Urban Network Magazine

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Volume 19 Number 8 • $4.95 U.S./$5.95 Canada

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VO L U M E . 1 9 , N O . 8

© The URBAN NETWORK, LLC

[email protected] • www.urbannetwork.com

Miller London

Tosha Y. ThomasA. Scott Galloway

Ron DanielsRhonda Hyman

Lin. WoodsLicia ShearerMarvin Woods, Jr.

Tosha Y. Thomas

Vera ParasDelvin Stevenson

Miller [email protected] [email protected] Daniels661.947.6904Warren Griffin [email protected]

Arthur MitchellSan Diego - 619.401.4014Shataya Mitchell404.447.3029Chanda SimonD.C. EnsleyHarold Whaley619.717.6019Kevin Briscoe619.401.4014Steven Topham619.401.4014

Tosha Y. ThomasLin. WoodsDavid Lilly

PUBLISHER/CEO

VICE PRESIDENT/MANAGING EDITORMUSIC EDITOR

PUBLISHER EDITOR

URBAN INSPIRED EDITOR CONTRIBUTORCONTRIBUTOR

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

ART DIRECTORGRAPHIC DESIGN

MAJOR LABELS

SR. ACCOUNTS MGR. INDEPENDENT LABELS

HOME VIDEO/THEATRICAL RELEASES

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE AFFAIRS

VP/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/SPECIAL EVENTSBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, UN RADIO & UN TV

INDEPENDENT LABEL RELATIONS/MUSIC DIR.,UN RADIO/UNTV

INDEPENDENT ARTISTS RELATIONS

MAINSTREAM/URBAN AC CD GOSPEL/URBAN INSPIRED CD

COMPILATION DVD

E D I T O R I A L

G O S P E L / U R B A N I N S P I R E D

M I C C H E C K / H I P - H O PJustin Miller

S A L E S & A D V E R T I S I N G

B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T T E A M

L I F E S T Y L E / F A S H I O N

A R T

W E S T C O A S T C O N T R I B U T O R SThe Urban Buzz, Tiffany Jameson

E A S T C O A S T C O N T R I B U T O R SIsha Edwards, Daylle Deanna Schwartz, Gerald A. Radford

C O N F E R E N C E C O O R D I N A T O RCarole Carper/PMI

C I R C U L A T I O NDavid Lilly

M A R K E T I N G S E R V I C E S

W E B D E S I G NVera Paras

T H E I N D I / L A K E V I E W M E D I A

K E E P I N G Y O U I N D U S T R Y C O N N E C T E D

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table ofcontents

GRAMMY RE-CAP

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: BISHOP WAYNE

TIME, TESTED + TRUEFEATURED MUSIC FROM GIL SCOTT-HERON,ALEX BUGNON, PATRICE RUSHEN, CORINNE BAILEY RAE, MAYSA ANDWHITNEY HOUSTON

COVER STORYOF SOLDIERS, SAVIORS ANDHEARTBREAKERS – THE NEW SADE

HOTTNESS2010 CADILLAC SRX…SUPERB PERFORMANCE, SUBTLEELEGANCE AND 2010 BUICK LACROSSE…BACK FOR THE FIRST TIME

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:RISING STAR ARIKA KANE

INSPIRED EDITOR’S NOTES

INSPIRED WE HEARD

REFLECTIONS BY MARILYN A. BATCHELOR

INSPIRED ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: BRO. JOEL MASSEY

REMEMBERING TEDDY PENDERGRASS

© THE URBAN NETWORK VOLUME 19 NUMBER 8

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Well, we are in 2010 and the world has not come to an end. Our new president has been in office one full year and thecountry has not fallen completely apart as some had predicted. In fact, if you ask most you will find that they are stilloptimistic about the future; even though the polls say that the confidence level has changed dramatically. In a perfectworld we could be farther ahead if the parties would just give hope and change a chance. If the politicians hadapproved the health plan even though it was not perfect; it would have been a great start. We could address the eco-nomic condition of our country while we worked on how to get our troops home, while leaving the world in a somewhat safe condition; as safe as one can be during these times of terrorism. What is the opposition afraid of, that hemight do a good job and the Republican Party would loose face or political presence? Each party should be concernedabout the well-being of the American people and not play politics with our lives. Most of our politicians are well off anddon’t have the same problems as most Americans, so there is no immediacy to address issues that could positivelyaffect our lives. They can’t play political games with our lives.

I think that we need to vote for the politicians that are suited for the job and not just because we have a loyalty to ourparty. I feel that is why we have a leader like President Obama. It seems that the whole country was watching theMassachusetts election as if it was going to change the world. I hope the new Senator will look at things based on theneed of the people and not just give his party another vote against the Democrats. The parties came together for thegood of the nation when it came to war, but we can’t come together to help save American lives through a new, butmaybe not perfect health plan. What if the Democrats had played the game of politics with President Bush and his warefforts as they are playing with our new President? It is time to stop playing politics and put this country back on itsfeet. Greed and anarchy destroyed Rome, Egypt, and Britain; lets us not go down that road. We must encourage ourfriends, family and co-workers to let our political officials know we want to give change a chance. If we are not carefulwe could become the United States of the Eastern Hemisphere.

Like 2009 I m gone…Happy 2010!

Miller London

CEO & PublisherThe Urban Networkwww.urbannetwork.com

© THE URBAN NETWORK 4 VOLUME 19 NUMBER 8

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� Josefa Salinas, Michael Mauldin, Jerry Boulding, Ernie Singleton, Cliff Russell, Miller London,Greg Street at the 2010 pre-Grammy mixer, “A Toast to the Urban Executive”.

� Dyanna Williamshangs out with UN’sTosha Y. Thomas atthe Kiss n’ Grindshowcase that fea-tured Grammy nomi-nated artists LalahHathaway, EricRoberson, ViktorDuplaix, ForeignExchange andRobert Glasper.

� Chillin’ at Kiss n Grind are Kia Jones-Glen, recording artist Nicki Richards and UN’s A. ScottGalloway and Tosha Y. Thomas.

GRAMMY WEEKEND RE -CAPThere were a lot of celebs in town for Los Angeles’

Grammy week. From receptions, to hot concerts and theamazing show itself, a good time was had by all. Checkout some of the hot shots from some of the festivities.

� Ernie Singleton salutes UN’s Miller London (l).

� Michael Mauldin (l) is honored by Ernie Singleton (r).

� Dennis Wilson (l) andVince Wilburn, Jr. (nephewof Miles Davis) pose forthis photo at theMusiCares – Person of theYear event honoring NeilYoung during GRAMMYWeek. Miles DavisProperties, LLC donatedthe “Miles Davis: TheComplete Columbia AlbumCollection,” a 71-disc setto the MusiCares SilentAuction. PHOTO CREDIT: KAREN SUNDELL.

COMPILED BY TOSHA Y. THOMAS

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� Gramminated artists unite! Showing at lot of love before the Kiss n Grind show are: Foreign Exchange, EricRoberson, Ann Nesby, Elsa Lathan, Tosha Y. Thomas, Brett Baker, D Mo Macklin, Michelle Renee, Shah Copelandand Ben O’Neill.

� A. Scott Galloway, Nicki Richards and SESAC’s James Leach hang out at Kiss n Grind.

� Fellow Grammy-nominated recording artists Eric Roberson and Ann Nesby metfor the first time this week.

� Bam….Eric Roberson Officially Gramminated!

� The sweetestperson in the indus-try Ann Nesby justpicked up herGrammy medallionat the NARASNominees receptionand is seen herewith UN’s Tosha Y.Thomas.

� Grammy-nominated crooner Anthony Hamilton poses with UN’s Tosha Y. Thomasafter picking up his Grammy medallion at the NARAS Nominees reception.

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Looking for a crowd pleasing, truly outstanding act withshowmanship to burn? We've got just the Artist for you; thatArtist is hot and sultry, Bishop Wayne.

When it comes to outstanding R&B, Bishop Wayne's music is in a leagueof its own. Bishop Wayne's independently produced CD, "I'm Just Me,"is one classy musical ride, delivering to fans 16 tracks of what BishopWayne describes as "Alternative R&B". To elaborate further his style: itis a combination of the romantic and sexy 'old school style R&B', (in thevein of such unforgettable greats as Marvin Gaye and Al Green), com-bined with a more contemporary style, (Tracy Chapman, John Legend);mix in a little Santana-esque guitar work, a little Bruce Hornsby-esquepiano work, backing the super smooth vocal capabilities very distinctiveof Bishop Wayne's sound. One more element that is added that makesBishop Wayne's sound unique, (even beyond the unique combination ofelements so far), is the 'island vibe' mixed in, with songwriting skillscomparable and reminiscent to the late, great and legendary LuckyDube.

