GBMNews - Articles - Music

The Sound Of Recording Artist, "Houston Bernard."

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:17:30 CDT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

According to his bio at www.houstonbernard.com , Mr. Houston Bernard has been touring the world promoting Human Rights and Free Speech since 2003. He has worked as musical supervisor and actor for movies such as, "2 Minutes Later" and "Will You" with director, Robert Gaston. On top of that, his first album was in the top 10 Indie Albums for Advocate Magazine, and his video for, "Say Goodbye" (Kas Gamble Remix featuring Raistalla) was voted the # 2 Video of 2007 on MTV/Logo.

Now to be honest with you, I had never heard of Houston, as his type of music and his audience, I would not be a part. From our first hello, I had a feeling that this would not be my best interview and I'm sure I wasn't his best, however at the end of the interview, I found myself liking him and connecting. Taste in music is just like taste in fine wines or sexual preference, it is what it is. One man's heaven is another man's hell. If you are a lover of music, I would say to give Houston Bernard a listen to, by visiting YouTube and also visit the link above. While visiting the website, you may purchase everything "Houston Bernard."

He has a loyal following, as if you visit his "My Space" webpage as of to date, he's had about 2721 profile views thus far. While visiting MySpace.com/HoustonBernard, you can treat yourself to about four different re-mixes of "I Feel Gorgeous", after the 3rd listen, it starts to sound good to you. If you google, he's all over the place. Speaking with him, vocally, he reminds you of Johnny Depp.

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Janet and Michael Jackson Live in Las Vegas?

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:46:44 CDT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

According to Rhythmsoul.com- Janet has offered to open up for her legendary older brother, Michael, if he signs a contact to headline a long-running Las Vegas show.

A show like this would break all major records, as Ms. Celine Deon prior and now Bette Midler and Cher are the top money makers of the place where "whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

There are rumors that Michael is working on a new CD. Music written by singer, writer, dancer, Mr. Entertainment, Ne-Yo has been sent over for Mr. Michael Jackson to listen and perhaps select for his next project. If you listen to Ne-Yo, his music would be a perfect fit as Mr. Jackson needs a new, fresh, hip and mature sound.

Ms. Janet has gone on record as saying that she's heard the rumors and would be honored to open up for her big brother.

Can you imagine this? A President who's black and Michael and Janet breaking all Vegas records. My people carry on!

You read it here at GBMNews.com

The Return of Donna Summer "Crayons"

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:28:10 CDT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

I've loved Donna Summer since the first major album, "Love To Love Your Baby" and I've been a loyal fan since.

Ms. Summer's music has been the backdrop of gay life and as the music changed, she has been able to fly easily into any vocal style she decides to sing. According to her bio, its been 17 years since she's recorded a complete CD, however she has been able to put out product which has been heard in dance clubs in the United States and around the world.

When I saw on "Entertainment Tonight", that she was about to release a complete new major CD, you have no idea how excited I was. On E.T., you saw her recording in the studio and she mentioned that she was being produced by the late Neil Bogart's son. Mr. Bogart helped launch Donna's career, so it was emotional for her to record with his son as producer.

Well readers, I love Donna and that's forever, but this CD, to me, is a huge disappointment. The first song, "Stamp Your Feet", yes I was stamping my feet but not in a good way. The second song, "Mr. Music", corny. Another song, "Driven Down Brazil", hated it. Lets listen to another song, "I'm On Fire", being on fire would probably hurt less than hearing this song. "Be Myself Again", lyrics from this great poet of music, doesn't measure up to her earlier lyrics of the past, and "Bring Down The Reign", don't bothered, just turn the music off. For Donna Summer fans, go listen to the early stuff, even the "I'm A Rainbow" which was released years later is much better than this.

Perhaps in trying to be current, it's lost all that it should have been. The only way to make money on this, would be to remix everything from the first song to the twelve. Also most CD's nowadays are at least 15, 16, or 17 songs. Her bio claims that this CD is "showcasing her incredible new material that is co-written by Donna." Throughout her career, she's always written or co-written the lyrics and most have been great, whereas this is just bad. Perhaps in the early days, Donna was creating whatever she liked without trying to make it a hit album. Whereas now, I would imagine that the focus is on making it a successful CD. Take a page from Cher's career, when she did the "Believe" CD, she did it because she liked it, she wasn't worried about it being a runaway success. Donna is one of the best, natural singers in the industry, this CD should have reflected that.

