Author: Eunice

The Braxton Brothers’ ‘Higher’ Jazz Album Rocks Superbly

It’s evident when you hear the new album, “Higher,” by The Braxton Brothers that they were born to complement each other— being twins help also. Nelson plays the bass (and lead guitar) and brother Wayne plays the saxophone.

Together they make the two sounds rock, superbly.

“He (Wayne) has a different way of looking at things,” said Nelson, when I asked what differences between the twins were musically. “He is more out the box— he is not trying to do what anyone is doing. He is fresh.”

Nelson, who has been on tour with Michael Bolton for 12 years, explains that he works with other artists so he has learned to adapt.

“I depend on that (Wayne’s out of the box style) to balance. He helps balance me,” Nelson said. “He works with other people too (Sheila E). What’s interesting is we still have the same music background.”

I think balance is a good way to describe why Wayne’s sax and Nelson’s bass (strings) work together superbly. The album also features lead guitarists Errol Cooney, Kay-Ta (LCR Music), Andy Quinn and Ryan Parrino. Both Nelson and Wayne offer skilled voices along with Joelobeack Neisler-Lebron.

“The record is made of music we made while living,” Nelson pointed out. “Music can uplift or bring them down. I hope listeners get joy from it and feel lifted from it— get up and do something. Feel inspired and loved.”

Well the “Higher” album sure had me wanting to get up and move my body. My favorite selections from “Higher” are #1 “The Only Woman in the World” because it’s upbeat and you are able to hear the great blend the two musicians create, and the lead guitar is the cherry on the cake; #3 “Back in My Arms” because it’s amazing the way that Wayne’s sax sings and Nelson’s bass dances and I love how they reach an explosive point; #5 “Something in My Heart,” because I immediately thought this song is so good that it belongs on a soundtrack; #6 “Because of You” because it has a Pop flavor added to their Jazz sound that is simplicity; #8 “Beauty” because it has a Reggae feel that makes you want to rock and the guitar strings on this is superbly done, and #11 “What Would I Do” because this time the bass sings – along with vocals that are perfectly blended.

For more information about their latest project, “Higher,” visit: www.TheBraxtonBrothers.com

Eunice Moseley is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates. She is also Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. For more entertainment news, visit: www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com.

Grammy Nominated Calvin Richardson’s ‘All or Nothing’ touches the soul!

The voice of Calvin Richardson stirs emotions deep within with his earnest delivery but on his newest album “All or Nothing” (Shanachie) the multi-Grammy Award nominated vocalist goes beyond that and touches the soul.

Maybe it’s because he is older now but he stirred in me images of James Brown where in the past, he produced visions of Otis Redding. Produced by Willie Clayton, the “All or Nothing” album offers 11 outstanding selections.

“I’m glad to be here,” Richardson said. “It was that time. The last album was in 2014— it’s been three years. It was just time to create. You have to be obedient to the universe. This particular album was put together with Willie (Clayton). Him and I decided to create.”

And, what a creation it turned out to be! They took the good old sounds of Soul music and mixed it with contemporary beats and rhythms using styles borrowed from Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock and Jazz. The influences from these genres are slight but it’s just enough to make it the freshest Soul album to come out in a long time.

“We put it out there and radio just started playing it,” Richardson said about ‘Treat Her Right.’ the album’s first single. “The labels started coming. So I’ve been out there working. I just did the video for ‘Treat Her Right.’ Lots of labels are interested in people doing things for themselves.”

Calvin Richardson was doing his thing on the Gospel circuit when he met K-Ci and JoJo (Jodeci) who inspired him with their group to create his own and their song “Love Slave” ended up on the soundtrack of the film New Jersey Drive in 1995. He was doing his thing with his group when Uptown/Universal signed him as a solo artist in 1999 and released his debut “Country Boy.” He was doing his thing at Uptown when Angie Stone heard him and did a duet with him on her album “Mahogany Soul.” Well you get the picture. Calvin is also a songwriter and has written songs for Charlie Wilson, Angie Stone, Joe, and Raphael Saadiq.

My favorite cuts on the “All or Nothing” project include the title track “All or Nothing” because it’s a funky song and I like to dance; I also think the lead guitar support is awesome and the harmony tight; “The Only One” because his vocals are smooth and offer an R&B sound with Hip-Hop influences in the background that give it that club feel; “Can’t Let Go (acoustic)” because of the old-time Soul sound that had me thinking of James Brown and I love the organ that takes you to church at the end; the single, “Treat Her Right” because it offers his signature Calvin Richardson vocals, that still evoke images of James Brown; “Breaking Down Inside” where his vocals are calmed down as he sings about love lost; and lastly, “Holding On/Can’t Let Go (remix).”