Bishop Wayne has performed at a variety of venues including festivals,concerts and clubs, from the smaller, intimate settings to the larger ven-ues like the opening act for Ryan Shaw, making him an excellent choiceas the opening act for your event both national and international.

Bishop Wayne has a steadily growing fan base and has recently beenheavily covered in the press both nationally and worldwide, and is gain-ing interest in the media, so fans are well aware of his upcoming tour,and are looking forward to seeing Bishop Wayne perform live.

Since the release of Bishop Wayne's CD "I'm Just Me, tracks from theCD have gained an impressive and steadily increasing amount of airplayon a number of mainstream and internet radio stations, both nationallyand worldwide, during the on going radio airplay campaign that is cur-rently underway for the CD's promotion. Bishop Wayne is also gaining asignificant amount of requests as a guest on radio stations.

Interested execs can listen to tracks off of Bishop Wayne's excellent CD"I'm Just Me", gain info, and watch videos and more by visiting:http://www.myspace.com/bishopw.

Currently Bishop Wayne and management are seeking and acceptingfurther dates for a US tour to promote this new CD, as well as seekingcorporate sponsorship to further extend Bishop Wayne's tour beyond USborders to embrace fans worldwide. Bishop Wayne has expressed adesire to perform for fans in such countries and locations as: England,France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Norway, Greece, all of Europeand Asia, the Caribbean, Canada, Dubai, Central and South America,Australia and other destinations.

Talent buyers, venues, concert and festival promoters that are interestedin booking Bishop Wayne for an upcoming event, or headlining act,please contact Bishop Wayne's management at 813-967-4950 or emailat [email protected].

B ISHOPWAYNE

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� Pictured (top row l-r) are: BMI Associate Director, Writer-Publisher Relations, Nicole Plantin; BMISenior Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations, Phillip R. Graham; rapper/songwriter Common;singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat; best new artist nominee musician Zac Brown of The Zac BrownBand; BMI Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, music producer,Sebastian Krys; BMI Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations, New York; BMI Senior Director,Writer-Publisher Relations, New York Wardell Malloy. Pictured (bottom row l-r) BMI Vice President,Writer-Publisher Relations, Nashville, Jody Williams; Los Angeles Times Pop Music critic AnnPowers; BMI Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations, Los Angeles Barbara Cane; BMI AssistantVice President, Writer Publisher Relations, Latin Music, Delia Orjuela and rapper/songwriter NASattend the BMI “How I Wrote That Song” panel discussion at House of Blues Sunset Strip.

GRAMMY WINNERS AND NOMINEES TAKE CENTER STAGEAT BMI’S ‘HOW I WROTE THAT SONG’ PANEL S P O N S O R E D B Y LOS ANGELES TIMES, BRAND X & LEVI’S®

U.S. performing right organization BMI presented a Grammy-infused version of its acclaimed “How I Wrote That Song” paneldiscussion series on Saturday, January 30 at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, BrandX, and Levi’s, the discussion featured insight from Grammy Award-winning rapper and songwriter Common; multiple Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat; multiple Grammy-winning rapper and songwriter Nas; multiple Grammy-winningproducer Sebastian Krys; 2010 Best New Artist Grammy-nominee Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band; and super film andmusic producer Salaam Remi.

BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher RelationsCatherine Brewton and the Times Pop MusicCritic Ann Powers moderated the conversa-tion, which focused on the composingprocesses of the panelists, whose hits include“The People,” “Testify,” “Bubbly,” “It Ain’t Hardto Tell,” “Hate Me Now,” “Chicken Fried,”“Toes,” and more.

PHOTOS BY MARK SULLIVAN/WIREIMAGE

� Common and Salaam Remi chop it up.

� Common and Colbie Caillat talk shop.

� Pictured (l-r) are: BMI Senior Vice President Writer-Publisher Relations Phillip R. Graham, artist/songwriterTanvi Shah and Senior Vice President Performing RightsAllison.� The How I Wrote That Song” panelists

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SeawindREUNION(Seawind Jazz)

Growing up, it was so inspiring todiscover a band of amazing musi-cians embracing Christian themes offaith and brotherhood and turningthese sentiments into some of thefunkiest and hottest soul-jazz-popmusic imaginable. With so much tal-ent in the band – from leader drum-

mer Bob Wilson and lead singer Pauline Wilson to master horn arranger/brassman Jerry Hey and keyboardist/saxophonist/composer Larry Williams, it wassadly inevitable that they would not stay together for long. This pioneering 7-piece band formed in Hawaii got four amazing albums onto the market from1976-1981 before calling it quits. Last month, I was thrilled to find out that notonly are the group’s dynamic first two albums available on CD (Seawind andWindow of a Child, originally recorded for CTI), but 6 of the 7 members alsorecorded a wonderful new CD titled Reunion their first full release in 20 years!Appropriately, it contains both new songs plus new arrangements of past gemssuch as “He Loves You” (f/ special guest and fan Al Jarreau), “The Devil is aLiar,” “Follow Your Road” and “Free.” I am thrilled to report that the new musiccontinues the compositional depth and emotional commitment of the classicsthat came before. Highlights include the funky bass-driven groove “You’re MyEverything,” an instrumental tribute to the great Wayne Shorter (titled “Wayne”)and the gorgeous “Sunshadow.” Only officially released in Japan for now, the CDis nonetheless available to all via the Website www.seawindjazz.com. Be lookingfor my interview with the reunited soul soothers soon on our Website.

Gil Scott-HeronI’M NEW HERE(XL)

Gil Scott-Heron scared me half to deaththe first time I heard I’m New Here, theword shaman’s first work in 15 years.As I listened long past the witchinghour…under cover of darkness…alone,this work literally sounded like what it is- a once powerful black man that’sbeen to Hell and back and lived to tell

the tale. This is not your grandfather’s Gil. Gone are the alternating militant jazzand soothing Fender Rhodes. In their place are ghostly industrial tracks providedby alternative rock producer Richard Russell (also owner of XL Records). Overthose tracks, Brother Gil drops one the most blood-curdling spoken word bluesalbums ever committed to CD. I’m talking hair-raising sung covers of RobertJohnson’s “Me and The Devil” and Bobby Blue Bland’s “I’ll Take Care of You,”arresting poems such as “Where Did the Night Go,” “The Crutch” and particularly“Running.” The only relief comes at the opening and closing bookends “OnComing From a Broken Home” on which he shares his love for the women in hislife; his mother and grandmother. Though the project clocks in at just over a halfhour, it wipes you out like a 3-CD set of Cecil Taylor would. For maximum effect,I dare you to listen to it alone…in the dark.

Alex BugnonGOING HOME(Xela)

For two decades, Swiss-born key-boardist Alex Bugnon has been aromantic yet energetic force on thecontemporary jazz scene - in pos-session of chameleonic skills befit-ting him as a straight ahead jazzpiano leader and as a soul sideman.On his new album Going Home, he

boldly explores that music – his first love – more explicitly than ever before.From originals inspired by his early idols Horace Silver and Ahmad Jamal to cov-ers of old favorites from WAR’s “The World is a Ghetto” and Herbie Hancock’s“Oliloqui Valley,” to an adaptation of “Nothra Dona di Maortse” (a song he discov-ered at his father’s funeral), the 8-song project taps deep roots from multipleplains. “Going Home represents me returning to what I really love to do…whichis to play as hard as I possibly can,” he states. Joining him for this career-redefining project are old friends Poogie Bell on drums and Victor Bailey onbass, among others. This is the best album of Bugnon’s catalog, thus far, and thefirst on his own Xela Records imprint. Support this!

