If nothing else gets you over the hump today, I guarantee that this classic from Stevie will! This was the #10 song in the country this week in 1982. The #10 song this week is “Part Of Me” by Katy Perry. I Can’t say that I’ve heard Katy’s composition but I’m sure my 9 year old knows all the words :)
(New York, NY — April 3, 2012) — Vivian Sessoms, the critically-acclaimed songstress known for her rich, melodic and captivatingly soulful vocals, returns to Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street, for another highly-anticipated performance entitled “Heart” on April 22, 2012 at 8:30pm (dining begins at 6pm) [$25 cover, $25 minimum food & beverage]
“Heart” will showcase various song renditions that Vivian considers “some of the most beautiful love songs ever written, old and new.” It will include covers by Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, The Weepies, Badly Drawn Boy, Barry Manilow, Grace Jones, and Tammi Terrell, as well as a few original songs and Vivian‘s personal arrangement of Rob Thomas‘ “Unwell” with Matchbox 20 . (see video clip below)
Sessoms’ 2011 debut performance at Feinstein’s received rave reviews:
“It is always such a fantastic surprise when a new artist comes to Feinstein’s and just blows the roof off with their talent. Vivian was one of those artists and we were thrilled to have her here.” –Feinstein’s Management
“When Vivian Sessoms erupts onto the stage with a robust, funky arrangement of “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?” (Louis Jordan), my pen abandons words for exclamation points…This is a formidably talented performer with a fierce band.” — Cabaret Scenes
Sessoms will again be accompanied by an all-star band for “Heart”. In the band: Chris Parks – acoustic & electric bass, acoustic guitar (Amel Larrieux, Roberta Flack, Sheila E.); Michael Mancini — piano & keyboards (Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, Bruce Springsteen, Phoebe Snow); Eric Brown — drums & percussion (Rachelle Ferrell, Lala Hathaway, Deborah Cox); and Noam Dworman — acoustic & electric guitar, mandolin (owner of The Village Underground, former owner of The Cafe Wha/Cafe Feenjon, NYC).
PERFORMANCE CLIPS
Feinstein’s 2011 = Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby
Rob Thomas’ homage to Vivian’s rendition of Unwell
Feinstein’s 2011 = Cherchez La Femme
ABOUT VIVIAN SESSOMS
Born and raised in Harlem, Vivian learned the wonder of music at an early age. Her mother was a session/jingle-singer, her father a flautist/percussionist (who’s played with the likes of James Brown), and she is the niece of jazz legend Nancy Wilson. Surrounded by nightclubs, churches and regular jam sessions at her family’s home, she was already singing by the time she could talk. “Growing up, there was always music to express the way I was feeling. I was so immersed in it, that I kind of viewed music as a backdrop to my life”, she recalls. As a teen, she was approached by Melba Moore, Teddy Riley and Stevie Wonder to perform alongside them. She then went on to work with Joe Cocker, Rob Thomas, P!nk, Patti Austin, Patti Labelle, Sinead O’Connor and most recently Cher to name a few. She has been a featured vocalist for jazz artist Chris Botti, composer Ryuichi Sakamoto (Yellow Magic Orchestra, High Heels, Little Buddha)and Towa Tei (international DJ and former member of music group Dee-Lite). Not content to stop there however, Vivian soon began to write and produce for Lalah Hathaway, Amel Larrieux, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Jeff Kashiwa, David Morales, Towa Tei and Junior Vazquez among others and had a feature song in the film “Moonlight Serenade” starring Amy Adams & Alec Newman. In 2007, Vivian along with writing partner Chris Parks released a debut CD “Sunny One Day” (under the moniker of Albright for Vivian’s maternal grandmother) to very impressive reviews. Vivian is now putting the finishing touches on the follow up CD “Heart”, a jazz record that will feature some folk and soul, and a third CD “Radiant” that will feature pop and soul music. Both records are scheduled for release summer of 2012.
For additional information on Vivian Sessoms, visit: www.VivianSessoms.com . For ticket information visit: Feinstein’s ticket purchase info
For press inquiries, please contact: Katrina Boswell — Katrina@katwalkmedia.com.
