"The Beat!" has the very best artists speaking to us exclusively like; Eric Alán, Cristobal, Ryan Adames, Deirdre, Guy Scheiman, Richie Arci, Eddy Barrena, Darren Cinque, Jesse Johnson, Max Merseny, Breaux Gargano, Sean O’Reilly, Luca Savazzi, Alex Serra, and MORE!
Ricky Martin - that's right my international fans our Latin singer is releasing a brand new single; "Mr. Put It Down!" This is the brand new single that features Pitbull and will be Ricky Martin's 11th studio album released by Sony Music Latin.
This is Ricky Martin's first single off of his up-coming English version of his already released album entitled; Quien Quiera Escuchar (which was released in February). I have to say, that Ricky's new single is perfect for the dance floor and will be another hit for this Latin singer!
Jesse Johnson: Exclusive Interview | March 9, 2015 |
Official Website: http://jessejpjohnson.com/ Jesse JP Johnson –
this multi-talented actor/singer has garnered acclaim for his roles on
Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional tours in highly acclaimed
productions of; “Wicked” “Altar Boyz” “Xanadu” & “Glory Days.”
Jesse now residing in Brooklyn, NY has his eyes set on new endeavors
which has landed him a brand new EP; Ginger Love, working on material
for follow-up album, collaborating music project, touring, and a new
business venture entitled; The Pow Wow (located within NYC) to be a
music and retail space. This is one ginger actor that when speaking to
him has his eyes on the prize and is going to continue making musical
waves in all areas he touches!
Jesse,
first off your current EP; Ginger Love is very enjoyable. How did you
come about the overall concept of the EP from the title, cover, tracks,
and the sound?
The overall concept of Ginger Love is inspired by my
current relationship. I have been with my boyfriend for over two years
now and I’ve never been happier. The songs I wrote are a celebration and
honest expression of, well, love. He is also a ginger which together
made Ginger Love. I wanted to put something out there amongst the heart
break and torch songs that is more upbeat. Art is generally, for
everyone else, an escape from life and/or used to decorate the
environment around them and I hope to help “lighten the mood” and
“spread the love”. The sound of the EP, as I like to explain, is the
sound of my soul. I haven't necessarily found a specific style I
identify with at the moment so the songs i wrote are simply just an
expression on how i felt at the time the songs were written and where it
was that they took place. For instants, ‘Everytime' was inspired by one
of the best and most assuring times we I had around the beginning of
the relationship in New Orleans while I was on tour with Wicked. Hence
the NOLA-like sound. I would like to think, however, that you would say
the sound is “soulfull” as most of my inspirations come from the Jazz
and Motown era.
You are not only an actor and singer but also a songwriter. You collaborated with your lead guitarist Lou Garrett, how did this happen and who writes what typically?
I wrote all my songs while i was on tour with the
Broadway show Wicked. I wrote most of my songs on my ukulele, Gordon,
which for tour sake was perfect. At the beginning of writing Ginger
Love, I started off writing and collaborating with one of my best
friends and colleagues, Curt Hansen. He was writing music at the time as
well and became both inspiration and encouragement for each other. As a
performer it is our job and nature to collaborate. So naturally, as
member of the traveling orchestra playing lead guitar, teaming up with
Lou to arraignment and transcribe the songs was a no brainer. Lou helped
me take my songs from my uke to a full piece band and beyond. The rest
of the band consisted of players and our MD, Andrew Graham, from the
traveling orchestra of Wicked. I am very lucky to have had the resources
i had and for it to go as smoothly and easy as it did. The band had
shown as much love and excitement about the project as i did. Cant get
any better than that!
What do you find to be the most effective writing process for you to get into that particular zone?
I wrote most of my songs as they came. I had always loved
writing tunes and because I had been in a great place and had all the
inspiration, there was no question as to what to do with it. I love to
ride on the excitement and rush of inspired creativity. Once an idea or
inspiration comes I cant help but to act on it and hop on for the ride.
Like a train they came rushing down a track and i had to hop on quick in
order to ride on their creation or they would be lost forever. The
process is simple. I will hear a melody and will, right away, record it.
