LORE Music News

VOTE Mwalim - BEST POP RECORDING and BEST WORLD MUSIC RECORDING NAMMY's

2010-09-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK - Today starts the public voting for the 2010 Native American Music Awards. Take a few minutes and vote on-line to support MWALIM and "The Liberation Sessions" which made the final rounds of NAMMY nominations for BEST POP RECORDING and BEST WORLD MUSIC RECORDING. Mwalim, a member of the federally recognized Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, is the only Northeastern Native American in the categories of Pop and World Music and one of very few nominated in this years round.

"The Liberation Sessions" which has received critical acclaim from Soul Tracks Magazine and the British-based Soulchoonz tastemaker's site, earned twelve 2010 New England Urban Music Award nominations, winning the slot for Best Male and Female (Amaris) Jazz Vocals. The nominations for Best Pop and World Music categories by the NAMMY's (Native American Music Awards) illustrates what an eclectic, far reaching and genre defying album "The Liberation Sessions" truly is. The public is welcome to weigh in and vote for their choice.

You can hear sample cuts of "The Liberation Sessions" and get a free download of the hit single "Ain't Done Yet" - feat. Amaris by visiting: CDBaby.com/cd/Mwalim

Liberation Music - MGM is asking Native American folks to circulate the word about this nomination and the voting for Mwalim to bring home the NAMMY's for POP and WORLD MUSIC.

Voting for the NAMMY's will continue into Mid-October.
http://www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com/votenow.cfm

Artist Spotlight: Boston Horns

2010-09-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Find your coolest shades and sharpest shirt because the Boson Horns are calling you out. With their bright jazzy funk and R&B grooves, the Boston Horns’ Shibuya Gumbo is like medicine for the soul that is sure to cure any shadowy frame of mind. With plenty of memorable twists and turns thanks to a talented group of musicians, Boston Horns supply music for musicians and for the common listener. Check out the review for Shibuya Gumbo in the LORE review section

The Liberation Sessions” Grabs Up Two 2010 Urban Music Awards for Jazz

2010-04-25T16:06:00.001-07:00

Mwalim and Amaris win Best Male & Best Female Jazz Vocalist

BOSTON – Saturday, Mwalim and Amaris emerged from the New England Urban Music Awards with the extremely prestigious, Best Male and Best Female Jazz Vocalist award, cited for their work on “The Liberation Sessions” CD, specifically the songs “DEM BIG GIRLS,” “Ain’t Done Yet,” and “Awakened by a Noon Day Sun.” Albeit DEM BIG GIRLS is more of a Caribbean/ Dance-hall tune, the judges still recognized Mwalim’s strong jazz influences and phrasing to the point of giving him the nod for the award. Mwalim also accepted Amaris' award on her behalf as she could not attend the ceremony.

The air was electric in Dorchester’s Strand Theater Saturday night as people filed into the auditorium for the 2010 New England Urban Music Awards. In the initial stages of the award’s nomination process, “The Liberation Sessions” and it’s featured artists received 12 nominations in various categories. By the second round of nominations, when the pool is even further trimmed down, Amaris, Mwalim, Tantra and The Bass Mint Bros were still in the running, including a best Caribbean Single nomination for DEM BIG GIRLS.

The New England Urban Music Awards began in 2004 as a way to recognize the efforts of Urban Music artists from the New England area and are held annually at The Strand.

www.mwalim.com

Spotlight: Dirty Mac Blues Band

2010-04-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Dirty Mac Blues Band comes just as advertised: their songs are dirty and they deliver a slow blues swagger. They are not your typical blues band. With a female vocalist at the helm, The Dirty Mac Blues Band immediately distinguish themselves from most other modern blues ensembles. Their new CD Victory Bar, the latest installment in our review section, is a perfect example of what this Boston Blues band is capable of.

http://www.myspace.com/dirtymacbluesband

Artist Spotlight: Plumerai

2010-04-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

With a name as strange and cryptic as their music, Plumerai is something of an oddity. They may not be the most accessible band in the world, but their dark and albeit sometimes uncomfortable approach helps set them apart from other acts. Plumerai’s newest album, entitled “Without Number” captures this feeling perfectly, while the newest set of singles to come from this camp offer some of the familiar while hinting at a potential progression to a more mainstream sound.

http://www.reverbnation.com/plumerai

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: McAlister Drive

2010-03-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

In the ever-growing group of current indie pop bands is McAlister Drive. What they offer is what most bands in their genre bring to the table, but they are still worth a listen. With their catchy hooks and full brimmed sound, McAlister Drive have a strong ability to reflect modern pop/rock for better or worse. Check out the review of their debut album “Something To Sleep With” in the review section.

