Teena Marie passing two years ago today youtube playlist tribute show

Today marks two years to the day of the passing of one of my favorite artists.
Teena Marie.
When LADY T died  I was involved with a project that gave me the opportunity to create a tribute to a very talented singer, writer producer and performer.

Click here to listen to the full more than one hour long tribute show with music and interviews.

CHIC Youtube Playlist

I woke up this morning with a funky bass line some horns and strings in my head.
I decided I needed a CHIC fix to go with my morning coffee.
If you're not hip to the musical stylings of CHIC, I encourage you to check out this playlist, which runs for a little more than 90 minutes and features more than twenty songs.
I also added some history on the group.
They were much  more than a disco band.
This group set the stage for many others with it's tight production and use of live instruments.

Black Friday

I didn't get the visual on this story for a minute.
So this lady, who turned herself in recently in Los Angeles , pepper sprayed a crowd of people who were already in line.
Then she just bought her xbox and went on home.
I'm just imagining her making her way to the front of the line while people all around her are hacking, coughing, wheezing and gagging.
Imagine:
(Spray Spray) "Excuse me..I really have to get one of those xbox's for my kid (spray spray) get back get back."
This goofball took cutting in line to another level.

http://news.yahoo.com/woman-accused-pepper-spraying-shoppers-surrenders-194515931.html

Boyz II Men Album review: Twenty

It's been twenty years since Michael Bivins introduced BOYZ II MEN to the world.
Along the way the group has seen ups and downs and learned to live the ballads they crooned as young adults.
This is an outstanding project.
Not only will you find an album full of new material, but the group has rerecorded several of the songs that made them famous.
Always regarded  for their outstanding harmonies, the group is now a trio.
But this is album isn't missing a thing, with Nathan Morris recording bass parts in place of the departed  Mike McCary.
The first released single is a duet featuring the much loved Charlie Wilson.
The set starts off with "Believe" produced by Teddy Riley.
A very inspiring uptempo song and a great way to start this album.
With songs produced by Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Tim and Bob and Da Internz...the new cuts would be classics if urban radio could get it's head out of it's ass.
But I digress.
The rerecording of the older hits is a genius move.
It's a great way to introduce new fans to the harmonies and smooth acapella style.
The re purposing of one song in particular is very timely.
I never thought the classic BOYZ II MEN songs could sound better, but now that the guys have grown and lived some of the adult decisions and pain they once sang about, the songs are that much more well delivered.
So buy it, download it and enjoy it.
Check out the EPK and hear it in their own words!

Sasha Grey loves the kids!

Some parents in Compton, California are upset because former adult film star
Sasha Grey read to first and third grades students at an elementary school.
The event was part of a Read Across America Day activity.
School officials are claiming she didn't read at the school, while she tweeted about the event.
Grey, whose work I've seen and give endorsement, recently retired from the adult film industry and appears in the mainstream film
 "I Melt With You" which stars Rob Lowe and Jeremy Piven from Entourage.
So what's your take?
Do you think anyone happy to help schools is worthy of thanks, no matter their previous career?
Or do you think it's a bad idea, because once those kids google Sasha Grey, you'll get a clasroom full of wannabe adult film stars?
The Champ thinks it's AWESOME that Sasha Grey is reading to kids.
Hell if they let George Bush read to kids and he was barely literate and not nearly as easy on the eyes, it's fine with me!

Check out the poll at the bottom of the blog! Leave your comments! Follow the blog!

Buy Soulfuel A Celebration of Poetry and Song

Great news!
Author Cliton Jeffries book Soulfuel A Celebration of Poetry and Song  is ready for you to purchase!
I met Cliff several years ago and was impressed by his dream and his
message.
His messages are truly for the young and old.
His love of people and positive attitude are inspiring.
Cliff I hope to see you on the top of some bestseller lists!
From "Reminisce" to "Soldiers" and all the stories and songs in between, you'll truly enjoy this book by a talented man with many great stories to tell.
Get a copy, then get some for your friends.

Oursoulfuel.webs.com

Cliff performing selections from Soulfuel live in Raleigh.

video created by Jon Champion

Oursoulfuel.webs.com

Herman Cain Joke

I was talking to a friend of mine this morning who made a really good point.
He gave me another  really good reason not to like Herman Cain.
To put it plainly..he's not even good at throwing a line on a chick!
And he had long loot!
Now..Bill Clinton had his share of dalliances, but men..who love women..were a  sympathetic to his cheating.
Not just because he was married to Hillary who came off as pretty frigid, but because when you're cool with yours ..or as the old folks say "know how to hold your mouth right" inevitably..someone is going to want  to give you some play...some loving...some action.
Who wants a president that strikes out all the time?
Chicks don't dig the Herm.
Herm doesn't care, he'll still grab your goodies and say something really inappropriate.
See, that shows he could never be a good wingman!
I get that feeling that hanging out with the fellas and Herman Cain would inevitably have a dude  back at  his own place by 11pm watching tv thinking..."How in the hell did he talk us all out of some chicks lives tonight.
Yeah..I smell it..I think he's a CB.
SO..just another reason I can't support Herman Cain.