The write and match lyrics to the melody. Then add chords and an
overall structure. I think it took a few days for each song to be
written and a few months for them to be perfected.
There
is always an interesting story when it comes to writing and/or
conceptually getting the album together. Is there one that sticks out to
you the most and why?
It was actually pretty cut and dry. I performed the
songs for the first time while we were in Nashville, TN. Our Elphaba,
Alison Luff, and I did a cool show in the warehouse building we were
living at with our friends Jeremy and Gavin who run Cotton Mill Live. It
was the first time i performed the songs from the EP and had a very
positive reaction. Before I Left the tour on July 27th I found a well
reviewed recording studio on google, set up a date and had about 10
hours of recording and mixing time. I was extremely lucking to have had
such a positive and easy time getting everything together in such a
short time.
You
have been pursuing your passion for singing and acting for a while now,
when did you know this was where your heart and where you belonged as
far as a career?
I knew i wanted to perform at a pretty young age. I
think it was at about 3 yrs old that i had my first show at a children's
theater in Denver, CO. My parents were super supportive and frankly
ecstatic that they found an outlet for all my crazy energy. Ever since
my first performance and the sound of the crowd i became obsessed with
performing and making people laugh, cry, dance and escape from life.
What gift did you discover you had and truly enjoyed acting or singing?
Singing mostly but i enjoy both! Because of doing
mostly musical theater the two go hand in hand. I feel i am able to
express myself more through singing because in acting you are generally
playing someone else other than yourself. With singing, the words may
not be yours but you are telling a story through your own unique voice.
You
are also a very accomplished actor such as on stage; let’s talk about
your theater work. You have done several Broadway/Off-Broadway
productions along with National Tours and regional theater. Some
noteworthy highlights amongst many others are; “Altar Boyz” “Glory Days”
“Xanadu” & “Wicked.”
I have been very lucky to have had the experiences i
have had within the past 10 years here in NYC. I feel as though i have
been part of a very eclectic group of shows and have been able to put on
many faces. Glory Days, however short the run was on Broadway, was
probably the most unique experience. Every actors dream is to be in a
new production originating a role and recording an original cast
recording. It was all such a dream and helped bring and encourage me to
the next level in my career. Wicked also was such a magical experience
and a dream to be a part of. Ever since the show had come out I knew
that I had to be a in it. Originally wanting to play the role of Fiaro
but quickly learning i was a little vertically challenged I new my next
move was to be Boq. I had auditioned at least 10 times before I came
into the production. It was a dream come true and a huge ride from the
first show to the last. Both shows very different but both an extremely
incredible experience.
Starting
at the beginning before New York City was in the picture let’s look at
your time at “The Denver School of the Arts” & Denver Center for the
Performing Arts” where you attended. What interested you in attending
these institutions? What were some of the memorable lessons that you
utilize perhaps to this day? Was there a particular professor that
really inspired you and if so why? This must have been an amazing period
of your life being able to spread your wings and bite into say your
acting and singing chops more than ever, did you find this to be true?
Was there a standout production, role that you were part of that was a
true turning point?
Because of my interest in performing and horrible
experience at private elementary school, it was only natural that I made
my mom take me to audition for Denver School of the Arts. Performing
Arts School is exactly what everyone thinks….. FAME! With a little 10
Things I Hate About You mixed in. It was incredible to be able to always
be surrounded by the arts and so much creativity. We put on many great
shows as well with every department involved. It was like a mini
conservatory. My favorite production i was a part of was Jekyll and
Hyde. I played the role of Jekyll which was the most challenging role i
think i have ever played. Not only because it was a HUGE role to tackle
for any high schooler but it also was and is far from any role i would
be cast in today. A great accomplishment and inspiration.
When did you know you were ready to hit New York City and take it by storm?
I had always known that New York and BROADWAY was my
ultimate goal. I moved to NYC straight after high school. I had
auditioned for colleges but with all the training i had had over the
years and not getting into the ones i wanted, I decided to try it out
and see if i had what it takes.
What was your first acting and singing gig upon hitting New York City?
