The Hot Box

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Comment by Brian Michel Bacchus on March 11, 2009 at 2:27am

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=328416927

New material coming soon and pretty amazing! And they are sweethearts, honest and true.

Comment by Leatrice Ellzy on March 11, 2009 at 2:01am

Brian... I love Fancesca. She has alway brought something fresh to the dance/choreography experience. The Festival presented her back in 2004. I know she has had new work since then. I've just always been someplace else when it was going down.... even when I was in NY. LOL. Thanks for the heads up on the new. I will have to check out Okou. Not familiar. Asa is coming to ATL later this month. We're going to the show and hope to grab a little vidio to share on My NBAF. She's in the SpeakEasy Lounge podcast this week. - Le

Comment by Brian Michel Bacchus on March 9, 2009 at 6:06pm

And look for Francesca Harper and her many projects. In particular, Modo Fusion because she is blurring the lines between choreography, dance, music, installations and making them seamless.
http://www.francescaharper.com/bio.html

Comment by H on March 9, 2009 at 5:25pm

The fantastic Ilana Yahav is a sand artist. She maybe familiar to some. Here are some of the vivid creations in motion. Simply copy and paste into your browser, if you cannot click on the link. http://www.sandfantasy.com/videoclips.htm

Comment by Brian Michel Bacchus on March 9, 2009 at 5:00pm

Look out for Okou release later this year. I attended the sessions and it's going to be a game changer like the ASA release.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=328416927

Comment by H on March 9, 2009 at 2:11pm

Pretty informative Leatrice. What a way to catch up on entertainment. Thank you for the nice addition.

Comment by Leatrice Ellzy on March 8, 2009 at 12:17pm

I'm loving Hulu.com. Check it out.

Comment by KeithKNOWS on December 12, 2008 at 10:16am

EAR FOOD/NUTRITION FOR YOUR EARS

Algebra “Purpose”
On her debut album, Purpose, Algebra Blessett uses her songs to portray elements of life and relationships that have happened over and over again since the dawn of man, but like the mathematical formula she gets her name from, there's no unnecessary stuff as Algebra delivers some very poetic and to-the-point new-school soul/R&B songs. http://www.myspace.com/algebrablessett www.kedar.com/algebra

Alex Lattimore “PROMISE”
Smooth, seductive and sensational vocals fused with a fabulous mix of contemporary jazz, R&B and a light touch of blues. With his dynamic abilities, Alex was catapulted into opportunities to open for and perform with internationally renowned artists like Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, India.Arie, Earl Klugh, The Rippingtons, Groove Collective, Roy Ayers, Kindred The Family Soul, Loose Ends, and Maysa Leak. Alex’s trumpet and vocals have also graced the Julie Dexter and Khari Simmons Brash Music album release of “Moon Bossa”, the Atlanta based group “Jiva” with albums “Sun and Moon’ and “Day Into Night” as well as being a featured vocalist on the beautifully written duet entitled “The Matrimony” from Rhonda Thomas’ album “Breathe New Life” and title track “Once Twice” from the Bugs in The Attic album release “Back in the Dog House.” http://www.alexlattimore.com www.myspace.com/alexlattimore

Anane’ “Bem Ma Mi” produced by Louie Vega & Anane’sWorld
"Combining earthiness with glamour and roots-deep house music knowledge with pop-wise diversity, Anané could be the first up-from-the-nightclub superstar since Madonna."As worldwide hype continues to build surrounding the forthcoming release of Anané's debut album ‘Ananésworld', Tommy Boy Records invite one and all for an early adventure into Anané's world through the release – on both 12” vinyl and in digital format - of ‘Bem Ma Mi'. http://www.myspace.com/ananevega www.ananesworld.com

Anthony David “Acey Ducey”
Georgia native Anthony David has spent his whole life writing songs. Now his riveting story telling, passionate guitar playing and stirring voice will be featured on his major label debut Acey Deucy and introduce the world to Soulbird Music, a new venture between Universal Republic Records and the multi-Grammy winning artist India.Arie. www.myspace.com/anthonydavid www.anthonydavidmusic.com

