In Search of Sade

The last time I heard from Sade was in 2002 when she released Lover’s Rock after a seven year hiatus. Over the course of her career she only released six albums; the first five sold over 50 million albums worldwide. With that kind of following it seems that she would be dropping CDs like hotcakes, but not Sade. Helen Falasade Adu noted for her soulful, smoky contralto voice achieved success in the 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s as the front woman and lead vocalist for the Grammy Award winning group.

Her first foray into the music business came about this time, as a member of a short-lived Latin soul group named Arriva. It was as a member of Arriva that she first performed the song “Smooth Operator” which would eventually become her first US hit. This song was co-written by guitarist/bassist Ray St. John. Shortly thereafter, she joined St. John's band Pride, which also included guitarist Stuart Matthewman, bassist Paul Denman, and drummer Paul Cooke. When St. John left Pride the remaining members morphed into Sade, with the addition of Andrew Hale on keyboard.

I was fortunate enough to catch the band in the summer of 1988 at what was then called Pine Knob Theater, an outdoor venue in Clarkston, Michigan. It was a warm summer night filled with the sweet sounds of “Cherry Pie”, “Your Love Is King”, ”Sweetest Taboo”, “Is It A Crime”, Stronger Than Pride” and a host of other songs from her first three albums. I remember leaving the park satisfied that I had witnessed one of the best concerts that I had attended so far.

So if you are out there Sade, please know that your fan base certainly miss you and your multi genre music. Hopefully you will return sometimes soon. If anyone sees her or any of the band members tell them the fans are waiting for her return. Until then I will have to be satisfied with listening to the excellent and perfect “Diamond Life”, “Promise”, “Stronger Than Pride”, “Love Deluxe” and “Lover’s Rock” CD’s. Check out this performance of the group in its heyday.

An Evening With Oleta Adams

I got a big surprise when my best friend (We go back like spinal cords and car seats) from Long Beach, California showed up on my doorstep on February 14th . Now if that wasn't enough, he came bearing gifts in the form of concert ticket to a show featuring Oleta Adams. You cannot imagine my elation because I have been a fan of hers for years, but had never had the opportunity to see her.

It was the best kept secret in the Dallas area because I had no idea she would be performing that night. Oleta did a mixture of the old and the new, including the one I think she might be most famous for "Get Here". Her band consisted of a guitar player, a keyboardist, her husband on the drums, and of course her playing the piano. And play she does. The girl has skills and one of the biggest and best voices I have ever heard and believe me I have seen all the major female artist from Aretha to Gladys.

Other gems included in the set were "Circle of One", "Hold Me For A While", Lover's Holiday", "I Knew You When" and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". For the encore she performed "I Just Had To Hear Your Voice". I thoroughly enjoyed every second of her performance. Adams is one of those gifted and original voices that haven't received, outside her loyal fan base, the recognition that she richly deserves. Check out Ms. Adams performing her signature tune "Get Here".

Thirteen Thirteen # 3 - Performers (Groups) That I Never Saw in Concert, But Wish I Had

In the past week I posted about classic concerts I had attended in the last few years and it got me to thinking about the performers that are no longer with us that I never had the pleasure seeing perform. This list is compiled alphabetically to avoid having to choose artists in order of importance. If someone is not on the list it is either because I saw them live, there was only thirteen slots, or I had no desire to see them. 1. The Beatles – Who wouldn’t want to see the fab four in concert? As a child I remember the excitement they generated when they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. That was the first time I saw girls screaming and crying. Although I liked their songs I did not understand what all the hype was all about. I understand now. 2. Ray Charles - This artist was a major player in the music industry, He recorded over five decades, starting in the golden age of Rock and Roll, but he was never really considered a Rock and Roll star, like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, or Fats Domino. He was in a class all his own and he could definitely "make it do what it do". 3. Patsy Cline – Arguably one of the best voices in the last century, most definitely one of the best country singer of all time. Her voice and style transcended country music making it impossible to pigeonhole her. She is to country music what Aretha Franklin is to Rhythm and Blues, often replicated, but never duplicated. 4. Sam Cooke - Mr. Smooth. He voice like velvet and a debonair air about him made that made him timeless. This guy was a class act with women falling at his feet. Hearing his self-penned ballad "A Change is Going to Come" can still invoke tears. 5. The Four Tops - One of the premier acts of the Motown label, with one of the best lead singers in the business (Levi Stubbs). What was rare about this group was that they were able to maintain the same line-up until illness and death caught up with them in later years. The group was the recipients of countless awards and accolades, but when think of Mr. Stubbs it is to remember him fondly as the man-eating plant in "The Little Shop Of Horrors"..."That guy sure looks like plant food to me!" 6. Marvin Gaye - My favorite male singer of all time bar none. Mr. Gaye had a huge career as a Motown artist, but in the late 60's he began to write about social conscientiousness, resulting in a total shift in his singing style and focus. He is also known for performing duets with such artists as Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Diana Ross, and of course Tammi Terrell. His untimely death the day before his 45th birthday was a blow to entertainment industry and the fans who loved him through good times and bad. 7. Jimi Hendrix - Could be the best guitar player ever. Started out performing with Little Richard and the Isley Brothers before striking out on his on. If you listen to Ernie Isley's guitar playing you can definitely hear hints of Hendricks who Isley claims taught him to play. Hendrix's' star was on the rise and he was much sought after performer until his involvement with drugs cut his life short. 8. Janis Joplin - Affectionately known as "Pearl", The Bette Midler movie The Rose was loosely based on her life. At first she patterned the singing styles of African-American artist, such as, Bessie Smith and Odetta before she fell into a style of her own. Her performances are legendary as much for her on stage antics as for her singing, but footage proves she was electrifying. Ms. Joplin was also responsible for purchasing a tombstone for Bessie Smith's unmarked grave. 9. Bob Marley - Jamaica's finest who became a world renowned king of reggae music.Marley was an artist who transcended all categories, classes, and creeds through a combination of innate modesty and profound wisdom. Bob Marley may yet prove to be the most significant musical artist of the twentieth century. 10. Wilson Pickett - Much of my youth was spent listening to songs by the "wicked" Mr. Pickett. My uncle had a record player in his car that 45 rpm records. This contraption was the predecessor to the 8 track tape player. I love "Mustang Sally", "The Midnight Hour" and of course "Land of 1000 Dances". Mr. Pickett even did justice to the Archie's song "Sugar, Sugar". 11. Elvis Presley - Yeah I said it. Look even though I do not believe he was the "king of Rock and Roll" I do believe he made a major contribution in that he made Rock and Roll (race music) more acceptable among the masses. As a child I remember going to the drive-in with my aunt all decked out in my pajamas in order to see the latest Elvis movie. She was a huge fan of "The Pelvis" and it was contagious I must admit. 12. Otis Redding - Notably the only Rhythm & Blues (Soul) singer to perform at California's Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. Mr. Redding was one of your more exciting performers of the time and was highly revered by acts like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Backing him up at this particular function was Booker T. & M.G's. Tragically he died in a plane crash a few months later. 13. Minnie Riperton - Ms. Riperton possessed a five octave vocal range and could imitate various instruments. Before striking out on her own she sang back up for Etta James, Fontella Bass, and Stevie Wonder, as well as fronting a group called Rotary Connection. She was cut down in the prime of her life and the height of her career by breast cancer. Who are some of the acts that you wished you had seen in concert, but will never be able to because they are no longer with us or incapacitated to a degree in which they will never perform again? Please check out the custom player posted below to view footage from the above mentioned acts.


