Ever have one of those odd musical memory moments? At dinner the other night a friend brought up a song from my youth that I was almost embarrassed to admit I was in love with: 'Me Lost Me Cookie at the Disco' by the Cookie Monster on the Sesame Street Disco album. I was SURE I'd grow up to become a backup singer exactly like the ones on that track. Good times.
The Godfather of House Music, Frankie Knuckles, will now be on the map. Literally. Jefferson Street, between Van Buren and Monroe, will be renamed 'Frankie Knuckles Way' on August 25 at noon. The legendary Warehouse nightclub, the birthplace of House Music, used to be open at that very spot. At 6:30 pm that evening there will be a presentation to the public just before Frankie opens his free set in Grant Park. Do NOT miss this event. I've given you ample warning.
In a much anticipated release, and not just by this music lover, Angie Stone's Stone Love has hit the streets. This time around Angie has not only contributed her powerful vocal presence, but her writing skills and her production talents as executive producer.
Drawing in a myriad of talent from the classic sounds of Betty Wright to the popular likes of Snoop Dogg and Floetry, this album sounds like vignettes of R&B history catapulted into the future.
After opening with a gorgeous a cappella intro, the album digs right in with 'I Wanna Thank Ya' featuring Snoop. It's an upbeat and catchy song about being in love, the perfect single for the radio. 'My Man' featuring Floetry is the trio I've been waiting for. Three powerful voices in syncopated rhythm with some spare bass picking and drums. The R&B of old is now new. 'Lover's Ghetto' samples an old school orchestra-hit and the rich lyrical prowess of Angie that we all know and love.
The disc moves its way through ballads and Neo-Soul tracks, echoing the themes of love and happiness. With an almost Motown sound, Betty Wright appears on 'That Kind of Love' , which is followed by 'Touch It,' a lush interlude with strings and a mellow keyboard. You can hear that Angie is in love, presumably with rapper T.H.C. (if her concert was any indication) who appears on 'Karma'.
It's evident from sampling any of the tracks on this CD that Angie Stone has not simply rooted herself firmly in the music industry. She is growing vibrantly and pioneering the Neo-Soul movement ever forward.
Always with you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