ASA “ASA”
'Asa' is the debut album from Nigerian soulstress Asa. Bornin Paris but raised in Lagos this album sees the singer combine the dual identities of African and western sounds. Fromsoul legends Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye to artists such as Fela Kuti and Sunny Ade, a wide range of influences make this an inspired and soulful record. Includes the single 'Fire In The Mountain'. http://www.myspace.com/asaofficial

Black Coffee “Even Though”
Black Coffee from South Africa signed on Real Tone a beautiful 12inch "Even Though" and "Wathula Nje", amazing harmony, groovy bass; vocal harmony remind the Stevie Wonder production...ESSENTIAL!!! One of the best House surprise of this year!!! http://www.myspace.com/realblackcoffee


Dwele “Sketches of a Man”
The 2008 album from Dwele, is Sketches of a Man. This album brings Dwele back to a more gritty, experimental, and non-overproduced sound - one that originally caught listener's ears with his first EP demo Rize released in 1998. www.myspace.com/dwele www.dwele.net

Donnie “The Daily NEWS”
Donnie is brilliant on this sophomore effort! "Daily News" finds Donnie stepping out of the Stevie Wonder mold that shaped "The Colored Section." From the first track until the latter one the listener is assaulted by a conflagration of gospel, funk, and soul. Not as initially musically catchy as the songs on "Colored Section," these songs are just as colorful, if not more harmonious and gripping. With song titles such as "Suicide," "Atlanta Child Murderers," and "Mason Dixon Line," Donnie got himself booted from Motown. No mainstream artist has the audacity let alone the ability to pull off such complex artistry but Donnie does so with ease. www.donniemusic.com www.myspace.com/donniemusic
Esperanza “ESPERANZA”
If “esperanza” is the Spanish word for hope, then bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding could not have been given a more fitting name at birth. Blessed with uncanny instrumental chops, a multi-lingual voice that is part angel and part siren, and a natural beauty that borders on the hypnotic, the 23-year-old prodigy-turned-pro might well be the hope for the future of jazz and instrumental music. “She is an irresistible performer,” says The Seattle Times. “She sings and plays bass at the same time and does a sort of interpretive dance as she plays…Her analysis of what’s going on in jazz today is perceptive.” Irresistible. Interpretive. Perceptive. Such words are very much at the core of Spalding’s life story, but the story is anything but typical. http://www.myspace.com/esperanzaspalding


Estelle “SHINE”
"(Shine)...may just provide Britain with its first successful female Hip Hop artist since The Cookie Crew" Award-winning British artist Estelle never got her just desserts for her 2004 debut album The 18th Day. Though the record was a critical success, it failed to make the mainstream splash many had hoped for. Her sophomore project, Shine, seems hell bent on avoiding the same fate. Backed up by a coterie of high profile US starlets--Wyclef Jean, will.i.am, Mark Ronson and Kanye West--Shine has surefire commercial success written all over it; though that's not to say Estelle has sold out. Despite the high-impact American-style production, Shine remains reassuringly British. Estelle's West London twang is as sharp as ever, and even Kanye drops rhymes about "WAGS" and "London Boys" (see single "American Boy").
http://www.myspace.com/estelleonline http://www.estellemusic.com/

Geoffrey Williams – “Move Into Soul”
Geoffrey has released four albums worldwide to both critical acclaim and chart success.As a headlining solo artist he has also extensively toured both the UK and Europe.As well as offering Song writing, singing and performance workshops, until recently Geoffrey was ‘Music in Context’ and ‘Song writing – Raw Material’ lecturer at Brighton Institute Of Modern Music. Having produced Shaun Escoffery’s ‘Move Into Soul’ album for Oyster Music, he is now recording his own contribution to this series, which should be available by summer 2007.He recently relocated with his young family to Victoria, Australia where in addition to the aforementioned ‘Move Into Soul’ album he is also recording material for two further Geoffrey Williams ‘special projects’ due later this year.
http://www.myspace.com/geoffreywilliams
http://www.myspace.com/oystermusic


