Manila-born, Bay Area transplant Joyo Velarde is a female soul singer on the rise! Back in October of 2008, M.I.S.S. featured a mixtape by this talented singer entitled, “Hey Love!” and that was only the beginning! Pulling inspiration from artists like Chaka Khan, Minnie Riperton, and Teena Marie, Joyo Velarde has crafted a solo debut full of soul and delight. Joyo Velarde’s solo debut album, “Love and Understanding” was recently released on Quannum Projects and Mobile Home Recordings. The album was executive produced and A&R’d by Cali emcee Lyrics Born, who also happens to be Joyo’s hubby. If you’re familiar with Joyo Velarde’s sound, you know that this soulful songstress is not an all a newcomer to the music game. She is known as Quannum Projects’ first lady and her sultry vocals have been featured on tons of projects, including Blackalicious’ 2002 best-seller “Blazing Arrow” and Lyrics Born’s 2003 album “Later That Day.” Back in May 2009, she released a self-titled digital EP of five tracks that showcased her unique vocal style and vast range as seen in the video for the single, “Take You Home”.
Joyo Velarde’s new album offers a fresh perspective on traditional soul and hip-hop music. “Love and Understanding” consists of twelve tracks that showcase Joyo’s versatility and ability to hold her own as an artist. The album finds Joyo giving pieces of herself on every track stylishly and flawlessly. It features production from Jake One, Asa Taccone, RJD2, and Tommy Guerrero among many others. Due to the demands of touring all around the world, her debut album has been a long time in the making but definitely worth the wait! Be sure to pick up your copy of “Love and Understanding” at Itunes.
For a limited time, a free download of Joyo Velarde’s single “Certain Special Way” is available on her facebook page or on Mark’s R & B / Soul Blog on About.com!
If you want more information on Joyo Velarde and her music, be sure to check out the following links!
We introduced you to the jazz-inflected powerhouse singer Brittany Bosco not too long ago, and when we told you to keep an eye out for what was in store for Bosco’s future, we didn’t realize it would be this soon! But we ain’t complaining… The singer is back with a new track entitled “Ragdoll” from her upcoming album, and we have an exclusive snippet of the track before it goes live tomorrow, February 3rd. “Ragdoll” is a psychedelic-rock heavy track injected with Bosco’s trademark soul sounds and strong voice. Reminiscent of Hendrix, the track is still able to sound very contemporary, thanks to the playful chord melodies. If this is any indication of the album, we can’t wait!
Listen to the track below, and make sure to get your free download tomorrow on Brittany’s website!
The Brand New Heavies were leaders of the acid jazz movement in the 1980s and 1990s.
One of my favorite musical genres just happens to acid jazz. As an avid lover a hip-hop, jazz, funk, and soul music, one of the things I love the most about acid jazz is that it combines all these elements of music into one big ball of awesomeness! Its origins are often linked back to the UK in 1980s and 1990s with DJs and crate diggers bringing it to the forefront. One of the frontrunners in the “acid jazz movement” definitely had to be one of my favorite groups ever: The Brand New Heavies. The Brand New Heavies made inspiring and positive music that you could dance to. I remember coming home from school and throwing one of their CDs into my stereo regularly. I would dance around my bedroom pretending that I looked and sounded like leading vocalist N’Dea Davenport while my stuffed animals held it down as the guys in the band. For many of us that grew up in the 1990s, The Brand New Heavies bring back memories of when all genres of music could be considered “mainstream”. They introduced the world to acid jazz in baby steps by making songs that also had a pop appeal to them. The Brand New Heavies had an ever changing roster of group members, but die hard fans like myself who believed in the truly good music that they made. Just ask M.I.S.S. contributor Randi who sang the song “Fake” from the album Brother, Sister with her brother’s band! She also loved the Brand New Heavies so much that she sent away for label stickers in middle school!
The Brand New Heavies consist of Andrew Levy, Jan Kincaid, Simon Bartholomew, and N'Dea Davenport.
