Les Femmes Fatales: Award Winning Vocal Duo Delivers Message of Hope for the Holidays

By Shelah Moody

“Unfortunately, in the time of a recession or a pandemic, arts and entertainment are usually the first to go and the last to come back. However, during those times, it’s the arts and entertainment that keep us going. We fall back to those records we love; we fall back to the artists we love and the books we love to read. We start writing in our journals and we get very creative.” Kevin “Darkside” Smith, producer

Sakai Smith and Nikita Germaine are two renowned industry vocalists known as Les Femmes Fatales. For eight years, they toured and recorded with the Grammy-winning rock band, Train, most famous for the melodic track “Hey Soul Sister.”

When the COVID-19 crisis hit this spring and all tour dates stopped, the dynamic vocal duo sprung into action. They joined forces with acclaimed San Francisco based producer Kevin “Darkside” Smith (who is also Sakai’s husband) to create a unifying and healing anthem in the tradition of epic collaborations such as “We Are the World,” and “That’s What Friends Are For.” They linked up virtually with some music industry heavyweights including Train, Santana, Narada Michael Walden, Larry Batiste and more.

The melodic single “Is That Enough?” https://youtu.be/AwI9XJ-y9pc recently earned Les Femmes Fatales two National Black Music Awards for Best Song and Best Video. A portion of the proceeds from “Is That Enough?“ will go to COVID-19 relief efforts and to those in need.

The three creators recently sat down with Streetwise Radio for an in-depth discussion.

Streetwise Radio: Congratulations on your new single, “Is That Enough?” Tell us how the track came about.

Nikita Germaine: Well, I was home one night during the height of the pandemic and I I was watching CNN; I was really glued to the news. I was a little frustrated with the stuff I was seeing. I was a little pissed, actually because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing—people not wearing masks and the leader of our country acting crazy and saying crazy stuff, and people in the hospital dying. I remembered getting up and going towards the back room and I just stopped in my tracks because of this melody. Words just started flowing out of my mouth. I kept singing it over and over, “It’s not enough to live, it’s not enough to cry…” that melody! I went back to the couch to sit down and got my phone. I started singing into my recorder and more words came. I started writing and before I knew it, I had a song. I got excited and I called Sakai because I wanted her to finish writing it with me. I sang what I had to her and to make a long story short, we finished the song. We let Darkside hear it and he liked it, so the three of us made some tweaks and changes and came up with the song, “Is That Enough?”

Sakai Smith: Nikita called me and said, Sakai, I’m on to something here, we’ve got to finish this song together. Of course, it was melodic and the message that she started and with lyrics was powerful. As a songwriter, I was excited to be a part of the song and to help finish the song with Nikita. The way the song came about was so effortless, the way it came through her. We are so connected with our creator. As songwriters, those are really precious moments, when you’re not really looking for anything, but something will touch you, either what’s going on in the world, or being in love, or different things will happen in the lives that inspire us. When something powerful comes to us, we know that it’s through our creator. The song was so timely, especially with everything going on.

There was more to come in terms of development and this grand idea of how we were going to get the song out to the world and have people from the music community become a part of it. Kevin was in the studio for six months putting this project together. He produced the video and the song. We are blessed to have this platform. We are so grateful that we’ve been listening and moving forward and trusting and letting go.

Nikita: Yes, because at the beginning, it was just going to be Sakai and I singing the song. We collectively decided to bring in some friends.

Streetwise Radio: Tell us who is singing with you on the track.

Nikita: We have about 60 plus people including Narada Michael Walden, Pat Monahan, the lead singer of Train, Jeanie Tracy, Larry Batiste, Ashling Cole, Dale Anthony from Faith Out Loud, Tony Lindsay, , Claytoven Richardson, and more!

Streetwise Radio: Kevin, what was it like producing this song?

Kevin Smith: I had the pleasure of pulling all this together and taking their inspiration and molding it into something that we could all feel and get into.

Streetwise Radio: Sakai and Nikita, before the pandemic hit, you were touring with Train. What’s it like touring with a top music act?

Sakai: It’s amazing being band members of Train. We joined the band during a summer tour in 2012. In 2013, they asked us to become official band members. We’ve been touring and traveling around the world. Literally, up until COVID, we were touring non-stop. With that kind of schedule, my husband and I actually reversed roles. Someone had to give our kids a situation that was grounded, and a home that felt like it was normal. I am so grateful for my husband supporting me as he has throughout my career. When I started touring witch Train, our twins were four going on five. Now they are 14!