MCALISTERDRIVE.COM

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Adam Hofmann Revival

2010-03-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

If strong songwriting and timeless expressions of human emotion in music is your thing (and if not then you must not be human) then check out the review for Adam Hofmann Revival. Led by Adam Hofmann himself, you’ll instantly feel as though you’ve heard their songs before but chances are it’s because they so strongly resemble other acts that have become world famous. To this degree, one wouldn’t be surprised to see this piano man achieve great heights of his own in the not too distant future. The Adam Hofmann Revival is indeed the complete package.

ADAMHOFMANNREVIVAL.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/ADAMHOFMANNREVIVAL

Artist Spotlight:The Wandas

2010-02-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hailing from Boston is the Berkley bred band The Wandas. A sure fire for large scale future success, The Wandas will no doubt win you over with their hypnotic pop and confident presentation. Want to get a little more familiar with the Wandas? Then check out our review section where you can read the review for their newest CD, New Wave Blues.

http://www.thewandas.com/

Dedication Ceremony For Unity House’s New Performance Space

2010-02-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

“The Griot’s Corner” Blessed With Dedication Ceremony

N. DARTMOUTH – Back in May of 2009, Frederick Douglass Unity House Director, Keith Wilder and Associate Professor, Mwalim were having a discussion about plans for the center. Mwalim, a FDUH faculty-in-residence since 2004, expressed an interest in turning a corner of the UMass Dartmouth student service center into a performance space. Keith Wilder loved the idea and with a few discussions about logistics, Wilder oversaw the creation of an 8’x 8’ performance space, which has been used for presentations of open mic poetry and lectures since September of 2009.

On Monday, February 22, 2010, at 12pm noon, “The Griot’s Corner” ill receive a new world griot’s dedication and blessing ceremony, to be conducted by Mwalim (MJ Peters), Associate Professor of English and African/ African American Studies. The word “Griot” (pronounced gree-oh) is a term for the keepers of oral tradition in the various cultures of West Africa. In the new world context, this term applies to poets, singers, storytellers, actors and musicians. The ceremony will begin at 12 noon and will include music by Royal Hartigan and Mwalim. The Frederick Douglass Unity House is in the campus center complex, UMass Dartmouth, 285 Old Westport Road, N. Dartmouth, MA 02747.

This event is free and open to the public. For more info: 508-999-9222.

Thatcher Harrison Live @ Custom House Coffee

2010-01-26T05:57:00.000-08:00

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. - If you're looking for a way to battle the winter doldrums, eight-year old Thatcher Harrison is at it again. Saturday, January 30, Thatcher will take to the Star Performer stage for an hour-long, solo performance. The show starts at 3:00, when emcee Gary Fish will play a set of his compositions, including, just perhaps, he's newest hit, "Poppin' in and Poppin' Out." At around 3:50, Gary will interview Thatcher. And, then, Thatcher's show will start at 4:00.

At his performance, Thatcher will play two guitars, one ukulele, and a couple of harmonicas. And he has decided to perform songs by the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Donovan, Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, and Rhode Island's own Manny Perry.

About the venue: Custom House Coffee is a nice and cozy coffee shop in Portsmouth's newly-built Clock Tower Square. They make a mean cup of coffee, serve delicious teas, and have tasty foods (salads, pastries, quiches, sandwiches, gelato).

Custom House Coffee
600 Clock Tower Square
West Main and King Charles
Portsmouth, RI
401-682-2600

Soul singer Teddy Pendergrass dies in Pa. at 59

2010-01-13T21:33:00.000-08:00

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A relative says soul singer Teddy Pendergrass has died in suburban Philadelphia at age 59. The singer's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, says his father died Wednesday at Bryn Mawr Hospital. After undergoing colon cancer surgery 8 months ago, Teddy was battling a tough recovery from the procedure.

Teddy Pendergrass worked local Philly clubs and later became drummer and vocalist for Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes in 1969. Pendergrass went solo in 1976. Mr. Pendergrass is known for such hits as I Don’t Love You Anymore, Close The Door, Turn Off The Lights, Can’t We Try, Two Hearts, I Can’t Live Without Your Love, You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration, Hold Me and many more.

