I decided to take the 11 block walk today and head to the Sony Building for the Maxwell listening session for his highly anticipated release BLACKsummer'snight and well...I'm open! From beginning to end, Maxwell is back, in a huge way and bringing soul music back with him.
BLACKsummer'snight is the fourth studio album from Maxwell...a trilogy of 3 installments: BLACK (set to release July 7); SUMMERS' (2010) and NIGHT (2011).
By definition, "BLACK will be a darker, soulful compilation. SUMMERS' leans towards the Gospel side and NIGHT a cool collection of slow grooves." However, after listening to the 9 tracks today, I will say this: BLACK is beautiful...sensuous...exquisite and worth the wait.
According to the press release, Maxwell states, "I wanted to return to 'what is the promise?' What did my music and creativity speak of to people? For me, coming back to that promise was kind of where my heart was really gravitating towards. I didn't intentionally step away from all of it, but I just wanted to...live my life a little bit, and then be able to make music with that pure experience again."
The entire album was recorded with an extraordinary live ten-piece band, which complements the raw, unadulterated lyrics his soul brings out in every song. Check out the first track on the album "Bad Habits" here: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CTiugamq7cM&u1=columbia-website&offerid=78941&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A//itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPreorder%253Fid%253D318979510%2526s%253D143441
Bad Habits is currently available for pre-order and the video is on it's way!
For a more in depth review of the album, log onto: www.creme-magazine.com
After leaving Sony, I hot stepped back to Brooklyn to open that Fed Ex box that woke me up this morning. Inside the box, was the 20th Anniversary Edition of "Do the Right Thing" with a never before seen documentary by Mr. Lee; Crème-Magazine had a chance to hang out at the 20th Anniversary Celebration back in February (you can watch the video on Crème Mag's profile on Facebook!). We had a chance to interview Rosie Perez at the gathering who has offered a quote on a book I CAN NOT PUT DOWN!!! It's called HOLLYHOOD, and judging by the title, I'm guessing you can guess what's up.
Author, Valerie Joyner takes readers inside "A daring, realistic and unapologetic depiction of how it is to be black in La-La land" states Ms. Perez.
From page 1...I'm in the reading room and I'm heated by the end chapter. Had to go get a Starbucks on character "Ty" just to show him "I'm there, brother!" However, I'm only on Chapter 4 and wondering what's next. Is the assistant "Venus" gonna snake his job? Does leading actor-boy "Leeede" learn his lesson of taking stardom for granted? And does the baby-food eating "wanna be" starlet "Naja" get that show she's sleeping to the top for?
Who knows, but for the next few days I'm reading this book on the train, in the bath by candlelight and plan to be done by the Brooklyn book release party so me and Valerie can get our 'hood talk on!
So peeps...I will keep you posted...maybe I should start this read in a book club because these characters will have you talking! Let me know if I should!!!
For more info on Hollyhood, log onto: http://www.valeriejoyner.com/
Until Next Time,
See you in the City!
Dominga~
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