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'the inevitable defeat of mister and pete'

4/29/2013

Hanging out with film director George Tillman Jr. at Sundance London

Robert Redford's long established Sundance Film Festival in Utah, Salt Lake City every January, which showcases American independent movies and enables the actual film makers to connect with a live audience, has grown so large that last year he brought it to the UK under the banner of Sundance London. This overseas version, combining music and UK film premieres was so popular that it returned to the O2 Arena a few days ago.

Last night I attended and caught a screening of an extemely moving and at times quite heart wrenching film called 'The Inevitable Defeat Of Mister And Pete'. It was directed by George Tillman Jr., who is more used to major Hollywood productions. His list of credits include 'Soul Food' which starred Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox and Nia Long (the film's popularity resulted in a TV series), 'Men Of Honor' which starred Robert DeNiro and Cuba Gooding Jr. and the biopic of slain Brooklyn rapper The Notorious B.I.G., simply called 'Notorious'. So Tillman is no stranger to star power and dealing with big budgets.

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daft punk: 'get lucky' Ft. pharrell williams & nile rodgers

4/27/2013

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Daft Punk with Pharrell & Nile Rodgers

It just goes to show, you should always be ready for the unexpected. I never imagined ever sitting down to write a piece about the French electronic music duo Daft Punk. Nothing personal against them you understand. It's just that musically we don't really travel in the same circles. Mind you they have already gotten themselves known to hip hop audiences worldwide after rapper Kanye West sampled their song 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger' for his hit record 'Stronger' taken from his 2007 album, 'Graduation'. The song eventually won West a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.

Now Daft Punk return to the music scene after releasing what was seen as a disappointing (and low selling) album in 2005, 'Human After All' and another low key record, the soundtrack to the movie 'Tron' in 2010. The band have a brand new album, 'Random Access Memories' just about to be unleashed and the strength of the very first single has already garnered major buzz putting them seemingly back on top. The song is called 'Get Lucky' and has two very special guests. Pharrell Williams, the wonderkid (actually he's not that young any more) singer-songwriter, producer, rapper and the legendary Nile Rodgers, accomplished hit maker and of course one half founding member of (in my humble opinion the best dance music band of all time) Chic. The combination of all these elements has produced a funky dance floor groove with a killer hook line. Pharrell looks happy to be back on a winning formula after being missing in action for a while. However, it's those distinctive guitar licks from Rodgers that instantly bring back memories of sophisticated, good feeling, partying that is sadly lacking in today's dance tracks. Sure to be a big hit in clubs and on the radio. That hook line will get to you, trust me.

What struck me on first hearing 'Get Lucky' was the smart moves by Daft Punk. While other European dance gurus have gathered up top notch US r&b acts such as Usher to perform on their records, the regular route has been for those artists to do their thing with that Euro-pop senseability. The problem I find with this method is the finished product usually is lacking any real soulful r&b flavour, leaving instead a clinical cold feeling, devoid of any real emotion. Not to my taste whatsoever, even though many of these records translate into major hits. Daft Punk, on the other hand, and all credit to them have decided to go the alternative way, instead getting the r&b acts to incorporate their funky styles into the band's electronic musical sounds and the results are a wonder to behold. I now wait to hear what their forthcoming album, 'Random Access Memories' will offer. 'Get Lucky' is out right now and the album is released on 20th May.

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masters of the airwaves: the rise & rise of underground radio

4/24/2013

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Front cover of 'Masters Of The Airwaves'

The huge popularity of black music and it's prominence in the mainstream in the UK is now taken for granted, but this was not always the case. Back in 1970's Britain there was a substantial lack of outlets where the new, exciting, funky, soulful sounds bursting out of America and beyond could be heard. Through this was born the 'underground' scene, which consisted of groups of young people, essentially black, but not exclusive, who through a common love of the music would follow it wherever they could, be it in a nightclub or (on a more personal level) a specialist radio show. Thus a 'movement' was born. I know this firsthand, as I considered myself a fully paid up member. What is so fascinating is so many of the records we listened and danced to back then in hidden quarters has now translated into music for the masses, though we had no idea at the time that this would be the case. Perfect examples include 'Car Wash' by Rose Royce (1976), 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers (1977) and 'Got To Be Real' by Cheryl Lynn (1978).

