SOLOMON BURKE: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Solomon Burke:  The King of Rock’n’Soul

Solomon was nominated for his second Grammy 2011 for the Best Contemporary Blues Album, NOTHINGS IMPOSSIBLE. The 2001 Rock n' Roll Hall of Famer sadly did not live to see the result of the nomination to be announced on February 13, 2011. Solomon Burke passed away October 10, 2010 at the age of 70 aboard an airplane taking him to Amsterdam to perform in a sold out concert with DeDijk, whom is featured on his upcoming Album to be released March 2011 titled HOLD ON TIGHT.  His career spanned some 50 years of Rock n' Roll Soul infused with gospel and country. As a son of a preacher women and preacher grandmother, he himself an ordained minister and mortician, begin singing and preaching Gods word at the early age of seven. He began his recording career in 1955 as a gospel singer, and by 1961 he was recording Rock ‘n’ Soul, and became extremely successful with six Top Ten R/B Hits and four of those crossed over to the Pop Top 40, and never looked back.

Solomon was once quoted saying “The only thing I don’t know is what key I was crying in when I came into this world”.  He was a pillar of religious faith, and music was in his soul until the day he died. He is probably singing praises to the Lord this very minute. The father of 21 children, 90 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, once said: “I got lost on one of the Bible verses that said, ‘Be Fruitful and Multiply’, I didn’t read further”. He would never reveal how many women were the mothers of the 21 children; instead he would flash a devilish grin when asked.

He has sold 17 million records so far, released 35 singles and 38 studio albums, plus a mixture of collaborations with numerous artist. He was the definition of soul music in the 60’s, and his music has been recorded and re-recorded by almost everyone in the business at one time or another. 

The Album NOTHINGS IMPOSSIBLE was a collaboration between Burke and the great Willie Mitchell who died suddenly in January of 2010 before the actual CD release date. 

You may recognize some songs from Burke such as:  “Cry To Me” which was re-recorded for the movie Dirty Dancing and songs like “Down In the Valley”, “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love”, and “Got To Get You Off My Mind” and many, many more. He was a colorful entertainer and loved to be among his fans, although his weight of 400+ pounds prevented him from standing during a performance. He was no less the entertainer, and he sang his heart out at each and every performance while seated on a throne like chair. Remember the King of Rock ‘n’ Soul, Solomon Burke.

http://www.thekingsolomonburke.com/

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ADOLPHUS BELL: ONE MAN BAND

ADOLPHUS BELL: ONE MAN BAND

Maybe you have heard of Adolphus Bell, and maybe not, you should because he is a treasure.  A southern blues man that sings/plays traditional blues and R/B his way.

While strumming his ole Gibson guitar, drumming with his foot, and symbols he is singing his heart out for you. He also plays the harmonica.  His phrasing is a bit like John Lee Hooker and his harmonica playing is simple, but with excellent timing. He’s an old blues man singing the blues, and a guy you want to get to know, just out of curiosity, if nothing else.

His life is right out of a blues song. He has been down on his luck, slept in his car, stayed with friends, had a few wives, lost a few wives and a few girlfriends along the way, but he remains married to the blues.  He professes to be the “World’s Greatest One Man Band”, and has it written all over his vehicle so we know for sure. For the last 40 years he has been squeezing out a living of sorts by doing what he loves.  He had to hock his 1960 Gibson more than a few times just for the sake of his survival, but always recovered it and on he goes. The story of his life and times are endless.

Adolphus is his own man. Back in the mid-sixties he had a band, but found he was the only guy that he could count on so he gave it up and that was the beginning of the one man band.

He traveled up and down the east coast for a while stopping on street corners, parks, wherever he could sing for you to collect a little cash, and once ended up in jail for not having a permit to perform his routine. He later moved around from the south to California, and to Vegas, where he ended up working in the hotels for a while as a door man and greeter, but grew tired of that and headed back to the south where he originated from and played at local gigs wherever he could.

He came to the attention of Tim and Denise Duffy who founded the Music Maker Relief Fund, a nonprofit label that helps true pioneers and forgotten heroes of southern music gain recognition and bring their talent into the spotlight. With their help Adolphus Bell made his one and only album to date in 2006. ONE MAN BAND  it's a classic R/B, blues sound with songs like” Alabama Women” shows off his savvy guitar playing and “Have You Ever Plowed A Mule” where he plays all his instruments, and “Child Support Blues”, you just know what he has gone through listening to the titles of the songs, and his rendition of “Ain’t No Sunshine”, pounding his drum like a death march.

