New York - Actress and singer, Cynthia Basinet petitions the United Nations Sixty-second General Assembly Fourth Committee on behalf of issues facing the Western Sahara.

From the UN official site:

CYNTHIA BASINET, singer and actress, said that the international community had a moral responsibility as steward of the Saharawi people, and that a shift in heart and not just policy was required. Anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis, stunting and acute malnutrition were plaguing the Saharawi population, and yet 90 per cent of the population had attended school and were literate, according to a 1998 study.

She expressed deep concern over land mine explosions, such as that which had claimed the life of 8 year-old Fatima Bent Ibrahim this past year. Food prices rivaled those of Europe, with camel meat costing about €4 and the price of potatoes and milk equally prohibitive. Finally, refugees living abroad were unable to bring relatives with them because Western Sahara was not recognized by the United Nations, nor were documents and passports.

It took all facets to make the world a diamond, she said, and the international community must look beyond traditional methods of aid to consider public-private partnerships and microlending, among other forms of assistance, so that Saharawis were not “slowly delineated from the human map of the world”.

Cynthia visited the W. Sahara in ‘01 in efforts to raise awareness for the Saharwian refugees living in self-determination.

She was later nominated for a shared Nobel Peace Prize as part of the “1000 PeaceWomen Across the Globe”.

The singer is best known for hits “Santa Baby” and “Tea For Two” .

For more visit:
www.cynthiabasinet.com

The September 30th, 2008 deadline for submissions to the New York Songwriters’ Circle’s (NYSC) annual Songwriting Contest is quickly approaching.

For over 18 years such notable artists as Vanessa Carlton, Norah Jones, Gavin DeGraw, Jesse Harris, Lisa Loeb, Charlotte Sometimes, Avril Lavigne, John Oates and Chris Barron (of the Spin Doctors) have all been a part of this legendary circle. This year’s grand prize winner will take home over $15,000 in cash and prizes, including a performance spot at the world renowned Madison Square Garden, The Live Nation - Jones Beach Concert Series, recording sessions with Grammy award winning producer Glenn Barett and so much more. The contest winner will also be featured on Jonathan Clarke’s highly rated “Out of the Box” radio show on New York’s most popular classic Rock station, Q104.3. For the first time ever, the NYSC will present two additional awards at the contest finale, an International award to an outstanding songwriter from anywhere outside the US, and a Young Writer award, for songwriters ages 8 to 18.

The New York Songwriters Circle contest annually gives performers the rare opportunity to perform their music live in front of top music industry professionals and excited music fans as part of the New York Songwriters Circle’s ongoing showcases series in Philadelphia (at World Café Live), Boston (at Johnny D’s in Somerville), and the legendary Bitter End in New York’s Greenwich Village. Past contest winners include Kate Voegele, (currently starring in the hit TV Show “One Tree Hill”) and “Company of Thieves,” (recently featured as a breaking artist on Billboard Magazine).

The Live Finale events on November 5th and 6th at the Bitter End in New York will spotlight the twelve contest finalists and include rare special guest appearances by Grammy Award winning Singer/Songwriter Marc Cohn and Indie music sensation Dave Barnes. Aside from his own impressive music catalog, Marc Cohn has worked with such notable artists as Tracy Chapman, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Shawn Colvin and many more. Currently, Dave Barnes is touring with “Los Lonely Boys” and has achieved both critical and commercial success as an indie recording artist.

The panel of judges includes Grammy-Award winning producer Russ Titelman, 785 Records/Publishing and Denise Rich Songs President Mark Eichner, Rolling Stone and New York Magazine contributor and author John Colapinto and many more. Sponsors include 785 Records, Denise Rich Songs, Ascap, Bmi, Sesac, MorningStar Studios, Broadjam.com, SongU.com, Dubway Studios and Sam Ash Music.

For more information and to submit your music please visit http://www.songwriters-circle.com

Los Angeles, CA — Gospel songwriter/producer Desmond Pringle is a passionate vocalist with a unique brand of balladry — and one of the most talented songwriter/producers in gospel music today. To celebrate the launch of the artist’s ReverbNation profile, Desmond is making his duet with Gospel Legend Shirley Casear available as free mp3 downloads exclusively through the site at http://www.reverbnation.com/desmondpringle

Just A Closer Walk With Thee Featuring Shirley Ceasar — musicdish

One of the highlights of Pringle’s career was recording the hymn “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” with Shirley Caesar. Pringle recalls, “One day, Pastor Caesar said, Dez, why don’t you sing with me?’ I was floored that she would offer me that opportunity alongside all of these legends she has on her project but that’s how it came about. She asked me and I wasn’t about to turn her down [laughs].”

