Video Interview: Vocalist/Guitarist Raul Midón

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Often the words used to describe singer, songwriter and guitarist, Raul Midón are likely along the lines of amazing, phenomenal, incredible or just plain “ridiculous.” That is to say, of course, you’re not just rendered speechless after hearing his music or especially witnessing his artistic wizardry and virtuosity live. However, for his many ardent fans those superlatives still may not seem to be enough.

Well, there is now a description that may best sum up the marvel Midón is or at very least be added as an apt “go to” on the list – “Bad Ass.” It’s half the title of his brand new release. The other half is a fact that may possibly get lost in the midst of taking in his brilliance – and Blind. The moniker is perfect because both parts are simply fact and cannot be denied.

Blind since birth, Midón is confident in his abilities and proud of his accomplishments, as well he should be. Bad Ass and Blind, his ninth project, is a proclamation he was comfortable making and believed was the right time.

We caught up with Raul Midón to talk about the new project, his influences and why he thought that title could be important for others as well. Check out our interview below bc:

 

Click here to check out and purchase Raul Midon’s Bad Ass and Blind

And to find out when Raul Midón will be performing near you and more go to Raulmidon.com

 

 

Video Interview: Vocalist/Guitarist Tomás Doncker shows us “The Mess We Made”

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“Don’t push me/cause I’m close to the edge . . .”

Many will recognize those as the lyrics to the iconic Rap classic, “The Message”, from Hip Hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Emcee Melle Mel earnestly gives the warning because, as he eloquently goes on to proclaim in the hook, “It’s like a jungle sometimes/It makes me wonder/How I keep from going under”, describing the troublesome times, traps, and conditions facing a young black man living in New York City. That track was released in 1982. Fast forward to 2017 and for as many ways that we’ve advanced and come a long way, sadly, many of the same traps, biases, frustrations, inequity and volatility of the time that underscores “The Message” and even years before still exist today.

Something “pushed” multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer, imageTomás Doncker past that “edge” on June 17, 2015. The event took a huge emotional toll on the accomplished New York bred, musician and artist who in addition to his own acclaimed projects, has performed and worked with artists such as Madonna, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ivan Neville, Cory Glover, and James Chance and the Contortions as well as being at the helm of the label True Groove Records.

But to “keep from going under” this always busy, man on the run, stopped and cancelled everything. And as a way to just heal, he shunned the world- played his guitar and wrote. What came from that, quite without intention, was the framework for his new release, The Mess We Made, an incredibly impressive, provocative, no holds barred, scolding of our country – of our society- but not without a few suggestions of things we can do to get right. At the same time, Doncker masterfully manages to entertain with a stirring soundtrack of soul, blues and funk he calls Global Soul.

ISPYSOUL caught up with Tomás Doncker to talk about the The Mess We Made and what drove him to let us know. Check out our interview above and others on the the I SPY SOUL YouTube Channel.

Click here to check out and purchase The Mess We Made

And to learn more about Tomás Doncker and True Groove Records go to Tomás Doncker.net

© ISPYSOUL 2017

Video Interview: Expressionist Artist Tom Christopher

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It is quite possible, perhaps even likely, that you’ve seen or come across the work of highly -accomplished, venerated artist, Tom Christopher, even if you’re not an art enthusiast.

Over the years you may have seen the music posters and covers he created for CBS, Verve, or RCA records. If you’re into cars you might have seen his work in Motor Trend magazine. Read the Wall Street Journal or New York Times? Yeah, his work’s been there too. How about those very cool ads for Absolut vodka? Yep, he’s done some of those as well that not only graced the pages of magazines, but also graced billboards and are now housed in a museum. And, there’s much, much more, you know like, paintings that have wound up in private collections and galleries around the world and stuff.

But if you’re a New Yorker or visited New York City, what Christopher might be most known for is what you’ve likely seen and marveled at and didn’t know he was responsible for. It’s his amazing Expressionistic renderings of the “city that never sleeps” in all its rambunctious, hip, cool, gritty and magnificent glory – In subway cars and stations around the city – on the cover of the official tourist guides that steer excited visitors all around town- on huge murals in places like Rockerfeller Center and on the side of the Roseland Ballroom.