As the 70's rolled into the 80's, the British black music 'movement' got even larger. Yet still the outlets were still severely limited even though the audience had increased tenfold, embracing people of all colours who were all feeling the groove. It is against this backdrop that a brand new, impressive book called 'Masters Of The Airwaves: The Rise & Rise Of Underground Radio' is based. Written by two veteran dj's and broadcasters, Dave VJ and Lindsay Wesker. Both men have had long extensive careers in the music business and have put that superior knowledge to good use in putting together what I can only imagine is a labour of love.

Lindsay Wesker and Dave VJ

These two gentlemen have decided to write the definitive story of the UK black music radio scene, beginning in the 70's (dj names like Greg Edwards on Capital Radio - Saturday evening and Robbie Vincent on Radio London- Saturday lunchtime come to mind), following it's journey from very humble beginnings through to local radio stations serving appreciative audiences with the popular 'underground' sounds only to be told in no uncertain terms by the authorities they were acting outsdie of the law, therefore they were criminals. Now it beggars belief, but this was actually the case. After a lengthy period common sense preveiled and the stations became legal.

I have explained in one or two sentences the overall view, but Dave and Lindsay go all the way in minute detail explaining the full and frank story and they bring numerous music biz heavyweights to give their personal opinions on what actually occured during those times and it's aftermath today. In fact it reads like a who's who lending their talents, including the aforementioned Greg Edwards and Robbie Vincent, along with Trevor Nelson, Jazzie B, Norman Jay, David Rodigan, Gordon Mac, Omar, Caron Wheeler, Angie Greaves, Paul 'Trouble' Anderson, Barrie K. Sharpe, Judge Jules, Mike Shaft and many others. Dave and Lindsay are so committed to this project they have undertaken the task of travelling around the country spreading the word about 'The Masters Of The Airwaves: The Rise & Rise Of Underground Radio'. On a personal note, I should add that even though I lived and worked (albeit djing in the clubs) throughout this whole period and personally knew many of the contributors, I found the book to be enlightening, informative and an excellent historical look back for future generations. Well done guys!

'Masters Of The Airwaves: The Rise & Rise Of Underground Radio' is now on sale. The Price is £30.
You can order it from here:
http://everygeneration.co.uk/index.php/shop-home/masters-of-the-airwaves

Also there is a 10 minute video featuring some of the contributors talking about the book:
http://vimeo.com/mastersoftheairwaves

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jay z to sell off his share of the brooklyn nets

4/23/2013

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Jay Z with Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov

Shawn Carter, otherwise known to the world as Jay Z is a living embodiment of The American Dream. Beginning his journey on the rough streets of Brooklyn, New York, he soon navigated himself from hip hop artist to all round business mogul. Only recently was it revealed he had made it onto The 2013 Time 100, the prestigious magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, even gracing one of their specially designed covers. If this was not enough, there was an announcement that he, along with his superstar wife Beyonce, are now officially popular music's first billionaire couple. Oh yeah, it's good to be Jay Z.

Throughout his career he has never lost his love for his block (the borough of Brooklyn) and has shown this in many ways. One major example was when he was approached to invest in the US basketball team The New Jersey Nets. What swung the deal was learning that the team (lock, stock and barrel) would re-locate to Brooklyn, with a brand new arena to boot. This new home, The Barclays Center, would not only host basketball games but also other major events including shows by world class entertainers such as Barbra Streisand, The Rolling Stones and of course, Jay Z himself. On top of his other achievements, Jigga was now part owner of an NBA basketball team. He had achieved what he himself would have thought unreachable when he first started to spit rhymes.

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awesome new 'man of steel' trailer

4/21/2013

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Henry Cavill as the 'Man Of Steel'

After 2012 saw the comic book heroes clean up at the movie box office world wide, led by the all conquering 'Marvel Avengers Assemble' followed closely by (my own favourite of the year), the broody and brilliant 'The Dark Knight Rises', 2013 is already shaping up to continue this popular trend. The very highly anticapted 'Iron Man 3' is just about to make it's presence felt, and even though it's not based on a comic book, but rather a 60's sci-fi TV show, 'Star Trek Into Darkness' more or less falls under the same banner and is also garnering a huge buzz with it's own imminent release.