Nikita: Being with Train has been a fabulous whirlwind. I remember, Sakai and I and another friend made a dream board, where we listed places where we wanted to go. I can literally say that I’ve checked off a lot of those places. Malaysia. Dubai. Singapore. Australia. I wish I could say Africa, but we haven’t gotten there yet (laughs). It’s been really exciting and a lot of fun. Sometimes I want to pinch myself, because I’m with my girl who was instrumental in bringing me in to Train. They were recording “Save Me, San Francisco” and Sakai and I sang backing vocals in the studio. Sakai reminded Pat Monahan who I was when they needed another background singer. Being with my girl Sakai is the cherry on top that makes touring with Train so fabulous. Our musical journey together has been wonderful.

Streetwise Radio: Kevin, what does it mean to you as a producer to receive a National Black Music Award for this project?

Kevin: It is a testament to understanding the pulse of what’s going on. The song is so timely, so getting it out and having it resonate; It just feels like we’re on the right path. It is really rewarding when the work you do is well received, and when you have a great song that touches people. We have our own studio, It’s called the Foundation. Because of the pandemic, only one person, Sakai, recorded the song in the studio. Everyone else recorded on various mediums and in various studios, so that was the challenge of this project.

Streetwise Radio: What’s the thing you are going to do when the pandemic ends?

Nikita: I want to look at my phone and my calendar and see the email that says ladies, we have some tour dates!

Sakai: Likewise. I’m also looking forward to enjoying some public family time out in nature, where we can go out and feel comfortable. The pandemic has given me a new perspective on creation. Recently, we were able to have a visit to Santa Cruz. We hit the beach for a whole day, it was so much fun. My family is my biggest supporter, so I'm looking forward to them coming to my shows.

Kevin: That is a loaded question that makes you reflect, but I would say, connect. I realize that we take that for granted. Connecting with family, going to a movie, going to a restaurant, connecting with people in my studio, connecting with the public. We just assumed that this part of life would always be there and when it was abruptly taken away like this; it was a real shock to the system. It makes you realize what you have and what you want. Our kids just started high school on Zoom and they are not able to connect with their friends, with their community. The ladies like performing; it’s their passion and their job, and they are so fortunate. The silver lining is that we have a strong family, both musical and personal and we are able to connect that way. There are some families who have struggled more so during the pandemic because they don’t get along.

Streetwise Radio: Tell us how we can support you, and other musicians during the pandemic.

Sakai: As music creators, we were greatly affected by the pandemic. It’s been such a blessing to find new ways to create during this time, as we did by bringing 60 people together on this song. We’re building this from the ground up. A lot of people are doing concerts at home. As creators, we need your support in various ways, whether it be concerts, supporting our music, going to our YouTube channel subscribing to our pages and supporting us on all of the music streaming platforms, and downloading and buying our songs. A lot of the money is supporting us during these times because our jobs came to a halt. This interview supports us. Some artists are doing concerts and asking for small donations. Any support that will help us get the word out is vital during this time,

Nikita: I’m piggybacking on what Sakai said about supporting us on social media, even when things get better. I’m hopeful that things will get better even though they may not be the same. Social media will be the new normal for real, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook. It has been tough for everybody. We started this group, Femmes Fatales, a while ago but we are bringing it back to the forefront. We will continue with Train, too; they are two different genres. We want people to get to know us even more. We want to be in people’s faces; we want to be in your living room. We want to be on television. We would love to be interviewed.

Kevin: Unfortunately in the time of a recession or a pandemic, arts and entertainment are usually the first to go and the last to come back. However, during those times, it’s the arts and entertainment that keep us going. We fall back to those records we love; we fall back to the artists we love and the books we love to read. We start writing in our journals and we get very creative. We saw during the pandemic, as Nikita was saying, that social media and the Internet became the norm. You saw people like DJ D-Nice in New York doing shows every weekend and he had 100,000 people online at one point. Questlove was doing shows virtually. We hope that once this changes, while the Internet is still there, that people continue to support the arts in all the new ways, not just the shows or the CDs but in all aspects. As artists, we often have a hard time saying “support us financially,” but that’s our job. There’s a lot of strength in the arts and it’s really what keeps us grounded in tough times.

Listen to Les Femmes Fatales new single, “Is That Enough?” now on Streetwise Radio.

Maxi Priest

 

Maxi Priest Celebrates the Blues Aesthetic with Vibrant New Album “United State of Mind”

By Shelah Moody

         “The true testimony of ‘United State of Mind’ is that when the three of us came together, we came with the same intent of wanting to create something magical as a gift to the world and not put any kind of limitation on it as to genre. We wanted to put our abilities together and come up with something good and present it to the world.” -Maxi Priest

   

     November 7, 2020, is a good day. A white minivan pulls up to Arizmendi bakery in the gentrified part of San Francisco’s Mission district. A woman waves a single pink rose through her sunroof and blasts Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” from her car stereo. 