“”Just a Closer Walk With Thee” by Desmond Pringle is a joyful hymn that features the Grammy-nominated artist singing back-and-forth with gospel legend Shirley Caesar. Both artists have powerful voices that beckon everyone to take heed to the song’s influential lyrics. The song has a warm feel to it and while the instrumentation is impressive, it is the dueling vocals that steals the show here. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” is an incredible highlight from Desmond’s inspirational album, ‘Be Still’.” Eric Hartline, MusicDish

“Pringle also duets (in real time) with Pastor Shirley Caesar on Kenneth Morris’ prize find, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” making her the second former Caravan to be featured on this CD (yes, Cleveland sang with the Caravans - check your history!).” The Black Gospel Blog Reviews

Music:

Desmond Pringle on Reverbnation

Just a Closer Walk with Thee - Shirley Ceasar

Retail:

CD Baby

Websites:

Desmond Pringle Official Website

http://www.myspace.com/desmondpringle

Desmond Pringle is a passionate vocalist with a unique brand of balladry — and one of the most talented songwriter/producers in gospel music today. Whether delivering his signature-smooth ballads, thought provoking lyrics or energetic choir songs, Desmond has already taken his place among the ranks of great gospel artists of his generation. A down to earth, approachable artist, Desmond’s soulful gospel style has garnered him the title “Gospel Balladeer” from his ever-growing base of loyal supporters.

Desmond’s journey into professional music began in the lead role of the hit gospel musical “A Good Man Is Hard To Find”. His portrayal received an NAACP Image Award nomination. The native South Carolinian then relocated to Chicago in 1993 to further develop his musical prowess. His work as a singer/songwriter gained him contributions to award-winning artists including Yolanda Adams, Bishop T. D. Jakes, R. Kelly and The Thompson Community Singers. Add to that– stellar performances at the Stockholm Gospel Festival and the award as the Best Male Vocalist by the African American Religious Connection. In 1998 his independent release “Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs” grabbed the attention of Chicago radio and led to a deal with Tommy Boy Gospel. “Loyalty” attracted a broad-base, diverse, multicultural audience, and Desmond’s first class musical performances won the enthusiastic respect of music lovers and accolades of industry professionals alike.

As a vocalist Desmond’s rich, jaw-dropping vocal range and hallmark style is reflective of his varied musical influences. From contemporary gospel - to the soul - to pop and big band —but a Desmond Pringle presentation always has a serious, unapologetic traditional gospel “core”. “I grew up in church, so traditional gospel is definitely a center-piece for me”. As a child I listened to the wonderful richness of artists like James Cleveland, The Hawkins Family, Andre Crouch and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Even today, I love that sound. Hearing that music still stops me in my tracks. Maybe by today’s standards it would be considered technologically “imperfect” by some, but for me–the heart and soul of that music stills comes through loud and clear. Even 20-30-40 years later, that is the music that has had - and continues to have– a profound influence on my life and music.”

After serving as VP of Urban / Gospel for Warner Bros. Records the ordained minister and psalmist was able to spend quality time working on songs without any distractions or pressures. “God blessed and allowed me to slow my pace,” says Desmond. “It was really a good place in my life spiritually and creatively. I spent time getting in touch with my own heart and focusing on what I believe God wanted to say next through my music. ” It was out of that quiet time that his latest musical offering “Be Still…” was born.

“Life today moves at an incredible pace. Everything is quick, fast, hurry up, and microwave, right away, right now. Time with God often gets squeezed out of the equation. As a result, people are stressed, depressed, worried and fearful. The Word of the Lord for all of us is to “Be Still”. Stop, take some time and get in the presence of God. God is concerned about everything that concerns us. Know that He has everything under control. Once we do that we can see His salvation - and His hand at work in our lives.”

“Be Still…” contains new material - plus tracks from Desmond’s participation as singer/songwriter on award winning, radio chart toppers including CeCe Winans and The Born Again Choir and Bishop Paul Morton and the Full Gospel Baptist Mass Choir. “Creating music that is biblically sound, message-driven and church friendly is important to me, says Desmond. “I was honored to be able to work with some of gospel music’s most gifted artists.

HCM is a boutique, indie label focused on developing and promoting the world’s best female talent.

Nadia was selected, out of hundreds of artists who submitted their music, to join the label’s exclusive artist roster.

Expect to see and hear more of Nadia performing live on TV, radio and online soon!

