NOT DIANA ROSS




YOU'LL SEE 

SUPERMASH BY GEEJAY DELUXE 

FEATURING

   DIANA ROSS             GRACE JONES        SHIRLEY BASSEY 

PERFORMING 

Ain't No Mountain High Enough             Amado Mio                                            You'll See
                 Ashford and Simpson                Doris Fisher/Allan Roberts (from "Gilda")                Madonna/David Foster




I love the sharp contrasts on this one.  I think this is a mash as 3 singers each singing her own song not knowing of the other 2.  Started to hear Dame S - hey she lucky I be so nice for a change here for gee after what I wrote In LA times last year when OQs pd bfr her rare concert appearance.  Believe she joins in near the end heard her just a bit as I have not reached the end.  Of the song.  Replayed the first 30 seconds least 15 X as DR sweetly leads to Grace boldly crashing in as only she can; no one objecting to her booming truth AMADO MIO. Learned that using my Windows Phone I could post directly from SoundCloud to Blog main page, but not this page; however, a link for direct posting does not appear using my windows vista computer.  Learned so much researching the writers of the latter 2 songs; have to admit was not aware that Amado Mio is from the 1946 film Gilda covered  by Grace (she makes everything sound original), and that You'll See is a Madonna song the Dame covered.


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Here's another mix mash from GeeJaye Deluxe who you can easily find on Facebook SoundCloud, or his own web site at http://www.geejaydeluxe.com/   He mixes and mashes, audio and video, primarily Diana Ross, The Supremes, and Motown.  He even offers many of his mixes as free downloads.  The graphics above took so long, not doing again, least not today, but they do look good.  His other recent mix:

Chain Reaction - Diana Ross
No More Tears - Barbara Streisand and Donna Summer


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Bing Crosby and Bette Midler "Accentuate the Positive"



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Nancy Wilson "I Am Beginning To See The Light" many years ago in Lake Tahoe with the Woody Herman band




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Nancy Wilson at the Jazz Alley, September 30, 2010, "When October Goes"





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Marlena Shaw - Suite Seventeen.  Released as one side of a vinyl album, it's a danceable 3 part uninterruped reflections on love at 17, 20 something, and an ending that is an outstanding remix of Touch Me In The Morning, as only Marlena can do in her story telling and singing.





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Whitney at her best, before she lost her voice, God Bless the Child, tribute to Diana Ross; and that's not all, segue to Endless Love with her brother, and he can SANG, they both can here and they do!








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Here are some videos of the Fabulous Sylvester.  For photos, see Photos 2; for article, see Memoriam.



You Make Me Feel Mighty Real




Dance (Disco Heat)




Do You Wanna Funk With Me




Dick Clark interview on American Bandstand

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December 16, 2012

Note to self, what is the difference between the Review page and the NDR page, videos?  Be consistent.

In my last musical non-Diana Ross post today, I had to qualify that, I present one of "our" own, the cabaret artist and performer Justin Hayford.  You remember I trumpeted him before via his newest release available at name your price as a benefit to his employer, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago.  Now I have had time to listen to and absorb his release and tell you I love it and share my research.  All you cabaret lovers need to check this out!

According to this website


"Seems strange, but there are pages from the Great American Songbook that have been left lying under layers of dust and oblivion. Even more so when you consider the brilliance of those forgotten songs: songs that can easily outshine eternal hits such as “Cheek to Cheek” or “Begin the Beguine” but for some unknown reason have never been given the chance.

Luckily, Justin is here to restore justice. With a careful touch he searches out and polishes these old music diamonds. Adding his own style and elegance to the inherent charm of each song, he makes it shine again with a gentle, touching and enchanting glow. Justin’s mellow voice lures you into loving the song; guides you through its beauty, and leaves your senses full of this old and noble bouquet of feelings. As if a character from a black-and-white movie has kissed you."
According to his label's website
http://www.lmlmusic.com/artist/justinhayford/   recommend this web site for viewing catalogue
"Justin Hayford has been called "a superb talent" by the Chicago Tribune and a "hip piano-playing saloon singer who should be heard more often" by Rex Reed. On this, his fourth album, Justin and his jazz trio perform classic standards from some of the greatest songwriters in American history -- like Irving Berlin, Jimmy Van Heusen, Cy Coleman and George Gershwin. He also includes Tim O'Brien's endearing folk waltz "Like I Used to Do," Mike Dowling's clever western swing tune "Nothing Could Be Better," and Ron Sexsmith's poignant pop ballad "It Never Fails."
"Justin Hayford is a Chicago-based singer and pianist who specializes in bringing new life to jazz standards, both well known ...and obscure. He has released three previous CDs on the LML Music label, focusing on lost tunes from the American popular songbook. Show Business Weekly says, "“Cool, classy and clever, Justin Hayford’s impeccable taste is an oasis of sanity in a world gone mad.”...
 And you can still buy his newest release and benefit ALCC here:










I believe you can also listen to samples at the 2 web sites above.  My favorite selections on this release are 


Why Try To Change Me Now
Blame It On My Youth
Everything Happens To Me
Like I Used to Do 
Dreamer
Here I'll Stay
and be sure to check out my review on the Review page.
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This video may be linked somewhere down below, but not since I learned how to properly link a video.  You simply MUST see this live performance of their equisite choreography in  their matching, of course, canary yellow outfits.  The one and only DYNAMIC SUPERIORS


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December 16, 2012

Finally today the 3rd of 3 artists from SM.COM, the Dynamic Superiors.  I was thrilled to finally get their first album on CD.  It remains to me one of the greatest records ever made.  The CD includes their 2nd album as well.  I have now received and had time to listen to expanded CD editions of their 3rd and 4th albums.  They include many wonderful tunes.  You can read about them at the link below and order through that site, ITunes or Amazon.  Led by the flamboyant and out lead vocalist Tony Washington, appearing on stage in full make-up, they can be thought of as the East Coast version of Sylvester, although they are a band.  Another similarity I notice is the remakes or covers of popular songs of the day.  Just as Sylvester blew us away with his cover versions at the Elephant Walk and other locales, the DS covers of Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing, All In Love is Fair, Nowhere to Run,provide a unique take that is unmatched by any other artist including the original.  But it is their own songs, or those written for them by Ashford and Simpson and other noted songwriters, where they truly shine.

http://www.soulmusic.com/index.asp?S=5&T=9&ART=2409

http://www.soulmusic.com/index.asp?S=5&T=5&ART=612

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Here is the 2nd of 3 artists I am featuring today from SM.COM (see below), Mary Wells.  As many recall, one of the greatest vocalists tragically died of throat cancer after struggling with poverty and health issues.  The SoulMusic columnist Sharon Davis wrote:

"And now Mary Wells. Hip-O Select have just released “Something New: Motown Lost & Found” with 47 rare tracks and 23 previously unreleased titles, including four with Marvin and – what’s been called – two near-duets with The Supremes. A limited edition of 1500, apparently. And that’s the build up to the book - “Mary Wells: The Tumultuous Life Of Motown’s First Superstar” by Peter Benjaminson, who also wrote the compelling “The Lost Supreme”. Peter has pulled on his own interviews with the star, plus conversations with those close to her like her husbands, relatives, friends – one in particular Maye James-Holler, who adds such a unique personal insight into the singer’s moods and feelings. Interviews from the US TV show “Unsung” in August 2011 have also been sourced, likewise other authors’ books to present a fuller, rounder story of what can only be described as an extremely talented ‘troubled lady’ full of self doubts and misconceptions. Mary’s trials and tribulations at Motown are well documented, as is her move to other companies where much was promised, but little delivered. And for various reasons. While she strived for professional greatness (that afforded to her at Motown, for example) she was also battling to succeed in her personal life, and it’s this insight that tells us more about her as a person. Why she searched for her perfect love, as she fell into affairs, all the while harbouring emotional doubts. Why she attempted suicide, lost herself in the world of drugs and survived several illnesses. I don’t want to give anything away but there’s stuff about Berry Gordy’s intervention later in Mary’s life that I didn’t know, which is both complex and somehow rewarding. When she lost her fight for life on 26 July 1992, the world mourned her passing. Peter treats the build up to her death with the dignity she deserves. Y’know I really regret I only met and talked to Mary that once, because I’d like to have gotten to know her more. If only to instil confidence into her that her talent was still very viable during the eighties, when she felt she was floundering career wise. The input from those closest to her, including the Womack family (what was it about them that she craved so much?) shows just how emotionally muddled she became at times. Peter is sympathetic and honest, pulling no punches to present all that contributed to the artist we know and love. It’s always difficult to write about someone who has passed because their input is lacking, they’re not able to put across their side of the story or explain why they did this, that or the other. However, here, Peter has captured and delivered most of the answers her fans craved with a book that’s testimonial to Motown’s first lady, Mary Wells. For more info check out www.marywellsbook.com"

You can also find links to order at this page or check Amazon.

http://www.soulmusic.com/index.asp?S=1&T=38&ART=2700

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Wrong again!  Every time I insert what blogger calls a jump break which I assumed was to separate posts the last one disappears.  As if I am only allowed one jum break per page.  So until I figure that out I am just going to insert lines between entries to distinguish them.  I suppose I could date them also as the dates do not appear.