To learn more about Calvin Richardson, visit: www.IAmCalvinRichardson.com and for more on the “All or Nothing” album release, visit: www.Shanachie.com.

Eunice Moseley is a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates. For more entertainment, visit: www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com.

National Convention of Gospel Choirs & Choruses Celebrate 84 Years

BALTIMORE — “Dr. Thomas Dorothy had a vision in 1932, where lay people had a place to get organized,” said Dr. Marabeth E. Gentry, the current president of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs & Choruses (NCGCC), about its humble beginnings. “It’s the camaraderie; it’s the spirituality; it’s the beautiful music [and] the family atmosphere. We’re a large family reunion.”

Dr. Gentry took over as president of the NCGCC in 2010 after then president Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr. passed away. He succeeded founder Dr. Thomas Dorothy who served from 1932 to 1993.

NCGCC offers up-and-coming Gospel singers and songwriters a stage to perform. During the convention, participants have the opportunity to hear inspirational guest speakers and to attend sessions and workshops for both youth and adults who want to enhance their skills as singers, instrumentalists, educators and leaders.

The goal of the convention is to foster and promote an appreciation and a high standard of excellence of Gospel music and Gospel music performances.

The NCGCC is celebrating its 84th Anniversary in my hometown, Baltimore between August 5 and 11, 2017 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

Hosted by Elder Shawn L. Bell and Reverend Dr. Derrick E. Roberts, chairman of the NCGCC Board, the guest speakers include: Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Archbishop Alfred A. Owens, Bishop Millicent Hunter and Dr. Donte L. Hickman, Sr. and guest performers: Rickey Dillard, Charles Butler and Trinity, Jonathan Nelson, Maurette Brown-Clark, JJ Hairston, the Baltimore Mass Choir and many others.

“Some of our great artists, such as Hezekiah Walker…years ago came [and] look at them now— Donald Lawrencce; you can go back to the Cleveland Singers; Aretha Franklin in Detroit; Della Reese are a part of us; and Dinah Washington,” Dr. Gentry said about the many aspiring artists the convention help put a spotlight on. “Dr. Dorothy saw a vision, a place where songwriters and performers can come and do their music, and listen to others do their music.”

Dr. Gentry says before Bishop Moales, Sr. passed away in 2010, he told her in 2008 that he was going to hand the mantle over to her— to which she initially said no. Today against her wishes but heeding God’s will, she now serves as president of the 84-year-old event that has provided a free stage to those in Gospel looking to develop their skills.

“A spiritual thing came into my room,” Dr. Gentry explained when asked why she changed her mind. “It said, ‘I will give you everything; I will not forsake you, just do what I tell you,’ and I did a walk of faith.”

It too inspires and educates participating artists who have gone on to do great things.

Dr. Thomas Dorothy Sr. is considered by many to be the “father of Gospel music.” He wrote over 400 songs, including: “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.”

To find out more about the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, visit: www.NCGCC.com.

Eunice Moseley is also a public relations strategist and business management consultant at Freelance Associates and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. For more entertainment news, visit: www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com.

Ben Tankard Releases ‘Full Tank 3: CanTankerous’

“I believe you go where you are celebrated,” said 15-time Stellar award-winning keyboardist Ben Tankard about his choice of featured artists on his new album Full Tank 3: CanTANKerous.

The featured artists on Grammy award- nominated Tankard’s new album, include: saxophonist Gerald Albright and Grammy Award winning Take 6; saxophonist Paul Taylor; saxophonist Cord Martin; and guitarist Phil Hughley.

Ben was a basketball star who injured his knee and was forced to turn to his first love— music.

He garnered the reputation as the father of gospel jazz. Tankard stated that the new album is based on his best-selling book The Full Tank Life: Fuel Your Dreams-Ignite Your Destiny.

Also a pastor at The Destiny Center in Tennessee, Ben stars in his own reality show “The Tankards” on the Bravo Network. Full Tank 3 is released on his own label Ben-Jamin’ Universal Music/Central. Tankard believes people should live a “full-tank” life.

“This is year four. Next season we’re dropping the ‘thicker than water’ part because there are so many versions,” he said about his family reality show. “We are just going to call it ‘The Tankards’ in season four.”