In the interim, visit Nadia’s website at www.nadiaworld.com.

On Jude Johnstone’s third effort Blue Light I discovered a rare new talent that had enormous potential. On Mr. Sun, that potential comes bursting through every song in the most beautiful untarnished way. The session prior to this is what spurred Jude on to get into a creative groove that kept going so they just continued to record and got enough material together to put out this new recording.

This is Jude’s ode to all the musicians that contributed to the sessions and the inspiration to create she found calling to her inside the music. A wellspring of ideas came flowing forth effortlessly just as the music pushed her to croon out the title track and ten more fine compositions after that with heartfelt emotion and spirit.

“Mr. Sun” is as warm as the title-there is something about the song that gives you that special tingly feeling that only a classic song can. It conveys something so strong that no other song could possibly match it. Not to say that this is not a very strong effort, indeed it is. This is the kind of album that needs some attention and will easily find it in due time once these tracks hit the airwaves or find their way in digital formats all over the internet and web radio.

Incredibly, Jude wrote all of these songs, no obligatory jazz standards, covers or nods to influences are on this CD, it is all pure Jude. This is the reason it all works so well, I do not think anyone wanted to do anything different on this project. Again David Pitch (upright bass), Danny Frankel (drums, percussion), Freddy Koella (guitar), and Marc Macisso (sax) show up for the event. In addition to the regulars Dean Parks, Mark Goldenberg (guitar), Jan Osssman (upright bass), Daniel Savant (muted trumpet, flugelhorn), Stephen Bishop, and Maxayn Lewis who provided background vocals step in to help. I had to mention them all because each person played their own quintessential role into making this Jude Johnstone’s masterpiece. If this one does not break her out, well I cannot see how anything else could, it is that good.

Jude goes from slinky late night burners “Baby, Don’t You Call My Name” and “Winding Back My Heart” where she sings, “I can turn myself into a ghost if you want me to,” facing the inevitable loss of her love, to the less musically complicated laments like “So Bad.” Her vocal chords are the main instrument and it all builds into a mountain of feeling and an excellent musical production that this album is consistently from the first note to the last.

Indie jazz simply does not get any better than this.

Artist: Jude Johnstone
Title: Mr.Sun
Genre: Jazz-Blues
Label: Bojak Records
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01. Mr. Sun
02. Over Easy
03. Don’t Tell Me That It’s Over
04. Echoes of Blue
05. Sunday Evening
06. When My Ship Comes In
07. Baby, Don’t You Call My Name
08. So Bad
09. Winding Back My Heart
10. The Light of Day
11. One For Us

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Contact:

Cheryl Hughey Promotions

cherylhughey@charter.net/314-660-1755

G John Martin “Black Ice” Releases Debut CD

Tokyo, Japan
After touring the world and opening a record label in Japan, G John Martin “Black Ice” releases his debut CD, Black Ice.

R&B/contemporary jazz vocalist G John Martin, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA, is an artist who personifies art with unified melodies manifested with balance, life and wisdom. Martin’s musical journey began with the discovery of the bass guitar at the age of seven. By age twelve, he was writing and producing his own and formed a local band. Additionally, he taught himself drums and guitar before developing a unique vocal style that would mark the beginning of his musical career.

Martin’s professional journey began at age eleven during a visit to Hollywood. He quickly caught the ear of performer James Mitchell of the “Detroit Emeralds,” who offered him a role in the development of musical pieces for several projects including his first tour. With Mitchell’s encouragement, Martin quickly moved to study music and began what would become a long history of music production with groups like 7 Mile under the Sony label. World tours would also include the likes of Earl Klugh/George Benson, After 7, Clark Sisters, Universal Nubian Voices (UNV) opening the “The Madonna Girlie Tour” and Japan’s Speed, Anri, Yuki Kokanagi and Ken Hirai, just to name a few.

Within the next ten years, G John Martin felt the pressures and practices of the music business overshadowed his passion of music. Deciding he would no longer work under the influences of corporate ideals and demands, he chose to quiet himself, find spiritual solace and honor his soul. This led him to Japan, a culture based on divination and order. Martin transformed his career into a company venture - JP Entertainment & Nitram Records.

“My life is music. I was a singer when I was born and remain a singer today,” said Martin.

