So glad that Ari and Durand are both getting the recognition they deserve. They’ve been in the scene for a minute and I am glad that they are now getting the limelight. hard work truly pays off when it comes to something you’re so passionate about. Can’t believe it’s been months since my first actual performance to Ari Lennox Whipped Cream. would do it all over again, but much better haha. Durand is also such an amazing vocalist. been following him for years and so upset that he is now getting recognition. He dropped his EP a few days ago which I’ll be sharing soon. But first, FACETIME.
Tag: MusicBlogging
“Bad Habits” Usher (2020)
“Save The Day” Mariah Carey (2020)
Chasing Trane (2016) Netflix Documentary
American jazz saxophonist and composer, John Coltrane, was at the forefront of jazz during the early bebop days. Coltrane grew up in the South during the Jim Crow of the Civil War Era. Growing up in a religious family, Coltrane was inspired by some members who were ministers– very much considering himself spiritual, which shaped his musicality and craft as a musician. Others in the film compared him to the likes of Albert Einstein as Coltrane was a deep thinker also inspired by other deep thinkers. Coltrane began his career performing alongside Miles Davis and his Quartet in his album Kind Of Blue . Coltrane than later produced his own Giant Steps. It was evident that through his performance he enjoyed creating and performing music that brought people together through spiritual consciousness.
Coltrane was gifted in the sense of being “innovative, thinking of what to do next”, grappling with “a sense of struggle and thinking through the next problem”. He performed with no ego, but only to show what was his reason of being there. Coltrane didn’t care what critics had to sway. If they like it, they like it. If they don’t, they don’t. Coltrane’s message was to be brave and no doubt himself in being authentic. He used the saxophone to speak through spiritually even if others didn’t necessarily understand it.
In Bill Clinton’s words in describing Coltrane he states, “any love for music and regard for the craft, you hear 3 or 4 notes, this man owns this horn, this music and at least when he is playing is the master of his soul”. Coltrane as a master of his craft, was never quite satisfied with his own work. Coltrane possessed an intensity in the tone of his sax, a wailing sound, that came from the soul. He was described as quiet, but spiritual in the sense that people would “part from him like the Red Sea”. Coltrane ultimately took jazz forward in experimenting with the music and pushing it to the limit, and it truly showed through his artistry. For all music fanatics and or even aspiring musicians, I would definitely recommend the Netflix film.
“Baby Powder” by Jenevieve (2020)
♪You’re making me so high now
You’re everything I’d ever want
You’re keeping me so dry now
You’re everything I’d never want uh ♪
Another artist to be on the look out for and who I’ve been digging lately — Jenevieve.
The song is taken from Anri Last Summer Whisper, different vibe but Jenevieve’s music video definitely adds a different kind of twist and cool to it.
Love the groovy vibe to this song, perfect for a sultry night/ rendezvous.
Hope ya’ll enjoy this bop!
(Click here to purchase Baby Powder on Amazon)
Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives (2017) Netflix Documentary
American record producer, A&R executive, music industry executive, and lawyer, Clive Davis, is one of today’s top driving music business’ mogul. The death of Davis’ parents propelled him to pursuit a career in law before becoming president of Colombia. After working with Colombia from 1967- 1973, he then founded and was head of Arista in 1975-2000. Unlike other A&Rs, Davis showed a great passion and genuine care for his artists. After Davis was kicked out of Arista for making too much money, he was brought back and later worked with J records. As Davis shares in the film, Davis loved the process of working and helping artists achieve “hit songs” and was driven by his love for music. While Davis faced with his issues of legal struggles, it was a certain level of fear that caused Davis to succeed in the business and making long lasting relationships with top music celebrities i.e. the great Whitney Houston. Another mogul, I’d love to meet in my own journey as an artist. 10/10 recommend.
