Throwback Thursday — Luther, Luther, Luther

I never met him, never knew him, but I miss him. Luther Vandross was a rare artist, a man with a golden voice, and from all appearances, a golden personality. Having grown up on his music — raise your hand if you had a copy of The Best of Luther Vandross at your crib! — I associate Luther Vandross songs with key moments in my life.

Here and Now will forever remind me of my brother Clint’s wedding — that was the song he and his wife danced to. A House Is Not A Home takes me back to Sunday mornings at my home in Trinidad, when my father would enlist all of us to help with the housecleaning. Loud music was a must to complete the task, and Luther was often in the mix. I knew Luther’s version of Superstar long before I knew who The Carpenters were (and long, LONG before I heard Sonic Youth’s version which is so different from Luther’s. Proof that that song is timeless). But Luther’s like Aretha Franklin in that sense — once he covered your song, it was HIS. Forever. His voice is so often imitated, but there will never, ever be another Luther Vandross.

We’re rapidly approaching the anniversary of his passing — I still remember exactly where I was when I first heard the news. The news left me so sad and so shocked — especially when I realized he was only 54 years old. On July 1, 2005, Luther Vandross passed away from causes that were never publicly released, although it was well known that he dealt with weight loss and food issues. Luther’s weight vacillated greatly throughout his career, and he was known for moments of tremendous indulgence. All of the reports about Luther’s death addressed his health issues — he suffered with hereditary diabetes and hypertension, and had a stroke in 2003 days before his 52nd birthday. He never fully recovered from the effects of that, although he went on to release the poignant Dance With My Father shortly afterwards. He won four Grammys, but he was unable to celebrate the victory. Luther won song of the year for the song, Dance With My Father — the video for which, like Aaliyah’s Miss You, brings me practically to tears every time I watch it. Luther described that song as his “Piano Man,” and it’s heartbreaking that he isn’t around to perform it today.

Luther’s life and music inspire me creatively, his music stirs my soul and can bring prickly tears to the back of my eyes. But the circumstances of his passing inspire me in another way — Luther Vandross succumbed too young, to health conditions that are too common in America. Especially in the African American community. These are health conditions that plague my own family. If you’re like me, you’ve probably got some diabetes somewhere in the fam, and in my case, high blood pressure definitely runs close in the blood. I am doing everything I can now, while I can, to keep the health issues that simmer in my bloodstream at bay. It’s a daily struggle, one that I’m going to be writing about more often.

Luther Vandross left this world too soon, but he left us with such a glorious gift. So much great music, so many wonderful songs. What’s my favorite Luther song? That’s easy. Never Too Much! Oh, how I love that song. It showcases his voice’s incredible range and ability so perfectly, IMO.

Here’s Luther LIVE on The Early Show in 2000.

Look at how rapt that audience is. Listen to how flawless his voice is. Wow. I wish I could have been there.

Do you have a favorite Luther song? Did you love Luther’s spirit? Tell me how he made you feel. And happy Thursday — it’s almost the weekend!

The Band I’m Seeing Tonight

When I was 14, I practically begged my brother to get me Pearl Jam’s VS on tape. That was by far the most memorable Christmas gift that year.

Even though I lived in the Caribbean, far, far, FAR away from the flannel shirt set in Seattle, I got way into the grunge scene via MTV. I was a dancehall queen and hip hop head by day and an Alternative Nation, 120 Minutes wannabe rocker by night — I definitely hid my growing rock music collection from some of my friends. It just wasn’t cool to like rock music amongst them. And I desperately wanted to be cool back then. But now I don’t care what people think — Pearl Jam’s got a lot of haters, and I hear it all the time. “They suck,” the cashier at CVS told me when I told him what show I was going to next. (he’s more of a death metal guy, apparently).

In a certain sense — and feel free to argue with me — Pearl Jam has never really been a “cool” band. They were earnest and political and vocal long before most other bands of their era were. They were angry, more than angsty. They took their musical cues from classic rock — The Who and Neil Young, rather than The Pixies and The Germs. In the early days of grunge, the media pitted Pearl Jam against Nirvana — Kurt Cobain claimed he liked Eddie Vedder as a person, but couldn’t stand their music. Tragically, Nirvana’s long gone. But Pearl Jam rocks on, long after almost all of their peers in the early Nineties alternative scene have broken apart. Now some of those bands — I see you, Stone Temple Pilots — are coming back together again. My money’s on Soundgarden being the next big Nineties rock band to reunite to a chorus of cash registers).