     A small, socially distanced crowd of children, women, and men gathers outside the bakery and some are cheering and waving U.S. flags and throwing air high fives to whooping, honking motorists who hang U.S. flags from their windows. 

      It’s a catharsis and an impromptu celebration of the victory of Democratic Presidential nominees Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris, who will be the first woman and person of African/East Indian descent to hold the title of U.S. Vice President. 

        In the year of  COVID-19, quarantine, police murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and others, shutdowns, unemployment, isolation, fear, distrust, and general malaise, there is finally something to celebrate and potentially unite people across the U.S. 

     It is also a good day for British recording artist Maxi Priest, who is three hours ahead quarantining in Montego Bay, Jamaica. At the time of our Zoom interview, it is raining but warm, he says. It is a good day indeed for the son of Jamaican immigrants, who, like Kamala Harris, worked hard and went on to achieve great things. Today, Priest is not talking about politics; he is focused on bringing inspiration and hope to people through music.

        Maxi Priest came of age during the seventies sound system culture in south London. Max Alfred Elliot, the second youngest of nine siblings, hailed from hard-working Jamaican parents; both of them died before he was 15.

      Maxi Priest’s tenacity and silky tenor propelled his fame with his string of hits “Wild World” “Close to You,” “Housecall” (with Shabba Ranks), “Set the Night to Music” (with Roberta Flack), and “That Girl” (with Shaggy). 

   Though he has the pipes to sing pages from the phone book and turn them into a soul-stirring hymn, Priest became known for his sunny, crossover brand of reggae and lover’s rock.  lt was no coincidence that Angela Basset and Taye Diggs shared their first dance in the movie version of Terry McMillan’s “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” to a Maxi Priest song, “Art of Seduction.”

     In 2010, Maxi Priest became the first reggae artist to join Peabo Bryson and other leading R&B acts on the Colors of Christmas tour. 

       In 2020, Priest joined forces with British rock guitarist RobinTrower and producer/engineer Livingstone Browne to create his first-ever blues album, “United State of Mind.”

     Why the blues? The Grammy-nominated artist tells all in the following interview.

Streetwise Radio: Congratulations on your new album, “United State of Mind!”  Tell us how you are doing. 

Maxi Priest: I’m doing awesome. I’m having a great time in Jamaica, chilling. I’m having a beautiful time. Obviously, a lot of us musicians are not able to travel. We can’t go and do what we love to do: perform for people around the world. Other than that,  I’m good, healthwise I’m good; I’m awesome. We are having a wonderful time with this album and we’re just keeping it going. 

Streetwise Radio: Now, back to “United State of Mind.” You rose to fame as a reggae artist. Why a blues album?

 

Maxi Priest: Because, as far as I’m concerned, I should be known as an artist. As an artist, you always start with a blank piece of paper or a blank sheet. For me, from day one, it’s always been about the music, the art, and my ability to sing. There’s no reason or any way that I’m going to limit that. I think that it is my duty to utilize my ability to its fullest. I have such a wide range of appreciation for different genres of music, but first and foremost is the art.  That’s where my real passion is: the art of being able to sing; my ability to express myself and release myself through the art of singing.  I never had any intention of limiting myself to anybody. I think it’s a way of keeping me down and also, keeping the next generation of people who come from a similar background as I come from, down. It is my duty to widen the playing field so that the next generation will find a better playing field. 

Streetwise Radio: Talk about your two collaborators, Robin Trower and Livingstone Browne, and what they contributed to the album.

Maxi Priest: This album here is a journey that I’m taking my peeps on. I’ve had the honor and the utmost pleasure of working with a living legend, Robin Trower, and also my longtime friend and musical partner, producer Livingstone Browne. This album has been a true testimony to the term “united state of mind;” three artists who have a similar outlook, musically. Even though, before we met, Livingstone was apprehensive as to how it would work between me and Robin Trower. Robin also has worked with Livingstone Browne for some years now. Livingstone introduced me to Robin and we started to talk and I realized that he came from the same area of southeast London that I did. Since we met, we just hit it off. We said, hey, let’s just try something in the studio.  The true testimony of “United State of Mind” is that when the three of us came together, we came with the same intent of wanting to create something magical as a gift to the world and not put any kind of limitation on it as to genre. We wanted to put our abilities together and come up with something good and present it to the world.

Streetwise Radio: During the virtual listening party for “United State of Mind,” you said that you have an affinity for the guitar, and during your live performances, you gravitate toward the guitar. Can you elaborate?

Maxi Priest: Oh yeah! When I’m on stage, I just like to vibe with my guitarists. The guitar is such an important instrument in music for me. When I’m on stage, the lead guitarist is someone to kick it with when needed. Also, you can kick the melodies on the microphone and the guitarist can answer back and compliment you. Sometimes changing a few colors inspires you to change melodies and bring something new to the table instead of singing the same consistent melody. On stage, my guitarist is like my right hand. 