I might be on to something..I wonder if sell  t-shirts that say " I was cock blocked by Herman Cain" would sell like crazy....hmmmmmm.

Original 7ven Album Review: Condensate

I bought the new CD by the Original 7ven, The band formerly known as

THE TIME.

After viewing the DVD, listening to radio interviews and reading various material about the album release, I don’t think the name change was their idea.

Seems to be sour grapes on the parts of a barely five foot dude who favors the color purple in his wardrobe.

But it doesn’t matter.

The band takes the high road and thanks him for their start.

The group is still smoking hot whatever you call them.

The tight production of original members and mega super producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis  who are without a doubt the most successful music production duo in contemporary history makes this album great.

Even with the always cool Morris Day still presenting his mega watt ego and love for the ladies, this is not a typical TIME album.

It’s been 21 years since their last project “Pandemonium” and the guys have not missed a step.

Morris Day, Jesse Johnson, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Garry "Jellybean" Johnson, Jerome Benton and Monte Moir unite to  bring the funk rock and soul.

I can honestly say every member of the band is showcased.

From Monte’s  keyboard magic on “Hey Yo” to Jesse’s guitar solo on “If I Was Your Man”…this album is not to be missed.

The only thing I wanted was a signature dance song…I’ll say a dance song with a name. There are plenty of dance cuts here..especially the song “ONE STEP” that will have booty’s shaking all over the place…but from the guys who brought dances for dude’s like me  who can’t dance (“The Walk”…"The Bird”.. "Jerk Out" Hell even “The Oak Tree”)

I wanted one more cut so I could impress people with my non-dancing behind…those songs made me look like a specialist growing up!

Seriously..don’t let this album pass you buy.

They are one of the most exciting bands to see live and I can’t wait until I catch them in person again.

This collection features great music from beginning to end!

1.    Strawberry Lake- Kicks off with an intro of the band by name. Super Funky.

2. Condensate- The title track and a very cool concept.

3. #Trendin- I don’t even use Twitter and I’m impressed! Way to stay current!

4. If I Was Yo Man- I mentioned the guitar solo earlier..but it’s also the drums that make this one of my favorites.

5. Role Play-Keeping it slick and sexy, a very grown up but truly sexy and not dirty song.

6. Sick-Jesse Johnson to the max.His guitar technique will have you rocking.

7. Lifestyle- A love song that’s nowhere near sappy. This one will have brother’s singing it to explain situations for years to come.

8. Faithful- Yet another standout song.

The musicality and the humor flow so naturally for this album from track to track.

9. Cadillac-Sexy Funky and right on time.

Turn this one up loud in your vehicle and just ride.

  
10. AYDKMN- A funky bluesy jam..I know what the name looks like..but you have to listen to get the meaning.

11. One Step- The band doing what it does best! Rocking out party anthem style. All the parts come together here including the call and response portions.

12. Toast To The Party Girl- This one gets better everytime I listen to it. The guitar work is infectious ,the song structure is a compliment to the way the band knows how to own a song. This joint just  builds and builds and keeps you coming back for another listen. My father always says a good song takes you somewhere. You’ll find something new to groove to everytime you listen.

13. Hey Yo-Monte’s work on the keys to open  this song makes it unforgettable. A very catchy song that find yourself singing.

14. Go Home To Yo Man-A very smooth funny song that ends this album on the perfect note.

In the end, you’ll do the math and realize that a superior group of musicians have turned out a great collection of songs no matter what you call them.

When you're with your crew...

The IHOP on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh is a really unique place.

You never know who or what you're going to see in that place.

Maybe it's because it's located near a college campus or three...

But late night visits are the best.

Once my wife and I had a hard time getting in the building because there was

a large group of gay men doing a synchronized dance routine......

at the entrance.

They were jamming..so we just watched..waited..clapped and walked on in.

Then there was this one time........

Paul Mooney show review Raleigh

My wife and I saw Paul Mooney perform at Goodnight’s Comedy Club in Raleigh this weekend.

The show was incredible.

His set  is far from a standard comedy show.

Considering his legacy..writing with Richard Pryor..discovering and encouraging Robin Williams..Sandra Bernhard and John Witherspoon..free speech was in full effect.

Besides Mooney being hilarious, the other comedy came in the form of the look on some of the  audience members faces when he went full blast. 

I describe it this way…imagine if “Homey the Clown” from

In Living Color (a character which he  created) came to life on stage.

Bitter.

Biting

Sarcastic

Funny as hell.

It was almost like a master class on sarcasm.

My advice to the people who didn’t expect or understand is to read up on the creative genius that is Paul Mooney.

One of my favorite bits was the one about President Obama.

“He can get those white folks money…36k for a fundraising dinner?

What’s for dinner..COCAINE?”

See him while you can.