When I first saw this album in my father's amazing collection, I was spellbound. He played it on our "Hi-fi" (stereo had not been invented yet) when company came over. I thought she was so beautiful, and I dreamed of one day becoming a jazz singer with an album showing my picture on the cover.
Over the years, my image and understanding and appreciation of her grew. My parents raved about her when she became one of the first women to wear her hair natural (along with Odetta, Miriam Makeba, and Cicily Tyson) when "press and curl" reigned supreme. I saw her pictures in Ebony and Jet, and when I found out she was married to Max Roach and that they had made a revolutionary album together - The Freedom Now! Suite - that just added more fuel to my romantic vision of finding a soulmate to share my creative and cultural expression with.

I LOVE NEW ORLEANS. Maybe if I had the shirt I'd be in it all day.
As a lover of music, southern music has a special place in my heart. I grew up in New York in the eighties and nineties, church music my mothers music and classical music were the basics, an occasional listen at toni braxton, tlc and if youre lucky Jay-Z. I can say now that I enjoyed a very strict household. My carribean heritage also awarded me the oppurtunities to know musically great artist like Robert Nesta Marley, the Mighty Sparrow, the songbird Calypso Rose.

I've only briefly passed through the south once, a trip to Louisana that lasted a few days. I didnt get to really sink my soul into the culture at all, but i can admit that it was a beautiful trip one that I will always remember. Our relatives in Lousiana and New Orleans represents one of the richest histories of our nation, for me, their entire being is just beautiful. New Orleans soul music is creole, its black, its as beautiful and rich as a Zora Neale Hurston Novel. As I listen I hear the cultural blend that is uniquely louisiana, and it reminds me that I cant run away from my roots, good roots.

I LOVE NEW ORLEANS. Maybe if I had the shirt I'd be in it all day.
As a lover of music, southern music has a special place in my heart. I grew up in New York in the eighties and nineties, church music my mothers music and classical music were the basics, an occasional listen at toni braxton, tlc and if youre lucky Jay-Z. I can say now that I enjoyed a very strict household. My carribean heritage also awarded me the oppurtunities to know musically great artist like Robert Nesta Marley, the Mighty Sparrow, the songbird Calypso Rose.

I've only briefly passed through the south once, a trip to Louisana that lasted a few days. I didnt get to really sink my soul into the culture at all, but i can admit that it was a beautiful trip one that I will always remember. Our relatives in Lousiana and New Orleans represents one of the richest histories of our nation, for me, their entire being is just beautiful. New Orleans soul is creole, its black, its as beautiful and rich as a Zora Neale Hurston Novel.

Beautiful lyrics from a beautiful sista the words are so true,

Im am always in a musical mood and I think we should all do this from time to time....share videos...or have a music day where we all post some music.....but today is one of those days i wanted to share some lovely and fun songs with u sistas ENJOY Happy Solstice!!!!

Oh my goodness, my favorite band has a new video. This group is so talented and they are fresh, and unwavering. Everyone please check them out they have been out for quite some time and deserve a wider audience base. I am shamelessly plugging them because listening to them just gives me the boost I need some times.J*DaveyJ*DaveyJ*Davey

End of Your World (Mama's Back) from KPL TV on Vimeo.

I must say that I really enjoyed myself at the Maxwell concert in Madison Square Garden, NYC last night. This is the first time seeing him in concert. I think he was excellent. Great dancing and nice video, effects and lighting. I felt like he really worked the crowd. He gave a lot of shout outs to Brooklyn his home town and seemed humbled by the experience of performing in the garden. There's plenty of great things ahead for Maxwell.
This is my favorite song on his new album!

Sharing my peace with you all regarding this process of transforming my inner spirit into sound...now to video...long day, but praying this journey will encourage others to honor the true voices of their ancestors, they have much to say about how we move forward in this life, this is our spiritual heritage... www.innarae.com

Click below to hear my favorite "Fragile"...enjoy...

http://www.myspace.com/blackvoicesuk

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO PEACE AND BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR THE VIDEO IM IN CALLED "STAND"

This week FEMI was featured on the DigiVegas indie music podcast. She discusses her music, her history and the importance of music education.

==> Listen to FEMI on DigiVegas <==

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It was so good to discover a new face whilst browsing for 'stylish soul sisters'. The search lead me to Algebra Blesset's MySpace page. The page is home to the never heard of before Atlantan R&B solo artist and a good home it is. Algebra's page offers five soulful songs for you to croon to, just ignore the glaring neon pink background (cringe).
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Whilst enjoying her sound I browsed her pics folder and was inspired by her style. She goes from crazy butterfly Halloween diva costumes, to punk afrochic to 1950's glam easily. Her smile and demeanour reflect a genuine fun person, the sort of one you would love to get to know and have as a friend. All this topped with a great voice.

