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By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour
YOU MISSED IT!!!
Honestly, I know many of you have a lot of things to do during
the week, but many of you made it out to see Kem last week…in
spite of your heavy workload. Then,
with the headliner out of the way, I’m sure there were some of you who
felt that a competition full of amateurs and local musicians couldn’t
be anywhere near as appealing as a known professional, and you probably
opted just to read my review as an apt and satisfactory summary to what
you would have thought and experienced had you actually been there—oh,
how wrong you were! For the
faithful that came out, filling every seat but not filling the room as
our previous capacity crowd did, they were treated to some of the best, undiscovered
red talent that Atlanta had to offer…and we still have two more
competitions left! People
were filing in as the doors opened promptly at 7pm and were immediately
treated to the groove-infected sounds of DJ Ken Batie of 91.9 FM
WCLK’s “Hot Ice in the Afternoon.”
Ahmed, Absolut First Round Winner Lola and WCLK 91.9FM host Ken Batie
So basically, if you’re a fan of Ken’s show, and hate to hear
him go off the air at 6pm, you got to hear him spin your favorite mixes
again, throughout the night. Next,
our audience was not prepared when we formally introduced the ABSOLUT
Jams House Band, which consisted of hand-picked musicians
representing some of the best that Atlanta has to offer…so good, in
fact, that it’s a very good thing that they didn’t open for Kem’s
band in the opening kick-off (not to slight their great performance, but
there would have been some serious com petition). Anyway, we wasted no time and started promptly, yes promptly,
at 8pm with the first competitor who did what I can only label as
“neo-blues”…a modern twist to the standard style, I suppose, but I
pray that label doesn’t become popular—LOL!
Surprisingly, each competitor didn’t really go over their
allotted time and the audience really enjoyed the majority of the
performances…I was pleasantly surprised that I liked about 80% of what
I heard, with 20% just passing, in my opinion…but no one was bad, by
far! The contestants ranged
from vocalists, to instrumentalists (one guy even played the drums just
as a solo performance), and to bands, and I was really impressed by the
original songs. I’d be
remiss if I didn’t congratulate, LOLA, who came out on top (one
of 12 great contestants) as t he winner for our first competition.
Her bluesy original and soulful delivery was the right
combination of style, crowd participation, and talent that apparently
won the judges over. She’ll
be competing in the last day of competition against the winners of each
night…and the final winner takes it all!
She’ll also be on “Hot Ice in the Afternoon” with Ken Batie,
who will be interviewing her live on his show…yup, we’re throwing in
free exposure, too! Who
needs “reality tv” when you can get it right in front of your eyes
and ears…FOR FREE!
Now, if you’re wondering why anyone would take a chance to put themselves on the stage with all the pressure, and people staring at them, and worrying if they’ll remember the lyrics, or if the house band will be able to follow them (which they SO did for whomever was wise enough to utilize them), or if the judges were looking at their outfit, or whatever…they’d probably tell you they had about 5000 reasons why! That is to say…$5000! You think that’s not a lot of money? Maybe not, but that’s a few month’s rent/mortgage/car note/utility bill payments, or one semester at Georgia State (plus books), or a roundtrip vacation to Europe, Africa, or Asia with a little bit of spending cash to spare, or a Motif7 or 8 for you musicians out there who know what I mean, or any number of things that we can automatically think of. Let’s just say an extra $5000 in your pocket doesn’t hurt, right?! And all you have to do to even qualify is be over 21, have some type of musical ability, and perform in front of a really gracious audience—that’s it! You might even get discovered and get a record deal because somebody influential was there…hmmm…I think I’ll be quiet now—LOL! Call 1-800-551-2587 for more info.
Look out for me at Al Smith’s
Midtown Atlanta Jam Session at Apache Café on Wednesday (by
the way, if you missed last week, here’s a link to see some of what
you missed http://www.ambianceproductions.net/gallery/16-July-2003-Session), or Soul Sista’s Juke Joint on Thursday at
Endenu, or The Whisper Room/Churchill Grounds on Friday so
you can sign up for one of the next two competitions until all slots are
filled. Good “luck” (i.e. “luck” is when preparation meets
opportunity).
There are still some
of you who still do not know that soul singer extraordinaire, D’Angelo,
made a “live” album. True,
this it wasn’t released until three years ago, and then on top of
that, it was recorded in 1995 just after his blazin’ debut release of
“Brown Sugar”, but anything live, to me, is a definitive event in an
artist’s career that stands apart from any studio recording…to me,
live recordings are the litmus test on whether or not an artist is truly
worth the hype they’re given from their studio CDs (as was the fatal
mistake of Milli Vanilli, among others).
