Jean Carn

In the news this week... Happy Birthday to Jean Carn (Sarah Perkins) who celebrated her birthday on Saturday, Mr. Merry's Three-Inna-Row features her music today at 11am. Biography at foot of todays page.

Also this week we lost the Rt Hon Tony Benn, who's long political career included being the only surviving politician to have fought in WWII, sadly he was also the guy that implemented the new pirate radio laws that came into being in 1967, they held UK radio back 50 years in my mind! But still love him or hate him he was a very popular Labour politician and will be missed by many.

The wait is officially over! For those who thought that it would never come to surface, Universal Studios has finally delivered the trailer to the well anticipated James Brown biopic! Titled, Get On Up, the film is filled with an all-star cast that we’re sure will do the story much justice.

The Excitments are a soul and funk band that was formed in Barcelona back in 2010. Since then they've built themselves a reputation as one of the most energized and excting live acts on the European soul circuit. Their music is a self-penned cocktail of old school soul and gritty funk that takes its inspiration from icons like Etta James, Tina Turner and James Brown and labels like Chess and Stax. Fronted by the charismatic Koko-Jean Davis, the band's live performance have drawn comparison with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings but through late March you can make up your own minds about that when the band embark on a mini UK tour.

This Weeks Play List Sunday 16th March, 2014



HHHour One
Hout One
Lytie - Still Here (soul mix)
Tony Toni Tone - Anniversary
Gerald Alright - Anniversary (hello mix)
Terry Garmon - Any Way
Sanchez - Amazing Grace
Williams Bros - Still Here
BeBe + CeCe Wynans - You
Sounds Of Blackness - I Believe
Ann Nesby - In The Spirit
Brandy - Missing You

Hour Two
Jean Carn x3: 1 Closer Than Close
2 Heartache 3 Flame Of Love

Plush - We've Got The Love
Sinclair - I Want You Back
T.S. Monk - Can't Keep My Hands..
Eddie Henderson - Prance
Valentine Bros - Let Me Be Close 2 You
The Staples - Love Me, Love Me..
Luther Vandross - Better Love

Jean Carn Biography:

Born Sarah Jean Perkins, Columbus, Georgia, USA, but was raised in Atlanta, where her parents encouraged her at the age of four to sing in the church choir and to take piano lessons. Indeed, to this day, Carn is an accomplished performer on piano, clarinet and bassoon. She first revealed her formidable musical talents as a teenager on a morning radio talk show, Today In Georgia, when she sang "Misty" to the accompaniment of Errol Garner's piano. After winning a music scholarship to Morris Brown College, she learned to play almost every instrument in the orchestra. Her recording career began in 1971 with her then husband Doug Carn, and together they made three albums for Black Jazz Records that brought widespread recognition, built upon by touring engagements across the USA. At this stage Carn was often praised for being one of the first Afro-American women to define her own voice and image, rather than being moulded by the industry. Afterwards, she performed with Duke Ellington, the last vocalist to do so before his death. She then teamed up with Norman Connors for four acclaimed albums, contributed "Reach For It" to George Duke's Gold album and sang on the first two albums by Earth, Wind And Fire.

The three albums Carn recorded for Gamble And Huff's Philadelphia International Records label between 1977 and 1979 are probably her best, and introduced the singer to pop and R&B audiences for the first time. Her hits during this period included "Free Love", "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" and "My Love Don't Come Easy'. She moved to Motown Records for 1983"s Trust Me, which provided her first major singles success with "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and a duet with Bobby Militello on "Let's Stay Together". Carn later found time to contribute to records by Kenny Gamble ("Love Is Beautiful When It's Right") and Stanley Turrentine ("Night Breeze"). Adding an "e' to her last name, she signed a new recording contract with the Atlantic Records imprint Omni and enjoyed immediate success with 1986"s chart-topping R&B hit, "Closer Than Close". Further hits followed in the late 80s, including "Flame Of Love", "Everything Must Change" and "Ain't No Way". Carne carried on recording into the 90s, completing a touching tribute album to the late songwriter Van McCoy. She continues to tour for six months every year, spending the rest of her time at home in Atlanta with her three children.

Thought for the day!

Anthony Hamilton

In this weeks news.. I regret to inform of the death of Charles Love, a founding member, guitarist and vocalist for the group Bloodstone. Love reportedly died of complications from pneumonia in his home town of Kansas City, Missouri. Bloodstone was formed in 1962 as a high school doo-wop group then called the Sinceres. more at: Soultracks

A singer claiming to be Michael Jackson‘s illegitimate son has DNA evidence as proof that he is the King of Pop’s child. TMZ reports that there is a 99.9 percent chance that Brandon Howard is Jackson’s son. At a press conference announcing the test results, FilmOn.com owner Alki David claims there’s a DNA match between Howard and Jackson. The late singer’s dental impression from a Beverly Hills doctor was obtained by David at an auction. That impression was used to retrieve DNA. Gospel singer Miki Howard is Brandon Howard’s mother, who was managed by Joe Jackson during her career. In 1982, the songstress went by the name “Billy.’ One year later, Michael Jackson released his hit ‘Billie Jean,’ which included the lyrics, “Billie Jean’s not my lover” and “The kid is not my son.”  Read More: Boombox

