Page 1429 – That Eric Alper

Meshell Ndegeocello Makes Her Blue Note Debut With June 16 Release Of Visionary New Album ‘The Omnichord Real Book’

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 22, 2023

Meshell Ndegeocello Makes Her Blue Note Debut With June 16 Release Of Visionary New Album ‘The Omnichord Real Book’

Acclaimed GRAMMY-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello makes her Blue Note Records debut with the June 16 release of The Omnichord Real Book, a visionary and deeply jazz-influenced album that marks the start of a new chapter in her trailblazing career. Following her 2018 covers album Ventriloquism, Meshell returns with an album of new original material that taps into a broad spectrum of her musical roots. The Omnichord Real Book was produced by Josh Johnson and features a wide range of guest artists including Jason Moran, Ambrose Akinmusire, Joel Ross, Jeff Parker, Brandee Younger, Julius Rodriguez, Mark Guiliana, Cory Henry, Joan As Police Woman, Thandiswa, and others.

The Omnichord Real Book is introduced today by the expansive lead single “Virgo,” the mind-altering 8-minute centerpiece of the album which features Meshell on vocals, key bass, and keyboards, Younger on harp, Rodriguez on Farfisa organ, Chris Bruce on guitar, Jebin Bruni on keyboards, drums by Abe Rounds, Deantoni Parks, and Andrya Ambro, and additional vocals by Kenita Miller and Marsha DeBoe. The Omnichord Real Book is available for pre-order now on Blue Note Store exclusive color vinyl, black vinyl, CD, and digital.

“It’s a little bit of all of me, my travels, my life,” says Meshell. “My first record I made at 22, and it’s over 30 years from then, so I have a lot of stored information to share.” Reflecting on the impact that the forced stillness of the pandemic lockdown had on her, she says “I must admit it was a beautiful time for me. I got to really sit and reacquaint myself with music. Music is a gift.”

“This album is about the way we see old things in new ways,” Meshell explains. “Everything moved so quickly when my parents died. Changed my view of everything and myself in the blink of an eye. As I sifted through the remains of their life together, I found my first Real Book, the one my father gave me. I took their records, the ones I grew up hearing, learning, remembering. My mother gifted me with her ache, I carry the melancholy that defined her experience and, in turn, my experience of this thing called life calls me to disappear into my imagination and to hear the music.”

Meshell first appeared on a Blue Note record a decade ago with her stunning feature on “The Consequences of Jealousy” from Robert Glasper’s GRAMMY-winning 2012 album Black Radio. Two years later she collaborated with Jason Moran on ALL RISE, a vibrant reimagination of Fats Waller’s music where Meshell was both featured vocalist and producer. Reflecting upon time spent with her parents’ record collection during her childhood, Meshell recalls “I loved going through the records and seeing the Blue Note insignia. I stay away from the word ‘Jazz,’ it’s a really heavy word, but I am so moved to be on a label that is about self-expression.”

The track listing for The Omnichord Real Book is as follows:
Georgia Ave (feat. Josh Johnson)
An Invitation
Call The Tune
Good Good (feat. Jade Hicks, Josh Johnson)
Omnipuss
Clear Water (feat. Deantoni Parks, Jeff Parker, Sanford Biggers)
ASR (feat. Jeff Parker)
Gatsby (feat. Cory Henry, Joan As Police Woman)
Towers (feat. Joel Ross)
Perceptions (feat. Jason Moran)
THA KING (feat. Thandiswa)
Virgo (feat. Brandee Younger, Julius Rodriguez)
Burn Progression (feat. Hanna Benn, Ambrose Akinmusire)
oneelevensixteen
Vuma (feat. Thandiswa, Joel Ross)
The 5th Dimension (feat. The Hawtplates)
Hole In The Bucket (feat. The Hawtplates)
Virgo 3 (feat. Oliver Lake (Arr.), Mark Guiliana, Brandee Younger, Josh Johnson)