Anyway — I was always a Pearl Jam fan already, but when I saw them live for the first time, I became a Pearl Jam fanatic. (That’s probably the only thing Dennis Rodman and I have in common). I love live music that just blows me away, I love when an audience is so entranced that they sing all of the lyrics, and I love when a band engages in between song banter between themselves and the crowd. I’d say Pearl Jam ranks in the top five concert experiences I’ve ever had, alongside The Roots and Barrington Levy.

They can be relied upon to unleash at least one classic Who cover, and my fingers are crossed that they do Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World — another band favorite. I’m hoping that Eddie Vedder performs his searing version of “Here’s To the State of Mississippi, which excoriates each member of Bush’s government by name and deed.

I was at odds over which video to share, here. Alive is always amazing, but too obvious. Do The Evolution is one of the best music videos ever, IMO — but way too dark and depressing. Yellow Ledbetter is one of my faves, but I think I found the one. Better Man. It’s such a great experience, being there, live, singing along. I love the song, I love the message, and I’m happy to share with the world what I hid from some of my friends back in high school — I love Pearl Jam. Now and forever. There, I said it.

No shame. Are you a closet PJ fan? Do you have a favorite song, or album? Share!

Accept No Substitute

In April I gave a shout out to the chic and elegant Estelle, and I shared my favorite cut from her album Shine — her cover of No Substitute Love by reggae legend Half Pint.

Via my favorite music blog Soulbounce, I learned that it’s her third single off the album. AND there’s a new video, which is just summery eye candy with a hat tip to George Michael’s Faith. Celeb pals like Kelly Rowland and, Amanda Diva, and Christian Siriano stop by for fun cameos. Estelle is ferosh in her super bold eye makeup and hot pink dress, and she throws traditional makeup rules to the wind by going with a bold eye AND a bold lip.

I hope this song gets her increased airplay — I do tend to hear American Boy bubbling out of the speakers at trendy boutiques, but I am not hearing a ton of radio play for Estelle here in Miami, sad to say. Are you, in your neck of the woods? Let me know — I’m looking for some good online radio stations to stream during the work day.

If you like Estelle’s sassy version, you might love the original by Half Pint. Here it is, for your Monday listening pleasure!

Did you like that? Then you’ll definitely love his greatest hits album, titled — what else? — Half Pint. Every track is a winner, IMO.

Let’s get through this Monday madness, bellas — peace be with you as your work week begins.

Throwback Thursday — So Long, Bo

I meant to post this as soon as I heard, but time slipped through my fingers. Now finally, I just want to say rest in peace to Bo Diddley. He was a rock n’ roll rhythm pioneer, a gunslinger, and not just A man, but THE man.

Bo Diddley was one of the first male musicians to include women in his band. He played with Lady Bo (who really deserves a lengthy post of her own), and then he played alongside The Duchess. A bad bella who was known to rock a mean second square guitar while wearing a skin tight gold lame catsuit on stage. Here’s Bo in his prime, performing Hey, Bo Diddley and Bo Diddley, with The Duchess and The Bo-ettes, from 1966’s The Big TNT Show movie.

Fun fact — did you know that Bo Diddley wrote Love Is Strange, most famously sung by Mickey & Sylvia? You’ll probably recognize that song from key scenes in Dirty Dancing and Casino. Great soundtrack song.

You will be missed, Bo Diddley. Hope you and The Duchess are rockin’ in Heaven.

Barack Obama, Island Stylee

Say or feel what you will about Barack Obama’s race for the White House — it’s undeniable that his candidacy is inspiring not just to a variety of Americans, but to a vast range of cultures around the world. Especially in my neck of the woods. Talk to Caribbean people these days and you get a real sense of excitement about the man who might become America’s first black president.

Musical expressions of that hope have been popping up all over the place — at Best of the Best, Buju Banton and Junior Reid both made references to the democratic nominee, and Tarrus Riley did this tune that had a MASSIVE audience reaction. Although his message doesn’t delve into WHY Obama’s his candidate of choice beyond just race, it’s kind of amazing to just watch that crowd go wild at even the first line of the song.

Obama’s name has been dropped in more than a few hip hop tracks, from Will I. Am’s celebrity-filled songs, to that club banger by Jeezy and The Dream — and that trend is spreading like wildfire all over the Caribbean. And now that I think about it, probably in other countries as well — during my trip to NYC, an informal and conversational poll of my cab drivers revealed an overwhelming support for Obama. “Just his name alone makes me feel proud,” a Nigerian driver told me, and a Bangladeshi gentleman said he felt optimistic about the future of this country with a candidate like him in the running.

Of course, I’m heavily, heavily biased. I readily admit that. But some of these Obama songs are so catchy, they might even make a Clinton supporter start tapping their toes. He may not have won Puerto Rico, but who can resist Obama inna reggaeton? Or Barack, Bollywood style?

