Preston Glass

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is my latest guest castaway, the celebrated songwriter and producer Preston Glass.

Preston's list of achievements is breathtaking. Five time BMI award winner, he has written thirty Top10 R&B Hits and ten Top10 Pop Hits. These include: 'Miss You Like Crazy' by Natalie Cole, 'We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off' by Jermaine Stewart and 'Who's Zoomin' Who?' by Aretha Franklin.

Among his many production credits are a #1 hit single for Earth, Wind & Fire with 'System Of Survival', a UK #1 hit single for Michelle Gayle with 'Sweetness' and Kenny G's worldwide hit single 'Don't Make Me Wait For Love'.

There are many, many other artists he has written and produced for... and here are just some of them: 

Whitney Houston, Mase, Stanley Jordan, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Holiday, Johnny Mathis, Michael Bolton, Dionne Warwick, Johnny Gill, Patti Austin, Kathy Sledge, The Delfonics, The Temptations, Diana Ross, George Benson, Phyllis Hyman, SoulDecision, Deniece Williams, Starpoint, Philip Bailey, Anita Pointer, Valeria, Lenny Williams, Stacy Lattisaw, Angela Bofill, June Pointer, Larry Graham, Carl Carlton, Margie Joseph, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Tag Team, Ronnie Spector, Narada Michael Walden, George Howard, Pieces of a Dream, The Stylistics, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ben E. King, Brian Culbertson, J. Friends, The Dells, Norman Connors, Jermaine Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Kirk Whalum, Jellybean Benitez, Brenda Holloway, Ali Woodson, Imagination, The Dramatics, Alfonzo Blackwell, Freda Payne, The Natural Four, Cindy Herron, Rebbie Jackson, Jaki Graham and Shades of Lace.

Preston has released four solo albums : 'Street Corner Prophesy' in 2006, 'Music As Medicine' in 2008, 'Colors Of Life' in 2010 and 'Elevator Speech' in 2013.

A new solo album is scheduled for release on May 14, 2014.

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James Brown – I Got You (I Feel Good)

'I Got You (I Feel Good)' recorded and released as a single in 1965, was James Brown's highest charting song peaking at number three. 

The song remained at the top of the Billboard R&B Singles chart for six non-consecutive weeks and is arguably his most widely known recording.

“At an early age it impressed upon me the importance of a groove and an attitude in the recordings”.

The Beatles – Yesterday

A song originally recorded by the Beatles in 1965. Although credited to Lennon and McCartney, the song was written solely by Paul McCartney. It remains popular today and is one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music. 

Yesterday' was voted the No. 1 Pop song of all time by MTV and by Rolling Stone magazine. In 1997, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. BMI asserts that it was performed over seven million times in the 20th century alone.

“I was struck by the sheer profound, yet simple beauty of this song/recording”.

Sly & The Family Stone – Everyday People

'Everyday People' was the first single by the band to go to number one on the Soul singles chart and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. As with most of Sly & the Family Stone's songs, Sly Stone was credited as the sole songwriter.

Bassist Larry Graham contends that the track featured the first instance of the 'slap bass' technique, which would become a staple of funk and other genres.

“How a message song can be so melodically happy, accessible, soulful and wide-reaching.”

The Stylistics – Betcha By Golly, Wow

'Betcha By Golly, Wow' is a song written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed that was originally recorded by Connie Stevens as "Keep Growing Strong" on the Bell Records label in 1970, but the composition scored a hit when it was released by Philadelphia soul group The Stylistics in 1972.

It was the third track from their 1971 debut self-titled album and was released as a single in 1972, reaching #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. It sold over one million copies globally, earning the band a gold disc.

“The Stylistics' 'Betcha By Golly, Wow' was the start of my appreciation for Thom Bell as a writer/producer/arranger, and for the whole Philly sound thing”.

The Four Tops – Reach Out I'll Be There

Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is one of the most well-known Motown tunes of the 1960s and is today considered The Tops' signature song. It was #1 on the R&B charts and on the Billboard Hot 100.

Rolling Stone included this on their list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

“The Four Tops just reached out and grabbed me POW!!!”

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Keep up to date with Preston Glass and find details of his new album release on May 14 by following him using the facebook link below:

Robin McKelle

My latest guest castaway to be washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is the wonderfully talented Robin McKelle.

