Podcasts about shanachie entertainment

Episode 121- Join hosted Troy Saunders as he sits down and chats with "The Prince of Soul", Calvin Richardson!.Calvin Richardson is a national singer, songwriter, and entertainer who delights fans and has a significant market presence and high touring demand. In additional to his own legacy of successful albums and chart topping singles, he has written multi-platinum, platinum, and gold hit singles for many of the music industry's top recording artists including Charlie Wilson “There Goes My Baby”, Angie Stone “More Than a Women”, Raphael Saadiq “Falling Out”. USA Today declares Calvin Richardson is “influenced by vintage R&B and his gritty vocals sets him apart from contemporaries...fresh vibes for a singer who respects his roots.” Calvin Richardson's music touches soul, R&B, blues and pop. His 8th studio album release, Gold Dust, produced the chart topping hits “Let Me Love On You”, “Be Your Friend” and “If You're Thinking About Leaving”. His seventh album All or Nothing charted in the top 20 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. His hit single “Can't Let Go” was in the top 30 on Billboard's Urban AC Chart and has over 100 million streams. “Treat Her Right” is his prior hit release from All or Nothing. Calvin Richardson recorded a tribute album to Bobby Womack called Facts of Life which coincided with Womack's introduction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Facts of Life was highly acclaimed and received a Grammy Nomination. Many of his hits remain in rotation in markets around the country. As a well established artist, Calvin Richardson has released albums through Universal Records, Hollywood Records, Primary Wave Music/BMG Rights Management, Shanachie Entertainment, and his most recent release is distributed through Virgin Music Group via a partnership with Music Matters Entertainment/The SRG-ILS Group.Tune in to this episode as Troy and Calvin discuss the making of each album, while Troy spins some of his favorite cuts. Whether you are a fan of Calvin's or just a lover of great soul music; this is one you won't want to miss.Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Pocket Casts and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”

Over the years, Tony-nominated, multiplatinum-selling pop/jazz singer-songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway's compositions have been recorded and performed by some of the biggest names in the business – among them, Carole King, Patti Lupone, Liza Minnelli, Karrin Allyson, and Michael Feinstein, to name a few. Her newly released album, Finding Beauty, Originals Volume 1, released on Sept. 29 via Shanachie Entertainment, is  a milestone for this incredibly and  diversely talented artist who was recently inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. It features 16 tracks of original songs - all produced and arranged by Trey Henry and Paul Viapiano - and is highlighted by select tracks of Ann singing alongside a number of notable guests that include Melissa Manchester, Tierney Sutton,  jazz legend Kurt Elling, pop and R&B singer Niki Haris, singer Jarrett Johnson, and her frequent musical partner (and real-life sister), the Tony-nominated and Emmy-winning Liz Callaway.  Not only do we talk about this intricate and beautifully constructed album that Ann describes as “my most personal record,”  but about the three year path that got her there.,adding “ I realized that I wanted to tell my story and share the deepest part of me. What better way than by sharing and singing songs I've written?” We think you'll wholeheartedly agree. 

Smooth Jazz hoy en 2 de uno: la pianista japonesa Keiko Matsui y Euphoria, producción para Shanachie Entertainment en este 2023.

In this episode, Greg and Jeffrey discuss Greg's music career, software endeavors, his many learnings along the way, his passion for releasing the infinite creative potential in every human, and more… Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/T69ciFvnCjk Recorded: 8/26/22 Learn more: Greg: Website - https://www.gregspero.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gregspero/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/gregspero YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCON3ixoHJ46HXlkQR4ttdw Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregspero/ Pitch: Website - https://welovepitch.com/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/welovepitch Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/welovepitch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/welovepitch/ Tiny Room studio: Website - https://www.tinyroom.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tinyroomstudiosla/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tinyroomlive/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tinyroomstudios YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TinyRoom Spirit Fingers band: Website - www.spiritfingers.live Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SpiritFingersLive/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/spiritfingerslive Greg Spero and a million creative paths. Greg Spero is a musician on a mission. A multifariously creative force who's built an entire ecosystem that empowers self-expression, Spero creates music and tech that embodies limitless possibilities. A Los Angeles-based pianist/keyboardist, producer, arranger, composer, bandleader, YouTube educator, label-owner and internet entrepreneur, he's devoted a good deal of his time to building vehicles that connect fellow artists with audiences. “We all have this ability to be infinitely expansive, to be everything that we want to be,” he says. “It's a matter of how we manifest our goals.” What sets Spero apart isn't so much his expansive vision as his combination of musical prowess and entrepreneurial acumen. As a recent piece for the Philadelphia public radio station WRTI declared, "Any notion that supremely talented musicians cannot be savvy, intentional entrepreneurs is upended by the idea of Greg Spero." Familiar to a diverse array of listeners through his collaborations with the pop star Halsey and the funk/fusion Miles Electric Band, Spero has also composed music for film, theater and television, written songs with Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones, and co-produced tracks with Ski Beatz. In recent years he's focused on Spirit Fingers, his powerhouse quartet featuring a cadre of the era's definitive players, including bassist Hadrien Feraud (or Max Gerl), Italian guitarist Dario Chiazzolino, and drummer Mike Mitchell (aka Blaque Dynamite, a key Kamasi Washington collaborator). AllAboutJazz summed up the combo by describing Spero as “an undeniably gifted pianist” who has assembled “a veritable supergroup in terms of their prodigious talent...Imbued with preternatural levels of skill and a high replay value" The group released an eponymous debut album on Shanachie Entertainment entitled Spirit Fingers, a project centering on a piece hailed by WGBO's Nate Chinen as “a cinematic composition whose main attraction is the polyrhythmic groove [that] morphs and changes like a weather system.” …bio continued at https://www.gregspero.com/bio

