The Pulse of Entertainment - January 1, 2016

Nadji Jeter stars in the Youtube Red Original film Dance Camp

"I hope it gets a sequel. This movie has so many styles of dance," said dancer/actor Nadji Jeter who stars in the first Youtube Red Original film, Dance Camp - in theatres now. "The similarities Hunter and I have started with dancing. Dancing is my first love. (Like Hunter) I put it on the back burner, now I got a chance to breakout my talent."

Nadji started dancing professionally as the Mascot for NBA's Atlanta Hawks - they called him the dancing Mascot.

"I actually started off as a dancer in Atlanta, Georgia with Usher," Nadji pointed out.

That was in 2005 and he was 9 years old dancing for Usher's New Look Foundation's Gala in New York. As an actor the following year, 2006, he appeared in the movie Dirty Laundry. In 2007 the year included a role in the series "Grey's Anatomy;" "Everybody Hates Chris" was next in 2008; in 2010 and 2013 he had a role in Adam Sandler's Grown Ups (1 and 2); in 2011 he appeared in 12 national commercials for Coca-Cola - as the new face of Coca-Cola; in 2013 he appeared in the series "Castle"; 2015 brought with it a role in the BET series "Reed Between the Lines," and this year roles in the film The 5th Wave and the current Youtube comedy drama movie Dance Camp. Dance Camp is about a dancer named Hunter who was sent off to a dance camp by his mother to live with a group of misfits to keep him out of trouble. While there he has to deal with the camps "leader" Lance played by Jake Paul (Knights of Mayheim), then along the way he finds love in Cheyenne, played by Meg DeAngelis (Royal Crush).

Dance Camp is produced by Jon. Chu (Step Up 3D) and choreographed by Fatima Robinson (Save the Last Dance). It also stars Josh Leyva, Jerdyn Jones, Niki Demartino and Gabi Demartino.

"I'm still not where I want to be," Jeter said when asked. "I want to be more iconic, more world wide as an entertainer." When asked about his role in the Dance Camp film he said, "The character is based on my life. It really brought a lot back out of me. I put my old hobby aside. (Dance) is a lot of cardio exercise. The youth are doing the Whip and the Nae Nae, we haven't had a movie like this in a long time. Kids and dancers will appreciate it."

Rated PG-13 Dance Camp was released February 10, 2016 and is currently in theaters.

Radio personality Egypt Sherrod's first book, ‘Keep Calm...Its Just Real Estate,' receives nomination for an NAACP Image Award "It was really a labor of love," said Egypt Sherrod, a 20 year award winning veteran radio personality (Radio One, Inner City Broadcasting) and a 14 year veteran real estate agent, when asked about the motivation for writing a book about real estate titled "Keep Calm...Its Just Real Estates" (Perseus Books). "I wrote the book in my closet and my daughter - who is four - was two going ‘mommy, mommy, mommy' so in order for me to get a clear thought I had to go in the closet. But it was an answer to a zillion emails from potential home owners, those wanting to buy a house and wanting to know how to go about it - how to properly plan."

"Keep Calm...Its Just Real Estate" is sold at Amazon and Sherrod said it was the highest selling real estate book in its genre.

"I wanted to make it fun...be me and do it in love," she said sincerely.

A Philadelphia native and resident of Atlanta Egypt started in broadcasting at WWRL - FM (Radio One) then ended up at WVEE - FM 103.3 in Atlanta (Inner City Broadcasting) reaching over 60 cities in syndication. She is a licensed real estate agent in two states and her expertise was sought by HGTV ("Property Virgin"), CNBC, FOX, CNN, and NBC's "Today Show."

"This is why I tell people to always have a Plan A, but work on your Plan B at the same time," she pointed out. "Radio was great but I knew there was going to come another chapter. Simultaneously I was investing in real estate, flipping houses. I was a real estate agent at the same time I was on radio and decided it was time to graduate myself...grow my brand and teach people how to do it - go from girlhood to womanhood."