 

Born in Rochester, New York and influenced musically by her church-choir-member mother, Robin first began to reveal her talent by performing in local R&B groups from the age of 15. 

After taking up the piano and French horn, she would go on to study Jazz at the University Of Miami before attending Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, graduating in 1999. Moving to the West Coast she would regularly perform as a backing-vocalist for both Michael McDonald and BeBe Winans before subsequently returning to Berklee as a teacher. 

After being placed an impressive third in the widely-respected Thelonius Monk International Jazz Vocal Competition in Washington, DC, Robin finally begin her recording career – first coming to the public eye as a solo jazz singer with her 2006 debut album “Introducing Robin McKelle” and its 2008 follow-up “Modern Antique”, both big-band swing sessions which would in turn precede the 2010-released set “Mess Around”, which, with its more soul-jazz direction, marked the first hint of Robin’s personal yearning to return to her original R&B roots. 

2012 saw the release of Robin McKelle & The Flytones "Soul Flower", with Robin writing most of the songs.  “The Flytones acknowledgment sets this project apart from my solo and previous jazz work, and also stresses the joint effort on this album with Sam Barsh (Avishai Cohen’s former pianist) and Derek Nievergelt (her current bassist). They’re from the jazz world, but they love this music. We worked on the tracks together, some even on stage when we were touring.”  The album includes duets with soul veteran Lee Fields and with jazz vocalist Gregory Porter.

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"As an artist I am often asked the question of who my greatest influences are and what are my favorite albums or singers. I always cringe when asked this question because I feel that aside from being influenced by so many singers and musicians, I am inspired by different artists/music at different periods of my life. This makes it hard for me to pick 1 or 2 people when asked. 

Over the past year I’ve been focusing on writing and recording a new album in Memphis. While writing and researching for this album I listened to so many of my favorite artists and discovered new ones too !

I’ve compiled a few of my favorites so I hope you enjoy what I’ve been diggin’ on !"

Donny Hathaway – Live

"Donny is one of the most influential singers in my life. His tone, feel, and passion are so incredible. His phrasing is so in the pocket and yet so free. 

The band includes legendary musicians, Willie Weeks (bass) and Cornell Dupree (Guitar) on this live recording… and make no mistake, they are all killing it! 

I love all the tracks on this album but What’s Going On, The Ghetto and Jealous Guy all hit a soft spot in me and take me back to the time when I discovered Donny. He changed my life."

James Brown – Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine

"What can you say about JB ! I remember hearing this at a young age… I didn’t even know who JB was. I sang I Feel Good in a cover band when I was 17 and I had NO idea how much this man would end up influencing my musical path! 

His voice is so powerful and stage presence is undoubtedly amazing! THE hardest working man in show business people!!!

It was hard to pick one song or album, because I love them all so I chose this iconic tune but I especially love the live recordings because I feel that is where you can feel most of his energy and the band !"

Aretha Franklin - Live at the Filmore West

"Just so ridiculous ! 

I mean… the voice, the band, the energy is just incredible ! I would have given anything to be at that show! 

‘Nuff said !"

Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia

"I just love Gladys’ voice. Her phasing and tone is so gorgeous. I could listen to her forever. 

I also love the lyrics because they speak about life and trying to manage your dreams and relationships. 

Gladys is one of my all time favorite singers ! 

This tune just makes me feel good !"

John Coltrane – A Love Supreme

"I had to include this album because it was the first instrumental jazz record that I really connected to. Jazz is such a part of my musical journey and it’s helped me to become a better musician and shaped my sound along the way. 

Love Supreme is so beautiful in so many ways. Coltrane’s tone is unmistakable and he plays with such passion. On the first track, Acknowledgement, the variation on the motif evolves with improvisation and groove and I found that really kept me interested and helped me understand a music that was probably way too deep for me to get as a young musician. 

Every time I listen to this album I hear something new and I hear it in a different way. It’s just a timeless album."

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Vinyl junkies will be delighted to learn that Expansion Records have released "Fairytale Ending" (for me, the standout track on the "Soul Flower" album) as a double A-side 7" c/w "Love’s Work" featuring Gregory Porter.