Mr. Pendergrass was injured in a car accident in 1982. He suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the waist down. He spent six months in a hospital but returned to recording the next year with the album "Love Language."

His son thanks all the fans of his father's music and says he will live on through his songs. He says the singer was loved by friends and family worldwide.

Artist Spotlight: Violette

2010-01-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been to Paris? If not, don’t worry about it because I found a little piece of Parisian paradise that has made its way to the other side of the Atlantic. And its name is Violette. Violette, a native of Paris, is one of the most promising new jazz artists to hit the streets of Boston, New York, Prague, Dubai…and basically every other major city in the world. At the early age of 23, Violette has not only toured globally, but she has also recorded two albums in 2009 alone.

Violette studied piano and percussions at a Parisian conservatory and then began her singing career at the age of fifteen. In 2007 she moved to Boston, Massachusetts where she enrolled in the prestigious Berkelee College of Music to study arranging, songwriting, and performance. As a mark of her true musical talent and diligence, Violette has been able to record two albums, Innervoice and Joie de Vivre, in a time span of less than a year. Innervoice features song such as “St. Louis Blues” and “Love at First Night” where the upbeat tempos from the piano and snare drum along with sharp rifts from the saxophone create an atmosphere that seems to epitomize the very genre of jazz music. Joie de Vivre is Violette’s newest album and although it is appropriately labeled as jazz, songs like “Love of My Life” allow the listener to see Violette in a slightly different light that has reflections of alternative and acoustic rock. It is absolutely amazing that an artist as young as Violette can produce two distinct and unique sounds in the same year.

With influences from Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Laurence Apithy, Violette has learned to embrace the cultures of jazz and afro-american music. Her passion is evident within the sincere and sultry sounds of her singing. And Violette’s versatility as a musician and songwriter make her music an emotional and spiritual experience that anyone can enjoy.

Upcoming Shows:
12/16/09: Salvatore’s in Lawrence, MA @ 8PM
1/23/10: Les Zygomates in Boston, MA @ 8PM

Violette on the web:
http://www.myspace.com/violettesings
http://www.reverbnation.com/violettemusic

Mwalim's "The Liberation Sessions" Sweeps Category Nominations for the 2010 NEUMA

2010-01-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

BOSTON - "The Liberation Sessions" has definitely made an impression on the music scene in New England as a perusal of the New England Urban Music Awards nomination page will reveal. Mwalim received nominations for Best R&B CD, Best Spoken-word Artist, Best Producer, Best Caribbean Male Vocalist, Best R&B Single, and Best Caribbean Single for DEM BIG GIRLS.

In addition, artists appearing on the critically acclaimed CD also received nominations for their appearances on “The Liberation Sessions:” Soul singer, Phillip Aaron received a nomination for best R&B Male Vocals; Amaris nominations for best R&B Female Vocalist, Jazz Female Vocalist, and best Jazz Single for her appearance on The Bass Mint Bros “Awakened by a Noon Day Sun.” Tah Phrum Duh Bush earned a best Rap Single nomination for the remix of “Life & Death;” The Bass Mint Bros were nominated for Best Jazz Group; Tantra Zawadi got a nomination for best Female Spoken-word for her performance of “Tension;” and Robert Taylor, Jr. received a nomination for Best Latin Single for “YOU”. Liberation Music – MGM was also nominated for best production group.

The New England Urban Music Awards will take place on April 24, 2010 in Boston. Information including tickets and a complete list of nominees for the New England Urban Music Awards can be seen on-line at http://ne.urbanmusicawards.org/nominees/

“The Liberation Sessions: Soul of the City” CD is available on cdbaby.com/cd/mwalim, also as a download on iTunes.com, amazon.com, emusic.com and raphsody.com.

To See the music video DEM BIG GIRLS click the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai2hKs5hpdI

NEW MUSIC: THE LIBERATION SESSIONS on CDBaby.com

2009-12-14T20:06:00.000-08:00

BOSTON - THE LIBERATION SESSIONS: Soul of the City, by Mwalim (Liberation Music - MGM) is now available on CDBaby.com as both a physical CD and download.