Egypt also writes a real estate column for "Atlanta Magazine" and its' "Home Edition." To learn more about her book log onto www.KeepCalmItsJustRealEstate.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times.www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat April 16, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference founded by Moseley arrives in Baltimore at Security Square Mall hosted by AJ Showtime at 92Q Jams and Doresa Harvey at Heaven 600 and on Sat October 22, 2016 (TBC) the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

February 26, 2016

CBS' ‘Young and the Restless' hits the road to connect with fans, arrives in Baltimore/DC area February 27-28, 2016

By Eunice Moseley

   "The ‘Genoa City Live' tour...is one of our producer's ideas. We don't have a live audience...this is our connection with the fan," said three-time Emmy winner Christian Jules Le Banc, who plays Michael Baldwin on the #1 rated daytime drama "Young and the Restless," when asked why go on the road. "The intimacy...meet your mother, grandmothers it's a family affair. I grew up with them. Got married with them...there is no red velvet rope."
    The "Genoa City Live" tour takes fans down a highly emotional walk down memory lane reliving some of their favorite moments on the daytime soap opera told by some of their favorite actors from the past 42 years. Le Banc will be the host of the "experience" and cast mates on the tour include Eric Braeden (Victor Newman), Sean Carrigan (Ben "Stitch" Rayburn), Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman), and Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman).
    "Two hundred people get to meet with them," Christian pointed out. "We had the opportunity with ‘Genoa City Live' to cross the Caribbean to Miami. We did a play, a skit it was a ball sitting with people you never met. I'm from New Orleans and I do a lot of traveling...a fan had a Katrina T-shirt on and she hugged me and cried because I'm from N.O."
    If the excitement in Christian Le Blanc's voice as he talked about meeting the devoted "Young and the Restless" fans is an indication of what to expect when the "Genoa City Live" tour comes your way - all who attend will walk away happy and satisfied. The tour arrived in New Jersey Wednesday February 20, 2016, New York Sunday February 21 and comes to my hometown of Baltimore Saturday, February 27th at the Lyric Opera House before heading to Washington, DC the next day Sunday, February 28th.
    "They change you," Le Blanc said about the "Young and the Restless" fans. "We're the #1 show on day time television." On meeting fans in the past he said, "I was so curious about their situations...we were in a neutral place...and a fan was talking about being a single mother. They feed us just as much as they give us our careers."
    You can learn more about the "Genoa City Live" tour by logging onto www.GenoaCityLive.com or following the cast on Facebook and Twitter @GenoaCityLive.

Jazz keyboardist Mark Etheredge's ‘Connection' is exquisite, features Paul Brown and Chuck Loeb
     "One of the primary inspirations was reflecting on my childhood, being bullied as a kid," said Jazz keyboardist Mark Etheredge about his new album "Connected", available February 26, 2016. "...About my feeling disconnected from humanity. It was a little tough growing up. I learned as an adult that we are all connected."
All those emotions are exquisitely heard in his new project "Connected" which is executive produced by Grammy Award winning producer Paul Brown.
    "I completely switch genres," Mark pointed out. "The last album I did was Contemporary and I was singing on it. This is an instrumental. I love singing but some times I am more passionate about keyboards."
How Mark enlisted the infamous Paul Brown as executive producer was simple he just called and asked.
    "I didn't know him until I contacted him," Etheredge said. "It's a producer/artist relationship. It takes a lot of trust. We had no rehearsals. It felt like we had been playing together for a while. I wanted to do something that felt good."
    Mark said his favorite on the album is "Groovin' with My Baby," as a matter of fact that is one of my favorites on the "Connected" album because of the way he exquisitely plays those keys. I also like the title track "Connected" for his clear and simple style and I love Paul Browns guitar support it's a futuristic sound making the two a perfect combination; "For Your Love" featuring Chuck Loeb on guitar; "Soul Clap Honey" because Mark brings that New Orleans sound to it and I love the sax support from Andy Sizuki, "Cherry Cha" just because it has that cha-cha groove to it I love so much. The titled track "Connected" was released as the first single and it was the #1 most added single at Billboard that week.
    Mark Etheredge debuted in 1990 and went on to release three other projects before this new one. He has been the opening act for such great artists as Bobby McFerrin and Sergio Mendes. Mark will be performing from the "Connected" album at Spaghettini's in Los Angles on February 28th and at the Bay Area Jazz Club Angelicas on March 19th. You can find out more about the album and upcoming performances by logging onto www.MarkEtheredge.com.

March 4, 2016

SILK releases newest album in 10 years, ‘Quiet Storm' on Shanachie

By Eunice Moseley

"Meeting in My Bedroom" hit makers SILK (Tim Cameron, Jimmy Gates, Gary "Big G" Glenn, Jonathan "John John" Rasboro, and Gary "Lil G" Jenkins) to release newest album in 10 years, "Quiet Storm," on the Shanachie Entertainment imprint.

"We did not want to step out side our boundaries," said John John about what we can expect from the March 18, 2016 album release. "People come out adapting to the new stuff...we stayed true."

