MUSIC: AfroPunk Weekend in Brooklyn

 

The Skins @ Afropunk

This past weekend at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn marked the sixth year, long awaited, 2-day Afropunk Festival (August 24th and 25th) and for the first time we (Synch Ladies, Chante and Caprice) were thoroughly delighted and in awe to be in attendance for one of the most culturally diverse festivals in NYC! 

The festival featured brilliant artists from all corners of the rock music genre; garnering a huge community of rocksters from the non-conforming youth to the mature.  This would be a looooooooong read if we named every single artists on the bill, so we'll give you a snippet of who rocked the stage: The Skins (this super polished band of young adults set off the festival with an enormous BANG), Living Colour (how could you NOT have this iconic rock band grace the stage? HUH??), Saul Williams, Questlove, Unlocking The Truth, DJ Hernandez, Wicked Wisdom, led by Jada Pinkett Smith (yes, there was a Will Smith sighting) and a plethora of performers who unleashed a hurtin' from the early afternoon into the wee hours of the night.  Oh and NO, there is no way it stops at JUST the music!!  There was much to do and see, such as the ART WALL canvas featuring works by Ronald Wimberly; rock climbing by the Brooklyn Boulders; delicious grub from a vast array of food vendors (shouting out Phin & Phebes!!) and The SpinThrift Market to "feed your shopping fix" from customized t-shirts to jewelry and everything in between!

In the mist of all the weekend excitement, we chatted briefly about the festival and the legacy of rock music (take a listen here) in all its splendor. 

There is no doubt that we will be back next year and hopefully, SR's Caprice will get a chance to rock the stage with the best of them!  

Until next year AfroPunk and keep ROCK ALIVE!!!



-Synchronized Rhythm

FOOD: Tea By Tiffany's Green Meditation

Green Tea Chocolate Granola - courtesy of Tea By Tiffany
Photo Credit: Chante/VySyn Photography 

Tea and mediation go hand and hand - that's what I along with a few other guests learned at last night's green tea meditation event hosted by Tea By Tiffany at Asali Yoga in Harlem. The evening was filled with learning, sharing, embracing a renewed way of thinking and tea tasting, of course.

After returning from the recent annual tea industry event in Las Vegas, Tiffany treated us to four teas from Korea and Japan that she brought back from the conference. 

Let me know you...this tea is indescribable. It is pure, high-quality tea from the farms of the shaded, unshaded and mountain sides of lands far away that when sipped you feel as if you are being transported to those parts unknown.

Incredible!

Aside from the tea leaf offerings, we indulged our senses to sweet green-inspired treats, like the one above, as well as our spirits to the inspirational words of meditation speakers, Alan Watts and Jiddu Krishnamurti.

After a long, long week at the office, this was the perfect way to kick off my weekend with great tasting tea and a lesson in meditation.

Tiffany will continue to host these themed events more frequently so I encourage you to join her mailing list for updates and if you are interested in a private tea tasting contact her here.

What's in Your Cuppa?
Chante

FOOD: A Cuppa at PressTea

Last month, a new cafe opened in Greenwich Village namely Press Tea to much fanfare.

Since the opening, I've stopped by a few times and I have to admit the fuss is warranted. This place brings coffee and tea lovers alike to try an innovative approach to tea preparation and freshly brewed special blends - very imPRESSive! 

The wooden motif, warm lighting and cozy seating offers an ideal place to catch up with friends, sip a special brew in your creative mode or get away from reality with a good book.

Ironically, each time that I've stopped by ended up being the worst rainy days of spring and Press Tea was that oasis in those stormy moments.

Chante

MUSIC: Open Mic @ Sam Ash

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

This past week, Sam Ash Music Store kicked off it's weekly Wednesday's Open Mic night. 

The event featured various musicians and vocalists including Les July (who also starred as the MC), Caprice Starbrite, N'tirzah Al Rephaim, Kizmit (band), The Cynz (band) and others.

It was a great opportunity to be exposed to different genres of rock and soul while strolling down memory lane on the oldies of music's heyday. 