The American Way: A true story of Nazi escape, Superman and Marilyn Monroe

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 22, 2023

1

The American Way: A true story of Nazi escape, Superman and Marilyn Monroe

Join Forward Magazine for a conversation with authors Helene Stapinski and Bonnie Siegler, whose new book tells the fascinating story of how the publisher of Superman saved a Jewish family during WWII.

https://www.youtube.com/live/TOa7oXfJcOw

My Next Read: “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones” by Dolly Parton

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 22, 2023

1

My Next Read: “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones” by Dolly Parton

In Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, global superstar Dolly Parton shares, for the first time, the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion, including how she developed her own, distinctly Dolly style, which has defied convention and endeared her to fans around the world.

Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from Dolly Parton’s life and career, and the largest reveal of her private costume archive, this gorgeously photographed book spotlights her most unforgettable looks from the 1960s to now. The sky-high heels, famous wigs, bold makeup, eye-catching stage clothes—she shares them all. Along the way, Parton discusses memorable outfits from her past, from the clothes her mother would sew out of feed sacks (including her “Coat of Many Colors”) and the bold dresses and hairdos that shook up Nashville, to the bunny suit on the cover of Playboy, evening wear at Studio 54, costumes from her most famous film and TV roles, and the daring styles that continue to entertain and inspire today.

Filled with candor, humor, and lots and lots of rhinestones, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones is a shining tribute to one of the most beloved musicians in history, a treasured keepsake for anyone who loves Dolly Parton, and an indispensable guide to forging your own path to beauty and confidence.

“Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed” Official Trailer Is Here

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 22, 2023

0

“Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed” Official Trailer Is Here

“I won’t be satisfied unless this album is an accurate representation of where I am as a person.” Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed, the newest film in the #MusicBoxHBO series and an intimate look at life, love, and perseverance, premieres April 7 on HBO Max.

Depeche Mode Performs “Ghosts Again” on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 22, 2023

0

Depeche Mode Performs “Ghosts Again” on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Depeche Mode performs the song Ghosts Again on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

The JAZZ.FM91 Canadian Jazz Time Capsule Project Has Begun

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 21, 2023

0

The JAZZ.FM91 Canadian Jazz Time Capsule Project Has Begun

A copy of Moe Koffman’s Live at George’s album from 1975, programs from now closed but not forgotten Toronto venues, and Oscar Peterson’s Canadiana Suite: These are just some of the suggestions we have received so far to place in the JAZZ.FM91 Canadian Jazz Time Capsule.

JAZZ.FM91, Canada’s only 24/7 all jazz radio broadcaster, is asking listeners and community members what they would put into the container — something to define Canadian jazz for future generations.

Once enough suggestions are received, JAZZ.FM91 will form a committee to decide which ones will go into the time capsule, then commission it to be built and decide where it’s buried.

The contents of the JAZZ.FM91 Canadian Jazz Time Capsule will be revealed at a special Sound of Jazz Concert on April 30th, in celebration of International Jazz Day. Hosted at Lula Lounge, the event will feature a performance by Michael Shand and his trio — plus some very special guests. The 46th Sound of Jazz concert series is sponsored by Don Valley North Lexus and Remenyi House of Music.

Want to take part in defining Canadian jazz up to this moment? Send your suggestion for the JAZZ.FM91 Canadian Jazz Time Capsule by email to capsule@jazz.fm.

Watch Bono and The Edge Perform A Tiny Desk Concert

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 21, 2023

1

Watch Bono and The Edge Perform A Tiny Desk Concert

It’s hard to overstate the kindness and good-natured humor Bono and The Edge brought to the Tiny Desk. When they first arrived at the NPR Music offices, Bono spoke on an imaginary phone, “The talent’s here! The talent’s coming through,” poking fun at their own fame, while carrying The Edge’s guitar. (The Edge called Bono the best roadie he’s ever had.) The two never stopped beaming, like two overjoyed newcomers thrilled at the chance to play for someone.