The first single and music video from the multi-platinum selling R&B group's "Quiet Storm" album is titled "Love 4 U 2 Like Me."

"The first single, when we came upon this song...we listen to the track...we heard the same thing...we felt it all together, we loved this track and the lyrics. It kind of felt there was a Spiritual cause," said Jimmy when asked if they had any "Spiritual" experiences while recording the album.

"Most songs are like a Spiritual thing," added Tim. "When we all like a song"
The group was formed by American Music Award winner Keith Sweat in Atlanta and then signed to Elektra Records in 1989. At Elektra they released four albums: "Lose Control" (1992), "Silk" (1995), "Tonight" (1999), and "Love Session" (2001). They independently released "Silktime" in 2003 on Silk Music Group and in 2006 released their first Shanachie project "Always and Forever." "Quiet Storm" is their second project on the Shanachie label, new home of Regina Belle and Pieces of a Dream.

It has been 10 years since SILK had a project together. When asked about any apprehensions John John said, "For me it's been a long wait for the fans, wanted to make sure everything is right. There's a little anxiety, it makes us work a little harder. At the same time as long as we stay true to who we are and what we bring..."

When I asked the veteran performers, who gave us the hit "Freak Me," what advice to young aspiring artists would they give Tim lead off with, "Stay true to your self. Believe in what you're putting out...don't be afraid."

"After 20 years, the things we have learned through trail and error...is you have to learn the business...know as much of the business to avoid pitfalls," John John added.

"...And stay humble," Tim emphasized.

Jim concluded, "Keep parents involved especially if you are under 21. They are the best managers in the beginning, even with other managers involved."

SILK wanted their fans to know that they can follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @SilkFan. You can also log into their website at www.SILKEnterprises.com.

Nickelodeon ends first season for ‘Paradise Run' hosted by Daniella Monet "It's really fun," said actress/singer Daniella Monet about hosting Nickelodeon's first season of their reality game show series "Paradise Run." "I've hosted things before - this is the first game show. It's very interactive playing host. It's really about challenging the kids."

"Paradise Run" is an adventure game show in the Hawaii Island setting putting three teams of two tweens to the ultimate tests. It's a Nickelodeon and Stone Stanley Production produced by Jason Madoch, and executive produced by Scott Stone. The 10 episode weekday series premiered Feb 1, 2016 and aired its finale' Feb. 26th.

"The kids interact with each other," Monet pointed out about the reality show. "I don't do everything they did...I would give it a try - for the experience! I think this show is particularly a cool experience. Relatives and best friends working through things...It's empowering them. I like competitions. I'm a competitive person as long as you are happy for other people."

Daniella Monet is a West Hill, California native who is mostly known for her role in Nickelodeons "Victorious." She also starred in the CBS sitcom "Listen Up," "The Bernie Mac Show," "iCarly" and had recurring roles on "American Dreams," "8 Simple Rules," and "Zoey 101." As a voice-over actress her credits include "Turbo Fast" television series. Film credits include Nancy Drew, Taking 5, Tootie, The Fairly Odd Parent and A Fairly Odd Christmas in 2012. This year she will star in the television movie When Duty Calls and have a recurring role on "Baby Daddy." As a singer she can be heard on the "Leave It All To Shine" (2011) on the "Victorious" soundtrack and on the single "Lookin' Like Magic" with Drake Bell (2011).

Stay logged onto www.Nick.com/ParadiseRun for "Paradise Run" re-airing dates and for any announcement of a second season.

March 11, 2016

Billboard topping Lizz Wright debuts on Concord Records, performs at Rams Head Sunday, March 13, 2016

By Eunice Moseley

"I loved making the new collection it has more breathe and depth," said Jazz/R&B vocalist and pianist Lizz Wright about her debut album on Concord Records titled "Freedom & Surrender." Wright will perform from the album Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis, Maryland. "I always want to do good work and enjoy doing it...it's been a long journey for me. I have been really blessed to have good examples."

Lizz released four albums on Verve Records, debuting officially in 2002, before her Concord debut in 2015. Born in Georgia and a resident of North Carolina, Wright started in Gospel as the daughter of a minister. Her unique blend of that Gospel influence with her Jazz and R&B flavored music and vocals will be heard at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 at Rams Head.

"We had a concept we agreed on but it's still a business," Lizz confessed sounding a little disappointed when asked if she was able to keep the original concept of the project. "We had discussed with Verve Records to do love songs...sing songs to give light to that. We agreed but we couldn't hold it, we had to sing what we found."

