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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > November
November 2008
Madonna In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Madonna The Diva arrived at Philips Arena some 95 minutes after the start time printed on her $57-to $352 tickets, with one toned, stockinged leg cocked over her throne and an invitation to her “Candy Shop”.
But over the course of her approximately two-hour, sold-out performance, Madonna The MTV Icon didn’t focus on the hit after hit after hit that made her so. (Which would have been a treat). Instead, current CD “Hard Candy” got better treatment than record buyers and radio programmers gave it, amplified especially well by her 10-plus dancers and galvanizing staging. A production set where the towering video screens were bright with Keith Haring figures during her mid-’80s single “Into the Groove”; split into life-sized Justin Timberlake cut-outs during “4 Minutes”; and a surprising distraction showing Britney Spears having what looked like a meltdown in an elevator during “Human Nature”.
Though Monday’s concert was a mere three days after her preliminary divorce was granted, Madonna The Newly Single Woman made no reference to soon-to-be ex, director Guy Richie - as she had on an earlier stop of her “Sticky & Sweet” Tour. In fact, most of her interaction with the audience - which included her “Bedtime Stories” producer Dallas Austin, and her pick for a mid-90s Calvin Klein ad, Atlanta’s electric R&B singer Joi - was a bit mechanical, and distant.
But in the end, Madonna The Pop Star of a quarter century now, still put on an impressive stage show, reimagining catalog hits like “Vogue” and “Borderline” with new musical vibrance; and of course, her almost eerily-taut self, yet again, into less of a dancer-singer, and more of a still-evolving, all-around force to remark upon.
Were you there last night — and if so, what did you think?
If you didn’t go, you can still see part of the show by visiting our gallery.
Young Jeezy Wants You — In His Video Sunday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta rapper-actor Young Jeezy is calling it “our official election after-party”.
But his record label is billing it as a video shoot.
A video shoot, by the way, that the general public is invited to Sunday, between noon and 1 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church (407 Auburn Ave).
That’s where he and fellow local talent Nas will be starring in the music video for Jeezy’s single, “My President,” from his current CD “The Recession”.
“I want everybody to bring their picket signs, wear their ‘Yes We Can’, ‘Yes We Did’ t-shirts,” said Jeezy, a rather public Barack Obama supporter. “Hell you can even bring your pom-poms if you want to. We want friends, family, everybody who believed!”
Plan to stop by Ebenezer? Heard/like the single “My President”?
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See Ludacris and T-Pain On “SNL” Tomorrow
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In advance of the release of his new CD “Theater of the Mind” - in stores Monday — Atlanta rapper-actor Ludacris will be performing tomorrow on “Saturday Night Live,” and fellow local talent T-Pain will be joining him on their single “One More Drink”.
Will you be watching? Plan to get “Theater of the Mind” next week? Seen the new “One More Drink” video? (If not, there’s a YouTube clip BELOW)
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Rate Keri Hilson/Lil Wayne’s New Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since we’re talking Lil Wayne — in the previous post about his new “Mrs. Officer” video with Atlanta R&B singer Bobby Valentino, and tickets for his New Year’s Eve concert going on sale today — here’s another new Wayne video with Atlanta R&B singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, who will be joining him on stage at Philips Arena Dec. 31.
See the YouTube clip BELOW — as well as a behind-the-scenes video Hilson herself posted — and share your take:
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Rate Lil Wayne/Bobby Valentino’s New Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With tickets for rapper Lil Wayne’s New Year’s Eve concert at Philips Arena going on sale today — at www.livenation.com, the Philips Arena box office (404-878-3100), all Ticketmaster locations or charge by phone (404-249-6400)— that seemed like reason enough to post his long-awaited new video for the already-popular hit “Mrs. Officer,” with Atlanta R&B singer Bobby Valentino.
See the YouTube clip BELOW and tell us what you think. Oh - and are you planning to see Wayne, Keyshia Cole, T-Pain, Gym Class Heroes and Keri Hilson at Philips?
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See Third Day Tonight On Craig Ferguson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Christian rockers Third Day will make their second late night network TV appearance in the past three months, this evening on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
Their performance of the single “Revelation” follows an earlier stop on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”. And it comes after the three-time Grammy winners — and 23-time Dove Award winners’ —broke its own first-week sales records with its 10th studio CD, also titled “Revelation”.
Will you be watching? Heard the album “Revelation” — and if so, have a personal review you’d like to share?
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Girl Groups Wanted — Tonight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Think you could be in the next Xscape?
Feel like you could help fill the void that Destiny’s Child and TLC left behind?
Well multimillion-selling Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy’s manager, Demetrius “Kinky B” Ellerbee is holding a talent call for female vocalists this evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at JOI Studios (2356 Park Central Blvd., Decatur, Ga. 30035).
Why? According to the press release, “to find/create the next female collective that will dominate the R&B music genre”.
