Tag: Instagram

KING | Twilight Concert Series | Santa Monica Pier | 7/17/14 [PHOTOS & REVIEW]

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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Opening for Yuna at the second installment of Santa Monica Pier’s Twilight Concert series was KING, a trio of women whose soul infused electronic sound really impressed me. Relying only on their voices, and an electronic keyboard, the audience reveled in some soul music that has had the soul-community buzzing about them as of late.

They vocal blending was about as good as I’ve heard since my collegiate chorale days. Often times, I couldn’t tell who was singing, as their voices really meshed as one.

As the sun set, their jazzy vibe complimented it perfectly. Couples held each other a little tighter, and bodies were grinding slowly to their sensual sounds. I can only imagine what it would be like to see them performing in a small, smoky jazz club. That’s where’d I’d LOVE to see them perform next.

I wasn’t able to find a setlist for, or video clips of, their performance, but if you happen to know where I can find some, let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the blog! In the meantime …

CLICK HERE to check out a collection of Instagram videos of most, if not all, of the songs KING performed at this concert.

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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Talib Kweli | BET Experience: Acoustically Speaking | 6/28/14 [PHOTOS]

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE

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Hosted by the former Rap City and 106 & Park host Big Tigger, perhaps my favorite part of the BET Experience FREE Fan Fest was the intimate afternoon of performances at the Acoustically Speaking showcase. Taped live in front of an audience of not more than 300, the performances and interviews gave me an opportunity to “Experience” the sounds of some seriously talented, developing and established recording artists.

Each artist performed a short set of 4-5 songs. Each performance was followed by a one-on-one interview with Big Tigger. The performances and the interviews gave audience members an opportunity to really connect with each of the artists. It was truly a one of a kind performance experience.

The only rapper to perform at the Acoustically Speaking showcase was Talib Kweli, a Brooklyn-bred rapper who started his career collaborating with Mos Def as the collective, Black Star. Accompanied by two horns, a upright, string bass, keys and a guitars, his performance was filled an energy and vibrance that you don’t often get from hip-hop/rap concerts nowadays.

Perhaps one of the more eloquent rappers in the game, Talib Kweli’s interview with Bigg Tigger touched on some of the social topics that he is known to support, like the influence of hip-hop culture on society at large. The interview was as good as the performance, and trust me, the performance was fire.

Hopefully, BET will air the entire performance and interview at some point, but in the meantime, CLICK HERE to check out what video clips have been posted on BET’s website.

CLICK HERE to check out a collection of Instagram videos of most, if not all, of the songs Talib Kweli performed at this concert.

By this time in the day, my second (and last) battery pack was running on empty. My camera intermittently shut off while I was shooting this performance, and I didn’t really have time (or the battery) to set the camera to the right settings, so I shot with whatever setting my camera was already set at. I wish the photos could have been better, but I guess I’ll have to live with them. Next time, I’ll remember to bring a THIRD battery pack. LOL.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE

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Faith Evans | BET Experience: Acoustically Speaking | 6/28/14 [PHOTOS]

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE

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Hosted by the former Rap City and 106 & Park host Big Tigger, perhaps my favorite part of the BET Experience FREE Fan Fest was the intimate afternoon of performances at the Acoustically Speaking showcase. Taped live in front of an audience of not more than 300, the performances and interviews gave me an opportunity to “Experience” the sounds of some seriously talented, developing and established recording artists.

Each artist performed a short set of 4-5 songs. Each performance was followed by a one-on-one interview with Big Tigger. The performances and the interviews gave audience members an opportunity to really connect with each of the artists. It was truly a one of a kind performance experience.

The third artist to perform brought the house down. Faith Evans, a grammy award winning, singer-songwriter, is finishing up her 8th studio album, tentatively titled Incomparable and which is scheduled for release later this year, brought so much fire to her short set, the crowd couldn’t handle it, and was the only artist of the afternoon who was cheered onto the stage for an encore.

Faith’s set consisted of songs new and old, mixing up her set with R&B jams and ballads and an original gospel tune. After the performance of her gospel song, when she was called back onto the stage to perform an encore, she jumped into her classic “Love Like This”, during which she encouraged some of her audience members to come onto the stage to dance and sing with her.

After the crowd had settled down, and the interview commenced, Big Tigger stated as a matter of fact that Faith’s performance, “went from the church to the club in less than five minutes.” It was true and it was awesome to bear witness.