With Ledisi's latest "I Blame You" burning up the Urban AC Charts, we knew it wouldn't be too long before we heard about an upcoming album. On February 11, 2014, the Grammy-nominated songstress will release her fifth studio album The Truth. For soul and R&B fans, the wait for her follow up to Pieces of Me has been two years too long. The clarity, sensitivity and grit of Ledisi's voice make her a quantity that was sorely missed. We were somewhat satiated with her GRAMMY-nominated collaboration with Robert Glasper Experiment on "Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.)," but there is nothing like a full-length project from this SoulBounce fave. We'll have to wait for her new body of work for a few more months, but we'll get to see her in action on Sunday, November 3rd on Black Girls Rock! on BET and her "I Blame You" video should drop soon as well. Now is definitely a great time to be a Ledisi fan. (ThisisR&B.com)

This Sunday's Play List, 9th March, 2014



Hour One
Marlena Shaw - Go Away Little Boy (Live)
Angie Stone - No More Rain In This Cloud
Gerald Albright - Trying To Find Away [welcolme]
Bigg Robb - Macaroni & Cheese Song
Shirley Brown - After A Night Like This
Barbara Mason - I'm Your Woman , She's Your Wife
Barbara Mason - Searchin' Up
Betty Wright - After The Pain
Ty Causey - No More Broken Hearts
BlackStreet - Don't Leave Me (rmx)
Aretha Franklin - IWanna Make It Up To You

Hour Two
Anthony Hamilton x 3:
1 The Point Of It All 2 Why 3 Fair In Love

Tyrone Lee - Hot2Nite
LaToya London - Practice Makes Perfect
Kenny Thomas - Turn It Up
Ledisi - My Sensitivity
Faith Evans - I Just Can't
Michael Cooper - Steppin' To A Love Song
Katie Cole - Think About It
Donel Jones - The Finer Things In Life
Jon B - Watchin' Her

Anthony Hamilton Biography:

Born: Jan. 28, 1971 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Raised in North Carolina.
Early Life & Career:

Getting his start at age ten singing in his church choir, Hamilton also performed as a teenager at various nightclubs and talent shows. In 1993, he moved to New York City, eventually signing with Uptown Records, which was at the time home to artists such as Jodeci and Mary J. Blige. By 1995, Uptown was set to push Hamilton's debut album, but the company went out of business, leaving the album unreleased. Hamilton then signed with MCA and recorded his largely overlooked 1996 album, XTC. Eventually he found himself at the Soulife label.
Soulife:
It was at Soulife (which was run by some of the singer's old Charlotte friends), that Hamilton laid down tracks for another solo album and also wrote songs for such artists as Donell Jones and Sunshine Anderson. Eventually however, Soulife went belly-up too. So with a second album unreleased, Hamilton spent the next two years selling songs and singing backup for artists. Then, in 2002 a lead spot singing on the Nappy Roots track "Po' Folks" garnered Hamilton some much-needed attention.

Chi-Lites (no Mr Merry this week 2-3-14)

In the news this week... Chi-Lites  singers Marshall Thompson reportedly suffered a stroke while attending the SoulTrain cruise. Thankfully, he is now stable and in the hospital.  We're sending out our prayers for a full and speedy recovery for our good friend Marshall.

Chi-Lites founding member and leader. Sadly, group member Frank Reed, who, along with Anthony Watson, took over lead vocal duties after the retirement of Eugene Record, has died. Reed was a talented singer who joined the group at a difficult time and served admirably through years on the road. He will be missed. (soultracks)

Live in Manchester Prince enforced a camera ban at his shows — this way fans can actually enjoy the songs instead of recording them — no one has really been able to see what goes down during one of his recent live performances. However, the lauded singer himself decided to share the action with his loyal supporters and released footage of his ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ performance with 3rdEyeGirl.

Taking place in Manchester, England, on Saturday night (Feb. 22), Prince looks like rock royalty while singing his 1984 hit. The crooner slowed the tempo and added some rock and roll flair to the track as he took center stage. And check out his attention to detail. His ’70s-inspired look is complete with round shades, bell-bottoms and an afro. Shredding on his guitar, the Purple One seems to channel his inner Jimi Hendrix during the set. He’s easily making American fans excited about his upcoming U.S. tour, which kicks off in June. According to the Guardian, Prince performed new tracks from 3rdyEyGirl’s album, ‘PLECTRUMELECTRUM,’ as well as a few classics during the show in England. (boombox)

