Tunes Tuesday: Somi- The Lagos Music Salon

Photo from Somi's official website: http://www.somimusic.com

Get to know Somi, an American jazz artist of African descent with a beautiful voice and even more beautiful stories to tell.  Somi's music is a recent discovery to me, which I found based on a retweet of NPR's Song Travels series this past weekend.  It was a cloudy, Sunday morning and so I decided to listen to the hour long session between Somi and award-winning musician and host Michael Feinstein.  What a treat to my ears!  I truly appreciated hearing about Somi's life experiences, being American yet still very much directly connected to the African diaspora.  How she takes her life experiences and translates them into song, sharing the joys and lows and everything in between.   I was really captivated by her song Last Song (performance video below) because the idea of how one is remembered connects directly.  Her most recent album, The Lagos Music Salon released last year recounts Somi's 18 month stay in Lagos highlighting the culture, the surroundings, and the very essence of Lagos.

The Last Song (Special Performance)



As a young woman of African descent, The Lagos Music Salon captures the diversity and soul that I imagine the continent to possess and I look forward to the day when I'm able to visit beautiful countries of the motherland.  As a music lover, I respect good music and am excited to get versed in her previous work.  If you like melodic and soulful voices, Somi fulfills that.  If you like lyrics that provoke thought and make you feel, Somi's got it.  Don't delay, head to iTunes or Amazon for a taste of audio beauty as we know it!  If you have the opportunity to see her perform live, take advantage.  It turns out I just missed her in my city a couple of days prior to this review.  You best believe I will be watching for the next time she is in my city!

Beautiful track with Somi featuring Common- When Rivers Cry

 

Fun facts:

• Birthplace: Champaign, IL
• Roots: Rwanda and Uganda (Africa)
• Other places lived: Zambia and Lagos, Nigeria
• Languages: English (fluent), French (proficient), Russian, Spanish, and Swahili
• When writing music, Somi writes in English and Swahili
• Education: University of Illinois (undergraduate); New York University (master's degree)

Ginger Me Slowly- Somi (The Lagos Music Salon- 2014)

Discography:
Eternal Motive (2003)
Red Soil in My Eyes (2007)
If The Rain Comes First (2009)
Somi: Live at Jazz Standard (2011)
The Lagos Music Salon (2014)

Take a listen to Somi's excellent interview with Michael Feinstein and in-studio performances of tracks from her on NPR's Song Travels here: http://www.npr.org/2015/03/13/392763167/somi-on-song-travels 



Follow Somi on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somimusic 
Twitter: @SomiMusic
Instagram: https://instagram.com/somimusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/somiVEVO
Official website: www.somimusic.com

Tunes Tuesday: Strunz and Farah

Happy Tuesday!

Strunz & Farah

You know what that means right?  It's time for another installment of Tunes Tuesday!  I've been really feeling the travel bug lately, which is unsurprising because in the last 6 months, I've gone abroad twice (December and March).  This means I should be going again this month, right?!  If only! LOL

Since I can't do that, the next best things are cuisine, good beverages, and music.  Music fuels my soul!  It's been a hectic time at work and for my daily escape, I like to plug in and energize with Pandora.  I like a diverse set of music but for the moments requiring concentration and calm, I turn to my jazz stations.  Marc Antoine, Wayman Tisdale, Peter White are all staples and a few months back, I discovered an excellent jazz guitarist duo by the name of Strunz and Farah.  Now even though I'm years late in my discovery, Strunz and Farah have been making beautiful music for DECADES!  Jorge Strunz hails from Costa Rica and Ardeshir Farah hails from Iran. Latin America meets the Middle East.  A really diverse blend, right? Does that make me an instant fan? Yes and yes!  We, as listeners, definitely benefit from their backgrounds. Don't believe me?  Watch and listen to the musical majesty for yourself:

   

I absolutely adore this song! 

 

I would love to see these artists play live!  Where there is a will and a way, there lies success :-)  Until then, thank you to Strunz & Farah for the beautiful music and to the uploaders of YouTube for the videos!

Learn more about Strunz & Farah:

Official website: http://www.strunzandfarah.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/strunzandfarah 

Tunes Tuesday: Smooth Flow

Hey guys!  Warm weather is here and so are the smooth flow jams.  I just wanted to spotlight three tunes that have gotten my attention:

First up is a recently released track from one of my all-time favorite artists, Michael Jackson.  MJ is one of the few who defined the word artist.  It's still hard to believe he's gone as his legacy and influence is still so dominant. Anyway, this track was recorded in 1983 before Ms. Resilient was born :-)  I love everything about it.  The classic rhythmic groove and the lyrics are just lovely.  "Love Never Felt So Good" ... Indeed, Michael, indeed! The King of Pop reigns!