 

January 2014 will see the release of "Heart of Memphis" : An album recorded in the city of Soul and produced by the legendary Scott Bomar... the man behind the mixing console for many of Isaac Hayes’ and Al Green’s recording sessions.

 

Use iTunes link to to pre-order "Heart of Memphis"

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Promise Marks

My guest castaway on Deserted Island Disc this month is Los Angeles based multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress, producer and recording artist Promise Marks... "a California Girl with a New York Swag". 

 

In October 2012 Pronise released her album"Sunshine," which charted 6 singles on two different charts in two different countries. The UK Soul Chart Top 30 on Starpoint Radio & The Luxury Soul Chart Top 20 on Smooth 98.1FM in Lagos Nigeria. 

Her music is soulful, smooth and heart felt. Her catchy and memorable hooks, clever lyrical content and powerhouse vocal style : Promise Marks creates that good old fashion 'Feel Good' music. 

In 2013 she will be releasing a new album and hopes to tour both in the US and in the UK. Promise Marks is a Star on the rise and an Artist worth following. 

"Let's get down to it shall we... "

James Brown - Superbad

"The song 'Super Bad' by James Brown holds a very strong significance in my life and here's why :

Back in 2006 I auditioned and was cast to sing on 'Amateur Night at the Apollo'. It's the toughest talent show in the world because the audience is prepared and ready to 'boo' you off the stage and see 'Sandman' the tap dancer tap you off stage with a stick,  lol !

So, to get my nerves together and get my confidence in champion mode, I listened to James Brown's 'Super Bad' over and over and over. By the time I got to the Apollo I was "Super Bad" and I won that night with a standing ovation. To this day before every show I put on James Brown's 'Super Bad' so that when I hit the stage I am Super Bad !

The only problem is that the magic of this song only lasts for my performance... because when I get home I'm no longer Super Bad, I'm Super Tired !"

The Spinners - I'll Be Around

 

"This song is another feelgood song. 
    

I grew up in Granada Hills, California known as "The Valley". I was blessed to grow up having a swimming pool in the back yard and we hosted some of the greatest pool parties ever.     
 

My father passed away earlier this year and my mother just sold the house that I grew up in. This August it would have been 40 years that they lived in that house. When I hear that song I remember my dad used to dance to this song... he had a really funny dance that used to make my brother and I laugh. 

As I prepare to say goodbye to the house that I grew up in and my mother is preparing to move to Northern California this song helps me to smile with found memories and celebrate the new life that my mom is beginning and knowing that while my father is with the Lord he'll always be around."

Fred Hammond - Keeping My Mind

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"My life journey has been one of adventure, excitement, hope and strength; however there have been many dark days and sorrowful days and sometimes there are seasons in my life where I battle depression.  

I have learned over the years that during those dark times the right song can pull you back into the light the song 'Keeping My Mind' has always been and will always be healing water for me.   

The lyrics alone always bring peace to my spirit and hope in my soul. "I don't let a day go by without keepin my mind.... Keeping it stayed on Jesus with every new sunrise I gotta keep my mind. Meditate on him and keep His Spirit deep within.... Without the Lord I can't survive so I must remember to always Keep My Mind on the Lord no matter what's going on."

Patrice Rushen - Remind Me

"This song does just what it says : It 'reminds me'... it reminds me of my childhood in the summertime.  It's just a great feel good record that's a timeless classic and will never go out of style. 

For me this song represents Soul Music at it's finest and Patrice Rushen was one of the Artists who played a big impact on why I wanted to become an Artist."

Promise Marks - Chill With You

"'Chill With You' is actually one of my personal fav's on my album 'Sunshine'. My producer Richard Duvivier wrote this amazing track and I remember that night in the studio when he played it. The hook came instantly but the story or verses took a couple of months and three re-writes.  Lyrically it became a song that I'm very proud of... which is why it's one of my favourites. 

It is also on my list because it's mine (lol !) and as an artist my playlist wouldn't be complete without a song from Promise Marks.   

My prayer & goal is to write, produce and perform music that's just as powerful as the artists that have influenced my life and my career over the years."

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If you haven't done so yet, do it now... download the 'Sunshine' album from iTunes or Amazon :

See also, the Promise Nation Fan Page on Facebook :

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