Described as a soulful, funky groovy journey into sound, the CD hosts an A-List of guest artists an an eclectic blend of Soul, Funk, Jazz, House, Afro-Latin, and Hip-hop. Officially released on December 7, 2009 the CD has sold over 200 copies hand-to-hand. "Amazing how ou can roll through a club or a party with a CD for sale and folks will buy it," mused Mwalim who goes nowhere without at least 5 copies of the CD in his jacket pocket and a box in his trunk. "Sometimes you just have to go old-school about selling your music." Despite the reccent spikes in digital music sales, the Internet still can't beat the old fashioned car trunk hustle for sales.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Otis Grove

2009-12-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

Looking for instrumental tunes with intensely long guitar solos? How about adding the funky pop sound of a Hammond organ? And stringing it all together with the steady, soulful backdrop of snare drums? This combination, with each component equally distinct and innovative, is brought to life by a trio of guys from just down the river. The Charles River that is. Say hello to Otis Grove, natives of Allston, Massachusetts.

Otis Grove started out as a collective experiment that attempted to blend traditional jazz with funk, rock and roll, and even a little bit of Hip-Hop. And let me tell you they were more than successful. The boys of Otis Grove began to show their sound to the New England area in 2002 and a couple years later they self-recorded (and self-titled) their debut album in 2004. The album was an exposition of the band’s musical ingenuity, producing tracks like “Meet Me Halfway” and the exceedingly popular “Chicken and Biscuits” that emphasize guitar solos thereby expanding upon conventional jazz techniques.

The band’s most recent album, Crank It UP, was recorded after they signed with Ropeadope Records and was released in 2007. The trio was able to maintain their unique mixture of soulful organ melodies and grungy garage rock. The powerful guitar solos from Tyler Drabick give confidence to the funky, more eccentric stylings from Sam Gilman’s organ. These two clearly different musical techniques are held together by the steady yet lively drumming of Blake Goedde. Tracks like “Pure Luck” and “Pimp Juice” expose the group’s unwavering loyalty to the genre of jazz whereas songs such as “Crank It UP” show listeners the innovative and improvisational rock genius that is Otis Grove.

Although all three band members come from completely different musical influences ranging from The Roots to Led Zeppelin, they are united under one cause and one cause alone: educating the masses. Drummer Blake Goedde says, “Let’s educate people back to the 30s, 40s, 50s whenever there was great music all the time and people actually enjoyed listening to it!” So ladies and gentlemen are you ready to help Otis Grove in their honorable endeavor of musical revival? And if you’re more of a stay-at-home type of person I highly recommend “cranking up” your own life by trying out the tracks of this talented trio.

Otis Grove on the Web:

http://www.otisgrove.net/

www.myspace.com/otisgrove

www.facebook.com/pages/Otis-Grove/125487145710

A Silent Genocide: A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS

2009-12-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK -- Brooklyn born performance poet/artist Tantra-zawadi, announced the released of a short documentary titled “A Silent Genocide: A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS” today. Ms. Zawadi created this project in conjunction with Stony Brook University’s World AIDS Day banquet.

A Silent Genocide: A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS, shot on location in New York City and Los Angeles, features a commentary by Betty Makoni, the founder of Girl Child Network Worldwide and a Top 10 finalist for CNN’s 2009 Heroes Award, offers insights into the personal experience of those living with HIV/AIDS. Through art and activism, A Silent Genocide shows viewers how these individuals are striving to decrease the staggering numbers of new infections.

A Silent Genocide is directed by Ms. Zawadi and Oliver Covrett of XYAYX Multimedia who also edited and produced the film. Musical contributions for the project include Tut Burks and Xavier Kemp with artwork by Shanna Melton.

This is Tantra-zawadi’s third project to raise awareness regarding HIV/AIDS. Her video “Scarlet Waters” was featured on the Product (RED) video wall as well as a PSA for Mark Herbert Productions/Betah and Associates.

Tantra-zawadi is an internationally known performance poet/recording artist and the author of “alifepoeminprogress.” She has performed her soul stirring life-poems to standing room audiences at venues all over the world; most recently at the Badilisha Poetry X-Change Festival in Cape Town, South Africa. Her latest projects include: “Girl – A Choreospective”, and collaborations such as The Love Planet EP by Collective Spirits, EARTHOLOGY by Floyd Boykin, Jr., and The Liberation Sessions by Mwalim.