Четвертый альбом под названием Forecast - Прогноз записала группа Jazz Funk Soul. Эта работа следует за Life and Times 2019 года, где Paul Jackson Jr. заменил гитариста Chuck Loeb, который умер от рака в 2017 году, а так же ему посвящена последняя композиция в этом альбоме. Пианист, композитор и продюсер Jeff Lorber является одним из пионеров на синтезаторе Fender Rhodes. Со своей командой Jeff Lorber Fusion в 2021 году записал альбом Space-Time. Очень важно бросить себе вызов, чтобы стать лучше на всех уровнях. Вы должны пересмотреть то, что вы делаете, и посмотреть, что вы можете сделать, чтобы улучшить это. Хорошего недостаточно, оно должно быть великолепным. Все мы любим джаз, не говоря уже о фанке и соуле! Наши уникальные таланты дополняют друг друга. Пол хорошо известен как первоклассный сессионный музыкант и один из лучших ритм-гитаристов в мире, а Эверетт - это сила природы с саксофоном. Мне нравится играть с этими ребятами, а также подбрасывать блюзовые и би-боповые фразы в моих соло. Everette Harp - sax Jeff Lorber - keys Paul Jackson Jr. - guitar Приглашенные музыканты: Gary Novak - drums MonoNeon - bass David Mann - sax Marcus Miller - bass Ray Bardani - audio mix #smoothjazz #fusion --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/konstantins/message

Brian Simpson Website: https://bsimpsonmusic.com/ Bio After graduating from Northern Illinois University, keyboardist and composer Brian Simpson relocated to Los Angeles where he was soon playing alongside musicians Gerald Albright and Norman Brown and eventually on a world tour with Janet Jackson. In 1990 Simpson received a call from George Duke that led to a decade of touring and production work with the late jazz legend. It was his tenure with George that led to working with a variety of artists, from James Ingram and Anita Baker to Dave Koz and Wayman Tisdale. The popularity of his music world wide has kept Mr. Simpson on a seemingly endless world tour which in 2019 included Japan, Australia, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Spain, United Kingdom, Portugal, and South Africa. With writing and performing credits on R&B chart-topping albums and Smooth Jazz Airplay charts, it's clear why Brian is the veteran Music Director of so many jazz events. Brian is a recording artist with Shanachie Entertainment which is releasing his tenth CD entitled All That Matters (2021). Remember to subscribe to SOMETHING came from Baltimore! Listen and share with your friends. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj7HKmMrFB4vAQm3SKzvftA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomfunproductions Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/something-came-from-baltimore/id1400504427 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/somethingcame-from-baltim Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Bdz5634Wk5bSpaazynbI4?si=cS-_c_rBS2Os83QECKcuJA&dl_branch=1 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/somethingcame-from-baltim/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/somethingcame-from-baltim/support

This week the Culture-Wise Crew is joined by Randall Grass, general manager and A&R at Shanachie Entertainment, where we hol’ a reason about all things reggae music. From his work with reggae legends like Bob Marley, to the direction he sees the culture going, the Crew gets the scoop from an industry icon.