Cindy BlackmanANOTHER LIFETIME(4Q)

Drummer Cindy Blackman has had anenviable career as a touring musicianwith rocker Lenny Kravitz, as a sidewoman for many jazz artists and as aleader in her own right for albums thathave stretched from straight ahead jazzto forward thinking contemporary proj-ects such as her previous double-discMusic for the New Millennium. Her lat-

est CD finds her paying tribute to the most influential musician of her lifetime,Tony Williams. Williams, who died unnecessarily at 51 due to health facility neg-lect, was a drummer of galvanizing power and ceaselessly searching musicalambition. Miles Davis praised him for pushing any musician he played with totheir highest potential. Blackman’s reverence is palpable on Another Lifetime, onwhich she reexamines many of the pieces he created in his pioneering andchameleonic jazz-rock fusion unit band The Tony Williams Lifetime. It takes gutsto even attempt covering this music – the originals of which literally crackle withelectricity and the rawness of freshly chiseled granite. This recording is a littletoo polished in places, but Blackman never ceases to bring the fire to the pro-ceedings, representing her mentor to the fullest. She made some interestingchoices, particularly as it came to including (or not) the lyrics on classics such as“Beyond Games” and “There Comes a Time.” But she plumbs Tony’s singular giftfor funk in her original spoken word piece “40 years of Innovation,” flies free in asax/drums duet with Joe Lovano on “Love Song” (from Tony’s avant garde ‘60sBlue Note period) and especially on the third of three versions of “Vashkar” titled“The Alternate Dimension Theory” where she and the band stretch into the outerlimits. I imagine Tony smiling down after hearing this one and offhandedlyremarking, “Yeah…sharing.” Musicians include Mike Stern, Vernon Reid, DougCarn, Carlton Holmes, Benny Rietveld, David Santos…and Patrice Rushen ona majestic “Wildlife.”

BY A. SCOTT GALLOWAYUrban Network Music Editor

10 VOLUME 19 NUMBER 8

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Patrice Rushen SHOUT IT OUT (Soul Brothers)

U.K. based Soul Brothers Records is tobe commended for bringing to CD for thefirst time Patrice Rushen’s third andfunkiest Prestige Records CD, Shout itOut (1976) onto the market. The remas-tering is full and pristine, and the 8tracks within bowl you over with deep,deep, DEEP funk…and taste. Heavilycontributing to the funk factor are drum-

mer James Gadson, former Earth Wind & Fire guitarist Al McKay (check out TheHump”), percussionist Bill Summers, and then-Chuck Mangione bassist CharlesMeeks (“Shout it Out,” “Roll with the Punches” and “Let There Be Funk”). Thesingle from the album was the tamer, uplifting “Let Your Heart Be Free” and QuietStorm radio got much drive time mileage out of the lovely “Stepping Stones”(composed by Charles Mims) and the exquisite “Yolon” (composed by L.A. uni-fied school district music program savior Reggie Andrews). Throughout, Patriceis a wonder – singing, playin’, groovin’, composin’ and laying the foundation forbreakthroughs ahead such as “Look Up,” “Haven’t You Heard” and, eventually,“Forget Me Nots.” All that funk…started here.

MaysaA WOMAN IN LOVE(Shanachie)

Singer Maysa Leak has left indeliblefootprints behind her as a guest ofStevie Wonder, as a co-member ofIncognito and as a solo artist. But shehas never created a full CD statementquite as powerful as this one. Fromsexy samba of the opener “Am I Wrong(For Lovin’ You),” a pendulum swingduet with Will Downing titled “Love

Theory” and a slick surprisingly contemporary take on Thelonious Monk’s “RoundMidnight” to a lovely rendering of Michel Legrand & The Bergman’s “What AreYou Doing the Rest of Your Life,” the percolating title track and a lovely version ofthe Michael Jackson chestnut “The Lady in My Life” from a woman’s p.o.v., it’sone of those perennial collections for which all the stars aligned and everythingcame together just right. Perfectly balanced between choice covers such as“Willow Weep For Me” and “I Put a Spell on You” to a spicy new original titled“Honey Bee,” this is indeed a woman in love with her craft…and that makes itMaysa to the third power.

Corinne Bailey RaeTHE SEA(Capitol)

With the sudden tragic death of herhusband, it is not surprising that Ms.Rae’s sophomore album is largely away for her to mend and to say good-bye. What is surprising is how muchlight there is instead of darkness.Songs like “Feels Like the First Time”recall the joy he brought while he washere while the beautiful “I Would Like

to Call it Beauty” and “Diving For Hearts” find her weaving her pain into reflectivepoetry. This project is a deeper step inward for the singer/songwriter who cameout of nowhere a few years back with a billowy debut. The Sea marks a giantstep onward and upward.

MASTERS OF AMERICAN MUSIC(Medici Arts)

The acclaimed television series hasreleased four of it finest jazz related pro-grams on DVD in limited edition digitallyre-mastered editions that are a must orconnoisseurs’ libraries. We’re talkingThelonious Monk, Billie Holiday,Charlie Parker and a fourth disc titled“The Story of Jazz” that polls a plethoraof greats – many now deceased -including Carmen McRae, DizzyGillespie, Lester Bowie, Illinois Jacquet,Joe Williams, Billy Eckstine and manymore. Seeing these timeless artists pro-

filed and sharing their side of the jazz story in such a first class presentation ispriceless.

HiromiA PLACE TO BE(Telarc)

Following her escalating work in thejazz fusion realm and the acoustic trioproject she participated in with StanleyClarke and Lenny White, Hiromi returnsto solo piano with this impressive CD.The lady’s piano dexterity and versatili-ty matched with her penchant for com-positional forms that stretch fromPhillip Glass (“BQE”) to Chick Corea

(“Sicilian Blue”) reveal much about the crazy classical, jazz hybrid that burstsforth from the creative nooks of her cranium. Put this on and prepare for yourhead to swim in a place where brilliance meets beauty.

Whitney HoustonWHITNEY HOUSTON: DELUXEANNIVERSARY EDITION(Legacy/Arista)

Just call it a Whitney fan’s wetdream (like her standing in theocean on the back cover). This dualCD and DVD presentation offers theoriginal hit-laden 10-song albumplus great dance remixes of“Thinking About You” and “Someonefor Me” (which should have been aU.S. single) and a live rendition of

“Greatest Love of All.” The 41-minute DVD gives us four music videos including“You Give Good Love,” “Saving All My Love For You” and “How Will I Know,” plusher 1983 TV debut on “The Merv Griffin Show” singing “Home” and the Arista10th Ann. Party live version of “I Am Changing.” Deluxe booklet includes lots ofphotos and a Q&A with Svengali Clive Davis, but it would have been nice to hearreflections from others involved with the album such as Jermaine Jackson,Raymond Jones and Kashif.


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© THE URBAN NETWORK XX VOLUME 19 NUMBER 6© THE URBAN NETWORK 12 VOLUME 19 NUMBER 8

The enigma that is Sade reared its lovely head December 8, 2009,and sent hearts racing with the early Christmas present of whatinstantly became Single of the Year, “Soldier of Love.” Soldier of Loveis also the title track of the 50 million-selling and 3x-Grammy-win-ning quartet’s sixth album and first in ten years. In no rush to feedthe beast or face the nations, the foursome poetically convened fromfour corners of the globe at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studio wheninspiration was as full and ripe as Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon.”Ravenously anticipated yet totally unexpected and completely capti-vating in its innovations, the song sent a shockwave of electricitythrough a dull pop music scene with its bracing combination ofbeats, message and soul opera.

“I’m at the borderline of my faith / I’m at the hinterland of my devotion.”

More maelstrom than Quiet Storm, this audiophile attention arrester is arazor sharp reflection of the reamed-raw times everyone it seems is fightingthrough – artistically, spiritually, financially, and globally – yet penned with alyric of vague obliqueness chased with defiant optimism into which every-one can slot their singular cross to bear. Whether you’re wrestling WallStreet woes, struggling through unemployment, nursing crises of faith orfighting at war on behalf of your country abroad, somewhere in the smokymist you will recognize yourself among the song’s walking wounded withheart in hand.

“I’ve been torn up inside / I’ve been left behind / So I ride / I have the willto survive / In the Wild, Wild West / Trying my hardest…doin’ my best / Tostay alive.”

With its high voltage jolts and martial cadences of soulsonics as soundtrack,“Soldier of Love” found the four musketeers of Sade (singer/lyricist HelenFolasade Adu, guitarist/saxophonist/mood shaman Stuart Matthewman,keyboardist Andrew Hale and bassist Paul S. Denman) riding back intotown in funky formation – busting down barricades along both the battle-fields of life and global pop. Their canon torn flag bore two messages. Onone side to the world at large: “Stay strong – Love will prevail.” On theother side to the music industry: “We’re comin back, kickin’ ass, reclaimingsoldiers…and collectin’ up more.”

