Michael Jackson RIP

I don't have anything especially profound to say, only that I am still in shock. It's one thing to know someone is sick and observe a steady decline. But what happened yesterday was completely out of the blue for me and I was deeply saddened.

I sincerely hope that we all remember Michael at his best, as no one can argue his legendary status or the genius of his enormous talent. His impact will live on forever. May he truly rest in full and complete peace, where he will no longer be stalked, ridiculed, or under microscopic analysis by the public.

Deepak Chopra says it best.

Rachelle Ferrell in NY at half price!!!

The subject line says it all people. If you don't know about Rachelle Ferrell, um, I feel bad for you. I think she might be one of the most amazing vocalists of all TIME. Not kidding. Go and check out this show.

Rachelle Ferrell
Blue Note Jazz Club
Sunday, June 28th
8pm, 10:30pm
$45
$22.50 on Goldstar!

up and coming singer Jennie Laws

I had the pleasure of witnessing the artistic genius of Ms. Jennie Laws a couple of weekends ago at the Dakota Lounge. My very talented and very good friend, music producer C-Aye, put me on to her talent when he played me one of his favorite Jennie tracks a few months back. I was totally hooked on everything - her voice, her arrangements, the lyrics, every moment! A true talent, I heard that she crafts and charts every part of her song, from the drum line all the way up to her lyrics. Us songwriters know that this is not an easy thing to do, especially when you do not play every instrument. I imagine it's what Prince does when he's alone in the studio. I bet Prince doesn't even want to invite anyone to write with him anymore, what's the use?! It will take longer for him to explain what he wants than for him to just play it himself. Sigh...it must be hard being so gifted. : )

But anyway, I told you I went to her live show and I was not disappointed. First of all the room was PACKED. PACKED. Also not easy to do at the Dakota Lounge in Santa Monica. Jennie is an alum of the illustrious Berklee School of Music in Boston, home to many talented musician friends of mine, and there was no shortage of them in the room to show their support, among others that have heard the buzz about this woman.

I had met her before this night and she is tiny, quiet, and humble in her persona. It's easy to tell that she is totally and completely immersed in what she does, letting it envelop her with the peace and healing music naturally embodies. She mentioned in the show that "she is a lover, not a fighter.." and her music is a reflection of that very sentiment.

When I left the performance two words kept running through my mind when I thought of Jennie Laws' music - soul soup. Her music is like soul soup, rich in all the ingredients of soul you can imagine, with elements of folk sprinkled in. Beautiful, story-telling chords, rich horn lines woven throughout, all topped off with Jennie's sweet, smooth vocal tone that laces each song effortlessly.

Now I just feel like I'm bragging so you'll just need to check her out for yourself:
1) Read about it - See what Soul Tracks has to say about her.
2) Listen to it - Visit her site and download "Heavenly" - breathtaking.
3) See her live - She's performing Thursday, June 11th at the Dakota Lounge again at 9pm. More details here.

Enjoy!