|
By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour
...AND YET ANOTHER (08.11.04)
One
after the other, it seems that some of the best
African-American artists are leaving us. We've have seen
such greats as Nina Simone, Celia
Cruz, Gregory Hines, Barry
White, and just recently Ray Charles all
pass this life in less than a year's time, and now we must
add the already legendary Rick James to the
list. It's kind of funny that my one and only time meeting
Rick was about two years ago at Tower Records, of all
places. I had gone there just to get a few CDs and he was
just simply shopping as I was, except this dude had a BASKETFUL
of CDs! It would have to happen that I'm ready to checkout
and he beats me there with his 200 or so CDs, when he turns
around and smiles, wryly, suggesting I might want to try
another register given all that he was about to purchase (I
probably would have been there for 20 minutes had I not). I
laugh and agree and proceed to another register, while I
overhear him arguing with his cashier about how he always
gets discounts at the other Tower Records he goes to (I
almost fell out laughing)! Anyway, while waiting in my line,
I decided to write him a note telling him how much I
appreciated his music and encouraged him to keep doing
so...and then I actually autographed it with my signature.
After purchasing my items, I gave it to him and he had that
suspicious/surprised look on his face that I've seen him
make before, and then said with another wry smile, "uh,
thanks...Ahmed." He isn't the first person I did that
to as my philosophy about that is quite simple--they are the
celebrities and you know them, but they don't know you, so
you the fan would stand out more by giving them your
autograph so they'll remember YOU! Feel me? Anyway, I had to
share that story simply because that was as close an
experience that I can claim to share about such a talented
individual, despite his torrid life filled wild parties,
drugs, alcohol, health issues, depression, etc. It's good to
know that at the end of his life that he had found his peace
within himself and The Creator and was already in the
process of making significant contributions back to the
industry, but more so the world with a newfound vigor
and mission to bring real music back to the
"music" industry. One of the things I loved about
Rick, besides his edgy lyrics set to some of tightest funk
melodies ever recorded (that flute line in "Mary
Jane" and the bass line in "Super Freak" are
probably some of the dopest melody lines in music history),
is that Rick spoke his mind and didn't give a damn what you
thought! I appreciate someone who speaks their mind,
unabashed, as long as they have something meaningful to say.
Not only was it blunt but real, it was also funny as hell! I
always thought he could pull off a comedy special by simply
standing in front of a crowd and speaking his mind off the
top--no pre-rehearsed monologue needed! As a matter-of-fact,
there is a pretty candid interview he gave two years ago
that was conducted by Karu of EURWEB's The
Ru Report.
When you've finished reading this, go to: http://www.eurweb.com/articles/columns/06202002/columns713406202002.cfm.
This Week's Highlights...
08.12.04 (THU)
TICKETS ON SALE AUGUST 12th 2004
Tickets ($25) will be available August 12th at Ticketmaster, at the Lenox Concierge, and at the festival ticket booth the weekend of the event. Each ticket includes 10 tokens and each taste costs from 1-3 tokens. Kids under 12 are admitted free, but are not given tokens. Don't miss this extraordinary delicious event!
We're proud to partner with Atlanta Community Food Bank and Senior Citizen Services and Meals on Wheels for the 2004 event. Both organizations will benefit from a portion of the event's net proceeds. For more information about these outstanding beneficiaries, please visit: http://www.tasteofatlanta.org
"Not Just Black" @ The Art For All Gallery - Paintings by Jerome Lawrence (9am- 5pm)
Scribes and Vibes Open Mic @ Irish Bred (Underground Atlanta) w/ feature acts each week. Hosted by Abyss and Cocktails of the Live Poets Society. DJ Jon Goode on the wheels. Open mic list opens at 8:30 PM. Show @ 9pm. Free. Half price for appetizers.
"Raiders of the Lost
Ark" @ The Fox Theater.
Film starts at 8pm. Cover/$7. Don't act like you don't want
to see it again on the big screen for old time sakes! 
08.13.04 (FRI)
Jenn Ripley. Food by Eclipse di Luna, Hushatinis by Tanqueray, and Sounds by Diagnostic Music. Cover: $10/RSVP requested (rsvp@thehushbox.com)
08.14.04 (SAT)
Cadia Art Gallery Artist Reception and Expo @ Cadia Art Gallery (3881 Stone Mountain Highway, Suite 4 - Snellville) from 6pm - 11pm. Showcasing the works of visual artist Calvin Frazier and Nigerian Painter/ Sculptor Abel Uwanogho as well as food, dancing, poetry and art. For more information, go to www.cadiaurbanarts.com.
08.15.04 (SUN)
In closing...
I
know that was a tangent from anything I just wrote above but
have I proven to be predictable at any time since you've
been reading my column?!! One thing I've found true
when attempting to get over a situation...OCCUPY YOUR
DAMN TIME!!! You'd be surprised how much you can get
accomplished! All-in-all, I still love her
although she may never feel that way for me, or tries
to block her own feelings because of her past and not
wanting to go that route anytime soon. I can honestly say that
I don't wish to pursue anyone right now...it's just not
time. All I need are friends right now...all I need is
to learn more about me now...all I need is my
Creator to guide and fortify me for the right woman when the
time is right. In the meantime, a brotha is about
to have some fun and the party is already in session...I'll
explain a little later 'cause I'm going to involve you all
in it, for those who wish to be down--and I mean all my
readers, no matter where you are. "And I
shall/proceed/and continue/to rock the mike..."
The views in this article are not necessarily the expressed views of ATLANTAHAPPS.COM or it's affiliates.
SESSIONS SATURDAYS at Tarrazu Coffeebar
Join us every Saturday
Time: 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
SUDARABAJAN Productions present...
"SESSIONS 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!
Ahmed Sirour writes a weekly journal for ATLANTAHAPPS.COM
Ahmed Sirour is a Georgia Regional Representative for Hidden Beach Recordings
-- Archive
| Click This | ||||
|
|
|
|||
| The Ying and the Yang | Industry Rule 4080 |
|
||
| THE [right] FORMULA | CONFESSIONS/Pt. ?? |
|
||
Ahmed Sirour -A
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
 |
Please Read Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Powered
by:
|