When I interviewed calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow last year (more to come on that soon), he was incredibly excited about Obama’s potential, and read all of the lyrics to his just-written ode to him, “Barack the Magnificent,” out to me on the phone. “The respect of the world that we now lack, If you want it back, then vote Barack.” Sparrow was convinced back then in November, and I’m sure the calypso legend is closely watching the news every chance he gets.

IMO, the catchiest ditty by far is by reggae legend Cocoa Tea (who doesn’t have a real official website (and probably never will) because, as he told me in an amazing 2006 interview, “You know what is the 666, the mark of the beast? The numerical value of c-o-m-p-u-t-e-r. Add that up and tell me if is lie me a tell. I and I know them things as a Rasta. That is the thing sent to wreck the world right now.”)

The man behind massive reggae hits like 18 and Over, I Lost My Sonia, and She Loves Me Now used his genius for catchy melodies and came out with this one. Try to get it out of your head, I dare you.

Do you love it? You know I do. Do I think it’ll get haters (like this lady here) to change their views? Um, no. Not at all. But I do think it says something about Obama’s international appeal, that so many of these odes are popping up outside of America — from people who can’t even vote in the upcoming election. And, on a less serious note, all of these would make such a fun summer politics mixtape. Right?

Speaking of which, I got that Obama/Cocoa Tea image from Overthinking It, which also has a sweet download link for Cocoa Tea’s catchy tune. (Interesting site! Worth a click for sure).

what do you think? Have you heard any political odes that you’ve liked lately?

EDITED at 10:24 p.m. — We’ve got ourselves an official Democratic nominee, bellas! History in the making!

Oh Hi, Chrisette!

I love getting comments from all you beautiful bellas out there, but there’s something that’s just so super exciting about getting a comment from someone you’ve actually written about!!

Case in point, the gorgeous and glowing Chrisette Michele, who dropped by this blog to leave a comment on the Makeup Inspiration post. And guess what? I guessed right on some of her makeup!

She says:

“Hello my loves! It’s Chrisette Michele just writing you all to thank you again for your love and support. i actually did my own makeup and hair this day… i cant believe how right on you guys are because it is indeed nars orgasm on my cheeks but the darker blush color is MAC’s own Ambering Rose…I’d like to thank my wonderful makeup artist friend JJ for teaching me all the tricks i have under my sleeve. i also styled my own hair with an FHI flat iron and i got the edges with a wee chi iron u can purchase at ricky’s in nyc or order online. Mizani products are great on my hair for shining out the lil lovely kinks
i love you all afro bella’s.
cant wait to talk again.
ttyl!!!
miss michele

oh and ps!!!! keith campbell of brooklyn new york gave my my new cut. i hope you all like it! i sure do. he’s reasonably priced and has a great spirit.
okay toodles!”

YAY!!!! It’s not the first time Chrisette’s stopped by to leave a comment, but I did really jump for joy when I read this last one. Thought I’d share it with all of you, along with one of my favorite Chrisette Michele songs, Be OK. I love this video because it shows the range of her bubbly, fun personality.

Thanks for stopping by, Chrisette! You’ve got fans over here!

Weekend Rewind — Louis Armstrong’s Other Artistry

Did you miss me, bellas? I’ve been escorting Papa and Mama Bella around town this past week, so forgive my brief absence. I got a funny e mail from a reader this week, and she said “I hate that you have a life!” LOL — I do, and sometimes it tears me away from daily posting. My parents are back home now, so it’s back to my routine and your regularly scheduled Afrobella.

When I was a wee one (like we’re talking seven, eight years old), my sister Petal got me a series of children’s books that I read obsessively. Part 8 of the series was a collection of brief biographies of famous people, and from that early age I became entranced by the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong. Talk about a fascinating, hardscrabble upbringing. Click here for a timeline of his life.

He grew up in the notorious Storyville district of New Orleans, and overcame real hardship to become the most beloved and well known jazz musician of all time. There’s always been something about his effervescent essence that made him a friend-in-my-head. His biographer calls him a genius and a jester. Louis Armstrong was known for that broad, irrepressible smile, but you know behind it there was a world of pain, depth, and experience.