GFM's Music Editor Ivan Orr chats with thirteen year old multi-instrumentalist phenom Justin-Lee Schultz about his upcoming debut project "Gruv Kid" (out 11/13) , his beginnings in music, influences and much more in this up close and personal interview. About Justin-Lee Schultz Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and based in Durham, NC, musical wonder-kid Justin Lee Schultz is the good news you did not even know you needed. He is joy personified. The multi-instrumental wizard who has dazzled audiences on TV shows Harry, Little Big Shots and American’s Most Musical Family, is a prodigy in the fashion of his idols Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock. His talent is exceptional not merely because he is young but also due to his melodic, harmonic and technical maturation. While his peers are learning the latest Tik Tok dances and amassing kills on Fortnite, Justin prefers studio time and woodshedding for hours. While social distancing has most people jamming at home with their families, Justin has literally been jamming with his musician father and bassist Julius and 16-year-old sister and drummer Jamie-Leigh. “Music brings me joy because I can express myself when I play. I can also get creative when I’m improvising,” shares the amiable, cherub faced and charismatic 13-year old who has aspirations to one day share the stage with Wonder and Herbie Hancock, as well as Bruno Mars, Charlie Puth, Jacob Collier, Cory Henry and Robert Glasper. Justin, who plays piano, guitar, bass guitar and talkbox, devotes five to seven hours each day to his musical craft. His anticipated Shanachie Entertainment debut will be released November 2020.

GFM's Ivan Orr recently chatted with musician, publicist, radio show host and all around wonderful human being Monifa Brown. They cover a wide range of topics from Monifa's beginnings as a violinist and vocalist having studied at the esteemed Fiorello H. LaGuardia-The High School for the Performing Arts, eventually graduating from Temple University with a degree in Music Therapy with a concentration in classical voice. They also discuss Monifa's position as a publicist with Shanachie Entertainment(which she's held for two decades)which she list artist campaigns for Chris "Big Dog" Davis, Norman Brown, Kim Waters, Najee, Rahsaan Patterson, Luther Barnes, Bluey, Isaac Carree and Calvin Richardson among her current projects. This is an inspiring and must listen interview that is candid and engaging.

On this episode of Inside MusiCast, we’re taking a trip to the smooth side of the jazz spectrum for an extensive chat with jazz trumpeter, songwriter, and vocalist, Rick Braun. However, 'smooth' doesn't pigeonhole Rick's music, as he incorporates a spectrum of jazz styles into his music, which is evident on his latest album "Crossroads" released a few weeks ago from Shanachie Entertainment. Rick also has an extensive resumé as a studio and touring musician, having recorded and performed with Crowded House, Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty, Sade, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, and War, to name a few. He's also a good friend of Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon and co-wrote their Top 20 hit "Here With Me". Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome, Rick Braun.

Releases The Highest Act Of Love, Norman Brown's latest CD, is due out on Shanachie Entertainment on February 22, 2019 . Grammy Award-winning Contemporary Jazz/R&B superstar Norman Brown has sold close to 2 million albums in his extraordinary career and virtually lives at the top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz sales and radio charts. Having shared the stage with virtually every Contemporary Jazz superstar from Boney James to Dave Koz to Gerald Albright

