EAR CANDIES: BamaLoveSoul Mixes

February has been one of those months where I needed a few more hours in each day to just..breathe!

Well the month is not over just yet and with days to go before March madness arrives (I hope that this not what's truly to come) the folks at Bama Love Soul blessed mine ears with a few of their classic mixes at one site!

From J Dilla to Robert Glasper to Jill Scott to A Tribe Called Quest to Common, the purveyors of music covered all bases with these mixes.

Grab your plate and dig in at http://bamalovesoul.bandcamp.com/music

-Chante

[VIDEO] MAYA AZUCENA - "Dance Revolution"

Maya Azucena's recently released "Dance Revolution" song/video marks a one-month countdown until the One Billion Rising Movement Day - a global day of action to end violence against women and girls.

"Dance Revolution" is an original song by Maya Azucena, produced by DJ Spinna and the music video directed by Rae Maxwell (RMI). And One Billion Rising is a worldwide campaign, initiated by playwright and human rights activist Eve Ensler (author of Vagina Monologues & Founder of V-Day), to mobilize one billion women and girls by February 14th, 2013, to participate in a worldwide stand to stop Domestic Violence.

"Dance Revolution" shows that when paths of creative beings and activists for change - something powerful will definitely happen!

SIDE NOTE: For more information about One Billion Rising events happening in your area or to coordinate your own, please visit the official website for more information.

-Chante

[VIDEO] Dawn Richard "86"

It's not about year or homage to a decade, this song is about being on the cusp of a moment to take back your heart - in the name of love. That's what the song "86" and, recently released, the video by Dawn Richard is all about. 

Since she released the single last year, I wondered how the visuals for this angelic yet empowering song would look like. Dawn continues to astound me with her creative vision in her lyrics and in her videos. 

I've said before and will continue to say it...depth is everything and superficial is well..nothing! If you don't have me replaying your music or constantly watching your videos to "get" what the deeper meaning is then you've lost a potential fan. Plain and simple. 

Dawn is truly a gift and she shares it with the rest of us. Without further adieu here's "86"...can you figure out what each character, movement, lyric etc. means?

SideNote: Cop her debut cd "GoldenHeart" worldwide! for more info about where to purchase visit her official website.

-Chante

TRIBUTE TO AALIYAH: "One In A Million" AHMED SIROUR

In remembrance of Aaliyah, who left us all way too soon, Ahmed Sirour  (musician) created a brillant remix last year of one of my favorite joints - "One In A Million". While many have created remixes of her work, very few have succeeded at capturing her beauty inside-and-out.

Press - Play

-Chante

2012 RetroSpective: Looking Back to Look Forward

Happy New Year!! Yesterday, as everyone was in a rush to move on from 2012 and embrace 2013, I couldn't let 2012 pass by without recognizing what a great year it was.

Even with acknowledging the tremendous losses (such as legendary icons as Whitney Houston and Donna Summer), the tragedies of the shootings in our communities as in Sandy Hook, the devastation from natural disasters, the politics as usual childish games in DC that impact the lives of my family/neighbors who still remain underemployed or job and the fiscal crisis that continues into the 2013 new year (I could go on), I also witnessed the beautifulness of humanity from my window (especially during the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy) and, connected with so many people and places.

The Music...its rhythm, lo's and highs move me, change me and take me to a better place. Ledisi and Eric Benet showed us live and in color a "LOVE SERMON", Lili Roquelin showed you her love of the "BEAUTIFUL SUN", Kameron Corvet shouted "F_CK LOVE", ArinMaya urged you to "BE YOU - BE BEAUTIFUL", Peter Hadar serenaded you to "TAKE OFF YOUR VICTORIA", Jesse Boykins III defined why he is the "ZULU GURU", Szjerdene revealed her "PATCHWORK" EP, Navasha Daya sang into your heart about being "REBIRTHED ABOVE GROUND", Dawn Richard unsheathed her "Armor On", Choklate showed us how to be "FLY", LaSonya Gunter blessed us with "LOVE & MUSIC", Jose James teased us for two nights in Harlem and with his "It's All Over Your Body" EP. And in 2012, the masses were introduced to the (not-so) new voices of the independent music movement, Daley, Ginette Claudette, Caprice StarBRITE, Jennah Bell, Tess Santos, Candice Anitra and Lianne La Havas.