Streetwise Radio: Is the  track: “On Fire Like Zsa Zsa” really about Zsa Zsa Gabor?

Maxi Priest: it is! I knew about  Zsa Zsa Gabor before but never really paid that much attention to the situation. Robin and I were talking about creating a certain kind of song about a kind of mystery woman. And he said, Zsa Zsa. The lyrics started to flow from that point.  “Who’s the fire like Zsa Zsa? For goodness sake heartbreaking’ mama/You got the world and then...The creatures got Diamond eyes/And a heart of cool.” (Laughs).

      You know, for me, this whole album has been an inspiration and a motivation to move to another level; to just go out there and do my thing and use my ability to the max and not feel like I have to be trapped in a place that most media situations and people would like to put me in.  As I said earlier, at this point in my life,  I feel that it is important for me to push the boundaries as wide as possible and create a platform for generations to come. 

Streetwise Radio: Tell us about a few tracks that you really love on the album.

Maxi Priest: The first that comes to mind is “Walking Wounded.” I thought about it the other day, after getting the news about all so many of our legends passing away, Toots Hibbert, Bunny Lee, Bob Andy, and Johnny Nash. I went to the album and pulled up “Walking Wounded” because that’s how I felt. On the day they announced Johnny Nash’s passing, I was like, wow. Here’s a massive legend. We tend to forget very easily the works that people like Johnny Nash have put into this wonderful industry of ours; and society. 

Streetwise Radio: Did you know Johnny Nash or did you work with him?

Maxi Priest: No I didn’t. I think the closest that I got to him was meeting some of his family members at a Sunsplash gig in Montego Bay in the eighties. 

Streetwise Radio: Perhaps one day, you can do a whole album tribute to Johnny Nash. 

Maxi Priest: Bring it on! My doors are always open. This is my life, this is what I do, and I love what I do. 

Streetwise Radio: I was listening to one of your interviews where you were talking about institutional racism in England and how Caribbean immigrants were told to go back home. You said that you could always find security at home embraced in your Jamaican family and Jamaican culture.

Maxi Priest: My parents—especially my mother—were very good at making us understand that we are just human beings. We’re all human beings. We have differences in cultural situations based on where we were born and how we were born, but overall, we are children of God. We’ve got to figure this out. Everything is not laid out on a plate. But if we leave our minds open and willing to understand, then we will finally understand. If you close your mind, there’s only one thing that’s gonna happen, you will find yourself comforting yourself in your own ignorance or misunderstanding.

Streetwise Radio: What’s the first thing that you are going to do when the pandemic ends?

Maxi Priest: I have no clue (laughs). Probably jump on a plane. I’m not in a hurry to go anywhere, I‘m not in a hurry to do anything other than what I do and what I love to do, and obviously, take care of my family and make sure everyone around me is good. I’ve got my mask, I walk with my mask and try to protect myself and protect everybody else around me. I deal with the moment. I deal with time. I deal with where I am today and let tomorrow unfold itself. I greet it with a smiling face and an optimistic, positive mind. I try to enjoy to the fullest my time here on earth. 

Demi Lovato - Commander In Chief (Audio)

Janelle Monáe - Turntables [Emotion Picture]

VOTE FOR CHANGE

Tracee Reynaud

Creator’s Corner: Tracee Reynaud—Singer/Songwriter

By Shelah Moody 

      From New Orleans to Hollywood, Tracee Reynaud’s life has been an amazing journey. Reynaud, a single mother, and activist, survived poverty and homelessness and rose from her disparity through hard work, determination, and the healing power of music. At one point, she began collaborating with the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Reynaud recently shared her new song, “Wake Up,” some highlights from her journey and secrets of success with Streetwise Radio.

Streetwise Radio: Tell us about your background and what brought you from Louisiana to Southern California?

Tracee Reynaud: I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA, the jazz capital of the world. I come from a very large family of 12 brothers and sisters. Some of us had a lot of hopes and dreams. In a small town, it was limited to us.  I started out in my hometown performing in hospitals for terminally ill children and schools as a motivational speaker from city to city.  That was a joy,  seeing the kids' faces light up. I love giving back. I would compete in talent shows,  winning every contest I entered. Use the money for travel and I brought gifts to distribute to the kids in the hospital. I was able to do that impersonating Michael Jackson. Everywhere I would perform,  the crowd loved it! I wanted to do more with my talent,  so I asked my aunt and uncle who lived in California if I could move in with them and they agreed, so I was Cali bound at age 13. That was the best thing that ever happened to me at 13 years old;  moving to LA and going after my dreams.

