Sssh... it's not the "B" Word....

it's Solange!

Alana's musical diary has returned for a New Year that will look to highlight artists that are  authentic and inspiring.  When I think of authenticity, I immediately think of Solange Knowles.  We will not use the "B" word in this article, Solange does not require the mention of an older popular sibling. 

I fell in love with Solange after watching a 'You Tube' performance of her while she toured with the Haley St. Dreams in Washington, DC-2008.  She sang to a packed crowd on a summer afternoon and my mouth would not close.  She has an "old soul" vibe about her and her music reflects this.  She is inviting to watch with a strong stage presence.  Her voice is incredible live and she understands the Motown era of music with ease.  At one point during the Washington, DC performance she was ambushed while on stage by some 'random' who wanted to sing and dance.  The man managed to bypass all security and get on stage.  As he danced, without a care in the world, security observed this intruder and immediately came to escort him off stage when Solange made it clear to security: "let him stay, he ain't hurtin' nobody" this was my moment of revelation about this young performer's personality.  Some other artist (*B*)  would have "freaked out" at the sight of some stranger on stage beside her, but Solange took the man's hands and danced and twirled making sure he felt special.  She ended her performance by thanking her back-up singer's, the band, and she turned and asked the "random" for his name, and thanked him.  Priceless!

The aforementioned is what sets some celebrities apart from their peers.  Solange has a mirage of professional credits from the entertainment industry that "we" somehow never get to hear about.  She has done everything from songwriting to acting and singing.  Her career began at the age of 14, and she showed music lovers that she was capable of singing a great hook when she performed on Lil' Romeo's "True Love" single.

Born 2 days after my own sister Selina,  Solange celebrates a June 24th birthday as a sensitive Cancer.  She has worked with such musical artists like Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, and The Neptunes.  I celebrate Solange because she epitomizes the artist who has to "earn" her way in an industry that is fickle when it comes to the success of 2 siblings doing the same type of work.  It is rare to see the success of 2 celebrity siblings in one art form (hence, Brandi and Ray J).  Unfortunately, one sibling always ends up being in the background of another sibling's foreground.  Solange has a chance of creating a niche in the music industry like sibling artist's: Janet & Micheal Jackson, provided she does not take long hiatus' with her music and continues to perform and tour.  We won't be able to help falling in love with her.  

No stranger to hard work and adversity, Solange has admitted to being diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)--it is my hope that through her charitable work she will bring more awareness to this common disorder and use her celebrity to help others.  She is also a strong advocate for "safe sex" campaigns since the birth of her son Daniel Julez at age 17.  She refers to "Julez" as her "unplanned blessing."  We can only hope after the success of her last c.d. that Solange will soar with many new projects to come.  If there is ever a chance to see this "little Dipper" live, I suggest you take it.  She shines bright amongst a galaxy of many other stars.

Solange, we salute you as the first journal entry here at Alana's Musical Diary for 2010!

Classic Keiko

If there were ever a genre of music that I never tire of its Smooth Jazz.  Whether I have it on in the car, echoing in my home via XM (satellite) radio, or sitting in some large auditorium awaiting a concert nothing relaxes me more than the sweet sounds of contemporary jazz.  In 2007, I had the opportunity to see and meet Keiko Matsui (Keiko Doi) at the {once again} acclaimed Birchmere Theatre in Alexandria, VA.  Keiko was classically magnificent!

Keiko Matsui, 46 years old, was born and raised in Tokyo and began her first classical piano lesson at the age of 5.  Keiko's mother believed the Japanese tradition that states if children are introduced to musical study at a young age they are more inclined to continue.  And continue to study Keiko did.  Keiko began composing her own music while in junior high school and this is where she began to take an interest in jazz.  Post graduating the Japan Women's University, Keiko continued to study music under the Yamaha Music Foundation.  Her affiliation with the Yamaha Foundation landed her the opportunity to come to the United States at 19 years old to work on her first project with producer now husband, Kazu Matsui.  Kazu has produced all of Keiko's project's to date.