David Foster: Off The Record (2019) Netflix Review
Grammy Award-winning composer and producer, David Foster, has had his share of struggle and success as one of today’s most successful musician. Foster first attempted his music career in his home state New York, where he found no real luck, success, or place to call home. Foster eventually left New York and found great potential for his music career in Los Angeles. A place he felt was more home to him than New York. In Los Angeles, he worked with music idols such as Whitney Houston in Bodyguard, Toni Braxton in “Unbreak My Hear” and “All By Myself” with Celine Dion to name a few. In his film, while music is clearly a driving force in Foster’s life, Foster shares that being a good human being was important in being a musician. Off the Record offers insight into Foster’s journey as today’s most popular and grammy awarding composer/ producer that is not often shared in the lime light. David has 16 Grammys from 47 nominations. Definitely one of my music idols I’d love to meet in this lifetime. Film is available on Netflix.
Sinatra: All or Nothing at All (2015) Netflix Review
(Click here to purchase Nothing But The Best on Amazon)
This one is for any Frank Sinatra lovers out there!
Ashamed to say that I only watched this film recently, but definitely glad I finally did.
The film is about Sinatra’s life journey as a young jewish boy in New Jersey trying to find his way as an aspiring singer in the 30’s during the Great Depression. Though his father was against his dreams of becoming singer, his father later got back on board and became the proudest father when he began singing in his own shows. He was a hard working minority who went from the typical narrative of rags to rich. Determined to become a successful singer, Sinatra sought to be the best performer in order to survive in the 30’s by working hard. Sinatra ultimately shaped professionalism in the 30’s during the Great Depression. Sinatra changed the way people saw Jewish Americans through his diction in song and style.
In the film, they share that Sinatra later used his platform of fame to help the poor jewish community, who identified himself growing up. I also admired that he was a white crooner who was overtly against racism and discrimination in the entertainment industry and stood up for black artists. He worked close with fellow black artist such as Sammy Davis. All in all, was such a great film and showcased Sinatra’s passion as an artist, singer, and human being. All or Nothing. Such a legend. 10/10 recommend.
(Click here to purchase Nothing But The Best on Amazon)
Rapper Chika: NPR Tiny Desk Appearance
So much respect for rapper artist, Chika. Check out here Tiny Desk Appearance at National Public Radio, NPR.
My favorite song “Industry Games” by Chika. She goes off! Great lyricist and so raw.
Music Monday: New Piece
So this rap piece was inspired by much of the struggles I’ve experienced as a growing and aspiring artist.
And as always, talk my talk the way I usually do in my ‘rap’ pieces haha
but in this piece, I brush the surface of my early life and how I’ve become who I am today.
Only gonna get better. Hope it resonates with you in some way or the other.
Instrumental:
♪ Tu Pac All Eyes On Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-dr8Sx86fs
♪ haters wanna hate, like they blind can’t see
take em out the dark, can’t they do it like me
ain’t about the games gotta through em with the heat
ridin’ top down 710 North in Cali
mama was a hustla sacrificed for the family
when I was 8, she’d flew us to maui
lucky seen the world, but something’ didn’t allow me
to be happy, had plans no one knew
no matter where I gone, no matter where I flew
pops was a G, high hopes for his daughter
dropped a bag, uh four children’s alma mater
as the days passed things got harder
it’s the hustle in my blood they wanna take away
hear the snakes hissin’ from miles away
checked my clique been done with them fakes
pray for their health, hear the pain in their hate
cheap advice from someone you don’t wanna be
they say I changed but they never knew me
your vision is yours no one’s and it’s unique
won’t stop grinding, doin it for my dreams ♪
Mariah Carey “America the Beautiful” (1990)
After watching Michael Jordan’s Docuseries “The Last Dance” on Netflix, I knew I had to come back to watch Mariah Carey’s performance of “America the Beautiful” at the NBA Detroit Pistons in 1990. Who knew she’d be close to the next Michael Jordan in music history. Amazing to see her progression from her earlier years as one of today’s greatest vocalist of all time. The reaction of the crowd and her look only inspires me to push harder and fight for my dreams as a singer. Hope it brings you joy as much as it did me.