Glideascope (with Strings Attached)
Lush Strings and wicked beats! Downtempo cinematography laced with Trip Hop Beats, and orchestral strings - perfect music to chill to. Glideascope’s musical inspirations covers a diverse musical spectrum - Burning Spear, Beethoven, The Wailers, The Roots, Vangelis, Craig Armstrong, Sting, Grover Washington, Schubert, Toots and the Maytals and Pink Floyd to name but a few. www.myspace.com/glideascope

Jazzhole “Circle of the Sun”
JAZZHOLE, formed in 1994, during the acid jazz scene, remains an evolving collective of many of New York's most accomplished live and studio musicians. POET'S WALK, Jazzhole's fifth studio recording, finds the band exploring the new hybridity of modern urban soul: a sound that incorporates downtempo grooves and acoustic R&B, with hints of bossa nova. http://jazzhole.com/


Jennie Laws (self-titled)
With distinctive and dynamic vocal artistry, unique and original songwriting skills and wide range of influences and inspirations, Jennie Laws has emerged as a beautiful and brilliantly talented new arrival on the cutting edge of today's music. KeithKNOWS: I've been touched by an angelic voice......delicious, divine, nutritrious EARFOOD! Every song is heaven sent..."Heavenly," "I Just Wanna Be Close To You," "So Deep" and "My Soul," .....prepare ur ears....Discovered by the PRINCE”s ex-manager…
www.jennielaws.com www.myspace.com/jennielaws

Jill Scott “The Real Thing: Words And Sounds, Vol. 3” THE REAL THING is chocked full of such moments and we hope it not only fulfills you with a lifetime of pleasures but may also inspire some revelations of your own until the next round being cooked up at this very moment in the original continent are served. http://www.hiddenbeach.com/discover/the-real-thing www.myspace.com/whoisjillscott

L Debois Acoustic Voyage (Live)
This limited edition album is bound to take you on a sweet and soulful journey. You will love the way "L" Debois is sitting in the studio playing his acoustic guitar and singing in one take sessions. L is a dynamic artist who goes about his craft with a diligent, focused, and wildly creative approach. He completely immerses himself in the creation of each of his songs. When you play a song by L DeBois from beginning to end (except where otherwise noted) he wrote it, created the music, programmed and/or played every instrument, performed every vocal and engineered the sound. http://www.myspace.com/ldebois


Lalah Hathaway “Self Portrait”
Ask her to describe her voice and she might say it feels like, sounds like, soul. But when it comes to defining the essence of music, itself, Lalah Hathaway can go on and on… With SELF PORTRAIT, (Stax Records/Concord Music Group), her fifth studio album, including the Joe Sample duet, and on which she co-wrote and co-produced, Hathaway is poised to express who she is, where she is, today, at this very moment. For starters, she is an artist, of course, but she’s also a devoted daughter, culture junkie and a good friend, even. But not necessarily in that order. http://lalahhathaway.com http://www.myspace.com/nessaslalahmusic

Laura Izibor “Live at Joe’s Pub
"The Soul Of Ireland" is a phrase that is becoming strongly connected with one particular Irish singer / songwriter. Already seasoned in the live performance arena Laura has undertaken numerous sold out Irish shows and invitations were also accepted to open for such luminaries as Angie Stone, James Brown, The Roots and Al Green. http://www.myspace.com/lauraizibor


Ledisi “Lost and Found”
Ledisi, whose name does not rhyme with "release me" (it's LED-duh-see), nevertheless sounds like she's hit upon freedom and sweet salvation on Lost And Found, her third CD and the first on a major label (Verve). And it's not just a matter of the third time being the charm: Though she's long been the object of love from critics--2002's jazz-themed Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue earned props for its depth and nuance, and her contribution to 2004's Luther Vandross tribute, Forever, For Always, For Luther, also prompted breathlessness--her focus this time out is less on music that'll win her respect and more on the kind that'll render her a mainstream R&B favorite http://www.myspace.com/ledisi http://www.ledisi.com