The requirements? You must be 18 to 25-year-old. You have to live in or be willing to relocate to Atlanta. You have to be willing and able to work professionally with other females. (Of course). And you have to be able to meet and rehearse at a regularly scheduled time, consistently.
Solo vocalists and pre-existing groups are encouraged to audition. And auditions will be photographed and videotaped. So — of course (again) — be prepared vocally and visually.
“A maximum of four young ladies will be selected from all who audition to comprise a stunning new group with amazing vocals and sleek, sexy look reminiscent of classic groups like 702, SWV and Total,” reads the release. “THIS IS NOT A REALITY SHOW!!! This is a serious talent call to find a new group that will be signed to CTE/Def Jam (of which Ellerbee is co-CEO) and represented by Hush Management.”
For more information e-mail info@joistudiosatl.com or go to www.joistudiosatl.com.
Are you going to try out? Think R&B needs another 702, SWV or Total? (And if you aren’t old enough to know who they were, or need a reminder of what CTE is looking for, see the Metacafe and YouTube clips BELOW)
702 - Where My Girls At ? - Click here for more home videos
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See Big Boi on Law & Order Tonight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Antwan “Big Boi” Patton of Atlanta hip-hop duo OutKast is making a pretty sizable appearance on television this evening.
He is guest starring on NBC’s “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” at 10 p.m. . And in the “Wildlife” episode he portrays “Gots Money”, a rapper involved in an exotic animal smuggling ring under investigation by Detective Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni).
Think you’ll tune in tonight? How would you rate Big Boi’s other acting turns in “Idlewild”, “ATL” and “Who’s Your Caddy?” Looking forward to his solo bow — “Sir Luscious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty”?
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Reunited LaBelle Playing Atlanta In February
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Time to get your “itchy gitchy ya-yas” going.
(Or however that was spelled in French).
Not only has the pioneering funk-rock ensemble with the hit “Lady Marmalade” (“itchy gitchy”) put out its first CD together in 32 years (“Back To Now”), but starting next month Labelle is hitting the road — with a Feb. 14 date at the Atlanta Civic Center.
Excited? Remember Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx and Patti LaBelle from their first time around as Labelle? (If not, see the YouTube clips of them performing “What Can You Do For Me” in 1974, then “Lady Marmalade” BELOW) Heard “Back To Now”?
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Bryan Adams Schedules Atlanta Date
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Sing ‘So Alive’!”
If someone yells that in the audience in January, then pop-rocker Bryan Adams will know exactly how roots-rocker Ryan Adams feels when — jokingly or not — someone shouts “Sing ‘Cuts Like A Knife’!”
Here’s hoping all goes pleasantly, however, when Bryan plays his solo acoustic show Jan. 16 at Atlanta Symphony Hall.
Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. at the Woodruff Arts Center box office (1280 Peachtree St., 404-733-4200) and all Ticketmaster outlets.
Planning to get a pair Nov. 21? Ever seen him live before? Did you know the Grammy winner has 21 top ten hits, and received three Oscar and five Golden Globe nominations?
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Lil Wayne To Bring In 2009 In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Arguably the biggest artist of the year — rapper Lil Wayne — will wind down what has certainly been the biggest 12 months of his professional career in Atlanta.
And he’s got two local talents joining him.
Lil Wayne (top photo), Atlanta’s Keyshia Cole and T-Pain (pictured in second photo with Wayne, on the left), as well as the Gym Class Heroes make up Wayne’s “I Am Music” tour, stopping at Philips Arena Dec. 31.
Tickets are $39.75-$79.75 at www.livenation.com, the Philips Arena box office (404-878-3000), all Ticketmaster locations or charge by phone (404-249-6400).
And they go on sale this Friday.
Interested in bringing in the new year with Lil Wayne? Think another recording artist has had a bigger 2008? And if not, what do you think has been Wayne’s appeal?
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Zac Brown interview
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New country acts rarely land at the top of the charts with their first single. It didn’t happen with Alan Jackson, Sugarland, Kenny Chesney or even Garth Brooks.
But it just might happen for Atlanta’s Zac Brown Band thanks to its infectious first single “Chicken Fried,” a slab of Southern goodness praising the love of cold beer, sweet tea, the American flag and “a pair of jeans that fit just right.” According to Mediabase 24/7, the single is the second most popular song in country radio this week, blocked only by Nashville’s hottest singer Taylor Swift.
“We’re waiting,” said Zac Brown, a heavily bearded 30-year-old Dahlonega native who’s been working as a professional musician for 12 years. “It’s tough battling that gal for the No. 1 spot!”
Even if “Chicken Fried” ends up peaking in the runner-up position, Brown feels blessed. Today , his band’s first big-label album with Atlantic Records is out. “The Foundation” blends traditional country with Jam band-style southern rock, bluegrass and even a touch of reggae.
