By Emmial C. Fields, Music Correspondent

The sultry, talented, and beautiful songstress, Chanté Moore, is back to do her solo thing on her latest release Love The Woman. Yes, she and Kenny Lattimore are still together and marriage and family seems to agree with them both.

 

Chanté Moore reminds us that she has all of the elements an artist should have on this collection of songs. Love The Woman, effectively and maturely weaves together strong elements of Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop, never taking away from the interest of the story at hand.

Chanté takes us on a stroll with a woman dealing with the back and forth issues of a relationship and the love of herself. "Always Gonna Be Something," eases us into the story with it's common sense philosophies, elevating into the fanfare of the second track, "Can't Do It." Rationalizing the situation with truth, "Special," wipes away the anger and tears giving way for a clearer thought process in the Gospel/Jazz boost called, "It Ain't Supposed To Be This Way," which begins to put the relationship into perspective. Ms. Moore shines so exquisitely on the Minnie Ripperton classic, "Give Me Time," stepping slightly away from its former classical arrangement to that of Smooth Jazz. Nancy Wilson would have no choice but be proud of Chanté's interpretation of her classic Jazz hit, "Guess Who I Saw Today." If you did not know Chanté Moore before, Love The Woman, is the perfect introduction. Believe me, you want to know more from this minister's daughter.

Listen now to "Can't Do It"

Check out these other releases from Chanté Moore:

Kenny Lattimore & Chanté Moore Things That Lovers Do (2003) Arista Chanté Moore This Moment Is Mine (1999) MCA Chanté Moore Precious (1992) MCA

Chanté Moore's Website - www.chantemooreonline.com

By Emmial C. Fields

Thought provoking, controversial, and personal experiences have shaped the music industry before it was cool to "push the envelope" for popularity sake or album sales. Musicians and artists all over the world have removed their outer skin to tell the stories of common man and his daily struggles and triumphs, leaving the soul vulnerable for all to see and learn from.

 

Before the actual words existed in the writing format, stories of legends and humans with super-human abilities were carried throughout the world by Minstrels who sang words of encouragement and hope to end vicious cycles of human conflict or to shed light on our similarities. Stories like Beowulf, The Iliad, The Odyssey, some stories from The Bible, and even the tribal rhythms of the African Drums are examples of this early musical entertainment and communication.

Photo: GBMNews model Eustace Mark

Most of the music crossing the airways seems to display such simplistic and shallow concepts, like a sandwich without the meat. We have allowed boundaries and limitations to be created on ourselves and our neighbors as the result of people who are products on the video shows. Don't get me wrong, I love to shake a lil' somethin' every now and again, if an artist has that right combination that moves me to do so.  Now we categorize the elements of music and it's creators into what is now known as genres which help in organizing in the music stores, but limits the Music Artist who's eclectic style does not fit into a particular slot on the shelves. We also limit the evolution of music into time periods, by awarding merit for innovation during a particular year or decade (ex. Music Awards and Countdowns), when music of all styles are timeless to those whose hearts it touches. Long before studying music, I would observe the way a song left it's mark on myself and those around me.

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By Emmial C. Fields

BARRETTWERKS and VOCI DANCE IN CONCERT unites star quality and energy together on the Johnny Holloway Theater's stage in Orlando, Florida for three performances: April 25 & 26, 2008 (8PM performances) and April 27, 2008 (2PM performance).

This collaborative showing of Dance Artists, is one that will have its audiences talking long after leaving the theater. Each dancer and choreographer performing in this collective show, are colorful threads of the dynamic Ellie Potts-Barrett tapestry and influence. Humbly, Ellie says that she wanted to bring this group of friends and loved ones together, due to the loss of some special people in her life. She jokingly adds, " and to see my work on stage."

In observing and speaking with the dancers, creative individuals in their own rite, reflections of this Matriarchal Icon can be seen and felt on and off the stage. The mutual respect and support the dancers share, shines in each piece striking a variety of emotions; from whimsical to soul-deep. Mrs. Barrett's positive influence is even evident in the works and dancers of Voci Dance. Ellie shares, "there have not been a lot of opportunities for us all to meet at one time."

She adds, "sometimes there might be weeks between rehearsals," though it is quite evident that professionalism and lack of ego goes the distance to bring such talent from a variety of locations in the U.S.

This family unit allowed for all of its members to add their input to the conversational images on stage (as it should). 12 Dancers begin their introduction with the bright Bach accompaniment. "Tango" continues to work corners of the mouth upwardly with it's light-hearted movement and spirit.

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Johnny Holloway Theater / Orlando, Florida Ticket Info: 904-501-5525 or elliepottsbarrett@comcast.net