LISTEN AGAIN - Sly Chats Live With Don Blackman - Sunday 22nd August

Don Blackman is an American funk-jazz pianist, singer, songwriter, producer born in Queens, New York.
Blackman’s neighbour as a child was Charles McPherson, and while still a teenager he played in McPherson’s ensemble with Sam Jones and Louis Hayes.
At the beginning of the 1970s, he played with Parliament/Funkadelic, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Roy Ayers, before becoming a member of Lenny White’s group Twennynine, for whom he penned songs such as ‘Peanut Butter’ and ‘Morning Sunrise’.
He released his self-titled debut solo album in 1982 on Arista Records, including the songs ‘Holding You, Loving You’, ‘Heart’s Desire’ and ‘Since You’ve Been Away So Long’ that became big hits on the Rare Groove scene.
Blackman has also worked as a session musician, appearing on albums by Kurtis Blow (Kingdom Blow), Bernard Wright, Najee, David Sanborn, Lenny White Roy Ayers, Sting (Brand New Day), World Saxophone Quartet, Janet Jackson’s ‘That’s The Way Love Goes’ (Remix) and Wayman Tisdale. He wrote the composition ‘Live to Kick It’, which appeared on Tupac Shakur’s album R U Still Down? (Remember Me), ‘Dear Summer’ which appeared on Memphis Bleek’s album ‘534’ featuring artist Jay-Z, and ‘Holding You, Loving You’ which appeared on Master P.’s album ‘I Got The Hook Up’.
On television, Blackman has scored and written music for commercials, TV shows, and movies, appearing on Fox Network’s New York Undercover, producing and writing the theme song for Nickelodeon’s show ‘Gullah Gullah Island’ as well as producing songs for the MTV Network movie ‘Joe’s Apartment’
In 2002, Don returned to recording with a new single release on Expansion Records entitled ‘Coming To You, Coming To Me’, a tune that features Tonni Smith on background vocal chores.
An album, entitled ‘Listen’ was released in July 2002 on Expansion Records in the U.K., some 20 years after his debut outing.
On Thursday 19th August 2010 Don Blackman was part of the Giants of Rare Groove that performed at the Indigo2 in London.

LISTEN AGAIN - Sly chats live with Sway Peñala this Sunday 3-6pm

Join Sly As He Chats Live With Sway Peñala this Sunday 3-6pm on BANG 103.6FM

Sway Peñala is no stranger to the studio and stage. Sway’s debut album, self-titled Drop ‘N Harmony was released in 2000. In 2001, Sway joined two members of Geffen recording artists’ KAI and a member of Straight Hit’s Innerlude to record Your Call - a project supporting 9/11 survivors. They formed 6th Day and toured the US and Asia tirelessly during the following years. They recorded Forever Starts Today in 2004, and released their first single You Want Me in 2005.
During a hiatus from 6th Day, Sway’s friends convinced him to audition for American Idol. Although hesitant at first, he could not resist as friends and family dared him to try. He made his way through the auditions and so impressed the judges that Sway was selected to star on Season 5 of with American Idol’s Top 20.

Controversy erupted early when Sway’s involvement in 6th Day was examined by national media. Although he received the votes to advance to the following round, national media picked up rumors that he’d violated rules regarding management and recording commitments. Sway realized even if he convinced producers he was eligible; the decision undermines the efforts that AI makes to produce a show that is beyond reproach.
With American Idol behind him, Sway returned home and focused on writing. Once more, fate intervened when he met “Juliet.” Smitten and overwhelmed by feelings, words and music flowed uncontrollably. Sway eagerly journalized every moment, jotting thoughts and sketches which he later turns to lyrics and music. During months to follow, his Juliet spurred him to set the notebook to song. But as with any sudden, uncontrollable burst of flame, their romance raged until it finally ended in disaster.

All Sway had were memories of the first starry-eyed days of love found; the months as their relationship deepened; the unbearable pain felt in the first few weeks as he realized he lost her; the long nights of regret and reflection as he dreamed about the better times; and the new breath of life when he realized his life goes on. My Story is more than an intimate look into the soul of singer-songwriter Sway Peñala. It’s a musical illustration of the bounding emotions you feel in the journey of love. It’s a story that everyone has lived. My Story lets you share his experiences and inspires you to relive your own memories.