Atlantan Wyatt Durrette, Brown’s writing partner, said he hopes they can be known as great musicians period: “We’d love to cross over to rock. We love Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett. We’re a mixture of all this music.”
And like acts such as the Dave Mathews Band and Hootie & the Blowfish, the Zac Brown Band over the past four years has tirelessly toured, hitting venues 250 dates a year. The result? A growing grassroots fan base even before country radio picked up “Country Fried.”
“I just figured the big break would happen,” Brown said. “I’ve given it everything I got. I tried to do people right along the way and surround myself with great musicians.” Locally, the Zac Brown Band spent many a night playing at Dixie Tavern in Marietta. “It’s my home,” Brown said. “I met Wyatt. I met my wife. I’ve met family and friends there.”
Brown picked up a guitar at age 7 and hasn’t put it down since. As a kid, he’d listen to the Eagles and the Allman Brothers while his buds jammed to Nirvana and Pearl Jam. “They used to laugh at me for listening to rocking chair music,” he said. His reaction? “I just turned up my Walkman!”
He grew up strumming his guitar any chance he got, be it lunch hour, at his desk in class or after football practice. At age 15, he realized music was his destiny after opening for Atlanta musician Shawn Mullins (“Lullaby”) at a coffee house in Dahlonega.
After high school, the 18-year-old started his own band Far From Einstein, where he learned rock and country hits galore, fueled by a “photographic memory” for songs and lyrics.
“It’s muscle memory,” he said. “It’s just stored in my head.”
Nonetheless, he was still trying to finish college at West Georgia, switching majors three times. Then 9/11 came along. “I decided life’s tosu short doing stuff you don’t want to do,” he said.
As “Chicken Fried” burns up the FM airwaves, the band will keep touring nonstop — just bigger venues. So the next major Atlanta stop won’t be the Dixie Tavern but on Jan. 2, Duluth’s Wild Bill’s, which is about 20 times bigger.
“I was put here to play music,” Brown said. “It’s just home to me behind a microphone.”
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Ludacris Release Date Moved Up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Change is coming early…to the music industry.
Next week, instead of abiding by the usual CD release date, Tuesday, Island Def Jam Music Group is putting out Atlanta rapper-actor Ludacris’s “Theater of the Mind”, fellow hip-hop favorite Kanye West’s “808s & Heartbreak” and pop-savvy modern rockers the Killers “Day & Age” on Monday, Nov. 24.
This “one-time only trifecta” — as Island Def Jam bills it in the press release —just happens to come three days before Thanksgiving, what retailers know as the biggest shopping weekend of the year.
Anticipating the release of Ludacris’s sixth CD? (See the YouTube videos of the singles from it — “What Them Girls Like” (featuring Chris Brown and Sean Garrett), “Undisputed” and “One More Drink” (featuring an appearance by V-103’s Wanda Smith) BELOW) Think it could outsell Kanye West? Are you one of those music shoppers who actually hits the stores (freestanding or iTunes) traditionally, on Tuesday?
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Rate New Lisa Lopes (With Fellow Members of TLC)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Next Thursday Mass Appeal Entertainment is having a listening party in New York for the late Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes’s last solo project, “EYE-Legacy” — due in stores Jan. 27.
But today, for you, we’ve got the single featuring fellow TLC members Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas; as well as Missy Elliott.
Hear it HERE and tell us what you think.
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Maxwell In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So many years out of the boy band era, it was a little hard to recognize at first.
But three songs into R&B singer Maxwell’s first concert in Atlanta in seven years, there it was: the distinct, high-pitched squeal of excited women.
He still has it, ladies and gentleman— and honestly, that was apparent from his very first song (“Get To Know Ya”); made even clearer in his resplendent covers of Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful” and Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”, and acknowledged throughout the evening by those squealing women, on their feet and wailing along during most of Maxwell’s sensual Atlanta Civic Center show.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you this evening,” he told a long-sold-out crowd that included state Sen. (and Atlanta mayoral candidate) Kasim Reed, V-103’s Joyce Littel and Miss Sophia, Sugar Hill co-owners Freddy Luster, Richard Dunn and J Carter and director of Atlanta’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Camille Love. “I don’t have an album out. I don’t have a single. I don’t have a hit.”
But again, what Maxwell continues to have — even without his signature curly locks — is a personality and an individuality that still resonates in a genre apparently fixated on finding a new Usher. (Or a younger Michael Jackson).
And not only did he and his nine-member band’s performance heighten anticipation for new material — moreso than the songs (“Pretty Wings”) he unveiled Wednesday— it offered hope that some of the other incredibly promising R&B recluses who seem to have decided to sit the 2000s out, might be OK. (Namely D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill).
Speaking of which, opening act Jazmine Sullivan’s first single “Need U Bad” had many making lofty Hill comparisons. But the artist who rocketed onto the scene with two Top 10 R&B singles right now, sputtered on the stage; lacking a cohesion and a presence that exuded from the headliner.