In 2009 he was in France, and was well received at the LaVillette Jazz Festival in Paris with thousands in attendance. They loved him and he has since toured in Europe and back to Paris again.  If he is ever in your area, be sure to stop and listen, and remember him, because he is the WORLDS GREATEST ONE MAN BAND, and could be the last.

I hope you will check him out, buy his music to help support him and give him the recognition that he so deserves and acknowledge the craft that he has spent his entire life perfecting, he is a national treasure.  You can find some of his music on YouTube, or on iTunes.

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FAR EAST MOVEMENT: HIP HOP/POP MUSIC GROUP

FAR EAST MOVEMENT: HIP HOP MUSIC GROUP 

Far East Movement (FM) is an Asian American electro pop, hip hop, and pop quartet out of LA. Their first single hit “Round Round” from the album FOLK MUSIC was featured in the movie The Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift and the song was also used in the video game and DVD of the same name. This break through channel enabled them to pursue their career in music full time. Members include Kev Nish, Prohgreee, J-Splifand and DJ Virman, have been together since high school.

They have had other commercial success with their music played on various TV shows and in movies, as well as radio play. They regularly tour with hit acts such as Lady Gaga, and beginning late February they will be touring with Rhinna for the Last Girl On Earth Tour.

Their latest Album FREE WIRED, is the 4^th studio album and the most successful to date with the release of single “Like A G6”,featuring The Cataracs & Dev, followed by the current hit “Rocketeer”, featuring Ryan Tedder, their strongest single so far. Tedders vocals, infused with FM’s hip hop make a combination that works to create a chart topping hit.

Far East Movement  have wisely collaborated with Snoop Dog, Keri Hilson, Lil Jon, Collette Carr, and various artist on the album to create an album that appeals to more than one genre, and propels them to the front row.  They have commercial success, and recording success, but what they seem to be missing  is a lead singer to make the group cohesive enough to stand the test of time. Basically they are a back-up hip-hop/rap group to talented singers and rappers that can carry a melody.  FM provide the back ground rhythms, with the use of heavy drum beats and synthesizer's and their harmony to create dramatic effects that get your attention, get you dancing, but really don’t have anything unexpected to make you want to listen to them as a group on their own over and over again.

http://www.fareastmovement.com/

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RYAN TEDDER: SINGER/SONGWRITER/MUSICIAN

Ryan Teddar:  Singer, musician, songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist

Teddar is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and record producer who is best known as lead singer for the group OneRepublic. He is better known as a music writer and is recognized for writing Beyoncé single “Halo” and Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Heart”, and a string of other artist’s a mile long.  Most recently he is featured as lead singer with the group Far East Movement on their latest single “Rocketeer” from their album Free Wired.  The LIVE version just out on iTunes, January 2011 with the same song featuring:  Franmusik, was recorded at Cherry Tree House. It is good, but when you hear Ryan Teddar sing, you will wonder where he has been, and you will want to hear more of him. His vocals are beautiful, and his voice compliments Far East Movement, a hip hop group who are moving up the charts each week.

Ryan is a very interesting man:  He is a graduate of the Oral Roberts University, where he was able to demonstrate his creative ability in music and from there he became an intern at DreamWorks SKG in Nashville where he sang on demos. He also produced demos for other songwriters and labels. Bent on a career as an artist, he moved to California from Oklahoma/Nashville and started his own group OneRepublic, with former soccer teammate and friend Zach Filkins from Colorado Springs Christian School.  He hooked up with Timbaland, the well known hip-hop producer, and began producing music for other artist while honing his own sound with his band OneRepublic. His worked includes R&B, hip hop, rock, pop, dance/techno and he is now one of the most sought after song writers,  and record producer today because he brings home the hits.

He is the writer, producer and singer of “Apologize” by OneRepublic, the Timbaland remix version in 2007 which is the best selling single of the decade internationally, only to be followed by the single “Bleeding Heart” by Leona Lewis which he wrote in 2007, according to SoundScan.

