Things that make me happy this week... Goapele

Things that make me happy this week... Goapele new Album "Break of Dawn"

Goapele pronounced (Gwa-pa-lay)

What makes Goapele stand out besides her name? This woman can sing with the best of them and has that classic soulful sound of the R&B artist of yesterday. But don't be mistaken, her music is contemporary in a neo-soul sort of way. But her Oakland roots shine through her music. Funk, Jazz, hip hop, and R&B fused together into her latest offering, "Break of Dawn".  Maybe its what you would get if mixed two parts Sade, one part D'Angelo and splash of EnVogue vocal styling. This musical cocktail is refreshing, yet familiar-- making you want to sit down with your favorite drink after a long day, kick back, and press play on your sound system and relax.

I just got to see her perform live for the first time at BB Kings in NYC for her album release party.  She has a much larger following than I thought since many have not heard of her yet. You might of heard of her big hit "Closer" from her "Change it All" album. (A good addition to anyone music library by the way.) She featured many tracks from her new album


Break of Dawn Songs
1. Play. First song released. Has a definite Sade feel to it. Strong first tune. It will get some play.
2. Tears on my pillow. Slow down ballet with a light hip hop feel of a Jahiem or D'Angelo type beat. I think this could be a hit...
3. Undertow. Sweet sexy song. Dreaming vocals and ethereal sounds... floating on clouds feel. Another one with good potential.
4. Break of Dawn. Title track is not that strong to me. Not bad. Just doesn't stand out.
5. Hush. A nice lullaby sounding song. Another soulful song but probably won't be a big hit... but I could see a nice video from this one.
6. Money. This is an okay throwback funk song. Not a big fan. This might get skipped on my playlist a bunch.
7. Pieces. Another sleepy ballet. I like the sound but doesn't stand out to me.
8. Right There. A little bit more hip hop beat with this joint. This song could use a strong remix and a 8 bars from a top rapper (Drake, Common, Weezy, or maybe Beenie man). I like this song just needs a little push to be great and top billboard hit. Think weaker version of Motivation by Kelly Rowland.
9. Milk & Money. Another strong song. This is a cool joint to play while hosting a nice cocktail tune. Classic Neosoul sound.

Pros
1. Album got soul and a mix of R&B sounds. There is about 2-3 potential hits on this album. More than her last because she is a rising star.
2. Favorite songs... Undertow, Tears on my Pillow, Right There (one of these might become a classic)
3. Strong vocals. This girl has got a powerful voice in a small frame.

Cons
1. No real upbeat club type song. Although she made had a "house" remix of closer from her last album. She should include on to get more radio play. At least one tune.
2. Some songs are not that strong. They will be forgettable.

She is an independent artist and not with a major label so she isn't going to get the marketing to get her music wide play without a grassroots hit. Think Adele... type growth.

But I like her as an artist and hope more people check out independent artist like this. Support if you can when she and other talented artist visits your town. If she was was on American idol she would definitely win and be a big star. But I bet she wouldn't want to give up creative control of her sound.

Check out info on the artist and her new album.
http://goapele.com/home/

Play Video - Break of Dawn Album

Love me Right Video - Previous Album

Closer Video (Previous Album)

What is your favorite songs on this album?

S.F Guru

Things that make me happy... HBO documentary: Sing your Song

Harry Belafonte, singer, actor, activist, statesman...

Things that make me happy this week... Sing Your Song, an HBO documentary featuring the life and times of Harry Belafonte.

I first saw Sing Your Song at the TriBeCa Film festival and was fascinated to learn more about the living legend known as Harry Belafonte. This documentary tells the story of his life which began as a young singer, next transitioned into acting on stage and screen, then transcended into activist for poor and oppressed people around the world.

My first memories of Harry Belafonte was on the Muppet Show in the late 1970s. I remember my father telling me that this man was born in NY and had some family from Jamaica. I was certainly too young to know about all of the film, theater, TV work he did in the past. And boy was I surprised to find out that he was an even bigger singer and recording artist.  His 1956 Calypso album was at the time the first LP (long play for those youngins out there) album to sell over 1 million copies. On this album he made famous "The Banana Boat Song" with the iconic "Day-O" chant similar to an old folk chant from the Caribbean.  Belafonte broke many barriers in his years as an entertainer including guest hosting The Tonight Show many times, winning an Tony, an Emmy, a Grammy lifetime achievement award, along with many other honors in his prolific career.