Streetwise Radio:   What were your first impressions of Southern California and its music scene?

Tracee Reynaud: It felt like the land of opportunity it was great being in a city that was so diverse. The music scene broadened for me and I was open to new adventures. I was introduced to a lot of different styles of music that inspired me to get to where I am today.

Streetwise Radio: Tell us about some of the songs you’ve written and recorded.

Tracee Reynaud: The first song I’d ever written was the song that I wrote for my daughter, who at the time was four years old. Titled “Giovanna,”  It was a love song to my daughter;  people everywhere just loved it and I adore that song.  I worked on a song called “I am Somebody” with my brother Jeffrey.  “I am Somebody” is a very encouraging song.  I wrote it to inspire people. “I am Somebody” is one of my favorite songs;, it needs to be heard today. “Nuvision”  I wrote because I wanted to see a new vision for the children, a new vision for myself, a new vision for single moms who are struggling, and a new vision for the homeless.  A new vision for the frail elderly;  those who have no place to call their home; my heart goes out to them. “Judging Me,” I wrote after seeing how the tabloids would publish fake stories about Michael Jackson just to sell their papers. I wanted my listeners to hear the lyrics and stop and think that this man,  Michael Jackson, was a human being just like you and I and to turn all that negativity into something positive; that’s what he was about. “I Feel the Spirit of Love” is a beautiful love song about falling in love. When someone falls in love with your inner beauty more than your outer beauty,  now that’s true love.  In 2005, my hometown was hit by Hurricane Katrina and I wrote a song entitled “Do You Feel What I’m Feeling.” I had to give back. It’s a  heartfelt song that touched a lot of lives.  I was able to donate my time to different fundraisers,  performing the song. It was very rewarding! My latest song is called “Wake Up.” I wrote it because I want to see a change for all humankind. I want people to be able to listen to my song and be enlightened and inspired and to help make a difference which is so needed today! I started working on a new spin,  which is inspirational gospel music. I  just completed two gospel songs, “Hope of Glory” and “My Trust is in God.” With all my songs, my hope and desire are to encourage people and inspire them. My hope and dream are that I am given the chance to be heard.

Streetwise Radio: How would you describe your style of music?

Tracee Reynaud: My style of music is very soulful and motivating. When I write,  I put my heart and soul in every song because I want the listeners to be able to feel what I’m feeling and to touch their hearts and inspire my listeners. 

Streetwise Radio: Tell us how you came to meet Michael Jackson and how he impacted your life and music.

Tracee Reynaud: I met Michael Jackson when I was 17 years old In Encino, CA.  I had a nanny job in Encino, I was on my way to work in the morning and Micheal was driving down the hill and I was headed up the hill he saw me and stopped to pull over and he said to me:  “I know who you are!  I want to thank you for all that you’re doing helping the children.” Somehow, he had heard about me impersonating him at children’s hospitals,  schools, and convalescent hospitals. I was in a lot of newspaper articles because of all the charity work that I was doing We talked for a while. He wanted to see my photo album of all the places that I have entertained. Michael Jackson was one of the kindest individuals I’ve ever met. He would also give me gifts to give to the kids in the hospital and schools, like autographs and other items. I had the opportunity to visit Neverland ranch many times.  I also was able to invite as many people as I liked and he made sure that they were treated very well. He truly inspired me,  not because of his fame and fortune,  but because of his compassion for people and his wanting to make a difference in this world. That’s what I want to do today, continue to strive to make a difference; writing music to help bring about a change, and to uplift people of all races and creeds with my gift.

Streetwise Radio: What did you discover about Michael Jackson that most people did not know?

Tracee Reynaud: Michael was humble. He was one of the biggest entertainers of all time and I’ve seen him shop at the thrift store in our hometown at times, haha.

Streetwise Radio:  Tell us about your new song “Wake Up” and how you are using your music to create a healing space during the current pandemic and social unrest.

Tracee Reynaud: “Wake Up” is about bringing awareness to the need for change. I want people to not only listen to the lyrics but understand the deeper meaning behind them.  Music is universal and the message is about love and unity and I feel that is what people need during these hard times.

Streetwise Radio: As an artist, what inspires you to create?

Tracee Reynaud: There are a couple things that have inspired me to create as an artist. First would be from the influences of other artists such as Michael Jackson, Arthea Franklin, Andrea Bocelli, Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, Celine Dion and so many more. Another inspiration would be my experiences in life and what has shaped me as the person I am today. I always had to work extremely hard for the things that I wanted and have been through so much in life and I feel like so many others can relate to what I have been through as well and know that you should never give up.  Music is one language of universal love. My music is about triumph over life’s painful experiences and overcoming life struggles and challenges.