Sly chats with Jean Carne and Gwen McCrae - Sunday 3-6pm

About Jean Carne

Born on 15th March 1947 in Columbus, Georgia, U.S.A., Sarah Jean Perkins is more commonly known as Jean Carne.
Raised in Atlanta and with her roots being in jazz, Carne learned to play almost every instrument in the orchestra. Her recording career began in 1971, with her pianist husband Doug Carne. Together from their Californian base they made three albums for Ovation Records that brought widespread recognition. A fourth album ‘Higher Ground’ was put together featuring the best tracks of the previous three.
At this stage Jean was often praised for being one of the first Afro-American women to define her own voice and image, rather than being moulded by the industry.
Jean performed with Duke Ellington, the last vocalist to do so just before his death. Continuing to perform at various nightclubs she was spotted by producer Norman Connors. She now teamed up with Norman for four highly acclaimed albums. Signing to Philadelphia International Records around 1976 she recorded four more albums and probably her best to date.
In 1982 she worked with Norman Connors again on her Motown album ‘Trust Me’. Al Johnson with whom she recorded the classic duet ‘I’m Back For More’ in 1980 incidentally wrote the track ‘Trust Me’.
In 1986 Jean scored a record deal for Omni / Atlantic Records. Here she recorded the brilliant albums ‘Closer Than Close’ and ‘You’re a Part Of Me’ including the fantastic tracks ‘Heartache’ and ‘Early Morning Love’.
By 1995 Jean hard teamed up with Expansion Records to record the album ‘Love Lessons’.
In 2002, Jean toured the U.K. with her Musical Director Nathan Heathman with appearances at the London Jazz Cafe in March of that year.
2003 saw the release of ‘Collaborations’, an album again for Expansion Records that featured Jean’s various musical collaborations over the years.
She continues to tour for six months every year, spending the rest of her time at home in Atlanta with her three children.