Pharrell has the number one song in the USA. Topping the Billboard Hot 100 Thursday, Pharrell's number one comes in the form of "Happy," a runaway hit featured on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack and his soon to be released album, "G I R L." Rising 2-1, unseating Katy Perry's hit single "Dark Horse," "Happy" is Pharrell's first Hot 100 chart-topper as a lead artist. "Happy" joins "Drop It Like It's Hot" (Snoop Dogg), "Money Maker" (Ludacris), and "Blurred Lines" (Robin Thicke), all of which topped the chart with Pharrell as a featured artist. "Happy" tops the Hot 100 fueled largely by a 22% gain to 402,000 downloads sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and leads Digital Songs for a second week. The sum marks the biggest sales week for a song outside the Christmas season since the week ending Sept. 15, 2013, when Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" crashed No. 1 with 477,000 sold (after the song's buzz-worthy video had debuted on Sept. 9)," reports Billboard. "Happy" additionally pushes 4-2 on Radio Songs with a 28% surge to 139 million all-format audience impressions, according to Nielsen BDS, and hikes 7-4 on Streaming Songs with 6.1 million U.S. streams (up 38%), according to BDS." (singersroom)

Rufus & Chaka Khan

In the news this week...US Blues news sources are carrying the story that Floyd Taylor died last Thursday 20th February. He was aged 60. His younger brother TJ Hooker Taylor said "He died pretty much the way my dad died: a heart attack at the age of 60." "Dad" of course was soul legend Johnnie Taylor who died of a heart attack aged just 66.

Floyd Taylor was born in Chicago in 1954 to Mildred Singletary and Johnnie Taylor who was then an itinerant Gospel singer. As a young man, Floyd was determined to pursue a music career and in 1973 he formed a group called The Peace Band. He then spent some time in his father's road band before signing a solo deal with Malaco Records where he released two albums. He then worked for CDS Records and Arita Records for whom he cut his last long player 'Shut 'Um Down' which featured a passable cover of his father's 'What About My Love'. In 1998 he was voted "Entertainer Of The Year" by the Chicago Blues Society. (soultracks)

The first Black woman to win the crown of Miss Israel says she believes the country has real problems with its treatment of refugees and immigrants from Africa, but that the situation is improving. I’m not ashamed to say that there is racism in Israel; it’s a problem, but it’s a problem that Israel is working on and it’s something that Israel is trying to fix and it’s actually improving,” Yityish “Titi” Aynaw, 22, told BuzzFeed in an interview at the lobby of Washington, D.C.’s Palomar Hotel.“ I don’t feel the racism, me, exactly,” Aynaw said. “But my family feels it sometimes.” more: atlantablackstar

Seven people have been charged with drug offences after a series of police raids at homes on the road dubbed 'Benefits Street', including one of the stars of the Channel 4 programme known as 'Black Dee' .Samora Roberts, 32, who is known as 'Black Dee' on the programme which follows the life of people living off benefits in James Turner Street, Winson Green, was among those charged following the raids. She has been charged with conspiracy to supply a class B controlled drug, conspiracy to supply a class A controlled drug (crack cocaine), possession of a Class A controlled drug (diamorphine), and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate. The drug raids took place in June 2013 following concerns raised by the local community. Also charged is Tina Thomas, 46, on counts of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of ammunition without a certificate. Charlene Wilson, 29, faces counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and Class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of diamorphine. Ian Wright, 38, is charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis). Monique Walker, 28, is charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and Marvin Scott, 37, faces a count of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine).All six live on James Turner Street. express&star

Mr Merry gave away a free ticket today for Mary Wilson's show; The Drum will present Up Close with Mary Wilson of The Supremes on Tuesday, February 25 at 7pm, as part of the venue's 20th anniversary celebrations. A spokesman for The Drum said: "This will be a unique opportunity to hear Mary perform, ask her questions, and learn more about the life, influences and experiences of a sensational artist whose career clashed with an era of great political and social transformation. "Ms Wilson and The Supremes broke colour barriers in the 1960s as one of the era's most successful singing groups, charting an amazing twelve Number 1's between 1964 - 69, spreading the sound of Motown across America and opening the door for future African American R&B and Soul musicians to find mainstream success. "Still performing with the same passion, Mary is now using her fame and flair to promote humanitarian efforts around the world as an author, motivational speaker, and former US Cultural Ambassador. Join us for an unforgettable evening of fantastic music and fascinating discussion with a true legend." birmingham mail

 This Weeks play list, Sunday 23rd. February 2014



Hour One
Johnnny Gill - Feels So Much Better
Deborah Cox - Sound Of My Tears
Euge Groove - Just My Imagination
Dianne Reeves - Dreams
Eric Benet - Don't Let Go
Jeniqua - Making Love
Jennifer Holiday - It's Not ABout You
Seasons & Reasons - Rewind
Jean Terrell - How Can I Live Without Love
Kase Sounds - Cover Me
Lauren Hill - Nothing Even Matters
Betty Wright - I Miss Ya

Hour Two
Rufus & Chaka Khan: Sweet Thing,
You Can Make The Story Right & Do You Know What I Feel