However, my juices are flowing for another comic book legend. The man from the planet Krypton. Yep, I'm talking Superman. He has been gone for a while, but will re-enter our universe on 14 June in 'Man Of Steel' and I have to say, my gut feeling is we are in for something a little special. The film has been produced by Christopher Nolan, the director and creator of the recent outstanding 'Dark Knight' trilogy. His vision of taking away all the campy elements usually associated with Batman and transporting him into a more gritty, violent, realistic setting was pure genius and brought the dead franchise back to the top of the heap. Just knowing that he is involved with this new Superman film has movie fans all over the world counting down to it's release.

What has increased the anticaption have been the teaser trailers coming from the Warner Brothers studio. They have revealed an all star cast, including Russell Crowe as Jor-El (Superman's father), Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent (the father who raises Superman on Earth) and features newcomer, British actor Henry Cavill as the superhero They also show the film to have an added emotional weight not seen in Superman's previous outings. Now only a few days ago the studio released a 3 minute trailer which in my opinion gives the film an 'epic' feel. You have a chance to see it and make your own opinion.

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sesame street does 'mad men'

4/17/2013

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The real 'Mad Men'

Here's a little fun piece. The Emmy Award winning US TV drama 'Mad Men' recently returned to our screens for it's 6th (and penultimate) season. This expertly written and acted show that revolves around Madison Avenue advertising executives, set in the 60's has fast become one of my all time favourite television shows. The main anchor for this foray into the minds of American business and culture during one of the most challenging times in the country's history is the suave, dapper Don Draper, played by actor Jon Hamm. Overnight, his dashing good looks have swept women (world wide) off their feet, even though his TV character is far from being an angel. Guess it's true, those girls really do like the bad boys.

I recently read that Jon Hamm paid a visit to the iconic PBS children's TV show 'Sesame Street', which intrigued me so much I went looking for any other connection between 'Mad Men' and 'Sesame Street' and lo and behold I came across this little gem. Some time back the 'Sesame Street' gang did a very funny 'take' on this very adult show. I enjoyed it so much I thought I would share it with you.

For those ladies out there who can never get enough of Don Draper, I mean Jon Hamm, here is his very recent appearance on 'Sesame Street'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCE0M-icUY0

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review: 'the place beyond the pines'

4/16/2013

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'The Place Beyond The Pines'

A couple of days ago I caught an outstanding, intelligent and engrossing crime thriller by the name of 'The Place Beyond The Pines'. This film so impressed me, I left the cinema thinking I had just seen a modern day classic. I believe this work will stand up in years to come. 'Pines' was made by Derek Cianfrance, who back in 2010 released the poignant 'Blue Valentine', which beautifully caught the pain and emotion of a couple breaking up, but on screen the story was told in reverse, beginning with the split and working it's way back to how the love affair between the two first blossomed. The lovers were played (to perfection) by Michelle Williams, who received an Academy Award nomination, and Ryan Gosling, who I thought deserved a nomination, but was overlooked.

Being fully aware that he is not just another pretty boy actor, but can in fact deliver the goods, Cianfrance enlisted hot A-lister actor Ryan Gosling again, this time to headline 'The Place Beyond The Pines', alongside another hot A-lister, Bradley Cooper (the heat still evident from his recent Oscar nominated box office hit movie, 'Silver Linings Playbook' and what will surely be one of this summer's biggest money makers, 'The Hangover Part 3') in essentially what is a double header. The story itself is told in a grand epic style and actually crosses generations, spanning over 17 years. Though crime is featured quite strongly in the tale, it is not the heart and soul of the film. The theme that resonates the most is that of fathers and sons and choices made that can be life changing, in both good and bad ways.

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chaka khan to enter apollo Legends hall of fame

4/14/2013

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Chaka Khan

I know it is not very polite to mention a lady's age, but in this case I am hopeful that this genuine singing legend will not mind. I am referring to (the often imitated, but never quite duplicated) Chaka Khan. Unbelieveably this superstar performer is now 60. When did that happen? More importantly, have you seen Ms Khan lately?!! She has lost a considerable amount of weight, looks much younger than should be allowed, still oozes a sexy style and sophistication, and of course we cannot forget that legendary powerhouse voice that can still blow the roof off. I was fortunate enough to witness this firsthand a few years ago when I caught Ms Khan on stage in Oprah Winfrey's spectacular Broadway hit production of 'The Color Purple'.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Chaka Khan's presence in the music business, so expect several celebrations to showcase this special event. Just last week the world famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York announced that Chaka would be inducted into their annual Legends Hall Of Fame on Monday 10th June 2013. Tributes on the night will be led by none other than Patti LaBelle and Mary J. Blige, so those lucky enough to be in attendence can look forward to a superior singing fest!!