If you were there last night, give us your review. (And see the rest of our photo gallery HERE ).
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2008 CMA Awards kinda like 2007 CMA Awards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the Country Music Association Awards, voters decided 2008 was a lot like 2007.
In all the major non-song categories, repeats bounded.
Kenny Chesney took home entertainer of the year for the fourth time in five years. Brad Paisley won the male vocalist of the year for the second year in a row. Carrie Underwood took home female vocalist of the year for the third year in a row (beating out fast-rising Taylor Swift). Rascal Flatts took home group of the year for the sixth year in a row. And Atlanta-based Sugarland continued its hot streak as vocal duo of the year for the second year in a row.
Lady Antebellum, which features one Georgia member Dave Haywood, also won in the new category of new artist of the year, a revised version of the formerly named Horizon Award. The trio beat out fellow Georgian Jason Aldean, “Idol” finalist Kellie Pickler as well as James Otto and hit-maker Rodney Atkins. “It’s not supposed to happen this way!” Haywood said on stage.
George Strait, the living legend, proves he’s still generating great music, taking home two more CMA Awards with his single of the year “I Saw God Today” and his album of the year “Troubadour.”
-“Well, thank you very much. I love writing songs. I love performing them and I love the fans who come out to see what we write… it was a gift from the beginning and it was a gift to write. I hope it was a gift and touched your hearts.” — Jennifer Nettles, after winning the CMA for Song of the Year for “Stay”
-“Oh my gosh, I’m shaking!” — Kristian Bush, male partner in Sugarland after winning duo of the year again.
-Georgia native Alan Jackson, at age 50, does a rollicking “Good Time,” which starts a bit slow but livens up once they get a few hundred folks to do some line dancing in the aisles, alluding to his video.
-Sugarland joke from Brad Paisley, who was noting how long George Strait has been around: “He has seen so much happen over the years. Fire. The wheel. A man landing on the moon. Sugarland when they were a trio. It’s incredible how much has changed since he’s been around.”
-After winning the duo of the year award, Sugarland decided not to pimp its latest single and went with an album cut (that might be the third single) simply called “Love.” As usual, Nettles proved her vocal mettle and ever hyper Bush even got to throw in a few lines himself.
-Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country” is a sturdy slab of Southern rock bacon — comforting if not terribly groundbreaking. ‘
-Sure, it’s easy to make fun of pop artists crossing over to country (see Jessica Simpson, Jewel), but Darius Rucker is actually doing it without snickers. He performed his No. 1 hit “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” the first African-American to top the country charts since Charley Pride many decades ago.
-That Kid Rock song “All Summer Long” managed to become a crossover top 40, rock and country hit over the summer. Now that it’s fall, the song remains irritating with its forced nostalgia and blatant pandering use of “Sweet Home Alabama.”
-I’ve never been a huge fan of Kenny Chesney but you have to give the man credit: he exudes charisma on stage and his vocals are impeccable. And it was fun watching him pay homage to Bob Marley with “Three Little Birds.”
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See Butch Walker Tonight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just a reminder, Atlanta’s A-list singer,songwriter, producer and rocker Butch Walker is doing an in-store performance this evening at 7 p.m. at Criminal Records.
(And chances are he will be playing material from “Sycamore Meadows,” the CD that hit stores this week).
Have you been over to Criminal’s new location - and if so, what do you think? Will you stop through tonight to see Walker (pictured above at his Criminal in-store in 2006)? Heard his new album?
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Sugarland and Emily Saliers Join Forces
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In other Sugarland news (Atlanta’s superstar country duo was mentioned in the previous post about tonight’s CMAs) Jennifer Nettles has launched Common Thread, an event described as “a celebration of Jennifer’s philosophy of balanced living through music, yoga, eco-consciousness and most importantly, giving back.”
“I’m hoping Common Thread will be a multi-genre diverse bill under the ‘common thread’ of activism and community organization,” Nettles (top photo) explains in the press release. “I do believe that one action can cause a ripple and make a difference. So, if you inspire some of your fans to go out into their own communities and effect change, then that’s success.”
The first dates will feature Sugarland, Emily Saliers (bottom photo) of Atlanta’s Indigo Girls and Amos Lee doing individual and group acoustic performances in the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek Nov. 20; Wheeler Opera House in Aspen Nov. 21; and the Santa Fe Armory for the Arts.
Tickets — on sale now — are $50-$150 with VIP tickets priced at $250 and $500. VIP ticket holders will be able to attend a silent auction champagne reception with the artists. That auction will feature one of a kind artist paintings, exclusive artist packages, Epiphone acoustic guitars signed by all 4 Artists, photographs, spa packages, exclusive resort stays, signed memorabilia and lifestyle packages. And all proceeds from the event and auction will be to each performing artists’ charity of choice.
Nettles’ proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Kristian Bush’s will go to the American Liver Foundation and Saliers’ benefit Honor the Earth.