This music series is set to be something grand where a jam session with random musicians who do not know each other can occur at any given moment!

-Chante

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/Vysyn Photography

ART: Little Teapot

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

I'm beyond giddy with the clay tea set that Lindsay of Little Bearpots custom made for me.

After meeting her at the LaunchPad event a couple of months ago, I became an instant fan of her craftsmanship. She creates so many exotic pieces that I simply had to ask her to make a teapot for me and it was not a challenge for her at all.

While I gave her creative freedom, we did collaborate on the types of glazes and surfaces that would work for this piece since I was looking for something subtle yet classic. And I was looking for yunomi-style cups for my tea sessions.

It turned out wonderfully!! My first steeping was with a Rooibos tea blend...but of course!

I'm so looking forward to steeping many more leaves in this pot

Chante

The brew is ready!
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

FOOD: A Gourmet Pantry Curated for the Soul

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

Tonight, I stopped by Joseph Riley Land's Gourmet Pantry pop-up shop that recently opened late last week and is conveniently located in a cozy spot at the renowned Astor Row Cafe.

The pantry is made up of carefully selected items that you would find in chef extraordinare Joe's kitchen. He stands by everything that his shop sells 100%. The Gourmet Pantry represents so many regions as far as Argentina and as close as New Jersey. This shop is all Joe - an eclectic blend of tastes that suits all of your kitchen needs from balsamic vinaigrette, wide array of artisanal sweets, red peppers, butters, grits and so much more. And this is only the beginning!

You can hear it straight from the man himself via his blog.

He is my go-to person for anything foodie related - he got me hooked on Moravian cookies (all of them!) just last year and I'm now trying to figure out the many ways to eat La Salamandra's dulce de leche instead of simply dipping a spoon in the rich tasting sinful treat.

I'm in awe by Joe's tenacity to see his vision become a reality and am looking forward to seeing his brand at local markets across the city as well as the shop's special events coming in the near future. In the meantime, join me and hop on the MTA then stroll your way to Joe Riley's Gourmet Pantry. 

Congratulations, Joe!!

-Chante

ART: We The People - Rico Washington and Shino Yanagawa

Rico and Shino at the opening reception
Photo Credit: We The People

Yesterday, I stopped by the Gordon A Parks Gallery & Cultural Arts Center in the South Bronx is see the "We The People" collaborative arts project by Rico Washington (journalist) and Shino Yanagawa (photographer). 

This incredible exhibit showcased the faces and words of residents that live in buildings regulated by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Those that live in these buildings are often not heard from unless an election is near (to be brutally honest). This exhibit is an eye opener to those who have not lived in or know anyone who has lived in a NYCHA housing complex. 

We The People features interviews and photographs of such notable former NYCHA residents as Hip-Hop artist/ actor Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), author/ filmmaker/ cultural critic Nelson George, lauded photographer Jamel Shabazz, Young Lords co-founder/ original Last Poets member/ Emmy award-winning news reporter Felipe Luciano, venerable jazz musician/ recording artist Olu Dara, author/ Emmy award-winning filmmaker Dennis Watlington, Hip-Hop artist/ music industry CEO Buckshot, Hip-Hop icon Afrika Bambaataa, and many more.

What I found enlightening was the work about Felipe Luciano. The revealing nature of this interview that Washington led and the visual capture by Yanagawa was captivating as Luciano delved into the cultural racism that existing as a youth living in public housing - a legacy of not-too-distant past, I might add.  


Inspired by the documentarian works of Jacob Riis, Gordon Parks, and Ruiko Yoshida, Washington and Yanagawa brazenly explored the concept of second-class citizenship as applied to blacks and Latinos residing in New York City's Housing Authority sites. Both former residents of housing projects, Washington and Yanagawa aimed to lift the ubiquitous cloak of darkness cast onto the citys housing projects through candid interviews and photo shoots facilitated over the course of 12 months in various housing projects throughout New York City's five boroughs.

The exhibition has closed but I have hopes that it will re-open soon in order to continue to spread the gift of this exhibition's message as well as to "debunk the myth" of those living in public housing.
-Chante

ART: Gutai at the Guggenheim

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

"Gutai art does not alter matter. Gutai art imparts life to matter." 

