My recent music collaboration with electro pop duo French Horn Rebellion “Cold Enough” is now available at iTunes from their EP “Love is Dangerous.” This keeps in line with my creative progression and joining forces with unexpected partners and keeps my musical journey fresh. Additionally, I’m going to do some appearances with the band and perform in front of their younger generation unaware of my history (I love that), allowing another type of freedom and broadening of my fan base in a non-contrived way. Often, I feel older fans just want the ‘previous’ and long ago incarnations – namely my first 2 solo albums’ and aren’t always open-minded of my continued growth, creative experimentation and evolution. My thing is to always do what feels natural and authentic to me – and each time I’ve planned, envisioned, conceived, recorded and released an album – my goals and motivations have changed. Each year when The GRAMMY’s come around, and as a former nominee and ‘Best New Artist’ winner; I can truly say that I continue to be a torch bearer for longevity, artistic progression and that indomitable spirit of being ‘new’ – even as I’ve continued to blossom in age.

In line with that, I recently connected with funky Australian and globally acclaimed music artist Sam Sparro and we’re in the midst of a couple of fabulous collaborations – one for Chameleon, one for him. I’m also writing with one of music’s best electronic bands out of London – that I’ve been a fan of since their debut. This is another major major creative milestone for me, and I can’t wait to tell you about it – soon! The one and only ‘modern funk‘ master Dam-Funk is also still in the mix, along with Count De Money and Richard Morel. What’s also fun is the inclusion of one of Shalamar’s original male lead vocalists Gerald “Take That To The Bank” Brown who contributed vocals to one of the mixes of the forthcoming single ‘Nightlife’ – perfect for the classic disco modern funk inspired song-this song and collaboration with Count De Money from Peace Bisquit also provided a perfect way for me to give a node to my Shalamar past. This is quality music as my standards have remained high.

The one time only sold out musical event ‘Loving The Silent Tears’ directed by the legendary Vincent Paterson is still receiving praise around the world. As one of the stars of the global cast if you missed it I must say it was really something to behold and experience. The cast album is available for purchase, including my African tinged ‘A Real Fool’ written and composed by Grammy winner and Emmy nominee Nan Schwartz and Oscar winner Al Kasha. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/SilentTearsMusical 

Speaking of ‘Chameleon,’ I’ve been working with the title for some time now and have recently considered changing as the process as evolved – we’ll see. One thing is certain – I will be finally be releasing singles and the full length in 2013 the follow-up to my 2006 #3 iTunes Electronic album and former #1 VirginMega exclusive “The Makeover.” Stay tuned.

I’m looking forward to my performance this summer at Essence Festival, and will be letting you know about upcoming shows in and a handful of other select rare engagements coming soon. Up next, my concerts on the sold-out first ever ‘Soul Train Cruise: The Hippest Trip At Sea,’  February 17-24. March 23, Yoshi’s Oakland. More to be announced.

It would be great if you share this post with your fellow Jody Watley fans.

Photo: Jody Watley (c)