Gap Band - Keep Holding On
Two Tons Of Fun - Never Like This Before
Joe - Express Yourself
Charles Wright  - Express Yourself
Beres Hammond - Do This World A Favor
Algebra Blessett - U Do It For Me
Atlantic Starr - Silver Shaddow
James Brown - Get On The Good Foot (Pt. 1)
Glen Goldsmith - Dreaming

Rufus & Chaka Khan Biography:

This Chicago-based group evolved from the American Breed when three original members, Al Ciner (guitar), Charles Colbert (bass) and Lee Graziano (drums), were joined by Kevin Murphy (keyboards), Paulette McWilliams (vocals), Ron Stockard and Dennis Belfield. Initially known as Smoke, then Ask Rufus, it was several months before a stable unit evolved. Graziano made way for Andre Fisher, but the crucial change came when Chaka Khan (Born Yvette Marie Stevens, 23 March 1953, Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois, USA) joined in place of McWilliams. The group, now known simply as Rufus, signed with the ABC label in 1973, but made little headway until a chance encounter with Stevie Wonder during sessions for a second album. Impressed by Khan's singing, he donated an original song, "Tell Me Something Good", which, when issued as a single, became a gold disc. It began a run of exceptional releases, including "You Got The Love" (1974), "Sweet Thing" (1975) and "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)" (1977), all of which topped the R&B chart. By this time Rufus had stabilized around Khan, Murphy, Tony Maiden (guitar), Dave Wolinski (keyboards), Bobby Watson (bass) and John Robinson (drums), but it was clear that the singer was the star attraction. She began recording as a solo act in 1978, but returned to the fold in 1980 for Masterjam, which contained "Do You Love What You Feel", another number 1 soul single. Khan continued to pursue her own career and perform with Rufus, who secured an international hit in 1983 with "Ain't Nobody". The song was written by Wolinski, by now an established figure in soul circles through his work on Michael Jackson's Off The Wall. The distinction between Chaka Khan's successful solo recordings and her work with Rufus has become blurred over the years, but it remains arguable whether or not she achieved the same empathy elsewhere.

Discography:
Rufus (ABC 1973)**, Rags To Rufus (ABC 1974)****, Rufusized (ABC 1975)****, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan (ABC 1975)***, Ask Rufus (ABC 1977)***, Street Player (ABC 1978)***, Numbers (ABC 1979)*, Masterjam (MCA 1979)***, Party 'Til You're Broke (MCA 1981)**, Camouflage (MCA 1981


Chaka Khan & Rufus - Sweet Thing by PeteRock

The Impressions

Eric & Roy

In the news this week...Eric Roberson: "Mr Nice Guy at The Drum 9th. February." I first discovered 'Erro' back in 2001 by chance and have never looked back since. I have been to see him 7 times before this and can never tire of viewing this talented performer. His stage presence is so warming and infectious you can’t help but get involved, as he connects so easily with his audience. I’ve seen him several times at the Jazz Café and every visit he makes to Birmingham ....... I’m there! I have introduced so many people to this man I have lost count, his music never disappoints. Well done to Punch Records for bringing him to the Drum here in Birmingham.   

The show I'm told was sold out!, but I think we could have had at least 100 more people, I’m sure we would have squeezed them in? What a fantastic show, if you weren’t there you missed a show that had it all; passion, humour and great vocals. Absolutely amazing! He just gets better and better with time, the free-styling set is always good fun; bun and cheese, bench and batty,effervescent, and Benefits Street were the chosen topics, which he then creates songs from and somehow manages to tie it all together. He is simply a genius, I must apologise for Benefits Street, as this was my input, just to make it relevant to Birmingham, but as usual he smashed it. (check my video at foot of the page) A true entertainer, the band were on the money and were so tight, when you see people leaving with a smile you know you’ve been to a good show. I feel like I know him personally as he has so much time for his fans, which he never leaves out, spending time to sign albums and take pictures. I know his music touches so many people, I can only wish him great success and longevity. A true Mr nice Guy! - Roy Grey (aka Crazy G)

"Well Eric Roberson was in town at The Drum as Roy just said. I was there too, did see him a few years before this time, thinking;"Can he top the last time I saw him" well Yes! You cannot beat seeing artists live. He made sure that who came to see him, well .. they was made to feel part of the show! As a few people said to me; "What does Eric Roberson sing?", I just said; "No Matter what he sings, just go to the show!",

Being a DJ on the radio, not all the songs he sings I know, but they were good! He is the King of the Independent Soul and you can tell. I did try to get an interview, but his back-room helpers were no help, and I did buy my own ticket for the show, Please also support  the other live acts in Birmingham soon, S.W.V, Angie Stone and Kenny G" (+The Impressions are at Islington Ass. Hall, London 9/3/14) - Mr Merry

Playlist for Sunday 16th February 2014



Hour One
Lalah Hathaway - Breathe
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
Weldon Irvine - What's Going On
Paris [Holley] - I Chose You
Latoya London - Scandalous
Archie Bell - It's Hard Not To Like You
Gwen McCrae - I Can Only Think Of You
Jahiem - Looking For Love
Charlie Wilson - There Goes My Baby
Harold Melvin - I Really Love You
Luther Vandross - I Think About You
Quincy Jones - Heaven's Girl