Joining her is four-time Grammy Award winning Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman), so along with her unique vocals the album is still worthy of being another Billboard topping project. Klein is producer of the "Freedom and Surrender" Concord Records' project and he enlisted Vinnie Colaiuta on drums; Dan Lutz on bass; Pete Korpela on percussions; Dean Parks and Jesse Harris on guitar, and Kenny Banks, Pete Kuzma and Billy Childs on keyboard.

On her upcoming performance at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis, Maryland March 13th Wright said, "It's always about the audience, the way they make a room feel. I'm from the church where the traditional atmosphere is caused by the people. The truth is when you want a great show it's not ‘entertaining' the audience its you sharing with them...an experience of communion."

Learn more about Lizz Wright by logging onto her website at www.LizzWright.net and for more on her show at Rams Head on Stage Sunday, March 13th log onto www.RamsHeadOnStage.com.

Bergman's Valentine Romance Oscar Style Lounge celebrates eight years with another success at Fig & Olive Renee_Olstead_SecretLifeofanAmericanTeenager_Bergmens2016_ValentineOscarParty.jpg I tend to nickname people and Doris Bergman is the Queen of Hollywood's "Celebrity Gifting" events. Her Public Relations agency recently held its 8th Annual Valentine Romance Oscar Style Lounge and Party affair at the famous Fig & Olive restaurant in Hollywood. Starting in the morning and lasting until late afternoon Oscar nominees and winners streamed through the door stopping briefly at the red carpet to say hello to the media and then off to an expo like atmosphere in the back patio section of the restaurant. The restaurant offered a stream of drinks at the open bar and appetizers were floating around as the Hollywood elite greeted each other and the press while filling their bags with free products and merchandise from the many sponsors of the event.

No matter what time you came there were tons of Hollywood personalities to chat briefly with.

"Maybe next year," said Renee Olstead ("Space Cowboys," "Touched By an Angel"), who stars in the ABC Family series "The Secret Life of an American Teenager," about whether she received an Oscar nomination this year. "I just got back from doing a touring production, ‘Sherlock Holmes,' which was incredible. I felt like I was in a different world with the corsets." She laughed, "Glad to be back in Los Angeles."

"I was years ago along with my entire cast of 12 Years a Slave," said Kelsey Scott ("NCIS," "True Detective") when as if her nomination was this year. When asked about the longevity of 12 Years a Slave compared to "Roots," an epic film, she said, "I really do think it has staying power...stays with people emotionally."

Just walking through the event where the sponsors were offering Oscar nominees and winners all types of items (gowns, tuxedos, skin and hair care items, jewelry, accessories, lingerie, fragrances, footwear, alcohol drinks, and delectable sweets) you could feel the "family" vibe atmosphere. Onsite was the Bergman's favorite charity Wednesdays Child collecting new and unwrapped gifts for the Fox-TV "Holiday Drive."

"I was (a nominee) in 2012," said Sara Scott ("Castle," "True Blood") when asked. "Right now I'm in a movie called Soaked in Bleach on Netflix. It was their #1 documentary-drama. It's a controversial project. I play Courtney Love. It sort of pens her to the murder of her husband."

Doris Bergman's 8th Annual Valentine Romance Oscar Style Lounge and Party event is celebrating eight years with another success at Fig & Oliver, one of many high profile affairs hosted by Bergman in Hollywood. You can learn more about Bergman Public Relations events at www.BergmanPR.com and donate new and unwrapped gifts to "Wednesday Child" at www.FoxLA.com/Wednesdays-Child.

March 18, 2016

Easter Mysteries retells the Passion of Christ, in theaters one day March 22, 2016

By Eunice Moseley

Fathom Events presents the musical feature film Easter Mysteries, the retelling of the Passion of Christ which is the last twelve hours of his life and his resurrection. Easter Mysteries will arrive in theaters for one day only Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 7 p.m. in 300 selected theaters across the country through Digital Broadcast Network. Easter Mysteries star Wallace Smith (Broadway's "Lion King" as Simba, "Godspell") as Jesus and Tony Award Nominee Phillip Boykin (Freedom, Top Five) as Caiaphas.

"I was not apprehensive in the least," said Three-time Tony Award winning producer Ron Simons (Blue Caprice) when asked about tackling a Biblical story about Jesus Christ found in the New Testament. "I was concerned treading into new territory. There have been movies and plays on the subject. What I really really love about this film is it brought...the people accessible. What did that do to him (Caiaphas) personally...he was a human being that had to make some tough decisions."

