It Never Rains...

...in southern California. A metaphorical song about love using rain? Can you beat that on this rainy Sunday? Tony, Toni, Tone is one of my all time favorite groups. Their 'House of Music' is one of my favs. Lovin' You? What?!! Loves it.



I finally got some new music and picked up John Legend's 'Evolver' and Esperanza Spalding's self titled debut 'Esperanza'. I'm still giving both a good a listen. Sometimes with new purchases, I tend to listen to the songs that catch my ears on repeat then give the others a chance. Esperanza gives me that bossa nova type vibe a la Astrud Gilberto with a bass guitar. John Legend is John Legend. I've always found the combination of his voice and lyrics captivating. Almost like a positive spell being cast on me. I think he could sing peanut butter and jelly over and over and I'd like it. Speaking of Legend & Saadiq, I'll be reviewing their show this Friday with Raphael Saadiq for the Inquirer. I'm a big fan of Saadiq and hope he sings the cuts I love from him as a solo artist and with Tony, Toni, Tone. I still rock to Instant Vintage. Often. In the mean time, I'll leave you with one of my favorites from him. You know you used to sing it...




One mo thing. I got Ledisi's disc last year from the program director at a radio station and really liked it. If you havent heard of her check out this vid from a recent performance. Then get the disc.

Ledisi singing "Use Me"

Thanks Anthony Hamilton & EWF

You gotta press play on the vid to read this... (but only if you believe that dreams can become reality)




You ready for some big news? I just came back from picking up the newspaper. Actually, I picked up six copies. Six copies of todays, November 17th, Philadelphia Inquirer. For my Philly friends, go pick up a copy. Section D. Page 8. Why you ask? Today marks my debut as a freelancer for the Philadelphia Inquirer! Not only do I freelance for the Inquirer's Image section (nothing published-yet) but also for Arts & Entertainment. Thats how I got over to the music section and the opportunity to review the Anthony Hamilton concert. The details will come, but for now, share my excitement. For those not in the area, here is the link.

Yeah baby!

Change, Made Me Wanna Hustle-Pt. Uno

First, press PLAY and let the music take you through this post.

Yeah I know the Donald Byrd song is Change-Makes Me Wanna Hustle, but I'm way past that. Change made me want to hustle. I'm living with, in, and on my changes and it feels sooooooooo good. I quit my job to make more time for writing. I got an excellent freelance gig (I'll save that for next time) to add to the mix too. With all my changes, I'm hustling hard, but living happier for sure. You'll get filled in on the details soon becaues I'm in the middle of composing what will be my 'updated because I've been away so long post', so just hold on a little while longer.

In the mean time, be thankful for the change and chance I hope most of us took last Tuesday. If you are thinking like me, I hope Barack will be the man that can continue to keep us all as politically ignited as we've been this year and on board the change train. In the mean time, I'll leave you with this vid. I wish it were a more interactive video, but right about now, the lyrics are just hittin me. Change, nothin' stays the same....



Back soon. For REAL this time.