Harry made an equal contribution to the world with his work as an activist and humanitarian. His work in raising awareness of the injustice in South Africa during Apartheid, and his work during the US Civil right movement are just a few highlights of his work to help the oppressed and disenfranchised. Today he continues to work in the street with youth to get them more politically active and to end gang violence.

Sing your Song is a personal telling of his story that gives the audience a glimpse of history through the lens of his eyes.  You might also get appreciation of what one man with a platform can do when willing to rise to the challenge.  Makes you wonder where are those black leaders in entertainment today?  God knows we have way more with his type of popularity today. Makes you go hmmmmm...

Best part of the film
-The history lesson from his perspective
-Honest discussion about his personal life... even his failings
-Good stories about his work in Civil Rights movement
-A few lesson for the next generations..

Cons
-Not a big focus on his career as an entertainer and the struggles of being a black entertainer although it does get a decent mention
Who is your top 5 triple threat entertainers of all time? Harry would have to be one of mine. He has the stats and accomplishments that are hard to beat.

S.F Guru

Things that make me happy this week... Movie: 50/50

Things that makes me happy this week... Movie: 50/50

I just went to see the latest Seth Rogen (Knocked up, Funny People, and Pineapple Express) and Joseph Gorden-Levitt movie 50/50 currently in theater. And so begins Oscar season for movies. This romantic dramedy (yes a bit romance, a bit comedy, and a bit drama) spectacularly pulls off the major feat of making a movie about cancer funny. Loosely based on a true story of movie screenwriter Will Reiser. Gorden-Levitt star quality is rising rapidly with a series of hits and critically acclaimed movies like 500 Days of Summer, and Inception. If you like 500 days, you'll like will probably 50/50. They both have similar styles and sensibilities.

What I liked best:
1. Music Soundtrack for movie. Not only does the movie feature great songs, they fit the scenes perfectly. I would grab that album for chill listening. Also check out 500 days of summer sound track. Another solid soundtrack.
2. Performances. The stars not only nail their roles, all are charming and extremely likable. Big ups to Anna Kendrick (Up in the air, Twilight series) for another strong performance.
3. This is a funny movie. There a good laughs in this movie. Not many movies do that well anymore especially when it comes to tough topic about cancer.
4. The length... The told a complete story in under 2 hours. A sign of good movie making in my book.

What didn't work for me:
1. Surprising Angelica Houston, as the mom, didn't stand out in this movie for me. Not sure why.
2. Headgear... Like sunglasses indoors. Not a good look.
3. Cancer really sucks. Especially when you've lost someone close. But the story is not about Cancer. Its about people and how they deal with adversity.

For anyone that had to deal with cancer personally or with a family or friend, this movie puts a realistic yet funny face on dealing with illness. And for those fortunate enough not to have that particular experience, there is a valuable lesson on life in this movie... and lots of unexpected things to make you stop and think... How I would I react to that... better yet, Am I strong enough to cope.

For a nice interview with writer and star check out NPR's Fresh Air

NPR 50/50 Interview w/ Will Reiser and Joseph Gorden-Levitt

Think this will get nominated for Oscar? What categories?

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers

Things that make me happy... BET Hip Hop Award Cyphers - 2011 edition (now airing on BET)

Okay sure it is annoying that each year they make up new categories that make very little sense. But the show is still worth a watch.

Is hip hop dead? Nah! For 2 hours once a year BET feature veterans and new rappers on best segment of any award show on TV... The Cypher.  From the DJ in the background to the street feel of the set, this reminds me of raps hey day. Yo MTV Rap style...

So for the real hip hop lovers... check out the rhyme.

Eminem Group (Would have to be the master of this... Consistently great flows every year)

Ludacris and Busta Group (My favorite... Busta gave a full dissertation on this one).

Estelle Group

Chris Brown Group (Chris Breezy letting of some steam)

Rick Ross Group

BOB Group

Most Rapper Representing: Atlanta. But what is always fun to see is the diversity of sounds, flows and people in these cyphers, women, latino, french, even a disable rapper... BET is reaching out.

Which was your favorite?
What was the best verse?