In 2009 he formed his own record company, Patriot Records, and a publishing company Patriot Games Publishing. He is the man to watch in the years to come and you can expect great music coming from various genres to you from Ryan Tedder.

http://www.myspace.com/aliastheproducer

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SICK PUPPIES: ALTERNATIVE ROCK/HEAVY METAL

SICK PUPPIES:  Alternative Rock, Heavy Metal/Hard Rock/Post Grunge

Sick Puppies is an Australian music group that you may have heard of because they are on MTV almost every day with their song “Riptide” recently released as a single from the Album TRI-POLAR, out in October 2010. TRI-POLAR, is their 3rd Studio Album, and “Riptide” is the 4^th single
 released from this Album. FYI: Parental Advisory on this CD, also a clean version, with the same angry statements available.

Their name “Sick Puppies” almost makes a grown man cry, hope you’re not fond of puppies.  They have a couple versions out on the how they came about the name, which has little to no relevance. It certainly makes the group name memorable but what a horrible thought, puppies are so adorable. Some of the songs titles on the album echo the same theme of disbelief and what are you thinking?  Example: “War”, “I Hate You”, “So What, I Lied”.  The heavy metal songs are angry, and Shimon Moore, lead singer sounds like he is in agony at times.

They gained recognition the hard way: YouTube.  In 2006 they posted “All The Same” Song/Video and became an overnight sensation in Australia and parts of Europe, before heading to the states where they signed a record deal with RMR/Virgin/EMI. The group includes lead singer & guitarist: Shimon Moore, vocalist and guitar: Emma Anzai, and drummer Mark Goodwin.

They are receiving mixed reviews, because some of the music sounds like other groups we have heard before and they have no real unique attribute that you could speak of. They have had some commercial success with the song they wrote for the video game Street Fighter IV (“War”) and it was also used during the Washington Capitals 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and their 2^nd single “You’re Going Down” as the theme for the WWE pay per view “Extreme Rules” in June 2009 and again in the 2010 Smack Down vs. Raw , an appropriate fit. Their music tends to rally sports fans into a cheering frenzy.

Notable Songs on the CD: “Maybe” is actually good, but familiar and rumor has it was hijacked from previous recordings of other rock groups.  You can understand the words in the music which sometimes just echo’s shouting or screaming on other songs.  “Don’t Walk Away” exhibits a softer vocal by Moore, and “Master of The Universe” has been reviewed as the best song on the CD

They are on the move and making music, but nothing that knocks your socks off so to speak, so far.

http://www.sickpuppies.net/

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MICK FLEETWOOD BLUES BAND

MICK FLEETWOOD: BLUES BAND

Mick Fleetwood has been around the music industry since he was 15 years old. The British born 6’6” tall icon is still making music history by going back to where he started in the late sixties, singing/drumming the blues. His current group, The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, is out the gate in  2009 with BLUE AGAIN.  His 25^th studio album including 20 with the group FLEETWOOD MAC, the album earned a Grammy nomination for the Best Traditional Blues Album in 2009, presented in 2010.

Although they did not win Grammy they do have a piece of work to be proud of. The album has been out since March 2009, with DVD release date of January 2010 and has had good success, but not that of FLEETWOOD MAC.

FYI: In 2006 Mick became a US citizen and has lived in the LA area for many years. He is a recovering cocaine addict, and admits he had a powder cocaine addiction.  He has been rich, and suffered bankruptcy in spite of earning millions from his drumming career, but he’s back and in good form, celebrating his 40^th year as FLEETWOOD MAC.

BLUE AGAIN, features Rick Vito on guitar and vocals, a former member of the FLEETWOOD MAC band way back when. Lenny Castellanos:  bass guitar, and back-up vocals, Mark Johnstone: keyboards, and backup vocals, and featuring Mick Fleetwood on the drums.

Some notable songs on the Album that are worth the price of a download:

“Red Hot Gal”, Rick Vito’s Stratocaster is humin’ his vocals are rockin’ in old time blues style, yet with a fresh sound with Mick’s drummin.

“Black Magic Women”, Mick’s dominant drum beats keep the rhythm going. A job well done.  This song was written by Peter Green who was the original lead vocalist of FLEETWOOD MAC. It was a single hit in 1968 in many countries by FLEETWOOD MAC,  but known in the 70’s as a Santana recording.

“Love That Burns”, nice slow love song, the band is really together on this.

“Albatross” The most interesting guitar based instrumental, composed by Peter Green. You might expect to be relaxing by the sea as you listen to this music. It is a bonus number on the album, and just too good not to have in your collection.