A Silent Genocide: A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS

A Documentary by Tantra-zawadi

Filmed and Produced by Oliver Covrett, XYAYX Multimedia

Now on YouTube.com

www.youtube.com/tantrazawadi

Artist Spotlight: David Cain and The Senses

2009-11-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

Somewhere in between reality and the subconscious lies The Senses. Led by David Cain, a resident artist at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield, IL, this experimental jazz group straddles the line between multiple genres including rock, funk, and soul. With his smooth yet strong voice, David Cain can at times be compared with Sting while the swells of texture and ambience are reminiscent of Pink Floyd. His band is an accomplished group, consisting of Howard Freitag on guitar, Jeff Cunningham on bass, Mike Newbury on drums, and David Hoffman on trumpet. Lyrics of life, love, and everything in between can be heard in the Senses’ music, making their efforts a wide ranging affair. The review for their newest album, “Need Want” can be checked out in our review section as well as their Grammy nominated, “Looking For Your Face”.

David Cain on The Web:
http://www.davidcain.me
http://www.thesenses.net

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Adam Payne

2009-11-09T00:24:00.000-08:00

Adam Payne-Groove Central By Jason Savio

There is a new king of cool and his name is Adam Payne. If you tried to group him in a category with other artists you’d be hard pressed because he has created a niche all his own. Ranging from laid back R&B Grooves to stripped down acoustic performances, Adam Payne is sure to bring something to the table that everyone can enjoy.

Payne’s newest album, “The Quelling”, is a vibrant and soulful effort. Many of the songs sound like they belong on the radio and undoubtedly should be. Starting with the neo-soul of “Be Near Me”, with it’s synth intro that sounds like Super Mario in outer space, one can’t help but already feel the good vibes to come. The confident swagger in these songs is characterized by the subtle and simple yet effective beats that get stuck in your head. The atmospheric touches on tracks such as “Over And On Again” help lend a cool ghost funk, making “The Quelling” a unique achievement.

It is when Payne takes away the synths and extra layers and just plays acoustically on his album “Just Me” that the yearning in his lyrics take center stage, revealing a deeper level in his songwriting. The honest lyrics cut through and help give the songs substantial ground, such as on the track “Just Let Me In”:“I would die for you/I’d provide for you/I’d do anything to pull in the tide for you”. It is this vulnerability that Payne reveals with his acoustic strapped around his shoulder that is a crucial element in his ability to allow the listener to relate. While these songs are longer and more drawn out than those on “The Quelling“, they also show another side to him.

When Payne isn’t flying solo, he lets loose with his band 2ADAM12. Just when you think you have him pegged, Payne surprises you with a formidable and tight band that delivers a whole other kind of strut. Moving away from the groove wave of “The Quelling” to the poppy funk of 2ADAM12, Payne gets into full on jam mode. The reggae-slink of “Give It” comes out of left field and is an impressive display that is completely different from all his other songs. What is also a noticeable difference with 2DAM12 is the electric guitar solos that seamlessly guide through with a funky wah, helping give more of an edge on songs like “Ride”, which has a full on jam tacked on at the end for good measure.

Let’s not forget the single “Chiclets In My Pocket”, a tongue-in-cheek ode to the bite size gum. The humor in this tune would be right at home as a Saturday Night Live digital short (check out the video on YouTube), and that speaks to its mainstream potential.

Unlike so many of today’s artists, Adam Payne is a true individual who does what he wants to do and that is something to be respected. A well rounded musician and singer/songwriter, be sure to remember the name Adam Payne.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Meet Shea Rose

2009-10-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

BOSTON/ ATLANTA, GA - Shea Rose is a musical artist without boundaries; a stylistic chameleon if you would. Simultaneously breaking through and blending the genres of soul, rock, folk, funk and jazz, as music writer Andy Buckley put it, "she’s a singer-songwriter who can plug a hole in a soulful folk tune with a bit of rap. She’s a guitarist, which means in this day and age she stands out. So, respect the lady, the artist -- Shea Rose is a musician." A Boston native who's grandfather played jazz organ at the legendary (and sadly, long gone) Hi-hat club. Shea credits her ability to embrace rock and folk on her years (from age 12 on) in the mostly white Boston suburb of Braintree, where she was exposed to Bon Jovi and Guns-n-Roses.