Syleena Johnson's highly anticipated book shares her compelling journey toward self-love and discovery, while chronicling her battles with body image birthed in adolescence and carried throughout her music career. An ode to obstacles faced and conquered, this self-help book sets an indelible tone for reflection, resurgence, and redemption.Syleena Johnson is one of those undeniable talents whose unfaltering truth shines through every note she sings. Undoubtedly one of the best singers of her generation, Johnson has collaborated with everyone from Kanye West and Common to Anthony Hamilton and R. Kelly. In recent years she has enjoyed mainstream exposure appearing on such television shows as TV One’s “R&B Divas: Atlanta” and WE TV’s “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars” and as of September 18, 2017 Syleena is featured on the new TEGNA Media/ TV One daily live talk show “Sister Circle.” On November 10, 2017 Shanachie Entertainment will release REBIRTH OF SOUL, a recording that Syleena has long wanted to bring to fruition. Conceived and produced by her father, the legendary soul/blues singer and producer Syl Johnson, whose original hit version of “Take Me To The River” was covered by Al Green and Talking Heads. Everyone from Jay-Z and Kanye West to Wu-Tang and Usher has sampled Syl Johnson’s recordings. REBIRTH OF SOUL features Syleena Johnson’s searing interpretations of classic R&B songs, mainly from the Fifties and Sixties, recorded in real time with live musicians just the way “real music” used to be made. As Syl Johnson notes,“people don’t use live musicians much anymore; but every musician brings his heart to a recording.” Recording in Chicago, Syl Johnson’s long-time base and Syleena’s hometown, the sessions include musicians who played on hit R&B recordings there over the years and a majority of the album features songs associated with Chicago artists, songwriters or record labels. Syleena shares, “The inspiration behind REBIRTH OF SOUL is my father. I wanted to honor him and classic soul music in a time when auto tune and electronic beats reign supreme. While I am not against this kind of creative musicianship, there is so much more to the real thing. True Soul music tells stories…stories that can heal a nation.”As an artist who came of age during the 90’s hip-hop era and broke through in the early 2000’s, Syleena had never actually recorded live in the studio previously. “The difference with this album,” Syleena relates, “ is that I had the opportunity to record with live instrumentation as well as actual musicians from the (classic) era. On this album I didn’t write any of the songs and it was the first time in a while that I worked with my father. I had to tap into the soul and spirit of the era of each song to bring authenticity to the project.” The songs on REBIRTH OF SOUL, hand-picked by Syl Johnson, run the gamut from lesser-known gems such as Betty Everett’s “There’ll Come A Time,” Syl Johnson’s “We Did It” and Bettye Swann’s “Make Me Yours” to such landmark hits as “Chain of Fools” and “I’d Rather Go Blind,” done definitively by Aretha Franklin and Etta James respectively. Syleena manifests an uncanny ability to get inside of each song, digging deep to deliver passionate performances that bring a fresh spark to even the best known selections. “For each song I channeled the emotions of the record,” Syleena confides. “I put myself in the mind of each storyteller and in doing this I was able to merge myself into the story of each record. This is how I was able to put my own personal stamp on each record.”"The Weight is Over" is now available through Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HRQM89Z/https://www.syleenamusic.comhttp://www.sheleanlife.comSocial media @syleenajohnson*Thank you Syleena for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me. Many blessings to you; I hope to work with you again soon. Warmest Regards, NikiMarie@nikimarie_radio (IG)--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nikimarieradio/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikimarieradio/support

Syleena Johnson's highly anticipated book shares her compelling journey toward self-love and discovery, while chronicling her battles with body image birthed in adolescence and carried throughout her music career. An ode to obstacles faced and conquered, this self-help book sets an indelible tone for reflection, resurgence, and redemption. Syleena Johnson is one of those undeniable talents whose unfaltering truth shines through every note she sings. Undoubtedly one of the best singers of her generation, Johnson has collaborated with everyone from Kanye West and Common to Anthony Hamilton and R. Kelly. In recent years she has enjoyed mainstream exposure appearing on such television shows as TV One’s “R&B Divas: Atlanta” and WE TV’s “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars” and as of September 18, 2017 Syleena is featured on the new TEGNA Media/ TV One daily live talk show “Sister Circle.” On November 10, 2017 Shanachie Entertainment will release REBIRTH OF SOUL, a recording that Syleena has long wanted to bring to fruition. Conceived and produced by her father, the legendary soul/blues singer and producer Syl Johnson, whose original hit version of “Take Me To The River” was covered by Al Green and Talking Heads. Everyone from Jay-Z and Kanye West to Wu-Tang and Usher has sampled Syl Johnson’s recordings. REBIRTH OF SOUL features Syleena Johnson’s searing interpretations of classic R&B songs, mainly from the Fifties and Sixties, recorded in real time with live musicians just the way “real music” used to be made. As Syl Johnson notes,“people don’t use live musicians much anymore; but every musician brings his heart to a recording.” Recording in Chicago, Syl Johnson’s long-time base and Syleena’s hometown, the sessions include musicians who played on hit R&B recordings there over the years and a majority of the album features songs associated with Chicago artists, songwriters or record labels. Syleena shares, “The inspiration behind REBIRTH OF SOUL is my father. I wanted to honor him and classic soul music in a time when auto tune and electronic beats reign supreme. While I am not against this kind of creative musicianship, there is so much more to the real thing. True Soul music tells stories…stories that can heal a nation.” As an artist who came of age during the 90’s hip-hop era and broke through in the early 2000’s, Syleena had never actually recorded live in the studio previously. “The difference with this album,” Syleena relates, “ is that I had the opportunity to record with live instrumentation as well as actual musicians from the (classic) era. On this album I didn’t write any of the songs and it was the first time in a while that I worked with my father. I had to tap into the soul and spirit of the era of each song to bring authenticity to the project.” The songs on REBIRTH OF SOUL, hand-picked by Syl Johnson, run the gamut from lesser-known gems such as Betty Everett’s “There’ll Come A Time,” Syl Johnson’s “We Did It” and Bettye Swann’s “Make Me Yours” to such landmark hits as “Chain of Fools” and “I’d Rather Go Blind,” done definitively by Aretha Franklin and Etta James respectively. Syleena manifests an uncanny ability to get inside of each song, digging deep to deliver passionate performances that bring a fresh spark to even the best known selections. “For each song I channeled the emotions of the record,” Syleena confides. “I put myself in the mind of each storyteller and in doing this I was able to merge myself into the story of each record. This is how I was able to put my own personal stamp on each record.” "The Weight is Over" is now available through Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HRQM89Z/ https://www.syleenamusic.com http://www.sheleanlife.com Social media @syleenajohnson *Thank you Syleena for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me. Many blessings to you; I hope to work with you again soon. Warmest Regards, NikiMarie @nikimarie_radio (IG) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nikimarieradio/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nikimarieradio/support

