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By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour
CHANGING SEASON (09.30.03)
What was cool, besides the weather of recent, was Ken Ford and Phillippia's joint album release concert last Sunday at the Hyatt Regency. It was nice to dress up for a change (for those who are familiar with my usual urban couture and surprised to see otherwise), and my date was wearing that dress! Anyway, it was a very good concert and I enjoyed the guests who joined Ken onstage, like trumpeter Joey Sommerville, as well as a female trumpeter who's name I didn't catch, but she played well and it's not everyday you find women trumpeters. Ken had the ladies whooping and hollering as usual doing his violin bow flares/Chippendale's dance routines to keep the ladies goin'--LOL! Phillippia was both elegant yet gully (i.e. sophisticated/street), which made the atmosphere unpretentious as some of our more "arrived" members of the African-American persuasion tend to create as a vibe for affairs of this sort. All-in-all, I had a fun weekend with the new lady in my life as we caught an Afro-beat concert at Apache Cafe' on Friday, visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens then later on for my band's performance at Tarrazu on Saturday, as well as the aforementioned concert on Sunday. ATLANTAHAPPS.COM has been helping a rather busy young man by helping me with sending out periodic e-newsletters to let you know this week's/month's happs, but still I'm inputting so don't feel as if I'm shirking my duties ;). Oh, big-ups to ASCAP and LiquidSoulradio.com for a great concert last Thursday at the Cotton Club! Headlining act, Yahzarah, was off da hizzle ("Doggy Fizzle for Shizzle"...what da hizzle?!)...one of Erykah Badu's background singers probably won't stay that way for too long given the performance I witnessed and her band was SICKWIDDIT!! She must be taking yoga classes 'cause that's the only way to explain how she can belt those notes while [literally] bending over backwards! From a musical standpoint, excellent pitch, tone control, execution, and vocal styling, by far...from the aesthetic--good Lawd! For those who've heard of her and bought her album that's in stores now--that's not the original! Major labels always commercialize stuff and you miss the really avant garde matertial, so go to Moods Music in L5P (Little 5 Points) or visit www.MoodsMusic.com and get the original!
In a not so smooth segue from music performances to music news, why did Curtis James Jackson, III (aka "50 Cent") buy Mike Tyson's old crib for $4.1 million?!! Is he going to house his crew and family in this spot that has 52 rooms (53 ROOMS??!!!) a number of kitckens (note the plurality), 25 bathrooms (as well as 14 half-baths), blah, blah, blah, etc, etc. I hope it's rumor that his current "living bracelet", Vivica A. Fox, will be decorating the spot (how many years will that take?) and that she had her nose and breasts done (how old is she anyway?)...when will the madness cease? Because I'm not the one to just spew public gossip without having a higher purpose and point, please pick up a copy of "Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery" by Dr. Na'im Akbar (visit the link to Amazon.com http://www.cultural-expressions.com/diaspora/akbar.htm). It's a relatively small book but it offers some golden insight into why modern-day African-Americans are still psychologically enslaved by the perpetual effects of history's infamous American slavery. Most of what we see on music videos, what we read in entertainment magazines, what we hear on the radio, and what we encounter day-to-day in popular culture, is directly and indirectly influenced by the ugly past glamourized in our modern existence...but wait up, I might be getting to deep for some of you, especially if all you wanted to do was find out what's going on in the city--my bad!
You should be getting an e-mail on October's events, in general, but I will be posting updated info as it comes in to keep you up on the ever-changing things poppin' off in the ATL. I'll attempt to review more music for you though my plate has been rather full as of late, but I do recommend you buy, if you haven't already, "World Wide Underground" by Erykah Badu, "Speakerboxx/The Love Below" by Outkast, and lookout for "Bone Deep" by Jeff Bradshaw (in stores Tuesday, October 28th). Locally, grab a copy of Ken Ford's "Chevelle Lane". Oh, and I think local vocalist, ALGEBRA, is going to be the next to blow up from Atlanta, so if there are any of you who are or will be in New York this Friday, catch her NYC debut at SOBs (aka Sounds of Brazil, on W. Houston and Varick Sts./Take the #9 train to W. Houston if I'm not mistaken or just visit www.sobs.com). Also, I've helped produce two tracks fro m the upcoming "Sol Uprising" album due out in November so go to www.solvizion.com for more info on that, and there's a slight chance I might be performing out of the country at the end of the year (just for a month), but I don't want to speculate until the details are confirmed and concrete, but I just wanted to put that out there for tangible confirmation (i.e. bringing things into existence).
Anyway, I hope you all are having a productive week and I look forward to the challenges/opportunities that lay ahead for each of us...it's always going to be a little (or a lot) rough, but each day you live is confirmation that you're supposed to be here because you're strong enough to take it on...I have to repeat this to myself constantly only because I hate to admit that it's true ;)
peace2ya!
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, September 27 ,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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