You can listen to the music here on Streetwise Radio and download her music on YouTube and other streaming services: 

“Do You Feel What I am Feeling” 

https://youtu.be/KOm3KNMTHAw

“No More”

https://youtu.be/yXVahEprnbQ

“My Trust is in God”

https://youtu.be/XepVVxy26OI

“Hope of Glory”

https://youtu.be/a2hHtUMmZTA

And then look up my name on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.

The Jubba White Interview

Meet Jubba White. The prolific drummer and producer is one of the artists on the frontlines continuing to make quality music with conscious messages in the age of the COVID 19 pandemic. Streetwise Radio’s Creators Corner: A Chat With Grammy-nominated Reggae Producer Jubba White. Check it out here on the Big Splif 420 Blog Page.

Betty Wright

“In order to get something

You got to give something

In order to be something

You got to go through something

Be a cook in the kitchen, a lady in the streets

You can't show your teeth to every guy you meet

It's alright to be a little sweet

But be a mama with the kids and you know what in the sheets”— Betty Wright

Check Out Shelah Moody's Blog on the Soul City Page

Second Line For Ellis Marsalis

By Shelah Moody

On April 1, the music world lost one of its greatest influencers, New Orleans jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis. At 85, Marsalis died of complications from the coronavirus global pandemic. 

Media tributes poured in worldwide from his four successful sons,  Wynton (trumpet), Branford (saxophone), Delfeayo (trombone) and Jason (drums) as well as Harry Connick Jr., Herbie Hancock and the many musicians he tutored and mentored. 

         On April 6, Wynton Marsalis, despite executive director of Jazz at Lincoln Center,  despite grieving in isolation, (jazz.org) used his live digital intimate weekly conversation,  “Skain’s Domain” to pay tribute to his father with special guests Terrance Blanchard, Joey Alexander, Andre Carter, and others. 

“He went out the way he lives: embracing reality,” Wynton posted on Instagram.

“My daddy was a humble man with a lyrical sound that captured the spirit of place--New Orleans, the Crescent City, the Big Easy, the Curve,” Branford posted on Twitter. “He was a stone-cold believer without extravagant tastes.”

           Easter weekend,  Delfeayo took to Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DelfeayoMarsalis/ for a live check-in thanking well-wishers sending their condolences and honoring his father. Delfeayo was quarantined at his home in New Orleans after being tested for coronavirus. 

“As I reflect on the 1st Easter without my dad (well in fairness he wasn't one prone to much celebration about things) and the 3rd without my mother I'm reminded of their resolve to honor their commitment to family and sacrifice for their sons. Today I'll raise a glass to D & E  (Dolores and Ellis) with love in my heart and a smile on my face!”

POPS, THE NINTH WARD, AND PANCAKES

During the summer of 2018, I had the privilege of experiencing Ellis Marsalis's legacy as a musician and educator first hand. I  volunteered at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, the jewel of Ninth Ward, which nurtures the next generation of singers, composers, dancers and players of instruments. During youth piano recitals and new artist showcases, Marsalis was often on hand to lend his inspiration and support and then stopping for a cool glass of lemonade afterward.

Shortly after his passing, Michele Brierre, executive director of the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, reflected on the passing of her friend.

“A true legend has passed but not without enriching the lives of so many of us whom he touched,” said Brierre. “Ellis Marsalis was a master educator with a unique ability to share his gifts and wisdom. As important, Ellis defined character. In how he lived his life, he set a worthy example for us all. It has been my life's great fortune and pleasure to work under Ellis' guidance for the past decade as the executive director of the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music. The Center lives on to fulfill the passion and to uphold the legacy of this great American treasure.”

 


That summer, thanks to  Delfeayo Marsalis, I worked in Ellis Marsalis’  household as a caregiver for his adult autistic son, MBoya. I believe God placed me there for a reason: to learn humility, grace, and compassion. I would iron for elder Marsalis, aka Pops,  and wash the dishes and make coffee, trying to work carefully and quietly around him as he read the morning paper, watched CNN from his favorite chair in the den or kept council with family members. One afternoon, I was lucky enough to hear Mr. Marsalis rehearsing on the piano upstairs! One Sunday morning after I arrived for my shift; he decided to make pancakes for the household and he asked me if I wanted some, too! They were delicious! I will always remember his kindness, generosity, good sense and good humor! Plus, he was one of the calmest people I’ve ever met. Real soulful.