If you are thinking of purchasing this CD, check out www.soulmusicstore.com, and go to 2008 Recent Releases from there click on "Crayons", by Donna Summer. Maybe that's the problem, pens and pencils should have been used instead of crayons.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

Ruben Studdard & Surata Zuri McCants Wed

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:55:15 CDT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

No sooner that it was announced that Ruben was engaged, he and Surata Zuri McCants married on Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Alabama.

Not surprised, as I reported this earlier, that there were 20 groomsmen at the 30 minute ceremony, I was wrong when I thought that Ruben might sing to his new bride. It's said that the two newlyweds plan to make Birmingham, ALA their home. He and she are not going Hollywood.

We at GBMNews.com wish the happy couple nothing but love and continued happiness.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

Kenny Edmonds (Babyface) & girlfriend are having a baby

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:48:06 CDT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Wow, it was only a few months ago, when Babyface was on the Tara Banks show and she asked him how he felt about Eddie Murphy and his ex-wife, Tracey Edmonds getting married. He looked uncomfortable and really didn't answer the question, but within a month or so, the marriage had come to an end anyway. Kenny and Tracey have two sons.

Now its rumored that Babyface and dancer, girlfriend, Nikki are expecting sometime this autumn.

I wonder if his ex-wife regrets the breakup with Kenny as it looks like he's moved on. It's said that former wife, Tracey, has sent her well wishes as its rumored that she may now be dating Puff Daddy, Diddy, Sean Combs or whatever he's calling himself these days.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

Rumor, Rumor, Read All About It!

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:31:24 CDT

Madonna, Alex Rodriguez, and Lenny Kravitz Makes 3

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

I guess the media has gotten tired of the Brittney Spears drama, so they have re-focused their energy back to the drama of yesterday, Madonna.

Rumor, rumor….According to most New York City Newspapers, handsome Superstar Yankee, Alex Rodriguez and the Material Girl are secretly involved since it's rumored that both are having problems in their marriages. It's claimed that Alex arrived at Madonna's Manhattan apartment around 12 midtown, for perhaps a booty call. To the readers, have you seen Alex Rodriquez? He can ring my doorbell anytime but he's not playing on our team.

Madonna's husband, Guy Ritchie, rumored to have rushed from Europe to wife's apartment only to be seen leaving and checking into a hotel. As for Alex, called, "A-Rod" the Daily News (NYC) claims that the Rodriquez's, who married in 2002, have separated. The media would love to see a romance between Alex and Madonna, perhaps to witness a second Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio kind of love story. But if this story is true, its different. Both are married and both have children.

Rumor, rumor….now Lenny Kravitz has been stirred into the mix, but its said that Lenny isn't being quiet about it, as he's claims that he and Madonna are just friends. So I guess the media will re-focus back to Alex and Madonna.

We will have to stay tuned, but I can't imagine this happening as a romance but I, like the media, are on the outside looking in. We will have to wait and see.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

Al Green Honored on BET Awards 2008

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:59:21 CDT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

BET for the year 2008 has honored Mr. Al Green with a Life Time Achievement Award. John Legend, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton and Maxwell honored the Rev. Al Green in praise and in song.

It's about time, Mr. Al Green is unique, no one sounds like him as he's a natural down home singer. I thought, "It will be interesting to see or should I say hear who will sing what." There are so many songs that are a part of this gifted singer and pastor's library of song. Of course, someone will have to sing, "Let's Stay Together", and the Bee Gees, "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart." To be honest I can't recall who sang what, as it wasn't all that fantastic.

I can even remember my mother playing a song called, "Back Up The Train." one of his first classic songs. For some reason BET always hire the same singers to sing for the honored entertainers, but Jill Scott, I love her, but she can't sing every kind of song. Maxwell was good, it was great to see him again. And who was the third performer? I can't remember. As for Mr. Al Green, he's no joke, he's one of the few performers that I've seen who can sing with the great Aretha Franklin and not be outdone or outshined by her magical vocal power as the two are on equal footing.

As I return to the present, however, when Mr. Al Green took the stage, you were reminded of his greatest, as he went into "Still In Love With You", and "Love and Happiness." He was about to have church and it wasn't BET's Sunday morning line-up either.

Mr. Green has just completed a new CD titled, " Lay It Down", on Blue Note Records, produced by James Poyser and Ahmir Thompson. The flavor of the CD is suppose to be like a "Usher" kind of sound, its also rumored that some of the songs sound like something Stevie Wonder might have written. R&B singer, Anthony Hamilton is also on two songs. Still it has the Al Green magic, the STAX Memphis sound. It will probably be a huge hit in the southern states and the older, more seasoned music lovers will appreciated it. Mr. Green has won 9 Grammy's, and will probably win another before it's said and done. And anyone who's missed this show, BET will repeat it one hundred times.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

Angie Stone- Neo-Soul Diva & The Color Of Her Skin

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:57:18 CDT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Angie Stone spoke with Black Voices on AOL about the issue of skin color. The diva has been quoted as saying, "Well, you know it goes back to the very beginning. If you were light skinned you were in, if you were dark skinned you were out. It very well works that way in the industry. You see very [few] dark skinned people on top of the game. Most of the superstars are very fair or mulatto people."

