As a solo artist I’ve been touring Japan consistently since my solo debut – and grateful as always for the opportunity and to share the gift of music and dance. It’s awesome to be able to include this new element of the show with the new Shalamar ‘Reloaded’ with Nate Allen Smith and Rosero McCoy. It’s a show and experience to remember, Jody Watley hits, Shalamar hits and new music. Catch us LIVE in Tokyo January 18-19 Tokyo. January 21, Osaka.
I posted on my Facebook page yesterday, August 29, 2015 to not only celebrate Michael Jackson but my longtime friend, one of my favorite people and dancers ever – going back to my teen years – Tyrone Proctor, a Soul Train original. Many will also always remember him as my freestyle waacking dance partner in the classic ‘Still a Thrill’ video filmed in Paris, France at the Opera House – the first time any music video or commercial project was filmed there (thank you director Brian Grant for making that dream come true.)
Nate Allen Smith, Jody Watley, Rosero McCoy Photography: Viktorija Paschuta
Each interview is a lesson in business and growth – as well setting a few misperceptions straight. Ultimately this is about today – the now and the newly reloaded SHALAMAR how I arrived .. often things are put in our life’s path for a reason and this is one of those things..
Listen to my conversation with DJ Souly from Sweden: Here
What a full circle moment! K C & The Sunshine Band one of my favorites – “That’s The Way I Like It” was my jam from my Soul Train dancer days – and still is! Nate Allen Smith, Rosero McCoy and I (the newly reloaded SHALAMAR) can’t wait for this night of party feel good music. Get your tickets for June 6 at the beautiful Mountain Winery: Here
SHALAMAR. Nate Allen Smith, Jody Watley, Rosero McCoy
See what Dave Higdon and friends had to say about their experience at Yoshi’s Oakland on February 28, 2015 for the debut bay area performance of the new SHALAMAR tm now reloaded with two new singer/dancers members Nate Allen Smith and Rosero McCoy. Watley became the legal registered owner in 2014 and quickly went about reloading the group for a new generation of music fans while celebrating the past legacy: Poptastic Confessions
We will do a limited quantity of CD’s for the “Paradise” EP, taking stock of comments from Facebook. The cover will differ slightly from the digital release. This package will not be available in mainstream outlets like Best Buy, Walmart, etc. This is another non corporate release by me – my heart and soul, wanting to deliver a bit of ‘paradise’ through my music. My approach is a classic one – there are live instruments on the is record including strings. In the 70’s, one of the great era’s os soul, dance, rock, jazz, etc. it wasn’t uncommon for albums to have 7 songs or less (Issac Hayes classic “Hot Buttered Soul” had 4!) . “Shalamar’s” Big Fun for instance had 7 songs clocking in at just 37:07. It’s about quality not quantity. The trend of putting a lot of filler tracks to fill up an album is never something I’ve been agreeable to. That said, be one of the first to preorder exclusively at http://jodywatley.bigcartel.com to have your copy personalized and signed. “Paradise” will be a collectible for sure – add this to your digital purchase and Jody Watley Collection. Pre-order your CD now. Pre-orders imminent at iTunes. I appreciate your support!
Make sure to subscribe to my Youtube Channel: Here
Here’s the latest upload, a snippet of my Shalamar medley. It’s been easier incorporate that part of my repertoire since releasing “Nightlife” which has a disco soul vibe. My repertoire spans so many genres making the concerts an eclectic musical journey.
Thank you to Ray Easmon for the post production, film noir!
Morning radio interview speaking with Alan Barnett on KSJS “The Vibe Session” which airs on Mondays from 10 to 2 PM. The single “Nightlife” Soulpersona Classic Soul Mix was played at the conclusion. I really appreciate independent college radio stations and on air personalities like this who are able to have playlists of handpicked music.
Coming soon: Yoshi’s May 29 in Oakland. Be there! Tickets: Here
Here are some photo’s from my recent Japan Tour in Osaka and Tokyo at Billboard Live. Stellar shows, fans, staff — my favorite place to perform. Fans really watch and participate in the shows – no one is filming or taking pictures, they respect the policies. When I perform a ballad or speak – they listen, no one talking, this as an artist is greatly appreciated so respectful; no distractions.
It’s In The Music!!
I’m going to miss being with them on my UK appearances as a part of David Gest Presents: Legends of Soul Concert Tour. Hopefully, my abbreviated appearances on this tour will kindle the fire to get us all over to do my dynamic show and present the full Jody Watley live concert experience.