Next is a new track that I've heard recently on Urban Adult Contemporary radio.  It's by a relatively new artist who goes by the name of Mali Music.  The song is called "Beautiful".  I would love to hear this song performed live.  Perfect chill (or date) song.  Enjoy!

Finally, I've already professed my love for "All of Me" by John Legend.  But honestly, I STILL love it.  I think this is one of the sweetest, most sincere professions of love I've ever heard.  Every day, I feel I'm getting closer to reaching love like this.  Yes, I'm a romantic optimist. :-)  Anyway, there are many cover versions of this song but one that I really became endeared to is by Josh Kaufman, a current contestant on NBC's show The Voice.  Josh is married and has a family and while he's pursuing his dream of being a recording artist, it's gotta be tough being away from them.  He was spot on with the sentiment of this incredible song.  Check out Josh's cover version below:

P.S.  I NEED to see John Legend live.  Like seriously!  I'd jet abroad to see his show.  He's an incredible artist.  I love his music but this song is MY SONG!  "You're my end and my beginning, even when I lose I'm winning." ...ah one day, one day.  I love LOVE in case you couldn't tell.

So if I'm vibing on a grassy lawn this season, I'm most likely listening to these tracks. 

On My Way

Happy Monday!  Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I woke up this morning feeling very good.  I’m just off the cusp of a good weekend filled with culture, a wedding, unexpected reunions and smoothies!  I’ll write more about the culture aspect in a post later today.  Double posting, what what!  All in all, a great weekend.

 

So today is Cinco de Mayo.  I’ll admit that I never knew the background of Cinco de Mayo.  It’s pretty interesting, here’s a brief synopsis of what I found (per Wikipedia but you can Google for more):

“It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War,[8][9] and today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.”

Pretty cool, right?  I'm a supporter of embracing cultural diversity throughout the year, so today is a start but keep it going!

Anyway, when I commute to work, I like to listen to music and often I just groove along to whatever my player decides.  Today, one song really stood out to me.  It’s called “On My Way” by the very underrated (but surely appreciated), Res.  I’ve been using this song as a personal anthem for years but sometimes when you are going through transition or phases, songs can resonate more than ever.  This song is all about not comparing yourself and how you can pull through when life presents tough moments.  With hard work and perseverance, you can begin to make your aspirations come true.  See what I mean about the message being on time?  "If I fall, if I stall and if I crawl 'cause I wanna go, it's okay, I'm ON MY WAY"  YES!

Love this acoustic version.  It's the way to go!

Have a wonderful week!

Keep Calm...

Calm (noun)-  a quiet and peaceful state or condition;  a peaceful mental or emotional state (from the Merriam-Webster dictionary)

 

Calm (adjective)- not angry, upset, excited (from the Merriam-Webster dictionary)

 

 

Because sometimes it's just that simple.  No big production or show necessary. When tested by tough situations in life, just keep calm and carry on. Heartbreak, disrespect, rejection, sadness--everyone has been there and you can pull through.  Life goes on and if you live with good intentions, I believe that one day you'll receive all of that love and goodness back.  In light of recent news around the globe, people are in ever need of more healing and love and less panic and stress.  Keep calm and carry on!

As the late (and very great) Nelson Mandela said, "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."  So stay resilient, classy and calm, my friends!



Y'all know I love music...here's one of my favorites from Ms. India.Arie.  The music in this song is just so soothing and the lyrics are inspirational.  Enjoy!

The World is Listening...

Vamos para o Brasil!

It's almost June and I'm studying my Portuguese.  Not because I'm vacationing there (at least not yet) but because the 2014 FIFA World Cup is coming!    Now besides the fact that I absolutely LOVE football/futbol, I can't think of another event other than the Summer Olympic Games that unites the world.  Interest in soccer is rising in the USA but globally, football as it is reigns supreme!  That couldn't have been more evident on my recent travels to England, France, and Spain.  Whether it was riding the tube and hearing a passionate debate on the state of a certain Premier League club, seeing fans decked out in Paris Saint-Germain kits (jerseys) or driving by RCD Espanyol's stadium, it is evident that football isn't just a sport.  Football is a way of life around the world...and I'm all about that life!

Now back to the title of this post.  Every year there is a soundtrack for the World Cup with one single song representing the event.  Whether it's "Wavin' Flag" (my favorite) or last year's infectious hit "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa / Eso Es Africa)" by Shakira and Freshlyground, these songs represent the vibe of the host city.  I was really excited to see (or rather hear) this year's song and when I heard it, well let's just say I was really disappointed.

