B.L.G. Music 360
Dionne Deirdre Gaddis Kebomusic Maurissa Rose C. Clear James Bratton Aysha Chocoholic Survival Kits Valentineâ€&#x;s Gifts Online Boutique
Magazine
Valentine’s 2011 Edition
Who’s Who in B.L.G. Music 360 January’s Featured Artists January 2011
Dionne pg4&5
Deirdre pg6
James Bratton pg8
Kebomusic pg11
Maurissa pg12
C. Clear pg15
Aysha pg17
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Editor’s Corner Nicole Bradford B.L.G. Music 360 January 2011
Happy New Year to you all and I pray success and prosperity in your future endeavors for 2011!! We at B.L.G. Marketing Group would like to say a HUGE “Thank You” for making the launching of our magazine a success in December, we could not have done it without you!! We have an exciting line-up of music and entertainment scheduled for 2011 so if you have not already signed up for a subscription to our online magazine, please take a minute to do so. I am sure you may recognize our featured artist on this month‟s cover of our magazine, and if not, let me officially introduce you to award winning Soul and R&B Songwriter, Performer and Recording Artist Ms. Dionne Kirby. Dionne is the newest signed artist to our B.L.G. Label, 111 East Records and her newest single “Move” is already making strides on the musical charts, ranking #1 on Amazon in the UK. You can find Dionne‟s biography on pages 4 & 5. I would also like to introduce you to “The Man behind the B.L.G. Vision” Mr. James Bratton. More than 17years ago, James was able to build one of the strongest production and management teams to date in the New York City area. Read about James and some of his Platinum and Gold record selling successes on page 8. Thanks for joining us again this month for our Valentine‟s edition of B.L.G. Music 360. We look forward to seeing you next month for our exciting line-up of artists.
Nicole Bradford VP Sales & Marketing nbradford@blgpublishingonline.com
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Dionne B.L.G. Music 360 January 2011
Dionne "I wake up every morning singing-whether I'm excited, furious, confused or whatever else I might feel. There is music in my head, and it's coming out of me all of the time," Dionne says. With charisma and soul that accents her innate Southern charm, Texas-born performing and recording artist reveals her love for melody and lyrics with her debut CD, Unrealistic. It's hard to believe this is her first CD. Her songs are timeless and her delivery is smooth and full of beauty. Many compare her to other phenoms like Jill Scott and Vivan Green. She admits living in the clouds at times and decided to name the CD, Unrealistic, because it best describes her perspective; "I'm a hopeless optimistic, on purpose," she says. This classically trained graduate of the renowned Arts Magnet in Dallas is honored to have walked the same hallways as Erykah Badu and Norah Jones. Dionne continues a legacy of soul music, following in the footsteps of her musical inspirations: Anita Baker, Regina Belle, and India.Arie. Dionne captivates audiences with her live performance. When you see her live, you'll feel like you're the only one in the room. Welcome to the journey. Prepare to be inspired.
www.dionnemusic.com
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New Release from 111 East Records Dionne Hot New Single “Move� Available on Amazon.com and iTunes Download your copy today! Also go to www.blglabelgroup.com and www.dionnemusic.com for more information
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Dierdre “Dei” Gaddis B.L.G. Music 360 January 2011
Deirdre There is something to be said about simplicity. It renders no extravagance but rather presents „essence‟ in an unequivocal, raw, and untainted form. And if the heart matters, then by way of this simple mechanism does Deirdre “Dei” Gaddis render her gifts and talents. Reflecting upon her life to this point, Dei says, “My life has proved to be difficult at times, happy at others, and sometimes just more than I cared to have to deal with… But when I look at where I‟ve been, the place where I am now, and where I know God can take me, I laugh. I laugh at the devil for thinking that he could take me. If there is one thing I could say to sum it all up, it‟s never give up on your dream.” Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Dei has been involved in music since age 8. Following in her mother and grandmother‟s footsteps with vocal talent, and following her aunt‟s footsteps with the ability to play the keys, Dei says, “Music has always been my release. It allows me to escape the pressures of reality and enter into a haven of peace even when life would dictate otherwise…” The daughter of a Baptist Minister, Dei‟s roots have always been firmly planted in God, even rendering her talents as a church musician since the age of 12. “I must use the gifts God gave me. It‟s the least I can do for Him after He‟s done so much for me!” Dei‟s music is set to inspire a generation of dreamers. She writes of her own life experiences both good and bad… “Everything I‟ve been through has helped me to become what and who I am today. There‟s always someone else who‟s taken a couple of the same twists and turns in life that you have. That‟s why my music reaches so many… they can identify with it.” She has a current single that was released Dec 3rd on “What are we gonna do” 111 East Records and a CD project to be released 2011....keep your eyes opened for the sultry sound of Ms. Gaddis coming to a radio and venue near you! 6
The Smooth Jazz Station Online www.111eastradio.com
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James Bratton B.L.G. Music 360 January 2011
James Bratton