The self-titled CD, Black Ice, marks the solo debut for this R&B singer. The CD is available for sale in Japan and world-wide via CDBaby.com.

www.myspace.com/glynismartin

www.cdbaby.com/cd/gjohnmartin

A Review by Mark Kirby

Over a decade ago, rappers Chuck D and Public Enemy asked, “Who Stole the Soul?” Today, after Christina Aguilera’s R&B-infused Back To Basics double CD and the Amy Winehouse soul explosion, the real question is, “Who stole it back?” Part of the answer can be found in Lorraine Reid’s single “How Can I Keep Him Lovin’ Me?“

It always comes as a surprise when I hear a modern R&B singer who has both the pipes to belt out with intensity and the good taste to let the song tell the story, choosing to not over-saturate a classic melody with vocal gymnastics. Reid dazzles her listeners with the perfect balance of vocals, just like the classic soul, rock and pop singers did back in the day. This timeless track by the Canadian, 7-time Juno nominee would fit right in with the best of soul and funk in any age.

“How Can I Keep Him Lovin’ Me?” begins to amaze listeners with its instrumentals — the keyboard starts with mellow soul chords and is followed by gently plucked guitar and sparse bass that flows with restrained energy even while in ballad mode. The drums play a beat that has previously anchored old pop and soul songs as well as bawdy stripper show tunes; it’s a beat that is part-waltz, part-easy-going phat back groove. While this stew is bubbling, Ms. Reid tells the story: “No more than 15 but grown before her time / This young girl was seekin’ love from men who would dim the lights / How can I keep him lovin’ me? / Here she was still seeking love / it was no where to be found.” Aside from the modern beat of the drums and the contemporary soul sound, the track is undeniably old school because it deals with real people and real-life issues, concepts that are often lost in mainstream music today.

The sales of R&B records — as with those of hip-hop and most other genres — continue to slump. Illegal downloads aside, the vast majority of these records deal with unattainable fantasies of sex, glamour, white linen suits and matching Bentleys. People who have just been laid off, had their benefits run out, or their home foreclosed don’t want to hear about such lavish topics. And they can’t even afford to buy overpriced CDs, anyway. That’s why real people, especially women, like Mary J. Blige’s tales of being a survivor. Like Blige, Reid tells a tale of survival and, like the best soul and gospel singers, past and present, she goes beyond this simple tale: “At 22, a mom of two, but she was still a child / Her mama’s advice to her was a message meek and mild / what this baby boy sees in you I tried my whole life to find / so dry your tears, my baby girl, you’re lookin’ at piece of mind.” Throughout the song, Reid’s vocals follow the lyrics and melody on a rollercoaster of emotion, saving the soaring peaks of her sweet yet powerful voice for the pinnacles of the song, especially the last lines. By the end of “How Can I Keep Him Lovin’ Me?”, the sadness becomes both redemption and a spiritual epiphany — all because of the power of love. Now ain’t that what soul music is all about?

www.myspace.com/lorrainereid

Label: AMAdea Records

Album: U

Genre: POP/Electronic

Buy CD

ARTIST DESCRIPTION

Founded in 2001, Gravity Co. started out as a side project, working on the soundtrack to the computer game Trans, side project turned to full-time and they haven’t looked back since.

In early 2002 Gravity Co. made their debut, releasing their first single ‘Away’ accompanied by an art-school style video directed by Gravity Co.’s Producer Georgi Stanev. The bands first try topped MM TV’s (Bulgaria’s most popular music television) International Airplay Chart, holding on to the #1 spot for three consecutive weeks. ‘Away’ would later be included in NovaXposure - the monthly compilation released by ‘Radio Ventures’ with songs by Elton John, Sarah Connor, Alcazar and others.

Gravity’s second single ‘Mr. No One’ would set the critics straight, as to the bands potential, taking a play-list space in BMG’s official weekly video compilation, alongside Carlos Santana and Christina Aguilera.

The band stretched the boundaries further when Bill Withers granted official permission to record and release a cover version of his all time classic ‘Ain’t No Sunshine.

‘Away’, ‘Mr. No One’ and ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ all made the cut for Gravity Co.’s highly anticipated debut album ‘U’ released December 13th 2002. Gravity, have since been identified by an original electro pop sound, with warm vocal melodies over pumping electro beats.

An instant success, ‘U’ brought home the first music awards - ‘Best Debut’ and ‘Best Pop/Dance Album’, from MM TV’s annual awards (the Bulgarian equivalent of the Brits).

Having released two celebrated albums, known for their engaging stage antics - performing full capacity venues and supporting the likes of the Stereo MC’s, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and more recently Ladytron - Gravity Co. teamed up with a wide range of popular Bulgarian DJ’s to remix some of the band’s hits.

