IT'S THE TREND, TAKE THE MESSAGE FM

I usually talk about what I know best, music, but there is a trend happening across the country. Sports and News formats in major radio markets are ditching their AM signals for the power of FM. In D.C. the success of WTOP is proof that news is a *cume builder (*the cumulative audience that tunes into a station for at least five minutes each quarter hour) and advertisers will pay top dollar to be a part of it. With these stronger signals a mightier message is being driven home and we all must beware!

 

"For the first time in radio history, an all news station on FM is radio’s top billing station. Bonneville’s WTOP, Washington was 2010’s largest revenue generator with more than $57 million in billings, according to BIA/Kelsey."

- from Inside Radio

WMAL tookover the company's Classic Rock station 105.9 The Edge at 12 noon on Monday 9/19. The Edge, long under performing, will be missed by a small few. Now with Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and the gangs voices louder and stronger than before, one can only hope that stations with balance step-up their games. (Can you tell I'm not a fan?)

As we get ready to usher in 2012, and a new election season, it is important to hear from all sides. Too many news outlets (as well as sports stations) have their agendas stacked, and we don't question the message. Strong community stations like WHUR and WAMU in Washingon and Radio-One, who covers large amounts of the country have to offer more of a voice and offer nonbiased reports. It's not only their duty however, it's our job too. Don't just read one paper, watch one television network or listen to a single radio source. Keep your minds open and your ears trained to the messages behind the message! 

IT'S TIME FOR SOME BASS BALLIN'!

Antone "Chooky" Caldwell

Chooky, Chooky, Chooky! I thought if I said it three times I could be as smooth as Antone "Chooky" Caldwell's bass playing... hmm, it didn't work. Oh well, check out this young brother who is ballin' on the bass from the Washington, DC area whose techniques will put you in a place somewhere between Stanley Clarke and Victor Wooten. It would be unfair of me to paint Chooky into a musical box. His album, "Bassically Chook" has a very wide range of music styles, from a standard jazz foot tapper called "Fairwell Mr. Jones (R.I.P.)" to a west coast ride along song titled, "Westcoast Basstalk", to a harmonic interpretation of our Star Spangled Banner called "Chook's Spangled Bass"! My favorite song on the 16 song album is the smooth R&B crossover song called "Bassomatic". I guess you can see a theme in Chook's thinking; it's all about his bass! I was always told to choose one thing to be real good at, and if you are good at something, master it, Antone "Chooky" Caldwell seems to have found his thing with six-strings! 

"Bassically Chooky"

Now, don't get it twisted, Chooky isn't new to the music game. He has backed Andrae Crouch, Macy Gray, Heather Headley and Snoop Dogg. On the album "Bassically Chook" he worked with horn man Eddie Baccus Jr. and DC legend W. Ellington-Felton. Chooky gives his talents back to where they came from too, playing at one of suburban Washington's mega churches on Sunday's. Upcoming, on Tuesday April 5, 2011 you can catch Chooky and his band at Blues Alley in Washington, DC neighborhood of Georgetown. It should be fun and funky! 

A VOICE FROM THE PAST... BACK FOR MORE!

Chris Walker 1993

In the early nineties there was a voice that might have been lost amongst those of Glenn Jones, Peabo Bryson and D.J. Rogers... that voice belonged to Chris Walker. Chris didn't have a household name but if you are of a certain age and went to a Regina Belle concert, you saw a bass player that shared the mic with Ms. Belle on the song "All I Want Is Forever," that dude was Chris Walker. You see, Walker has an extensive background in both the vocal and instrumental worlds. He has toured with jazz legends Ornette Coleman, Bob James and more.

Chris Walkers first taste of success came with songs, "Love Tonight" in 1993 and my personal favorite "Giving You All My Love" in 1991 "Giving You All My Love" was one of my favorite slow jams because it was one of my secret weapon's with the honeys, both on-air and at home. Twenty years later, Chris Walker's "I Got That Love" is his attempt to rekindle his recording career and fill a void missing in the music world. 