SET LIST
“Beautiful Day”
“In a Little While”
“Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of”
“Walk On

Daniel Caesar Announces “Almost Enough: The Intimate Sessions” Tour

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 21, 2023

1

Daniel Caesar Announces “Almost Enough: The Intimate Sessions” Tour

In celebration of the upcoming release of his highly anticipated new album NEVER ENOUGH on April 7th, today Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Daniel Caesar reveals “Almost Enough: The Intimate Sessions”. The tour will include once-in-a-lifetime shows in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Paris, London, and Berlin next month, where fans can see the critically acclaimed artist perform his new album live in intimate venues that take him back to his roots when he first began his career. See the full list of tour dates below.

Tickets for “Almost Enough: The Intimate Sessions” will go on sale via artist pre-sale on March 23rd at 10AM local time and via general on-sale on March 24th at 10AM local time.

Daniel Caesar’s third studio album NEVER ENOUGH features his recent singles “Let Me Go” and “Do You Like Me?” “Let Me Go” is currently sitting at #25 on the R&B Radio Chart, where it’s a greatest gainer this week. He will return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on March 30th to perform the track live for the very first time—be sure to tune in. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs on ABC at 11:35/10:35c, and is available next day on Hulu.

Prior to the NEVER ENOUGH album era, Caesar received a 2023 Juno Awards nomination for “Traditional R&B/Soul Recording” for his 2022 single “Please Do Not Lean” feat. Badbadnotgood, and he was enlisted by Lil Yachty to collaborate on his new track “REACH THE SUNSHINE.”

In 2022, Caesar dropped “Please Do Not Lean” feat. Badbadnotgood to widespread praise after a career-defining headline performance at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which drew massive crowds and featured a surprise appearance by Justin Bieber to sing their smash hit “Peaches.” In addition, Caesar took to the 2022 GRAMMY Awards stage alongside Bieber and Giveon to perform the song, after it received four GRAMMY® nominations, two Billboard Music Award nominations, amassed billions of streams, and also landed Caesar his first #1 on the Billboard 100 Chart.

NEVER ENOUGH TRACKLISTING:

1. “Ocho Rios”
2. “Valentina”
3. “Toronto 2014”
4. “Let Me Go”
5. “Do You Like Me?”
6. “Always”
7. “Cool”
8. “Disillusioned”
9. “Buyer’s Remorse”
10. “Shot My Baby”
11. “Pain Is Inevitable”
12. “Homiesexual”
13. “Vince Van Gogh”
14. “Superpowers”
15. “Unstoppable”

“ALMOST ENOUGH: THE INTIMATE SESSIONS” TOUR DATES:
April 6th Los Angeles, CA The Belasco
April 11th New York, NY Irving Plaza
April 13th Toronto, ON HISTORY
April 18th Paris, FR Élysée Montmartre
April 19th London, UK HERE at Outernet
April 22nd Berlin, DE Huxleys Neue Welt

Argentinian Singer-Songwriter Fiona Montt Releases Hypnotic New Pop Song “C’est La Vie”

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 21, 2023

0

Argentinian Singer-Songwriter Fiona Montt Releases Hypnotic New Pop Song “C’est La Vie”

Fiona Montt, the emerging Argentinian vocalist and songwriter, has released her new track, “C’est La Vie.”

Though the upbeat pop anthem sounds made for the dance floor, “C’est La Vie” was inspired by the isolation of COVID. Montt describes music as “what I breathe…what I live for.” And during difficult times like the pandemic, she says it provides a much-needed escape.

Montt has been recognized for her singing from an early age. Her elementary and high school music teachers encouraged the talent, forming a band in which she performed lead vocals. When Montt was chosen as a finalist in a citywide school music competition in Buenos Aires, she decided singing wasn’t just a hobby for her – it was a profession.