SOUL REIGNS SUPREME ON SYLEENA JOHNSON’S REBIRTH OF SOUL   The R&B Diva Unites with Father & Legendary Soul/Blues Singer Syl Johnson for their First Recording Together In Over Two Decades   The iconic Etta James once said about authentic soul and blues music, “You can’t fake this music. It’s how you connect to the songs and to the history behind them.”  Syleena Johnson is one of those undeniable talents whose unfaltering truth shines through every note she sings. Undoubtedly one of the best singers of her generation, Johnson has collaborated with everyone from Kanye West and Common to Anthony Hamilton and R. Kelly. In recent years she has enjoyed mainstream exposure appearing on such television shows as TV One’s “R&B Divas: Atlanta” and WE TV’s “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars” and as of September 18, 2017 Syleena is featured on the new TEGNA Media/ TV One daily live talk show “Sister Circle.” On November 10, 2017 Shanachie Entertainment will release REBIRTH OF SOUL, a recording that Syleena has long wanted to bring to fruition. Conceived and produced by her father, the legendary soul/blues singer and producer Syl Johnson, whose original hit version of “Take Me To The River” was covered by Al Green and Talking Heads. Everyone from Jay-Z and Kanye West to Wu-Tang and Usher has sampled Syl Johnson’s recordings.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New York, NY (August 17, 2017) – On Friday, August 25, 2017, Grammy Nominated and award-winning international saxophonist and flautist, Najee, will release his highly anticipated new album “Poetry In Motion”, on Shanachie Entertainment. Najee’s musical journey as a multi-platinum instrumentalist, is what has catapulted him for being one of the most sought after musicians in both genres of Jazz and R&B.  His new album, produced by Barry Eastmond (Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin), features: Incognito, Will Downing, Eric Roberson, Maysa, Bobby Lyle, and Blake Aaron. It has been almost 30 years since Eastmond and Najee worked together. This reunion and new album is what Najee considers “a labor of love…and a pleasure to work with the legendary producer.” Eastmond’s creative energy, focus and experience is what brought all these different facets together.                     “Poetry In Motion” is Najee’s 17th studio-album and fourth release on Shanachie Entertainment label. As he states, “What makes this album special to me is the ability to work with my friends and create a project that has so many different elements but yet make sense musically speaking.”  The meaning behind the title “Poetry In Motion” is a phrase that describes the flow of the music as well as the contributions by the artists involved. Najee was inspired by the title from friend and renowned singer Will Downing, who he gives credit to.

This show will have a little pre Christmas flair and a lot of beautiful music as we welcome back friend of the show, the incomparable, Phil Perry! As vocalist and composer Phil Perry’s flawless falsetto, velvety smooth pipes and keen musical sensibilities have made him one of the greatest voices in R&B. It is no wonder why Down Beat Magazine once dubbed Perry as “The Pavarotti of Jazz.” The Los Angeles Times raves, “Perry has tremendous range spotless falsetto, and his sheer enthusiasm…amazing pipes,” while Smooth Jazz Magazine declares that Phil’s voice, “consistently oozes that natural sweetness and sincerity that can only come from a singer of his high caliber.” Jazz Times Magazine captured the heart and soul of Phil Perry when they declared that he creates “joyous, romantic magic.” One of the most in-demand singers on the music scene, Perry remains busy and has a list of enviable credits, i.e., Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, Peabo Bryson, the late George Duke, Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, Dave Koz, Bobby Womack, and Rod Stewart. On January 20, 2015 Shanachie Entertainment will release Phil Perry’s eleventh album as a solo artist, and the sixth for the label, A Better Man.  Looking forward to chatting with him, listening to his beautiful music and playing some of his Christmas music as well! So blessed!