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December 16, 2012

I did it! Now I know how to insert a jump break.  Hopefully it will make my posts easier to follow and distinguish the entries. And I won't have to exit and enter again; I can add discrete items at once.  So the first of 3 artists I would like to highlight from soulmusic.com is Bettye Lavette who is performing live at the Jazz Cafe in London.  As David writes,

"No review really needed! Just watch the videos! Bettye LaVette, the embodiment of real soul singing, keeping the tradition alive with her honest, authentic, passionate, emotive and real self! "Let Me Down Easy," best performance of 2012. I'm just honoured and proud to be a witness to Bettye's renaissance, 47 years after Dave Godin played me that same song in his living room in Bexleyheath. Just like Bettye never thought that her career would take off the way it has, I never dreamed I'd be a lifelong soul music scribe. Truly, my soul inspiration - Bettye LaVette, one of a kind!"

I added 2 videos of the same performance of the same song.  The first one was a "mistake" in that it was not the one I viewed at sm.com.  However, it includes her full intro of the song so I left it.  Then I added the video from the website which is a higher quality and has a close-up view of the performance.  So watch the first video for a minute or so then switch to the second one.






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Here is an interview with Bettye LaVette by David Nathan:

http://www.soulmusic.com/index.asp?S=1&T=38&ART=2608

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I need to figure out how to separate my page entries.  I am adding some items here today from http://www.soulmusic.com/index.asp?s=1&T=38&ART=&A=.  They will appear in reverse order as I wish.  So if you scroll down here to my first soul music entry today I am first pasting a brief bio of David Nathan I copied from the web site. I met David briefly once or twice at music events through Barbara Collin when he lived in LA.  Back when I was pursuing my passion in civil rights, David was pursuing his passion for soul music, writing, and interviews.  He has now met and interviewed EVERYBODY.  Following is his official bio.  By the way you can join or register at the site for free and gain access to so much material.


David Nathan is the founder and CEO of SoulMusic.com and began his writing career in 1965; beginning in 1967, he was a regular contributor to Blues & Soul magazine in London before relocating to the U.S. in 1975 where he served as U.S. editor for the publication for several decades and began being known as 'The British Ambassador Of Soul.' From 1988 to 2004, he wrote prolifically for Billboard, has penned bios, produced and written liner notes for box sets and reissue CDs for over a thousand projects. He returned to London in 2009 where he has helped create SoulMusic.com Records as a leading reissue label.


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Everything below is prior to December 16, 2012, who knows when.

Click here for an incredible offer to check out the talented jazz and cabaret performer Justin Hayford.  His site will quote the stellar reviews he has received.  More important, he is offering his latest CD at the cost of NAME YOUR PRICE to benefit the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago.  http://www.aidslegal.com/ is where you can learn more about their stellar work on behalf of persons with HIV, and see a photo of a cute legal beagle and a hot guy too, or just take my word for it that there is no better legal and benefits advocate for persons with HIV anywhere in the US.

http://justinhayford.bandcamp.com/album/here-ill-stay?autoplay=true

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Changing genres,
http://youtu.be/_U6hMk6WMKI Alejandro by Old Lady Gaga aka Jackie Hoffman thanks to Dimitri




Now I know how to link the vid from YT without just pasting the link.

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I just discovered the Howard Theatre somehow and wanted to reference it somewhere.  Oh, because Cassandra Wilson just performed there.  I learned that "Before the Apollo, before the Regal, there was The Howard Theatre. At its opening in 1910 it was “the largest colored theatre in the world.” Sadly shuttered and neglected since the early 1980s, the once majestic building with its “trunk of soul” has survived death in order to be reborn in 2012."