The music and lyrics to the musical feature film, Easter Mysteries, was written by Tony Award winning Broadway producer John O'Boyle. The prolific Easter story also stars Stephen Lee Anderson as Herod; Erin David as Mary Magdalene; Kevin Earley as Peter; Benjamin Howes as Thomas; P.J. Griffith as Judas and Michael X. Martin as Pilate.

When Ron I asked how he was picked to be the producer he said, "The composer/writer, a Broadway producer, we worked on a project together. We were in Florida...he asked me am I on to be executive producer...I was starting to do things (a producer would do). I brought on the company that did the poster. I brought the strategies. So we decided...I was actually producing it. In small projects we're big minded but with small prestige and money. We wear a lot of hats."

The Simons Says Entertainment and Fathom Events presentation is directed by Danny Goldstein and the music is directed by Milton Granger. After the film is presented there will be a panel of Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders discussing the impact of the Passion story on the world.
You can find out what theaters will be screening Easter Mysteries by logging onto www.FathomEvents.com. Find out more about the musical feature film by logging onto www.EasterMysteries.com.

March 25, 2016

Three-time Grammy winner Harry Wayne Casey releases ‘I'm Feeling You,' the second single from his ‘Feeling You" project

By Eunice Moseley

"I listened to the track again going on vacation and the words started flowing out of my head non-spot," said three-time Grammy Award winner Harry Wayne Casey about his second single "I'm Feeling You." Casey is also known as KC of KC and the Sunshine Band. The single is off of his current album release "Feeling You! The 60s." "The 1st single was ‘Can't Get You Out of My Mind'...It was like I was 22 years old just waking up from some kind of coma...inspiration."

KC has been on tour with his band offering their fans new material as well as their legendary hits such as "Shake, Shake, Shake (Shake Your Booty), "Get Down Tonight," and "That's the Way I Like It." KC's music has appeared in over 200 films, commercials and motion pictures, which includes "Kingsman: The Secret Service," "Scandal" and Target commercials. One of the Grammy's he won was because of his song contribution to the soundtrack for "Saturday Night Live."

Casey has been performing with the Sunshine Band for 40 years and they have also garnered an American Music Award. Their popularity keeps them touring all year round. The KC and the Sunshine Band arrives next in Concord, CA May 29, 2016 at the Concord Pavilion; June 4th in Walker, MN at the Northern Lights Casino; July 1st in Milwaukee, WI at the Summerfest and August 6th in Atlantic City, NJ at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino.

"I felt like I was creatively where I was 42 years ago," KC said sincerely about recording this current album "Feeling you..." "I was going to put cover songs I do in my show with originals...then I released the 60s part of it. I have enough for a three CD set."
For more information on the KC and the Sunshine Band appearances or for information on the current album log onto www.HeyKCSB.com.

April 1, 2016

NAACP Theatre Awards honor directors, playwrights and actors with special presentation

By Eunice Moseley

   "I was nominated for best choreography for Visionary Man," said Ali North, a dance instructor at Dean College.
    North was present along with a long list of stage directors, producers, playwrights, actors and designers nominated for the NAACP Theatre Award. They were all arriving at a special press conference where the winners of the 2015 nominees were announced by Obba Babatunde ("The Bold and the Beautiful"); Richard Lawson ("Saints and Sinners"); Jason George ("Grey's Anatomy"); Harold Bell ("Raising Whitley"); Renee Lawless ("The Haves and Have Nots"); Margaret Avery ("Being Mary Jane"), and Ella Joyce (Nina, "Being Mary Jane").
    When veteran actress Ella Joyce (pictured) was asked how she felt about the NAACP hosting an awards event to honor theatre she said, "It is important. If we don't learn to celebrate our own nobody will. To recognize and acknowledge what we are and who we are keeps theatre alive. Theatre is our unedited voice and if we don't keep theatre alive everything we do will be edited. We have to encourage those coming up to keep introducing it and taking it to another level so that we become people who own theaters so we don't have to have things green-lit, but do it cause we want to. So it's very important."
    The NAACP Theatre Awards press conference was held at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Theatre/Ebony Repertory in Los Angeles. Four-time NAACP Theatre Award winner Playwright, Director and Producer Kinnik Sky was the host.
    "I think the most challenging thing with this is I was working with, for the most part, non-dancers," said choreographer Ali North when asked about her experience choreographing a stage play. "It's not considered a dance show but there was a dance sequence that needed movement. I am a classically trained dancer...it was great to see it come to life."
    The NAACP honored local and Equity choreographers, producers, directors, playwrights, designers and actors. The announcements were followed by a VIP reception where attendees were entertained by stellar theatrical performances.
    "It was absolutely amazing," said Director/Producer Wallace Demarria (JAG, Coach Carter), who was nominated for the stage play "Secrets," about his experience with the play. "Actually the host for tonight Kinnik Sky was the female lead. It had an incredible cast. We had an incredible time. Every night was different and the audiences were packed in, they loved it."
    "‘Secrets' is about secrets in a marriage. I don't want to give the ending away but that's how this marriage ended," Wallace said when I commented that some secrets kill a marriage. "I don't believe in living a life miserable. I don't believe in that...One way or another find your way to be happy."
The NAACP Theatre Awards is presented by the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Branch - Ron Hasson is Branch President. Tia Boyd is Executive Producer of the NAACP Theatre Awards Show. The NAACP Theatre Awards also gave a special honor to Casting Director Peter Wise. This branch of the NAACP also hosts a four-day theater festival where thespians can express their craft to the community.
    The ensemble of "Flyin' West" stopped by to chat and also there to support the event and its winners included comedian Michael Colyar, actor Exie Booker ("Criminal Minds"), Ro Brooks ("The Haves and Have Nots") and Kiki Shepard ("Apollo Amateur Night").