About Gwen McCrae

Gwen McCrae was born as Gwen Mosley in Pensacola, Florida, U.S.A., in late 1943.
She sang, as many Black Children did at the time, in the Church. Gwen attended a Pentecostal Church.
Gwen first met George in Pensacola and the pair married in 1964, after a relationship that was only a week old!
George was in the Navy at the time and, after leaving the services, he reformed his old group The Jiving Jets, and offered Gwen a role within the group.
They duo soon left the group to perform as a husband and wife team, with Gwen later relocating to West Palm Beach, Florida, up until 1975.
Along with George, Gwen was part of the Miami based T.K. Records operation during the Seventies.
The duo was, originally discovered by the singer Betty Wright back in 1967.
Betty aided the duo, by helping them get a deal with the Henry Stone owned Alston imprint.
In 1969, they released their debut single ‘Three Hearts In A Tangle’.
This was followed up by ‘Like Yesterday Our Love Is Gone’.
The duo had now collaborated with Clarence Reid and Willie Clarke, a team that was later to blossom under the T.K. umbrella.
A third single entitled ‘No One Left To Come Home’ was released and the pair began session work alongside Betty Wright.
Gwen first found solo success in 1970, remake of the old Bobby Bland gospel-blues song, ‘Lead Me On’ (R & B number 32).
The record was recorded for TK Records.
Alston leased her contract to Columbia where she recorded several more singles over the next few years.
Columbia then declined to renew Gwen’s contract in 1973, and she was signed to a different Henry Stone label, the T.K. subsidiary, Cat.
At that imprint, she followed with a remake of the Ed Townsend oldie, ‘For Your Love’ (R & B number 17).
Gwen had a minor 1974 hit with the song ‘It’s Worth the Hurt’, however, the song’s success was overshadowed by George’s recording, namely, the enormous pop hit ‘Rock Your Baby’.
Gwen had her only pop hit with the song ‘Rockin’ Chair’ in 1975, with the number 1 R & B hit crossing over to reach the U.S. Top 10.
During this period, George and Gwen’s marriage went through some turbulent times, with George, allegedly, beating his wife, however, they did record the album ‘Together’ as a duo.
After a 1976 duet single, ‘Winners Together, Losers Apart’, the couple seperated.
The same year Gwen scored what turned out to be her last chart hit for the Cat imprint, ‘Damn Right, It’s Good’ and released the album ‘Something So Right’.
1978 saw the release of the album ‘Let’s Straighten It Out’, the title song being a fine cover of the Latimore original.
‘Love Insurance’ (R & B number 16) followed with ‘Cradle Of Love’ in 1978, both taken from the ‘Let’s Straighten It Out’ album, additionally.
Back at the CAT label, Gwen released the, much in demand, album ‘Melody Of Life’.
The set included the excellent dancer ‘All This Love That I’m Giving’ and the floater ‘I Can Only Think Of You’.
TK folded in 1980, and Gwen relocated to New Jersey, and while there signed with Atlantic, after which she entered the charts with ‘Funky Sensation’ (number 22 R & B) in 1981, produced by Kinton Knix.
1982 saw the release of the album ‘On My Way’, containing the excellent, Willie Hutch penned, Webster Lewis produced ‘Keep The Fire’s Burning’.
Gwen then relocated back to Florida, and recorded a single for the Black Jack label in 1984 entitled ‘Do You Know What I Mean,’ and then retired from the music business.
Her last U.S. chart record was in 1984, however, in the U.K. she had a hit with the re-released, ‘All This Love That I’m Giving’ (number 63), in 1988.
In 1990 the U.K. based Expansion label released ‘I Can Only Think Of You’ from the ‘Melody Of Life’ album as a single.
Gwen then recorded an album for the British Homegrown label in 1996, entitled ‘Girlfriend’s Boyfriend’.
After returning home, Gwen then signed for the Goldwax label, distributed by Ichiban, and recorded another album later that year, entitled ‘Psychic Hot Line’.
In 1998, Ichiban reissued ‘Girlfriend’s Boyfriend’ in the U.S.
In 1999, she issued the album ‘Still Rockin’ for the Phat Sound imprint, which was well received.
Gwen then recorded a gospel album entitled ‘I’m Not Worried’ in 2004, for the U.S. Lewmar label, and is due to tour Europe in 2005.
A new song entitled ‘Latter Day Rain’ is due for release during April 2005, on a compilation entitled ‘Volume 22 SIMS RECORDS’, advertised in America’s Number 1 Gospel Music Newpaper ‘U.S Gospel News’.
Gwen returned to the recording studio, and, along with several veteran TK artists, recorded the album ‘Gwen McCrae Sings TK’.

LISTEN AGAIN - Rick Clarke joins Sly on The Sunday Afternoon Affair - May 23rd

Don’t miss Rick Clarke on The Sunday Afternoon Affair with DJ Sly, Sunday 23rd May from 2pm only on BANG 103.6FM

Rick Clarke, known as the UK godfather of soul, was involved in music from an early age. He first started his successful career as a DJ in the very popular street sound system called Sugar N Spice. He graduated from Djing to writing and creating songs for up and coming artists.
Rick joined various bands in the early years, but had more success when he became a solo artist in the 80s. In 1986, he finally took the plunge to become a solo R&B singer, releasing his debut single, Love With A Stranger, which became an overnight success. Rick, subsequently released the smash hit single, I Really Want To Be With You, which created great interest from the major record companies.
He was quickly snapped up by RCA Records and released the double A single, I’ve Been Looking / Perfect Lady. He began touring around the UK and later further afield, spreading the ‘Rick Clarke’ sound and building a massive fanbase.
After parting from RCA Records, Rick formed his first record label, WA Records, and released the club smash hit, See You Along The Way, which became one of the hottest club anthem’s in late 1989.
In 1996, Rick, known as the man of soul, with lyrics for the romantics and the voice for the ladies, released his new album, Turn The Lights Down Low, on his new label, MJB Records.