About a month after i had moved to New York at 18 yrs
old I got my first show. It was a non union tour of Grease with Frankie
Avalon as the Teen Angel. No joke!! I had originally gotten the tour as
an understudy for two of the leads and a month into the production they
let the guy playing Doody go and promoted me for the rest of the tour.
It was a great and humbling start to my career and learned the most!
Especially learning how to work in close quoters with about 30 people in
one bus traveling the country and Canada. I would say that the first
two “bus and truck” tours i was on was my college for sure.
What role and production do you consider to be your breakout performance?
I would say that playing Luke in Altar Boyz was more or
less my ‘breakout” role. It was my first lead in a union show and is
probably to date my favorite. It also was a huge change from the roles i
had been cast in from prior productions. The show not only was a huge
hit at the time Off Broadway and on tour but fulfilled my dream of being
in a boy-band. Silly i know but I am a kid of the 90’s and do not stand
alone on that dream. It was definitely the best first national and
equity production to be apart of.
What was it like when getting the news of your first big break in New York City?
Humbling is always the first answer to this question but
also proving to your family and friends from home that you were capable
and talented enough was the biggest relief. I mean, of course they
always had the most faith in me and were incredibly supportive but to
prove to myself that I was proving them write is the best feeling!
What was your experience like in each of the following productions; Altar Boyz, Glory Days, Xanadu, & Wicked?
Each show was extremely unique and big part and next step
to my career. I could write a book about each experience i had with
each show. Altar Boyz has a huge signicants and special place for me. It
is the show i got my Equity card with, the first show that I had a
major lead in and also the first show in which i never left the stage
from beginning to end. Glory Days was a similar experience. It was my
Broadway debut and was also an original show. It was a dream to be apart
of this project and also a part of Musical Theatre history being the
shortest running show. It also was an all male cast. Xanadu was also
short lived but one of the goofiest and star studded casts i had been
in. I also got to keep my roller skates from the show which was a
highlight. Wicked, of course, was probably the biggest show I have been a
part of. Also my dream show and role. I had never felt more humbled and
proud of myself for finally getting the call. It was also the show that
i had the most auditions for. Needless to say it was an all around
incredible experience.
Now, let’s move the topics to your future endeavors. Do you have plans for a follow-up album to Ginger Love? If so, have
any ideas you care to share for what you are thinking about as far as
an overall sound/concept? Anything for us whom are already waiting for
this album to be out now!
I
am planning on putting out an album sometime this summer to early next
year. It will be a follow up to Ginger Love and will be along the same
feel with a little more of a vintage funk sound. Nothing solid yet but
excited to move forward with my writing and see what happens. You will
definitely, however, see a music video, or two, between now and this
summer to a couple of the Ginger Love tunes.
Will we see you touring for Ginger Love anytime soon? We want dates which are hopefully soon!
I have been playing around New York but no plans of
touring at the moment. So busy with so many projects. You will be the
first to know when i decide to venture out!!
The
big exciting news I have started to hear about is the partnership you
have with two close friends of yours, Dora Marin and Adam Fleming. If my
memory serves me right it is something called “The Pow Wow” is this
true? Please fill us in on the details around this project and what we
as fans can expect.
The
Pow Wow is an exciting project me and two of my closest friends are
working on at the moment. Its a communal art rental/retail space we will
be putting up somewhere in Brooklyn, NY. The Pow Wow’s mission is to
create and curate a strong community of artists and bring them together
to promote entrepreneurship. Through the combined following of the
artists, the traffic created by The Pow Wow produced events, and
in-store retail, the space will provide an active audience and is an
incubator for the artists’ creative endeavors. It will include a coffee
shop and retail section for patrons and the artists to sell and buy
products, work space for our in-house and membership artists where they
can work and collaborate and a gallery and performance space for events
and for the artists to showcase their art. At heart, we are a
destination that encourages and celebrates people’s individual artistic
voices.
Jesse,
it truly sounds like you have for 2015 a truly AMAZING period for you.
Who inspires you and help motivates you to constantly expand into new
arenas perhaps out of comfort zones. We all need someone to be there
right along with us for the ups and downs.