During the summer of 2018, Ellis Marsalis’ Friday night set at Snug Harbor on Frenchmen Street was the hottest ticket in town. As soon as he hit the stage at Satchmofest, people rose to their feet. During July Fourth weekend, I accompanied Mr. Marsalis and his family to his performance at the 20th Annual Patriotic Music Fest at Trinity Church, where he jammed with the Marine Jazz Trio (see clip). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QkI0kYTt5w

Ellis Marsalis, an NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) Jazz master, was a strict and beloved educator at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, the University of New Orleans and Xavier University of Louisiana. He was a scholar and intellectual whose home was filled with books. On “Skain’s Domain,” Wynton remembered him encouraging him to read “Autobiography of a Yogi,” by Paramhansa Yoganamda. 

 “We lost a great pioneer in modern jazz piano artistry and music education advancement in Ellis Marsalis,” Herbie Hancock posted on Instagram. “He instilled in others, including his sons, led by Wynton and Branford, the fruits of his legacy, creating their own.  May he Rest in Peace.”

         

The Day the Music and High Fives Died 

(Or Paused by the Coronavirus)

By Shelah Moody 

       Grammy-winning vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant was scheduled to perform her new piece, “Ogress” at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland on March 11. But due to the panic caused by the coronavirus pandemic,  the concert was canceled by SFJAZZ.

     “In keeping with the mandate from the governor of California and the City and County of San Francisco to not hold public events or large gatherings, SFJAZZ is, effectively immediately, postponing all shows and education events through April 5 including the NEA Jazz Master events,” the nonprofit posted on SFJAZZ.org.

         That night, McLorin wound up performing “Ogress” at a private concert in the home of renowned author and activist Angela Davis. She was fortunate.

    The music industry is definitely taking a hit, with concerts and festivals around the world being canceled or postponed due to health concerns and widespread fear over COVID-19.

        Goldenvoice announced that the wildly popular Coachella festival, at the direction of the County of Riverside, announced on their website that their event has been postponed to October 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 2020. 

     Also, at the direction of City of Redondo Beach officials, the Beachlife festival, starring acts such as Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley, has been postponed from its original May 1-May 3 dates. 

    In San Francisco, Broadway SF was forced to shut down productions of “Hamilton” at the Orpheum Theatre and also, “The Last Ship,” musical, featuring British pop icon Sting, at the Golden Gate Theatre.   

      In Berkeley,  Ashkenaz music and dance center, known for presenting reggae, folk, world, and indie music, decided to close its doors until April of 2020. 

      Though his shows have been canceled, Grammy-winning roots music artist Fantastic Negrito, based in Oakland, took the opportunity to write a song about the coronavirus and share it on Instagram.

       Stephen Marley announced via Instagram that he postponed his Washington D.C. show, which was scheduled for March 12, to October 1 of 2020.

   For Dan and Amy Sheehan and Jeff Monser, producers of the annual California Roots Festival, the coronavirus cannot stop the music. Last week on Instagram, they declared that Caliroots will move forward from May 22-May 24 2020 as planned at Monterey Country Fairgrounds. However, this week, Caliroots, too, decided to postpone until October of 2020.

     “We have been closely monitoring COVID-19 and how it may affect our event, our artists and our fans for weeks now. We feel like we’re on a really shitty roller coaster and it’s taking us into uncharted territory. Between the media, several other major events canceling and ensuing panic over purchasing toilet paper and soap has left us all a bit weary.”  

       For many, live music is a source of healing and uplift and it provides a sense of camaraderie. The cancellation of concerts and music festivals may be a crimp in recreation plans for some, but for touring and working musicians, it is a loss of livelihood and revenue.

       In New Orleans, one of the country’s music Meccas, the coronavirus fear has led to the postponement of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival until October 2020  and cancellation of other events.

           “Lots of gigs were canceled,” said trombonist and educator Terrance Taplin, a member of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, who perform Wednesday nights at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro on Frenchman Street.

         “I have a little in the bank plus my wife has a nine to five, so we aren’t worried yet, but I am concerned. I give pounds to people I don’t know but I still hug my family.” 

    The pandemic has also caused a phenomenon called social distancing, limited physical communications such as handshakes, hugs kissing and touching to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

         “It’s all discouraged, but hell, u got to go some time, some kind of way,” joked NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis, founder of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra.

           Harpist and music teacher  Jesse Autumn, a California transplant living in New Orleans, said that her Thursday night gig at Silk Road restaurant is still on.

         “I was in CA last week playing, but that was right before things got really crazy... Now I am hunkering down and teaching online. and my students that come over haven't canceled yet, but we shall see. I am cleaning and disinfecting everything constantly!”

      Guitarist Robert “Dubwise” Browne is a composer and producer who makes a bulk of his income touring with internationally known musicians such as Shaggy. Currently, he is riding out the coronavirus panic at home in Kingston, Jamaica.

   “When I saw how widespread the virus is, 

I started having concerns about travel and the realized if I can’t travel, that part of my earnings would be on pause,” said Browne.

