Tag Archives: Music

Nightlife and Other Stuff.

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October finds me in the studio finishing ‘Chameleon’ finally, preparing for Loving The Silent Tears coming October 27 to The Shrine Auditorium, working on my book projects and brainstorming strategic marketing for my forthcoming single ‘Nightlife’ with an eye on the full length release. This isn’t the cover, but one of many ideas from my art director collaborator Ray Easmon from the UK. The creative mood board of imaging and inspiration has evolved so many times. With music these days, it isn’t about commercial radio unless you’re geared to the teen market and a fairly new artist. Life-timers and established artists like myself have to be creative in not only reaching the longtime core fan base but niche-based audiences and outlets as well without a scandal, reality show or controversy to create the exposure.

We did well with ‘The Makeover’ (archived info can be found here on the page under Avitone and my Discography).  I’m looking for the right partner again in the marketing and strategic alliance. Making a video for ‘Nightlife’ and embracing the chic party style of the music is also something I’m looking forward to. I’ll be sharing more thoughts and musings on the project as well as getting thoughts from the fans over on my Facebook page.

Oh – and I was asked to be a presenter at this years Soul Train Awards – we’ll see if it happens. In this business, it’s real when you do it because other issues often get in the way.

 

What I Wore..Anthology San Diego

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The show at Anthology was incredible full of beautiful loving people who helped set the mood for the energy of the night. My concert as promised was a music journey from Soul Train, Shalamar (I’ve included ‘A Night To Remember’ and ‘The Second Time Around’ in a funky medley)  also including CHIC’s classic ‘I Want Your Love’ which was my 13th #1 single back in 2007 from my The Makeover. The medley also includes ‘Your Love Keeps Working on Me’ and ‘I Want Your Love’ from ‘Affairs of The Heart’.There were plenty of hits and rarities and the new music preview from ‘Chameleon’; people are loving the new songs. ‘The Dawn’ which was already written as an homage to Soul Train and my years there is accompanied by a video montage of a teen-aged me and other highlights and ends in tribute and thanks to Don Cornelius. That night with the news of the passing of another television pioneer and icon Dick Clark – the song was also dedicated to him. Produced by Mark De Clive-Lowe it’s a funky tribute that already has fans dancing in the aisles.

The place I’m told has never grooved and rocked as it did April 18th. My band and I were full of gratitude.

After the show, I did a lengthy meet and greet talking to fans, taking photo’s and signing merchandise and a lot of classic vinyl.

For the meet and greet I wore a print jersey dress – and anyone who knows me knows this is rare because style wise I generally don’t like them..but style is also evolving and finding what works and owning that. I love this dress!

What I Wore..

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On my way to the stage at The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko for recently completed shows March 15-17.. My shows are eclectic, spirited, funky and fun but I feel elegance and glamour are missing on the music stage. I want to do my part to showcase that a woman can be older, beautiful and hot without trying to mercilessly hold on to being 22. I designed the outfit and picked the fabric and sent it off to be made by my longtime sewing whiz Gloria-Garcia Crouch who has worked with me since “Affairs of The Heart” and “Intimacy” era’s. I did a wardrobe change into black and brought out the classic studded jacket from my ‘Some Kind of Lover’ video for the encore. The vibe was all in all still very me with lots of attitude along with the elegance.

Diana Ross would be proud.

Classic. RIP Etta James.

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as Blues Hall of Fame music legend Etta James was one of a kind. Her voice was full of world weariness and pain at a young age and her image was an instant classic along with her music. Her legend and contributions will live on.

 

New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/21/arts/music/etta-james-singer-dies-at-73.html

Classic Style. Happy Birthday Sade

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One of my favorite artists and bands. I first met Sade while I was member of Shalamar. We were both appearing on a popular music show in the UK called ‘The Tube.’ The band was unsigned at the time but you just knew they were going to be a smash hit.The two guys in Shalamar (Jeffrey Daniel and Howard Hewett) and most every other male on the set were tripping over themselves trying to flirt with the striking front woman.

Ms. Helen Folasade Adu was classic and mysterious in a fitted white knee length dress low-cut back, black leather gloves and of course the hair elegantly pulled back in what would become her signature ponytail and red lips.

Everyone in the band including Stuart Matthewman and Paul Denman were humble, gracious and kind. Ironically my daughter and Paul’s would end up attending the same elementary school in Los Angeles years later – and we’d see each other and have a chat picking the kids up or other school events.

The same can be said for them today; humble, gracious and kind – after millions of incredible and timeless records sold.

The ‘Sade World Tour 2011″ was breathtaking to experience and one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

A class act.

Happy Birthday Ms. Helen FolaSade Adu!