In 1990, Tankard signed a third grade school teacher with vocal talents whom we know today as Yolanda Adams to his label. He was just 25 years old. He produced her first four projects. He credits Yolanda for bringing his own talents to the spotlight and was the first artist noted for releasing a full instrumental album combining gospel and jazz.

Other artists he has collaborated with or produced projects for, include: Take 6, Fred Hammond, Kelly Price, John p. Kee, Shirley Murdock and Gerald Albright. He taught himself how to play the piano and how to produce. He is also a pilot who flies himself to most of his concerts.

The Ben Tankard Tour is now underway. For more information about the Full Tank 3 album release and to find out if the Ben Tankard Tour is coming to a location close to you, visit: www.BenTankard.org.

Eunice Moseley is a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates.

For more entertainment news, visit: www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com.

Keyboardist Marcus Johnson to speak at Uplifting Minds II Entertainment Conference

BALTIMORE — NAACP Image Award winning keyboardist Marcus Johnson has been added to the list of entertainment business panelists for the Baltimore Uplifting Minds II (ULMII) entertainment conference at Security Square Mall on Saturday, April 22, 2017 to speak on the business of owning a successful label (Marimelj Entertainment Group), a production company (Three Keys Music) and recording facility (Studio 8121), which was launched with BET Network founder Bob Johnson. Johnson, CEO and founder of FLO Brands and FLO Wines, will also discuss his entrepreneurial venture in publishing and collecting wine.

Johnson’s most popular jazz numbers include “88 Ways to Love,” “Summertime Flo,” and “Danny’s Song.” Marcus Johnson has released 17 albums. His first album Lessons in Love sold 40,000 copies independently. The album was released while he was a student at Georgetown University via his label Marimelj.

Marcus Johnson will be joined on the entertainment business panel discussion by entertainment lawyer Paul Gardner, II, president and founder of The Gardner Law Group; syndicated entertainment columnist, author, philanthropist and former singer/musician Rosa Pryor-Trusty; multi-award winning actor and filmmaker Anthony Michael Hobbs; artist manager and acting/vocal coach Nadiyah Kareem of Superstar Entertainment; and stylist and make-up artist Jeneanne Collins (Rebellious Beauty). ULMII founder Eunice Moseley is the panel’s moderator. Moseley is a syndicated entertainment columnist and public relations strategist. A national talent showcase highlighting ten acts (vocals, songwriters, dancers or actors) starts at 3 p.m. hosted by Heaven 600’s Doresa Harvey with DJ GWUAP Squad on the turntable.

Radio host Giovanni joins the list of media sponsors of the one day “ULMII” entertainment conference via BESOS Radio for her “Giovanni Live Stream Radio Show.”Giovanni is a new age radio jock as host of the “Giovanni Live Stream Radio Show” on BESOS Radio syndicated via the Crown Media App and the Fleet DJ Radio App www.FleetDJRadio.com (as of April 10, 2017). Both free apps are available at the Google Play App Stores. Giovanni airs live daily from 12 to 2 p.m.

Other media sponsors of Uplifiting Minds II, include: www.EURweb.com (over 85,000 visitors a week), Praise 98 FM’s “Lady Charmaine Live” Show at www.Praise98F.com and www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com (over 60,000 hits a week). To see if you qualify to be one of the top ten acts to perform, visit: www.UpliftingMinds2.com or email: Info@ThePulseofEntertainment.com. You can also call 562-424-3836 and ask for “Uplifting Minds II” coordinator. www.UpliftingMinds2.com

Arian Simone follows opportunity to fearless franchise

BALTIMORE — “Sometimes it’s not the thing— but the thing that leads to the thing,” said Arian Simone about her career choices thus far. “It was not my intention to build a brand and inspire…I have a fearless attitude.”

Fearless indeed is how one should describe this lady. Straight out of college (Florida A&M University) as a business graduate, she relocated to Los Angeles for a job opportunity. Once she arrived, the job was not what she thought it would be but instead of going back home to Detroit, the fearless college graduate decided to stay.

Life was hard and at one point she was living out of her car. Then one day, she was asked to work on a public relations assignment— the BET Awards. Through connections she made there and referrals she ended up with over five projects in a two-week span.

“I do believe in walking [through] opportunity’s door,” Simone said. “But [opportunity] has to align with my goals and values.”

Those assignments afforded her the chance to open an office where she secretly lived for a while— the same building where the “Steve Harvey Morning Show” airs. This allowed her more opportunities to find work. She became a “celebrity publicist” working for clients, including Sony Pictures for projects such as— “Stomp the Yard,” “Takers,” “Limitless” and “Sparkle.”