Of Soldiers, Saviors and Heartbreakers –

T H E N E W

SADEB Y A . S C O T T G A L L O W A Y

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There’s not another song on the album with the feel of this riveting single.The project sauté’s in a somber ambience for the group that duallyembraces grassroots strains of blues and country but with the airy spa-ciousness of a Mark Isham (or “Cottonbelly”) film score. It is a 10-song setof evocative and introspective mood pieces with not one sexy soothinglove song in the lot. For a woman who seems to have the best of artisticworlds – global success, a corporation that works on her timetable, finan-cial security, a husband and a daughter – her themes continue to paint heras not queen but “King of Pain” (as the song on her last album insisted –move over Mr. Sumner). No matter her worldly contentment, the womanunderstands and deeply empathizes with pain…and seems ever-ready toreturn there on behalf of like lost souls…in need. Sade’s core followers willfaithfully melt into the molten dark chocolate melancholy and stir in its bit-tersweet bliss.

The opener “The Moon and The Sky” is a heart-grabber with its sweetweeping guitar refrain and the bleak beauty of its lyric. This will likely bethe next single with its aching sentiment: “You’ll always know the reasonwhy the song you heard will stay on your mind and ain’t gon’ let you go,no / You were the moon and I the endless sky.”

“Morning Bird” is a mesmerizing meditation on some betrayal with its cine-matic layering of piano, strings, voice and percussion.

“Babyfather” is easily the sunniest of the songs, a reflection of her daugh-ter’s devoted daddy set to a mod reggae feel and an endlessly repeatingchorus.

“Long Hard Road” is an acoustic guitar blues reminiscent of vintage BillWithers – sadness laced with resolve, reassurance and an aura of movingon with one’s life.

“Be That Easy” boasts a lazy country Sunday lope as Sade swoon-croons inthe wide open spaces about “just fallin’ somewhere…” She even whistlesat the end.

“Bring Me Home” goes on about a barren emptiness inside that is ironical-ly set to a hummable melody and a bouncing beat.

“Skin” is about shedding off a love that wasn’t meant to be like so muchrattlesnake dermis – set to a light techno groove with a lyrical nod toMichael Jackson.

“The Safest Place” closes the 42 minute sojourn with our heroine cradled ingraceful guitar and the loving arms of her “savior of love” in a picturesqueplace of lyrical serenity. However, I have saved a different song for last.

“In Another Time” is the “pearl” masterpiece of Soldier of Love…a sparecomforter for dashing despair that finds Sade at her soothing, sympatheticbest. “You’ve been down, girl,” she consoles, “Their whispers are hail-stones in your face // They don’t know what to do with something sogood.” Word is that this song may have been inspired by a girl who hassuffered abuse from both her parents. After the sweetest succession ofpicked and pendulum guitars, string quartet, piano, violin, rim shot, andthe sumptuous, heroically swooping return of Stuart on tenor, Sadeassures, “Darling, I just want you to know your tears won’t leave a trace /In another time, girl…in another place.” And though it clocks in as thelongest song of the ten, you wish it went on for another ten.

I continue to be spellbound by the swagger of the planet’s most bewitch-ing barefoot Braveheart…and her brotherhood of masterful minimalistmonks.

A . S C O T T G A L L O W AY

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TEST-DRIVEN & REVIEWED BYTOSHA Y. THOMAS

2010 SRX… SUPERB PERFORMANCE,SUBTLE ELEGANCE Very rarely do I get the chance to test drive a vehicle on more than one coast, letalone in two extreme climates; but recently I was granted that opportunity with thesexy SRX Luxury Crossover SUV. Juxtapose if you will, the sunny skies ofSouthern California and the blistering cold air whipping off the Great Lakes ofMichigan; then you’ll understand the excitement of putting the SRX through thepaces on various terrains.

Whether cruising up the coast in Southern California or navigating the ice coveredroads of metropolitan Detroit, the SRX stepped up to the plate and delivered asecure and luxurious ride; no matter the driving condition. The V-6, 3 liter enginewith its 6-speed automatic transmission was equally responsive on the windingroads of the Malibu Hills as it was on the snow covered streets of Detroit. TheSRX is forward thinking in its early alerts for icy roads on the instrument panelsas well as the 4 wheel vented brakes with an anti-locking brake system; both ofwhich came in handy after a fresh dusting of snow camouflaged a city block ofsheer ice. The ‘Ice Possible Drive with Care’ alert was a welcomed surprise in theDriver Information Center as it primed this driver for the impending traffic condi-tions. The All-Speed Traction Control feature also came in handy as I avoided fish-tailing around a hairpin turn. The traction control was equally response on theunzpaved gravel laden roads the seaside communities of Ventura, CA.

While I appreciated the easy and adaptive driving experience that the SRX is capa-ble of, the subtle nuances were just as impressive. Don’t get me wrong, the Rear

Entertainment System was great for passengers (the niece and nephewsloved it), the 40 gig hard-drive put my iPod to shame as my favoriteplay lists blared through the 10 Bose speakers and the leather appointedinterior blanketed the SRX in extreme luxury, but all the small and spe-cial touches put this crossover in the upper echelon of the luxurycrossover segment. The jeweled-interior turning signal indicators addeda royal touch to the SRX. The top-stitching evokes a pride in craftsman-ship and the coup de’ grace for this reviewer was the subtle fade-out ofthe sound system for an incoming call. No abrupt disconnect of theentertainment; it’s the little things like that made this driving experiencecomplete.

MSRP $47,010 For more info on the SRX visit www.cadillac.com

2010 BUICK LACROSSE… BACK FOR THE FIRST TIMEIn the past, the Buick brand was synonymous with the octogenarian sector; thosedays are long gone. Sixty years later, the design of the all-new LaCrosse haswidened its new fan base to include a younger and hipper crowd. Gone are thedays of the little old lady from Pasadena-persona and now it has been replacedwith the sexy and free-spirited consumer who appreciates the finer things in life;without breaking the budget.

The only thing that still has remnants of the ‘old’ Buick style is the front grille, buteven that is slight with its rounded corners. The profile has completely been re-vamped with flowing lines that cascade up over and around the frame. Withoutdisrespecting the design engineers, the LaCrosse has a European look and feelthat is poised to challenge their foreign counterparts. The new, sleek and curva-ceous body style of the LaCrosse appeals to the new consumer without totallyalienating Buick’s loyal brand enthusiast.

The feel of the interior of the new LaCrosse has also been updated. With defined‘quarters’ the driver and the passengers have integrated zones. While the driver isdefinitely in control with an ergonomically sound cabin, the passenger is part ofthe driving experience with features like dual climate control and a sweeping dash-board; instead of an afterthought. Even though the LaCrosse is experiencing re-birth if you will, it’s not too advanced to lose the level of sophistication Buick hasworked so hard to achieve. None of the bells and whistles like the navigation sys-tem, Bluetooth capability and satellite radio are too cumbersome to use and all areintegrated into the design of the LaCrosse seamlessly.

The look of the LaCrosse is not the only element that has been overhauled. It’s nosecret that speed and agility were NOT terms that were synonymous with the

Buicks of the past. Dispensing a respectable 255 ponies through a 3liter, V6 engine; the LaCrosse is not a sedan with sports car envy. It’s asedan, that holds its own in its class. Additionally, the fuel efficiency ofthe LaCrosse is equally as respectable with 17/27.

Buick is not leaving behind their loyal consumers; they are bringingthem into the future… one car at a time.

MSRP around $33,000

For more info on the Buick LaCrosse visit www.buick.com

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BSE Recordings rising star,singer/songwriter ARIKA KANE is tak-ing the music industry by storm. July2008, ARIKA met Louis Humphrey,CEO of BSE Recordings, and heheard her soulful voice with a Pop flairand knew right away she was thefemale artist he was looking for. Notonly could she sing, but she was seri-ous and disciplined. ARIKA is nostranger to the music world; her par-ents are musicians.

ARIKA officially signed with BSE, August 2008. ARIKA’s hit single, “Bcuz I LuvU,” is climbing the charts on Urban/Rhythmic radio reaching over 5 millionlisteners; ranking #8 on the Rhythmic/Indie charts, #2 on the Urban/Indiecharts and the single continues to receive excellent response in all majormarkets. ARIKA has interacted with various icons in the music industry fromAll Access’ Jerry Boulding to sharing the stage with Radio One’s Kathy Brownand world renowned DJ Red Alert. National CBS radio host Barry Z and veter-an Billboard editor/pop-culture commentator Larry Flick of Sirius radio bothfell in love with ARIKA’s sultry music and personality. She has performed atAshford & Simpson’s famous Sugar Bar venue in NY and received ravereviews for her performance. ARIKA appeared on ABC television in Memphis,TN promoting her appearance on stage with legendary R&B artists Maze fea-turing Frankie Beverly, BabyFace and Charlie Wilson.

