The Arrival of “Black Radio”

If you haven’t heard of Robert Glasper, chances are you have been living under a rock or have just decided to poke your head from your millenium fallout shelter, to which you’d been confined for the past 13 years.  Houston’s own (currently a New York transplant), Blue Note recording artist Robert Glasper, along with his uber talented ensemble The Robert Glasper Experiment, is at it again with his fourth CD release Black Radio.  This highly anticipated project is a real music lovers dream come true.

This album, much like the members of The Robert Glasper Experiment, has no boundaries and indubitably showcases the versatility of each artist involved.  The positive energy throughout this project proclaims that this was definitely a fun collaboration between friends.  You can almost feel the magic created in the studio as it permeates the airwaves and penetrates your auditory canal.  From carefully penned ballads to what appears to be amazingly captured freestyle sessions, this work speaks.  Although his foundation is jazz, Glasper’s progressive style and out-of-the-box thinking easily wins over fans of any genre.  His musical influences, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, The Roots and J Dilla, to name a few, are heard and felt throughout each track.  The dynamic features on this project–Chrisette Michelle, Musiq Soulchild, Meshell Ndegeocello, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and more–suggest that they must have been hand-picked.

The Robert Glasper Experiment, comprised of Glasper himself, Casey Benjamin, Derrick Hodge and Chris Dave, are currently promoting this latest treasure across the country.  Be sure to visit www.robertglasper.com to find out when they are coming to your city and how to obtain your very own copy of Black Radio and other merchandise.  For those of you in the Houston area, he’s coming home this weekend and will be featured at the new Red Cat Jazz Cafe`.  This is a show you do NOT want to miss.  Do what you must to solidify your place in the building!  For more information and tickets, visit www.redcatjazzcafe.com .

Check out the video for the lead single here –> http://youtu.be/pumWJ4N7rNc

~ShonJay~

The world keeps turning…

Upon my return from Austin’s annual South by Southwest (SXSW), I have been extremely busy setting the wheels in motion to get my artist, Phoebe Phalyn, continuing in the right direction to be well-received when we finally go public.  It’s been a lot of work (and little sleep), but it’s definitely been worth all the extra effort and attention.  Determination and favor certainly go a long way.

I met quite a few cool people while in Austin, and I also established some connections that have already proven to be valuable for both Phoebe & myself.  The mission is never complete–which is why I hadn’t had the opportunity to post the SXSW blog & pics–as there is still lots more to be done.  I never imagined being on this side of the business–mentoring an up & coming artist, flexing my songwriting muscles, shaping an image, heavy networking–but I’m learning so much.  I also hope this current project solidifies my place as a REAL writer–songwriting, journalism, and beyond.

In addition to that, I’ve been cracking into a “new” career as video girl (insert laugh here).  It’s not what you think!  Local Hip-Hop artist, Big Ced will soon be releasing his latest offering–The Wrap Up.  This project features several tracks with my artist, Phoebe Phalyn.  Since I was so instrumental in that work relationship, he offered me the lead role in his video for the single, “Back Around” featuring Tony Mac of the Coughee Brothers.

The next thing I’m currently setting up for Phoebe Phalyn is her 1st Official Live Performance/Video Shoot.  Things are still in the beginning stages, but it’s going to be an unforgettable experience once everything is ironed out and put together.  It’s a totally exclusive event and will be invitation only.  It may not even take place in Houston…so make sure to keep checking my blog (here on http://shonjay.wordpress.com), Phoebe Phalyn’s blog on www.JusFlippin.com and also follow her on Twitter (@PhoebePhalyn) and FaceBook (www.facebook.com/phoebe.phalyn) to get the latest information on how to be in attendance.

ShonJay

Carverdale (She’s Alright) — It’s almost here…

Well, I told you all that I’d be back with the latest info on fusion artist David Sha and the release of his new single “Carverdale (She’s Alright)” from the forthcoming album UGLY.  Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride!

