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.)
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!
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!
“NIGHTLIFE” the new hit single featuring Gerald “Take That To The Bank” Brown formerly of Shalamar written by Jody Watley (Jody Watley Music BMI), Julien and Raphael Aletti (Aletti Brothers Music BMI) Produced by Count De Money for Peace Bisquite and Jody Watley. Executive Producers Jody Watley and Bill Coleman, Peace Bisquit.
The UK is really bringing the love for “Nightlife” featuring Gerald Brown on backing vocals as the single goes into a highly competitive Pop Top Ten at #6, after peaking in the Top 5 Urban on Music Week Charts. I’m thrilled!!
On Billboard we continue to gain during this jammed packed 4th quarter that always brings a surge of activity for major labels and artists worldwide. That said, we move from #40 to #31 on the Hot Dance Club Play Charts. It’s In The Music!
There are so many choices with “Nightlife” from the original to remixes by Moto Blanco, Jodie Harsh, Dave Doyle, Soulpersona – all out of the UK, and Luminodisco from Italy.
I kept hearing Phyllis Hyman and the Philly Soul vibe in my head and wanted to hear “Nightlife” mashed up with it. Morgan aka Soulpersona, whose classic disco mix is already getting a lot of love; was down to help turn the vision to reality. The “Phyllis Classic Soul Mix”, no samples used by the way and turns the room changing things up as a duet with Gerald Brown, another Shalamar original and I- see what they have to say on Soulbounce and have a listen to the mix as well: HERE
Each interview brings a different tone, check my latest with Michael Shulman Presents Shulman Says” – here’s the three parter from the delightful conversation we had.
Talking my groundbreaking “Friends” and more:
1989 -Cover Photography: Steven Meisel. Make-up Francois Nars Design: Lynn Robb and Jody Watley