Then I found a Drag Valentine Salute To The Divas, February 12, 2013, for this first time drag returns to the Howard since the 60s hosted by Shi-Queeta-Lee as seen here in a prior show paying tribute to Tina Turner.  You know if I find the one who does Diana I will be posting it here. Diana starts at 13:30! 

http://youtu.be/t0R-7olk5Do


My Name Is Love by Shi-Queeta-Lee
http://youtu.be/2Dkp06FoohE


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I love Jennifer, I love this concert, I love this rendition and setting, and I love the swing.

Do You Know Where You're Going To/Jennifer Lopez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYwGIkB4-nI&feature=share&list=FL8MRbvv3f_9VK1wnqwKk4Kg

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I encounter a problem or obstacle, sometimes I just get mad, like at Facebook, because it just doesn't make sense and nothing makes me madder than something that's wrong, or illogical or immoral, or nonsensical, like injustice, or Facebook; sometimes I encounter a problem I am puzzled and reflective and don't even realize I am thinking about it, but in either scenario eventually I come up with a solution.  In the former situation, the solution is the Daily Update page.

The latter type of problem is epitomized by what do I do with the stuff that is interesting or enjoyable but doesn't fit into a category, like music NOT performed by Diana Ross or the Supremes.  So far, I managed to fit stuff in somewhere by category and make a relevant connection.  Now that isn't one of those problems that was nagging me or consciously thinking about, but I thought all of a sudden, I thought of a solution, almost like I fgured out the solution before I was even completely aware of the scope of the problms.

So here is the debut of my most shocking blog page yet, the NOT Diana Ross page, where I will post or link anything fun or of interest that I can't fit into a category, make a point or learn or teach a lesson from, and that has no or little connection with Diana Ross. 

And so for my first selection is a video of a song that set to a modern arrangement with a sound I currently love that reminds me of Richie Valens and of the recent bachata movement with that string that tugs at your heart yet pays homage to one of the most classic songs of the 1960s girl group era without losing the originality or distinctiveness of the new performers who bring their own  -  - accent I guess you could say from a cultural perspective that shows regardless of culture there are boys and girls all over the world asking 'you give yourself so sweetly, tonight I give myself completely', but -

WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW????

performed by Leslie Grace, informed by the never to be forgotten Shirrelles


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And while we're in the 60s, yes I know the lyrics are dated, but Dusty is hot, she sounds great here in her classic sound, she is a lez after all, and the visuals are deliciously yummy, unless you are a lez too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycbgHM1mI0k&feature=share&list=FL8MRbvv3f_9VK1wnqwKk4Kg

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followed by those boys who would forever be .. hotties ...

Finally Found You by current hottie fav Enrique Iglesias ft. Daddy Yankee


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Oh no, Ono, why not, I kind of like the music and the visuals are great, and who doesn't want to Moving On

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IrEvJRQ2Ow&feature=share&list=FL8MRbvv3f_9VK1wnqwKk4Kg

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And now from a completely different genre, starts out serious but stick with it and you wonder, will wigs be flying?  Dorothy Loudon will make you forget all about Barbara Cook, for a moment anyway,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQcUdSwHD_w&feature=share&list=FL8MRbvv3f_9VK1wnqwKk4Kg

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WALK ON BY as performed by the late and great Florence Ballard in a video montage of some of the best visual images I have seen of the original Supremes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J66Nm0DSG-0&feature=share&list=FL8MRbvv3f_9VK1wnqwKk4Kg

I think the best representation of her solo vocal ability can be heard in the Supremes' original recording of People which she at first performed as her solo in their shows, especially after about 8:06 until the end of the song. The initial version is Diana's followed by Florence's starting at 5:14 Listen to her verse at 5:33!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcZfkaSulAk&feature=share&list=FL8MRbvv3f_9VK1wnqwKk4Kg

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While I am at it I have long thought it is not a question of who is right or wrong, better or not, vocally or otherwise. Who amongst us were perfect at 18 -22, not to mention their circumstances. I am not saying no one did wrong, and that opportunities were presented to one rather than another, but as well people choose how they spend their time resources and efforts. I'll leave it at that for now.

I also like her performance of the Elvis Presley song "It's Not Unusual" here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4dKj35BdnU&feature=share&list=FL8MRbvv3f_9VK1wnqwKk4Kg

There is more of Florence available on YouTube including a recorded interview with her.

Hmmmmmmm this is good too with lots of Flo - Let Me Go the Right Way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvsklKa3Im0&feature=share&list=FL8MRbvv3f_9VK1wnqwKk4Kg

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 Grace Jones "Slave to the Rhythm" at Roseland - October 27, 2012 

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