Of course my family and mainly my parents have been such
a huge inspiration and support for me along the way. They have shown me
to be positive in the darkest of times, to be humble and always
appreciate all that i have, to always stay in the moment and not get
ahead of myself and to treat others the way i want to be treated. You
know, all the golden rules. Because they have shown, in example, all of
those things to me I can only repay them by leading my life by that
example. Another big inspiration for me is my partner who was the
inspiration for the EP, Ginger Love. Not only has he been an inspiration
for the music but has also been so supportive through all of my
endeavors. Always so kind honest and patient, he has shown me how to be a
better version of myself and has taught me that in order to be the best
for someone else and a relationship you have to be the best for
yourself first. Its important to know whats best for you in order to be
completely honest. If you have no respect for yourself how can you for
another person? That’s why he's the best!
It truly sounds like you have a solid foundation for a support system, who as an entertainer do you look admire?
Stevie Wonder hands down. Not only does his music inspire
me but not letting his challenges get in the way of his dreams and
success!
I
am very proud that you are an out entertainer. How was coming out for
you as far as your professional life go? Many people get very paranoid
that even in this more progressive age that they will be typed casted,
have you found any of this to happen to you?
At first, I never identified myself as being gay because
of any over sexualized or exaggerated example i had seen on TV growing
up. I knew I was different and loved everybody, but thought you had to
act a certain way in order to identify as such. I had quickly learned
that that was not true and found out by simply falling in love. It was a
struggle at first to come out to my parents because of their upbringing
and religious views but they have come around in the end and love me no
matter what. Life is all about growing and changing and adapting to
things around you and the ones you love. Showing them and others that
it has always been who I am and doesn't change a thing about ME is why I
am not afraid for anyone to know. I know i sound cliche saying this but
i don't like to be “labeled” and no one needs to know about my personal
life. I also have been around long enough and have fulfilled enough of
my dreams to care about what others think of me. I figure as long as i
am honest and staying true to myself and values there’s nothing that
anyone can hold against me. We are all here on this earth to do our
best, to love, to survive, take risks and to take care of OURSELVES. Not
worrying about what everyone else is doing. I figure as long as I'm
being honest to myself then I am doing OK!
Is there something that you have not ventured into that would be on your “bucket list?”
HANG GLIDE!! I have sky dived before and it was crazy
yet slightly uncomfortable. I figure hang gliding is closest to flying
and I have always wanted to fly!!
What is the one word that best describes Jesse Johnson?
I have been described as being EFFERVESCENT. I like it!
Canaan Smith - this country singer's 2nd single; "Love You Like That" has struck a chord to listeners and radio stations since it was initially released. This single has reached it's way to charting on the Top 30 and has given this singer attention that was not there before. This country singer is enjoying the ride as being a gifted singer/songwriter.
Where people may not even realize they got their introduction to Canaan is through his music writing from co-writing the hit; "Runaway" for Love and Theft. From there he released his first single being; "We Got Us" in 2012 with unfortunately no EP nor album until now with his 2nd single. The great news, is that this time around Canaan through UMG Nashville record label is now this March going to release his first full length album which will feature his current single.
I personally as a country music fan have not heard of this artist until this single that is enjoyable to the ears. It did not take my breath away though did notice his talented vocals. I as a music fan will be looking forward to Canaan's first album which of course will be covered on here, enjoy!
ove
You Like That’ finds a home between modern country that haters love to
ridicule and the traditional sound that helped build Nashville. Vocally,
Smith’s voice has all the grit of a glass of chardonnay, but he turns
in a performance that’s honest and seductive.
The Virginia native penned the song with Brett Beavers and Jim
Beavers. The trio’s lyrics are colorful, familiar and lasting. The
metaphors they use throughout the chorus are sharp and effective, and
Smith wraps his arms around this love story like he’s saying goodbye at
the airport.
“The way I wanna kiss you is / Slow as the Mississippi, strong as
a fifth of whiskey / Steady as a Tom Petty track / I wanna love, wanna
love you like that,” he sings.