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Stevie Wonder In Concert

Over the past two years or so I have been going to concerts of classic artist who either do not tour much anymore or might not be touring again. I started out with the Eagles in 2005 and then came Steely Dan, Smokey Robinson and Chaka Khan in August of 2006, I saw Aretha Franklin in October of the same year, and finally I saw Diana Ross in April of this year. I enjoyed each show immensely. This week I got to see the ultimate show of none other than the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, yes the “Harmonica Man” himself, Mr. Steveland Morris (Stevie Wonder).

With pen and paper in hand (like a reporter of sorts) I found my seat in the fifth row. I knew I wanted to share my experience with those who visit my blog. Stevie is an awesome performer and if he comes anywhere near your town I would encourage you to check him out because the man is awesome, truly a WONDER!

Stevie was escorted on stage by his daughter Aisha (yes the baby immortalized in the song "Isn't She Lovely"), who is also a member of his backup group. After bantering with the audience he sat down at the piano and began singing "Love's In Need Of Love Today" with Aisha. Stevie then went into a series of his lesser known probably newer stuff, which wasn't bad, but I came to hear the hits not the "B" sides. After this set of virtually unknown music the crowd was back to life by a funky rendition of "Living For The City", which was followed by "The Master Blaster Jammin".

Using the voice box (the mouth apparatus used mostly by Roger of Zapp fame) Stevie performed "Betcha By Golly Wow", "Give Up The Funk", "Soul Man", and "We Are Family" as an prelude before transitioning into "Higher Ground", which was followed by "Golden Lady" and a crowd involved version of "Ribbon In The Sky" (I sang until my throat was scratchy) . I am including an entire list of songs performed at the end of the post.

Besides Aisha the back up singers included another lady named Kim and a male singer named Keith John. Well the male singer was introduced as the son of none other than Little Willie John of "Fever" fame (I know Malcolm of pop culture dish will appreciate this tidbit). The guy even broke out in his own rendition of his famous father's song...Classic stuff.

The band consisted of electric and acoustic guitar players, a bass player, two percussionists, a drummer another keyboardist besides Stevie, and a young boy named Jeffrey who played the harmonica on "Blowin In The Wind". The band was wonderful and vocally Stevie was at the top of his game. Of course if he wasn't on some type of soap box (war, racism, discrimination, etc.) it wouldn't be Stevie so I expected and accepted this. There is nothing quite like a little politics mixed in with your entertainment.

The concert ended on a high note with a performance of "As" (which I thought should have been entitled "Always"). A performer of Stevie's caliber has enough hits to sing for days without repeating a song, so you know he left the crowd wanting more. I would have liked to hear a medley of "Little" Stevie Wonder songs ("Hey Harmonica Man", "Contract On Love", "Everything Is Alright Uptight", or even "Fingertips") and two of my personal favorites "That Girl" from "Original Musicaquarium" and "Knocks Me Off My Feet" from "Songs In The Key Of Life". He performed for well over two hours, but if it had been up to me I would have kept him there all night. Below is a performance of "Superstition" on Sesame Street.

Songs Performed:

Loves In Need Of Love Today

Too Fine

Visions In Our Mind

Livin For The City

Master Blaster Jammin

Bet You By Golly Wow, Give Up The Funk, Soul Man, and We Are Family

Higher Ground

Golden Lady

Ribbon In The Sky

Overjoyed

You And I/Days Of Wine And Roses

Send One Your Love

Blowin In The Wind

How Will I Know (Duet with Aisha)

If You Really Love Me, I Got The Feelin, It's Alright (Duet with Kim)

Don't You Worry Bout A Thing

Sign, Sealed, Delivered

My Cherie Amour

Sir Duke

I Wish

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life

Superstition

I Just Called To Say I Love You

As