Having your own unique sound is the prize possession in music. Smart artists know to work with what they’ve got and keep it moving — imperfections, conflicts, grittiness and all. Faithful supporters of this music get it. You never give up, and you continue to negotiate change with style. One such artist who has mastered […]
Robin James
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Thoughts on great love songs for Valentine’s Day, love’s holiday
I do know that the treatment, Minneapolis-born vocalist José James gave the song, “Tenderly” when he performed on this birthday, January 20, at the Dakota was stellar. It was perfect for his vocal range and revealed a level of maturity beyond his 37 years. That song, among others by the great Billie Holiday, or made popular by her, appear on his new Blue Note Records album, Yesterday I Had the Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday, which drops in March. On Valentine’s Day, James will be in Japan, where the album has already been released and is making waves.
Holiday, also known as “Lady Day,” would have celebrated her 100th birthday this year. Her music has made a great impact on a wide spectrum of artists, and continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. Vocalist Cassandra Wilson is celebrating the music made by Holiday by releasing, Coming Forth by Day: A Tribute to Billie Holiday from Legacy Records in April. Look out for her upcoming performances in support of the album, at the Dakota, too. Holiday’s artistry speaks volumes about love, loss, and overall human condition. Thank you, Lady Day.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
My favorite things in 2014: reminiscing on the year in jazz
Happy New Year everyone, and best wishes for 2015!
Through the years, I’ve always admired the special loyalty and relentless commitment that artists apply to their craft. With this idea in mind, I sat myself down and wrote this column about what I found to be some of the most fascinating songs/albums/artists/concerts of 2014.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Monk Trumpet Competition brings out the stars
Marquis Hill beat 13 trumpeters to win the 2014 Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition last Sunday, November 9, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
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Local makeup pro launches cosmetic line — Women of Color embellishes darker-hued skin
By Robin James Contributing Writer Popular makeup brands are catering to women of color now more than ever as companies examine and rethink the importance and power of reaching this unique audience. Celebrities like Queen Latifah (Cover Girl Queen Collection) and Salma Hayek (Nuance cosmetics line for CVS) have their own makeup lines for women […]
Posted inNews
‘The Wheatley’ reinvents itself as needs evolve
Director Milon talks about what holds communities together The Phyllis Wheatley Community Center (PWCC), also affectionately known as “The Wheatley,” is widely known and respected as a source of strength and pride for children, youth, families and elders in North Minneapolis. The center’s namesake is a slave who won her freedom and emerged as the […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Etiquette as a way of life
Expert on civility teaches jail inmates As the CEO of your own small business, you need all the help you can get. One locally based African American woman is taking charge by arming herself with top credentials and, through her work, looking to educate both youths and adults on the beauty of business etiquette. Juliet […]