In my opinion Chris will have to rebuild his audience. He has a sound resembling Donell Jones or Jamie Foxx (without the star power). "I Got That Love" is a good song but in today's world, you've got to have more. We will see if the powers-that-be can promote this song into relevance. If not, this will be another record that you can please a few friends with or serenade your favorite girl. Sadly, Chris Walkers voice will again fade into musical trivia. Not every good song can be a winner and "I Got That Love" is proof.

PURE POETRY

SHAE FIOL

I heard a piece of art today that I've overlooked for a while. I posted my last blog about Kindred the Family Soul's new work and the Good Email Genie, magically delivered a Shae Fiol song to my in-box. If you don't know Shae Fiol, she is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter and guitarist from Portland, Oregon who resides in New York. Shae, moved to Los Angeles for a brief time where she collaborated vocally with hip-hop group, Tha Alkaholiks. There is only one album out by the artist now but when she performs acoustic sets, you can hear her play some songs that aren't on the CD as well as a few cover songs from a couple of her favorite artists. I was fortunate enough to catch Shae Fiol when she did a set at Ben's Next Door, in Washington, DC. 

CATCH A RIDE

Shae was heard by Stuart Matthewman (of Sade) when she performed with Esthero in 2007 and was moved to produced a song with the young talent. That song, "Lonely Lovely" is the cut which I neglected to previously pay attention to. "Lonely Lovely" has that soft, airy feel of Amel Larrieux singing on a Sade track. If you're looking for a song to make you think about relationships that feel right but for some reason just don't workout, this is your soundtrack. When you listen for the second or third time (which you will) you can pick out the words that set the music ablaze! 

KNOWWAX.COM

Okay, again you are looking for a link to this song, and I promise you that KNOWWAX.COM is on its way. You will be able to find Shae Fiol there and other artists that should be, but aren't being heard. KNOWWAX.COM is my website, and to do it right, my team and I have had to take our time. If you are an artist or know an artist that needs this voice email me at DAVE@KNOWWAX.COM

THE FAMILY, DOING IT ON THEIR OWN!

I was pleasantly surprised to get an early Valentine's Day present today when I got the newest music right out of the studio from Kindred the Family Soul. I downloaded this mid tempo track and started to groove automatically! You Got Love has all the elements you expect from Kindred, wife Aja's wide open style soars as husband Fatin's gritty growl is reminiscent of Frankie Beverly... then Snoop Dogg steps in! The Dogg Daddy blends in smoothly and adds that little element to bring the Family's Soul to that next level. 


The cool thing about this is that Kindred the Family Soul are doing their own thing now. In this big corporate world where money rules they either stepped out on faith or were pushed from the nest. Whatever the scenario, things happen and you have to rise to the place you belong. Their sound is of eagles, freed from captivity, let loose to spread their singing wings! I can only hope that this song hits the way I think it could. It would benefit all of us if we had more quality product from truly independent artists like Kindred. 


After all this you're probably asking yourself, "Well, where's the damn song Dave?" Answer; I'll be rolling out my website in a week or so. That's where you'll find IT and other songs like it. KNOWWAX.COM will have good (and some not so good I suppose) music from those artists that aren't getting the proper exposure. If you know of an artist, or you are an artist trying to be heard by the decision makers in the music industry, I might be able to help. Shoot me an email at DAVE@KNOWWAX.COM and in the coming weeks all our voices will be heard! 

JESSIE JOHNSON'S RETURN!

I received a new release by The Time guitarist, Jesse Johnson the other day called "Verbal Penetration (Vol. I & II)". I am not sure if this project will ever make it to wide release, but it's a great find for fans of the 80's band. If you remember, Jesse had success with "Be Your Man" and to a lesser extent "Can You Help Me" and "I Want My Girl". It seemed that his future as a solo artist would be solidified but, for some reason, the solo thing never clicked for Jesse Johnson unlike his band mates, Morris Day and the production mega-team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Verbal Penetration features the single "UandIRWeRUs", which almost has a Curtis Mayfield feel to it. UandIRWeRUs, is full-bodied and nicely layered. Although the title is strange, there is a message in the words, putting thought into the lyrical content. The unfortunate thing is that without a hot name or big label this hidden gem will most likely be swallowed up in the sea of Christmas Music and the holiday push of higher grossing artists. 