The Brand New Heavies formed in 1985 under the name of Brother International. Long time friends Jan Kincaid (drummer/keyboardist), Simon Bartholomew (guitar/vocalist), and Andrew Levy (bassist/keyboardist ) began as an instrumental acid jazz group that quickly gained a cult following within the London club scene. Inspired and influenced by their love of 1960’s and 1970’s soul and funk music, the group later changed their name to “Brand New Heavies” by borrowing from the title “Minister of New Super Heavy Funk” given to soul singer James Brown. They gained huge exposure when their demo tracks were spun at various clubs, especially the influential Cat in the Hat Club in London. Acid house and jazz music began to take over the London club circuit and would slowly make its way to the United States with the Brand New Heavies arrival.
In 1990, the Brand New Heavies added a vocalist by the name of Jay Ella Ruth and signed a deal with the CoolTempo Records. They released the single “Got to Give” from their debut self-titled album Brand New Heavies. The single was hot and the album was even better! They were both met with widespread critical acclaim assuring the Brand New Heavies a spot on the music charts. Soon after the release of “Got to Give”, Jay Ella Ruth left the group and the band signed to a division of Chrysalis Records in the UK. American distribution was soon picked up by the independent label Delicious Vinyl which is known for signing west coast artists such as the Pharcyde, Tone Loc, and Masta Ace. With the Brand New Heavies added to the roster, the label hand picked a newly signed singer by the name of N’Dea Davenport to replace Jay Ella Ruth.
After joining The Brand New Heavies in 1990, leading vocalist N'Dea Davenport moved from Los Angeles, California to London, England.
Even though N’Dea Davenport would be the newest member of the group, she was certainly not a stranger to the music industry. She previously provided background vocals to a number of artists including Tone Loc, Young MC, and Madonna. She proved to have great chemistry with the Brand New Heavies and added the right element of funky and soulful vocals that were needed. Although N’ Dea had solo aspirations, she was drawn to the band out of a love of collaborating. A revamped version of the first album featuring vocals by N’Dea Davenport was then released, spawning the feel good singles “Dream Come True”, “Never Stop”, and “Stay This Way”. N’Dea Davenport’s strong, yet soulfully sweet voice was definitely one to envy. Her style was reminiscent of every popular 1990’s trend. At a time when the resurrection of 1970’s style and Seattle grunge fashion were all the rage, you could find N’Dea Davenport rocking a hippie vest made complete with a choker and a plaid baby doll dress with a knit ski hat. Fresh indeed!
Back in the good old days when MTV actually played music videos, The Brand New Heavies’ “Never Stop” was in constant rotation. The song landed on the American R&B charts making it one of their most successful singles to date. With the Brand New Heavies becoming the first British group to accomplish such a feat with a debut single since Soul II Soul several years earlier, they quickly hit the studio to record their second album, Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1. An earlier performance in New York City that also featured rappers Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest and MC Serch of 3rd Bass inspired the group to incorporate more elements of hip-hop into their music with this album. Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1 was met with widespread acclaim and included guest appearances by rappers Main Source, Gang Starr, Grand Puba, and the Pharcyde.
The Brand New Heavies became known for their hip-hop collaborations.
In 1994, The Brand New Heavies released their third studio album Brother, Sister. The title track to the album (which happens to be my personal favorite) featured a funkier, more soulful sound reminiscent of music legends James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, Vicki Anderson, and Mallia Franklin all combined into one! Against the backdrop of Andrew, Simon, and Jan’s funky instrumentation, N’Dea offered advice that seemed to speak directly to the youth of the world. In words that still strongly resonate with me even to this day, here’s what she said.
“Grandma said, at times you’ll feel a sting. There’ll be sharp turns and up hills and closed doors. Then she said hold onto your faith ’cause in this world you’ve got to go and get yours. So you stand up! Be strong! Go out there! Hold on! To the real things that matter, ’cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter.”
Singer N'Dea Davenport briefly stepped out on her own to pursue a solo career.
Although N’Dea Davenport’s solo aspirations were postponed to join the Brand New Heavies, she stepped out on her own and was featured on rapper Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 album in 1993. The single “Trust Me”, which had N’Dea singing the hook is considered a classic to fans of both N’Dea Davenport and Guru. She eventually left the group after the release of Brother, Sister in 1994 to pursue her solo career. Her self-titled debut was released on V2 Records in June of 1998. While it was only moderately successful, the album gave listeners the funky flavor that they had come to love and expect from her. The album featured production by Atlanta’s Dallas Austin and N’Dea Davenport herself. Singles released from this album include “Whatever You Want”, “Underneath A Red Moon”, “Bring It On” and “Bullsh**in”.