Marqseven “Synchronicity”
Sweet, melodic, smooth and soulful; perfectly groovy with a combination of jazz, soul, acoustic and house flavors. Music that speaks to the heart, from the heart. All in one show, marqseven delivers the best, from stirring soul classics to bold, emotionally honest originals. Through her mellow vocals, irresistible smile and contagious energy, she captivates and tantalizes her audience from start to finish, creating an unforgettable vibe and a simply incredible performance. Her EP, synchronicity, features a smooth, honeyed blend of acoustic, soul and house tunes. http://www.myspace.com/marqseven

Naked Music “Re-Creation”
This CD is a masterpiece. Jay Denes has his listeners this trip on a blissful journey. Re-Creation treats its listeners with beautiful sax and funky guitar licked tracks. You can take the songs on this album one of two ways. If you're in the mood to chill and have a few drinks with that special someone or with friends it's cool. But if takin' it to the dancefloor is your intention...then by all means. Of course Jay serves his floor pumpin' beats on a silver platter. The ladies of Naked Music are sounding sweet as ever. However, we do have a treat on this journey. On two of the tracks there is a new male Naked Music vocalist. I have never heard Jay use a male vocalist in his songs but this man is a welcomed addition to the Naked Music crew. In closing...don't you DARE let this gem pass you by. Purchase this album. Your summer won't be complete without it. http://www.giantstep.net/news/821


Nicole Henry “The Very Thought of You”
Nicole Henry's a hell of a great singer -- a vocalist with talents equally well-tuned to jazz and soul styles, both of which are balanced nicely in this set! The album's got a hip small combo sort of feel -- mostly piano trio instrumentation, with a bit of guitar or keyboards at times -- but the sound is often a bit different than straight jazz vocals -- served up with more inflections on the vocals, and a looser, more soulful style that we really love. www.nicolehenry.com http://www.myspace.com/nicolehenrymusic


Rob Murat “So Much to Say”
Soul music is back. The singer/songwriter/producer and recent Lennon Award winner grabs your attention and speaks directly to the musical void that has left you thirsting for that much-needed fresh sound. http://www.myspace.com/robmurat www.robmurat.com http://www.youtube.com/rmurat

Shaun Escoffery “Move Into Soul”
Shaun Escoffery is widely acknowledged as one of the finest vocal talents to have emerged from the UK for many years. He has to date released 3 albums:
• Shaun Escoffery (OYSCDA6)
• Soulonica (OYSCDA7)
• Move Into Soul (OYSCDA10) http://www.myspace.com/oystermusic


Sibu “Day’s Alone
If ever you want to talk about the importance of live instruments in music, you cannot mention any other albums other than Sibu's Day's Alone project. Jazz, soul and R&B music lovers will enjoy the mellow beats infused on this album, promising to set your heart and mind free. http://www.myspace.com/sibusouthafrica www.barkingbare.com

Slakah The Beatchild
KeithKNOWS: Hip Hop Soul that’s Funky Fresh with the Old Skool dynamic. Percolating, gyrating, syncopating beats. Enjoy ya self is fav. Track. This young brotha is destined for stardom. He's definitely on my top ten.
http://www.myspace.com/slakahthebeatchild


Telepopmusick “Angel Milk”
Breathy male vocals, slow synths, and harsh buzzing layer into an almost-tangible lushness, and "Love‘s Almighty," where vocalist Angela McClusky sounds like a cross between Shirley Bassey and Esthero…so so ethereal..and delicious ear candy. http://www.myspace.com/telepopmusiktm

Yamama’nym “Soularevolution”
A perfect blend of Soul, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues and Gospel, Yamama’Nym present organic melodies with a vision to maintain a distinctive sound and still offer reverence to music’s past. From feel good music to love ballads to the kind of track that makes you just want to get-up-and-do-something, the group, hand picked by producer/ writer and label owner, Tre Barr of 2A.M. Music, will bring you a quality music every time. The band got their start in the Spring of 2002 and although members have changed the toe-tapping feeling you get when you listen remains the same. Since 2002 the band has become internationally known and has traveled to places near and far to share their souls with the world.
http://www.myspace.com/yamamanym


Where to buy Music:
www.amazon.com, Moods Music(L5P) 1130 Euclid Ave, www.cdbaby.com, www.paypal.com, www.itunes.com, www.traxsource.com, also See Each Artist Myspace Page

SEE Artists Video: www.youtube.com

Compiled by KeithKNOWS Aug 2008

Comment by KeithKNOWS on December 12, 2008 at 10:11am

(photo courtesy of KeithKNOWS) Atlanta's Vital Signs: Population Growth

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the City of Atlanta has population of 519,145 people as of July 1, 2007, a 4.1% increase from July 2006. The City added 20,623 residents during that year for the seventh-largest absolute gain in the nation.