“By default, I started building a brand,” Simone pointed out about her “Fearless” ventures. “[It’s] only in extreme hardships do you step out of the comfort of employment— I was hired and fired in 30-days. I thought it was a stable job with purpose.”

Simone started her Fearless brand by first publishing a “Fearless” book hoping to inspire and motivate and recently, she launched the “Fearless Discussion Podcast with Arian Simone” airing Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and “Arian Simone Fearless TV” airing Mondays at 10 a.m. on the Youtube channel.

“It’s a show that will inspire,” she said about her talk show. “Video is the most embraced vehicle reference to technology and social media. People like to see.”

To learn more about Arian Simone and her “Fearless” movement, visit: www.ArianSimone.com.

Eunice Moseley is a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates. She is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. For more entertainment news, visit: www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com.

Jazz pianist Marcus Johnson Performs at Rams Head on Stage

BALTIMORE — It’s rare for music concert venues to feature the headliner on stage, as well as on the menu, but that’s just what jazz lovers will experience when they attend the FLO of Jazz with award-winning keyboardist Marcus Johnson at Rams Head on Stage on Thursday, January 19, 2017.

Since launching a new wine brand called FLO, the NAACP Image Award winning musician, entrepreneur and author introduces his signature drink on the menus of the places where he performs.

Johnson is not new to venturing outside of his amazing skills on the keyboards. Almost immediately after starting his music career, he ventured into business by partnering with BET Network founder Bob Johnson to form his label Marimelj Entertainment Group, the production company Three Keys Music, recording facility Studio 8121, and two publishing companies Marimelj and Three Keys. He is CEO and President of them all. Marcus Johnson is also CEO and Founder of FLO Brands, LLC and FLO Wines, LLC.

Last year Johnson released an album entitled, Live and Direct and in February, he will release his first book, For the Love.

Johnson has released 17 albums in addition to Live and Direct. The Ohio native’s family moved to the District of Columbia when he was 12. The next year, his father won the Maryland Pick 3 Lottery and brought him his first keyboard. He went on to study traditional Jazz with Joe Thomas and Thelonious Monk. All through high school at Montgomery Blair High, he played in the Jazz band. After graduation, he attended Howard University and went on to graduate studies at Georgetown University where he received an M.B.A. and J.D. in Law. While at Georgetown in 1997, he released his first independent album Lessons in Love, which sold 40,000 copies.

As if he doesn’t do enough already, Johnson mentors young artists. Whten it comes to his new venture FLO, Johnson is ready to push all limits.

“I will never stop unless I stop selling wine. Everything is to compliment the other. We are in— the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia— 300 stores,” Johnson said.

For more information about Johnson’s upcoming performances, his wines, his book and his latest album release Livane d Direct visit www.RamsHeadonStage.com, www.ThreeKeys.com or www.FLOBrands.com.

Eunice Moseley is a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, as well as Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. For more information, visit: www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com.

Fire of Jazz meets chill of hip-hop

Being born in the Philippines and raised in the Bahamas and the United States makes jazz guitarist Vernon Neilly a man of the world. From one listen to his latest project “Outta Time,” (Boosweet Records) it’s evident that the “chill” of hip-hop music has influenced his approach to the epic sounds of jazz. This eight-song project, featuring 15 musicians and vocalists, leaves fans full.

Neilly’s extensive career in music, includes playing for— and with— legendary artists Etta James, George Clinton, The Temptations, The Dramatics, Warren G, Howard Hewitt, and Teena Marie. The award-winning jazz musician calls them “the vehicles”— those who helped him make it in the business by giving his skills and talent a platform.

Neilly doesn’t get his just due here in the U.S. However, his musicianship has catapulted him to celebrity status overseas. The crowds there claw at him as if he was Jimi Hendrix back from paradise. In fact, one of my favorite selections is a Jimi Hendrix hit song titled “Fire,” featuring Vernon and lead guitarist Greg Howe (Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake). The vocals on this track are reminiscent of Prince.

The single ‘Outta Time,’ featuring Neilly’s 20-year-old son Khalif, debuted on Billboard Charts in August at No. 6 on Hot Singles. “He is my youngest son. He help me write the lyrics to the first two songs,” said Neilly. “He’s got an artist he is producing coming out before the end of the year.” Khalif, a hip-hop lyricist, also appears on “They Don’t Care.”