 

If you are a fan of great guitar work, decent vocals and a cool little groove, you'll want to check UandIRWeRUs out for your digital archives. I wasn't able to get the full feel of Verbal Penetration, but from the tracks made available to me another standout was "Sheila Rae" a nice, light although slightly dated sounding ode to this special woman. The weakest of the batch is the title track "Verbal Penetration," which isn't bad but a little dated. Do a Google search or parose Bing or Ping for Jesse Johnson's Verbal Penetration!

TELL ME, ARE MY EARS DECEIVING ME?

AVERY SUNSHINE,
HAVE YOU HEARD HER?

Maybe it's my inflated EGO or my shrinking pockets from not being in the game. It could just be my being unaware or just the fact that I can't listen to the radio that long anymore but, I have to ask; Where are the new breakout artists? When I can listen to the radio I hear artists like Neo, Faith Evans, Eric Benet Monica and Kem. I hear syndicated shows playing all the HYPE but same old "joints" (as if that makes them sound better), but I haven't heard any artists who might have started to made a break for the top of the charts and on to becoming household names. Tell me if I am wrong, and if I am just not listening at the right time of day.

MUSICAL PHENOM
"JEREMY JAMES"

I know there are a few artists like Avery Sunshine and Jeremy James who have put out some strong, critically acclaimed work. There was a lot of initial buzz about both of these artists projects, but somewhere along the way they both seem to have stalled out. Is it my imagination, the artists fault or is it a lack of media exposure? I really want to know your feelings on this and let me know if I'm off-base.

WILL DOWNING'S 1st ALBUM

There was a time, not too long ago, when artists like Les Nubians, Ledisi and Maxwell found their way to "mainstream" success because they had the talent and they got the exposure so their sparks could turn into flames. I go as far back as to when two radio geniuses threw away the first Will Downing' album because he looked like a Hip-Hop artist and we... I mean they didn't play Hip-Hop. Later the album was dug out of the trash and listened to. Out of curiosity we/they found out the true talent the man possessed! He was given a fair shot, and the rest is history!

What can we do? Will we get back to developing the new artists with substance? Does radio need a wake-up call? Are my ears playing games with my mind? Instead of calling myself "KNOWWAX" should I change my monicker to "DON'T KNOWJACK"?

WHAT'S OLD IS NEW & WHAT'S TRIED IS TRUE!

WITHERS 2nd CD "NO REGRETS"

My baby (don't tell her husband Damon I called her that) Elisabeth Withers full length, "No Regrets" is on the market and it shouldn't be missed. "No Regrets," is more than a title for Withers, it was a life transformation. After her first CD she spend so much time on the road that her little daughter didn't recognize Elisabeth when she came off the road. Elisabeth stayed away from the microphone to get her real life back with, no regrets!

It seemed that the time off also afforded time for the right producers to get on board with Elisabeth Withers. This album is, overall, stronger than her first. There are songs on this that stand out like the uplifting "Dream," which has a modern day Gladys Knight sound to it. "I Believe" and another track which is hidden deep in the CD is "Alright" with their mid-tempo swing give the album great texture.

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"LYRICS" FROM DONELL JONES

My Gemini brother Donell Jones is back after a long hiatus with a new album titled "Lyrics." D Jones, has put his Chicago swing on this new piece. Radio was playing the first single "Love Like This" for a long time, but the album jumps off with the song "The World Is Yours" which signals the rebirth of Hip-Hop and R&B. It's more R&B with a fun Hip-Hop beat highlighting Donell's cool, tenor control of the microphone.

Donell is a performer who seems to be always on the grind. He even invited his mother to grace the CD, giving Mr. Jones instruction to give it to them, Chicago style! Listen to the song "Your Place," it's the song that a lot of the crooners would love to have recorded. Donell Jones did most of the writing on the album, with help on one song from industry veteran Mike City. Ladies, Donell didn't forget you, he has those ballads like "Backdoor" that should make your toes curl.