AWARDS

- ‘Best Debut’ and ‘Best Pop/Dance Album’, from MM TV’s annual awards (the Bulgarian equivalent of the Brits).
- Holding on to the #1 spot for three consecutive weeks in the MM TV’s (Bulgaria’s most popular music television) International Airplay Chart.
- ‘Wings’, the first video by a Bulgarian Artist with airplay on MTV! Boasting Giorgio de Chirico inspired 3D animation - courtesy of one of Bulgaria’s finest Alexander Sokerov - ‘Wings’ would be played 13 weeks running on MTV’s World Chart Express.
- ‘Best Band’ from the annual MM TV awards of 2005. An additional ‘Band of the Year’ award was presented by Melo TV Mania’s annual awards.
- ‘Best Rock/Alternative Song’ for ‘What I Want’ (‘Instinct’ 2005) from the annual MM TV awards 2006
- On the 25 of March 2007, minutes before taking the stage to contribute a mind-blowing ‘Empty World’ against a multi-media frenzy, on the night of the BG Radio Music Awards Ceremony, the boys were called to the stage to collect the ‘Best Band Award’.
- Gravity Co. are the uncontested winners at the MMTV Music Awards, with the record 4 statuettes:
Best Pop/Dance song - Empty World
Best Pop/Dance Album - Mixedup
Best Band
Best Music Video - Empty World /Directed by Valeri Milev/

MUSIC QUOTES

The debut album “U” by the most successive Bulgarian’s band Gravity Co. is from those releases that on the first listen, you knew something amazing was happening but didn’t quite grasp it. By the second listen, you are hooked. By the third, fourth, and fifth listens, you realized you had stumbled upon a rare gem. The album range somewhere, between pop and electronic music with eminent contemporary elements, which sometimes even goes beyond the expectations. But to those with patience and an ear for the sublime, this will become one of the most rewarding and satisfying electronica albums of the decade. The sheer talent in this record is staggeringly high. Not only these guys have reached a new tier of studio production and aesthetic precision, but on top of that, the vocals are truly incredible. More importantly, it’s noticeable in the sequencing and mastering of each perfectly-layered sound. Listen on a solid, high-end system, and all the textures will open up and dance across the room in perfect balance. “U” has achieved a new level of greatness and this is easily some of the best music albums you could have in your collection.
- AMAdea Records, BULGARIA

If you like you can check the CD here.

Talented songstress Lorraine Reid is not just reveling in her previous success as lead singer for dance group Temperance; she’s making a major shift in her career with the release of a hot solo R&B album “Lessons Learned.” Hailing from Toronto, Reid has opened for Lou Bega, Monica, Coolio and Destiny’s Child, and “is vocally ready to take her place beside other international R&B songbirds. Some would even go as far as to grade her deep, rich voice against the bluesy sounds of Billy Holiday or Sarah Vaughan” (Georgette Charlicombe, Mic Check).

It’s no surprise that Reid lists Whitney Houston as one of her influences, since her new album contains vocals comparable to those of Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and India.Arie. Says Charles Bouley II from Billboard, “Reid delivers inspired vocal[s] that prove she’s a seasoned performer; it could easily elevate her to diva status. Her delivery is reminiscent of classic Donna Summer.”

Reid’s musical style can be described as a combination of R&B and soul with an edge. Having recorded two previous albums with Temperance, Virtues of Life and If You Don’t Know, she has the experience and the skills to infiltrate the music industry by simply sharing her powerful voice– with her help, Temperance was able to secure more Juno nominations than any other dance group to date.

Soon after Reid’s 7th Juno nomination in 2000, she began to feel as though her life needed a new direction. She decided to pursue a teaching career while continuing to record commercial jingles for radio and television, as well as perform backup vocals for countless other artists.

In the fall of 2005, the combination of full-time teaching and evening-gigging eventually took a toll on Reid’s health. She suffered a lengthy and extensive bout with laryngitis and was diagnosed with vocal nodules. Reid went through with an operation to have her nodules removed, which caused some loss in range and forced her to use an amplification system when speaking publicly.

Lessons Learned couldn’t be released at a better time in Reid’s life; the album’s title emulates the various challenges she has faced to make this record a reality. You are sure to hear a more soulful and established artist, as Reid provides a window into her heart by sharing the experiences that have made her the talented vocalist she is today.

You can expect to see the highly anticipated album out soon this summer, and while you’re anxiously awaiting the album’s release, go see Reid live July 12th, 2008 at the Montreal Reggae Festival (www.montrealreggaefest.com). Reid is also scheduled to play the Michigan Reggae Festival this coming August.

www.myspace.com/lorrainereid
www.musicdish.net/lorrainereid/