The song is "We are One" by Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull.  Now, I actually like J-Lo's music and consider myself a fan (been riding since her On the 6 days). So I'm not a hater in the least!  I even like some of the collaborations by this pair ("On the Floor" and "Dance Again") but this one is just lame.  It sounds like just another generic pop song to be honest and in my opinion (as this whole post is) wastes the opportunity to incorporate Brazil's rich culture.  We are talking about Brasil, one of the most diverse and uniquely blended nations on Earth.  Where is the  cavaquinho or samba feel?  I'm not an expert of Brasilian music and I know there's more to the sound than what I listed but what?!  "Waka Waka" by Shakira really gave me culture.  Plus it would've been cool to see a collaboration with a Brasilian artist/musician.  Here are some artists I would've loved to have heard (with some of my favorite tracks):

Santana (This band brings the soul and the energy):

Kat Deluna (she brings the party!):

Tânia Mara (if you're looking for the VOICE, she's it):

 In fact, this could've been an interesting collaboration.  A lady can only dream...

Or if Jennifer Lopez had gone more the route of this sound:

or 

In the end, this doesn't really put a damper because it's not about music, it's about the GAME!  Stay tuned for more 2014 World Cup postings and get ready for the global event (June 12- July 13)!

Tunes Tuesday: Teedra Moses- Complex Simplicity

It's been awhile since I've written a music-related post.  Certainly not due to a lack of good tunes!  While I am STILL loving "Happy" by Pharrell, I won't keep posting it.  You're welcome :-)  I have so many songs on my mind and had the chance to reminisce on some '90s goodness while I was on travel last month.  However, the 2000's had some good music and so I decided to flash back 10 years to the year 2004.  Remember that year?  That was a good year in music, especially in the R&B/Pop (or rhythmic pop) genre.  It was the year of Usher's Confessions and Alicia Keys'  Diary of Alicia Keys album among others.  Seriously?!  "Yeah" by Usher was 10 years ago?!  In the midst of all that, one artist who went under the radar (travesty!) was Ms. Teedra Moses aka the Young Lioness and she crafted one of the smoothest Contemporary R&B albums I've heard called Complex Simplicity. Here are some of my favorite tracks from that album:

"You'll Never Find (A Better Woman)" featuring JadaKiss



"You won't find a better woman...or a bigger fool." Oh Teedra! This song is the TRUTH!  If only I could record this.  LOL.  I think everyone has been there at some point, especially the ladies. One person feels under appreciated yet hangs on hoping that the person they care for will come to their senses and change.   Hoping that you're that great woman he appreciates or realizing you're the biggest fool for not moving on.  Even if you're not even listening to the lyrics that deeply, it's just got that good flow.  Listen!

"For a Lifetime"

"Even in the hard times
Even when it's going down
You're gonna find someone's riding with you
You don't have to be alone
You just gotta hold on
You're gonna find true love.."

This song!!! This is my go-to getting over a broken heart song.  Sometimes when a relationship ends, it's easy to feel down and out as though you'll never be loved.  But the key to remember is that it's not our life's love story that has ended, rather just one chapter.  Just because one person may not have appreciated you doesn't mean no one else will.  Think about it, how many people are on earth?  Billions!  Maybe more but I'm not a statistician. It means there are more opportunities to find love.  Just never give up.  Don't take it from me, though.  Teedra sings it best!

Like these songs?  Check out Teedra's 2004 classic Complex Simplicity and follow her on her social media sites:
Twitter: @TeedraMoses
Facebook: Teedra Moses

A few more:

"Last Day"

 

"Caught Up"

 

"Complex Simplicity"

Ice Cream Everyday: How Sweet It Is!

Tuesday is the day that new music is released in the U.S., so I’ve decided to make this a day that I spotlight some good tunes that I enjoy. It likely won’t be a new release, as I like to enjoy some music for a good while before giving it a grade so to speak. 

The spotlight today is on a relatively new release from my girl Amel Larrieux. I ADORE Amel and musically, she can’t steer me wrong. I’ve been a massive fan since ‘95 and the Groove Theory duo days (90s R&B was some of THE best) and her previous solo albums (Infinite Possibilities, Bravebird, Morning, Lovely Standards) and every other musical release or collaboration she’s been a part of.  She is like musical poetry, singing about the news, the blues, and simply: LIFE.  Her album Infinite Possibilities still remains my soul's "perspective soundtrack" to this day. Fast forward to now and her latest album “Ice Cream Everyday” is out in all formats now and I’d say you definitely should check it out! If you want an album that you can just play all the way through while you’re working, chilling, driving, whatever, this is it!