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THERE IS "SOMETHING ABOUT
FAITH"

Let's talk about growth and development of an artist. Let's talk about trust and confidence in music. Let's talk about faith! There is "Something About Faith," the CD and there is something about Faith Evans that separates her from a lot of the other female singers in R&B music. This lady, like our other two performers this week, has been around and paid her dues. We've heard the obvious but did you know that this Newark, New Jersey native, started singing at the age of two and won a full-ride scholarship to Fordham University? She left school to sing and write music which she did for Al B. Sure, Hi-Five, Mary J. Blige and more.

The album "Something About Faith" has a wide range of songs that have potential to make this a break-out for her. The cross-over sounding "Already Gone", and the smooth duet with Snoop Dogg "The Way You Move" which was the first single set the scene for this complete CD. Some other guests on the album are Raekwon (of the Wu-Tang Clan), N.J. homegirl Kelly Price on an inspirational song called "Troubled World" and the sexy Keyshia Cole on "Can't Stay Away." This is Faith Evan's fifth album (sixth if you count her Christmas album) and although she's always been steady her work is getting stronger! 

I NEED YOU TO THINK BACK AND REMEMBER!

STEVIE

PAUL SIMON

 We had a discussion at my 9 to 5x5; If there was a Music Poet Laureate named for America, who would it be? Really, we have had some great song writers who have touched the depths of our souls, made us think and inspired us to do! In our office round table many names came about, Stevie Wonder, Tupac, Carole King, Paul Simon, Lennon & McCartney and R.Kelly just to name a few.    

CAROLE KING

R. KELLY

I took it upon myself to pose this question on my twitter page (KNOWWAX@twitter.com) to see if there was one constant voice but I was hit with another cadre of names  from Curtis Mayfield to Bob Marley to "Weird" Al Yankovich (who the Hell submitted his name?) Well, here's your chance. If you haven't already think back to a lyricist who you believe speaks for the masses??? I would appreciate your feedback here!

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WAYMAN,
JEFF LORBER & KNOWWAX

THE FONK RECORD

Wayman Tisdale's latest posthumous work, "The Fonk Record" is now in circulation although it's not on iTunes yet. The first single features George Duke and is called "Let's Ride." There is also a cut featuring George Clinton and another song with the late Ali Woodson (of the Temptation's fame) on lead vocals. My jam on the record though, is buried deep in the CD, in fact it's the last cut, and it is called "Wayman's Gotta Do It!" Gotta Do It, features a funk-box vocal and I promise you it will make the stiffest necks wobble! Trust a brother, this song will move the Big Tiz's fonk needle to 100%!

STUFF I LISTENED TO & REALLY HEARD!

I found myself in a jazzy state of mind this week. I am sure, being the musical -- that you are, you've experienced George Duke's "Déjà Vu" album. This collection of work is one of Duke's best in years! Yes, I know many people enjoyed "Dukey Treat's", his last album in 2008. In my opinion it gets no better that this one. Sit back, get yourself in the right state of mind and then take a listen to this link to "A Melody!" There are a lot of other strong songs on the CD ranging from Jazzy Funk to Smooth Love, you'll re-live it over and over again.  ____________________________

"LUST, LOVE & LIES"

My musical mood didn't wander far when I took the wrapper off my buddy Will Downing's album "Lust, Love & Lies (An Audio Novel)", not to be confused with Michael Baisden's old show title "Love, Lust & Lies". This CD is, sort of, a Tyler Perry play on disc. We meet Will Rollins (Downing) as he meets the LUST OF HIS LIFE, Dee Washington. The couple hooks up, fall in love, then bore of their partner, break up and like a true (positive ?) brother Will, is on to the next one! All the songs are tied to the story of LUST followed by LOVE and the LIES that happen in life. This is the Will Downing CD we've been waiting for. It has a couple of robust singles but the album cuts run DEEP on this one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFUb8R-PsRA Will Downing - Tell Me 
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"EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING"