Artist: Dawn Richard

The Culture....its the embodiment of a community breathing life into a nation. The tasting of the eateries of Brooklyn at the ultimate foodie event hosted by Brooklyn Exposed, Spike Lee welcomed folks to Brooklyn (once again) in his fictional film "Red Hook Summer" and he strolled us down memory lane with his epic Michael Jackson documentary "BAD25", Martina and Frank showcased abstract art right here in Brooklyn via their amazing art shows at MF Gallery, Harlem hosted the first annual Harlem Arts Festival at Marcus Garvey Park with art located in every crevice of the park, Pachi Tamer introducing the world to his photography series "One Dollar Dreams" that give a voice to those without, the living Hip Hop legend Ice T birthed the documentary "The Art of Rap", musical senses were indulged with the remake of the Porgy & Bess opera, Harlem saw the doors shutter at the HueMan Bookstore; a historic literary resource, Brooklyn witnessed the Great Googa Mooga, Nhojj embraced you into his life with his documentary "Music & the Word", Broadway witnessed the 2012 remake of the "Streetcar Named Desire" on Broadway, Amanda Seales gave her definition of a DIVA in her one-woman play, folks reminisced on the music and history of Bob Marley in the self-titled documentary, exciting folk connected at the Meet the Afropolitans plenary of the Social Media Week annual event.

"Meet the Afropolitans" Social Media Week Event [2012]
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

The Travel...its the passport to another place to explore the culture, music, language and pulse of the people of that region. The duo of Street Etiquette does it quite well with its new web travel series "Travel Etiquette". Mario Nicholas took us to places less traveled through his "Mario on The Go" web series. And I also trekked the streets of NYC and beyond in my own special way with travel escapades in my hometown via my post on summer sights/sounds and the "How Did I End Up Here?" blog series throughout the year (the last trip ended at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens). Also, I traveled Me to the  Hamptons for the first time for wine, shopping and a bit of exploration of the scenic destination. Lastly, I took a two week journey half way across the world to Hawaii. 

Kona Island in Hawaii [2012]
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

2012 gave me so much life! The one lesson that I carry into the new year is to live in each moment and be appreciative of what that moment represents - personal growth, indulging of the senses or seeing/hearing something new.

What will you bring from the 2012 year that once was into the 2013 year that has yet to become?

In Peace,
Chante

EAR CANDY: ArinMaya "BE YOU - BE BEAUTIFUL"

ArinMaya has been blessing fans with musical treats this month via her latest collaboration "ArinMaya Remixed" with GAIAearthpeace, Probe Rok, John Robinson and ID 4 Windz of Scienz of Life.  As we approach a new year ahead, be sure to head nod into 2013 to the track 'Be You - Beautiful'!

Available for download on Bandcamp!

Happy New Year!
-Chante

EAR CANDY: Lili Roquelin “BEAUTIFUL SUN”

Lili Roquelin culminated the ending of 2012 with the release of her latest creative creation “Beautiful Sun” which is truly remarkable to say the least!

“Beautiful Sun” marks Lili’s third release since her debut EP in 2008. What I love most about Lili’s style is her passionate story telling augmented by her innovative musicianship. For her latest project, she performed all of the vocals, piano arrangements and composed the intricate melodies with fellow musicians to get that distinct sound. The video below showcases Lili’s creative process for each song.




Lili begins “Beautiful Sun” with a track about forgiveness in “Like a Feather” the absolutely most hardest thing to do is to forgive yourself and others. With each chord, she walks you through each weighed step towards the freedom that it brings. “I had written a poem some time before I started working on the album. The poem was about forgiving, how you can free yourself up by simply forgiving someone or something, or even yourself, instead of holding grudges for years”, Lili reveals, “you'll feel just as light as a feather and you're doing it for yourself too. When I started to hear in my head the music that would go with the story it was this light, uplifting almost-ballad like little song. The result is exactly what I wanted for the song, probably the most pop song I've ever written.”