Then, the pandemic hit. Separated from her family during the long months of strict lockdowns in her native Argentina, Montt found a lifeline when she turned to the web to connect with others through music.

“We had an extreme quarantine, six months closed up in our homes, which made me make videos, covers, use social media, meet a lot of people, participate with different singers and composers from different parts of the entire world,” Montt says.

Montt started sharing videos of herself singing covers of music by artists like Joss Stone and Dua Lipa, showcasing her vocal talent. She would eventually connect with Roy Hamilton III, multi-platinum Grammy nominated pop and R&B music producer, songwriter and A&R executive with the Singer’s Company Inc. Hamilton, the grandson of legendary singer Roy Hamilton, encouraged Montt to hone her songwriting skills, and “C’est La Vie” was born.

The single highlights Montt’s powerful but sultry voice over dance beats, percussion, keys and horns in the style of a radio pop hit. But a note of sadness in Montt’s singing, in both English and French, pulls the listener in closer. Contrasting with the catchy rhythm, the lyrics tell a more somber story about the search for connection at a time when it seemed like the entire world felt alone.

“All this time, when you used to look my way, my tears went down like a river goes, somewhere too far away to reach me when I need you,” Montt sings.

A note of strength emerges in Montt’s lyrics as well, showing her willingness to go with the flow during uncertain times. “Maybe I’ll make some mistakes now, can’t avoid them really, c’est la vie!” she sings.

“‘C’est La vie’ is about events that we have in life, whether we like them or not. We just have to live with it,” Montt says. “It’s about staying strong even though things might not go your way. It’s about staying positive always, and to believe in yourself.”

Vancouver Rapper BLAK ACE Releases New Single “Blak Majik”

Music

Eric Alper

-

Mar 21, 2023

0

Vancouver Rapper BLAK ACE Releases New Single “Blak Majik”

Vancouver-based rapper BLAK ACE has created a whirlwind of swagger and confidence in his new single “Blak Majik”. Written by himself BLAK ACE and the beat was produced alongside by DJ KEMO, the song was recorded at Vanguard Music Studios.

Most notably, the track features a fusion of jazzy horns and a steady hip-hop backbeat that compliments BLAK ACE’s resolute rap delivery. Lyrically, the song discusses the personal obstacles that BLAK ACE has overcome in order to get to where he is now, before discussing broader issues that affect people’s drive.

“Everyday expedition paid my tuition
I didn’t pass math, but my art was pimpin’
Self-expression they say that we lack
I make them take those words back
When I spit these raps”

Another thing that the lyrics convey is passion, evoking the braggadocio and positivity found in songs like Nas’ “I Can” and “The World Is Yours”. The song takes the passion of hip-hop and uses it as a vehicle to inspire others to pursue their own dreams.

By moving from BLAK ACE’s personal experiences to wider ones, the song aims to connect with a universal audience. The vibe and energy of this record ebbs and flows, magnetically drawing in the audience for more.

Of the song’s production, BLAK ACE states, “DJ KEMO is a top tier producer, his engineering and musical knowledge of beat mixing makes the music sound flawless. The sound quality from DJ KEMO’s production makes me sound commercial and radio ready. I’m excited to make more music and look forward to the reception of BLAK MAJIK worldwide.”

BLAK ACE got his start with his debut video “My Passion”, which features him showcasing his music to his Vancouver hometown. He then went on to open for well-known hip-hop artists such as E-40, Jadakiss and Fabolous. In 2017, BLAK ACE would embark on his own concert tour “Angelz and Demonz” and perform throughout the British Columbia and Alberta before ending the tour in his hometown.

In addition to pursuing music, he would also develop his own clothing line called BLAK G3AR. BLAK G3AR received immense support from fans and musicians through his lucrative “Body Positive” merchandise campaign and rap artist driven competition “The Transducer.” BLAK ACE most recent music work is the 2019 EP “BLAK SOULZ”.