Simpson’s latest masterwork is the perfect amalgamation of music that is close to his heart – Jazz, R&B, Funk and Soul. Out Of A Dream (Released February 17, 2015) is Simpson’s sixth album as a leader and third recording for Shanachie Entertainment. “When I first embarked on making this album, I was at a point where I felt I had to take my music to a different place,” explains Simpson who enlists nine different co-composers on the album that keep the sound ever-evolving and fresh. “By collaborating with other composers I was able to explore different styles of writing while still maintaining my own vibe.” Out Of A Dream unites Brian Simpson with an all-star cast including saxophonists Najee, Dave Koz and Grace Kelly, guitarists Marc Antoine and Norman Brown, singer Maysa and trumpeter Maurice Brown, Jonathan Fritzen, among others. Follow Brian on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

As vocalist and composer Phil Perry’s flawless falsetto, velvety smooth pipes and keen musical sensibilities have made him one of the greatest voices in R&B. It is no wonder why Down Beat Magazine once dubbed Perry as “The Pavarotti of Jazz.” The Los Angeles Times raves, “Perry has tremendous range spotless falsetto, and his sheer enthusiasm…amazing pipes,” while Smooth Jazz Magazine declares that Phil’s voice, “consistently oozes that natural sweetness and sincerity that can only come from a singer of his high caliber.” Jazz Times Magazine captured the heart and soul of Phil Perry when they declared that he creates “joyous, romantic magic.” One of the most in-demand singers on the music scene, Perry remains busy and has a list of enviable credits, i.e., Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, Peabo Bryson, the late George Duke, Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, Dave Koz, Bobby Womack, and Rod Stewart. On January 20, 2015 Shanachie Entertainment will release Phil Perry’s eleventh album as a solo artist, and the sixth for the label, A Better Man. We are blessed to have him as a guest on Brunch In The Basement With JaVonne

VISIONARY SAXOPHONIST ERIC DARIUS FINDS INSPIRATION FROM THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE AND TEAMS UP WITH ALL-STAR PRODUCERS/ WRITERS FOR SHINING NEW SHANACHIE CD RETRO FORWARD.   Saxophonist, composer, producer, and vocalist Eric Darius likes to play by his own rules. He's a visionary who has learned to listen to his own inner voice. Steeped in tradition and grounded in the lessons learned from his mentors, Darius is not afraid to push himself and his art forward. The Renaissance man reaffirms this credo on his sixth album as a leader and second recording for Shanachie Entertainment. “Retro Forward represents my musical statement as an artist who's not confined by any boundaries, genres, or rules. As a younger person with roots in the Contemporary Jazz genre, I feel it's my responsibility to pay homage to the greats that founded this music, but also push it forward to a new, exciting direction that will keep the music alive and relevant for the younger generation,” confesses the astute business scholar.Eric Darius' infinite vision has allowed the musical chameleon to collaborate with such diverse superstars as Prince, Jamie Foxx, David Foster, George Benson, Mary J. Blige, and Wynton Marsalis to name a few. He has even appeared on the popular Simon Cowell TV series, The X Factor and TNT's hit TV drama series, Mob City. For Retro Forward, the Billboard chart-topping saxophonist aligns himself with a new crew of producers and writers and the result is a new found energy and sound. “My goal was to work with producers, writers and musicians who would interpret my music from a completely different and fresh perspective, in order to reinvent myself and redefine my music. I took everything that I had done in the past and pressed the reset button.

Imagine this: you’re a Grammy-nominated singer, considered one of the best vocalists of your generation, who has scored major R&B hits and been invited to collaborate with the likes of Kanye West and R. Kelly, yet some folks consider you “underrated.” This has been the plight of Syleena Johnson, acclaimed as one of the finest R&B voices to have emerged during the past decade. Having fought the major label system to allow her true identity to shine forth, Syleena now steps forward with her most personal statement to date. Her boundary-stretching fifth album, entitled, appropriately enough, Chapter V: Underrated, was released on September 27, 2011 on Shanachie Entertainment. Syleena Johnson grew up outside Chicago in Illinois. Though she got involved with music during her high school years, initially she was discouraged from getting into the music business by her father, who had many disappointing experiences in the industry. Meanwhile her mother become the nation’s first black female police commissioner. After her live acoustic album release performance of Chapter V: Underrated last year, Syleena was moved by her own music and decided to release the live performance as a mini-album titled Acoustic Soul Sessions, released September 25th, 2012. The mini-album includes five songs from Chapter V: Underrated; an introduction to Chapter 6: Couples Therapy which will be released on October 28th, 2014. The Powerful New Recording on the way will take us back to Syleena’s traditional R&B style. The first single, “Perfectly Worthless”, from the hit new album is now available. Syleena also adds television to her roster as a costar in the TV One hit reality series R&B Divas airing Wednesday nights at 10/9c.