The Hollywood, CA born, but long time New York resident has been tapped to represent NYC frequently, no doubt because of the way he masterfully captures the swag, the attitude, the organized confusion and yes, the heart and soul of the city, so well you can darn near hear taxis blowing in the background. But again, there’s so much more. We caught up with Tom Christopher at his studio in NY to find out more about his journey, his process and his objective as an artist. His insights are like his paintings- intriguing and genuine. BC 

Check out the interview above and others on the I SPY SOUL Youtube Channel

For more on Artist Tom Christopher go to tomchristopher.nyc

© ISPYSOUL 2017

Video Interview: Robin & Gil Small welcome you to Groove City!

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Dynamic vocalist and songwriter, Robin Small and producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Gil Small are music industry vets – accomplished, classically trained, and incredibly talented. Between the two of them they have done work and performed with artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Jones, Chris Jasper of Isley Jasper Isley, Hezekiah Walker, De La Soul, Lalah Hathaway, Freddie Jackson, Cassandra Wilson, Usher, Ronny Jordan, and Angela Johnson to name a few.

They are also husband and wife. Since meeting in college, at the prestigious Berklee College of Music – graduating and ultimately getting married – they have had continuous discussions about a “home” for the brand of music they knew they wanted to create. A “home” that would allow them to realize their full creative vision – One built on a sturdy, spiritual foundation – with integrity and plenty of soul.

As time went on and their vast experiences in the industry made them privy to the limitations and pitfalls in the “home market,” it became clear, they were going to have to “build” the musical home they desired. So that’s what they set out to do. But while in the process, they ran into other like-minded artists – talented vocalists, songwriters, producers, and musicians and just as importantly, good-hearted folks, who were looking for homes much like the one Robin and Gil, dreamed of – Artists such as brothers, Laurone and Antonio McClendon, Serina G, Issac Clemon, William Finley and Charlene Michael-Imobioh. Needless to say, the Smalls’ talent and experience enamored these artists, but they were also moved by their sincerity and strong faith. So Robin and Gil got to thinking that perhaps they needed to go one step further and not just build a home, but also build a “city” – A place for them all, where the sounds of the “streets” would ring with Gospel, R&B, Jazz, Funk and Soul. A place where your heart would not only be moved by the spiritual messages, but your body would be moved by the infectious grooves. And what to call this city? Well, Groove City, of course.

And so about three years ago, the blueprints were drawn up and the work got started. Upon completion, they did what most would do, excited about their new place – a place that took hard work, long hours, sacrifice and a great deal of faith to create – they invited folks to come and celebrate. The impressive musical “invitations” were released to all who would enjoy top-notch production, dexterous vocals, and a sound that ranged from faith-filled, uplifting joy to silky smooth seduction. And they read, WELCOME 2 GROOVE CITY, Volume 1.

Check out above on the I SPY SOUL YouTube Channel our conversation with the “King and Queen” of Groove City, Robin and Gil Small.

Filmed at La Maison d’Art in Harlem, NY- Special thanks to Stephanie Calla

Check out the first single from Welcome 2 Groove City, Vol. 1– FREE!

For more about Robin & Gil Small, Groove City and the other talented artists on Welcome 2 Groove City, Volume 1, go to groovecity7.com

Video Interview: Guitarist/Producer Marcus Machado

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Marcus Machado Armed and dangerously good!

Sure, many have come to know talented, Brooklyn-based guitarist, Marcus Machado by way of his winning Rolling Stone Magazine and D’Addario’s Next Young Gun competition in 2014, beating out scores of young players. But truth be told, he was actually and aptly stamped with the prodigy tag long before that. As a young teenager he was ripping the stage and turning heads with outstanding play that belied his age and in the years since, gaining praise and valuable opportunity from veteran performers like soul/R&B luminaries, The Family Stand, bassist extraordinaire Victor Bailey, and acclaimed MC Pharaohe Monch to name a few, along the way. Now with loads of experience and industry buzz Marcus is poised for a formal breakout. His EP 29, released on the Purpose Music Group imprint, opened more eyes to his musical brew of rock, soul, jazz, blues, and funk and serves as the perfect appetizer for a full scale project planned for later this year. Check out the interview below and others on the I SPY SOUL YouTube Channel

Be sure to check out Marcus Machado’s EP 29 by clicking link.

In the midst of a super busy schedule touring, recording and performing with the likes of Pete Rock, Robert Glasper and Nas to name a few, Marcus Machado has recently produced the soulful soundtrack for the award – winning comedy film-short Blue Diamonds. Check out the first single from the soundtrack, “I Can’t Lose” by clicking here  and find out more about the hilarious Blue Diamonds in our interview with the film’s creator, Patrick House by clicking here