By 1999, due to requests from his devoted fans, Rick, released the ultimate love album, Love Classics, a compilation of all his love songs. He continued performing in many cities across the UK, serenading his fans with soulful voice.
More recently, in 2010, Rick returned to the studio with producer Don E to create a new version of the Isley Brother’s classic track, For The Love Of You. The track is currently been played across the airwaves in the UK with rave reviews!
Rick continues to entertain his fans with his velvet voice and great musical ability.

www.eliteint.co.uk

Jeff Ramsey joins Sly on The Sunday Afternoon Affair - 28th February

Jeff Ramsey is a graduate from the Berklee College of Music. Jeff has toured and recorded the world over for such artists as Lalah Hathaway, Al Jarreau, Patrice Rushen, Maxwell, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, and Barbara Streisand, just to name a few. He’s done commercials in radio and television for Burger King, Levi 501, Dryel, Mountain Dew, and Michelob.

Jeff has done solo work for many different projects including famed Tower of Power bassist, Rocco Prestia’s CD entitled “Everybody On The Bus”, and James Day’s EP “Remember When” and CD “Better Days” with the latter two garnering the UK hit “Don’t Waste The Pretty”.

Recently, Jeff lent his voice to James Day’s 2nd CD project , “Natural Things” , released 11th May, 2009. Check out http://www.myspace.com/jamesdaysongs for more info. You can also hear Jeff’s vocals on a project released earlier this year on Plastic City entitled DKMA Presents Andrastea - The Ascent as well as a compilation CD released by Plastic City entitled Deep Train 6- Dedication. Visit www.myspace.com/plasticcity for more info.

Jeff is also an educator and shares his experiences on the road and in the studio with students at his alma mater, Berklee College where he is an Assistant Professor in the Voice Department. He continues to sing doing session dates and performing around the New England area and just completed work on his solo debut CD titled “My Best”, released autumn 2009.

For more info, continue to check his website at www.jefframseymusic.com or his myspace page at www.myspace.com/jeframproductions.

Presenter Focus: DJ Sly

Sly, having bought his first record back in 1979 has never looked back. “It was the very soulful Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway song Back Together Again that really interested me in collecting music”.

Sly always listened to stations and shows like Soul Spectrum (Capital Radio), Reggae Rockers (Radio London), Radio Invicta, Solar, Horizon and JFM. He never thought that one day radio presenting is what he would eventually end up doing and loving so much.

It was around the late eighties, that Sly started getting involved presenting on radio. “Pioneer Radio was my first station. I had a Sunday 12noon to 2pm programme called the The Sunday Lunchtime Connection. It was made up of a mixture of original Rare Grooves, Lovers Rock and new Soul, RnB & Reggae songs.”

Sly certainly is well seasoned in broadcasting. In 1991 he recorded a 20minute broadcast as part of Choiceathon ‘91 in the Choice FM studios. As well as broadcasting on various community based radio stations up to 1993, Sly was invited to join a Restricted Service Licence (RSL) broadcast with Hype FM in August 1994. He went on to do ten more RSL’s with People’s Choice, Avenues FM, West 10 FM and Rockers FM over the next four years.

After around twelve years presenting, Sly’s big break finally happened in February 1999 with South East London’s HOT STUFF FLR 107.3 FM a commercial legal radio station serving the communities of Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich. On Monday 4th December 2000 FLR 107.3 FM changed its name to Fusion Radio 107.3 FM. Sly stayed at Fusion Radio until April 2002. Sly also presented a show on Liquid (London) DAB between September 2002 and January 2004. This digital station was part of the Scottish Media Group (SMG) which also ran Virgin Radio. One of the pilot Access (now Community) Radio stations Sound Radio 1503 AM launched on Friday 26th July 2002, having got the hook up Sly’s first show was on Sunday 28th July 2002. Sly remained with the station until October 2004.

Life FM was an Internet only station back in June 2005 when Sly joined them. As part of the journey in getting the 103.6 FM full time community radio licence, Sly also presented on two RSL’s at the station. On16/02/06 Ofcom announced the award of a new FM community radio licence for Life FM. Life 103.6 FM began broadcasting on 16th April 2007. A very successful 18 months followed which culminated in being awarded The Nations & Regions Awards 2008 London Branch and being nominated for the Sony Radio Academy Awards Station of The Year.