Think this is something you would like to attend/support?
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Pick Your Hometown CMA Winner
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This year’s Country Music Association Awards won’t be handed out until 8 p.m. this evening, on ABC — but don’t let that stop you from weighing in on the act with local connections that you think deserves this genre’s highest honor.
Here are the categories with Georgia contenders (italicized):
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Sugarland (above)
Keith Urban
Male Vocalist of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban
New Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Rodney Atkins
Lady Antebellum
James Otto
Kellie Pickler
Vocal Group of the Year
Eagles
Emerson Drive
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town (above)
Rascal Flatts
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
The Wreckers
Single of the Year
“Don’t Blink,” Kenny Chesney
“Gunpowder & Lead,” Miranda Lambert
“I Saw God Today,” George Strait
“Stay,” Sugarland
“You’re Gonna Miss This,” Trace Adkins
Album of the Year
“Carnival Ride,” Carrie Underwood
“Cowboy Town,” Brooks & Dunn
“Good Time,” Alan Jackson
“Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates,” Kenny Chesney
“Troubadour,” George Strait
Song of the Year
“Good Time,” Alan Jackson
“I Saw God Today,” Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell and Wade Kirby
“Letter to Me,” Brad Paisley
“Stay,” Jennifer Nettles
“You’re Gonna Miss This,” Ashley Gorley, Lee Thomas Miller
Musical Event of the Year
Josh Turner featuring Trisha Yearwood (above) - “Another Try”
Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney - “Every Other Weekend”
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - “Gone, Gone, Gone”
Sugarland featuring Little Big Town and Jake Owen - “Life In A Northern Town”
Kenny Chesney (duet with George Strait) - “Shiftwork”
Music Video of the Year
“Don’t Blink” - Kenny Chesney
“Good Time” - Alan Jackson
“Stay” - Sugarland
“Waitin’ On A Woman” - Brad Paisley
“You’re Gonna Miss This” - Trace Adkins
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Mastodon Member Hospitalized
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mastodon’s record label has sent out a press release that the Atlanta rock band’s guitarist, Bill Kelliher, has been hospitalized in London since Nov. 3 - but it doesn’t say why.
And Mastodon has decided to keep playing its European Unholy Alliance Chapter 3 tour as a trio. “Doctors will continue to monitor his condition, which is improving at press time,” the release from Warner Bros. states. And they are hopeful he (pictured above, in center) will rejoin Troy Sanders, Brent Hinds and Brann Dailor in time for their headlining tour of Europe, starting Nov. 30 in Utrecht, Holland.
Have you heard what happened to Kelliher?
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“Brothers To Brutha” Makes Debut Tonight — (With The Late Shakir Stewart)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last time we saw Brutha, the R&B quintet was on a one-off, Peachtree TV reality show, preparing for a make-or-break audition in Atlanta.
Seven months later, not only have they secured that record deal with Island Def Jam Music Group, but their plight is playing out nationally on BET, starting tonight at 11 p.m. .
“Brothers to Brutha” opens in New York, where Jacob, Poppa, Jared, Anthony and Grady are meeting with the recently-departed Atlanta music power Shakir Stewart, and his fellow Island Def Jam execs.
It was Stewart who signed the group, and in the Peachtree TV show leads Brutha through various rigors to perform before Jermaine Dupri.
The New York boardroom meeting is pretty quick, then the show shoots back to the brother’s home state, California. This is where viewers start to get to know the group individually, and their background. It’s Anthony that’ll get everyone’s attention first though, with this admission:“I drink consistently…Do I think it’s a problem? No.”
Cue drama. But the sluggish thing about the first half of this debut is so so much of what Brutha says seems forced. Unnatural. Maybe it’s the editing. Maybe it’s just them.
Things get way more amped in the second half — a virtual editor’s nightmare there is so many “N” words and profanities tossed around. Here, Brutha is in Las Vegas visiting their estranged father. His quote/threat of the night, directed at Poppa: “I’ve got two words for you: Marvin Gaye”.
(As you may know, Gaye’s father shot the legendary R&B singer to death).
Planning to watch it — and the lead-in, Atlanta’s “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is” tonight? Remember Brutha’s Peachtree TV bow?
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Usher at the Tabernacle
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Raymond Hagans
The last time an Usher concert was in town it was four years ago, at Philips Arena, and it was a great show.
Last night when the Usher tour stopped in Atlanta it was at the far-smaller Tabernacle, and not only was it a great show, but it was great Usher.
In his 14 years in the music business (believe it or not) Atlanta’s 30-year-old R&B superstar has enjoyed quite the ascent. “And with that success, there’s been some distance,” the five-time Grammy winner conceded before his performance. “I want to get back and do something more intimate. A more personal ‘Thank you’.”