ARIKA’s debut album has been remixed by veteran music producer LouisHumphrey and mix master Edwin Ramos with remixes of the hit single “BcuzI Luv U” in stores, February 23rd 2010. The self-titled Pop/R&B Album is asmuch upbeat and energetic as it is smooth and soulful. ARIKA says, “I want toconnect and relate with people through my music and at the same time make

ARIKA KANE

you feel really good. BSE Recordings has given me the opportunity I onlydreamed of.”

It is obvious that BSE and ARIKA KANE is on the rising path to success andintend on sticking around for a very long time.

ARIKA KANE’s self-titled debut album and hit single, “Bcuz I Luv U,” is avail-able now on iTunes, CD Baby and www.bserecordings.com

For Further Information please visit: [email protected]

Interviews and appearances: Contact Lillian Smith at [email protected]

BSE website at www.bserecordings.com

� Frankie Beverlyand Arika Kane

� Valerie Simpson,Arika Kane and NickAshford

� Radio One’sKathy Brown, AllAccess’ JerryBoulding, ArikaKane and CEO ofBSE Recordings,Louis Humphrey.

� CEO of BSERecordings, LouisHumphrey, ArikaKane and DJ RedAlert.

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2010 year started off with me hitting the road covering award shows and fellowshipping with family and friends. Being appreciative offamily and friends and my way of life in the United States of America really hit home when the tragic earthquake hit Haiti in January 2010,killing thousands of people and making life even more difficult for so many who were already living in a state of poverty.

This spawned a huge “giving” effort world-wide. The tragedy made nations of the world, the USA in particular, really look at Haiti in waysthey had been ignoring for years. While we opened our doors to neighboring countries Cuba and the Dominican Republic, we had in manyways turned our back on this tiny nation, and literally returned Haitians home, who tried to make it by boat to our shores.

Yes, we saw the often poor quality of life many people had in Haiti, but we chose to ignore it. It is truly sad that it took a devastatingearthquake to get our attention. And now that the world has its eyes open and is offering help to the people of Haiti, and as the USA hasdeclared it would do, partner with Haiti to rebuild Haiti, let’s embrace these descendants of slaves who staged a revolt against the Frenchso powerful that it lead to the elimination of slavery and the French relinquishing control of the island nation to the very people they hadenslaved. Haitians are a proud resilient people who need our help. Let’s do it by giving to charities supporting the Haitian relief effort,including the Red Cross, United Way, clintonbushhaitifund.org, WorldVision.org and others. Most major US cities are hosting benefits toraise money for the Haitian relief efforts. Please do your best to contribute. And, don’t forget to continue to pray for the people of Haitiand their families outside of Haiti.

I must say that I am so very proud of the Gospel music industry in the way that it stepped up to lend its support to the Haitian relief effort.Churches and organizations all over are hosting fund raisers. And I commend Kirk Franklin for using his song “Are You Listening?” as atool to pull the gospel music artists together, record and release the song to raise money for the cause. He received the blessing of theStellar Awards founder/creator, Don Jackson, to tie in the recording with Stellar Awards week and get the best of the best artists who werein town for the Stellars.The artists donated their time and talent, and the result is a song that is so wonderful it will bring you to tears. And it is available viadownload. So please make sure you support by purchasing and downloading a copy of the song.

Speaking of the Stellar Awards, this year marked the 25th year of the show. The production was the best one I’ve seen to date. It fea-tures collaborations by such greats as Donnie McClurkin, Byron Cage and Marvin Sapp. The opening was a gospel performance master-piece featuring Ricki Dillard and Hezekiah Walker, and still other performances by Shirley Caesar, Dottie Peoples, Tramaine Hawkins andmore. Select artists performed golden hits down through the years helping commemorate the benchmark year for the Stellar Awards. KirkFranklin, Vickie Winans and Donnie McClurkin did a great job as hosts. And that Vickie Winans is hilarious!

The Stellar Awards show is airing in national syndication. Check your TV/cable listing for stations and times. For a complete list of thewinners go to www.ccptv.com

Since we just celebrated Valentine’s Day, I want to share with you my favorite scripture about love. And ladies, if you are in any kind ofrelationship that hurts, demeans or does not celebrate you, be a blessing to yourself and leave.

And if you have not found that special kind of love yet, don’t settle…hold on…God will send just what you need. It may not be packagedhow you envisioned him or her to be, but when they arrive, you’ll feel a special warmth all in your spirit and a voice from inside letting youknow this person is God sent, just for you.

SCRIPTURE:

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-5 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)

LOVE IS PATIENT, LOVE IS KIND. IT DOES NOT ENVY, IT DOES NOT BOAST, ITIS NOT PROUD. IT IS NOT RUDE, IT IS NOT SELF-SEEKING, IT IS NOT EASILYANGERED, IT KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS.

Stay Inspired!

Lin. WoodsUrban Inspired Gospel Editor/WriterGospel Department [email protected] or [email protected]

LIN

. WO

OD

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BeBe and CeCe Winans continue to heat up thecharts with their smash hit “Close To You”showing up on both Gospel and Urban musiccharts. And did you stay up late and see themrecently on BET’s The Monique Show? Not onlywere they fabulous, but host Monique, treatedthem with the utmost respect and loves theirmusic.

Kudos to Kirk Franklin for writing and produc-ing the fund raising single, “Are You Listening?”

to benefit the people in Haiti who suffered insurmount-able loss as a result of the devastating earthquake backin January. It is an awesome song that features awho’s who list of Gospel and Christian music recordingartists, including MaryMary, Dorinda Clark Cole,Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, J Moss, DonnieMcClurkin, Marvin Sapp, Bishop Paul Morton, andmore.

The star-studded song was recorded during StellarAwards week in Nashville. UN’s Lin. Woods says shewas at the Industry and Artist Prayer Service hosted by

Kirk and CeCe Winans at CeCe’s home church, Born Again, where Kirk requestedall the artist in the house to come and record that night and subsequent nightsthat week. “There were no egos, just complete cooperation and comraderybetween everyone there,” says Lin. The song has received immediate radio air-play and is available for purchase on iTunes. The video is airing on Gospel MusicChannel (GMC).

Kirk is currently holding national auditions for the thirdseason of BET’s gospel talent competition show,Sunday Best. The show will host its first time everinternational auditions in Lagos, Nigeria in Africa.MaryMary will return this season as judges. Joiningthem will be first time judges, Donnie McClurkin andYolanda Adams. Sunday Best premiere’s on BET inApril.

Lonnie Hunter has a new project in the works.Meanwhile, his radio program, The Lonnie Hunter Showcontinues to add markets, most recently, Cleveland(WJMO-AM).

Gospel star Tye Tribbett reportedly has moved from his east coast digs to sunnyLos Angeles. I guess he’s making a fresh start since he is said to be startinganother group/choir. Where does this leave his choir, Greater Anointing?

According to our sources, Tonéx will be recording Urban music and there is nocertainty that he will continue with gospel. We express our continued support inwhatever this talented young man does in the future.

Bishop Paul S. Morton is super busy with congregations in both Atlanta andhome base, New Orleans. And to add to his good deeds, he’s set up the Paul S.Morton Scholarship to help deserving young people out there who want to furthertheir education.

Speaking of the Morton’s PJ Morton, Bishop Morton’s son, a talented writer, pro-ducer and artist, has multiple projects we can look forward to. He has a forth-

coming book titled, “Why Can’t I Sing,” and his CD isslated for release in April. PJ also has a joint ventureas an artist with KOCH and Light Records. In themeantime the gifted musician continues to travel withhis father and support dad’s music and preaching min-istries.

Integrity Music recording artist Stephen Hurd is writ-ing a book.

Speaking of books, Yolanda Adams’ The Points ofPower is expected to be published this year.

Dottie Peoples has a new make-up line that will be available in malls.

Pastor Shirley Caesar has a new video to look out for, “Heaven’s Playground.”And, she says she will join The Caravans and sing with them on their next CDwhich will be in the works soon. By the way, word is Pastor Caesar may be giv-ing up her duties as a pastor this year.

Earl Bynum is working on both a choir and solo project. And he’s getting all ofthis done in between his gig as an International Booking Agent. He just complet-ed a world tour with stops in places like Italy and Switzerland.

The BMI Trailblazer Awards saluting gospel legends Andrae Crouch andDonnie McClurkin debuts Sunday, February 21s, 8p.m. EST on GMC. Hosted byByron Cage, the show was taped in Nashville during Stellar Awards week andfeatures soul stirring performances by some of Gospel’s best, including PastorMarvin Winans, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Dorinda Clark Cole, Micah Stampley,Yolanda Adams, TaTa Vega, Latice Crawford and MaryMary.