Lead single “Afraid” is just too cool. Detailing the rush of emotions you feel when you first meet someone and feel that butterflies-i think i’m in love-i see nobody but us- feeling, this song is beautifully crafted whether you are in love, out of love, or in-between. It’s mid-tempo and certainly has that soulful Adult Contemporary vibe. “Wherever you are is wherever I have to be..” I know I’ve definitely felt that feeling before. Ahh, the memories ;-) Check it out here:

 

Also included in my top 5 favorite tracks (it was tough to pick a top 5):

You Don’t See Me (words can not describe how much I love this song!!! Can we say my love life? Ha!)

 

Moment to Reflect (if only we all did that before acting/reacting)

Ur the Shhh

A Million Sapphires
I Do Take (that unconditional love...yes!)

Don't Let Me Down (I know that's 7 songs but technically this was a single before the album release and really how I feel...so listen up gentlemen!)

 

 

Lyrically, I love that Amel just sings about life! Whether it’s love in all it’s forms or experiences that comprise our lives, perspectives, and being, the messages are relatable and truly about life. Amel and her team capture it all so beautifully. Oh and that voice and delivery! So sweet yet powerful and poetic!

Records are hot but Amel herself is simply incredible LIVE! She is such an engaging artist and musician and she fully allows the audience to see her personality, which is so awesomely cool by the way. I’ve had the opportunity to see her live and can definitely attest. It’s a true musically experience. Amel, you’re the truth! She’s on tour now, so if you’ve got the opportunity, definitely check her out! For my DC lovebirds, she will be at The Howard Theater on Friday, February 14 for two shows!

Here’s a throwback photo when I attended a show almost 4 years ago and I got to meet this very beautiful lady. Sidebar: I can’t believe it’s been that long.  Don't laugh at my attire.  Shout out to the early days of my natural hair journey/transitioning phase! 

2010 in VA!  I had a blast and Amel was so kind to take this photo with me :-)

Much love, respect, and blessings to Amel, her family and Team Blisslife!

Get connected with Amel here:
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/amellarrieux
Twitter: @amellarrieux
Team Blisslife on Twitter: Team BlissLife

2013- Ice Cream Every Day

2007- Lovely Standards

2006- Morning

2004- Bravebird

2000- Infinite Possibilities

So I'm writing this while...

So I'm actually writing this blog post during the Superbowl. Crazy!  For an NFL fan, this is game is literally painful to watch.  Coming into this particular game, I was pretty disinterested as I'm not a fan of the Seattle Seahawks or the Denver Broncos (Baltimore Ravens for life!) but hey, it's the Superbowl and you have to cheer for a team.  So I chose the Broncos because I think Peyton's a great guy and athlete and I'd have loved to see him get championship ring # 2 and be the first to do so with two different teams.  Well as I'm writing, the score is 36-7 at the end of the 3rd quarter.  I want to hold out hope that the Broncos can make this competitive.  After all, anything is possible but man, oh man, they're going to need to WORK.

 As for the other part of the Superbowl event, the halftime show and commercials, I was absolutely impressed by Bruno Mars and his whole set.  With so many viewers of this game, it's refreshing to see an entertaining set that's clean and actually just fun.  Bruno's vocals, band, and artistry were on point. I was jamming to my favorite song "Treasure" and was so touched when he performed "Just the Way You Are" in dedication to military personnel and their loved ones.   To quote the kids, HE DID THAT!  He held his own without needing the Red Hot Chili Peppers, like some doubters thought.  True artist!  The commercials, on the other hand, are pretty lackluster.  To be fair, I typically tune out of commercials anyway but I just don't find these that interesting.  Combined with this game, you can see why I'm writing blogs instead of being enthusiastic about the game.

Now that the Superbowl is here (and basically gone)...bring on Brazil and the World Cup!!!  Granted some Superbowl games have been very entertaining (ahem, last year when the Baltimore Ravens took care of business and won) but absolutely nothing compares to seeing athletes represent their country. That's why I also love the Olympics!  Besides, soccer is just so beautiful to watch.  If you don't believe me, just wait until the World Cup comes on.  You'll see :-)  I'll write a future post breaking it all down, sharing my favorite teams, and predictions. 

Update (last one because I'm signing off of this blog and this game), the score is 43-8.  Most lopsided Superbowl score in history?  Maybe not, but I'd say it's getting close. 

Oh well, you win some, you lose some.  I'm going to get ready for the week... I'll be back soon!