Well, the Jazz Café is one of London’s premiere spots to
showcase local and international talent, as was the case when D’Angelo
performed for a crowd full of excited Brits who were witness what I now
have o n CD…imports can hurt a pocket every now and then, but this was
worth it! A mere 6 live tracks and one studio track is what you’ll
see on the back, but hearing “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine”,
“Cruisin”, “Sh*t Damn M**********”, “Lady”, and “Brown
Sugar” performed with a full band, three hot background vocalists
(including the soon-to-be star, Angie Stone), and the D’Angelo
on vocals as well as keys, makes up for it…plus the songs are
extended. Oh, and did I
mention he threw down on EW&F’s “Can’t Hide Love” and did a
great cover of “Heaven Must Be Like This”?
If you can find this gem…go ahead and get it!
***Oh, let me not forget to say that Mya’s album Moodring is out as of 07.22.03! I haven’t had the chance to check the whole thing out as yet (though what I've heard so far is good, and that video is like..."WO") but you can actually listen to the entire album at this link: http://www.mtv.com/music/the_leak/mya/moodring/,
and here's what the album looks like:
GOOD LAWD!! I know I'm gonna hear it from the
ladies, but fellas...you almost don't need to hear it to buy it, huh?!
Forgive me...I think it's from the post visual shock I experienced when
I watched her "dance routine" for Carson Daly's roast
on MTV's "BASH"...my jaw stayed on the floor
for a good minute (I think she, Christina, and Pink learned a
little too much from Lil' Kim in the "Lady Marmalade" video
for Moulin Rouge)! If you didn't see it...the MTV special, that
is...WHOA! Oh yeah, no disrespect to Bryce Wilson (formerly of Groove
Collective and Mya's boyfriend...for now--LOL)!
Additional news...
50
Cent, as inevitable as it was going to be, is launching his own
clothing line called G-Unit Clothing, in partnership with Ecko
Unlimited. This is a first for the company in marketing
and merchandising a line for an artist, but truth is, they've been
getting practice putting out promo items like T-shirts for artists like
Hidden Beach artists, Kindred. Personally, I don't see why more
independent clothing lines don't partner with major recording artists to
create, market, and merchandise their clothing line to reduce the
artist's bottom line while simultaneously increasing the branding and
overall sales of the actual clothing company. Now watch what
happens after I say this...
P.S.--if you have a birthday/bornday coming up and wish to let other subscribers know, send me an e-mail and I'll list you for a birthday shout out...if I'm not mistaken that means LEOs are up this moment, and you know how you all love the spotlight!
Feel free to e-mail me at: ahmed@atlantahapps.com
_______________________________________________
The views in this article are not necessarily the expressed views of ATLANTAHAPPS.COM or it's affiliates.
Ahmed Sirour writes a weekly journal for ATLANTAHAPPS.COM
Ahmed Sirour is a Georgia Regional Representative for Hidden Beach Recordings
-- Archive
If you’re looking for a new spot to kick back and chill, meet up with old friends (or new ones), a place to unwind and network after work with young urban professionals, someplace to commune after a jazz/r&b concert, movie, or a night of theatre, a cozy place to kick it with your sweetheart, or a place to flirt and engage in seductive conversations with beautiful strangers, then I highly recommend Midtown’s newest place to be and be seen…
Tarrazu Coffee Bar! Only some months up & running, Tarrazu has already begun hosting a number of functions and has served as a sanctuary for the "buppie" and "yuppie" crowds. Named after a mountainous region of South America famous for some of the world’s best coffee, Tarrazu can match Café Intermezzo with its diverse offerings of decadent beverages and treats while separating itself from comparison with a smaller more intimate setting—I would especially recommend this as an ideal spot for your private party needs (be a "baller" and rent it out for the night like Boris did for Sanaa in "Brown Sugar"—LOL).
Located at 265 Ponce de Leon Avenue (around the corner from Old Spaghetti Factory and right next door to MF Sushi Bar), Tarrazu takes centerstage with its eye-catching terrace and black awning…and then you walk in! I’m no interior decoration expert, but with beautiful hardwood floors, artistic lighting, assorted candles throughout the establishment, very cool, classy, and comfortable dinner/lounge furniture, very clean bathrooms (hey, ya know), ambient table settings, great food, coffees, and desserts, and a great wait-staff…what more could you possibly ask for?! How about "live" music on Thursdays and Fridays (sometimes, Saturdays)? Did I mention this is a solely Black-owned establishment, run by partners Nathan Horne, Robert Beckham, and Terrance Gattis? Did you know they are even preparing the groundwork for yet another location in Phipps Plaza? Did you know that entire block (from MS Sushi Bar to Nancy’s Deli) is Black-owned? Did you know that they play Hidden Beach music on a regular ;) ? Did you want me to give you anymore reasons to go there or are you wise enough to act on my suggestions with any more cajoling?
Tarrazu Owners and ATLANTAHAPPS.COM subscribers
Robert Beckham (left), Ahmed and Nathan Horne
SENSUAL SATURDAYS at Tarrazu Coffeebar
Date: Join us on Saturday, July 26, 2003
Time: 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
SUDARABAJAN Productions present...