Central City Productions’ Stellar Awards is airing in syndication. This year’sshow is hosted by Vickie Winans, Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin and fea-tures performances by Donald Lawrence, Marvin Sapp, Vanessa BellArmstrong, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, MaryMary and more.Check your local TV and cable listings and tune in.

ON THE MOVE…

Licia Shearer has exited her positionas producer of Serving Up Soul withDorinda Clark Cole. Erin DeVeauxwho moved up from the ProductionCoordinator position has been promot-ed to producer. Andy Giner hasstepped in as Production Coordinatorof the Pasadena, CA-based nationalsyndicated radio show.

Music Entertainment Executive, Alvin Williams, who spent the last five yearsbuilding up music programming featuring all forms of Gospel music, from BlueGrass to Contemporary Christian to Tradition Gospel to Hip Hop, at Atlanta basedmusic TV network, Gospel Music Channel, has vacated his position as SeniorDirector of Music Industry Development.

Alvin was instrumental in bringing diverse Gospel shows to the air at GMC likeHometown Gospel, Hype and Glory, BMI Trailblazer Awards, Front Row Live andmore. Without him, many of the African American themed Gospel music showsand artists might not have gotten the invaluable exposure they received on thenetwork which is available to 46 million homes. He says he will soon let it beknown what his next big thing is.

Entrepreneur/Attorney and former President of Verity Records, Max Siegel is saidto have label projects in the works which will bring him back into the Gospelrecording world.


By Faye Truth � [email protected]

BEBE AND CECE WINANS

KIRK FRANKLIN

YOLANDA ADAMS

PJ MORTON

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Reflections


BY MARILYN A. BATCHELOR

For the past five weeks, we’ve been glued to ourtelevision screens, watching the earthquake dis-aster in Haiti. It seems unfathomable that acountry could be destroyed to this magnitude.

When Californians think about the Northridge quake in themid-90s, we envision bridges and streets in need ofrebuilding, rattled cabinets with broken dishes or cracks inthe foundation of a home. California is a large state andthe United States is even larger. It is difficult to imaginean earthquake that would destroy us from WashingtonState to California, Rhode Island, Florida and all inbetween. How about the notion of it collapsing The WhiteHouse?

This is the life of our Haitian brothers and sisters in, andaround its capital, Port-au-Prince.

In the entertainment world, there is a different type of rum-bling and rattling, but it comes in the form of the SuperBowl and the Grammy Awards. It’s the life we live, whenworking in the entertainment industry. These experiencescreate this bipolar world – or a foot in two worlds. SinceHollywood creates a land of fantasy, does it mean that welose touch with the world’s devastations and tragedies??Does it mean we don’t see the problems surrounding us?What we were taught as children never leaves us.Sometimes it’s in a coma. Nonetheless, it’s still there. Wedon’t forget.

I remember how difficult it was to explain to my familyexactly what I did for a living. Some friends accused meof being on an extended vacation when I left for workeach day. My mother said I did marketing. But I knewshe didn’t know what that meant on a daily basis. Mygrandmother told friends I worked at a record storeinstead of a record label. With such a lack of understand-ing of what we do, our benevolent efforts are even moresurprising to the general public. The predisposed thoughtsimply we are absent from reality. However, this can onlyhappen if we forget who we are.

Sure, there are some who only care about making money,buying as many toys as possible and flossing for anyonewho’ll notice. But I’d like to believe that the comfortablelifestyles and salaries for up and coming and high-levelexecutives would not overshadow the consciousness ofpeople who have endured the worst of times (slavery).

And many have proven that they have not forgotten. MaryJ. Blige formed a foundation to help young women rebuildtheir self-esteem and regain their place in society. U2’sBono and Bobby Shriver launched a great effort with their(Product RED) campaign which united Corporate America,the entertainment industry and every day consumers;allowing everyone to play a part in the fight against AIDSin Africa. These are just a few of many celebrities whohave chosen causes to champion.

In 2008 and 2009, I had the opportunity to go to Haiti, working in anorphanage as a mission effort. They were life-changing experiences.To find children looking like six years old were actually 21 or face thefact that these children had nothing they could claim as their own,was saddening. They had no parents, no clothes (all was shared),shoes, toothbrushes, toothpaste and a washcloth. These itemswere considered special gifts. They wanted to go home with us andit was heartbreaking to leave.

Once we fed babies at Mother Theresa’s Sisters of Mercy or playedFrisbee with children on the playground who never possessed a toy,my identity returned. I wasn’t a music marketing executive/special-ist. No one cared how many Super Bowls and Grammys I hadattended. In fact, what was a Grammy, an Oscar or a Golden Globeto them? These children simply needed more hugs and the feelingthat someone cared about them.If there is ever a time when any of us think we may be slipping awayinto the world of make-believe, just remember what is really impor-tant and go back to the place that keeps us grounded – home.

Marilyn A. Batchelor is an entertainment and corporate marketingexecutive and ordained pastor in the Methodist church. She can bereached at [email protected]

MAR

ILYN

A. B

ATCH

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GOSPEL CROONER BRO’ JOEL MASSEYTO RELEASE DEBUT ‘FIRST WORDS’ EP5 Song Project to be marked with Aggressive Digital Campaign

agram, North Carolina’s native son Bro’ JoelMassey is a Gospel music original coupled with

deep R&B roots. Now, a longtime resident of NewHaven, Connecticut, the singer, songwriter and accom-plished pianist is ecstatic over the December 15, 2009,digital release of hismuch-anticipated 5-song EP, titled, “FirstWords,” throughUniversal MusicGroup/ INgrooves/BroJoMass &UnionvilleProductions/ MasseyRecords; adminis-tered throughBroJoMassPublishing.

The first single avail-able for downloadsand Ringtones is thememorable “B-Attitudes,” written andproduced by Bro’ Joelhimself.

God is good, and He is good all the time,” says the singer,songwriter and instrumentalist, whose resident place ofworship is Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church in NewHaven, Connecticut. “First Words” also includes such inspi-rational and memorable anthems as “I See You (RememberMe)”, “Serve the Lord”, “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”,and “Praise the Lord”.

“Bro’ Joel is the ‘real deal’, and a remarkable talent primedand ready to do well at national radio and with performingin front of audiences around the world,” says WebMarketing PR CEO Arthur Mitchell, who will be directing themarketing and promotional efforts surrounding “FirstWords”. Mitchell is also VP of Business Development forUrban Network, one of the music industry’s longest runningand most respected trade & consumer print and onlinepublications. In addition, yet another key player on Bro’

Joel’s project is Entertainment Executive John Haddock,CEO/President of BLAZT Entertainment Group LLC, a fullservice entertainment corporation, whom manages Bro’Joel’s career. Haddock also occupies a position as EastCoast Writer/Artist Relation Director for Urban Network. Themarketing campaign surrounding “First Words,” will includean aggressive email drive, increased internet awareness,

print and online magazinepublicity, targeted radio air-play, topped with a series oflive shows, and advertisingand mobile campaigns.

Bro’ Joel received his BA inMusic Education from NorthCarolina Central University,and was a featured vocal-ist/performer in the CarnegieHall Debut of the SpiritualHeritage 4 Movements, per-formed by the New HarlemSymphony Orchestra, anAfrican, Negro Spiritual,Gospel, and ContemporaryGospel/InspirationalConcert—where he per-formed alongside the leg-endary Cab Callaway,Robert Guillaume, andSimon Estes. Bro’ Joel con-tinued to make his mark inthe classical music realm

and performing in such operatic works as Pagliacci, GianniSchicchi, Madame Butterfly, Turandot, Tosca, La Boheme,and La Traviata.

Recording commercial jingles, songwriting, collaboratingwith Pop and R&B artists and teaching music to studentsprovided Bro’ Joel with the diversity and passion needed tobe continually successful in the business of music. He isinfluenced by the likes of Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin andDonnie McClurkin, as well as such R&B icons as the lategreats Luther Vandross and Barry White, in addition toFreddie Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, and a host of others.

FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT: Arthur Mitchell at [email protected] or John Haddock at [email protected]


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© THE URBAN NETWORK XX VOLUME 19 NUMBER 6© THE URBAN NETWORK 20

There have been two men in soul music whose presenceon the mic could stop a wild animal in its tracks - letalone a love-starved woman: “The Wicked” Wilson Pickettand Theodore “Teddy Bear” Pendergrass. The latter was aferociously reverent soul singer of earth scorching sexuali-ty that many longed to tame and claim, or be forevertamed and claimed by. He could be as seductive as Marvinor as silken as Reverend Al, but no one could match himfor testosterone-fueled sex appeal. To the sacred table ofsoul, Teddy brought a righteous, gospel-hewn bravadoalong with a smoldering, head strong swagger. For loversaround the world, he was the platinum status standard ofsoul man.