On the title track “Beautiful Sun”, is a love tribute to Lili’s love for the sun. Each pause, verse, keystroke is part of this tapestry that she weaves for listeners. If you close your eyes, this song can transport you to the moment when the sun hits your face – preferably in the midst of a spring morning not the current winter season.

After a few listens of this CD, I have to admit that my favorite track is “Thank You”. I’m a proponent of showing gratitude to others or taking a moment to acknowledge how far I’ve come. Lili has done just that in this song. She describes this song as “a very important message to me, it has been my therapy, and gave a whole new meaning to Life in my eyes. The lyrics speak for themselves. It has an emotional progression, and during the composition and the mixing/mastering it was very important to me that we keep the internal dynamics of it.” Well done.

The track that I thought it was ingenious was “Don't Wait”, which she recorded both in English (track 6) and in French (track 9). This jazz/blues track is a plea to be vulnerable and use your inner voice to speak from your heart. This song is so freeing! In comparing both versions of this track, Lili notes that, “the vocal arrangements ended up being completely different, it's interesting how a different language can change the tones of the harmonies”.

Lili also shows her other sides of music expression with the aggressive guitar-licks and empowering track “Try to Remember”; rock-edge, love track “The Only One”; as well as the haunting, mystery track “Bliss of My Soul”.

With the track “Oh Brother”, she collaborated with Sam Scozzari (who co-wrote "Come and Hear Your Story" on her sophomore release 'Will You Hate The Rest of The World or Will You Renew Your Life'), to tell the story of a sister singing to her brother who went to war with the thought of her not seeing him again. I found the arrangements on this soothing as it accompanied the emotional lyrics, Lili recounts “when I started to compose around the song I totally saw landscapes like Antarctica, so I researched and found synths and samples that had been done from real sounds of icicles and wind. I think it does well to the atmosphere.”

To sum it up, the beautifulness of “Beautiful Sun” is the cure for the soul!

-Chante

EAR CANDY: Jesse Fischer & Soul Cycle "RETRO FUTURE"

Jesse Fischer & Soul Cycle's latest project "Retro Future" has become part of my daily peaceful journey in the mornings. 

To classify this project as jazz fusion is the closest way to describe the sounds, rhythms and style that Jesse and his band brings forth. Jesse tapped on the talents of Chris Turner (on “Electric Ladyland” - love Chris' vocals on every I've heard him do) and Rachel Eckroth (on “Aquarius” - this track made me a bit curious about Rachel...nice remake!) as well built upon the euphoric sound that Soul Cycle has created over the years.

The band consists of Jesse Fischer (rhodes, moog, organ, additional keyboards, tambourine), Brian Hogans (alto sax, flute), Jean Caze (trumpet), Corey King (trombone), David Linaburg (guitar), Solomon Dorsey (bass), Gabriel Wallace (drums), Shawn Banks (percussion) and David Cutler (handclaps).

The incredible futuristic music pulsating into my ears every morning on my way to the office is just as invigorating as a strong cup of joe or spiced chai. 

Take a listen to one of my favorite tracks from this project - simply amazing!! 

SIDENOTE: Check out this awesome article on Revivalist (which is a site that I follow for my jazz music pleasures) - here Jesse does a track by track breakdown of what inspired each song and the creation process.

-Chante

EAR CANDY: DALEY "Alone Together" EP

I was introduced to Daley (bka Gareth Daley) from his video on VH1 which is the title track from his latest project “Alone Together” EP.

Daley is a British singer and songwriter from Manchester. Over the years, he’s built his reputation as a passionate, experimental vocalist as well as an equally gifted, creative writer. He released his first mixtape back in 2010 entitled Those Who Wait giving fans a taste of what is to come from his recent EP.

This year, he released his first EP “Alone Together” - filled with something for everyone to stir their soul with. On the title track, he and Marsha Ambrosius vocal-play with their respective love interests – a perfect duet match much like Peaches & Herb or Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack.