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... HBO Documentary - The Latino List

Things that make me happy... HBO Documentary - The Latino List

I remember when I was growing up that Sept/Oct was Hispanic Heritage Month.  February (the shortest month - hmmm what's up with that) was Black history and always featured specials on TV about black heritage. March was Woman History and did the same with women history and issues. Likewise, the beginning of fall was time to learn and focus on Latino culture. Growing up in a vibrant Hispanic neighborhood might have peaked my interest in Latin culture and started my lifelong love of Latin inspired cultures. So with that in that in mind, I was so pleased to watch another installment of one of my favorite HBO documentary series... The Latino List. This documentary is the latest project of Timothy Greenfield-Sanders who gave us the Black List Vol 1-3 (if you haven't seen check it out netflix and youtube), and the tastefully produced Thinking XXX (a portrait of stars of adult films that was also featured on HBO). 

Like his previous works, Greenfield feature profiles of several prominent Latinos as they discuss various topics from a Latino perspective.  They explore everything from the meaning of being Latino in the 21st century to lessons learned growing up Latino in America.  The people come from different professions and backgrounds but all have insightful tidbits of wisdom on their lives as Latinos. 

What I like the most about this documentary it gives many a glimpse of the life's, struggles, and hopes of people.  We see the similarities that we all share and some subtle differences that make us interesting and better Americans.  There are teachers, writers, actors, politicians and yes... even an astronaut. But most of all this documentary is meant to inspire all of us, but especially young people to see people who look like them that have succeeded in some aspect of life.  Maybe the Latino List II may feature our first Latino president... its just a matter of time.

People featured:
Gloria Estefen
Emilio Estefen
America Ferrera
Sandra Cisneros
Jose Moreno Hernandez
Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch
John Leguizamo
Eva Longoria
Robert Menendez
Armando Christian Perez
Juan Antonio "Chi-Chi" Rodriquez
Anthony D. Romero
Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Julie Stav
Dr Marta Moreno Vega

If you like Latino List you should check out the exhibit at Brooklyn Museum of Art that features 25 large photographs of the accomplished Latino people featured in the film until December 11th 2011.  There is also an IPhone app that has stories of people on the street (in Spanish) speaking about people that inspire them.
Most impressive interviews
America Ferrera
Justice Sonia Sotomayor

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy this week... The play Mountaintop

Things that make me happy this week... Mountaintop the Play

Mountaintop, now playing on Broadway for a limited time, is a play about a re-imagined day before Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis. The play stars Samuel Jackson as MLK near the end of his journey and Angela Bassett as an unusual visitor on a mission.  This play portrays MLK as a man. Not the legend or great civil rights leader... but a man weary of the burden on his shoulder and fully aware of his role in the movement. This is not the typical portrayal of MLK, but Jackson does a great job bring his unique talents to make MLK human... an every man's man.  Bassett matches the stature of the iconic Jackson as a southern chamber maid who was fated to meet MLK on April 2nd 1968, the day before his assassination.  The two superstars revisits the Ike and Tina chemistry on stage that gain them critical acclaim in the 1993 film, "Whats Love Got to Do with It".

A few short facts
-No intermission, go to bathroom first.
-No other supporting actors. Just these two on stage... why dilute a good thing.
-Its a stageplay not a musical. But it keeps your attention. Good writing (thank the playwright Katori Hall from London)

For more info visit the The Mountaintop Play Website below
http://www.themountaintopplay.com/

I really enjoyed the play for several reasons.
1. These actors rarely do stage work now a days so seeing these two masters of the craft doing live is a true joy.
2. Some of the creative minds behind last year's hit Fences, starring Denzel Washingtion, are part of the creative team of  Mountaintop.  Kenny Leon (director) and Branford Marsalis (Original Music) both lend there considerable talents to this play.
3. Its funny and poignant throughout. And by the end you can see that actor Samuel L Jackson disappear and he really transforms into the essence of Dr. King.

There really weren't many negatives but you should warn that this stars Samuel L Jackson and he is known for his signature way with a four letter word or two... and Mrs. Bassett can certainly hold her own in this respect as well. And there are times that you cringe... and times that you have a guilty laugh or two. But in the end of this journey it all comes together to tell and wonderful story about the realization of ones destiny.

This play serves as a reminder of an legendary figure in US (and the world) that help move our nation along its journey to that distant Mountaintop.

Seeing these two made me wonder, what other famous movie actor would you like to see return to Broadway in a play?

S.F Guru