-Gutai Manifesto

Yesterday, I checked out the Gutai: Splendid Playground at the Guggenheim on the exhibition's closing weekend.

It was my first time visiting the Guggenheim (if you have not been, you need to go once in your lifetime). The venue is it's own immaculate work of art, I must admit! Ok..back to the art.

Gutai: Splendid Playground presents the creative spectrum of Japan’s most influential avant-garde collective of the postwar era. Founded by the visionary artist Yoshihara Jirō in 1954, the Gutai group was legendary in its own time. Its young members explored new art forms combining performance, painting, and interactive environments, and realized an “international common ground” of experimental art through the worldwide reach of their exhibition and publication activities. Against the backdrop of wartime totalitarianism, Gutai forged an ethics of creative freedom, breaking through myriad boundaries to create some of the most exuberant works and events in the history of Japanese and international avant-garde art. 

Immediately, when I walked into the museum, visitors were bombarded with Yoshihara’s Please Draw Freely, a collective drawing on a freestanding signboard re-conceived for the Guggenheim’s rotunda and created by visitors, invites adults and children to collaborate, think, and imagine for themselves. And, when you look up as you are propelled to do at the Guggenheim, you see a recreation of Motonaga Sadamasa’s magisterial work (Water) that lingers above consisting of polyethylene tubes of varying widths filled with brightly-colored water between the rotunda levels, making giant brushstrokes out of catenaries in the open air that catch the sunlight.

How cool is that!?

As I made my way up the rotunda's ramp, you feel like you are transcending levels of your own art consciousness and constantly questioning the definition of visual art - what is art? who decides that? how is art created? 

That was my take away from this journey. 

The presentation of these works and the works themselves rendered me speechless. The works that resonated with me were Shiraga Kazuo's Wild Boar Hunting (both the work and his creative process), Tanaka Atsuko's Electric Dress and Shimamoto Shozo's animated film (distorted with vinegar and paint to create another art form).

Stunning!

You have got to see this exhibit for yourselves! The showing at the Guggenheim is through Thursday, May 8th! Also be sure to view the video about the exhibit, here.

-Chante

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

LaunchPad's Monthly Built-in-Brooklyn Craft Fair

Me and, designer, Jenowade
Photo Credit: Pamela Landvreugd

Last month, I stopped by Brooklyn's Launchpad for their monthly crafts vendor shoppe featuring the finest in artistry, nosh and vintage gear.

I was fortunate to meet artists and entrepreneurs: Jenowade (designs inspirational and creative jewelry - see the 'Namaste' silver necklace below), Lindsey Schneider of Little Bear Pots (picked up a new tea cup - definitely want to purchase her tea sets), Christiana Greene of Bum Cake vintage vendor (copped a 1940's silver and black opal piece - my first vintage jewel) and the ladies of Shea On U for their smooth body butter that smelled too good not to eat (yes I tried..ha!).

Namaste Jewelry by Jenowade Designs
Photo Credit: Chante/VySyn Photography

Visit Launchpad’s website for the next date of their monthly crafts offering and join their mailing list to be the first to know the latest cultural events that are happening at this amazing Franklin Avenue venue! 

Chante

SIDE TOURING: The Tea Culture Movement

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/Vysyn Photography

"A man without tea in him is incapable of understanding truth and beauty." -Okakura Kakuzo

Recently, courtesy of Side Tour, I had an opportunity to experience a tasting of Tieguanyin (oolong tea) with artist and co-owner of Mandarin's Tea House, Timothy Hsu for two hours - with every passing minute the taste become incredibly more potent! The experience was amazing and I highly recommend a visit to the tea house for a cup of tea with your cultural lesson.

The tea culture is so expansive and inclusive with tea novices, aficionados and snobs intertwined at socials, and the ranges of teas that are steeped into existence continually redefine the question of "how many teas are out there?”