I am positive that for any lover of the arts, you can't get too over-medicated with good product, so I'd like to put one more piece of meat on your musical plate. Kirk Whalum has taken his craft in many directions. He's done jazz both straight-ahead and smooth, gospel and now he has taken the Donny Hathaway songbook and made it a mainly instrumental masterpiece! The album is entitled "Everything Is Everything" (a saying that Donny made popular way before Lauryn Hill or Michael Baisden). The back story to the making of this album is powerful. This work was much more than selecting a iconic artist and replicating his music. If you get a chance listen to the reason why! 
The making of "Everything Is Everything"

WHAT'S ON YOUR ENTERTAINMENT PLATE THIS WEEK?

The weather was beautiful this weekend for the Taste of Georgetown. Also on the agenda for this past weekend was Konshens Kommunity Day Back to School fundraiser. It was the first time out for the fundraiser, in hopes to become and annual event.
 

This coming week promises to be full of entertainment and music for many of us especially if you live in the Washington, DC area. Even though I've been told that I know how to find "trouble," I've got a listing of some of the "fun" you might want to find for yourself!

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The Washington Wizards open their 2010 season at home with a preseason game on Tuesday, October, 12th against the Atlanta Hawks and Thursday, October 14th versus the Milwaukee Bucks. insidehoops The 2010 season should be a fun one. The biggest question might be; How long will it be until Gilbert Arenas either acts "normal" or get traded? The Great Wall of Chinatown, John Wall, looks like he's the real deal! 

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On Wednesday WHW Web is holding a "Sushi Social" being held at Jordan's 8 Restaurant. It promises to be "an evening of elegance, excellence and purpose." Jordan Cappolla, owner of Jordan's 8 will receive the "DC's Top Spot" crystal award for serving the finest sushi in the District. WHW Web is partnering with WEAVE (Women Empowered Against Violence) to raise awareness for domestic abuse victims. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Staffers from WEAVE will be in house to share information about their organization and its services. whwweb.com Tickets are $20

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Bohemian Caverns will be the hot-spot on Thursday night when Angela Johnson takes the stage. Angela is a singer, songwriter and producer of numeroius CD's worth buying! She has done some great work on her latest album called "Its' Personal" Come down and enjoy this Queen of the Musical Underground. 

  

MUSIC IS IN THE AIR! IT'S TIME FOR THE FALL CONCERTS!

KNOWWAX, Xina Eiland (Blogalicious) Eric Benet

Last week was just a sign of things to come in the next month or so. I was able to hang out with a few good friends of mine who are doing big things. I stopped by the sold-out Birchmere Concert Hall in Alexandria, Virginia and took in Eric Benet's show. Eric was in rare voice, clearer and stronger than I've heard him in some time. By the reaction of the packed house I think that Mr. Benet is back on top as one of the leading male vocalists in adult urban music of this generation. Eric did a few songs from his new album "Lost In Time" and the feedback was very positive. The new album will arrive in early November. "Lost In Time" is an album that was done in the fashion of recordings from the early eighties, right down to the recording process which gives the songs a warmth that is missing in most music today. Make sure you pay close attention to the Birchmere's concert calendar for the upcoming months. You will notice that there are a lot of great shows coming to the area via the Birchmere booking agency including Najee, Gerald Albright and my man Citizen Cope (If you don't know about him, ask somebody that's cool!)

Ledisi

Speaking of cool, on Saturday evening Ledisi was in concert at the beautiful Strathmore Music  Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Ledisi, always a DC favorite, had the music hall swinging as she did songs from "Lost & Found" "Turn Me Loose" and of course "Soulsinger" her debut work from some years ago! The crowd enjoyed the performance and her voice is perfect in the Strathmore. This venue was crafted for a pure voice like Ledisi's. If you are a fan of women that have God given talent, and just flat out sing, I am sure you've already been to a Ledisi show. If you haven't all I can say is; "Is you crazy?"