Born March 26, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA - a city he raised himself up from poverty within andloved with all his heart throughout - Theodore DeReese Pendergrass possessed the gift of soul-ful persuasion from a very early age. His mother, Ida, had him standing up on a chair in a store-front church at the age of 2 singing for The Lord. Amazingly, he was an ordained minister by 10.But at 15 he took another path, becoming the drummer for the group The Cadillacs which went onto back supper club soul stirrers Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. It wasn’t long after Melvin gota taste of the glowing young man’s singing that he ushered Theodore on up to the front line of hisvocal quintet where he would instantly become the secret weapon Star of The Blue Notes. So domi-nant were his aura and authority that casual fans often mistook Theodore for Harold - for surely aman with his vocal command MUST be the leader.

“To Be Free…” REMEMBERING TEDDY PENDERGRASS

Signed in ‘72 to Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff‘s CBS-distributedPhiladelphia International Records label within a pioneering crop of tal-ent that also included The O’Jays (f/ Eddie Levert & Walter Williams), theIntruders (f/ “Little Sonny” Brown) and Billy Paul, the Blue Notes facedstiff competition even within their own ranks. But with the musicalsupremacy of the company’s writers, arrangers and producers, and thelead voice of Pendergrass, the group waxed hit after hit - from the back-beat blues of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and “I Miss You” to theelectrifying show burners “Satisfaction Guaranteed” and two of disco’sbedrock smashes “The Love I Lost” and “Bad Luck” to the uplifting mes-sage of “Wake Up Everybody.” For four pressure cooker years (1972 to1975), the group held its own before it became all too clear thatPendergrass demanded a stage of his own. His swan song from the groupwas ironically titled “Don’t Leave Me This Way.”

When the man dropped his 1977 self-titled debut album - dressed casu-ally in front of a solid white background that intimated “new beginning”- he re-introduced himself as Teddy Pendergrass with an 8-song offeringthat found him pulpit preachin’ “You Can’t Hide From Yourself, boudoirbraggin’ “The More I Get, The More I Want,” blues croonin’ “The WholeTown’s Laughing at Me,” pillow talkin’ “Be Sure”...and slingin’ a zinger

BYA . S C OT T G A L LOWAYMusic Editor – Urban Network

teddypendergrass2:story 2/19/2010 3:09 PM Page 1


for done-wrong bruthas that demanded it, “I Don’t LoveYou Anymore” - super serving all factions of fans with360 degrees of soul mastery. Teddy eased the world intothe idea of him as a solo artist by humbly opening forthe Isley Brothers during their “Go For Your Guns” tour.

However, it was on Life is a Song Worth Singing, Teddy’splatinum plus-selling sophomore statement of ‘78, thathe blasted his likeness into the Mount Rushmore of Soulwith a filler-free 7-song classic. Thom Bell & LindaCreed graced him with the inspiring title track(arranged and produced by the prolific Jack Faith who,sadly, is also recently departed), followed by the double-barreled club thumpers “Only You” and “Get Up, GetDown, Get Funky, Get Loose,” beautifully bridged bythe soul-stoking balm of compassion “Cold, ColdWorld.” And that was just Side 1!

Side 2 opened with what would become one of themost fool-proof baby-making classics of all-time,“Close the Door.” Upon receiving this machismo-drenched declaration of desire, a woman innatelyunderstood she had granted an imperial specimenof man the pleasure of letting him “do what I wantto you” - to do what a man was put on this earth todo - to lay some sho-nuff serious lovin’ on her...inequally measured long strokes of strength and sen-sitivity. “Let’s bring this day to a pleasant end /Let’s get lost in each other...” The song begged up asequel/twin titled “Turn Off The Lights” on the nextalbum, Teddy, leading many a water cooler comedi-an to predict further follow-ups such as “Pull Backthe Sheets,” etc.... Life is a Song Worth Singingclosed with two more powerfully indelible gems: thecloud-busting “It Don’t Hurt Now” and the joyouslygratifying “When Somebody Loves You Back.” Thehook: “Not 70/30 - Not 60/40 - Talkin’ ‘bout 50/50Love.”

Teddy was a bona-fide superstar now, embarking onsold out “For Ladies Only” tours that his mostdevoted femmes of all ages and races took veryseriously. Long fabled are the tales of womenexpressing their appreciation for his cuddly teddybear offerings and shirtless, sweat-soaked serenadesby showering him back with undergarments of grati-tude. Teddy volleyed back with the ultimate souvenir -the double album set Live! Coast to Coast - then cameback at the top of the ‘80s even stronger with his fifthLP, TP, featuring the incomparable Cecil & LindaWomack-penned “Love T.K.O.” as well as “Can’t WeTry.” Fans got a special treat the next year when herecorded the duet “Two Hearts” with pint-sizedStephanie Mills, whom he whisked off to the road forthe amazing “Looks Like Another Love T.K.O. Tour” andlater shared the stage with in a touring production ofthe musical “Your Arms Are Too Short to Box With God”(1998).

As if all of that weren’t enough, his sixth album, It’sTime for Love, included what now stands as among themost requested wedding songs ever, “You’re My Latest,My Greatest Inspiration.” By this time, Marvin Gaye wasawash in personal drama, Al Green had become a min-ister, Barry White and Isaac Hayes were slipping, and

newer talents like Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne andLionel Richie occupied their own lanes. With five con-secutive platinum-selling albums behind him, TeddyPendergrass was living large as Lord of the Soul ManMountaintop.

It all came to a screeching halt on March 18, 1982when in an arbor mist of mystery, Teddy ran his RollsRoyce off the road, crashed into a tree and was ren-dered paralyzed from the waist down. A collective shud-der shot through the industry as many doubted aloudthat a singer so immortalized for his sex appeal couldever resurrect his career relegated for life to a wheel-chair. Pendergrass proved them wrong.

After spending six months hospitalized and followingextensive physical therapy, Teddy returned in 1984 withthe gold-selling Love Language album onElektra/Asylum Records, buoyed by the sexy movietheme “Your My Choice Tonight (Choose Me)“ penned byLuther Vandross and Marcus Miller, and “Hold Me,” aduet with a then up-and-coming Whitney Houston. Atellingly titled follow-up, Workin’ it Back, faired moremodestly. On July 13, 1985, he took the outdoor stage of“Live Aid” with Ashford & Simpson and before an inter-national television audience of millions, joined them ontheir anthem, “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’sHand).”

Then after a three year hibernation and rehabilitationperiod - during which the act of making music provedpinnacle to his healing - came the Grammy-winningcomeback smash, “Joy,” the infectious song producedby former Midnight Star members Reggie & VincentCalloway. The feel-good groover revealed Teddy as closeto the strength of his Philadelphia International heyday

as he ever would post-crash and swiftly ascended to #1on Billboard’s R&B chart, where it stayed for two glori-ous weeks in 1988. It was one of the sweetest tri-umphant comeback stories in music history. Thoughmore albums followed, Joy marked his last knockoutappearance as a soul-pop force to be reckoned with.

However, in 2001 he finally embarked upon a tour ofintimate venues across the United States, thrillingaudiences with defiantly transcendent performances ofhis classic hits - funk bombs, sex downs and spiritedaffirmations all - before an audience that he absolutelywowed by the sheer will of his conviction, bravery andtalent. I will never forget the image of him up on stage

at The Wiltern Theatre – Valentine’s Day 2002 in LosAngeles - literally rockin’ his wheelchair from side toside with a newfound boogie power that delighted allin attendance and on their feet – not a one feelinghe had delivered anything less than his personalbest and their money’s worth.

Teddy’s later years found him focusing more on fami-ly, community efforts around Philly and the TeddyPendergrass Alliance - a non-profit organization heco-founded in 1998 to assist those ailing, as he had,with spinal cord injuries. That same year he turnedinward and delivered the autobiography “TrulyBlessed” (penned with Patricia Romanowski andgiven the same title as his 1991 CD) and lived to seea stage musical based on his life titled “I Am What IAm” premier in Chicago at the Black EnsembleTheatre. He was also humorously immortalized byEddie Murphy in the comedy, “The Nutty Professor.”