The next track “Blame the World” is a confrontation with a scorned past love – Daley hits every note with this homage to the classic soul era. The track that follows this is “Game Over” which is very playful as he serenades his love and his heart invested into the beautifulness that has blossomed (love this!). Daley then follows with “Remember Me” as he croons to a past love about what could have been with a funky bass line and backed by fellow UK artist Jessie J’s power vocals.

The last track is “Those Who Wait” which is my favorite because he is telling his story and how he carved his place in music with the ups/downs that came along with it.

Let me say this…Daley should not be compared to another artist – no artist should be for that matter. He’s so refreshing. He’s different, edgy with depth in what he offers in his music. To compare him would be downright unfair. He deserves your full unbiased attention. 

Take a listen to the EP and connect with Daley (Twitter, Facebook). There is so much more in store from Daley….stay tuned!

-Chante

EAR CANDY: Ginette Claudette "GIRL ON FIRE"

Ginette Claudette's cover of "Girl On Fire" by Alicia Keys went viral on Youtube and is amazing. I think she did a superb job - hitting those highs and capturing the power of this song!

Check out the video and download her version below. Be sure to download her free mixtape here.

-Chante

EAR CANDY: Choklate "FLY"

There are very few artists that continually create that feel-good-deep-down-in-ya-soul music, Choklate being one of them.

Today, marks the release of her EP entitled "FLY" - This EP is baad! The collaborations with Phonte (Little Brother & The Foreign Exchange) and Musiq Soulchild makes me crave more from this amazing lady. Can you blame me?

Here's the tracklist rundown:
Track One: "Fly" - This title track encompasses what Choklate meant by naming this EP "Fly"...she sings from the utmost part of her heart about the inner beauty, spirituality, musical journey and motivation that resides within. 
Track Two: "Carbon Copy" - She says in the hook, "Just do you..." Don't be a imitation of someone else but be the original version of you. Love this message & the harmony isn't bad either :) 
Track Three: "The Stand Pt 1" - You cannot help but head nod to this and sing the hook. The duet with Musiq was perfect for this jam. 
Track Four: "Wide Open" - The horns is a throwback to the days when we used to dance when "that song" was blasting from your speakers. The love sounds coming from this - lyrically & rhythmically - is epic nostalgia. 
Track Five: "Win" - This song is truly my new anthem in the morning (..and I'll learn Phonte's rap eventually.."to the critics and the pundits.." ha!) . 

-Chante

EAR CANDY: ArinMaya & Theimagination "I FIND YOU"

This past summer, ArinMaya and Theimagination, released an EP entitled "Her Imaginings". Recently, a video for the single "I Find You" was released. Dope song and I love the video's concept - taking a stroll through Brooklyn.

-Chante

EAR CANDY: Choklate "Wide Open"

Choklate got her fans wide open with her latest single from her forthcoming release this fall. This is a tasty, jam teaser that makes you get up off it and work-it-out old school style. 

Love this joint! Looking forward to the release, soon on a playlist near you!

Enjoy!

-Chante

EAR CANDY: Waterseed "Feel Like I Do" feat Jon Bibbs + Dj Roberto Ingram

Recently, Water Seed released "Feel Like I Do Suite" EP in anticipation of the band's full length release "Wonder Love". The EP Suite features three version of the classic Water Seed song Feel Like I Do. The Suite features DJ Roberto Ingram (Germany), Jon Bibbs and an extended live instrumental version. 


Take a listen and enjoy the free download! This is the perfect track for any day as you unwind from life's stresses or enjoy a quiet moment with your significant other. 


-Chante

EAR CANDY: Eric Benet "THE ONE"

This is the most beautiful tapestry of life and love. ERIC BENET gave us 'The One'.


Prior to his latest project, he released the single "Harriett Jones". The single was just a mouthwatering taste of this amazing project to come from one of my favorite crooners. I mean he could sing about what he had for breakfast and I would gladly pay 99 cents for that single.


'The One' is those cd's that will get played over and over again until the proverbial tape pops. I simply love it! If I must pick my absolute favs from this release they would have to be mostly ballads (but of course) - "News for You", "Come Home to Me" (a duet with Tamia). "Runnin'", "Muzick" (a duet with his daughter, India), and "Real Love".