 Moore is currently starring in the highly rated TV One reality show spin-off, R&B Diva' L.A., which premiered on July 10, 2013 on TV One, breaking records for its high viewership. The first season follows the lives and careers of Moore as well as Kelly Price, Lil' Mo, Claudette Ortiz, Michel'le and Dawn Robinson. Season 2 replaces Kelly Price and Dawn Robinson with Lela James and Chrisette Michelle.  The Season 2 premiere aired July 2014. Singer and songwriter Chanté Moore's voice, stunning beauty and unerring artistic vision have allowed the Gold-selling R&B singer to enjoy an illustrious two-decade career that is rare in this business. “I have been blessed and honored to do what I love for a living for as long as I have,” confides the dynamic songbird. “My fans who have continued with me on my journey have become a part of me and the music.” Moore's genuine connection with her audience has been forged through her intimate and personal songwriting. Chanté's effortless combination of R&B soaked in gospel roots, soul accents kissed with a touch of jazz, and grace with fire, coalesce on her Shanachie Entertainment debut, Moore Is More. “My heart is overwhelmed with excitement and joy in life and in my music! I have more to give my fans, more than meets the eye, more of the same, and more than what you expect.”

Join us this week as we welcome the rock band, The Last Year. Hailing from Baltimore, MD., The Last Year is an alternative rock band. The act stems from an idea of front-girl Niki Barr, on vocals, and Scott Ensign, playing bass and synth. The pair, complemented by drummer, BJ Kerwin, and guitarist, Scott Griffith, approach their music with a kaleidoscopic attitude, embracing diverse influences and refusing to give in to conventions. The Last Year recently teamed up with Shanachie Entertainment in order to release a self titled EP of new material. Currently their single "Sugar" is at Alternative radio and their video is in all Six Flags America Theme parks throughout the country. Working with The AFE and USO on many tours, Niki Barr has visited thirty three countries on four continents in support of our deployed troops. In addition she has dedicated visits to Ranstein and Walter Reed. We will talk to them about their upcoming schedule, get a behind the scenes look at their music, feature their latest songs, and ask them to share their message for the troops. Please be sure to visit The Last Year at http://thelastyear.net/ and spread the word. Fans are welcome to call in and speak live with with them during the show (718) 766-4193  If you would like to participate in the live chat during the show, you must sign up on the show site first and then log in during the show. More great music for a really great cause! And as always we will give shout outs to our deployed military listeners. This is sure to be a terrific show so be sure to join us, Sunday May 4th 2014 at 4:00 PM EDT! Our message to the troops....WE do what we do, because YOU do what you do.

TGIF!! That's Right another Amazing Friday and we are here to celebrate on The Kia D Unplugged- Friday Mix Show!! Today's show includes special guests: Detroit MC Verdict and Artist Noel Gourdin of Shanachie Entertainment! Tune in today at 4pm!!

Imagine this: you’re a Grammy-nominated singer, considered one of the best vocalists of your generation, who has scored major R&B hits and been invited to collaborate with the likes of Kanye West and R. Kelly, yet some folks consider you “underrated.” This has been the plight of Syleena Johnson, acclaimed as one of the finest R&B voices to have emerged during the past decade. Having fought the major label system to allow her true identity to shine forth, Syleena now steps forward with her most personal statement to date. Her boundary-stretching fifth album, entitled, appropriately enough, Chapter V: Underrated, released September 27, 2011 on Shanachie Entertainment. Easily her best all-around album since her second best-selling album, Underrated shows the full range of Syleena’s talent as it moves from the powerful soul-balladry of songs like “Little Things” to full-on club bangers like the first single, “A Boss.” The result is a rarity in the R&B world these days - a true album that flows through a diverse and satisfying complete listening experience. Every song but one was written or co-written by Syleena.