There is a tea movement gaining momentum whether out of people seeking a healing alternative rather than continue with tradition medicines that fail us or choosing a healthier way of life by way of drinking natural beverages that taste good (and are good for our bodies) instead of indulging in bad drinks that are loaded with processed sugars, fructose, etcera. Or simply have the utmost respect for the leaf - whether it be part of a spiritual or cultural regime. Whatever the reason - more people are drinking tea and that is great thing!

Spices and Tease at the Chelsea Market [NYC]
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/Vysyn Photography

The tea world is still fresh to me and I'm enjoying every millisecond. My introduction to loose leaf tea was about two years ago. And my very first tea house experience was at the Radiance Tea House this past January. What will be my next tea experience? I can see more tea tastings in my near future (the April 11th Tea By Tiffany’s Chocolate & Tea Tasting comes to mind!). Or perhaps being a part of a Japanese tea ceremony. Who knows!? But whatever the experience I'm grateful to broaden my cultural palate.

Visit to the Sullivan Street Tea & Spice in the West Village [NYC]
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/Vysyn Photography

SideNote: If you want to know more about the medicinal benefits of tea or are curious about the various Asian teas, be sure to read "Healthy Teas" by Tammy Safi. It was so helpful to me! Learning is fundamental but while I experiment on my own I tilt my hat to tea specialists that have inspired & enlightened me - Tiffany (Twitter: @teabytiffany), Mario (Twitter: @mariotravels) and Nicole (Twitter: @teaformeplease).

What's In Your Cup?
Chante

PSA: Harlem's Reaction to the Harlem Shake....STOP!

"That's Not the Harlem Shake" is the sentiment expressed by those interviewed on the streets of harlem in this latest video about the dance phenomena. 

How soon do people forget that the Harlem shake originated years ago and does not resemble this current dance craze that we are witnessing (over and over and over...please stop...and over again...stop). The original Harlem shake had a breakthrough style of its own so when people broke into the shake it was indescribable and hypnotically rhythmic. 



The version that people are cloning nowadays is downright laughable - a complete joke - as well as disrespectful to the original version. I wouldn't be so offended if the originator of this mockery copy used an ounce of God-given creativity and simply called it something else like the zombie shizzle (lol).

America...stop the madness and cease the debauchery!

-Chante

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

KIM COLES "..But Wait There's More" One Woman Show - NYC DEBUT

This past Friday, Brooklyn (and NYC for that matter) stood up for stand up comedienne/actress, Kim Coles, on the New York City opening night of her one-woman show "....But Wait There's More". 

The show chronicled the life of the actress and funny lady from cradle to the walking example of inspiration that we saw before us. 

This was my first time, and certainly not my last time, seeing her perform and I was truly in awe at how hilariously witty this woman was. Her zaniness is natural and all-Kim. She is so much more than her characters that she played during her stint on "In Living Color", "Frazier" and her role as Sinclair on the still highly revered show "Living Single". 

This one-woman show dazzles, brings you into her inner circle and to that place where she & many find themselves in at one point of one's life - sheer loneliness & despair. And most importantly, her show serves to leave you inspired regardless of where you are in your life's journey. 

In "....But Wait There's More", she takes her highs & lows to create a memorable and refreshing gem and something I know that I needed to witness. 

Brava to Kim for revealing so much of her personal life to bring us the first phase of her life with many more years go!

-Chante

SIDENOTE: Unless I'm the event photographer at a show, I'm totally against capturing artists on stage behind the lens - you often miss something b/c you are too busy worrying about your settings, lighting etc. BUT I made an exception for Ms Kim! At the end of her performance, she surprised us and returned onstage for an encore. 

[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

"TRAVEL ETIQUETTE" Web Series



Photo Credit: Street Etiquette

 Travis Gumbs and Joshua Kissi of the Street Etiquette duo have always fascinated me with their panache to set fashion trends or simply be comfortable in the skin that they are in.

Founded in 2008, Street Etiquette is a style blog that approaches personal style from an urban perspective. With sartorial influences stretching over many areas and eras of fashion. Joshua and Travis, combine to publish a truly unique vision of fashionable menswear. Among other accolades, Street Etiquette has been featured in magazines such as GQ and Complex, ranked Best Men’s Style Blog by the Guardian UK, and named among “40 Bloggers Who Really Count” by the London Times.