Determined to break into the business, Shea decided to relocate to Manhattan. While in New York, she responded to an ad and was offered lead singer for a girl group, Mercy. After a short stint with the group, she decided to instead return to Boston, and work on her musical chops as a solo artist. First fronting for “a gang of old hippie white guys”, The Ripchordz, she later moved onto land a gig with the R&B band Luv Jones. “That’s when I learned how to capture an audience,” Shea says.

After a year of non-stop performing, Shea moved to Jamaica with her boyfriend from the band, Nathan Sabanayagam. Her evolution continued with a heavy course in reggae in its homeland, and learning how to play guitar. Shea the storyteller revealed herself in a more folk-acoustic fashion, such as “Light Fades” & “Lovin’ You". Returning again to Boston, she answered an ad on Craigslist, and was chosen as one of six writer-musicians to tour the country on a bus for MSN Music. While using her skills as a reporter, she wrote online articles for bands and concerts. Those close quarters with her busmates, representing different genres of American music, exposed to her even greater range of traditions -- and how the music industry works.

After three months, the tour was over and Shea realized how little experience she really had with music. Getting serious, she took Berklee College of Music up on a $10,000 World Tour Scholarship and enrolled in the spring of 2007. “I never realized how vast and theoretical music really is,” she says of her education. Plus, she took advantage of a grant to study for a semester at the Nakas Conservatory in Greece. While there, she quickly got exposure as an R&B performer, and was performing in clubs in Athens. “I came back from Europe with such a fire,” she says.

Since returning from Europe, Shea hit Berklee’s main stage (Berklee Performance Center - BPC) as the opener for the historic “Women in Rock” concert – a tribute to African American Women in Rock Music featuring Nona Hendryx, Joyce Kennedy and Cindy Blackman. She made a return trip to Europe (Naples, Italy) to collaborate with Cindy Blackman on a six song EP and she was called to open the 2009 New England Urban Music Awards.

Currently Shea is in the studio working on her new material. Her songs “Free Love” and “Light Fades” are featured on Berklee’s Heavy Rotation Records, Dorm Session 6 CD, a compilation featuring some of Berklee’s most outstanding talent. Meanwhile, she’s still working on her guitar playing. And polishing her songwriting craft is also paying off – she was currently featured as the Spotlight Artist of the Month on producer, Dallas Austin’s website – Rowdy TV.

With a powerful voice and electric presence, Shea Rose could do just fine as a simple performer in contemporary American music. But there’s a depth and breadth to this artist -- ever-expanding -- that takes any audience further. The best musicians are on a journey, and every new listener is glad to join Shea Rose on hers.

DJ ALERT: DEM BIG GIRLS - Free mp3 Download available

2009-10-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

SONG: DEM BIG GIRLS
ARTIST: Mwalim *7)
ALBUM: The Liberation Sessions
LABEL: Liberation Music - MGM

"When we get out on the dance floor baby/ Don't be afraid to throw it all at me.."
DEM BIG GIRLS - Mwalim

Free Review copies of DEM BIG GIRLS are available for credentialed journalists, djs, record pools, and event promoters. Contact loremusicgroup[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.

Since August, Liberation Music has been slipping white label copies of the single, DEM BIG GIRLS to club and mix tape djs throughout the east-coast. The result: a quirky little dance hall hit that has everybody (especially the plus sized beauties), from Bermuda to Maine, flocking to the dance floor.
The single can be heard on http://www.mwalim.com and purchased on www.nimbitmusic.com/mwalim.

Mwalim, an underground soul-funk-jazz artist/ songwriter/ producer, best known for his jazzy-soul grooves and acid-jazz/ house recordings, covers new ground with the release DEM BIG GIRLS.
DEM BIG GIRLS is the first release from Malim's upcoming CD, "The Liberation Sessions: Soul of the City (Liberation Music - MGM)". The Liberation Sessions, an eclectic album of soul, jazz, funk features an A Guest List of vocalists, spoken-word artists is scheduled for release in late November of 2009.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Meet Jeremy James

2009-10-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

Music is a family tradition for this Antiguan born singer, songwriter and performer. Jeremy James, the son of a singer and the grandson of a guitarist, is continuing the family tradition of providing music for all to enjoy.

Smooth, organic and soulful yet edgy, are some of therms that describe Jeremy’s style. His lyrics are dressed with melodies that leave lasting impressions that all listeners can easily relate to. When Jeremy is armed with a guitar, he fills the air with colorful, yet complex, chords.