Singer and songwriter Chanté Moore’s voice, stunning beauty and unerring artistic vision have afforded the Gold-selling R&B singer to enjoy an illustrious two-decade career that is rare in this business. “I have been blessed and honored to do what I love for a living for as long as I have,” confides the dynamic songbird. “My fans who have continued with me on my journey have become a part of me and the music.” Moore’s genuine connection with her audience has been forged through her intimate and personal songwriting. Chanté’s effortless combination of R&B soaked in gospel roots, soul accents kissed with a touch of jazz and grace with fire, coalesce on her Shanachie Entertainment debut, Moore Is More (July 30, 2013). Chanté wrote or co-wrote most of the songs featured on the new CD. “My heart is overwhelmed with excitement and joy in life and in my music! I have more to give my fans, more then meets the eye, more of the same and more than what you expect.” Moore is currently starring in the highly rated and anticipated TV One reality show spin-off, R&B Diva’s: L.A., which premiered on July 10, 2013 on TV One, breaking records for its high viewership. The show follows the lives and careers of Moore as well as Kelly Price, Lil' Mo, Claudette Ortiz, Michel'le and Dawn Robinson. 

First New CD in Five Years, Moore Is More, Set For Release July 30, 2013 Chanté's effortless combination of R&B soaked in gospel roots, soul accents kissed with a touch of jazz and grace with fire, coalesce on her Shanachie Entertainment debut, Moore Is More. Chanté wrote or co-wrote most of the songs featured on the new CD. We'll talk to Chante about her new project and her role on TV One's R&B Divas.

A great vocalist has a way of inhabiting a song, living it and making it their own. It takes especially great powers of interpretation for a singer to take a song definitively recorded by a legendary artist and give it new life with a fresh interpretation. Phil Perry takes on the ultimate challenge with the opening track of his new album, the indelible “You Send Me,” recorded in classic style by the peerless Sam Cooke, whose own unique phrasing style actually shapes the melody of the tune, which he wrote. Yet Phil Perry transforms the song while still retaining its essence, opening in “old school” style and then transmuting it into contemporary soul music. Few singers around today could have done it but those who have experienced the magic of Phil Perry's talent will not be surprised. On March 12, 2013, Shanachie Entertainment will release SAY YES, Phil Perry's latest—and quite possibly, greatest—album. With special guests Chanté Moore and Najee, Phil delivers a splendid mix of originals and notable covers in a style befitting the man James Ingram who calls Perry “the most powerful singer I have ever heard.”

Saxophonist Marion Meadows makes his label debut on Shanachie Entertainment with his 13th release, Whisper. Ronald Jackson of The Smooth Jazz Ride said about Whisper: "The material here is full of the Meadows musical diary of influences and style. Powerful, melodious, sensuous, and full of creative passion all at once. Here is, quite simply, another masterful effort from Meadows who has, throughout the years since and including his 1990 debut, continually worked his musical benevolence on jazz and R&B fans everywhere."

Imagine this: you’re a Grammy-nominated singer, considered one of the best vocalists of your generation, who has scored major R&B hits and been invited to collaborate with the likes of Kanye West and R. Kelly, yet some folks consider you “underrated.” This has been the plight of Syleena Johnson, acclaimed as one of the finest R&B voices to have emerged during the past decade. Having fought the maj or label system to allow her true identity to shine forth, Syleena now steps forward with her most personal statement to date. Her boundary-stretching fifth album, entitled, appropriately enough, Chapter V: Underrated, released September 27, 2011 on Shanachie Entertainment. Easily her best all-around album since her second best-selling album, Underrated shows the full range of Syleena’s talent as it moves from the powerful soul-balladry of songs like “Little Things” to full-on club bangers like the first single, “A Boss.” The result is a rarity in the R&B world these days - a true album that flows through a diverse and satisfying complete listening experience. Every song but one was written or co-written by Syleena. “I’m calling this album Underrated because it was a name chosen by my fans,” Syleena explains. “Also, if you look in Webster’s, the definition of ‘underrated’ is ‘underestimated.’ I feel some of my counterparts in the industry have underestimated me, thinking I wouldn’t make another album past Chapter 2.” Indeed, the album opens with the defiant title track that segues immediatel

Les Nubians returns with Nü Revolution, their highly-anticipated third album to be released on April 19, 2011 by Shanachie Entertainment. It fully delivers on the promise of their breakthrough efforts with a relentlessly enchanting and energized mix of R & B, hip-hop, African music and other world elements. http://www.lesnubians.com/

Ready or Not - They're Back! Mint Condition is back with a new album and sounding better than ever. Join me LIVE! as I speak with the group who have blessed the airwaves with hits such as "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)", "Ready or Not" and "What Kind of Man Would I Be?" Currently the house band for TV One's "Way Black When", their single "Caught My Eye" is currently available on Itunes.