9/19/11

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! 

3/31/11

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! 

3/2/11

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.

2/12/11

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

2/7/11

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!