So Monday evening the heavily-female audience at his “Ladies Only” concert were close enough they could untie and tie his shoes, he joked. But what was particularly remarkable about his near-sold out, 90-minute set, was that Usher was just as accessible, and giving.
The singing and dancing phenom reached waaay back, and into, his five-album catalog, performing rarities such as first solo hit “Think of You” and album tracks “Seduction” and “Bad Girl”; songs he was merely featured on like “Lovers and Friends” (with Lil Jon and Ludacris) and “I Need A Girl” (with Diddy); and bits of songs he just seemed to like, such as Prince’s “Do Me Baby” and “Adore”, Stevie Wonder’s “Rocket Love”, OutKast’s “Prototype”, John Legend’s “Green Light” and T.I.’s “Whatever You Like”.
“I didn’t bring you all the way here just to look at me,” the elegantly-attired Usher told a crowd that included Grammy winner Johnta Austin, rapper-actor Bow Wow, choreographer-turned-record label power Devyne Stephens and V-103’s Wanda Smith. “I told y’all I was going to give you a show!”
If you were there, do you think Usher achieved that goal? Feel it was worth the $100-plus ticket price?
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Tina Turner In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eight years after what was supposed to be her farewell tour, Tina Turner gave a show Sunday night that without qualification, validated her return.
The voice is still there. The stamina is still there. And those legs remain every bit the signature they were when Turner first electrified the scene some four decades ago.
About 40 minutes after the start time on the ticket, the rocking soul legend appeared on the Philips Arena stage in the first of what would be a series of flattering outfits; many with splits up to, well, “Wow!” Accompanied by a seven-piece band, two background singers, four female dancers and another four-man ensemble called Ninja, Turner packed the first half of her show with many of her best-known singles: “What’s Love Got To Do With It”; River Deep, Mountain High”; “Better Be Good To Me”; and “Private Dancer”.
On her feet the whole time, that might have been enough to satisfy. But then after a too-long, 30-minute intermission, Turner reappeared seated, and reminded fans what a vocal power she continues to be as well. Three songs in, her take on “Let’s Stay Together” drew extended applause that even seemed to surprise her. “I haven’t had such a response from Atlanta, Georgia before,” Turner told the capacity crowd, which included fellow Friend of Oprah, Atlanta entertainment mogul Tyler Perry.
The second set ended with “Proud Mary” (of course), but if you left before the encores you missed out. The first was “Nutbush City Limits,” when the Nutbush, TN. native swept across the arena on a hydraulic lift, flipping that golden mane out of her eyes, stretching that red-lined mouth wide, while all the while, strutting in yet another pair of sparkling heels.
Were you there Sunday night — and if so, what did you think? (See the rest of our photo gallery HERE). Planning to go tonight, again?
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Shakir Stewart’s Public Farewell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(The cover of the program, with Stewart’s daughter Micaela and son Sebastian)
(The back page)
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin sent her “sincere and heartfelt condolences” to his family.
Morehouse College offered its King’s Chapel for the 1996 graduate’s service.
And Atlanta’s Grammy-wining R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo performedthe tear-jerker “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” in tribute.
But what probably resonated the most about the public memorial for Atlanta music executive Shakir Stewart Friday afternoon were the personal memories shared by those within his industry, who knew and loved the 34-year-old.
The chapel of artists (LL Cool J, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Chrisette Michele), politicians (Atlanta City Councilman Ceasar Mitchell, and fellow mayoral candidate, state Sen. Kasim Reed), fellow executives (Island Def Jam’s Steve Bartels and Karen Kwak) and industry tastemakers (MTV’s Fonzworth Bentley, BET’s Kenny Burns, DJ Toomp, DJ Don Cannon, Big Oomp, Isaac Hayes III) laughed along with Christopher Hicks as he imitated his friend “Shake’s” signature cool whisper from the podium. And when Shawn “Pecas” Costner recalled that the highlight of Island Def Jam Music Group’s annual Christmas party was what the executive vice president of Def Jam Recordings would wear.
“Was that a red velvet blazer?” Costner asked out loud. “With fur?!”
The crowd stood on its feet, arms raised, shouting “Hallelujah!” as Ted Lucas took on the role of powerful preacher, shouting “Thank you Lord!” at the podium, off the stage and out the chapel door.
And sobs could be heard throughout the sanctuary as a video tribute played depicting Stewart the child (as Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” played); the Morehouse Man (to the tune of Prince’s “Purple Rain”); the partner and father (to Maxwell and Ginuwine ballads) and finally “Shakir Stewart —The Man” (with music from Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, whom Stewart signed to record deals).
“Remember Shakir for what you know him to be,” Hicks said. “And Shake would have wanted us to know this: That we’ve got to have some balance.”
Stewart was found dead at his Marietta home last Saturday of an apparent suicide. A private funeral service and burial was held Thursday.
Were you in attendance Friday or at any of Stewart’s other services? And if so, what stood out to you about the tributes and/or Stewart?