Emotionally, the love song hits like a shot of Jack. The production
fits Smith’s natural tendencies. He comes across as a sweet kid with a
little bit of a rough edge — a tattooed Romeo in need of someone to
settle down with. Perhaps that’s just an assumption built upon the first
verse of ‘Love You Like That,’ but it fits.
“Hey girl, I’m just a small town run around / I get my kicks out
on the outskirts of town / I could never do it like a pretty city boy /
I’m more a fishin’ in the dark, nitty gritty boy.”
ove
You Like That’ finds a home between modern country that haters love to
ridicule and the traditional sound that helped build Nashville. Vocally,
Smith’s voice has all the grit of a glass of chardonnay, but he turns
in a performance that’s honest and seductive.
The Virginia native penned the song with Brett Beavers and Jim
Beavers. The trio’s lyrics are colorful, familiar and lasting. The
metaphors they use throughout the chorus are sharp and effective, and
Smith wraps his arms around this love story like he’s saying goodbye at
the airport.
“The way I wanna kiss you is / Slow as the Mississippi, strong as
a fifth of whiskey / Steady as a Tom Petty track / I wanna love, wanna
love you like that,” he sings.
Emotionally, the love song hits like a shot of Jack. The production
fits Smith’s natural tendencies. He comes across as a sweet kid with a
little bit of a rough edge — a tattooed Romeo in need of someone to
settle down with. Perhaps that’s just an assumption built upon the first
verse of ‘Love You Like That,’ but it fits.
“Hey girl, I’m just a small town run around / I get my kicks out
on the outskirts of town / I could never do it like a pretty city boy /
I’m more a fishin’ in the dark, nitty gritty boy.”
Pablo Alborán -Terral is his third studio album. Pablo is a huge Spanish singer/songwriter whom already has garnered a number one hit with his first single; Por Fin on the Spanish Single Chart from this album. The second single; Pasos de Cero is already a lot of buzz and charting. Pablo is one sure fire singer that here at "The Beat!" we have to feature with his excellent song writing and sheer talent.
For 2015, Pablo has a huge tour supporting his new album. As of February of 2014; Pablo started to begin the recording of this album and brought in the famed producer Eric Rosse whom has worked with a talented roster such as Maroon 5 and Chris Isaac. The feel that I have found as a listener and what Pablo was looking for is achieved which was a feel of freshness such as an artist finds often in their first album. At 25 years old, Pablo has already had a total of four albums with three being original studio recordings with successful touring and millions of record sales. This Latin singer has done a fantastic job with keeping his music fresh and pleasing to the listener, I can safely say we will see Pablo Alborán for a very long time.
Tracklist:
01.Por fin
02.La escalera
03.Ecos
04.Pasos de cero
05.Está permitido
06.Recuérdame
07.Ahogándome en tu adiós
08.Volvería
09.Un buen amor
10.Vívela
11.Gracias
12.Quimera (con Ricky Martin)
13.Despídete
14.El olvido
15.La escalera (Acústico)
16.Por fin (Acústico)
17. Quimera
Published On December 31, 2014 | By Mason Williams |
Matt Goss - the singer/songwriter released his fifth album this year entitled; Life You Imagine. Matt is one hot singer whom has for a while now lit up the Las Vegas lights on stage. His live performances with a big band are brought into Matt's current album where he stays true to his vocals and the lush sounds.
Lovely Las Vegas is a track that easily one could hear Harry Connick Jr. or Michael Buble record.
In the 1980s, Matt was part of a group called Bros. in which had a hit entitled When Will I Be Famous, where the singer revisits it and breaths new life into it with this time a big band feel. One of the singles off the album is Strong where Matt's vocals soar and sound amazing. The entire album flows very well from track to track with no true misses other than for me; Face My Fears which was a bit on the boring side.
The current album showcases Matt Goss as the ever talented showman and the creative singer/songwriter. It is very refreshing that Matt took a very creative direction within this album. He did not simply stick to the tried and true standards or a songbook rather wrote and re-imagined songs for someone like myself this was delightful. A greatthing to note is that the gentleman that you hear via the album is also whom you get live on stage in Vegas. This is one entertainer that is truly worth seeing live and checking-out his current album.
