and @mcondition

To view more photos from the show by Nocturnal Charm click HERE

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::RECAP:: Mint Condition Live

Mint Condition took the stage at Bourbon Street in Baltimore to a packed crowd that was kept entertained as they waited by DJ 5 Starr.

Most of the crowd was older but you can best believe that their new album 7 has garnered a new generation of music loving fans and you could see them sprinkled throughout the audience.

Their set was mainly previous hits with a song or two from the new album introduced. Entertaining? Do you have to ask?

Check out the photos below from Gypsy Soul's newest photog Nocturnal Charm.

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::RECAP:: The Roots @ Rams Head Live

I know I had seen her face before she slimmed down and toned up a little but I definitely had seen her face before. She was just one of many faces that lined the hallways of the Ram’s Head Live lobby 2 hours before show time. No single demographic defined the night black, white, early 20’s singles, 50 something couples it was about whoever loves music. The fact that I still could not remember who she was as the doors opened at 9 p.m. was killing me. The air was filled with eagerness and anticipation as people filed into the Ram’s Head ballroom filling up all 3 tiers of the venue.

The two opening acts Kentavius Jones and Saleem & the Music Lovers were ehh but what act can conjure up excitement when The Legendary Roots Crew are on deck. Then it hit me... Morgan she definitely went to Morgan, but in what capacity did I know her from Morgan? We caught eyes while she was at the bar sometime before the Roots hit the stage around 12 a.m. Couldn’t figure if she was with dude with the Philly fitted on or the short brown skin chic with the “I heart Black Thoughts” t-shirt on.

In the midst of my dilemma the legendary Afro with the black fist pick emerged from back stage along with the mellow soul brother getting his lyrical dean on. The show opened with the “Web” a drum solo with Black Thought spitting a straight 4-minute flow. They rolled through several tracks off the new album “How I Got Over”, “Dear God”, “Now or Never” & “The Fire”.

They also put a twist on some of their classics performing “Proceed” with a go-go twist and “My Mellow My Man” with a ridiculous drum battle between Questlove & Frank Knuckles that included a fan from the crowd. During their rendition of “Breaking You Off” blended with LIL Wayne’s “Lolipop” (crazy right) it hit me -Milwaukee... she was from Milwaukee. It came back to me she told me that’s was where she was from. I replied “there’s black people in Milwaukee?” she smiled and said “Yeah” and I never forgot that smile.

Thinking must catch up with her before the show is over.

The Legendary Roots Crew killed it, as usual. No matter how many times you see them live they always come with something new. Definitely the best live performers out there right now in any genre in my opinion. Artists like The Roots and shows like this give me hope that hip-hop can be revived. The next time The Legendary Roots Crew is in town definitely check them out.

P.S. Never caught up with her but still a dope night

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::RECAP:: Ear Candy with Jazzy & Green Tea

Teavolve, on Aliceanna Street is a great venue to get a little "Ear Candy" and my all time favorite spot to relax and chill in Baltimore. As for my music selection for the evening, I chose to listen to the sounds of Jazzy and Green Tea (good for the mind, soul and body) to top it off. Just FYI the anniversary Ear Candy is September 21st...dont just read about it-be about it! http://anniversaryearcandy.eventbrite.com/

Jazzy

Native of Los Angeles "City of Angels", Jazzy has managed to develop her own flavor and style in the music game, similar to music trend setters Kanye West and Melanie Fiona from whom Jazzy has had the pleasure of touring and working with. You may remember Jazzy as a background vocalist for Melanie Fiona on the Glow in the Dark Tour with Kanye West.

Realize, this star couldn't remain in the shadows for long, as this this writer/songstress is stepping out making her voice known with hits like "Be with you", "If", and "Make Up" which she discusses making up with her man and making her sweat off her make-up. WOW! Definitely a great MAKE UP huh? She had the crowd moving on this one during her performance and I was for sure in the background partying. Keep your eye out for Jazzy; I expect to see her blow up in the near future especially with her collaborations and support team ranging from Jaime Foxx, Busta Rhymes, Kelly Rowland, and Latoya Luckett just to name a few. Jazzy's inspiration comes from her reviewing the music scene and developing something even hotter based on what's already out there. Her musical influence is one of my favorites as well, Ms. Anita Baker.

If you want to learn more about Jazzy, check her out on http://www.iamjazz.com/ where you can also download her album "Beauty and the Beat". Also, follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/ohjazzy.

Green Tea

Now, after a dose of Jazzy I was ready to party even though my intentions of coming to Teavolve was to chill out but Green Tea put me back on my original focus. This Neo-Soul Eclectic Sistah had me blown away as this was my first encounter with her soulful sounds. This South East DC native has a sound like.....honestly, I can't even put my finger on it. She had me grooving like I would groove to Erykah Badu, Jill Scott or an old school jam by the Staple Singers. Not to put her in a box, but she's on my "feel good, groove with me" music list.