Make sure you folllow Faith Evans on Twitter so you can keep up with her album release updates.

CLICK HERE to check out a collection of Instagram videos of most, if not all, of the songs Faith Evans performed at this concert.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE

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Alice Smith | BET Experience: Acoustically Speaking | 6/28/14 [PHOTOS]

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE

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Hosted by the former Rap City and 106 & Park host Big Tigger, perhaps my favorite part of the BET Experience FREE Fan Fest was the intimate afternoon of performances at the Acoustically Speaking showcase. Taped live in front of an audience of not more than 300, the performances and interviews gave me an opportunity to “Experience” the sounds of some seriously talented, developing and established recording artists.

Each artist performed a short set of 4-5 songs. Each performance was followed by a one-on-one interview with Big Tigger. The performances and the interviews gave audience members an opportunity to really connect with each of the artists. It was truly a one of a kind performance experience.

The second artist to perform was Alice Smith, a recording artist whose musical styles are anchored in rock, R&B, blues, jazz and soul, and whose latest album, the 2013 release “She” is a powerfully, emotional album that shines a light on all of her musical leanings. I love the eclectic nature of the album, and it’s one that I intend to pick up on wax if I can find it somewhere.

After her set, the videographer I was sitting next to and I looked at each other an nodded in approval with her performance. If we were both duly impressed, I’m sure you will be too. Hopefully, BET will air the entire performance and interview at some point, but in the meantime, CLICK HERE to check out what video clips have been posted on BET’s website.

Follow Alice Smith on Facebook by CLICKING HERE  to be updated about her upcoming performances and musical releases.

CLICK HERE to check out a collection of Instagram videos of most, if not all, of the songs Alice Smith performed at this concert.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER PERFORMANCES THAT I CAUGHT DURING THE BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE

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Yuna | Twilight Concert Series | Santa Monica Pier | 7/17/14 [INSTAGRAM VIDS]

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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Below are Instagram clips from most, if not all, of the songs from Yuna’s set at the Santa Monica Pier as part of the Twilight Concert Series. Enjoy.

 

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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KING | Twilight Concert Series | Santa Monica Pier | 7/17/14 [INSTAGRAM VIDS]

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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Below are Instagram clips from most, if not all, of the songs from KING’s set at the Santa Monica Pier as part of the Twilight Concert Series. Enjoy.

 

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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Your Weekly Weekend Music Mix | 7/18/14 [MUSIC NEWS]

KILLER COVER: STEVIE WONDER COVERS STING

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXWpCwLGfvY

I love Stevie Wonder (after all, I named my blog after one of his albums). Stevie loves Sting’s song “Fragile”. I love this cover. Hopefully, you do too. It’s stays true to the original arrangement, but anytime Stevie can his own flare to a song, I’ll take it.

MUSIC INSTA-BABE: TAYLOR SWIFT

http://instagram.com/p/qHVoXmDvFZ/?modal=true

Taylor Swift = Legs For Days. And at 5’10”, she’s definitely got some to spare. It’s amazing to watch this talent grow into her skin. Hopefully, she keeps it classy. Follow here on Instagram @TaylorSwift

SWEET FOLKSY GOODNESS

Found this video of the band Miner performing an acoustic version of their song “When I Win You Over” … in a gondola. It’s sweet folksy goodness.

HIP HOP HEADS! MIXTAPE ALERT

Snoop Dogg  & The Eastsidaz had been on hiatus for a few years with Tray Dee being incarcerated. Well, he’s out, and Snoop & The Eastsidaz just dropped one of the hardest mix-tapes I’ve heard in a while. I have a feeling these guys will be getting some major label distribution sooner rather than later. Before they stop the downloads, I seriously suggest you do it now. Click on the link below to get redirected to the Datpiff site for the download.

SELFIE OF THE WEEK

This kid got a selfie with Paul McCartney and Warren Buffet, which was subsequently retweet by Paul McCartney. Ugh. I’m so jealous right now … of a kid!!! LOL.

MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

R. Kelly is going to release a house album? Hmm … he’s a musical genius, and I would put it past him that he can pull it off. After all, he did successfully meld musical styles with bands outside his comfort zone for recent festival performances (i.e. Phoenix). I’ll reserve judgement until I heard what’s being offered.