At the start of the 1990s, James Bratton owned and operated 111 East Studios, located on 111 East Front Street, in Plainfield, NJ. Fresh from his success producing and writing hit tracks for Sybil Lynch, James decided to take the risk. James opened 111 East with the mission to support the rapidly changing dance music. The first release on the newly formed label was a freestyle dance track called "My House" by artist Irene Ortiz. "My House" generated a small buzz in New York area clubs. It was an experience that convinced James that his dream of establishing 111 East Records as a positive force on the music scene was a viable one. While promoting "My House", James met the talented singer Susan Clark. Susan, along with her songwriting team, presented the song "Deeper" for his review. After hearing Susan's powerful vocal performance on what he felt was an amazing track, James decided to sign Susan to his new label and record "Deeper". James released "Deeper" on 111 East Records and the rest is history. After Platinum and Gold record selling successes, James has continued to build 111 East Records with hit records while allowing artists to maintain their artistic freedom. James later moved 111 East Records to NYC and he was able to build one of the strongest production and management teams to date including: Dara Cohen, Chris Payne, Kerry Chandler, Todd Edwards and many more. 111 East Records became one of the strongest Indie labels in the major New York market. 111 East Records also achieved the milestone of being the only Indie label having house and dance music programmed of all three major New York Stations. And now after more than 17 years, James is introducing B.L.G. Music Group which consists of 111 East Radio Network Group, Sales and Marketing Group and B.L.G. Label Group Division the home of 111 East Records and 111 East Jazz Records.
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The Second Single ”Sunset” from the Group 111 East
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Kebomusic (feat. Kenny Wesley & Lasonya Gunter) B.L.G. Music 360 January 2011
Kebom usi c
Kebomusic is Atlanta based music producer\keyboardist Derrick Pryce. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Derrick has spent the last several years in Atlanta crafting his own personal sound and playing keyboards for different bands and artists. As a producer, he initially started shopping tracks to different artists for placement on their projects. This deemed somewhat successful, having produced 4 songs for Atlanta-based R+B artist Yen's sophomore project and collaborating with jazz saxophonist Derwin Daniels for his 2007 CD Journey. The next logical step was to release his own material under the banner of his music production company - Kebomusic. Inspired from influences such as jazz, R+B, hip hop and gospel, his forthcoming album slated for a 2011 release is entitled Kebomusic Presents: The Experience. In anticipation to this upcoming album and to satisfy the listener's need for good music right now, Kebomusic Presents: The Soul Prototype is now available exclusively as a digital release. This EP is a precursor to the upcoming album and contains an array of top-notch vocalists singing over tightly-produced grooves that will definitely make your head nod. This is a must have for any music fan!
www.kebomusic.com
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Maurissa Rose B.L.G. Music 360 January 2011
In this issue:
Maurissa Rose Maurissa Rose has a distinguish gift in her voice. She was born and raised in the R&B capital of Detroit, Michigan. She turned professional singer and made her recording debut by 10 years old. The buzz among insiders heralded that she was the new songstress in her generation. She was compared to a young, Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker and Nancy Wilson. Maurissa signed her first major recording contract with EMI records in the 90‟s. The music industry's move toward Hip Hop excluded her signature sound. Maurissa decided that she “needed time to heal” and stepped away from the recording booth and used her talents in other ways. She traveled with several national Gospel musicals, most notably Mike Matthew‟s “I Need A Man”. Additionally, she honed her writing skills by penning songs for the Clark Sisters and Fabu. She worked with some of Detroit‟s finest producers including Michael J. Powel (Anita Baker) and Pajam (J Moss). She had also used her distinctive voice singing in national commercials for Bisquick, Ford, and Chevy. In the last few years, Maurissa felt that there was a place in the industry for her sound. Maurissa went underground to fine-tune her sound and reintroduce herself to the world. Maurissa composed all her songs featured on Introducing Maurissa Rose. The single “Forget About You” gained the attention of nationally syndicated radio host Michael Baisden who featured the single on his show. Even though the CD was well received by listeners, it still did not have the impact that was needed to catapult Maurissa‟s talents out of obscurity. Almost ready to concede the fight, Maurissa received a call from a long- time acquaintance and studio owner, Carlos Gunn. He called to see if she would be interested in singing on a demo for KEM. The rest is musical history as the duet went on to be featured on the movie soundtrack of Tyler Perry‟s Madea’s Family Reunion. The song “Tonight” won Maurissa a new following of music connoisseurs who fell in love with the warm, rich and sultry tones that are signature Maurissa Rose style. Re-emerging from the shadows, she is once again featured on KEM‟s new CD, Intimacy, performing with KEM “If Its Love”. Once again, her heartfelt and passionate contralto voice commands attention. Currently Maurissa is on the verge of launching a second CD on her independent label, and looking forward to the world of endless possibilities that await her.
