(March 24, 2019) The Stone City Band will always be known for their connection to Rick James. The group served as James’ backing band, and they provided the element of funk and punk that powered tracks such as “You and I,�  “Bustin’ Out,� and “Super Freak.� The Stone City Band also backed up Tina Marie, The Mary Jane Girls, The Temptations and Eddie Murphy.

(March 22, 2019) Okay, when the debate ensues about which region of our nation funks the hardest, the two regions that rep the hardest are The Big Apple and the Buckeye State. New York City and Ohio have the receipts to lay claim to the funk capital of the world.

(March 22 2019) The legendary O'Jays have been filling concert houses everywhere since they announced their upcoming 2020 retirement, and for the past few months they have new music out to boot. 

Last Fall, the trio, consisting of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, and Eric Nolan Grant, issued "Above The Law," a throwback to their socially conscious music of the 70s, when they were teamed with iconic songwriter/producers Gamble and Huff.

(March 22, 2019) Marvin Gaye would have turned 80 next month, and the auspicious date is being celebrated with the release, on March 29, of the long lost album recorded by Gaye after his hallmark What’s Going On disc, but never released by Motown brass.

You’re The Man promises to be a major event for Gaye’s legion of fans, and an unexpected treat for 2019.

(March 21, 2019) There’s no denying the re-emergence of yacht rock, that cool late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s rhythmic rock that often felt like L.A’s blue eyed soul. It’s been ringing and tingling in our ears lately. It’s taken some root in the evolution of modern funk (see Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins on Thundercat’s “Show You the Way�), penetrated hipster soul (Young Gun Silver Fox, Mayer Hawthorne) and is breaking ground across the country in a swarm of fratboy yacht rock revue tribute bands.

(March 20, 2019) Marqueal Jordan is a double-threat. For ten years he showed himself to be an A-List saxman as part of Brian Culbertson’s band, and also supporting dozens of other top tier stars. But the Chicago native is now ready to move to the front of the stage as both a horn player and soul singer with his new album, Intention & Purpose.

(March 19, 2019) The intersection of Burbank Blvd.

Anthony Hamilton and Leela James
Music Hall, Dallas
March 17, 2019

"This right here is the 'underground railroad' to love," said headliner Anthony Hamilton to a packed-out Music Hall of 3,000+ in Dallas TX on Sunday night. "I'm just trying to bring back the courtin', blue lights house party type of sound, can I take y'all back?"

[Publisher's Note: We thank soul music historian and tastemaker Kevin Goins, for this touching tribute]

This one really hits me in the heart. A great man of music, MR. RHYTHM was his moniker. Andre is a legend in rock and soul who not only I had interviewed over the years but became an adviser and an ally through my own journey in music.