Take 6, one of the most distinguished acappella groups, is known for their unique vocal arrangements and beautifully crafted harmonies. Trailblazing the path for groups like Boyz II Men, Take 6 has been the worthy recipient of 10 Grammy and Dove Awards and even brought their sound to the highest ranks of power at the White House. With a charge of ministry at the forefront, the group is back with their latest album, One.
What Take 6 brings to this latest project is the tried and true display of superb musicianship with a spiritual heritage. Breathing the air of their birthright paved by groups like the Jubalaires and Golden Gate Quartet, the group’s rendition of Noah brings an infusion of gospel and jazz with a perfected tempered flair. Another notable classic, What A Friend We Have in Jesus is such a jewel on the One album. Transforming its simple structure with more enriched chords and revealing a new reflective and meditative personality, Take 6 will definitely make you fall in love with this child-like tune all over again. By far the song that warmed my heart was the cut, Can’t Imagine Love Without You with Stevie Wonder. Originally created by Wonder, this song takes on another garment with the combination of Take 6’s beautifully textured harmonies with Stevie’s soulful voice. It can be best described as the happiness of childhood on your favorite swing in the springtime – purely a joy to repeat over again.
Overall, Take 6’s One album is such a wonderful album. It has a movement that sways from syncopated rhythms, rich gospel vocals and jazz complexities that are strong and compelling. When the elements come together, you can’t help but know the One who marvelously composes them all together.
Time to get your weekend going with a great mix from none other than DJ Phaze… classic Stevie for your weekend ride out. Peep the playlist after the player.
DJ Phaze – GFM Stevie Wonder Mix by GrownFolksMusic
Rocket Love
Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away
My Cherie Amour
Bird Of Beauty
I Was Made to Love Her
I Love Every Little Thing About You – Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta
Galaxy Paradise
Music Talk
One Of A Kind
I Ain’t Gonna Stand for It
Smile Please
Dark ‘n’ Lovely
A Place in the Sun
Another Star
As if You Read My Mind
In “Chocolate City”, our Artist of the Month is dreaming out loud about his desire to put a little “chocolate” on our nation’s capital. He even assigns the Cabinet: Muhammad Ali as the President; Rev. Ike as the Secretary of the Treasury; Richard Pryor as the Minister of Education; Stevie Wonder as the Secretary of Fine Arts and Ms. Aretha Franklin as the First Lady of the United States. All this probably sounded like comedy set to funky beat in 1975, but look at 2008–a ”chocolate” man and woman became the President and First Lady of the United States. Aretha Franklin sang at the inauguration; as did Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder was also honored by President Obama at the White House as the second recipient of the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize. Not that big of a “trip” after all… “Chocolate City” from the 1975 Parliament album of the same name.
Wanted to go back a little ways today to post a gem from an often overlooked pioneer of Soul Music: Jesse Belvin. Jesse’s life and career were tragically cut short in 1960 at the age of 27. A personal friend and influence to our AOM Etta James, and a major influence on the vocal stylings of Stevie Wonder. “Goodnight My Love” has been covered by many but I wanted to pair the original up with the cover by another GFM fave El DeBarge. Enjoy!
“Happy Birthday” was written by Stevie Wonder to popularize the campaign (in which he was significantly involved) to make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
s birthday a national holiday. In November 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into existence. The first official Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was January 20, 1986 and a commemorative concert featuring Stevie Wonder was held. Stevie Wonder also performed the song in October 2011 at the dedication ceremony for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. “Happy Birthday” also appears on the album Hotter Than July.
From 1985′s “The Night I Fell in Love”, “Creepin” was written by Stevie Wonder. As evidence of his genius, Stevie Wonder takes a concept that normally involves cheating and turns it into a positive concept in which you just can’t shake thoughts of that certain someone. As evidence of his genius, Luther Vandross adds an additional guitar and his signature vocal runs to the track.
Stevie Wonder’s Version:
You can purchase “The Night I Fell in Love” at Amazon.com. “Creepin’”is also available on “The Essential Luther Vandross”.
