Two classic performances of a classic tune. This song represents a spirit that is really missing in music today: Blues. Do you hear it? It is undeniable in both arrangements. That’s what makes you move, that’s what makes you want to literally “Take it to the streets”. This is not manufactured, this spirit has to be in you in order for it to come out. Maybe that’s the problem, maybe too many “creators” of music have been on a steady diet of garbage and you know what they say garbage in…

20 yrs ago a friend and ventured on a 20-30min ride outside of Atlanta to go see Quincy Jones’ documentary “Listen up”. To say we were awe struck was an understatement. But it is safe to say that we were forever Quincy Jones fans….and students.

Fast forward 20 yrs and Q releases a new disc “Soul Bossanostra”. My friend and I are split on it. He bought it and thinks it’s pretty good. I signed the save Q from himself petition on GFM! Who am I to criticize Quincy Jones?! The man has certainly done his share for music. However I do wish he would’ve leaned more on his musical ear instead of his commercial eye.

But instead of complaining I decided to play a little game. If I had to “share” my suggestions w/Quincy about the direction to take for a project here’s what I would’ve suggested for the Dude!

Project Title: Genius in the Key of Quincy

1. The Roots,Jill Scott, Badu,Mos Def, Talib,Common, Bilal, Jaguar Wright, Q-Tip,Jazzyphatnastees – Listen Up
Interlude of the Roots playing a score piece from one of Q’s films

2. Raphael Saadiq - Light up the Night(Brothers Johnson cover)
Interlude of Saadiq & Joss Stone jamming on “It’s my party”

3. Sy Smith & Lettuce – Razzamatazz (BGV- Lalah,Rahsahaan,Ledisi, Kenya Hathaway, Bilal)
Interlude of Lettuce playing a film score (more…)

I think this is going to be one of those semi-confessional posts… every now and then I have to do one of those. This was truly inspired by the BBC documentary that we posted the other day about Michael’s influence. But really this post is not about Michael per se, but more about how we view music, success, what’s disposable and the never ending debate about whether or not you can be critical without being labeled a “hater”. (more…)

In case you missed our announcement post of Naturally 7, Rudy Currence and Ludacris performing on ABC’s The View, no need to worry. You know we always got you!! Here is their awesome performance of Quincy Jones’ Soul Bossa Nostra. Even though I was very vocal is my dislike of the P.Y.T. remake with T-Pain, I have to say this remake is a congratulatory interpretation of Quincy’s original song.  What’s so beautiful about this performance is Naturally 7′s  harmonic blend utilized as the instrumental foundation, Rudy’s voice which has a church inspired soulfulness and a touch of  Luda’s lyrical flow to complete this musical tribute to Quincy Jones. I thought it was a inspiring  performance that left you appreciative of real music and truly “bridging the gap” between the old and the new!!! Great job!!

Ok family, it’s that time again!!!

Time to push through the holiday rush, spike your favorite eggnog,  and pretend you really like that fruit cake you get every year! To help you get into the Christmas spirit, you may want to pick up Hidden Beach recording group, Naturally 7 with their newest release, Christmas: A Love Story now available on iTunes. For those of you who love the vocal purity of acapella groups like Take 6 and Boyz II Men, you will find yourself pleasantly pleased with this seven piece harmony group who showcase original interpretations of classics like Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Silent Night and Joy To The World. To catch this incredibly gifted group, Naturally 7 will return to the road November 23rd through December 13th as special guests on Michael Buble’s Crazy Love Tour.  Additional TV appearances will include ABC’s The View ,Wednesday, November 17th when they  join Ludacris and Rudy Currence to sing “Soul Bossa Nostra.” from Quincy Jones’ latest release, Q:Soul Bossa Nostra.

Now sit back and enjoy this full album stream beneath the hood!!! (more…)

In this era where there is often much debate between the use or often over use of technology in music, DOA anyone? But what are we really debating here? I often like to draw comparisons between tools and toys. When I was growing up and wanting to possess a keyboard there was really only one keyboard that I could afford to buy. Now I’m going to give brand names but let’s just say you could find this keyboard anywhere fine electronic items and watches were sold.

I was often frustrated by the lack of musicality that I perceived as shortcomings of the keyboard. But was it really the fault of the keyboard? Conversely nowadays when I program a couple of string patches to play a nice cascading line am I really an arranger of strings?

For comparison let’s look at the definition of Tool: an implement used in the practice of a vocation. Now let’s look at how a toy is defined Toy: an artifact designed to be played with. Well, I guess we’ll have to define play now. I think that definition can be summed up in one word: amusement.

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I promised myself I wasn’t going to go off on this P.Y.T remix with T-Pain but damnit, they f**ked this up so bad, it would be a shame to be silent!! When my GFM crew schooled me to this travesty, I just shook my head and asked the Lord to please forgive me for the words I was about to say. It’s one thing when T-Pain wants to f**k up a contemporary artist today. Hell, most of them aren’t really on a high musical caliber anyway so you’re really not destroying much.  But when you get off your “little yellow bus” of musical mediocrity and travel the fast lane of iconic greatness, you have created a f**ked up situation and forgot yo’ damn lane. So to commemorate this blasphemous scenario, we decided to do a battle of the worst Michael Jackson remake. First we have the current heavyweight winner of T-Pain with the P.Y.T remake single against our challenger The Hip Hop Dalmatians with The Hoe is Mine.  Cast your vote!

If you ask me, they both sound like azz. And by the way, why does the head record exec in the Brown Sugar clip look like Phonte from The Foreign Exchange?!? Phonte, were you moonlighting, man!?! :)

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Great new podcast from EJ Flavors celebrating the music of Ashford and Simpson.

Ashford and Simpson Vol. 1 by GrownFolksMusic

01 – High Rise – Ashford & Simpson
02 – It Seems To Hang On – Ashford & Simpson
03 – Stuff Like That – Quincy Jones
04 – Found A Cure – Ashford & Simpson
05 – Love Don’t Make It Right – Ashford & Simpson
06 – It’s My House – Diana Ross
07 – Have You Ever Tried It – Main Ingredient
08 – Bourgié Bourgié – Ashford & Simpson
09 – Don’t Cost You Nothing – Ashford & Simpson
10 – Street Corner – Ashford & Simpson
11 – Over And Over – Sylvester
12 – Clouds – Chaka Khan
13 – I Ain’t Asking – Phyllis Hyman
14 – By Way Of Love’s Express – Ashford & Simpson
15 – Send It – Ashford & Simpson
16 – Is It Still Good To Ya? – Teddy Pendergrass