Chaka recently made a statement, "I am honoured that The Apollo is inducting me into The Apollo Legends Hall Of Fame". She also added, "The Apollo Theatre is an American institution and is world renowned for developing, nurturing and creating talent for decades. The Apollo Theatre has supported my career and now they are a part of honoring my legacy. I am looking forward to the celebration."
Former artists who have been inducted into the Hall Of Fame include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin, so it goes without saying this is a very serious (soulful) club to belong to. All I can add is, Ms Khan, it is richly deserved!!

Being such a huge fan (don't tell anyone, but she's been my favourite female singer for decades), it was hard to choose a song from her extensive cataloge, but I finally narrowed it down to 'Through The Fire' from her 1984 Platinum selling album 'I Feel For You' - simply a classic vocal performance.

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discover timotha lanae

4/13/2013

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'Red' by Timotha Lanae

For the past couple of weeks I have been living with an album by a very talented singer- songwriter who until very recently was unfamiliar to me. I am so glad this is no longer the case.In such a short space of time I have found myself being drawn into the world she has created with her music and loving every moment of it. Her name is Timotha Lanae and she has delivered a collection of quality driven songs under the banner of 'Red'. An apt title as the colour red is usually associated with fire and heat, and believe you me Ms Lanae is a hot property. This gifted young lady, who hails from Prince's hometown of Minneapolis, has several talents to her name. Singer, songwriter, dancer, thatrical performer as well as the creator of Ladies of Jazz and MN Artists for Youth Art (MAYA).

The album's opening song 'Smooth Music' is a perfect way showcase Timotha Lanae's various musical flavours. On it she not only literally introduces herself, but sings the lines "A touch of jazz, r&b, soul and hip hop too. I mix these all together and make my own groove" which pretty much sums up the whole record. The influences from all the mentioned genres are evident throughout and her vocal style is reminiscent of Jill Scott. She belongs in that mould of the female modern soul/r&b singers who obviously have a love and a feel for jazz and incorporate those sensabilities in their rendering of the material.I can imagine her being a huge fan of Anita Baker, along with the usual greats, Billie, Ella, Sarah etc. Speaking of the material, it should be noted that Ms Lanae wrote 10 of the 12 tracks on the album. No mean feat as the high standard obtained throughtout 'Red' never falters.

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'venus & serena' documentary

4/7/2013

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Serena and Venus Williams

One of the most exciting stories to emerge in recent times in the world of professional tennis is the explosion of both Venus and Serena Williams. Two young African American women who hailed from an area called Compton, a district of Los Angeles, California, more known for it's inner city struggles of gang violence, drug related incidents and murder. Rumour has it that their father, Richard Williams got himself a book on tennis and decided to coach his two daughters. They practised and honed their skills on urban concrete courts. What happened next stunned the tennis world.

These two black women entered a field not known for having many players of colour dominating the game, and yet this is exactly what they both did. Winning major tournaments around the world, including each Williams sister obtaining the tennis world's highest honour, becoming Wimbledon Champion on several occasions. If there was a rule book to what in theory should happen in tennis, they single handedly tore it up and wrote a brand new one. The message being whoever you are and wherever you come from, if you put the effort in, you too can step up to the plate and grad the grand prize.

Shining a (much needed) light on these two trailblazing females is a brand new documentary from Magnolia Films called 'Venus And Serena'. The film shows their rise to the lofty positions they now hold, from LA to South West London, home of Wimbledon and promises to show the real relationship between the sisters (also tennis rivals) and the outside world along with all the pressures of being at the top of the sport. It can't be easy when you are the one making a path and there is no reference point to look back to. The documentary is avialable to rent in the US through iTunes and other various video platforms and hits theatres (again, in the US) on 10th May 2013. To give you a taster, here is the official trailer.

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<<Previous

'the inevitable defeat of mister and pete'

daft punk: 'get lucky' Ft. pharrell williams & nile rodgers

masters of the airwaves: the rise & rise of underground radio

jay z to sell off his share of the brooklyn nets

awesome new 'man of steel' trailer

sesame street does 'mad men'

review: 'the place beyond the pines'

chaka khan to enter apollo Legends hall of fame

discover timotha lanae

'venus & serena' documentary

EON IRVING

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