Matthew Huff - has had one incredible 2014 musically from releasing his 3rd album; "Give It All I Got" with the hit single; "A Little Bit of Crown." Additionally, this year had brought Matthew to release a lovely song dedicated to his state of Arkansas entitled; "This Is Our Home" which was co-written with fellow country artist Lance Carpenter. The song was written after the tragic tornado this year devastated his home state leaving a trail of destruction. What a lovely song of courage and strength!
Matthew has brought is talent on the road both nationally and globally where he has started his well received gigs via StageIt along with touring from all corners of the nation to the United Kingdom! That is right Matthew is getting tons of love across the pond!
A big item for Matthew is receiving huge recognition at thus year's annual "International Music and Entertainment Awards" (IMEA Awards) for 2014. In the genre of country Matthew won a total of 3 awards: Song of the Year ( A Little Bit of Crown) Album of the Year ( Give It All I Got) Entertainer of the Year
Here is a message from Matthew: "I
wish you all a fantastic 2015. Thank you for helping make 2014 a huge
success for me, with the birth of an award winning album. ( Give It All I
Got) Thank you for making that possible. I will be hitting the road again in January and looking to add shows in the Northeast and Southwest this upcoming year."
TOUR DATES:
January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7
Little Rock, AR
January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, AR
w/ Gabriel Bradley Band
January 10 - 8:00pm - Rev Room - Little Rock, AR (full band)
January 24 - 5:00pm - Concert For Casey -
Mammoth Spring High Scho
January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7
January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, R
January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7
January 9 - 9 AM - Performing live on "Good Morning Arkansas!" (KATV 7)"n January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, AR
January 30 - 10:00pm - Dublin's Pass - Springfield, MO
January 10 - 8:00pm - Rev Room - Little Rock, AR (full band)
January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7
Little Rock, AR
January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, AR
w/ Gabriel Bradley Band
January 10 - 8:00pm - Rev Room - Little Rock, AR (full band)
January 24 - 5:00pm - Concert For Casey -
January 24 - 5:00pm - Concert For Casey -
Mammoth Spring High School - Mammoth Spring, AR
January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7
Little Rock, AR
January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, AR
w/ Gabriel Bradley Band
January 10 - 8:00pm - Rev Room - Little Rock, AR (full band)
January 24 - 5:00pm - Concert For Casey -
Mammoth Spring High School - Mammoth Spring, AR
January 30 - 10:00pm - Dublin's Pass - Springfield, MO
Christmas Albums 2014 - this year we were gifted many various styles of holiday music. I am truly a big fan of this time of year and it's music though can not say just how tiring it can be when they all sound like one another. In a day and age where the Christmas season starts right at Halloween which is just too soon for me with radio stations playing 24/7 holiday tracks.
I like many others truly love this time of year. It is great to give onto others and enjoy the festive decorations and find the time to be with the one's you love. Music that can bring you back to your childhood and perhaps provide new memories to come. That being said 2014 was like any other year in the recording industry where recording artists released new holiday albums. Some as in all year's are bringing a fresh sound, new tracks which I adore then there are one's that seem to utilize the same method with jingling of bells and the same huge sound that another artist has done time and time again. In past year's artists that have in my book whom successfully recorded albums for the holiday season have been; Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole, Sarah Brightman, Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers, Lorrie Morgan, Vanessa Williams, Jonny Blu, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and others.
2014, brought us several albums whom each placed hopes that theirs will become a staple in one's household and strikes that perfect chord to one's ears. I am giving you my favorite's of 2014 that were released this year. There are MANY and these I found were truly beautifully done, unique, and simply stood out! There in my book are a must for holiday listening.
Renee Fleming - Christmas In New York
2. Idina Menzel - Holiday Wishes
3. Darius Rucker - Home for the Holidays
4. Leann Rimes - One Christmas, Chapter One
5. Anthony Hamilton - Home For The Holidays
6. Michael W. Smith & Friends - The Spirit of Christmas
Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars - there is a brand new single that is hitting the airwaves fast and gaining a lot of attention in such a short time. Singers Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars vocally collaborated on the hit; "Uptown Funk." This single was originally slated to be released on January 11th 2015 though due to a performance on the UK's X Factor's contestant Fleur East it heated up the airwaves fast.
