Liverpool Philharmonic did not disappoint on Feb. 11. Despite a crazy day of bad weather including rain, heavy winds, jumbo snow flurries – followed by an odd looking sun as the rain fell again it was a sold out soul music loving crowd. An ‘older’ distinguished crowd. While Halifax and St.Helens boogied in the aisles to the final strains of “We Love You Halifax and St.Helens respectively” from Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Revue – the vibe in the gorgeous concert hall was more reserved but still quite jubilant in the end for each of the artists; cue rousing applause.
After the concert we were all invited and some of the artists singing a couple of A & B selections as they say in church for two songs. The event was attended by a well heeled affluent intimate crowd of close friends of David Gest, city dignitaries and a sprinkle of celebrities. All of the musicians and artists pulled it together quickly and were shuttled over over to a pre-Valentines event at the designated luxury hotel. Eddie Holman (Lonely Girl) did an extended version of the gospel classic “How Great Thou Art’ that initially brought me to tears because it was a favorite song of my father. Those moments of a lost loved one get you unexpectedly, so there I was weeping for a second at our table. Hearing the song took me back to church as a little girl and made me feel like my Dad was present. My tears soon turned to uncontrollable giggles. You know when you shouldn’t be laughing and then you can’t stop? Yes, that was me. That is how the roller coaster night progressed. It was fabulous to hear Dennis and The Temptations Revue have a go at ‘A Song For You’ – in a key he wasn’t accustomed to which made for memorable after the after party conversation and laughter but it was beautiful to me nevertheless, they worked it out. It recalled listening to the title song and Donny Hathaway cover at a neighbors house in high school who always had the new releases as soon as they came out. This included the fantastic ‘Song For You’ album with it’s stark black cover.
Naturally, it wouldn’t be right if there wasn’t a plethora of underlying challenges, mild drama, periodic frustrations, complaints, laughs, but ultimately a sense enjoyment and exhaustion ready for pajama’s, a hot bath and looking forward to a good night’s sleep to cap off the evening. Camp Legends of Soul — and real life.
Each show day in the lobby – professional autograph collectors await .. –”Security!’
Cece’s stiletto awaited Little Anthony..in church when someone is singing really well it makes you want to throw something…it wouldn’t have been ok to throw anything – so the shoe was representative of how we felt about his performance.
Just the right portion for dessert (my favorite was the lemon tart). Liverpool after party event Legends of Soul. Learn to take the bitter with the sweet in life. Gratitude.
Jody Watley Nightlife “Classic Soul” Mix, the perfect backdrop of sound. Listen and Buy: Here
I’m having a wonderful time – with all of the drama, back stories, anecdotes, twists and turns – I love it, another unique experience of a lifetime! A sold out – Liverpool Philharmonic up next!
The tour began in a small resort town called Bognor Regis. Word seemed to spread quickly that I was really quiet to David Gest and the others – I am. This seemed to be a cause for concern amongst some as I was told, thinking I might be a bit too ‘standoffish.’ Say what? Life is always a bit like elementary school isn’t it? This realization somewhat surprised and saddened me initially. I haven’t been reprimanded for my personality since I was growing up – and I’m obviously quite grown. No one likes feeling like they’re under a microscope. There’s a comfort level of course when you’re around people you really know and those you’re beginning to know. Some personalities will never mix, but on a job you roll with it. The discussion of my quiet demeanor took me back to being a little girl, often chastised by one of my grandmother’s for being ‘quiet’ which she for some odd reason equated to being sneaky and up to no good. The verbal abuse was unforgettable, when I was simply in my own world creating poetry, playing with my dolls, reading and other solitary acts that I found joy in. In school, I was always quiet as well, studious which some called ‘stuck up’ which caused me to be bullied often. Many can relate to this I’m sure. It’s as if being a profanity laced loudmouth, vulgar and crass somehow makes a person more ‘real.’ What I know is quiet types seem to unjustly throw people off with red flags of mistrust and with a hint of disdain. Chatter. I’m friendly though reserved, quick to laugh, an observer of others, thoughtful, can be moody, enjoy being in my own space literally and figuratively – zen. That said, when pushed I do have another side that will go off, speak up and will not take crap from anyone among other lifelong traits. ‘Don’t let the smooth taste fool you.” That’s ‘real’ for me and has always been the case. To each their own. Quiet is not a sign of weakness, to the contrary. I was raised a certain way, to carry myself a certain way and to act like a lady with class. As an artist – I’m a professional, if I make friends cool – if not cool. My priority is always to be great onstage giving 1000% that’s what I love. If you can have fun with people you enjoy it’s even better. When mentoring young people I say watch how you carry yourself, respect yourself and others – perceptions and impressions go a long way. Sometimes I think the term ‘just be yourself’ needs a bit of revision to include ‘but always show a bit of class, intelligence, respect and consideration for others.’ As my Mom always says ‘There’s a time and a place for everything.’