      “Public gatherings have been put off or postponed until further notice in a lot of cities, which means no shows, tours or performances. So earning as a live act presently seems very uncertain. I’m grateful to have other streams of income as a musician - studio sessions, royalties, etc which hopefully can maintain my day to day until this situation is all figured out. In the meantime, I can focus on finally completing my next album and figure out how to market and promote it better than my other projects.” 

Check this article from CNET on E cancelations.

       

DARRELL KELLEY

Darrell Kelly“The Coronavirus”

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With the release of his powerful, no holds barred song “The Coronavirus,” Darrell Kelley perfectly meets our unique, challenging moment in history by addressing our strange new day to day reality and its attendant fears and social protocols.

Teaming with his producer/collaborator with his independent label Viral Records, LLC, the singer, songwriter and socially conscious musical Renaissance man creates an infectiously lilting yet emotionally impactful ballad that speaks harsh truths and important urgency directly to our hearts and minds. Over a deep bass driven, atmosphere laden backing track, Darrell uses his warm, reassuring and soul-penetrating vocals to address everything we are experiencing, feeling and freaking out about while hunkered down and listening to the news each day.

As the easy groove begins, his spoken word intro gets right to the point: “You know the coronavirus is spreading everywhere and we have to slow down the spread/So stay inside and don’t go out unless you have to – but let’s keep our senior citizens safe.” In just a few lines, he covers a world of concerns: “I’m scared right now because doctors don’t have the proper protection/If we don’t stop it, we are heading straight for another bad recession/How we gonna stop the spread if we can’t follow simple directions? As the song continues, Darrell addresses the reality of people dying, the importance of staying safe and of course the facts that “You have to wash your hands and you better not touch your face” and “You need to listen and avoid large crowds.”

“I wake up every day to the latest news about the virus,” Darrell says, “and I realize that many people are not listening to the authorities and doing what we’re supposed to do to stop the spread of the coronavirus. I wrote the song as a response to that, hoping people will listen to its message and the reality will sink in that this is life and death serious. It’s my way of sharing the reality that this is not something you can play around with, and that we all have to stick together and wait it out until we flatten the curve and find an ultimate solution. We all have to pay attention and focus on human lives so that we can beat this. It is my belief that we should help people not just in the U.S. but around the world. World leaders need to work together to stop the terrible spread.”

Since getting back to his first love of music and dropping his debut album Unity in 2018, Darrell has been an unstoppable creative and grooving force of nature. Fusing his passions for gospel, pop, dance and R&B with a deep-seated voice for social justice, the ultimate multi-tasker - singer, songwriter, spiritual leader, author, entrepreneur and activist – has created a powerful platform for a unique array of messages, ranging from drawing attention to key political issues and thoughtful spirituality to simply making the most of our lives and having a good time.

Prior to this new global era and the release of his song “The Corona Virus,” the Atlanta based artist had been promoting three new visually and musically compelling new videos showcasing the colorful, provocative and deeply soulful range of his artistry. Directed pointedly at the NRA’s ongoing attempts to block common sense gun laws and background checks, the searing R&B ballad “Because Of You” is a call to arms addressing the tragedy of gun violence in our schools. The track reached #13 on the Indie Worldwide chart.

“Get Wild Remix,” the title track from his 2019 album Get Wild which reached #4 on the Mediabase Activator Chart, is a spirited, synth driven club tune about getting out, hanging with friends and other cool folks and having a good time. Likewise, his sensual, easy grooving club tune “Turn It Up” features Darrell in another upscale lounge setting, hanging at the bar and partying with upscale female buds.  In addition to Unity and Get Wild, Darrell released numerous popular singles and another full length album, Here Comes the Lesson.

In addition to his musical success, the Boston native is a successful entrepreneur, including opening the popular soul food restaurant Soul Delicious Grill and Buffet in Morrow, GA. Every year, he’s hosted an employee appreciation dinner concert that showcases local artists, and at each event, he took the stage to perform a new song he wrote.  After several years of sharing his talents this way, culminating in his powerhouse gospel tune “A Storm Is Coming,” he realized he had enough material to create and market an electronic press kit (EPK).

Darrell’s gospel music is an outgrowth of his service as bishop of spiritual leader of The Pathway Gospel Ministry Church, which is founded on his growing, grass roots UWGEAM ministry. “The Book of UWGEAM,” which he published in 2016, explains the group’s focus on love, unity and respecting one another regardless of religion. UWGEAM stands for God of the Universe, God of the World, God of all gods, God of everything, and God of anything including me.

“I am praying during this time for the protection of everyone, those who believe in God and those who do not,” he says. “People may question their faith during times like these, but I say it’s a time to strengthen our collective faith and pray harder.”


Check out the website at https://darrellkelleyofficial.com/

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