The video for this tune, which is currently available for viewing on both Sha’s YouTube channel (TheShaMan122) and the videographer’s YouTube channel (ThirdVisionMedia), has gotten a myriad of excellent reviews.  I had the pleasure of viewing it myself, and I must say that it definitely puts Sha in another class.  He has truly elevated his game at this point.  He has officially left the ranks of outstanding amateurs and has joined an elite class of indie artists who carve their own niche` and make you love its groove.  He’s basically shouting from the tops of his lungs, “I’m a professional!  Recognize!”  Sha has taken great pride and put in vast efforts to deliver the best product possible–from the professional mixing and mastering of the record, to the perfectly executed video shoot for the single.  It’s no amateur video by any means.  The masterful skill of the video production team (everyone from the camera man to the editor) is apparent and is comparable, if not better, than music videos that are currently in rotation on music television.

David Sha and his team have planned a series of events to celebrate the release of this record for the weekend of April 22-24, 2011.  The flyer for the “Spring Fresh Saturday” event on Saturday, April 23, 2011 is below.  For the most up-to-date information on the other festivities, check out his Facebook page.  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1467475789

ShonJay

David Sha — Making some Indie Fusion noise!

Houston’s independent fusion recording artist, David Sha, has just recently put the finishing touches on his latest single — “Carverdale” — and is currently positioning himself for a successful release.  I had the opportunity to preview this gem of a recording, and I must say that the dropping of this single will definitely make some noise on the underground circuit with high hopes of resonating with mainstream audiences.

At first listen, one would assume Sha is crooning about an imperfect woman with whom he is hopelessly in love.  However, this soulful outcry is actually an ode to his neighborhood–Carverdale (as the title suggests)–the place he grew up and is responsible for making him the man he is today.  He delivers the lyrics with such conviction and passion that by the song’s end, you too, love Carverdale, appreciate its street wisdom, agonize over its deficits, but understand its influence.  Sha leads you on a journey through its streets…you picture abandoned homes, children playing in middle of the road, young misguided men hustling on its corners…Nevertheless, you still see the beauty in this ‘hood and say along with him that “it’s alright with me.”

Stay tuned for more info on the release of the single and related events.  Hopefully, I can get an actual interview with this rising star!!

ShonJay

Inside my head…

So, everyone who knows me knows that I’m a bit different…eccentric sometimes and DEFINITELY bipolar (lol), but all in all, everyone knows my love–NO my passion–for music! It was because of this undying love for art in the form of music, I decided to go full force with it for once. I didn’t want to hold myself back anymore. I wanted to push my limits…so I created and developed a new artist–PhoebePhalyn!

I currently mentor Raynard Entertainment recording artist Phoebe Phalyn and I also write most of her material. She and I are truly on the same page. We have shared some of the same experiences in life and especially relationships. We’re both outspoken and consider ourselves “an open book” for the most part. With me, I have to maintain some sort of mystery no matter how comfortable I am sharing certain things about myself. PhoebePhalyn is more outright–although, she has mystery as well.

Musically, she says the things I could never get away with saying, but am always thinking. I created her as my antithesis, some sort of an alter ego, except she’s a real person and not someone I just created in my head. She exists in real time and space. She looks up to me, and I impart into her. The words I write for her express my innermost thoughts. She conveys the words with such eloquence because she, herself has lived them as well. She understands and tells the story as if it’s her own…because it really is her story as well. We share the same journey and we walk the path hand in hand. It’s as if I’m the author and she’s the illustrator. We tell the story together–I just choose to remain behind the scenes.

I don’t purposely seek to make her an edgy artist. I just want her individuality to shine forth just being who she is. She has a lot to say, and I truly hope the world is ready to listen. Some things may indeed shock you. Sometimes you’ll scratch your head and say “Did she REALLY just say that?”

I hope you’ll enjoy the journey with us. Follow her on Twitter @PhoebePhalyn & also check her out on http://www.facebook.com/phoebe.phalyn ! She currently has her own blog on http://www.jusflippin.com .

~ShonJay~
(Follow me on Twitter @ShonJay)