Between April 2000 and July 2007, the City's population grew by 24.2%, adding 101,039 people. This numerical gain ranks Atlanta no. 8 in population growth during that seven-year period.

So what makes this City's population grow?
1. Demographics
The white and Hispanic populations in the city are increasing while the African American population is decreasing. From 1990 to 2006, whites increased 25.8% (42,585) and Hispanics by 71.2% (18,566). African Americans decreased 7.2% (-17,749) as illustrated in the following chart:

As a result, the population percentages follow the trend as well. In 2006 whites made up 37.2% of the Atlanta population, compared to 31.0% in 1990. Hispanic percentages increased from 1.9% in 1990 to 5.9% in 2006. The percentage of African-Americans in the city decreased from 67.1% in 1990 to 55.7% in 2006, as shown in the chart above. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

Young, highly educated and creative people are leaving the West Coast and the rust belt states and moving to places such as Atlanta with plentiful jobs, affordable housing, culture and diversity. Because of long commutes and wanting to be near the culture core, people are leaving the suburbs and moving to the city center. These are generally higher-income empty nester households

2. Migration of Retirees ("The Halfback Effect")
Retirees from the Northeast often first move to Florida, discover the fit is not quite right and then move "halfway" back North, to states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. More immigrants (permanent residents who are not US citizens) are settling inland (i.e. Atlanta) rather than in coastal regions for jobs and an affordable cost of living.

3. A Thriving and Vibrant Community
Atlanta was ranked the no. 1 best city for relocating singles in 2007 by Mobility magazine. According to Forbes.com, in November 2007 Atlanta came in at no. 10 on the list of most affordable places to live. Arts organizations here have been recognized with Tony and Grammy awards, among others, and restaurants across the metro area are grabbing the attention of gourmands and national food magazines. With many major professional sports teams in town and multiple marquee attractions, Atlanta has something for everybody.

4. Big and Growing College Town
Metro Atlanta ranks no. 7 nationally in degrees earned at the bachelor level or higher (35,803), no. 3 in African-American enrollment (47,548), and no. 5 in university research ($1.01 billion, compared to Raleigh-Durham, which ranks no. 7 at $989 million) according to a recent study by the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education.

5. Convention and Tourism
35 million people visit metro Atlanta annually. Tourism direct spending in 2006 was $11.4 billion, a 12% increase over 2005 spending. Overnight leisure visitors increased 10.7% to 13 million in 2006, funneling $792 million into Atlanta's economy. Atlanta will host the BIO International convention in 2009 and in 2010 open the Center for Civil & Human Rights.

6. Strong Business Environment
• No. 1 Most Wired City, Forbes.com, January 2008
• No. 2 Top state business climate, according to Site Selection magazine, November 2007
• No. 4 Best city for jobs, Forbes.com, January 2008
• Atlanta Airport is the busiest in the world for the third consecutive year, with 89 million passengers and 994,466 flights in 2007
• Atlanta has 2,000 international companies as well as consulates, trade offices or bilateral chambers of commerce representing 65 countries

7. Industry Mix
Atlanta's industry mix is diverse. Such diversity attracts foreign investments like Wipro Technologies of India (1,000 jobs) and INVESCO of London, which is moving its headquarters to Atlanta (150 jobs). Domestically, Cousins Properties, a national commercial developer, relocated its headquarters to downtown Atlanta, creating 175 jobs, and Legal Sea Foods, a Boston-based restaurant chain, will soon open its first restaurant in Atlanta, creating 100 jobs. The chart below shows how Atlanta's working population breaks down by industry:

Comment by H on December 12, 2008 at 9:13am

Discussions about whatz hot or not......I'm in. Thanks for the invite, thats "hot".

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