It is noted that some of Keiko's influences are Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, and Maurice Jarre.  Watching this petite powerhouse on stage is something of a phenomena.  Keiko not only plays classical piano but in the middle of her performance she will also transfer over and play the keyboards.  Her performance is non-stop and each selection leaves you awestruck by her amazing talent.

Reaching beyond the scope of music Keiko is also known for her charitable contributions.  Keiko gives so much of herself to her charitable causes and supports known causes such as the Marrow Foundation and the National Marrow Donor Program.  Keiko has dedicated 2 projects to charitable causes.  In 1997, Keiko donated proceeds from her A Gift of Hope to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and again in 2004, with her Wildflower project with all proceeds going to the United Nations World Food Program.  It's an artist like this that makes the "hot seat" even hotter.

If you are smooth jazz enthusiast, I am more than confident that you will love the music of Keiko and I encourage anyone who hears of an upcoming concert date to rush at the chance to see this classical pianist.  Keiko will leave you inspired by her gifts and you will continue to check tour dates because she is an artist that leaves you wanting more.  We salute you, Keiko!

Infinite Possibilities...

Who stands tall and statuesque with a smile that lights up a room with vocal capabilities to match her effervescent looks?  It's Mrs. Larrieux, to you.  Amel Larrieux (Lah-Rue).  I had the pleasure of seeing Amel perform in 2008 at one of Virginia's premiere "supper clubs" The Birchmere located in Alexandria, VA.  Amel Larriuex is a performer that gets as intimate with her guests as a hostess in her living room offering dirty Martini's and hors d'oeuvres .  Song after song she takes her time and envelopes you.  She will even take requests, she came to my table (in front, of course) and asked what I wanted to hear and amazed and 2 Martini's later..I shouted "Infinite Possibilities" and there it was, a 4 minute song done live for at least 7 minutes.  That's Amel.

Amel Larrieux is the only child born to an African American mother who is a college professor and a father of French, English, and Scottish (Caucasian) descent.  Raised in the "Big Apple"- New York City's Greenwich Village was home for Amel and her parents.  Amel is not only an accomplished vocalist she is too a songwriter and a keyboardist.  Amel linked with Bryce Wilson in 1991 and formed the group Groove Theory.  Together, the two delivered R&B hits "Keep Tryin" and "Tell Me".  The two collaborated and were featured on the 1997 soundtrack to Love Jones.  All the while Amel remained tenacious and wanted to become a solo artist and in 1996 she was featured as lead vocalist for Sade's background group 'Sweetback' which spawned the hit "You Will Rise."  Groove Theory officially dismantled in 2001.  Amel has been on a roll ever since.

Fast forward to 2000-present and Amel Larrieux has released 4 solo projects.  The journey began with one my favorite's Infinite Possibilities. Amel has an amazing way of weaving West African ethnic sounds with jazz influences, folk, and R&B.  Add to the aforementioned a roster of music she writes--all of which have lyrics of envisioning a "better tomorrow" and teaching African American's to never forget the history of their people.

A visionary that has an eclectic message, Amel has made the "Hot Seat" because of the warmth she exudes through her music.  Amel is a true artist not interested in what 'mainstream' has to offer.  She owns her own record label and distributes her music through her "indie" label "Bliss Life" records.  So let's now include business executive to her repertoire, shall we?  She is a wonderment of beauty to watch with a voice that of a hummingbird, we celebrate the many talents of this artist.  Amel, we love you: Bravebird.

WHO KNEW?

P!nk has been a musical "security blanket" for me 'many of night.'  Her music speaks to everything that is fundamental about life, whether she is describing the dynamics of a dysfunctional family in the song entitled: Family Portrait or she is letting go of a love in one of my favorites, which was released on my birthday (10/28) in 2008, Who Knew?  She's in your face and hard to ignore.  P!nk, the 5'4" vocal powerhouse has given us music since 2000, and she continues to deliver.