The more I listen to his music, and learn about his quirky personality, the more I love him. Louis Armstrong had so many endearing wacky-uncle traits. He was a real dude with random interests. He had a weird fascination with bodily functions, and handed out packets of his favorite laxative, Swiss Kriss, at concerts — he loved this senna-based herbal laxative so much, he even reportedly signed his letters, “Swiss Krissly yours.” When he was on the road, he made mix tapes of his favorite songs. And I heart BoingBoing for linking this story — he spent his on-the-road time making detailed and intricate mix tape covers, collages of cellophane tape and photographs. An explanation, from The Paris Review — “The story goes that he did a series of collages on paper and tacked them up on the wall of his den, but Lucille, who had supervised the purchase and interior decoration of their house in Corona, Queens, objected. Armstrong decided to use his extensive library of tapes as a canvas instead, and the result is a collection of some five hundred decorated reel-to-reel boxes, one thousand collages counting front and back… The works are untitled and undated, but he was making them as early as the 1950s; in a letter from 1953 he wrote, “Well, you know, my hobbie (one of them anyway) is using a lot of scotch tape . . . My hobbie is to pick out the different things during what I read and piece them together and [make] a little story of my own.”

This is one of them.

OMG, ADORABLE.

I wish these collages were available to the public in some kind of multimedia museum tour, but for now, I might have to make the trek to the Louis Armstrong Archives at Queens College in Flushing, New York to see them.

Do you have a favorite Louis Armstrong song? Is it What a Wonderful World? Or A Kiss to Build a Dream On? How’s about Mack the Knife?

I’ve always adored his duet of Summertime with Ella Fitzgerald, and his version of On the Sunny Side of the Street is superb. His version of When The Saints Go Marching In (in this video, with Jewel Brown singing backup) is the anthem of his hometown. Louis’ version of Go Down Moses is one of my favorite songs EVER. He put some swing on that spiritual, boy howdy. It’s so hard to choose a favorite, but it’s hard for me not to think of C’est Si Bon. Like the man says, it’s so good!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

PS — Are you a Louis Armstrong fan? How’s about Johnny Cash? I love them both. Click here for an amazing duet between these two musical legends. I know, right? So delightfully random. I almost didn’t believe it myself.

The Best of Best of the Best

On Sunday, I succumbed completely to reggae fever. My husband and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary at Best of the Best, the biggest dancehall reggae festival in America. And as you can see, I went decked out in Rasta colored resplendence.

I’m rockin’ those Reggaelicious hoop earrings, and some big faux designer sunglasses, because I sweated off all my eyeshadow. Oh, and don’t ask me what that pose is — I’ve got my rum and coke in hand and was having a whole lotta fun, so I have no explanation.

Like my shirt? It’s made by G*ology, a fresh teeshirt line out of England designed by Gabrielle Smith. These are men’s tees, so I modified mine using tips from Generation T: 108 Ways to Modify a T-Shirt, a pretty handy book written by Megan Nicolay. G*ology has other afrobella friendly shirts — do you not love the sassy “My Afro Is Too Big For This Tiara” tee? I do. Go ‘head, Gabi!

If you want a lengthy review of the concert, here’s a brilliant and detailed one by Esther Park. I agree with quite a bit of what she said — and as an oft-conflicted fan of dancehall music, I’d like to say that I was really happy that none of the artists used the stage to incite any messages of violence or hate. I’ve seen it happen at past concerts, and it’s made me actually leave a show before. But this year’s Best of the Best had positive vibes. The atmosphere was truly celebratory and lovely. Several of the artists sang about Barack Obama, and the pride his candidacy makes them feel. One of my new favorite artists, Tarrus Riley, did an improvised song about America having its first black president, and it warmed my heart to see so many island people waving their flags and applauding the prospect.

I will say, I’ve seen several of the performers before, and I’ve seen them put on better shows — Buju in particular left me a little disappointed. But I’m just biased, because I was hoping for a more mellow Til Shiloh type of set, and Buju was in a dancehall frame of mind. He opened with Me and Oonu, so if you’re a fan you know the kind of speed his set started off with. He slowed down eventually and did a range of his classic material — from How The World a Run to Driver A (which I adore). Machel Montano made flags fly, and Sizzla Kolanji did a tremendous set, delivering 15 minutes of pure fire. Yes — 15 minutes was all the time he had, because of time constraints and scheduling issues. As much as I agreed with Esther’s review, to me the absolute highlight of the whole show was Barrington Levy. Longtime readers might remember, I’m a big, big fan. I already knew I was in for an experience, and I got what I came for. He holds the audience in the palm of his hand. His voice rings out strong and true, and he’s all about interactivity. He hardly sang a word of Too Experienced — we all sang lustily, word for word. It was a beautiful, blessed moment, with the sun setting in the background. We loved it.

Barrington delivered a barrage of hits, and he granted my husband’s wish — all he wanted was to hear that skiddly-waddily-iddily-diddily-diddily-whoa-oh-oh live and in person. And he got his wish and then some. I wish there was good live footage from the show, but in lieu of that, there’s this. Live Barrington from the Bongidae festival in 2005. This is Murderer.