Check out some of her performance captured by Bobby Marvin of Huevoices.com:





I was taken back with the cut "Superman" which had me lost in the lyrics and background music which was an acoustic version of "Prototype" by Outkast, whom Green Tea is inspired by. "They're original, and their style and flow is something I'm inspired by."-Green Tea

To paraphrase the song "Superman", "Instead of searching for love, I focused on me and when I stopped searching, he found me. I think I'm in love with Superman." Get the album, Beautiful Weirdo and listen to it because I can't even begin to explain the feeling behind the song, all of her songs performed at Ear Candy for that fact. Accompanied by an acoustic guitarist (Zack Cutler) and background vocalist (Kenny Wesley), Green Tea was absolutely amazing! She is an artist that provides her audience a feeling of empowerment, self love and ultimately the encouragement of growth in the likeness of someone who is as unique and positive herself. Green Tea describes her music as "Life's Soundtrack" and the inspiration for her music comes from family and friends. With five albums, home girl has it going on and I would highly recommend you add her to your IPod playlist.

Green Tea has been in the game for years and I don't expect this underground artist to go anywhere. In fact, I hope to hear more from her. If you would like to hear more from this artist, check her out on http://www.greenteasoul.com/ or follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/greenteasoul.

I'll holla until the next edition of Ear Candy but until then, don't catch and earache with all that candy you listening to!


Follow me/Tweet me @Sistahofsoul

Photos provided by Edith Williams of Diamond Digital Portraits and Lenee Fotography

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::RECAP:: The Summer Spirit Festival

I think CD Enterprises has found the solution to restarting the economy...create dope line ups full of artists who create dope albums and give RAWKIN shows! On August 7th the DMV took a break from the recession as over 12,000 music lovers poured into Merriweather to see one of the hottest line ups of 2010: Erykah Badu, The Roots, Chuck Brown, Common, BOB & Janelle Monae...HEAVEN!

Gypsy Soul was first introduced to the Summer Spirit Festival last year where another great line up was presented featuring Erykah Badu, Raphael Saadiq, and Chrisette Michelle...they also introduced the DMV in a big way to a group that would be nominated for a Grammy a couple of months later, The Foreign Exchange.

When the 2010 line up was announced Gypsy Soul was EXCITED to say the least and pleased to be able to cover the show once more.

Ladies of Gypsy Soul at The Summer Spirit Festival

Ok so lets get to the good stuff...

Janelle Monae opened the show with cloaked band members and a funky sound. She moved and grooved her way across the stage belting a huge voice for such a small lady. She elegantly displayed her vocal capabilities while adding soul to the song "Smile". Throughout the show her dancers engaged the crowd and came off stage to boogie with those that caught the beat. By "Tight Rope" she had the crowd on their feet moving and shaking...once again CD Enterprises introduced some mainstream DMVers to a talent worthy of iTune downloads and cd purchases that many just would never have heard on the radio.

B.o.B took the stage and though I can understand the reasoning behind him not opening...he should have opened especially when he came out thanking BOSTON for having him...He had a good set but nowhere near as energizing as Janelle Monae. Surrounded by pretty ladies dancing and singing, B.o.B. certainly added eye candy to the event and got the crowd to their feet with "Nothing On You" & "Airplanes".

I had never seen Common perform, so he was a special treat for me. He performed favorites like "The Light" and "Go" and his set was surrounded by a Love of Hip Hop Theme. He channeled hip hop favorites like "C.R.E.A.M.", "I Need Love" and took us to the West Coast with Dr. Dre. A great part of his set was DJ Dummy who got the crowd hype and added a great DJ demonstration - dude showed off. I appreciated the show and was glad to see Hollywood hadn't gotten in the way of hip hop.

Chuck Brown, the godfather of go-go, graced the crowd. EVERYONE took to their feet. But what would you expect? His set hasnt deviated much but included on this night was his tribute to Little Benny. As a person from the midwest, if you want to fall in love with go-go get more than familiar with Chuck Brown make sure you see a show!


How I Got Over is one of the best hip hop albums of 2010 if not THE BEST hip hop album of 2010. So I was anticipating hearing several songs up close and personal. New and old, The Roots conjured up a few of my favorite songs: "Hustla", "You Got Me", and more. For some reason it seemed as if their set was cut short. Maybe I was expecting more or maybe I was distracted but thankfully The Roots show in Baltimore is on my calendar so Im looking forward to a do over.

Ms. Badu was slightly tardy but she delivered as always. Ive seen the current Erykah Badu show a couple of times and every time I feel like its the first. Mesmerized by her outlandish mow-hawk, dainty dress, and sirenic voice she had the audience eating out of her hand. She crooned songs new and not so new including "No Love", "The Healer", "Out My Mind", and an extremely creative remix of "Apple Tree". Creating beats is a staple of her show and this chick makes it look so dayum cool. If Ms Lowdown Loretta Brown is back in the area you can bet Ill be there.

Overall CD Enterprises hit this show out the park. Gypsy Soul fully supports their efforts to provide music lovers with great daycations that allow us to forgo stressful realities if only for a few hours.

Make sure to check back next year for info on tickets for the Summer Spirit Festival 2011. Make sure you're there to SOULCIALIZE!

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