2011 … The Pursuit of Music

January 1st, 2012 | By ChasingSoul

In 2011 the good outweighed the bad.  It was a year full of new experiences, dreams fulfilled and lots of great music!  As I look back on last year there were a few highlights that stood out.  Take a look at the top 5 musical moments that defined 2012 for me (in no specific order).

1.  Meeting Lalah Hathaway was a dream come true.  I interviewed her at the Vail Soul Music Fest for an assignment I was working on.  I tried to maintain my cool but inside I was giddy like a school girl.  Lalah is such a sweetheart and interviewing her was like talking to one of the coolest people you ever met.  Her music has been a part of my soundtrack for 20 years so meeting her was truly a joy!

2.  Witnessing the loving union of Mr. and Mrs. McCoy.   The wedding was beautiful and I was honored to be a part of such a loving celebration.  I can’t wait for Liv to release new music but for now her 2006 release Embrace Me is always in rotation on my iPod.

3.  I went to the Soul Train Awards.  I have always wanted to attend an award show and I was excited to get the opportunity to attend the Soul Train Awards.  It was a cool experience and I appreciate those that were working to get me a ticket.  Next I will be attending The 2012 Stellar Gospel Awards in Nashville.

4.  I experienced a lot of great music in 2011.  I attended over 20 shows in a variety of cities: Washington DC, Baltimore, Atlanta, Vail and Portland.  The artist I saw the most in 2011 was Anthony David.  I saw him on 3 different occasions and each time it was like the 1st time.  After one of his performances in Maryland I introduced myself and told him about my friend Angenella who LOVES him dearly.  She was not able to come to the show and Anthony made her night by calling her on the phone — I earned a few ”cool points” for that!

5.  I have truly been blessed watching my daughter blossom into a producer.  She loves making music and I love to see her follow her passion.  She recently produced her first full-project with a local rapper named D-Cal.  As I sit and watch her with her headphones, lost in her music I can’t help to think that I am watching the future unfold.  One day I will look back and remember this is where it all began.  If you love hip-hop click on the cover below to get your free download.  So proud of Keisha … you can check out her beats on www.soundcloud.com/beatsbykeishh!

There were so many other great things I experienced in 2011 and I could go on all day but I won’t.  I am just looking forward to a 2012 filled with love, happiness and music and I wish the same for you.  Happy New Year!

Gloria Ry’ann — Just Glow

December 17th, 2011 | By ChasingSoul

Gloria Ry’ann recently released Just Glow a collection of songs that showcase her five octave vocal range.  Gloria’s sound is soultry and favors the vocal styling of the late Minnie Riperton.  On this EP she remakes Minnie’s “Inside Your Love” where she proves that she has the vocal ability to take on this song and hit all of the right notes.  Gloria has worked as a supporting vocalist to many well-known singers such as Jennifer Hudson, Patti LaBelle, and Ashford & Simpson to name a few.   After many years touring and stunning live performances, she is ready to step out on her own.  Other singles I enjoy on the EP include “Divine” and ”Wait a Minute”.  Support good music and purchase Just Glow.

Esnavi — Exit E

November 28th, 2011 | By ChasingSoul

A couple of months ago I received an email from one of my readers and they had just come across Esnavi’s live performance and felt she was worthy of a feature.  Well, it only took me a minute to view the video link and I was captured by her rich and soulful vocals.  I later purchased the CD Exit E and it’s been on rotation ever since.

The name Esnavi is derived from words to describe her sound:  Eclectic, Soulful, Natural, Authentic, Vivacious, and Intriguing – E S N A V I {Es-Nah-V}.  She is a multifaceted artist with a voice of undeniable soul, lyrics of thought provoking truth, and music that harmoniously blends everything in between.  Exit E is worthy of a place in your music collection.

Find out more about this artist at www.Esnavi.com or www.twitter.com/Esnavi

Soul Train Awards 2011

November 27th, 2011 | By ChasingSoul

The 2011 Soul Train Awards were taped in Atlanta at the historic Fox Theatre on September 17th.  As luck would have it I would be in Atlanta on business during the taping of the show but I wasn’t sure how or if I could get a ticket.  As I prepared to pack I decided to take something to wear just in case.  I figured if I wished hard enough my wish would come true . . . and it did!  When it was all said and done I had two options to attend the taping and I was so excited!

I attended the show with my Soul Sista Dani Lovestrong.  I love hanging out with Dani during my trips to Atlanta – she is always down to experience live music.  I am so grateful that she took me with her. 

The most memorable performances of the night were the tributes to Gladys Knight and Earth Wind & Fire.  The lineup that serenaded Gladys included Tamar Braxton, Chrisette Michele and Marsha Ambrosius and the incomparable Natalie Cole.  Stokley Williams and Lalah gave outstanding performances honoring EWF and then a trio that included Joe, Eric Benet and Robin Thicke sang their hearts out!  Dani and I were sitting on the edge of our seats waiting for EWF to take the stage.  They didn’t do a full performance as we would have liked, but it was great to see them being honored for their legacy.  The tribute to the late Heavy D included rap’s finest:  Naughty by Nature, Kurtis Blow, Big Daddy Kane and others and the set closed with a picture of Heavy D and his last tweet — “Be Inspired.”

As we were leaving the venue I spotted Miss Robbie from Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s.  Isn’t she gorgeous for 72 years young? 

I had a great time at the show and now I am able to cross this off of my bucket list . . . Attend an award show.   Be sure to watch tonight on Centric TV at 9 PM ET.