On Monday 8th December 2008 Life 103.6 FM changed its name to BANG Radio 103.6 FM.

Sly continues to  broadcast on BANG Radio where he presents The Sunday Afternoon Affair each Sunday between 2pm and 4pm. The programme is made up of 75% Classic Soul, 12.5% Classic Reggae and 12.5% New Music. The Sunday Afternoon Affair is just right for your Sunday afternoon relaxation and pleasure. “Hey, but don’t take my word for it, try it and you’ll see!” says Sly.

Sly has also played at Broadway Boulevard Ealing, London; Mullins Park Royal, London; Cube Bar Swiss Cottage, London; The Clinic, London W1; Ion Bar & Restaurant, London W10 and The Avenue Winebar, West Ealing.

Sly’s top six tunes of all time are:

1. Ain’T No Stoppin’ Us Now - (Gene) McFadden & (John) Whitehead
2. Groovin’ - The Young Rascals or Collage or BWB or Natural Mystic
3. Key To The World - L.J. Reynolds or Rudy Thomas
4. Love Sets You Free - Kelly Price, Arron Hall & Friends
5. Sugar Bum Bum - Lord Kitchener
6. You’Ve Made Me So Very Happy - Brenda Holloway or Mel Torme or Alton Ellis or Gloria Estefan

Sly’s top five artists of all time are:

1. Jean Carne
2. Rick James
3. Bob Marley
4. Slave
5. Luther Vandross.

Away from the music scene Sly also enjoys Skiing. “I always try and get at least one trip in every year. There’s just nothing like a great skiing holiday. Don’t knock it, if you have not tried it. I’ve skied most of Europe now and am looking forward to taking on North America soon.”

For more info on Sly visit:  djSly.co.uk | MySpace | Facebook

Tracklists

JANUARY 2010

‘THE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AFFAIR’ 4pm to 6pm 3.01.10

Classics 4pm to 5pm

0. THE YOUNG RACSALS – Groovin’ [On A Sunday Afternoon] – 1967 – Atlantic – 584111
1. BLAZE feat. AMRIA – Think Of You – 2002 – Slip ‘N’ Slide Records
2. GQ – Standing Ovation – 1980 – Arista Records
3. MIKE AND BRENDA SUTTON – We’ll Make It – 1981 – SAM / Virgin Records
4. STEPHANIE MILLS – Try My Love – 1980 – 20th Century Records
5. LUTHER VANDROSS – Let’s Make Tonight The Night – 2001 – J Records

Classic Reggae Selection

6. DENNIS BROWN – Rainbow Country – 1995 – Saxon Records
7. DAVINA WRIGHT & PATRICK ROSE – You’re My Lady – 19?? – Business Records
8. DIEGO – Magic Lady – 19?? – Kensal Rise

Two Step Corner

9. TERRI WELLS – Falling Leaves – 1984 – London Records
10. LEROY HUTSON – So In Love – 1973 – Curtom Inc. Records
11. PLATINUM HOOK – It’s For You – 1979 – Motown Records

Classics + New Music 5pm to 6pm

12. SOMETHIN’ FOR THE PEOPLE – You Want This Party Started – 1995 – Warner Bros. Records
13. SOUNDSCAPE UK – Feel The Love – 2000 – Thin Air Productions
14. STEPHANIE MCKAY – Jackson Avenue – 2008 – Muthas Of Invention

New Music

15. ANGIE STONE – I Ain’t Hearin’ U – Stax Records
16. AMERIE feat. TREY SONZ – Pretty Brown – Def Jam Recordings
17. DRIIS – Private Garden – Hevlar Recordings
18. SADE – Soldier Of Love – Epic Records / RCA
19. MARY J BLIGE – I Am – Interscope Records

Artist Profile

20. MAZE feat. FRANKIE BEVERLY – Joy And Pain – 1980 – Capitol Records
21. MAZE feat. FRANKIE BEVERLY – Lady Of Magic – 1977 – Capitol Records
22. MAZE feat. FRANKIE BEVERLY – Somebody Else’s Arms – 1989 – Warner Bros. Records

23. PATTI LABELLE – It’s Alight With Me – 1979 – Epic Records

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