Classic song. Classic sound. Enjoy!

What I appreciate about this performance by Laura Izibor is that as a listener I am served exactly what’s on the menu. What do I mean by that statement?

More often than not what an artist records supplants or supersedes what they do live. This is not the case here. The same emotion, color and overall substance that is captured on the recording exists in this live performance.

For my money it’s always about the song. The production helps but the song is what connects and keeps me returning for another helping.

I received a recommendation the other day from Stevie Robinson(ardent supporter of the indie soul movement, she makes things hapen ya’ll) that I become a fan of Gloria Ry’ann. Since I’ve come to know a lot more about the artists that Stevie reps over the last month or so, it was a no-brainer that I was going to click on the link and see what this artist is all about.

So when I landed on the homepage what did I spy but a live version of one of my favorite Minnie Ripperton tunes of all time. Did I mention all time?

On Inside My Love Gloria Ry’ann sounds as relaxed as a walk in the park. From middle voice to the whistle register Gloria is in possession of a vocal tone that is simply beautiful. I know that there is plenty more in store for us from Gloria Ry’ann in ’10. I for one have reserved a place on my musical radar screen for this artist and I think you should too.

Not too much to say after that title. There are so many layers happening here musically it’s not even funny. Perhaps one day we will delve into a thorough analysis, but for now I think what’s most important is the listening. This is Grown Folks Music.

Classic, classic performances. Shout out to Ivan Orr for these clips!

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One of our faves and also one of the nicest guys around, Darien, performing “Gone“, off his album, If These Walls Could Talk. As you can see from this clip, he puts on a great show.

ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW ONLINE:

RIGHTEOUSMUSICMEDIA
CDBABY
DUSTYGROOVE
SOULBROTHER
iTUNES, US, UK, JAPAN

JOIN DARIEN’S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE and
BEFRIEND HIM ON MYSPACE

Darien has 2 shows coming up:

The first is in his home town of Mt. Vernon on the steps of City Hall closing out the Cool Breeze Summer Concert series this Saturday, August 22nd at 7pm.

The 2nd show is at The Legendary Blue Note in NYC for the Late Night Series on Michael Jackson’s Birthday August 29th at midnight.

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MySpace

I think a lot of people, (including myself) have slept on Solange Knowles and her album, Sol-Angel and The Hadley St. Dreams, which dropped last year.

She has definitely stepped up her game as a writer, vocalist and performer. I like how she hasn’t taken the easy, expected route, but has found a way to truly ‘ ‘bridge the gap’, marrying the classic girl group sound from the 60′s, with a modern voice and production quality that is uniquely hers.

She cites The Supremes, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas as well as The Marvelletes among her influences. Is it possible that Solange is representin’ GFM more than her sister? Let us know what you think.

Check out the album, performance and interview after the break to hear more from Solange.

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Backstage Interview (courtesy of Rolling Out TV)

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One of the most beautiful, powerful voices around. Some may remember her during her days as a session vocalist for Teddy Pendergrass, Billy Ocean and many more. Others remember her as the featured background singer for Luther Vandross throughout his career, both on albums and tours.

More recently she has continued to tour with Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones. Here she is, with her 1992 Grammy Award winning hit, How Can I Ease The Pain (Lisa Fischer, Narada Michael Walden), So Intense, (Elektra/1991).

Hopefully, she’ll find time between writing and touring to bless us with the long awaited, rumored new album we’ve been hearing about.

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See more from Lisa after the jump.

In 1983, recording under the name Xena, she released “On The Upside“, which was a big club/electro record.

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Lisa killin’ it with The Rolling Stones.

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Wildflower

Classic performance of one of the best songs ever, by one of the best bands, ever. Period. 1995 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, 300+M albums sold, 4 Diamond awards , their own Satellite Radio Channel, sampled by many, credited by few!

Wanna see more like this? Is this GFM? Let us know what you think — leave a comment or email us: contact (at) grownfolksmusic.com.

Check out their 2-CD collection, handpicked by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant & John Paul Jones, Mothership.

You can view more Mothership options after the jump!

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MySpace
R.I.P. John Bonham

Darien Brockington performing live at SugarHill Valentine’s Day ’09. Shout out to HoneySoul for the tip.

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