With their latest creation, the “Travel Etiquette” web series, these cultural bloggers recognize that clothing is a cultural movement. “Our travel etiquette series was started on the notion of ‘How do you live in your clothing/style?’ rather than the clothing itself” explains Joshua.

The SE team’s first stop on this journey was Luanda, Angola in Africa. On their website they shared so many stories and amazing visuals that transported you to the places that they visited - the markets, clubs, schools - that put you in the midst of the people of Angola.

It has actually inspired me to add this destination to my travel itinerary!

Visit their website - get comfy and check the pictorials and videos. Be sure to subscribe to their site for future updates on this series.

-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: WINTER SOULSTICE - Peter Hadar|Jesse Boykins|Jesse Fischer|Navasha Daya|Skye|Dawn Richard

Winter has made her official debut and is not backing down. She came in with a roar and I ran inside to the safety of my quilt along with a hot cup of rooibos tea to keep the warmth close to my skin. That week was also the same week when I was terribly ill - so what ails a tortured soul? Music. 

For me, the sounds that pulsated from my speakers soothed me ten times better than any western medicine can ever do. I focused my healing on the words being sung not the pain that made me weary.

PETER HADAR - TRACK: "TAKE OFF VICTORIA"

A playlist without Peter Hadar is not complete. Period. Earlier this year, he released his "Take Off Victoria" project with much fanfare and its the go-to CD during times when I'm in a not-so-good mood. Peter's overall sound from the endless ballads to the dance tracks inspires you to chorus, swoon, sway and twist your waist  - solo or with a dance partner (your choice). 

JESSE BOYKINS III - TRACK: “PRIMAL CHANCE (FEAT. MARA HRUBY)”

Jesse Boykins latest release "Zulu Guru" is another amazing chapter of the growing love movement – a phrase that he personifies yet shares with his fellow comrades in music. The imagery of his lyrics is seamless as a dream that you wish that would not end. This track introduced me to the voice that is Mara Hruby – her presence added so much breadth to this powerful, inspiring song….(“let’s take this time to paint our design”).

JESSE FISCHER – TRACK: “KEEP THE FAITH” 

Jesse Fischer’s “Retro Future” CD is so dynamic! Check my recent review. When this track started, a surge of warmth came over me with every chord, clash of the percussion, impenetrable sax solo and, the rise and fall of the band in unison. 

NAVASHA DAYA – TRACK: “SWEET KISS” 

Navasha Daya, formerly of Fertile Ground, has that voice that cuts through the most crowded space. She recently released her “Rebirthed Above Ground” EP that speaks, screams, shouts jazz rhythms, soul-funkiness, rock folk storytelling and vocal acrobatics. This track was a perfect following. If you have not already, please download a copy of her EP on Bandcamp.

SKYE –TRACK: “FEATHERLIGHT” 

Skye Edwards, lead vocalist of Morcheeba, recently released her CD “Back to Now” with leading track “Featherlight”. Her current project gives us her uncanny vocals and harmonies reminincst of the Morcheeba magic yet it embodies Skye’s style as a solo artist. You can download the 13-track CD on ITunes.

DAWN RICHARD -- TRACK: "BLACK LIPSTICK"

Dawn Richard released her EP "Armor On" earlier this year and been tantalizing her fans since then with visual stimulating videos and numerous singles that make you love her music even more. This track from her EP has always intrigued me and its a song that is sensuous yet subtle in delivery. Be sure to stay tuned for more music fro Dawn in 2013 - in mid January 2013, she will release her first debut CD "GoldenHeart". 

SIDE  NOTE: By this time in the playlist, that I admittedly replayed a bit, I'm on my second cup of tea and ready to brave the cold Brooklyn winds for some fruits, veggies, ginger root to continue the healing process. As I wrapped up to head out, I feel the harsh winds bearing down on me - I almost convince myself to retreat inside but I press "play" and march forward.

Music That Moves Me...

-Chante