These are just a few, check out the website, all of the songs are on the web to test-drive. I think you will be impressed if you like blues/rock. Let’s hope we hear more from this group again, singing the blues.

http://www.mickfleetwoodblues.com/

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KEM: SINGER SONGWRITER/PRODUCER

KEM: SINGER/SONGWRITER/PRODUCER/MUSICIAN

Kem Owens, CD ITIMACY: ALBUM III, Out August 2010, has hit the charts as the #3 studio album for Kem.  Of that he has 2 singles currently in play “Why Would You Stay”, nominated for Grammy: Best R/B Vocal Performance, and “Share My Life”.

His velvet voice appeals to the emotional side, with his soft spoken melodies and restrained R/B vibe, fused effortlessly with smooth jazz to make this new album a winning combination.

After an unstable beginning with drug and alcohol addiction in his teens and early 20’s, and homelessness, he turned his life around with music. He began self promoting his music in the early 90’s and it’s paid off for the talented musician.

An accomplished, self taught piano player beginning at the age of 5, you can hear his keyboard influence on his CD’s. He states “I do not create music marketed to the mainstream Hip-Hop and R/B crowd”.  His ideal market is adult soul/jazz contemporary sound with lyrical content that incorporates all of those genre’s and lean deeply toward the adult contemporary jazz side of music.

His music is heavily played on the smooth jazz radio compared to the R/B and HipHop stations.  He has a great sound and with the adult soul/jazz mix, he will become a staple in that category, and is sure to have longevity in that type of market.

Check him out, if you are into smooth jazz/soul music.

http://www.musicbykem.com/

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TREY SONGZ: SINGER/SONGWRITER/MUSIC PRODUCER

Trey Songz: Singer/Songwriter/Music Producer/Actor

Trey Songz, stage name for Tremain Neverson, is listed on Billboard’s top 50 R&B/Hip Hop list 3 times for 2010. All of the songs from his 2009 release READY.

He was also nominated in 2009 for 2010 Grammy’s for Best Contemporary R&B Album READY. He did not win, he was also nominated for Grammy in 2008.  He won the BET for Best R&B Male Artist in 2009. His album READY is unquestionably good and he deserved recognition for his effort.

In 2010 he released the album PASSION, PAIN, & PLEASURE his 4^th studio album, which is somewhat disappointing compared to READY.   PPP is an ambitious 18 song CD with a couple extra for the ALBUM ONLY. The title songs (PPP) are divided into 3 separate interludes at about 1.3 minutes included in the 18 count.  The songs all reference love, sex, and sensuality which are the predominant themes in all his music, and are repeated again in this CD. Only one song stood out and that was “Can’t Be Friends”, and maybe “Unusual” featuring Drake,  the rest are not distinct enough to be hits and again compared to READY , there is no comparison.

The charismatic, good looking, smooth talker is young, born in 1984, he has time to fine-tune his craft to become a legend in the industry. His voice is strong and distinct, he just needs to make his material memorable.

If interested in purchasing his music, don’t waste your money on PASSION, PAIN, & PLEASURE  and buy instead the Trey Songz MTV UNPLUGGED Album out in July 2010, or his 2009 release READY.  The last two show off the talent and musical capability that is unique to him.

http://www.treysongz.com/

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NILS: SINGER/SONGWRITER/MUSICIAN

NILS:  Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist

Nils Lofgren is Rock, Blues Rock, Smooth Jazz, a Classical Musician and a Gymnast. (It’s listed in his credits, not relevant here, and it was probably some time ago.)

Note: It is also mentioned in some articles that he is American born, others that he his German born. Regardless of his origin he could be from Mars for that matter, there is no denying that he is a very talented man.

He is a well-regarded solo artist and a member of Bruce Springsteen’s “E” Street Band for the past 25 years, a former member of Crazy Horse (Neil Young) and Grin, and a 2-time member of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band. He records with and appears with various artist in the business as well as writes music for others, and events.

His current solo album out 2010 WHAT THE FUNK? is his 8^th studio album. It’s smooth jazz sound featuring this guitar playing man in a way most people may not be aware of.  He is an accomplished smooth jazz soul guitarist.  He studied classical music for 10 years as a young man and switched to rock in the late 60’s. He is also an accomplished accordion and piano player. He lives and breathes the guitar, and if you listen to his Instrumental recordings you realize what a talented man he is. Notable titles on this CD are: “The Hump”, “Jump Start”, “What The Funk” and “Dance With Me” it is expected they will be played often on your smooth jazz radio stations. Some critiques voice disappointment in this CD, after UP CLOSE & PERSONAL, but only time will tell where it will be ranked.       