Hour Two
Impressions: Starbright, It's Alright &
Something To Look Back

Stevie Wonder - All I Do
Whispers - Crusin' In
Donell Jones - The Fines Things In Life
Faith Evans - I Jst Can't
Aaliyah - Rock The Boat (Rmx)
Maze - Joy & Pain
Koffee Brown - Weekend Girl
Justin Timberlake - Untii The End Of Time
Eric Benet - Better & Better

Biography for The Impressions:

Formed in Chicago in 1957 and originally known as the Roosters, this group comprised Jerry Butler (Born 8 December 1939, Sunflower, Mississippi, USA), Curtis Mayfield (Born 3 June 1942, Chicago, Illinois, USA, d. 26 December 1999), Sam Gooden (Born 2 September 1939, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA), and brothers Richard Brooks and Arthur Brooks (both born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA). Mayfield and Butler first met in the choir of the Travelling Soul Spiritualists Church, from where they formed the Modern Jubilaires and Northern Jubilee Singers. The two teenagers then drifted apart, and while Mayfield was involved in another group, the Alphatones, Butler joined Gooden and the Brooks brothers in the Roosters. Mayfield was subsequently installed as their guitarist. Dubbed the Impressions by their manager, the group's first single for Abner/Falcon, "For Your Precious Love", was a gorgeous ballad and a substantial hit, reaching number 11 in the US pop chart in June 1958. The label credit, which read "Jerry Butler And The Impressions", caused internal friction and the two sides split after one more release, "Come Back My Love". While Butler's solo career gradually prospered, that of his erstwhile colleagues floundered. He and Mayfield were later reconciled on Butler's 1960 single "He Will Break Your Heart', the success of which (and of other Mayfield-penned songs) rekindled the Impressions" career. (more at: www.music.us/biography)



Eric Roberson performing "Bottom On My Beech" at The Drum (thanks to Roy Grey)

Eric Roberson

Fay Thompson - RIP

In the news this week... sad news about the passing (via Shirley Cooper) of Fay Thompson. Fay had done community work in the past and had recently been featured in a Birmingham Mail article about bad landlords.The celebration of life service for Fay Thompson will be on Wednesday 12th February, 2014, at Nechells Outreach Centre, 264 Long Acre, Nechells, B7 5JP. Time: 10:30am. She will be laid to rest at Sutton New Hall Cemetery, Lindridge Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7HX. Time: 13:30 We are also inviting all those who knew and loved her to join us for refreshments and food at The Emerald Suite, 214 Green Lane, Small Heath, Birmingham, B9 5DH. More at Shirley's Blog

A Motown fanatic from Detroit has discovered Marvin Gaye’s 1964 passport hidden in an album he bought for 50 cents from a house clearance. The incredible find is detailed in the latest episode of Antiques Roadshow (the U.S. version), with the collector explaining how he came across the passport:

“It came to me by pure accident. For years, I worked for the Motown Museum here in Detroit, started when I was 18 years old. I was a Motown collector – anything Motown, I loved. And after a Motown musician had passed, we had gone to their house to pick up some items that the family wanted to donate to the museum, and they had said, ‘Is there anything else you wanted? Because otherwise, it’s going to be in the estate sale this weekend.’ More at Factmag

This dog footage of Faith is from YouTube and is amazing. I think he wears a harness in the street but when in the park he gets to run free. Thought I'd would share it with you today. Have a nice Sunday. As a bonus ant the foot of this page I have put the new Unsung US TV show about the Manhattans, n-joy.

Sundays playlist & Podcast, 9th. February 2014



Hour One
Louis Armstrong/Leon Thomas - The Creator Has A Mastor Plan
Alan Stone - is This Love
Najee - Sweet Love
LaToya London - Every Part Of me
Will Downing - You Were Ment For me
Heatwave - Mind Blowing Decisions
Kenny G - If I Ain't Got You
Jermaine Jackson - You Like Me, Don't You?
Ty Causey - No More Broken Hearts
Barry White - You're The One I Need
R Kelly - Spendin' Money
Maxi Priest - One More Chance
Justin Timberlake - Take Back The Night


Hour Two
Eric Roberson x3 - Still, Lil Money & Been In Love

Bobby Womack - How Could I Break Your Heart
Betty Wright - Like Your Loving
Eric Benet - Better & Better
Cheryl Lynn - Sweet Kind Of Love
Candy Bowman - Since I Found You
Zushi - Suprise, Suprise
Darwin Hobbs - Everyday
Melba Moore - Standing Right Here

Eric Roberson Biography:

Eric Roberson (September 25, 1976) is a singer, songwriter and producer from Rahway, New Jersey. He is sometimes referred to simply as Erro, the name which he later used as part of his label Blue Erro Soul. His first single, "The Moon", was released through Warner Bros. Records in 1994 and recorded an album for that label which remains unreleased. He subsequently returned to Howard University to complete his studies in Musical Theatre. After performing in a number of musicals and plays, he landed a songwriting deal through the EMI label, and went on to collaborate with Philadelphia-based artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and most extensively, DJ Jazzy Jeff. As a member of Jeff's A Touch Of Jazz production company, Roberson made contributions to Jeff's debut album, The Magnificent in 2002. He continues songwriting work as well as releasing his own material through his Blue Erro Soul imprint. He also appeared on DJ Spinna's Intergalactic Soul LP in 2006.