P!nk's career did not begin in 2000 though, she began dancing in Philadelphia nightclubs which eventually led to her singing background vocals for the rap group 'Schoolz of Thought'.  By the age of 14, she had already begun writing her own songs.  She would eventually be signed by La Face records and P!nk released her first project Can't Take Me Home in 2000.  What can be said about P!nk is that she is consistent, her projects don't produce just one good single, P!nk's projects can be enjoyed from start to finish.  R&B took notice of her talent when she collaborated with Missy Eliott, Mya, Christina Aguilera, and Lil' Kim for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack.  She later teamed with Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Britany Spears for the one of a kind Pepsi commercial that placed the trio smack in the middle of a Midieval Times scenario with Enrique Iglesias singing 'We Will Rock You.'  P!nk's distinct voice takes the form of a strong raspy shout, but she can easily transition and belt out a ballad and make you feel every lyric.  Multi-faceted at best, P!nk is in our hot seat because she crosses genre's and what's not to love about her music?  She's edgy yet, feminine and constantly cognizant of her tom-boyish persona.

Born Alecia Beth Moore, she married motor-cross racer Cary Hart in 2006 and the two divorced in 2008, but recently reconciled and renewed their vows this year.  Sounds like a "girl after my own heart."  P!nk, like her music can be best described as Missundazstood, but like most women navigating through life she is an example of strength.  She loss three friends to Heroin overdoses and admits to being a former Heroin "user" herself, she admits their tragedies helped her sober up Thanksgiving, 1995.  P!nk makes no excuses about who she is.  P!nk gives great music, and she shows women that being a pillar of strength is to be revered and celebrated.  Although she may not be wrapped in some tight skirt being objectified by men, one thing is for sure, when it comes to music she is hot and totally understood.  Take your seat: P!nk!

P!nk & Cary--It is better the 2nd time around--

SHE SIZZLES...

In the hot seat to date, Alana's Musical Diary has featured 2 artists that are both equally talented, but differ in their styles and approach to music (as they should).  Alana's Musical Diary strives to showcase talent that help to inspire and present women in a flattering light.  It is certainly easy to feature known female artists such as Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce Knowles-Carter, but it's my goal to reach beyond mainstream and feature the heroines who are just as beautiful and just as musically inclined.

Sitting in our hot seat this week: Chrisette Michele.  What can you say about this artist?  Not enough!  Chrisette Michele, at the age of 26 years old has already accepted a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song entitled "Be Ok".  Aside from singing, Chrisette Michele is a talented songwriter.  But if one had to think about which genre Michele best fits?  It's difficult.  Chrisette is sultry and soulful enough for R&B, she's jazzy enough for Jazz, and she's pop enough for Pop music.  What do you do with this talent?  Listening to Chrisette's "Best of Me" from her 2007 debut c.d. you are reminded of a young Etta James or Nancy Wilson.  Her flavor is flavorful enough to collaborate with the likes of Jay-Z, Nas, and Ghostface. Chrisette Michele has released her second c.d. entitled: Epiphany.  A word of caution: Please don't approach this artist's music with tunnel vision.  Listen to the breadth and depth that her music offers, we can almost assure that you will be awaiting whatever comes next from this songstress.  Chrisette Michele, you sizzle girl!     

Seein' is Believing: We see You...Adriana Evans

This California native found her way on the Billboard charts with her hit 'Love is All Around.'  In 1997, I was introduced to the jazzy sounds of Adriana Evans.  Adriana infuses Jazz, R&B, with a sprinkle Neo-Soul into her music.  She can belt a tune like a diva, yet her projects seem to be more about uplifting people rather than being a star with a pop quality and a "look at me, persona."  Adriana is not for the faint at heart, she sings from a place deep within and such ballads like "I'll Be There" are to be treasured.

Adriana has taken our throne this week because she is an artist who has earned her stripes.  Adriana's career boasts of many achievements.  She is the daughter of Mary Stallings, a jazz singer who once sang with the legendary Count Basie.  Adriana is also the 'god-daughter' of saxophonist, Pharoah Sanders (Farrell Sanders).  Sander's played with John Coltrane in the 1960's and was described as one of the best tenor player's in the world.  It's no wonder Adriana can authentically represent jazz in her music.  To date, Adriana has released four projects.  Adriana's latest release was in 2007, entitled: El Camino.  If you have yet to experience the sweet sounds of Adriana, here at Alana's Musical Diary we offer you the chance.

Adriana, we welcome you to the hot seat and celebrate your true artistry.