Kelvin Wooten

THE COLOR OF LOVE WITH ANTHONY HAMILTON

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With his new label My Music Box and his tenth full-length album Love is the New Black, Anthony Hamilton is on top again. Worldwide, that is what fans have grown to expect from the multi-talented singer, producer, actor, and songwriter. Anthony collaborated with standout artists Jennifer Hudson, Rick Ross, and Lil Jon on this project. To no surprise, its praises have been sung, and this is just the beginning. He is embarking upon The Night Tour alongside Joe and Maxwell, which is destined to be one of the best we’ve seen. Additionally, Hamilton has added ‘entrepreneur’ to his bio, launching the Anthony Hamilton Corner Store Grits.

Watch below as Anthony and I have a great conversation about it all.

KIM SCOTT IS “FREE TO BE”

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Kim Scott

Soul-Jazz flutist Kim Scott emerges in the GRAMMY® race

Music from her “Free to Be” album makes the first-round ballot in two categories

BIRMINGHAM (5 October 2019): It was a hot July for soul-jazz flutist Kim Scott, who rocketed like fireworks to the top of the Billboard chart with her first No. 1 single, which has inserted the emerging artist into the GRAMMY conversation. Scott’s solo on “Emerge” (http://bit.ly/354BX9Y) made the first-round ballot for Best Improvised Jazz Solo while the album on which the track appears, “Free to Be,” is garnering consideration in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category.

Scott wrote “Emerge” with keyboardist Jonathan Fritzen, a hitmaker who is featured delivering his own shimmering solo. However, it is the flautist’s fanciful flourishes that are meriting consideration from the voting members of The Recording Academy for the 62nd GRAMMY Awards that take place on January 26, 2020.

After setting the stage to perfection with a Billboard chart-topping single that also went No. 1 on the Groove Jazz Music chart, Innervision Records dropped “Free to Be,” Scott’s fourth album, in mid-July. She had a hand in writing five of the album’s nine songs, which offer an alluring blend of instrumental pop appeal, jazz spontaneity and funky R&B grooves. Scott’s classically trained flute melodies share the spotlight equitably on a few numbers with prominent guest soloists Fritzen, saxophonist Jazmin Ghent and Pieces of A Dream keyboardist James Lloyd. Guitarist Eric Essix, drummer/percussionist James “PJ” Spraggins and bassist Sean Michael Ray anchor the rhythm section with compelling textures and vibrant harmonies crafted by keyboardist/programmer/producer Kelvin Wooten, keyboardists West Byrd and Jaden Scott, alto saxophonist Cameron Ross and instrument programmer Dimitri Turner. The disc’s second single, the bumping “Take It To The Rink,” is presently skating laps around playlists after earning Most Added honors in its debut week at radio.

In addition to her recording career, Scott hosts the nationally syndicated “Block Party Radio Show,” which added to its growing list of stations with the recent pickup on Alabama Public Radio, an NPR affiliate. The artist infuses her energy and enthusiasm into the weekly broadcast featuring the latest  contemporary jazz, urban and Latin jazz releases.

The Birmingham, Alabama-based Scott debuted in 2011 with “Crossing Over.” Her records have consistently produced Billboard Top 20 singles. On the concert stage, she’s performed at clubs and marquee festivals, including Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival and Seabreeze Jazz Festival. Scott is also a member of the all-female supergroup Jazz in Pink with whom she has played shows across the US. For more information, please visit http://kimscottmusic.com.

A LOOK THROUGH KELVIN WOOTEN’S “WINDOW”

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There are so many thoughts that go through one’s mind when they stare out of a window. Multi-instrumentalist producer Kelvin Wooten has always been fascinated by windows. Kelvin is well known for his musical prowess on countless songs and albums in a variety of genres of music. He is artistically multi-dimensional, and that is what makes him a joy to work with for artists. Wooten has spent years growing and dedicating his gift to music. Recently, Kelvin had something to say–musically, that is. Thus, he embarked on a R&B Soul project that he had wanted to do for a while. Reflecting on his time spent viewing through a window in his home, Kelvin titled the EP “Window.” It is stirring and inspiring. “Window” features some of Wooten’s fellow musical comrades, those he also lovingly refers to as family.

Listen as Kelvin and I discuss the project:

Wooten

DEQN SUE

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It’s not such a far fetched notion that the artist known as Deqn (pronounced Deacon) Sue was destined to make music a major part of her life. In fact, music is the platform she skillfully uses to create songs that provoke and awaken our social conscious. Deqn’s first album was titled “Idiosyncratic.” Since we all have our own idiosyncrasies, she chose to write about a few of them. She’s an artist that is very true to herself and her artistic style. She’s always known who she is, and most assuredly doesn’t apologize for it. As a strong, confident, comfortable, and unwavering singer, Deqn Sue will always exhibit honesty in her music. She joined forces with producer Kelvin Wooten, and together, they created “Zeitgeist.” It’s her second album and is set to be released in February 2014. Again, in the essence of who she really is, Deqn captures the spirit of the time we’re living in. She describes her music as “eccentric alternative pop.”

It was so much fun talking to Deqn Sue. She definitely has a fan in me.

Deqn Sue
Deqn Sue

Kelvin Wooten, musically he does it ALL

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There are so many words to describe the multi-talented Kelvin Wooten. In fact, there are so many, that it’s challenging to limit my perspective to just a few. Growing up, music was always a part of his life, whether it was at home or in church. In middle school, when he decided to actually pick an instrument to play in the school band, he chose the Baritone. That was only the beginning of what Kelvin was going to accomplish in his future. After his freshman year at Alabama A&M University, his life was forever changed. As some would say, he was in the right place at the right time. He was doing what he loved to do when unbeknownst to him, someone heard him playing the guitar in the background and asked to speak with him. That someone was the one and only Raphael Saadiq. Kelvin was asked to fly to LA, and that was the beginning of his illustrious career. He’s a multi-instrumentalist, writer, arranger, and producer. He’s worked with some of the best in the business. This year, he received a Grammy nomination with Anthony Hamilton for Best R&B Album. He’s produced music that has sold more than 10 million albums, yet he also makes the time to give back and be a part of his community in Alabama. I could honestly go on and on about Kelvin and what he’s accomplished. However, I’ll let his work speak for itself.

Listen to what he has to say.

Kelvin Wooten
Kelvin Wooten

Kelvin Wooten
Kelvin Wooten

Eric Essix, the man behind the music

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There’s no questioning the talent of guitarist Eric Essix. Straight from his southern roots, and true to who he is, Eric brings his music to life. It’s full of soul, funk, gospel, and blues. He doesn’t limit himself to just being a guitarist. He’s a musician that’s not afraid to take chances, and reach for the stars. His talent knows no boundaries, and his music is timeless. Eric is enjoying the success of his current self titled CD “Eric Essix”, while also working on a project with the group Southern Gentlemen.

Eric and I discuss his incredible career.

Eric Essix
Eric Essix

Eric Essix
Eric Essix