Jamie Foxx

Sharon Jones keeps it real

In the news this week...Vocal powerhouse Sharon Jones isn’t going to let cancer stop her from giving the people what they want, she tells Fiona Shepherd. Sharon Jones lost her mother to cancer two years ago. The Brooklyn soul queen was touring Europe with her band The Dap-Kings when she was told that Ella Mae Price Jones had died, but chose to go ahead with her next scheduled date – in Glasgow. Jones, a powerhouse performer at the best of times, poured out her pain on stage at this worst of times in an unforgettable act of vocal catharsis.
For Jones is a soul singer of the old school, digging deep to deliver the kind of performances which have left audiences reeling at home and abroad. “I have to know the story,” she says of her approach to lyrics. “I have to live it, get to the stage that I can tell that story.”  Just over a year after that riveting night in Glasgow, Jones had her own cancer story to relate when doctors diagnosed stage one bile duct cancer. Fortunately, the early detection of the tumour gave her a good chance of full recovery. The release of her fifth album Give The People What They Want was put on ice last summer while Jones had surgery, followed by six months of chemotherapy. more at: scotsman.com

Anna Gordy Gaye, who was married to soul singer Marvin Gaye and whose brother Berry Gordy founded Motown Records, died at her Los Angeles home early Friday. She was 92. Ann Gordy founded Motown Records in Detroit in 1959. He named one label subsidiary after his sister. It was on that subsidiary, named Anna, that Marvin Gaye recorded some of his earliest work. He and Gordy Gaye were married about a decade and co-wrote some songs together before they divorced in 1976. She received $600,000 in royalties from him, while Marvin Gaye used it as inspiration for “Here My Dear,” a 71-minute musical recount of the breakup. The singer and his second wife met while he was still married to Gordy Gaye. He and his second wife married in 1977 but divorced four years later. He died in 1984, during a violent argument with his father. Gordy Gaye’s sister, Esther Gordy Edwards, proceeded her in death. She died in 2011, at age 91. Gordy Gaye’s survivors include her son, Marvin Gaye III. (AP)

Mr. Merry recommends...12 Years a Slave is a 2013 British-American historical drama film and an adaptation of the 1853 memoir of the same name by Solomon Northup, a New York State-born free negro who was kidnapped in Washington, D.C. in 1841 and sold into slavery. He worked on plantations in the state of Louisiana for twelve years before his release. The first scholarly edition of Northup's memoir, co-edited in 1968 by Sue Eakin and Joseph Logsdon, carefully retraced and validated the account and concluded it to be accurate.

Playlist for Sunday 2nd February, 2014



Erkah Badu - On & On
DeRobert & The Half-Truths - I just Don't Care
DeRobert - Inst-pan version
Lisa Stansfield - Never, Never Gonna Give You Up
Omar & Pino Palled - There's Nothing Like This
Margi Coleman - How I Miss You
Donnell Jones - The Finer Things In Life
Jaheim - Ain't Leavin' Without You
Sharon Jones & Dap-kings - We Get Along
Dawn Robinson - Set It Off
Chevelle Franklin - Spirit Filled (rmx)
Sire - Make It Everlasting
Eric Roberson - Better & Better

Jammie Foxx x3 - Warm Bed, Sexy, Wish U Were Here
Marine Girault -Been Thinking  About You
People, People - Are You Spoken For
Katie Cole - Think About It
LA Mix - We Shouldn't Hold Hands In Dark
Michael Cooper - Steppin' To A Love Song
Lot - Ain't Got Time
LaToya London - Scandalous
Sybil - Walk On By
Gwen Guthrie - Save Your Love For Me
Gwen Guthrie - Outside In The Rain

Jamie Foxx's Biography:

Born Eric Morlon Bishop on December 13, 1967 in Terrell, Texas, people know him as the American actor, Jamie Foxx. To divorce with her husband, his mother Loise, let Foxx be adopted by her parents, Mark and Esther Talley, when he was still seven months old. Wanted to be able to play piano, Foxx got his first piano lessons at the age three at his grandmother's insistence.

As he grew up, Foxx went to high school ...

during which he played quarterback for his high school team and was good enough that he got press in Dallas newspapers. Went on to college he kept continuing to study music and attended Julliard to study classical piano, where got a music scholarship. After his graduation, Foxx spent his two years time from 1986 to 1988 studying at the United States International University which currently known as Alliant International University.