Prior to WHAT THE FUNK  Nils broke into the smooth jazz scene in 2005 with the release of PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, album and single of the same name, which received a lot of smooth jazz radio play as well as “Summer Nights”.

In 2007 READY TO PLAY brought us “Catnap” and “Dreamin”. 

His 2009 smooth jazz album UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL a must have for your collection. The Song by the cover name is often played on smooth jazz radio. His rendition of Santana’s “Europa” is simply splendid and “Soul Mates” another must have. This is probably his best smooth jazz CD to date.

You will be pleased with the transition the rock’ n’ roller has made for himself and you can bet his legacy will be timeless. If you appreciate smooth jazz, jazz guitar and smooth jazz soul, be sure and look him up and listen to the music he has created for our enjoyment.

http://www.nilsmusic.com/

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MAROON 5: POP/ROCK GROUP

MAROON 5 :  Rock Group

They did it again, their 3^rd studio album, Hands All Over, 2010 has  a fresh new sound. I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear more of M5, because their music has been played to death from their previous CD’s.  Songs About Jane released in 2002 and It Won’t Be Soon Before Long  released in 2007 each one has sold millions of copies and numerous number one singles, and awards to go along with the success of Albums 1 & 2.  I was pleasantly surprised with the new album #3 .  

 “Misery” released in June 2010 the first single released from the CD is again getting lots of air time and was promoted heavily with concerts/tours during its release, and played to death, and not unlike previous recordings.
But wait, you have to listen to the rest of the CD not just the singles.

They are an American Rock Band, but iTunes Review considers Hands All Over "a collection of white-boy funk that drags them into the night club mixes”. Probably because the rhythms of the CD are hard hitting and the majority of the songs are dance songs. Unlike the majority Maroon 5’s version of dance has no electropop/synthopop in the mixes, they are real musicians doing their thing. VH1 is currently playing “Give A Little More” the beat hooks you immediately. It has a funky beat and the vocals are  catchy and fun, and it makes you want to move with the music.  One favorite is “Stutter” again a funky, yet slinky beat  you can imagine the improvisations one could concoct on the dance floor with this one. The CD is good overall, and if you were a Maroon 5 fan before you will love this one.

The group may make one more album before they disband. They have been together since high school ( 4 of them) and according to lead singer Adam Levin he thinks the band has reached their peak, which I was inclined to believe until I heard this last CD. Levine also said he wants to focus on being a different person and not touring and recording into his middle age. While they are great band and have been recognized by most everyone they will need to re-invent themselves with each Album so that it’s not the same song/sound. Levine’s voice is so distinct that there is never a doubt when he sings who he is.  Until they figure out what they want to do when they grow up, this Album with hold them with hit singles and overall success. 

If you like to move to the music and you like Maroon 5, you need to listen to this CD, a must for my iPod.

http://www.maroon5.com/

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SIA: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Sia Furler, Singer/Songwriter

Sia (pronounced /ˈsiːə/) simply her stage name comes to us from Australia.

She is classified as:  Acid Jazz, Trip Hop, Dance, Pop, Soul Jazz singer, songwriter.

Her Single “Under The Milky Way” released in January 2010, was used in the Lincoln MKT car, so her work may be familiar to you.  She also released her fifth studio album titled We Are Born on 18 June 2010.

She has written songs for many TV shows and various artists and including

Christina Aguilera with her co-writer Samuel Dixon. Sia, Christina and Samuel wrote a track for the movie Burlesque “Bound To You”, preformed by Ms. Aguilera and nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. They did not win but another song written by Diana Warren for the movie Burlesque did win.

Shortly after the release of We Are Born, she announced that she is suffering from Graves Disease. She is feeling better after 8 months of rest and hormone therapy. Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disorder, is a common form of hypothyroidism.

While I am not a fan, just an observer, I did download to my iPod, “Be Good to me”, and “Clap Your Hands”. Those are the only two that appealed to me, different and a change of pace. She is the combo style of Cyndi Lauper and Madonna.  “I’m In Here” is currently getting air-time on VH1, which is growing on me. It’s a moody and emotional feeling kind of tune.