We lost Teddy Pendergrass on Wednesday evening,January 13, 2010, from respiratory failure followingcomplications of a surgery for colon cancer. He wasbeing treated at Bryn Mawr Hospital in suburbanPhiladelphia after “a difficult recovery.” He was 59.His son, Teddy Pendergrass II, states, “To all hisfans who loved his music, thank you. He will live onthrough his music.”

His final recording was a version of Edwin Hawkins’contemporary gospel classic “Oh, Happy Day,” producedby David Nathan and Preston Glass for the Time Lifevarious artists CD Songs 4 Worship Soul, recordedSeptember 2008 in Philadelphia.

Having spent just shy of half his Earthly life paralyzed,Teddy Pendergrass leaves behind a legacy not only as amusical giant, he was a real life “survivor.” He dealtwith and proceeded forward from the pain and sufferingof his cruel circumstance to continue doing what heloved - to serve his community, provide for his family,and be a light of inspiration on multiple levels.

Theodore “Teddy” Pendergrass was one of the lastsoul men standing despite being wheelchair-bound.Now, his soul soars on mighty, magnificent wingsthrough the Heavens - like a high-flying falcon inrestoration - “Free to Be” who he is...in all his glorioustotality. Down here on the ground, his music will stir thecauldrons of masculinity meeting femininity at thecrossroads of fever and ardor…forever.

rk

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T H E C I R C U I T TA L E N T S E A R C H 2 0 1 0

The Circuit Nationwide Talent Search Begins in2010! Kevin Black, one of the music industry’smost sought after hit makers, with unparalleledexperience that spans Death Row, Virgin, EMI,Interscope, and Warner Records, is looking forthe next music artist phenomenon with thenationwide talent search The Circuit! Artists ofall genres will compete for the opportunity towork with Kevin Black’s exciting new music man-agement company U Can Fly, plus an array ofother exciting prizes!

Prize packages for winners as they progress through theselection process are still being determined, but willinclude an assortment of recording opportunities, market-ing and promotional campaigns to further the artists’careers, ringtones, clothing, musical equipment, andindustry event tickets provided by The Circuit’s sponsorsand other industry partners. And the ultimate nationwidewinner will work personally and directly with Kevin Black totake their music career to the top!

Super Stars of the Industry On Board as Advisors andJudges! Also sponsoring and participating in this event willbe Miller London, former Vice President of MotownRecords for 21 years and the current President of UrbanNetwork and Urban Network magazine. Mr. London’s earfor all genres of music is legendary, and he is well knownfor his hand in finding many of music’s most beloved stars.Also joining in the The Circuit will be Don Cody, the CEOand owner of Moses Media, Rolland Turner, the CEO ofGlobal Music Group/Universal Fontana, and Leo Rodgers,Senior Vice President of Bungalo Records/BungaloUniversal. Watch for the names of more music industrytitans to join The Circuit’s panel of advisors and judges.


A Comprehensive Search with Online and Live Showcase Opportunities! Artists will competein a selection process that begins online with The Official Circuit Website, and willprogress to live performance showcases at venues across the country. Competition willbegin regionally in Preliminary and Semi Final events, and will culminate in one Finalnational contest that chooses the ultimate winner. More than 60 venues across the coun-try will provide the national showcasing platform for the contest. These showcases willhave a “Red Carpet” excitement with the presence of industry insiders, video filming, pho-tography, media attention, and a headlining band to provide entertainment during theevening.

Fans and Industry Professional Judges Vote! Winners will be selected by a combination ofvoting by fans and industry professional judges. Artists will have the opportunity to inter-act with some of the music industry’s most prominent decision makers who will be judg-ing both the online competition and the live performance showcases across the country.

Fans will play a crucial part in the advancement of artists through the competition, andtheir votes will carry 50% of the decision making authority in the contest at all levels. Thebest artists must appeal to the business sensibilities of the industry judges and the emo-tional sensibilities of the fans, and cultivate a fan following to help them advance.

The Circuit Will Be Filmed for Reality Television! Reality television filming will take place atall events and will be edited for viewing on The Circuit TV on the Official Circuit Website,as well as The Circuit YouTube Channel. Negotiations are taking place for placement ofthe programming with broadcast television as well.

The Circuit Will Be Everywhere Online as a Web 2.0 Experience Too! The Circuit will main-tain a strong online presence with The Official Circuit Website, The Circuit YouTubeChannel, as well as social networking on MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. An iPhone Appfor The Circuit will take all the essential details about the contest to millions of mobilephones.

Important Dates! Online artist registration begins on February 1, 2010. The official launchof The Circuit takes place at the South By Southwest Music Conference in Austin TXMarch 17 – 20, with our first competition, and live regional competition begins in June.

KEVIN BLACK

VISIT THE CIRCUIT’S WEBSITE: WWW.THECIRCUITLIVE.COM

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French Royalty Records to release the sopho-more project of Urban/R&B singer/songwriterTrueful February, 2010 titled "Taste of Class."The CD is co-produced by Apt 6 Productions –twins Dwayne and Dwight Madison and JamesRobinson - and executive produced by Truefuland French Royalty Records. The music video tothe single "Feeling You," featuring Israeli modelGita, premiers at UrbanNetwork.com and is cur-rent available at iTunes, Amazon and Rhapsody.

Trueful started his career in entertainment as acompetitor at the national Uplifting Minds II tal-ent competition and he went on to win BestMale Vocalist of 2007 at the Las Vegas MusicAwards. Signed to French Royalty Records in2007 Trueful released his debut CD in 2008titled "Truth Be Told." That project garnered himqualification status for a 2008 Grammy Awardnomination for Best New Artist. His debut CDstayed amid 13-25 positioning on the musiccharts for nine weeks.

A student at UCLA in music engineering, song-writing and business, Trueful's "Taste of Class"single, "Feeling You," has become a hot song at

iTunes in Japan. When not in the studio, on touror in class, Trueful enjoys volunteering his timeas a motivational speaker and as entertainmentat fundraisers and charitable events.

On December 12, 2009 Trueful performed,along with label-mate comedian Peanut (DefComedy Jam), at the Compton ChristmasParade (1500 Ludus Park, Compton, California).Later that day at the Crystal Park Casino andHotel the city of Compton presented Truefulwith an appreciation award for all of his sup-port by performing at their event and activities.December 31, 2009 (New Years' Eve) Truefulperformed at El Tiburon Night Club (1535Florence Avenue, Los Angeles, CA) from 9:00 –9:30 p.m.

French Royalty Records' next project is a Neo-Soul group just signed, and still unnamed andits French Royalty Dancers (includes choreogra-pher Jasmine "Jazzy" Hayes and D Valentine).The imprint has national distribution. Its' proj-ects are available at such outlets as VIP Recordstores in Los Angeles; Sound Good stores inGeorgia; Mid-City Record stores in Los Angeles;East Street Record stores in SeattleWashington; Eclipse Record stores in NewJersey, and Hall of Fame Record stores andSymphony Music record stores in New York – toname a few.

Bookings for Trueful performances in 2010 arealready coming in and can be found atwww.myspace.com/BeTrueful andwww.FrenchRoyaltyEnt.com or you can "twit"Trueful at www.Twitter.com/BeTrueful.

URBAN/R&B'S TRUEFUL TO RELEASE SOPHOMORE CD, 'TASTE OF CLASS,' FEBRUARY, 2010 ON FRENCH ROYALTY RECORDSMusic video to the first single, 'Feeling you,' premiers at UrbanNetwork.com

Estilo G is a positive role model that makesmusic for the world with no racial barriers. Heis an artist that truly creates music from theheart. He has a unique style that is loved in SoCal and is being heard around the world.

Through "The Cali Dream" he turns his strug-gles in life into a positive outcome. Some ofthose struggles included not having a fatherfigure and basically motivated him with hismusic career. This album demonstrates hispowerful producing, writing, singing, and rapskills. Estilo G is apart Cali Music Group (CMG)was founded by Sergio Salcedo alongsiderecording artist Estilo G in the City of Perris, Ca,2008. CMG is a record label that is looking for-

ward to be the home of different artist in allgenres. Sergio Salcedo decided to create CMGwhen he saw the potential of a local artistnamed Estilo G. Now as partners they haveformed this record label doing all that is neces-sary from recording to marketing, to make CMGmove forward in the music industry. CMG iscurrently working on the release of Estilo G'snew album "The Cali Dream". CMG hasreleased promotional music to create anticipa-tion for this new album. CMG has been gainingsupport from people all around the world.

www.myspace.com/estilogmusicwww.myspace.com/calimusicgroup

WELCOME TO THE BIRTH OF AN ORIGINATOR. ESTILO G -- "THE CALI DREAM"

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