Sir Charles Jones

In the news this week ... The tragic story of Kalief Browder, the 22-year-old New York man who became the symbol of America’s broken criminal justice system, has touched people all over the world, including singer John Legend. In his thought-provoking essay, the piano man offered his thoughts on the untimely death of Browder, who committed suicide on June 6. Browder’s story began over five years ago, when he spent three years at the notorious Rikers Island jail, mostly in solitary confinement. He was accused of stealing a backpack at age 16 — a crime he never committed. While he was incarcerated, Browder suffered horrendous torture from both guards and inmates. In 2013, he was released from jail, but apparently, the experience had scarred him. Browder suffered years of severe paranoia and other mental issues. In early June, he took his own life. In his commentary, Legend states that Browder “died because our system is broken.” More @ boombox

The jazz saxophonist, violinist, trumpeter and composer, Ornette Coleman, has died. He was 85.  Ornette passed away following a cardiac arrest in New York City. Ornette Coleman was an integral part of the free jazz movement of the Sixties.  Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, Ornette attended the I.M. Terrell High School, after which, in 1949, he toured with a traveling show. Whilst in Louisiana, Ornette was attacked and his saxophone was destroyed. He began playing on the alto saxophone, joining the Pee Wee Crayton band. Ornette worked in a non musical role as an elevator operator. More at soulwalking

Comedian and actor Lenny Henry looks set to become Sir Lenny after confirming he will receive a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours. The star said he was "very chuffed" about the honour, which was first reported in the press at the weekend. Speaking to Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday, he said he had not expected the accolade. "It's not something you think about really when you grow up in Dudley. But it's a fantastic thing," he said.  Henry said: "I'm being pummelled from all sides by my family, saying, 'Do we get some land? Do we get a castle now? Do we get 100 men in plate armour following us around Dudley?'  "I'm very pleased. And my mum would have loved it.
"It is a wonderful thing and my family are really, really chuffed. My friends have not stopped ringing up and saying congratulations. It is an extraordinary thing and I'm very chuffed." (BBC)

Play list for Sunday 14-06-2015

Helen Baylor - Oasis (rmx)

JP Cooper - I Wish I Didn't Miss You (Live)
Grover Washington Jr - Jamming
Saun & Starr - Sunshine (Is Blowing My Cool)
Kenny Lattimore - Still Good
Cool Million/PACE - Type Of Woman
Stevie Wonder - I Am Singing
James Taylor Quartet - A good Thing
Jaheim - Looking For Love
Samuel D Saunders - Think Out Loud
Truth Hurts - Real
Gwen McCrae - For Your LOve
George Howard - No, No

Sir Charles Jones x3

1 Do You Feel (with Willie Clayton)
2 Take Care Of Mama 3 Independent Ladies

Dangerfield Newbies - Heaven Sent
Ledisi My Sensistivity (rmx)
Dw3 - Hold Me
LaToya London - Scandalous
Marvin Gaye - Got To Give It Up
Roberta Gilliam - All I Want Is My Baby
MC Lyte - It's All Yours

Biography of Sir Charles Jones:
“The Love of music is the most important reason for being a performer,” states the talented Sir Charles Jones. Born in Akron Ohio, yet raised in Birmingham, Alabama where is actual singing career begun. This self taught writer, arranger, producer and engineer has embraced a genuine passion for music, ranging from jazz to fusion; Gospel to blues. Sir Charles Jones is the epitome of a recording artist / performer; but is this music really known as “Blues?”
Now releasing his Fourth album entitled “Never Miss A Good Thang” on the independent label Jumpin Records (Atlanta based) Charles admits to having more fun making this latest CD than others; “I’ve become more versatile in my style of writing and it makes me proud to know that my music appeals to all types of audiences young and old, when you attend one of my performances you might see a 19 year old sitting next to an 80 year old… People of all ages love Sir Charles Jones.” More here