In my humble opinion, the Brand New Heavies just didn’t feel the same without N’Dea Davenport present. After the release of her debut album, things remained relatively quiet on Davenport’s career front but the Brand New Heavies would continue to make music. A singer by the name of Siedah Garrett joined the group for their third studio album, Shelter that was then followed by a greatest hits album entitled Trunk Funk – The Best of The Brand New Heavies . On the greatest hits album, a singer by the name of Carleen Anderson provided vocals on some newly recorded tracks as Siedah Garrett left the group. An Japan only album entitled, We Won’t Stop, was released in 2003 and Allaboutthefunk featuring British singer Nicole Russo on vocals was released in 2004.
The Brand New Heavies continue to make music capturing the energy and funk that they became known for.
In 2006, the Brand New Heavies reunited with N’Dea Davenport for a new album entitled, Get Used to It. They released a live album in October 2009 entitled Live In London and plans to release two more studio albums in 2010. I couldn’t be happier! While the Brand New Heavies certainly continued to make good music without N’Dea Davenport on deck, the combination and chemistry of these two forces are simply magical. The revival of acid jazz is back and in full effect! When it comes to making music, I hope the Brand New Heavies never stop or give it up!
It’s safe to say that the staff at M.I.S.S are fans of the fabulous Nina Simone. She embodies the spirit of what this publication represents. An eclectic array of talents, cultural activism, passion, and perseverance. In fact when I asked M.I.S.S Lexx (a huge fan) she told me that
In the 1960’s, no black woman performing artist was more gangsta than Nina Simone. She wrote about stuff that even a man would be a little reluctant to talk about. She said things about white-people that limited her time on TV & Radio but she was always true to herself, her emotions and her passion.
A bit of background on Simone, she was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in North Carolina, she was one of eight children in a poor family in 1933. She began to play the piano at age three. Her mother was a strict Methodist preacher who also worked as a maid. Her father worked as a handyman. Upon her mother’s employer hearing the young child’s talents they decided to fund her piano lessons. Simone’s continuing education was locally funded by the community due to the interest in her promising talent. At the age of 17 she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she encountered blatant racism while applying for a scholarship at a local college. After she passed her test admirably yet didn’t receive the scholarship the examiner told her it was “because you are black,” the rejection thus fueled her enthusiasm for the Civil Rights Movement that was about to erupt in the United States.
As any strong and willful woman would do, Simone decided to use her talents to teach others while funding her studies as a classical pianist at New York City’s highly regarded institution, Juilliard School of Music. Even though her talent was obvious to those around her when she applied once again in Philadelphia at The Curtis Institute she was rejected to which she attributed to her being black and a woman. Random fact: Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, and crew were frowned upon and made to stay in separate rooms designated for men and women while staying at The Barclay, a hotel located adjacent to The Curtis Institute. So much for being the place that The Constitution and Bill of Rights was written and signed!
In order to further fund herself she performed in Atlantic City under the name, Nina Simone. Here she built a small but loyal fan base with her mixture of jazz, blues, and classical piano. Nina was brilliant, but her brilliance was a troubled one. She struggled with bipolar disorder and her music was driven by passion, emotion, and anger. On stage she could be exuberant and suddenly enter a melancholy state and her voice would even go to baritone lows. Her first “protest” song was “Mississippi Goddamn,” a response to the four little girls being burned in a church in Birmingham, Alabama. Her ex-husband said in an interview that she was very upset, “pounding away at her piano for two hours,” a song was born. Simone was and is regarded as the “High Priestess of Soul” because of the attention she commanded when she was on stage. In one night she would give you singing, dancing, monologue, and has been noted for using silence as a musical element. Her performances were not just concerts, but happenings, very much a representation of the Pop movement going on in New York.