She has changed her style and delivery as many artists do, but her previous music was somewhat dark and very gravely and slow vocals. This new CD is much better than previous ones. While the change is good, it mimics what other artist are doing, and even though she writes most of her music she does not sound uniquely original.

Her song writing is her strongest asset and you will probably here more from her in that area as she writes songs for others artist. She is just beginning to have recognition in the US. She has been more successful in the UK and Australia, prior to coming into the US music scene. Check out her web-site if you get a chance, her style/delivery may be someone you will enjoy. 

http://www.siamusic.net/

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JAMES BLUNT: SINGER/SONGWRITER

JAMES BLUNT:  SINGER/SONGWRITER

James Blunt, singer, songwriter from England has his 3^rd Album out in November 2010.  He is classified as an acoustic, tinged pop, rock/folk performer. You may previously remember him for what I think was his most popular song so far; “You’re Beautiful”.  His new CD SOME KIND OF TROUBLE, which released the single “Stay The Night” out in October 2010, has a lot of attention with play time on VH1 and MTV.  It is a sing-along song, with catchy phrasing and demonstrates his unique voice, identifiable to only to him.

On the Deluxe version of the same album, “Stay The Night” remix by Fred Falke, the song has a new life and becomes today’s version of dance song, with added upbeat synthopop/electropop tempos.  I like it, but it begins to sound like all the other dance songs out today.

I liked “No Tears”, “Turn Me On”,  “Dangerous”, and “So Far Gone” also released as a single.

This guy has A STORY; he’s not just a singer songwriter.  He comes from a long line of military service, and at the age of 37 he himself a former officer of the British Army has served and lived in various parts of world. He became a pilot at the early age of 16. He is an environmentalist, as well as a supporter of various charities’ including “Help for Hero’s” which provides better living for wounded British soldiers.  I was impressed by the man, and forgot the music.  

He has been nominated for 5 Grammy’s previously with no wins. I would not be surprised if his name shows up in the 2012 nominations.

I have heard comments that fans are buying the album because of the cover which features “babytard” on the cover?  I am sure he would be delighted to hear that comment.

http://www.jamesblunt.com/?loc=

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WILL DOWNING: SINGER/SONGWRITER/PRODUCER

Will Downing:  Singer/Songwriter/Producer

Will Downings latest CD out in September 2010, Lust, Love and Lies gets you in the mood for making love by fire. His baritone voice is hot and steamy, and It’s makin’ me kinda hot music. I hear heavy breathing and emotions stirring as “Glad I Met You Tonight” plays on with visions of the night just beginning, and what may ensue. 

One moment please…………………….

Whew! I am almost forgot what I was writing about.  After a cold shower I can write a little more objectively, the fire has died down now, and I have my candy cigarette, I'm ready to go.

Will is the Barry White of contemporary jazz, and R/B Soul and Neo-Soul world. He has many Albums to his credit,and has been recording since 1988. I think he has 20 albums out, but not the recognition he deserves.  He is a sensual soul singer no doubt, and his CD implies just that. Although I will admit it is a different take than most albums. It is separated into 3 stages, as a 3 act play. It has speaking parts, less than two minutes, some 20-60 seconds to separate the emotions of new love, love, and lost love.  He projects a smooth, sultry and passionate lover.  I love the songs, but don’t really need the spoken words. The music says it all for me.

In 2006 Will was diagnosed with Polymyositis an uncommon connective tissue disease. The symptoms are weakness of the skeletal muscles, which control movement. It also affected his vocal muscles. He was confined to a wheel chair and it sometimes took a week for him to record one song, but with treatments he is much improved.

If you liked Barry White I think you will like his sound and sensual delivery of songs like; “Get To Know You”, “Consensual”  “ Tell  Me” . Also check out some of his previous CD’s. In 2009 he made a CD Classique, you would never know from the sound that he has been ill. It is a very emotional yet pleasing CD.  In 2002 he released an Album of Greatest Love Songs, where he sings songs made popular by other artist and again a very pleasing sound. He is not the deep baritone of Barry White, but defiantly a
baritone who can deliver a soothing sound.