Out of all of Eric's releases 'The One' ranks up there with his debut featuring the to-die-for debut 'True To Myself' featuring the best-love-song-ever "Femininity". 


He's a true balladeer and he definitely showed his vocals out on this.


-Chante

"No Matter What (A Mother's Song)" - JENNAH BELL

JENNAH BELL wrote this song describing the beauty of her mother's unconditional love. As many celebrate mothers everywhere on this day, we pay tribute to these nurturers, givers and the ones who are there for you when no one else is.


And to those who have lost the mothers in their lives as I have please join me in remembering how special their love was and pay it forward - what a gift to give someone that will last for a lifetime!


-Chante



Be sure to cop Jennah's debut EP "The Early Bird" - every track is my fav!

EAR CANDY: DJ DAN C.E. Soulful Mixes

DAN C.E. Live From Billie's Black 5/5/12 Pt. 1 - The warm-Up by Dj Dan C.E. on Mixcloud

http://www.mixcloud.com/DAN_C-E-/dj-dan-ce-live-from-the-rendezvous-shrine-nyc-pt-2-indie-soul-mixer-7-wrap-up/?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=base_links&utm_term=resource_link by Dj Dan C.E. on Mixcloud

EAR CANDY: DEZARAY DAWN "Over It"

Something new from DEZARAY DAWN! Her new single "Over It" from her forthcoming new release coming to the masses this summer 2012.


-Chante

EAR CANDY: DAWN RICHARD "Armor On"

"From Intro to Outro, Dawn Richard's EP SLAYS!" - someone tweeted yesterday on the release date of Dawn Richard's debut entitled "Armor On".


Dawn is not new to music lovers and has paid her dues as a member of the R&B groups, Danity Kane & Dirty Money. As well as having done collaborations with other producers on varied mix tapes. She is now more than ready to fly solo with her debut EP.


Prior to the release of "Armor On" she released two singles that signaled what was to come. With the single "December Sky" she drew comparisons to Brandy, which is great company to be in. Next she released the "SMFU (Save Me From You)" single as well as a video showcasing her vocals as well as her dancing skills - I can only imagine what her live shows will be like!


"Armor On" has arrived giving us 100% Dawn for 10 solid tracks. Every track offers a different vibe from upbeat, dance tempo "Bombs" and "Heaven" to a love proclaimation "Scripture". I absolutely love "Scripture" it's very seductive, passionate yet subdued--very Sadesque. You can listen to this EP from start to finish and change your mind on which track is your favorite - its that good!

"Armor On" is the prolouge to Dawn's trilogy albums - Goldenheart, BlackHeart and RedemptionHeart.
 Yesterday, she officially released her new video for the hot track "Bombs" from her EP.






-Chante

LADIES MONTH in MUSIC: Toni Braxton, Monica & Brandy

March is Women's HerStory Month and I'm glad that my first post in the month that belongs to us women are about three women who I've grown up listening to and admiring for their commitment to their artistry and their families without compromise.

Toni Braxton gives us a smash with her lastest single "I Heart You" from her forthcoming project. I'm not gonna lie - I'm not a fan of the Braxton Family Values or any of those plethora of reality shows (just not my thing). So I'm no an avid watcher to check on what Ms. Braxton is up to these days but what I do love about Toni is that she doesn't give up with continuing to bless her fans with that voice of hers. I'm extremely sighing a "woosahh" of relief that she has found time to work on her new project between the reality show with her sisters, her being a role model for those combating health conditions as serious as hers, being a great mom to her boys and overcoming financial and personal woes so publicly. Simply. Amazing! Go 'head Ms. Toni B!

Monica and Brandy did the damn thing with their latest collab on "It All Belongs To Me" giving us fans of their previous collab track "The Boy Is Mine" some closure on that drama. I have grown up along side these young ladies watching them from afar and wishing I could rock the mic like only they can. I'm so proud of the women that they have become and over the years are mothers to beautiful children. This track rocks without a doubt and I'm so looking forward to hearing more music from them...as well as together - that would a dope duo for real!

Get More: Brandy & Monica, It All Belongs To Me, It All Belongs To Me, Free Music Videos

-Chante