What’s the easiest way to settle a beef between playaz? Cold hard cash. Drake pays Rappin’ 4-Tay $100,000 to make sure that there was no ill-will between the two over Drake’s use of 4-Tay’s lyrics in “Playaz Club”in the YG hit “Who Do You Love”. I don’t care what anybody says. Money makes things better.

The Brooklyn based, middle school band Unlocking The Truth scored a pretty huge deal with Sony. Their deal starts with a $60,000 advance, and depending on their success, could make as much as $1.7 Million. As impressive as the deal is, let’s not get too carried away. I really want these kids to succeed, but let’s be honest, there have been hundred of bands that got backloaded deals that never even had their debut album released. Fingers crossed for these kids.

THE YOUTUBE MUSIC VAULT

Because I’m going to see Greg Allman perform on Saturday, I figure I’d feature this badass song by The Allman Brothers Band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkmmYeeKPr4

 

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Cults | Twilight Concert Series | Santa Monica Pier | 7/10/14 [INSTAGRAM VIDS]

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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Below are Instagram clips from most, if not all, of the songs from Cults’ set at the Santa Monica Pier as part of the Twilight Concert Series. Enjoy.

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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James Supercave | Twilight Concert Series | Santa Monica Pier | 7/10/14 [INSTAGRAM VIDS]

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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Below are Instagram clips from most, if not all, of the songs from James Supercave’s set at the Santa Monica Pier as part of the Twilight Concert Series. Enjoy.

CLICK HERE to check out other acts performing a Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier!

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Your Weekly Weekend Music Mix | 7/11/14 [MUSIC NEWS]

MUSIC INSTA-BABE: Katy Perry

Katy Perry is a babe. She’s been able to be both America’s sweetheart and America’s pin-up at the same time without having to bear more than she has to.  Class with curves. I’m hooked. Follow her on Instagram: @katyperry

KILLER COVER: Fiona Apple covers “Pure Imagination”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUtnas5ScSE

Written by the prolific composers and lyricists Leslie Bricusse  and Anthony Newley, “Pure Imagination” was written specifically for the movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and originally sung by Gene Wilder who portrayed Willy Wonka. Though I never imagined that Fiona Apple would agree to perform a song for advertisement to a fast-food chain (even a healthy fast-food chain), I am glad she did as it yielded this gem of a recording. Your welcome.

FOR THE TRUE MUSIC NERDS (LIKE ME)

Below is a video of “The Oldest Song in the World”. You can click through the Youtube links to read a more in-depth history of the music in this video, but long story short, a professor deciphered clay tables excavated in Syria. Her conclusion? The inscriptions on the clay tablets reveal the oldest existing song in the world. Pretty darn cool if you ask me.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Of all of the late night hosts that graced our television screens, Jimmy Fallon is by far the most musically inclined. His impersonation of Neil Young is always spot on. His cover of Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy”? Hilarious. The fact that he got Crosby, Stills & Nash to join him in the performance? Epic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ortY6H5jkEw

MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

I would have guessed that if you had a multiplatinum single that saturated the radio waves all of last year, your follow up album would AT LEAST have reasonable sales upon it’s release. Well, Robin Thicke proved me wrong. His opening week sales were dismal. In fact, in all of Australia, he didn’t even sell 100 copies of his album. Hell … I could sell 100 copies of an album out of the truck of my car. I guess cheating on your wife is, in fact, a momentum/career killer.

If your friend sleeps with your dad, she probably shouldn’t be your friend. Somebody should tell Beyonce what’s up.

Coachella made BANK this year. Over $78,000,000 for two weekends? I need to figure out how to set up a music festival.

Taylor Swift wrote a terrifically optimistic and smart op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. Yeah … I think I’m in love with her.

If you love watching professionally shot, live music clips, then you’ll love what Youtube has recently done. Youtube has worked out an arrangement with Wolfgang’s Vault (a private archivist/memorabilia shop) to publish over 13,000 amazingly classic never before seen live performances and interviews by historic and vintage acts. Everyone from Santana, to Aerosmith, Lou Reed, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen … the list goes on and on and on. If you use youtube, YOU MUST subscribe to the Music Vault account. Trust me … it’s worth your while. Her’e a terrific video of Van Morrison performing “Try For Sleep” below. I’m thinking I’ll be posting a weekly video from this account.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8-GaGG5tRA

 

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