I hope Barrington comes back for next year’s show!

All in all, it was a great experience, filled with island pride, good food, gorgeous weather, and wicked live music. If you’re a fan of reggae music, definitely make the trek to Miami next year — this show is worth it.

Makeup Inspiration — Chrisette Michele

I spotted this photo over at Necole Bitchie, and I gotta thank her for introducing me to the work of Atlanta-based photographer Derek Blanks. His photos are really edgy and interesting, and I was absolutely captivated by this photo of former Afrobella of the Week Chrisette Michele, meeting herself as celebrity and admirer. I love the hot, chic short hair trend, it’s infinitely preferable to the ten-pound-weave so many celebs were rocking. And her makeup… oh, her makeup. Chrisette looks absolutely flawless, IMO.

On the glamorous celebrity Chrisette, the eye shadow looks kind of like MAC’s Sketch shadow, which is described as an “intense burgundy-plum flecked with red shimmer.” I say this because MAC makeup artist Victor C. once did a mall makeover on me and used that shade to a very similar effect, and I’ve been mildly obsessed with it ever since. Seeing that gorgeous smokey burgundy/brown/purple eye on Chrisette makes me wanna go buy it. And if you’re seeking a MAC alternative, b.l.a.c minerals’ patience eyeshadow is a perfect alternative. Deep burgundy purple with a subtle sparkle. Magical.

Chrisette’s blush has the same gorgeous shimmer that NARS orgasm does, so I’m guessing it’s NARS. And speaking of NARS orgasm — bellas, I must say there really is something magical about gold-flecked orange blush on brown skin. Apparently the brighter the better — beauty blogger GG points out that crayon orange looks gorgeous on brown skin, and NYX cream blush in Orange is a nearly identical match to NARS Exhibit A for a fraction of the price. In case you were wondering, “Is that NARS orgasm blush worth it?” It’s $25 a pop, but I’d say yes — a little goes a long way, and this color didn’t fade from my face as soon as other blushes have. Also, I was shocked that Orgasm complimented my skin as much as it did, even though I’d read so many reviews that suggested that it is the universally perfect blush. (hat tip to BellaSugar for the Revlon blush-alike).

In this photo, Chrisette’s blush is more of a rose-bronze-berry — I’d guess it’s Sin– berry with gold shimmer. Too much Sin can look muddy, so go light with the application. For a brighter cheek, Valana Minerals’ cheeky plumeria blush is close enough — sheer pink with silvery brown highlights, and very pretty on brown skin.

Continue reading »

The Vortex

I gotta tell y’all, the Erykah Badu concert experience was truly, truly remarkable. I’d planned to do a whole giant review, but I think Rich from Four Four, and the amigo Jonathan Cunningham both reviewed it so eloquently, I didn’t think I could add much more. They captured every nuance.

I’ll say this — I echo Jonathan’s sentiment completely — I wish The Roots played longer. We arrived during Proceed, and more than half of the amphitheater was still empty.

They did a sick medley of covers, ranging from Kool and the Gang’s Jungle Boogie to Mims’ This is Why I’m Hot. I have some video, and I’ll try to upload it (if it’s good enough). It was over too soon. And also I gotta add, Black Thought is a surprisingly good singer! He busted out some Teddy Pendergrass stylee, I was feeling it. LOL. Also, I love the theatrics of the phenomenally talented Captain Kirk Douglas, but I know I wasn’t the only one who wished Erykah had joined them on “You Got Me.” Just because. I mean, c’mon. She’s right there backstage!

Erykah opened so strong — strutting and voguing on a mirrored stage, she and her backup singers really put on a compelling, stunning show. Of her newest material, The Healer was a highlight, and Soldier is my new favorite song. She held the audience in the palm of her hand for that one. It’s set to be her next single, and it’s already a bona fide classic. Here’s the VH1 Soul performance, if you haven’t yet got a copy of New Amerykah Vol. 1.

Yes, siree.

Her overall performance was dynamic, striking, moody, complex, and yes — interpretive. She’s an inspiration, a creative dervish, a true icon. There was a definite lag in crowd energy during some of her slower songs — I was shocked at how many people left well before the encore. But she did play a two-hour set, and it was a school night. If you’re an Erykah fan who’s on the fence and wondering if you should shell out the bucks to see this show, I’d say go for it. Erykah’s Vortex is an experience worth having, and you get your money’s worth. You’ll leave feeling rebooted, refreshed, and restarted.

Click here for a slideshow of photos by Logan Fazio.