Like his award-winning projects G-Fire I and II, Outta Time was released from, Boosweet Records, the label he launched 15 years ago in Los Angeles.

“I do it this way [independently] because that’s my only option,” he admitted. “This is my fifth project. I have been working on it for a few years.

Because the people I wanted to record on the project have busy schedules, it took a little while.”

The wait was worth it! Nods go the tracks: “Get Yo’ Lyfe Rite,” featuring Victor Johnson because of the Hendrix/Prince flavor; “Nassau Nights,”

featuring Frank Gambale and Cacau Santos, because that Latin feel keeps thing moving; and it’s nearly impossible to make out if there’s a guitar or keyboard or both playing in “Metta Funk Trip,” featuring futuristic sounds with Neilly and Kiko Lourirro.

“Outta Time” is executive produced by Neilly and Rosalie Mayers and also features such artists as Mattias Eklundh, Bill Hudson, Jennifer Batten, Juan Belson, and Charles Glen.

For more information about Vernon Neilly’s latest project rclease and performance dates, visit: www.vernonNeilly.com.

Eunice Moseley is a public relations strategist and business management consultant at Freelance Associates and promotions director for The Baltimore Times. For more entertainment news, visit: www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com

Film Review: Deepwater Horizon

BALTIMORE — Academy Award nominated Mark Wahlberg (Planet of the Apes) stars in the Summit Entertainment presentation of Deepwater Horizon, a film based on the 2010 BP oilrig explosion. “Deepwater Horizon” shows what happens in a crisis when courage takes over.

Directed by Peter Berg, Deepwater Horizon also stars Emmy nominated Kurt Russell (Furious 7); Academy Award nominated John Malkovich (Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon); Academy Award nominated Kate Hudson (Kung Fu Panda 3); Golden Globe winner Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin), and MTV Movie Award winner Dylan O’Brien (The Maze Runner).

The dramatic disaster thriller tells of the final hours of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill as worker Mike Williams (Wahlberg) says goodbye to his wife Felicia Williams (Hudson). His job is to build or repair the rig. When Mike finds out that the executive boss, Donald Vidrine, played by Malovich (Conair), missed inspections to save a hundred thousand dollars for a multi-billion dollar company, he enlists his immediate supervisor Jimmy Harrell (Russell) who decides to test the rig. The test indicates that the numbers are not matching – not a good sign. While the tests continue Mike goes to his room to call his wife and Jimmy takes a shower. Vidrine pressures worker Jason Anderson played by Ethan Suplee (“Boy Meets World”) to note that the rig was in good condition so they could continue because they were behind schedule. Just as they start to drill disaster strikes and heroes are made.

Deepwater Horizon also brings in the human side to the disaster showing the personal lives of some of the 120-plus men and women like Andrea Fleytas played by Rodriguez (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) who navigates the rig; Caleb Holloway played by O’Brien (The Hunger Games) who was working on the first rig that brokel Shane Roshto played by Henry Frost (Roots), and Adam Weise played by Jeremy Sande (Universal Soldier) that works on the rig for three weeks at a time. It also tells the event in a way anyone can understand how oil rigs work and as a result walk away with respect for the job and its workers.

Written by Matthew Sand and Matthew Michael Carnahan, Deepwater Horizon, rated – PG, in theatres now. Visit: www.DeepWaterHorizon.Movie.com to see the trailer.

Actor Eric I. Keyes says NAACP Image Award nomination is a beautiful beginning

“Live Life & Win!” is a half-hour syndicated young adult news and information program hosted by actor Eric I. Keyes. The show has received a 2014 NAACP Image Awards nomination for “Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children’s Program.”

The educational program highlights some very interesting and positive actions in the communities of Los Angeles by young adults.

In one episode Keyes learns to ride a horse. In another episode, he interviews Hill Harper, a New York Times Best Selling author of several books, targeting young adult males.

“It’s a beautiful beginning,” Keys said about receiving the NAACP Image Awards nomination, in the same category as other Disney projects and Golden Globe winner Keke Palmer. “I hope I can advance myself as an actor and show host. I never want to stop learning. I want people to say I watched his performance and loved it.”

“Live Life & Win!” is produced and distributed by Connection III Entertainment Corp. Cleveland O’Neal, is the creator and executive producer of the show, which airs in syndication on the Fox Network— reaching 91 million homes.

“The original concept was to bring to light young adults doing positive things we are not seeing,” Keyes pointed out. “It has grown from there. Hill is very active with young adults. His