Check out his sexy web-site and hear samples of his music. I think you'll like his sound.

http://www.willdowning.com/start/

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BILLBOARDS TOP ROCK ARTIST OF THE DECADE

BILLBOARDS TOP ROCK ARTIST OF THE DECADE

1. Linkin Park    http://www.linkinpark.com/main   Classified as: Alternative Rock, nu Metal, Rap Rock, Alternative Metal Band.  5 Awards and 49 nominations consisting of 5 American Music Awards, 2 Grammy’s, and various MTV Awards, including Video’s and awards from other countries.  They  have a total of 4 Albums to their credit, the last one A Thousand Suns out in October 2010.
2. STAIND             http://www.staind.com/  Classiifed as:  Alternative Rock,      Alternative Metal, Hard Rock, Pop Grunge & nu Metal.They have 5 albums to their  credit the latest being  Illusions of Progress  Released in August 2008.  Lead singer  Aaron Lewis just released a County Single in December 2010 “Country Boy” featuring,   George Jones and Charlie Daniels.  He also released an acoustic version of the same song. He  is currently on tour as a single artist.

3.        Foo Fighters              http://www.foofighters.com/us/front  Classified as:  Rock Band, Alternative Rock, Post Grunge. They have 6 albums to their credit and a couple of greatest hits albums; the seventh album due  out in December 2010 was not completed until the first part of January and will be out in the Spring 2011. Their Last Album release was Greatest Hits, out in 2009 and prior to that the last new Album  Echoes, Silence Patience & Grace 2007. They have earned 6 Grammy’s and 1 MTV Award and 2 BRIT Awards.

4.        INCUBUS           http://www.enjoyincubus.com/us/home Classified as Alternative Rock/Funk This   in 2006 Light Grenades the sixth studio album for the group. The seventh album to be released sometime in 2011. They have 4 number one singles to their credit. The last new album released in 2009 Monuments & Melodies, was a greatest hits album. They took a hiatus  2008 to go back to school and spend time with family. They have one nomination each from Grammy & AMA.  

5. Nickelback     http://www.nickelback.com/  Classified as Rock, Metal, Alternative Rock, & Alternative Metal.  This Canadian Rock Group has 2-AMA’s & 7 nominations and 3 BILLBOARD wins and 5 nominations along with various other awards. They have 6 studio albums, and the last one out in 2008 was Dark Horse. They are ranked #2 for best foreign act selling in the US next to the Beatles who are #1, and have sold 30 million albums worldwide.
6. Red Hot Chili Peppers           http://www.redhotchilipeppers.com/      Classified as Funk Rock, Alternative Rock, Rap Rock, Hard Rock and Punk Roc k Group     An English Rock band formed in Los Angeles they have 6 Grammy’s, 5 #1 singles    and have sold 60 million records worldwide. All this from nine studio albums, with the  next one to be released June 2011.
7. 3 Doors down        http://www.3doorsdown.com/      Classified as Hard Rock, Alternative Rock, Post Grunge, And Alternative Metal. They  have 4 studio albums to their credit, the last one 2008 titled 3 Doors Down. Most people may remember “Ciitizen/Soliders”   licensed to the National Guard for   recruiting commercials purposes.  In 2003 the group formed “The Better Life       Foundation”to help children have a better life.   They put on concerts to fund the foundation to raise money for needy children.    
8. Godsmack       http://www.godsmack.com/      Classified as Heavy Metal Rock Group     They have been nominated 4 times for   Grammy, and were named Billboards Artist of the year in 2001. After 4 albums into their career, they are some times compared to Alice in Chains who were a big   influence for them. Their 5^th Album Oracle released early 2010 is going strong.
9. Puddle of Mud           http://www.puddleofmudd.com/       Classified as: Alternative Rock Band, Hard Rock Band, and Pop Grunge. Nominated for a Grammy in 2002 and an AMA in 2003, they have 5 studio albums under their belt. The  last album came out in   December 2009 Volume 4. Songs in the Key of Love and Hate.    They have  sold over 7 Million albums in their career, 5 million were from the sale of  the  second album Come Clean in 2001.
10. Disturbed       http://www.disturbed1.com/  Classified as Hard Rock, Heavy metal, Nu Metal (early). They currently have 5 albums to their credit and the 5^th Album Asylum 2010 is dark, angry, aggressive and heavy-hitting. They have grossed 11 Million world-wide which makes them one of the largest grossing bands in recent years.