She went on to say that performers like Jill Scott and Macy Gray have gotten movie roles because they are light skinned, whereas she's been passed over because she is dark brown. If Jill Scott and Macy Gray are considered light skinned then what colors are Vanessa Williams, who's parents, both of them are black. Or Alicia Keys? Ok, her mother is white. But are we still being passed over due to the color game?

Ms. Stone mentioned that she lost the extra weight, now what? However there are a few dark skinned actors and actresses, such as the other beautiful Vanessa Williams, Michael Clarke Duncan, Melinda Williams, Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, Mr. Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Gabrielle Union, Nia Long, Regina King, Pam Grier, Ving Rhames, Kerry Washington, Isaiah Washington, Cicely Tyson, Kimberly Elise, Oprah, Heather Headley, Denzel Washington, Clarence Willliams III, Don Cheadle, Mr. Sidney Poitier, Samuel L. Jackson and his wife, the beautiful Ms. Latanya Richardson, Forest Whitaker and Danny Glover, Now within this group you have many shades of brown and some would say dark brown skin. I believe that, Angie Stone, will in time be added to this list, for she is more than her skin color.

I've discovered that it depends on who's looking at you. If the person is darker than you, he/she considers you light brown. If the person is lighter than you, he/she may consider you dark brown. And then they're some who could care less.

In our society, if trouble knocks on your door, it doesn't matter if you are light, medium or dark, you are still black. Doesn't matter if you are Black American, Caribbean, African, Latin, Asian, mulatto, if trouble finds you, you are black. Lets band together and tell our stories on film. Lets show the dark side of us, the light side of us, the good and the bad, the marvelous and rich side of us.

I understand where Ms. Stone is coming from however, Angie continue to knock on the locked doors, one door will finally open and then everyone will see how talented and beautiful you are. And to our black directors, we have a lot of talent in our communities, employ them, please. Mr. Spike Lee, Mr. John Singleton, the Hughes Brothers, we have a lot of talent, from light to dark, we are a rich culture, lets show the world how wonderful we are.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

Lionel Richie and the Commodores Reunite?

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:55:08 CDT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Guess what? What? Lional Richie has made a statement that he and the Commodores will be doing a reunite tour.

Really? Why? So. Who cares?

Need I say more. I feel its not fair to the wives and husbands who were with the entertainer during the hungry years. It's almost like being cancelled or replaced.

So, I guess the Nicole Richie, his adopted daughter, news is old, so now Lionel wants to reinvent himself.

As Millie Jackson would say, I had it say it.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

Fierce Actress Jenifer Lewis Is Bipolar

no@spam.com (John Frazier) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:52:31 CDT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

A few months ago Jenifer Lewis was on the Oprah show where she let the world know that she's bipolar.

I must say that I was totally surprised and felt for this diva as I feel that she's one of the best underrated actresses out there. I'm sure it was a hidden secret from those who she's in contact with. As a rule, we always think that celebrities, entertainers, people in show business are a bit strange or as my sister would say, "A bit extra." Plus I would imagine that if your career is a bit slow, or you didn't get that huge break through part, one would get depressed. You look at the clock and you are no longer 20, you are 30, now 40, oh hell, 50 plus.

When doing a search to explore what bipolar disorder is, a quick answer it's a manic depressive illness. Then a whole lot of words are associated with this such as "Clinical Depression", "Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). So what does this mean? Most of us get depressed. The rent is due, the baby needs shoes, your boyfriends thinks he's straight or gay, and you don't know how to deal with this. Or perhaps you are on a job that you hate but the job market is as such that you decide that you should not make a quick move to another job, since last hired, first fired. There are many things that can make one feel depressed.

And a personality like Jenifer Lewis which is bigger than life, I can't imagine anyone knowing that she has this condition. There are medications to treat for the mood swings but what if the mood swing is for a understandable reason. In the black community one is afraid to find out that he or she is bipolar. Perhaps this is the reason that you can't keep a job, a relationship, you have no friends, and your family don't want to be around you. In your soul, your spirit, you know if something is out of sync.

I thank sister, Jenifer for sharing her situation with us. But it makes you wonder, are we a bipolar generation?

You read it here at GBMNews.com