"SENSUAL SATURDAYS"
(as a part of Tarrazu's Liquid Jazz Series)
Featuring a three-piece (keys/drums/bass) neo-jazz band,
THE FORMULA
Enjoy a sensual atmosphere of candlelight's, chill conversations, cool
sounds,
and good food as you leave the stress of the work week behind you.
As an extra treat, each week will feature a different up-and-coming
vocalist to
sit in with the band and grace the mike, for your listening pleasure.
The
dinner and dessert menu is definitely for the discriminating
palate...and you
won't need any reservations.
Time:
9pm-12am (NO COVER!)
Address:
265 Ponce De Leon Avenue (around the corner
from Old Spaghetti Factory)
Suite D
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.815.2077
Dress:
Comfortably Fly!
Contact info:
Ahmed @770.374.3537
Visit their website for upcoming events, lunch specials, and a preview
of their dinner menu at:
www.tarrazucoffeebar.com. Tell them Ahmed sent you…no, you won’t get
any discount on your dinner check, but it just sounds like a cool thing
to say—LOL! Seriously though, I might make a deal with them about
discounts if you do mention you heard about them from this article! Or,
maybe a free CD sampler from Hidden Beach (while supplies last). 
Ahmed Sirour - Eclectic. Product of a Sudanese-Arab (Muslim) father and a Bajan-Caribbean (Christian) mother. Ahmed was a "diamond in the rough" hewn from Brooklyn, now undergoing "polishing and re-cutting" in Atlanta. This serves as a premise to his diverse nature that comes from a diverse background. His poetic style is influenced by his love of music...specifically, jazz improvisation. He sometimes uses a rhyme form he calls "Broken Word"; basically, the rhyme scheme alternates between words and phrases but with a definite flow just like a jazz jam session where the art of freestyle takes place. Although it would seem that hip-hop, another of his influences, would seem to be a more apt description of his style, it is the marriage of youthful innovation paired with classic refinement. He is also moved by the Harlem Renaissance, which he feels is resurfacing, in spirit, throughout many major metropolitan cities, especially Atlanta. More importantly, he is moved by his belief in spirituality, believing that he is merely a vessel of God to bring forth the talent that he feels he has been blessed with.
Ahmed's goal, this year, to finally publish his first collection of work entitled, "This Would Be A Love Song...If Only I Could Sing"; a collection of poetry, essays, and short stories based on his life's experiences in the area of love and life. Ahmed is also a musician (keyboardist) and plays for and with many talented artists in Atlanta (and those who travel through the city from abroad). He currently represents for Hidden Beach Recordings (www.hiddenbeach.com), so he keeps one foot in the business and one foot (and two hands) in the art, itself. It is his hope and prayer that beyond enjoying his work, that people are actually moved, emotionally/intellectually/spiritually, by the words they read, and to know that this is merely a power that is coming through him and not from him.
SOULFUL HAPPS - A SPOTLIGHT ON URBAN MUSIC & CULTURE
Imagine for a moment if Marvin were still alive and able to record with the Roots... Or what about Pete Rock breaking-off a track for Minnie Ripperton or Donnie Hathaway. What kind of energy would these collaborations create??? The answer is found in a new Soul Music Series entitled SOULFUL HAPPS, and it's unlike anything you've ever heard. This section features artists who produce the sounds of 70's Soul, Acid Jazz, Hip Hop, and Rare Grooves appreciated by music lovers around the Atlanta area. But it's more than a sound... It's a feeling... bringing the past and the future together in a rather unique way. Click here for details
WHAT THEY ARE SAYIN...
Mr.Sirour,
I live in LA and was
recently in your wonderful city and love reading you're column, Very
nice. Miles...
Mr.Sirour,
I would like to begin by saying I enjoy your weekly "HAPPS" commentary. I look forward to it every Monday evening when I have down time at work. I appreciate you keeping us 'Atliens' abreast of the goings of Atlanta and upcoming music artists. Please keep doing what you are doing!
Mr.Sirour,
Now, I would like to comment briefly on your commentary for this week. Kudos to you for being honest and candid! How refreshing to hear such positive and thought provoking thoughts. I agree with you in so many ways. Just as a smile can be contagious, so can positivity.
P.S-- I saw the plug on your site for the Tarrazu Coffee Bar. It sounds like a great place. I will be trying it out this week.
Thank You,
Brettina Burney
KATHLEEN BERTRAND
Visit the Website http://www.kathleenbertrand.com
Subscriber Kathleen Bertrand, her riveting performances combine contemporary R&B grooves with jazz riffs that keep audiences wanting for more...
No Regrets sets an elegant new standard for contemporary soul, and Kathleen Bertrand brings an inspiring new voice to the world of music. Look for future features on this dynamic singer in future ATLANTAHAPPS listings.
Ahmed writes the way a jazz musician plays during an improvisational jam session paired with the way a lyricist freestyles in hip-hop form. It is a marriage of the past and present that creates a fusion to set the tempo for the future. His writing surpasses his racial makeup and simply becomes a unique American story by a unique American writer.
www.authorsden.com/ahmedasirour
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