Read more: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/jamie_foxx/biography.html#ixzz2sBI1z2a0

Dianne Reeves

In the news this week...Michigan police say the father of multi-platinum-selling singer Mary J. Blige was stabbed and critically injured. Police say his ex-girlfriend is in jail on an attempted murder charge.
Battle Creek police say the attack happened about 7 a.m. Thursday at the apartment of 63-year-old Thomas Blige. Police say he had a neck wound and was taken to Kalamazoo's Bronson Methodist Hospital, which says it has no information on his condition. Detective Sgt. Jim Martens tells the Battle Creek Enquirer (http://bcene.ws/1dzw7cO ) that officers recovered the knife and found Blige's ex-girlfriend with blood on her clothing. She's in the Calhoun County jail and is expected to be arraigned Friday.
Information from: Battle Creek Enquirer, http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com

Anita Baker is 56 today, born in 1958 and is an American singer-songwriter. Starting her career in the late-1970s with the funk band Chapter 8, Baker eventually released her first solo album, The Songstress, in 1983. In 1986, she rose to stardom following the release of her platinum-selling second album, Rapture, which included the Grammy-winning single "Sweet Love". To date, Baker has won eight Grammy Awards and has four platinum albums and two gold albums to her credit. Baker has an alto vocal style.

This Weeks Play List (26-01-14)



Hour One
Brandy - Missing You
Donny Osmond - Breeze On By
George Benson - Breezing
Eddie Holman - It's All In The Game
Jodeci - Get On Up
Joe - Closer
Noel - Gourdin - Foxy
Algebra Blessett - U Do It For Me
Coise - Love 2 Love
Avant - Toast To Love
Urban Mystic - I Refuse
Dylan Janet Colins - Could It Be
Jea Mason Boogie With Me Baby

Hour Two
Three-Inna-Row: Diane Reeves
1 Dreams 2 Better Days 3 Waiting In Vain

Maze - While I'm Alone
Alex Lattimore - Keep Risin' To The Top
Kenny G - Hi How You Doin'
Shabazz - Glad You're In My Life
Cherrelle - Saturday Love
Glen Goldsmith - Dreaming
Quincy Jones - I'll Good To You
The Sunburst Band - Everyday

Dianne Reeves Biography:

At the age of 16, Reeves was singing at the George Washington High School (Denver) in Denver, in a high school big-band. That same year, the band played at a music festival (Convention of the National Association of Jazz Educators). Her band won first place, and it was there she met the trumpeter Clark Terry, who became her mentor.

A year later, Reeves began studying music at the University of Colorado before she moved in 1976 to Los Angeles. While there, her interest in Latin-American music grew. She began experimenting with different kinds of vocal music and finally decided to pursue a career as a singer. She met Eduardo del Barrio, toured with his group Caldera, and sang in Billy Childs' jazz band Night Flight. Later, she toured with Sérgio Mendes.

From 1983 until 1986, Reeves toured with Harry Belafonte as a lead singer. This period saw her first experiences with world music. In 1987, Reeves was the first vocalist signed to the re-activated Blue Note/EMI label.[2]

Reeves moved from Los Angeles in 1992, back to Denver where she still lives. She sang at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, in Salt Lake City.

Reeves' musical director and arranger, Peter Martin, regularly tours with her.

Driza Bone

In the news this week... Faith Evans closed out the week with a visit to “The Arsenio Hall Show” to perform “Tears of Joy” off her album R&B Divas, which is nominated for ‘Best R&B Album’ at the Grammys. Dressed in a black dress, the R&B veteran belted out the emotional single with conviction. During her chat with Arsenio she also opened up about the death of her late husband, the Notorious B.I.G.

Seventeen years after his murder, the case is still unsolved. “We basically stopped spending our money on trying to hope that the LAPD was gonna do their part,” said Faith. “It’s not closed. It’s just a matter of when they really feel like they wanna do the right thing ’cause we in our hearts kinda feel like we know what happened and we believe they know what happened.” (ThisisR&B.com)

 London-based jazz guitarist, Ronny Jordan died on Monday, 13th January. He was just 51. Details of the sad passing are scant. The news was simply announced on his brother's Facebook page. Ronny (real name Ronald Laurence Albert Simpson) was born in London in November 1962 and became a pioneer of the capital's Acid Jazz scene... though he preferred to call his style "Urban Jazz". (soul&jaz&funk.com)

Playlist for Sunday 19th. January 2014



Hour One
Angie Stone - Do What U Gotta Do
Whitney Houston - Exhale (Shoop Shoop)
 [Steel Pan - Pump Me Up (chat-over)]
Ann Nesby - In The Spirit
Teddy Pendergrass - When
                 Somebody Loves You Back
Randy Brown - We Oughta Be Doin' It
Thelma Jones - Salty Tears
Kenny Lattimore - What Must I Do
Jaheim - Finding My Way Back
Nat King Cole -Let There Be Love*
Manhattans - Reasons
Sharon Jones & Dap-Kings - We Get Along
Debra Debs - Caught Up
* watch his new video a foot of the page