Jeremy is no stranger to the music industry, having landed a straight out of college gig as a lead guitarist for the group Atlantic Starr. Since then, Jeremy‘s fortune continued and his music has been featured in a number of films, television programs, and the like. Songs from his debut album For you have appeared on a number of film and television soundtracks.

Jeremy James has been heard on radio stations like 93.5 FM, 98.7 Kiss FM, and Jammin 105. He has appeared on television shows like "Today In New York Weekend" on NBC4, interviewed by Rob Morrison, as well as "Do You in 30 Seconds" on BET 106 & Park, when he was interviewed by Free and A.J. He was also featured in press articles like Daily News. He has wooed audiences with his performances in well-known New York venues including SOB'S, The Schomburg, Joe's Pub, Knitting Factory, and the Blue Note. Playing those gigs is where he honed his sound. It comes as no surprise that he has performed and recorded with various artists such as Atlantic Starr, SWV, Devine and Donell Jones, to mention only a few.

He is now in the process of recording a solo album of original songs and preparing to make a trip to the West coast where he will add new fans to his already large following established in the New York area.

Living by the philosophy that his music and guitar is his first love, Jeremy James is here to write his own page in the annals of music history. Check out his music; it’s habit-forming; once you hear him, you’ll want to hear more.

Jeremy James Website
Jeremy James on Face Book
Jeremy James on Myspace.com

Open Mic @ The LORE Lounge, New Bedford, MA

2009-09-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

Live Review
Jason Perry, southcoast247.com assistant editor

June 30, 2009

Call me short sighted. Maybe I am completely oblivious like Bill Murray in What About Bob? But based on my experience with the South Coast music scene, a majority of the artists fall into the categories of alternative/experimental rock, NYC-inspired hardcore, or Bay Area-esque punk. While many of those bands are excellent at what they do, I find myself yearning for a change of pace: A sound that doesn't rely on quirky synths, acoustic strumming, or silly lyrics to get noticed in this area.

So I decided to visit New Bedford's The LORE Lounge underneath Gallery X on William Street to engulf my night in a creatively open environment. At The LORE Lounge, jazz, soul, and blues players share the stage with poets and spoken word performers in a venue that welcomes both the ordinary and extraordinary. Think of it as a workspace; a place where artists can perform whatever they want, whenever they want, in front of an audience that supports any form of creative expression.

I arrived at 9:00 p.m. in time to catch a free flowing hip-hop session from local rapper NuBomb, who performed in front of a scant, but attentive, crowd. NuBomb wasn't short on passion and, if anything, represented the core purpose of The LORE Lounge: to give an artist, regardless of talent level or experience, an opportunity to satisfy his muse. Afterward, NuBomb took a moment to shake hands with the audience; an act of appreciation.

Following NuBomb was Robert Barboza; an accomplished journalist and poetry extraordinaire. Robert brought a wonderful support system of family and friends with him as he shared poems from his latest book, "The Way The Wind Bends Things." Personally, I'm not a poetry enthusiast, but I respected Robert's subtle passion as he read his work aloud. Most of Robert's selections hinted at his personal experiences, both as a father and a journalist, with the highlight being "When I Was Thirsty;" a sincere thank you to his friends for helping him raise a child. Robert's time in the spotlight drew a well-deserved round of applause, which he appeared to genuinely appreciate.

The highlight of the night for me was a soulful, four-piece jam session featuring Mwalim *7), the proprietor of The Lore Lounge movement, on keyboard and vocalist Phillip Aaron on the mic. The band flowed through key jazz notes like a silk thread swaying in the breeze, changing tempos at will to create a composition that refused to travel along the beaten path. This style of music was what I came for: As cliche as it may be, it was a breath of fresh air.

The LORE Lounge stays open until 2 a.m., but since my eyelids felt like they were hooked to slabs of concrete, I had to call it a night by 11 p.m. I took with me a feeling I haven't been acquainted with in a while when leaving a music venue: inspiration. There were hits, there were misses, and there was a moment or two of confusion, but it was impressively brought together by an aura of raw creativity that you simply don't get in other local venues.