You can now get a free download of "If I Knew" from Femi by visiting her official website to download or if you are a fan on Reverbnation you can get the track as a fan exclusive! Just visit her profile, become a fan and it's yours --FREE.

Thanks so much for the support and add your e-mail to the mailing list while you are at Reverbnation to receive updates from Femi Music!

My show is for roots lovers - it airs Sunday nights 9-midnight (NY time). I welcome your feedback!

www.rootsdeucation.blogspot.com

www.rootseducation.podomatic.com

www.globalvortexradio.com 

Bless

Blessed love family. Once again NYPD has attacked one of our brothers and we need your help.

My sistren and her mother is holding a benefit concert to raise funds for her brothers defense. Below is the detailed story of what happened.

"

Greetings friends:

I'm stopping through to tell you that SisterSpeak Online Magazine is giving away 4 free CD's of songstress Jean Baylor's new solo album 'Testimony: My Life Story'!

Those of you who remember the soul duo Zhane' (pronounced Jah-nay, i.e. Hey Mr. D.J., Groove Thang, Sending My Love...) will remember Jean, the shorter of the two songbirds. Well, Jean has spread her wings after years of time off to re-assert her love of song with her inspiring new album.

Visit SisterSpeak Online Magazine to enter for your chance to win one of four copies.

Go to http://sisterspeakonline.com/SongstressJeanBaylorSpeaks.asp
to enter today. It's quick and easy!

Then stay tuned for our interview coming soon!

Be well...

Lisa
www.sisterspeakonline.com

Too many of our ancestral mothers have suffered in silence…through the humiliation of being forced into the dark side of a capitalistic structure - trading their beautiful bodies for even the hope of staying alive on this side of creation. My foremothers’ tears ran inside as their blood swallowed the anguish - giving life to a wail that traveled through our generations. Tempted to escape and/or anesthetize the pain, the choices made by many of the women in my matrilineal line prove that these cries need to be expressed because they need to be heard.

Wow Thank You! I have been really into relaxation music as of late. I have lots of stress going on right now and it keeps me from unraveling . I especially like that you have Norah Jones I forgot all about her . I have to break out my CD and slide her in the player on the drive home today!

Thanks!

I was up and caught David Letterman last night, right before it went off and the night's music guest was on. I saw this pretty sistah playing upright bass, singing jazz and was intrigued. I had never seen or heard of her before, so I did some research (google and wikipedia) and this woman is fascinating. Check her out on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7jZCjNz_kQ
I plan to buy her albums tomorrow when I get paid!!

Don't cha love music artist that step outside the mode, especially when it comes to video expression?Who wants to see the same ole popping champagne bottles in the club scene, video girls shaking that big ole' thang,all-star divas rolling their perfect bodies around on bear-skin rugs? BORING!! These vids kind of take it out of the norm, and I dig 'em, you may too>>>

I love this very sarcastic clip of Erykah talking about the industry...she is so funny in her delivery...

If your not aware of this sista's fya music from the U.S. Virign Island, then your in for a treat. She intruduced herself to the reggae scene with her first album Fya then followed by Gracious Mama Africa. She took a long (too long) hiatis and has blessed us with Eaz the Pain.

I think back to when I was younger coming up in the 90's. Much of my growth occured during this time and I love reflecting back on this time. But, while I get mushy gushy and nostalgic, I remember that I was what most people feel is deprived of much. I never learned to ride a bike, skate properly (and I bust my behind this past Sunday at a roller rink 3 1/2 times, so I really can attest!) or do any of those things. Living with a Caribbean mother in Brooklyn, NY... I wasn't going anywhere. However, the first few years of my life was spent with my older brother who is 18 years older than I am. HE taught me over those early years that music was of great importance. He may not have even known that he taught me this. Goodness, thinking back, I was exposed to so many varieties... Anita Baker to Zhane. And its all helped me. Helped me grow and so many other things have happened. I love that it has done this. I have a song for every mood. From some old school house music with Ten City when I wanna dance to Teddy Riley Rumpshaker!!!

Please listen to the song "Beautiful" on my playlist. The song is by Ise Lyfe, a brother out of Oakland with much maturity and truth!I dedicate it to the youth.
There is a short poem that he says before the song that's not on the playlist. It goes...

She is so beautiful
But don't know she is beautiful (2x)

She look in the mirror
Pretty eyes, lips, and nose
She looks in the mirror but don't see her soul
So out the door she go not knowing her worth
All that she knows is her shoes match her purse.

To get the rest of the poem....pick up his CD. Money well spent!

A reminder to you - You are beautiful! Please pass the message on to the young people in your life...they may not ever heard that they are beautiful. Much love. Let me know what you think!