Hour Two
Three-Inna-Row: Driza Bone
1 Woman & Man 2 Girfriends 3 Brightest Star

Lisa Stansfield - You Can't Deny
Soulsupersona & Princess Freesia - You Did It Again
Tyrone Lee - Hot 2 Nite
Chaka Khan - Everywhere
Curtis Mayfield - Your So Good To Me
Jucy - Sugar Free
Kashif - I Just Gotta Have Yo
Patrice Rushen - Number 1

Driza Bone Biography:

Driza Bone is an international dance music / remixing musical ensemble, led by the record producers / musicians, Billy April and Vincent Garcia. They used various female vocalists to provide the vocal element to their output. Driza Bone (sometimes billed as Drizabone) were primarily popular in the early 1990s. They were named after the Driza-Bone brand of waterproof riding coats
The most successful remix single was of the American R&B singer Shanice's 1991 single, "I Love Your Smile". It surpassed the success of the original track, reaching #2 on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.

Driza Bone's most popular track, as an artist, was the song "Real Love", which reached #16 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1991 At the time of the single, Drizabone were mainstays April and Garcia, plus vocalist Sophie Jones. Jones had performed the original demo versions of the song, but was not really interested in a musical career, and Dee Heron (b. Jamaica, West Indies) gave up her secretary's job to take over her role.

Prince

In the news...Independent soul singer Algebra Blessett is gearing up for the release of her sophomore album, Recovery. Set to be released at the end of this month, the album has been on the radar of fans for quite some time now.
Following the lead single, “Nobody But You,” the gifted songstress has released her follow-up entitled, “Right Next To You.” Sure to make you feel like you need to open the windows and blast it high, the song is one of those cuts that makes you feel all warm inside – which helps with this freezing weather outside. (r&bnews)

Nice album from the versatile Singer, Bassist and multi instrumentalist Quentin Moore. This independent album has the fuller sound of a much bigger label production. On the excellent catchy ‘Paper’ and ‘My way’ Quentin’s voice and the songs have a mid 70′s Curtis Mayfield feel. On other songs his voice is deeper , other standouts being the rare groove-ish ‘Y.O.L.O’ , finger snapper ‘I Miss You Baby’ , laidback grooves ‘Black Sugar’ and ‘Natural Sista’. ‘You Forgot Your Heart’ is a good beat ballad.  (soul brother records)

Tracklisting for 12th January 2014



Hour One

Shirley Brown - Woman To Woman
Earth, Wind & Fire - Guiding Light
Gerald Alston - Guiding Light (inst)
Algebra Blessett - U Do It For Me ('08)
Seek - Talk To It
Jeniqua - Making Love
Justin Timberlake - That Girl
SOS Band - Weekend Girl 
Yemi Marie - Saturday
Lisa Taylor - Wake Up To You
Maxi Priest - One More Chance
Jon B - Isn't It Scarry

Hour Two
Three-Inna-Row : Prince
1 The Ballad Of Dorothy Parke
2 Future Baby Mama 3 Breakfast Can Wait

Big Brooklyn Band - Taking It Too Far
Musiq - If I Would A Knew
Charlie Wilson - I Still Have You
Ledisi - My Sensitivity
Luther Vandross - Better Love
Michael Cooper - Steppin' To A Love Song
Keni Burke - Hand Tonight
The Sunburst Band - Everyday



Prince Biography:
Prince was born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He later changed his name four times. Prince's early music career saw the release of Prince (1979), Dirty Mind (1980) and Controversy (1981)—all of which created controversy due to their fusion of religious and sexual themes. Prince later released the albums 1999 and Purple Rain, cementing his superstar status.
Early Life
Famed singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Prince was born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Named after the Prince Roger Trio, a jazz band his father performed with as a pianist, Prince was signed to Warner Brother Records as a teenager.
Career Highlights
In 1978, Prince released his debut album, For You, which was followed by Prince (1979), Dirty Mind (1980) and Controversy (1981)—all of which created controversy due to their fusion of religious and sexual themes. The singer found international success with the release of his 1982 album, 1999, and went on to create the film and album Purple Rain (1984). By the time he released his 11th studio album, Batman, in 1989, Prince had become one of America's most commercially successful pop artists.

Prince changed his name to the unpronounceable glyph O(+> in 1993, which he used until 2000. During that time, he was more frequently referred to as "the artist formerly known as Prince," and his new symbol was not embraced by most fans.
In Recent Years

In 2004, after several years of relative obscurity, Prince returned to the limelight to perform at the Grammy Awards with Beyonce Knowles. That spring, he released Musicology with a tour that became the top concert draw in the United States. The album won two Grammys. His next album, 3121, was released in 2006. That year, he wrote and performed "Song of the Heart" for the animated film Happy Feet, and won a Golden Globe (best original song) for the composition.

Prince is said to be a perfectionist who is highly protective of his music. He writes, composes and produces the majority of his music, and plays most of the instruments on his albums.