Personality microscopes aside – this is an incredible concert tour to be a part of.
Driving and traveling from one destination to another make sure to take in the scenery and remember it’s the journey, not simply the destination in this life we live. The David Gest Presents: Legends of Soul Concert tour began with a chaotic schedule, for a few days where was no wifi which drove me crazy I’ll admit. It’s the little things right? I had to laugh what did we do before. I filled my downtime instead with writing and some good old fashioned book reading.
The scenic photographs were taken from the front seat of the Mercedes Vito a group of us were in. While the others slept on this just past dawn departure, I was keeping an eye on the scenery and the driver, riding shotgun as they say, to make sure our very handsome driver didn’t fall asleep at the wheel as I was convinced he’d been up all night!
David Gest Presents Legends of Soul Concert Tour Schedule:
If anyone had suggested when I was growing up that one day I would tour with and celebrate my birthday with one of the voices of the legendary Temptations whose music I grew up on and love so much – I’d say ‘yeah right!’ and then I would have giggled uncontrollably.
Fast forward, February 3, 2014 – Liverpool, England with Dennis Edwards of The Temptations one of the great male voices in soul music – and music period .. giggled uncontrollably!
It doesn’t have to be this type of thing, but truly anything in life is possible – just keep pushing forward.
Jody Watley. Nightlife. Photo Courtesy of Jody Watley Music (c) 2013
NIGHTLIFE: written by Jody Watley (Jody Watley Music, BMI) Julien Aletti, Raphael Aletti (Aletti Brothers Music, BMI) Produced by Count De Money for Peace Bisquit and Jody Watley – Remixes by Moto Blanco; Jodie Harsh, Dave Doyle, Soulpersona, Luminodisco, released on Avitone.
Despite the accessibility of information and frequent posts on all of my social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest), some seem to lag or simply too lazy to read and actually get updated to see what’s NEW with Jody Watley. “Any new music coming?” What have you been up to?” It’s all here and out there. In the event you’re sincere with interest and have missed or overlooked the numerous updates and interviews, I’ve compiled a easy to follow list of links to read, watch and get plugged in. “Nightlife” featuring Gerald Brown another fellow original Shalamar lead built momentum beginning in the summer of 2013 and continues going into 2014 (NIGHTLIFE moves to #18 Hot Billboard Dance Club Play will it will peak in the Top 20), and I prepare for the next single – It’s In The Music!
The “Nightlife” video is still to be released with the single still on the rise on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Charts – the edit took longer than we all thought, but’s it nearly done. There really are no rules in the music industry these days especially for independent artists – it still takes a while to get the word out, without some sort of scandal! With the video, as with anything I do – it has to be right or not at all for me. Limited edition vinyl is available in the boutique. Do you have yours?
Upcoming Concerts: Billboard Live Osaka and Tokyo, Japan: Jan 18-22, 2014. David Gest presents Legends of Soul UK, get info: HERE. I look forward to doing select cities in 2014 in support of “Nightlife” and the forthcoming “Paradise. Expect a couple MAJOR surprises this year and a bombshell or two!
The QHBlend: Jody Watley From Soul Train to Nightlife:
“..Watley continues to define her artistic destiny unapologetically; it’s something in the reality television era of ‘R&B Divas’ that should be savored.”
I’m looking forward to not only performing my current hit single “Nightlife” and a few classics from my solo and Shalamar days as the original female lead in my short set as a part of David Gest Presents Legends of Soul but continuing to spread the word about my upcoming “Paradise” and other musical ventures on the horizon. To share the stage with acts that I grew up listening to (Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review (Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Song For You..), Candi Staton (I dance to Young Hearts Run Free at Giorgio’s nearly every Saturday, Sheila Ferguson another original lead of the super group The Three Degrees). Gwen Dickey (Wishing On A Star) and I last crossed paths when she was a member of Rose Royce, and I a member of Shalamar. This is a personal honor for me – an adventure in an ongoing musical journey!
Catch me on “David Gest Presents” Legends of Soul” along with some other great names, artists and songs in soul music history. It’s not usually my type of thing to do or be a part of, however I’m looking forward to the experience!
Butlins Bognor Regis Jan 31
Butlins Minehead Feb. 1
Butlins Skegness Feb. 2
St. Helens Theatre Royal Feb 6
St. Helens Theatre Royal Feb 7
Blackpool The Grand Feb 8
Halifax Victoria Theatre Feb. 9
Liverpool Hilton Feb 11
Stockport Plaza Feb 13
RHYL Pavilion Feb. 14
Carlisle Sands Centre Feb. 15
Motherwell Concert Hall Feb 16
Durham Gala Theatre Feb 19
Hull City Hall Feb. 20
York Barbican Feb 21
Scunthorpe Baths Hall Feb 22
Stockton On Tees Forum Feb 23
Bridlington The Spa Theatre Feb 26