You may be surprised where some popular groups ranked. Here are a few you might know.  #15  Creed,  #16  Greenday,  22 Coldplay,  #25 U2,   #41 Nine Inch nails, & #50 Jack Johnson

That’s it, the Top 10 of the Top 50 on BILLBOARD posted at Celebrity Gossip. Check it out at: http://blog.newsok.com/gossip/2009/12/14/top-rock-songs/

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ROCK 'N' ROLLS GREATEST GUITAR RIFFS

FYI:  50 Greatest Guitar RIFFS in ROCK ‘n’ Roll

Posted by Jason Persse

http://www.spinner.com/

Persse defines a riff as a short repeating musical theme. He simply needs to say a Riff is a repeated chord progression. 

A Lick is a short series of notes associated with the melodic lines.

A Riff or a Lick can be used as the bases for an entire song.

According to the list we have had two (2) Great Rock & Roll Riffs beginning in 2000 to date and 43 from the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s, and 5 from the 90’s.

No-one will ever agree which 50 are the greatest/best of all time, because everyone appreciates music in a different way. However there seems to be some controversy regarding the definition of a RIFF or LICK?  See if you agree.  Make comments directly to the list at:

http://www.spinner.com/2011/01/13/rock-guitar-riffs/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk3%7C195130

Here is his Top 50:

50         “ALIVE”   -  Pearl Jam (1991)

49         “Girl U Want”  -  Devo (1980)

48         “Dig Me Out”  -  Sleater Kinney (1997)

47         “My Girl”   -  The Temptations (1965)

46         “Plug In Baby”  -  Muse (2001)   

45         “Feel The Pain” -  Dinosaur  (1994)

44         “The Trooper” - Iron Maiden (1983)

43         “In-a-Gadda-da-Vida  -  Iron Butterfly (1968)

42         “Beat It” -  Michael Jackson  (1983)

41         “Cinnamon Girl” -  Neil Young (1969)

40         “Sweet Home Alabama”  -  Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)

39         “Teen Age Riot” -  Sonic Youth  (1988)

38         “Life In The Fast Lane” -  The Eagles (1976)

37         “Oh Pretty Woman”  -  Roy Orbison (1964)

36         “Aces of Spades” -   Moterhead  (1980)

35         “Sharp Dressed Man - ZZTop (1982)

34         “Mr Tambourine Man” - The Byrds (1965)

33         “Smells Like Teen Spirit”   -   Nirvana (1991)

32         “Raining Blood”  -  Slayer (1986)

31         “Le Freak -  Chic (1978)

30         “Killing in the Name”  -  Rage Against The Machine (1992)

29         “House of the Rising Sun”  -  The Animals (1964)

28         “Seven Nation Army” -  The White Stripes (2003)

27         “Crazy Train”  -  Ozzy Osbourne 1980)

26         “Ain’t Talkin ‘Bout Love  -  Van halen  1978

25         “Sing A Simple Song”  -  Sly & The Family Stone (1968)

24         “Walk This Way”  -  Aerosmith (1975)

23         “Jessica”  -  The Allman Brothers (1973)

22         “Boom Boom” -  John Lee Hooker (1961)

21         “I Wanna Be Your Dog”  -  The Stooges (1969)

20         “Funk 49” - James Gang (1970)

19         “Look-Ka Py Py”  -  The Motors  (1969)

18         “Layla” -  Derek & The Dominoes (1970)

17         “Smoke On The Water” -  Deep Purple (1972)

16         “20^th Century Boy”  -  T. Rex (1973)

15         “The Charming Man” - The Smiths (1983)

14         “Hit It And Quit It” -  Funkadelic (1971)

13         “Rebel Rebel”  - David Bowie (1974)

12         “Sunshine Of Your Love” -  Cream (1968)

11         “Daytripper” - The Beatles (1965)

10         “Enter Sandman” -  Metallica (1991)

9          “Money For Nothing” - Dire Straits (1985)

8          “Back In Black”  -  AC/DC  (1981)

7          “Sweet Child O’Mine” -  Guns & Roses (1987)

6          “You Really Got Me” -  The Kinks (1964)

5          “Johnny Be Goode” -  Chuck Berry (1958)

4          “Heartbreaker” - Led Zepplin (1969)

3          “Iron Man”  -  Black Sabbath  (1970)

2          “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)  - Jimi Hendrix  (1968)

1          “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” -  The Rolling Stones (1965)

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