Lisa Fischer: “How Can I Ease The Pain” (1991 R&B)
Known about Ms. Fischer for a while, but after watching the documentary 20 ft From Freedom, I knew I had to dig into her music. Her sound and voice is angel that it really takes you into a spiritual realm. I respect that in spite of her tremendous talent, she still chose to live a humble life. Mad respect.
Fischer was an icon in 80’s/ early 90’s. During her peak she was performing alongside greats like Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, and performed with the Rolling Stones. And later parted ways to discover her own sound. Amazing vocalist I must say.
♪ How can I ease the pain
When I know your coming back again
How can I ease the pain in my heart
How can I ease the pain ♪
Click here to purchase How Can I Ease The Pain on Amazon.
Signed Up with BMI & New Lyrics: Quarantine
So glad to announced that I finally got approved with BMI.
For those who aren’t familiar BMI, Broadcast Music Inc., is one of the United States
performing rights organization along with ASCAP, SESAC, and GMR.
And as you may know, as an aspiring artist I am so excited to start my songwriting journey.
If you have been following ChainofArts (original highsnlows) for a while,
you’d know that writing and music is part of my identify.
Combine that and you have the beautiful gift of songwriting.
Anyhow, I wrote a little piece a while back in beginning of quarantine
that I thought to share with ya’ll.
Follow my Voisey account @lorrainebau for short original pieces
and my music instagram @_lo.anne for covers.
Much love x Lo
♪ got emotions pent up in me
how do I feel
don’t know what to believe
I’ve been living a lie
how’d I survive
without knowing that this life was mine
always misunderstood
as if I never could
only time will tell whose done real good
believe me when I say I would ♪
New Photos: Dockweiler Beach, Los Angeles
After being quarantined for 3 weeks straight, I thought I get some air and take a stroll at the beach.
My original plan was to hit up Playa Del Rey, where I could take some photos with my new drone. Given that it was a Sunday, it was difficult to find parking. As I continued to cruise through Vista Del Mar (with the most gorgeous view, even more beautiful during sunset hours), I found myself at the Dockweiler Beach. Parking was $13 right in front of the beach. It was pretty packed at the beach but plenty beach for everyone to enjoy haha. Though I couldn’t take pictures with my drone, I enjoyed the view just as much. Above are few of the pictures I took. It felt so good to take a break, feeling the wind brush across my skin, feet dug in the stand, and the sound of the waves crashing into each other. Needless to say, it was a mini getaway from this new of quarantine and isolation.
Please feel free to check out my photo gallery to join me on both my past and future my adventures.
Daily Ritual: 300 Writing Prompts
I’ve been journaling a lot lately, and every time I do I feel a renewed sense of hope and motivation.
It’s almost like I’ve cleared my head space and am ready to start anew in my day/ venture. I suppose it’s a feeling I can’t really explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself. If you’re feeling uninspired and down, I really recommend that you give journaling a try. It gives you an opportunity to give clarity to your thoughts and thoughtfulness to your ideas and inner voice that can often be dampened by other distractions in your love (i.e. work, people’s opinions of you, societal pressures, etc.) It’s really worth the try.
The journal I have been us the “300 Writing Prompts”. I love this journal because it has questions already written for you in every page to get your thoughts and creative juice flowing. While they are simple questions, they are also thought-provoking. A few of my favorite are: “You are the wind’s interpreter. What is it saying?”, “What did you get into trouble for the most when you were a kid?”. Another is “What color do you feel today?”.
As you can see, there are asked in the simple way but also forces you to go deep into your thoughts, and sometimes without even realizing it, at least it had done so for me.
If you are interested, check out the prompt journal down below to purchase on Amazon. I also kindly ask that if there are any purchases in mind you would like to make on Amazon, please purchase through my affiliate link down below (at no extra cost). It would mean the world to me, and would continue to help keep my blog growing!
thank you again for sticking with me. more soon.
x Lo
Click here to purchase 300 Writing Prompts on Amazon