Karen Clark Sheard

Blessed is what I am each Sunday I can attend the First Baptist Church of Glenarden. This past Sunday I (and everyone else in the sanctuary) were doubly blessed because Karen Clark Sheard graced the alter. Ms. Sheard rocked "Bomb In Gilead" and when Pastor Jenkins mentioned one of his theme songs, that Karen and her sisters recorded, she jumped out of her seat and did her thing again. I have always known Karen and all of the other Clark Sisters had strong voices, but she did things with her vocals that I haven't heard at any concert... anywhere! If you're not aware the Detroit based Clark Sisters, beyond being a Grammy Award winning Gospel group, they also backed-up Anita Baker both in concert and on her recordings for many years.

Out new this week is the single "10 Seconds" from Jazmine Sullivan. It's another one of those "my man done did me wrong" songs. This is not one of Jazmine's best singles but it might hit a special cord with many of the scorn women of the world. Listen for it on radio soon. 


If you have feedback please feel free to submit it plus any and all comments with us on this blog site. 


Also follow KNOWWAX and tell a friend to follow us as well. There are a lot of great things on the horizon so comeback and visit frequently!

MIDNIGHT MADNESS = DARK BEFORE THE DAWN?

No. 9

It seems that the Washington Wizards were trying to pump some life into what was a miserable 2009/2010 NBA season. There is the #1 draft pick John "The Great Wall of Chinatown" Wall, a newly focused former "Agent 0" now just call him "The 9" (Gilbert Arenas' "new" jersey and the apartment number when was a young man growing up in Florida) and Andray Blatche playing with his mind as free as his spirit after signing a $28 million dollar extension. The only problem with tonight's "Midnight Madness" is that Mother Nature didn't get the memo, or maybe she sent an omen. The rain cleans the earth just like the new faces of the Verizon Center are stamping a new identity on downtown DC. 

The Great Wall

Let's remember this night as we chomp on our free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and devour our Dunkin' Donuts. Don't get peeved because we just happen to be in the same division with the Diva Trio of the Miami Heat and the under-delivering but powerful Orlando Magic. Remember "Midnight Madness" and know that next year there might not be any pro football and that we'll add another solid draft choice, if we don't sneak into the playoffs. This is a fun time of year and sometimes it is good not to have the weight of the Redskins on our shoulders. Now let's have a great tip-off to the NBA season!

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AROUND THE TOWN

"SOLD OUT"

This week around the DC area you'll find Eric Benet in concert at The Birchmere Concert Hall on Wednesday night. The Birchmere has one of the best sound systems in Washington. I know if you are going you'll be able to hear music from his new album "Lost In Time" featuring the hit single "Sometimes I Cry." As you might imagine though the ladies have already bought all the tickets for one of the most gifted performers of this era. The Birchmere has a nice calendar of concerts on the way in the upcoming months! Lizz Wright, Eddie Levert and The Whispers are among the list of musical stars.

October 20th SEI Entertainment brings Kindred The Family Soul with special guest Jay Hayden to the Ram's Head Onstage in Annapolis (another great concert venue and hideaway)

Still on-going Cirque Du Soleil's "Ovo" at the National Harbor. This is a very impressive place to take a date! The show will run until October 24th.

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NEW MUSIC & MORE

Mr. I

I'm hearing more music from Ron Isley's new album "Mr. I." The latest song I've heard is called "No More" and THIS is a Ron Isley song. It's a beautiful mid-tempo song stripped down and very adult. "No More" is Ron Isley not being Mr. Big or sounding like he's getting ready to check into an assisted living facility. It's nothing like the duet I first heard with Mr. I and Lauryn Hill. This is one you'll want to ride with.

Also out new this week, songs from Fantasia, "I'm Doin' Me" and Chuck Brown featuring Jill Scott, "Love." Both of these singles are solid and will make for good radio listening. It's so nice when there is music you can just put on your iPod and take with you around the city. There are a few other songs I was trying to get my hands on so I could review them for you, but the record company's didn't come through for me. I'm not sure if this is because they are not too sure of their product or maybe I'm on the snail-mail list. But, watch for my takes on Leela James, "Mr. Incredible Ms. Unforgettable" and Sunshine Anderson, "Lie To Kick It" when they arrive in my in-box.