High Priestess of Soul
Today many artists attribute Nina Simone as a music, cultural, and style icon. Traces of her jazz/R&B/funk/soul influence can be found in the works of Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, and Cat Power, among many others. Many have sampled her, and even acts like David Bowie and Marilyn Manson have covered her songs. There are so many independent and socially conscious female performers around today; think Erykah Badu, M.I.A., Santigold, and Jill Scott whom have Nina Simone to credit for setting a high standard of being culturally aware and delivering a performance with lasting impact.
Here are some of our favorite tracks, hope you enjoy!
The track “Funkier Than A Mosquitos Tweeter” is a funky mix of intense tribal sounds and such passion is in her voice. A must listen.
In this video, “Ain’t Got No…I’ve Got A Life,” Nina looks absolutely beautiful with her hair wrapped, giant earrings, and yellow halter dress that compliments her dark skin. Even though she talks about what she doesn’t have, this song addresses appreciating the things you do have, like life and your body, which don’t cost money. The live version comes in clear and the sound is great the combination of the drumming and piano are amazing.
“My Baby Just Cares For Me” a sweet personal favorite.
Nina Simone
Nina talked about things that even men were afraid to address
High Priestess of Soul
Strong and willful she used her talents to teach others to fund her career
Nina struggled with highs and lows personally but managed to create a beautiful career
Nina with her ex-husband Andrew Stroud and their family
Even in a natural state, Simone exuded an aura of authority
Her influence can be seen in all of the independent and socially conscious artists today
Watch out all you jive turkeys, wannabe hustlers, suckers, and fake gangsters! There’s a new man in town who’s badder than bad and goes by the name of Black Dynamite! Just as any superhero or crusader requires their own special and unique theme music or soundtrack, Black Dynamite is certainly not the expection. In fact, he has both. The Original Motion Picture Score and Motion Picture Soundtrack to the film Black Dynamite features an explosive mix of funk and soul music so sweet it’ll be sure to have you wanting and needing more!
Blaxpoitation Spoof Black Dynamite Hits The Big Screen
Black Dynamite, directed by Scott Sanders, is an epic and hilarious spoof of of blaxploitation films of the 1970s. Blaxploitation is a film genre that emerged in the early 1970s that featured primarily black actors as non-traditional heroes who were usually in conflict with “The Man”. Most blaxploitation films took place in the ghetto and inner cities of America and usually involved hit men, drug dealers, and pimps. Sticking to that same format, while poking fun at the same time, Black Dynamite is reminiscent and parallel to some of the finest blaxploitation movies ever made. Actor Michael Jai White stars as the title character Black Dynamite who is a former CIA agent that is called back into the business when the mafia kills his brother, fills black orphanages with heroin, and floods the street with bad malt liquor.
Black Dynamite's Score And Soundtrack Features Both Soul And Funk Music
Blaxploitation films were the first to feature soundtracks of funk and soul music. In fact, blaxploitation films became widely known and publicized based on the music and artists that were featured on the soundtracks. Earth, Wind, and Fire contributed to the soundtrack for Sweet Sweetbacks BaadAsssss Song, which is considered by some to be the first blaxploitation movie ever made. “Pusherman” and “Superfly” are two very popular Curtis Mayfield songs that were featured on blaxploitation movie soundtracks as well. I’m also willing to bet that a few of you know lines from that infamous Isaac Hayes classic Shaft starring that bad mother (shut yo’ mouth) Ron O’Neal. The film Black Dynamite features a score and soundtrack that is just as promising as these classics.
Black Dynamite Original Score Composed And Produced By Adrian Younge Released On The Wax Poetics Records Label
The score to Black Dynamite was written, composed, and performed entirely by the multi-talented Adrian Younge. Younge is a self taught musician, film editor, and recording engineer that has dedicated his life to the study of vintage soul music. He recorded the album in his fully analog home studio with vintage equipment and instruments that included the Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, Hohner Clavinet, synthesizer, vibraphone, guitar, bass, sax, cello, and drums. The music is deeply authentic, funky, and down right soulful. Tracks such as “Chicago Wind” and “Gloria (Zodiac Lovers)” feature amazing vocals set to smooth grooves that give off mellow vibes. While tracks such as “Jimmy’s Apartment”, feature witty vocals against a backdrop of pure, unadulterated funk. This album is Younge’s second in the movie score field. The original soundtrack album and single “Black Dynamite Theme” were released on the Wax Poetics Records label on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. Black Dynamite, the movie was released nationwide on October 16, 2009. If you’re in need of some super bad comedy with super bad music to match, be sure to check out the movie. In the meantime and in-between time, check out the super bad Black Dynamite Score Documentary below. For more information on the score and soundtrack and to purchase, visit the newly re-vamped and always cool Wax Poetics website.