Fleur's version of the song was performed recently on "The X Factor" where it quickly hit the UK Charts and made airwaves for a new hit. With this live performance getting so much buzz it had the record label and artists Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars push the release of the single by five weeks where it is as of December 8th released as a single. The track is part of the up-coming second album from Mark Ronson entitled; "Uptown Special" which is to be released in January.
The short time that the single from Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars is out has made it a chart topping hit surpassing Fleur's version and making this single; "Uptown Funk" a huge hit for 2015 and for the end of 2014! Both hit singers recently made a live appearance as the musical guests on Saturday Night Live (SNL) with Cameron Diaz as host. Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars hit the ground running with a dynamic and funky performance of the single. This single has already received from it's official music video online over 27 million views where if I was a betting man would think these two singers will be doing a 2015 global tour which I will be going to!
Jesse Johnson - is a hot commodity in the Broadway theater world. Jesse is having a very successful career from his Broadway roles as Boq in the hit; Wicked,Glory Days playing the role of Jack, and Xanadu.
On top of the hectic theatrical work; Jesse has his first EP released this year entitled"Ginger Love," A true labor of love for this multifaceted actor, singer, dancer, and entrepreneur. Jesse's current EP is a very well received album (I am loving it and have to say Jesse is one of my favorites!). The kick-off for the release of the EP was at the famous New York City venue; The Bitter End.
Here at "The Beat!" I am very excited to say that we have a very exclusive interview with this amazing singer/actor Jesse Johnson. Jesse will be talking about his current EP, up-coming album/vocal collaborations, touring, being part of a retail store and performance space within NYC, his past theatrical projects, and much more!
Now, take a look at the special teaser video message from Jesse especially made for "The Beat!" where he gives us some great insight into his outgoing and hilarious personality! Jesse even shares his vocals with us! See it here exclusively where Jesse sits with us and will get your GINGER LOVE!
Natalie Cole - has one of the loveliest voices of ladies which
only makes sense with her father being the great Nat King Cole. I have
for years adored Natalie Cole as a singer and performer. Natalie is one
lady that opposed to many of her contemporary's has kept her vocals in
tact and sounds truly timeless. A stable for my Christmas music
enjoyment is always Natalie Cole and her wide array of holiday songs and
albums. My personal favorite is her 1994 holiday album entitled; "Holly
& Ivy."
"Holly & Ivy" is celebrating it's 20th
Anniversary and is one of my all time favorite albums since buying it
in 1994 to this day. Natalie brings her always classy, soul, passion
into each of the tracks of this particular holiday album. It is set with
her lush big band sounds and powerful vocals and emotions that one can
tell this is not a phoned in album rather a classic that stays true to
the songs and makes the listener go on the journey both jubilant and
sentimental. This is one classic lady and album that I always listen to
annually come the holiday season from start to finish. My favorites have
to be;
"Joy To The World" "Jingle Bells" "No More Blue Christmas" "Silent Night" "The Christmas Song" & "The Holly & The Ivy."
In
1993, David Foster released another of my staples now since it first
was released as a go-to for the holiday season where he featured Natalie
performing; "Grown Up Christmas List" & "White Christmas" (the
later being recorded with other greats also featured on the album such
as; Michael Crawford, Johnny Mathis, Wynonna Judd, Vanessa Williams,
BeBe & CeCe Winans).
In 1999, Natalie Cole released
another holiday album and this time with the London Symphony Orchestra
where she did lovely recordings of; "O Tanenbaum" "Hark The Herald
Angels Sing" "Sleigh Ride""Carol of the Bells" and one of my favorites
of the album; "Mary, Did You Know."
Natalie also
recorded a live holiday album in December 1995 entitled; "A Celebration
of Christmas." The powerful powerhouses of opera joined her this time
being both Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. All tracks on this album
were sung by all three of the artists and were simply a glorious
collaboration.
Now when you are looking for a classic
album and singer for the holiday season look no further to one of my all
time favorites and go-to ladies Natalie Cole!