CALL FOR ENTRY: RaNdOm CuTs Film Series

2009-09-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

Digital Filmmaker Series Accepting Short Digital Films

N. DARTMOUTH – The RaNdOm CuTs Film Series is an upcoming, bi-monthly screening of short films (5 – 45 mins in length) shot and edited in digital formats. RaNdOm CuTs is accepting short digital films, including narratives, documentaries, animation and experimental films for consideration and inclusion in the series. Digital Media and Digital Film students are encouraged to submit.

To be considered, simply send a DVD of your project with a letter of introduction. The letter of Introduction must include the name of the project, a one paragraph description of the piece, the name of the central filmmaker(s), year the film was made, as well as contact info (Name, address, phone, e-mail, website, etc.). Selected filmmakers will have a release form e-mailed to them. We will begin accepting submission on November 5, 2009.

Packages should be mailed to:

Prof. MJ Peters
English Dept
UMass Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
N. Dartmouth, MA 02747

Each installment of the series will have a screening in New Bedford at Gallery X, and a screening on Cape Cod. We will be launching the series in March of 2010. For more information, contact Prof. MJ Peters at mpeters@umassd.edu or 508-999-8304.

LORE Lounge Invites You To The Movies!!!

2009-09-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

NEW BEDFORD - September LORE Lounge Invites You To The Movies. Independent Feature Film by Local Filmmaker, Calvin Grace Will Be Screened.

The LORE Lounge @ Gallery X kick's off it's third season on Friday, September 25, 2009 with a change of pace, the feature for the September session will be a screening of the independent feature film "9 to 5" by New Bedford filmmaker Calvin Grace. "9 to 5" depicts a night in the lives of four young men, where the night life of the streets brings them more then they bargained for. Filmed mostly in New Bedford, this action packed thriller carries a R rating. Film director, Calvin Grace is the co-founder of Red Feather Studios, a New Bedford- based film and video production collaborative.

The LORE Lounge is monthly session of Soul, Jazz & Spoken-word, meeting on the fourth Friday of each month in the basement of Gallery X, 169 William Street in New Bedford. Hosted by Phillip Aaron and Mwalim and featuring the house band, The Bass Mint Bros, this eclectic, funky gathering starts at 8:30 PM.

NEW MUSIC: The Liberation Sessions, New Soul Album by Mwalim

2009-09-13T01:27:00.000-07:00

BOSTON - While his label is currently slipping white label copies of the single DEM BIG GIRLS by Mwalim into the hands of radio and club DJs, and this dancehall flavored soul classic in the making is slowly taking over dance floors; Mwalim and Liberation Music - MGM prepares for the November release of his latest CD, THE LIBERATION SESSIONS: Soul of the City featuring compositions, collaborations and remixes by Mwalim with an A-List of guest artists, including Amaris, Phillip Aaron, Tah Phrum Duh Bush, The Bass Mint Bros, Kalayana, Tantra, Robert Taylor, Jr., and Tem Blessed.

The Liberation Sessions is a funky, groovy soulful journey into sound. From the fertile musical imagination of one of today's most talented soul artists and producers, the album/ CD is built around the concept of a fictional radio show, "The Liberation Sessions" on the equally fictional radio station, WBAR-FM. Mwalim explains, "I grew up listening to radio stations like WBLS and Kiss-FM in New York and remember the Friday night shows featuring mix shows, dance music and so forth. I wanted to try to capture that eclectic flavor on this album, which is why I worked with a range of artists... soul, hip-hop, acid jazz, spoken-word... a little something for everybody." Chock full of funky, head bobbing music and wonderful skits,

Review copies of the new project (selected cuts and the entire CD) are available as mp3 downloads upon request. Mwalim is also available for interviews and sound drops. For more information, contact loremusicgroup[

at]gmail[dot]com.

THE LIBERATION SESSIONS: Soul of the City
Mwalim
Liberation Music – MGM
MGR – 113
Soul/ Urban/ Alternative Pop

LORE Music Group Launches Web-based Promotions Project

2009-09-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

BOSTON - LORE Music Group has begun the second phase of it's on-line web portal with the launch of the LORE Music News, a tip sheet of news and reviews of new projects, shows and releases by LORE Music Group affiliated labels and artists.

LORE Music Group is a Creative Economy project of UMass Dartmouth professor, Morgan James Peters, where LORE Music Group assists in the promotion and marketing of Soul, Jazz and Spoken-word artists, primarily from the Southcoastal Region of New England.