The latest DivaSpeak TV episode is up and it is HILARIOUS! I look forward to every episode like it’s my birthday! Dare I say DivaSpeak TV is the around-the-way-girl’s Daily Show?
In this episode, Amanda Diva discusses: SupaWoman: Miley Cyrus, Big Up: Kanye’s Reaction to his Southpark episode, Let Down: Cities charging for citizen services and my favorite feature from this episode is a visited from Cousin Sassy, who discusses Cassie’s hurr.
Check out DivaSpeak TV Ep: 48 (Season 2) below:
Amanda Diva presents Spandex, Rhymes, & Soul
…and if you haven’t downloaded Amanda Diva’s “Spandex, Rhymes, & Soul” the FreEP, you can do that here: http://sharebee.com/ac9c4f58
New to me but perhaps not to you, Little Dragon hails from Gothenburg, Sweden and has had my ear listening since I was introduced to their song “Constant Surprises”. Vocalist Yukimi Nagano’s smooth soulful stylings are backed by her close high school friends Erik Bodin (drums), Fredrick Källgren (bass) and Håkan Wirenstrand (keyboards). Their electro-pop-jazz-soul-sounds are surely an aural treat and you won’t be disappointed.
Oh, there’s gonna be trouble. Things are heating up with the smooth R ‘n B stylin’s of Jessie Boykins III. My friend told me about Boykins earlier this year…but it wasn’t until recently that I stumbled upon some of his tracks off his recently released album, “The Beauty Created” that my heart skipped a beat and melted a little. My jumpoff’s are “Pantyhose”, where he croons about a man taking care of his lady after a hard days work (pay close attention fella’s) and “Itis” where us ladies are compared to that sleepy, drowsy feeling one gets after consuming a large, tasty meal…we hear what you’re saying! He was recently featured on 106th & Park where he preformed “Itis”. Make “friends” with him and dive deeper into his pool of R ‘n B love here.
You want some Soul and R&B? For all those Soul and R&B lovers out there, DJ Zita and Dmadness got a soul-stimulating mix for you. Let’s name a few of the favorites: Les Nubians, Sade, Jill, Alicia, Mary J, Common, Stevie, Luther, D’angelo, MC Lyte. What do you think? DJ Zita ,and her man Dmadness, got together and took these kings and queens of Soul and freshly blended it to create sugar for your ears. It starts off with an acapella – deep, flowing harmonies of local Funk/Soul artist, Femi, of Oakland. Then the gradual transition to Les Nubians and Jill seems to tie it all in. Personally, I was moved at every single joint that came on. One track after the other, I’d be either swaying, bobbing my head, or yelling “Ah I love this song!!!? So check it out, unless you haven’t yet, “Golden mixes Vol. 1: Soul Sisters & Brothers.? So now its time for you to try it out! Buy it online. Enjoy!!!
I’m the resident WP reader/fiend (as opposed to WWD), so I had to share my excitement on this new musical experience, that is Wax Poetics Digital! The site has thousands of new releases and vital reissues available for download now! The tracks for sale, in digital format, will interest all Wax Poetics readers, as the stock spans Brazillian to breaks, Latin to lounge, and of course, plenty of classic and unearthed jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop (aaawwww yeaaaaah!).
Also, be sure to head out and celebrate the official launch of Wax Poetics Digital with two of my personal favorites, The Budos Band and the charming and talented, DJ Amir. Check the details:
Tracks from Wax Poetics Digital have been hand selected by the Wax Poetics Staff and are ready to be played tonight on the Record Rundown. The Wax Poetics Record Rundown broadcasts every Thursday from 10pm to Midnight on East Village Radio.
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