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Public Service for Shakir Stewart Today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What is being called a celebration of the life of Atlanta music scene power Shakir Stewart (pictured above, far right, with Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Sean Garrett) will be held at King’s Chapel at Morehouse College today at 3 p.m. .
Guests are encouraged to arrive an hour early. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that donations be sent to The Shakir Stewart Memorial Fund, through any SunTrust Bank, benefiting his children, Micaela and Sebastian Stewart.
For more information or to make a donation, go to www.shakirsstewart.com or directly to PayPal.
The 34-year-old executive vice president of Def Jam Recordings — and a Morehouse graduate — was found dead at his Marietta home Saturday of an apparent suicide. A private funeral was reportedly held Thursday.
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Usher’s ‘Ladies Only’ Tour - The First Reviews
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
![usher-TREE-600[3].jpg](http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/MusicScene/upload/2008/11/usher-TREE-600%5B3%5D.jpg)
Atlanta R&B superstar Usher launched his “Ladies Only” tour Sunday in Atlantic City, and finally the critic’s takes are starting to trickle in.
Here’s what’s been written about the show that stops here Nov. 10 at the Tabernacle Nov. 10:
From The New York Post’s Dan Aquilante —
BOUDOIR balladeer Usher flashed a smile at his female fans and then set up the ground rules of his Monday concert at Hammerstein Ballroom. “Ladies, I brought you here for one reason … a one-night stand,” the singer oozed, adding the Vegas touch with, “And what happens here, stays here.”
The women in the front rows needed no encouragement to ditch their underwear and lob them at the singer.
It was a predominantly female crowd at a show where the ticket clearly stated “Ladies Only” - and Usher was ready for their love.
Songs like the hard-driving R&B tune “Love in the Club,” the funk anthem “This Ain’t Sex” and the ultra-erotic smooth groove of “Trading Places” turned the women into girls gone wild. How wild?
While the singer stood at the lip of the stage, hands reached up to touch his foot, his calf, his knee and then headed north up his pants. Even Usher - who is the contemporary equivalent of sexual singers such as Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye and Barry White - was a little shocked.
As he sang “Seduction,” he directed the lyric “Stop playing with me” at the girls stage left who were treating his trousers like a private petting zoo. For all the sexual suggestion at this show, the guy didn’t neglect his singing duties.
He has a singular tenor that commands the high notes and low, and he gets real emotion into his songs. Usher’s the total ladies’ man, but he was even able to make you believe he was repentant about his cheating ways during the song “Confessions.”
In the two-hour show, Usher demonstrated incredible stage charisma and showed off one of the best voices in R&B. And add to his can-do list: He’s a terrific dancer.
Unlike the boy-toy hoofers who surround pop singers like Madonna, there is a masculine power to Usher’s angular movement that reminds you of a “Singin’ in the Rain”-era Gene Kelly. Usher won’t mind that being repeated, but about the pant petting, remember that what happened at this show stays at this show.
Meanwhile Jim Farber at the Daily News wrote —
JUST AS WISE politicians must play to their party’s base at times, so singer Usher took his message to his core constituency last night - screaming, drooling women.
The R&B star played a “Ladies Only” show at Hammerstein Ballroom, one of 14 such events across the country. Happily, yours truly wasn’t forced to undergo a sex reassignment operation in order to attend. The “Ladies” advertisement turned out to be more suggestion than law. Roughly 20% of the crowd could claim both an X and a Y chromosome, which turned out to be a good thing. At this point, Usher needs every gender he can get. The 4,000-seat hall wasn’t sold out, a shocking occurrence for a star who just three years ago sold 9 million copies of his “Confessions” CD.
Then again, Usher’s followup, “Here I Am,” has sold one-ninth that amount, which helps explain his decision to shore up the base. He pushed the “ladies” agenda hard at Hammerstein, never once acknowledging the men. He not only sweet-talked the women but doffed his shirt twice to reveal his famous six-pack. He also humped the stage, threw out several sweaty tissues and accepted two pairs of pink panties in return.
Oh, yes, he also sang - and often well. Usher owns a creamy tone and an agile range. Unfortunately, his latest material isn’t his most spry, which explains part of his whittled-down crowd. Another factor comes from a switch in his lyrical persona - from Lothario to loyal husband and father. To counter that staid role, Usher redirected the songs to his audience, feigning the old availability. At times it rang true, as in the randy “Trading Places.” But he indulged many unsalvageable songs, and took them at too leisurely a pace, turning what might have been a night of winking eros into a performance that too often went flaccid.
Been to his first shows or know anybody that has? Planning to see him in Connecticut tomorrow?
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Usher and Tameka Due In December
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Their first child will celebrate his first birthday Nov. 26; and next month, Atlanta R&B superstar Usher and his bride of a year, Tameka, expect to be parents again.
Though Usher has been especially mum about his family life this time around, during an appearance this morning on the “Today” show he told Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb that “he, he or she” is due next month.