www.maurissarose.com
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111 East Neo International www.111eastneo.com #1 Neo Soul Station Online
Also can be heard on iTunes and Shoutcast 13
Smooth Jazz 111 East Jazz Radio Ohio
Ohio’s Best in Smooth Jazz
www.111eastjazzradioohio.com 14
C. Clear B.L.G. Music 360 January 2011
C.Clear This lady is no stranger to the necessary grind of this industry. Born in Queens NY, she hit‟s the music scene by way of Baltimore Maryland. She flips various styles as a Singer/Songwriter/MC and whatever hat necessary to get her point across. Best known for her live shows, her presence and smile captivates audiences of all ages, genres and ethnicities. With a mic and preferably a live band, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Her flow takes Hip Hop and fuses it with soulful rock, reminiscent of Lauryn Hill and Evanescents. She has a gospel truth message that is positive and relevant to love, life and the hood from a lady‟s perspective. Media mogul Kathy Hughes, when inviting her to perform at her red carpet celebration stated, “I feel like Christopher Columbus discovering America”. She was among the 144 finalist for American Idol that made it to Hollywood and though she returned without the title, she came back with an overwhelming affirmation of faith and perseverance.
She released her first full length album “A Souldiers Story”, and has been pulling in votes from every direction for its creativity and spiritual power. She is now moving forward with new music.
It is evident that the spirit that works in her is much greater than a few meaningless words and pompous ideas of grandeur. Her future in this industry is set in stone to be that of unparalleled success
http://www.myspace.com/cclear 15
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Aysha B.L.G. Music 360 January 2011
Nominated two years in a row for Jazz Artist of the Year and winner of Jazz Album of the Year for the 2010 Los Angeles Music Awards, Aysha has a solid history as a performer. For the past eight years she has been building a strong solo career. In 2006, Aysha independently released her debut CD “Love Is A Rock” and after much anticipation since the release of her debut CD, Aysha has now released her sophomore CD “Stay With Me. The exclusive EP consists of five original songs produced by legendary producer, songwriter, keyboardist & arranger Monty Seward (The Jacksons, James Ingram, Howard Hewett, Kelly Clarkson), acclaimed music director Kevin Dorsey (Michael Jackson) and Aysha. Additional guests include internationally acclaimed saxophonists, Everette Harp and Gerald Albright. This new EP is generating quite the buzz. “Stay With Me” has already received several stellar reviews from online publications across the nation and globe which include The Urban Music Scene, Smooth Jazz Therapy, Smooth Jazz Ride, the Doctor of Jazz, Smooth -Jazz.de and SmoothJazz.com and has hit the charts in the UK coming in at #26 on the UK Top 30 Soul Charts on October 2nd and reached #6. Three of the five tracks on the project have received major airplay on Broadcast Architecture‟s Smooth Jazz Network in the New Music Hour, along with several other Internet and terrestrial radio stations around the world. Aysha is a successful Jazz and R&B vocalist with various appearances on the music circuit on and off the stage. Her velvety voice is sultry and smooth with a jazzy edge, and with influences ranging from the likes of Sade, Toni Braxton, Phyllis Hyman & Chante Moore, her music is destined to be heard. Before going solo, Aysha co-formed and performed with the female group Girls In The Mix. “Girls” opened for such performers as Zapp w/Roger and WAR. Aysha went on to perform with Ronkat and the Funklectiks featuring Grammy Award nominated writer, Ron Spearman. Once Aysha made the move to strike out on her own to pursue her solo career, she began to develop her own unique style, performing in various venues throughout the Los Angeles area. Among these local venues Aysha was invited and performed at the prestigious BB King‟s Blues Club. In August 2006, Roc-Life Radio chose Aysha as one of the Top 20 Unsigned New Artists, which aired on Live365.com and in October 2006 she became the #1 Independent Artist on their station. Her songs played in rotation on all of their play lists. From March 2008 to December 2010, Aysha was featured in several Independent Artist magazines and music websites, which included U Magazine at KingSharkEntertainment.com in the March 2008 issue, BIG The Magazine in the September 2008 issue and Nine5Four Magazine at nine5four.com in the October 2008 issue, TheUrbanMusicScene.com in the New Voices in August 2010 and on SmoothJazz.com in December 2010. Aysha‟s music is available on CD Baby, iTunes and other fine online retailers.
www.ayshamusic.com 17
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