While he just started his “Ladies Only”’ tour this week, he was on the last hour of the morning show to discuss his political efforts, and new politically-minded single “Hush”.
See a YouTube clip of it BELOW and tell us where you think it ranks in the socially-conscious song category. Better than “Waterfalls”? Worse than “We Are The World”?
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“You Can Vote However You Liiike”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It being Election Day and all, we thought the Ron Clark Academy’s politically-minded parody of Atlanta rapper T.I.’s No. 1 song, “Whatever You Like,” just might be the motivation you need to go out and stand in one of those lines and vote.
(Or just another reason to smile, knowing you’ve already done your duty).
Watch the Atlanta students BELOW and tell us what you think:
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Shakir Stewart:1974-2008
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This weekend the Atlanta music scene lost an executive instrumental to its development as a Motown of the South, and who most recently ran the day-to-day operations at the best known hip-hop label in the country.
Shakir Stewart, the 34-year-old executive vice president of Def Jam Recordings, was found about 4 p.m. Saturday in the bathroom of his Marietta home, said police spokeswoman Cassie Reece. Reece said Stewart shot himself with a handgun but wouldn’t say who discovered him. Stewart was pronounced dead at Kennestone Hospital.
Stewart was named executive vice president of Def Jam just five months ago, succeeding hip-hop mogul Jay-Z.
Late Saturday night a statement was issued from Island Def Jam Music Group: “LA Reid and all of us at Island Def Jam Music Group are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Shakir Stewart. Shakir was an amazing man, in every sense of the word. A truly incredible friend and father who was an inspiration to not only our artists and employees, but to his family and the many people who had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time.”
And Sunday evening Stewart’s family and fiance, Michelle Rivers, released this statement: “We would like to thank Shakir’s friends for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we have received during this difficult time. It has helped us to cope with our overwhelming grief and sadness.
It is difficult to express or explain in words what led to the tragic occurance on Saturday. Over the past several weeks, Shakir’s behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love.
As much as we all tried to help him, Shakir was in deep pain and largely suffering in silence.
Please remember Shakir for who he was….a wonderful father, partner, son and friend.”
Stewart, a native of Oakland, Calif., came to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College. It was there that he and friends Christopher Hicks, Ryan Glover, Henry “Noonie” Lee and others started throwing parties and concerts around the city as Ivory Coast Entertainment.
Stewart, Hicks, Glover and others would go on to develop the Atlanta-based company Noontime — launching ground for such songwriting, production and executive talents as its founders, as well as Jazze Pha, and Grammy-winners Johnta Austin and Bryan-Michael Cox.
The first significant solo success on Stewart’s professional resume, however, was signing a pre-superstar Beyonce to Reid’s Atlanta-based publishing company, Hitco.
“Basically, I’m the hook-up man, ” he explained to the AJC in 2000 (when he is pictured above, in the back on the left). “I do whatever I need to do to enhance the correct exposure for my client. But I’m also part Les Brown, motivational speaker. I energize my clients to do their best work.”
Stewart was also an A&R consultant at Reid’s now-closed Atlanta imprint, LaFace Records; and Arista Records, to which he signed local Grammy winner Ciara.
Since 2004 he had served as senior vice president of A&R for Def Jam, and vice president, during which time he signed Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy and Miami hip-hop star Rick Ross.
And when Stewart earned his most recent executive title, he was excited when he talked to the AJC about the challenge; if not reluctant to be looked at as “the guy filling Jay-Z’s shoes”: “I don’t really say ‘I’m replacing Jay-Z’. He’s a personal friend. He’s a legend. He’s an icon. But obviously there was a void at the label when he left, and I have accepted that role to lead the company into the future, with L.A. Reid.”
In the credits of his CD “Trilla” Ross thanks “My man Shakir Stewart ‘the deal closer’ ”
“Having Shakir on your team is a good thing,” Jeezy noted before the release of his recent No. 1 CD, “The Recession”.
And the week of the July release of his controversial “Untitled” CD, Atlanta rapper Nas said of Stewart: “He gave me some confidence dealing with all of this. He’s about growth…And you can never catch him off his game. In the club, the office, wherever. He’s always seeing the big picture. Great supporter!”
Sunday afternoon Hicks hoped aloud that people would focus on things like that — how his friend of 18 years lived.
“Whatever happened over the past 24 hours is not a testament to who we all know,” said Hicks, who last spoke with Stewart (pictured above at far left, behind Ludacris) about a week ago. “He was a one-of-a-kind individual. If you looked on his Blackberry [stamp] it said ‘one of one’.” “I mean, Shakir is the kind of guy who would get dressed up for a party none of us were invited to,” Hicks continued. “He had no doubt he was getting in. He was a ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ kind of guy. Always.”
Any memories of or condolences for Stewart that you would like to share here, are welcomed.
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