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat April 16, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference founded by Moseley arrives in Baltimore at Security Square Mall hosted by AJ Showtime at 92Q Jams, Doresa Harvey at Heaven 600 and DJ Fatman. On Sat October 22, 2016 (TBC) the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

April 8, 2016

Stellar winner Jonathan Nelson releases fifth album ‘Fearless' on Light Records/eOne

By Eunice Moseley

    "Everything about this album is different," said multi-Stellar Award winner Jonathan Nelson about his new album "Fearless" (Light Records/Entertainment One Music) compared to his previous releases. "It's a different team, different band. Some (singers) I never met a day in my life but I know God had called me to work with them. It has the same co-producer (Kenneth Shelton) and music director."
    Nelson is a worship leader, songwriter/producer and singer whose style of Praise and Worship has made him a name in the Gospel industry. "Fearless" has released two singles "Anything Can Happen" and "I Believe."
    "To live out the word, to be full of faith and know fear but still do something you have never done," Dove Award nominee Nelson said is what the album "Fearless" is about. "I never did an African song...never did a song with Hip-Hop flavor (Da T.R.U.T.H.) and Tye Tribbett style."
    Also featured on the album are three-time Stellar Award winner Kim Burrell, South African Gospel vocalist Sonnie Badu, Jason Nelson, the beautiful vocals of Jade Nelson and Dorinda Clark-Cole (The Clark Sisters). "Fearless" is a 14 track project, but a 17 track digital deluxe edition will be released on iTunes.
    "I want to create a flow with songs for signaling a full journey of hearing what I'm feeling like, sound like," Jonathan said about the purpose for the new project.
"Fearless" was record live at his home church The Faith Center in Sunrise, Florida. Jonathan Nelson however is a Baltimore native and is the son of a preacher.
    "We just debuted at #1 which is a blessing," Nelson told me about the new project's release reaction. When asked about his expectation for the new project he said, "The expectation I was praying for was reached in faith. I believe God will let me experience...a ‘Fearless Tour'."
    My favorite cuts on the "Fearless" album are the title track "Fearless" featuring Gospel rapper DaT.R.U.T.H. whose style is reminiscent of Hip-Hop rapper Diddy but with a slightly faster flow; #3 "My Hope" because its horns and beats from the drum inspires you to have hope; #5 "Anything Can Happen" because Jonathans' vocals represent the ultimate inspiring Praise & Worship style that makes you believe in miracles; #6 "BaBa (Jesus) Oh" featuring Sonnie Badu who gives a passionate delivery; #8 "Forever Settled" featuring three-time Grammy Award winner Dorinda Clark-Cole because its a jump up out your chair and dance Praise & Worship selection that has a Jazz twist to it thanks to the contribution of Dorinda; #9 "Brand New" featuring Dove Award winner Kim Burrell is a sweet sincere inspiring song; #12 "Everything You Are (Jesus Chant)" because of the military drum roll throughout as a backdrop that makes you want to march in the army of Jesus Christ, and #14 "I Give You Glory" featuring Grammy nominated and Stellar Award winner Tye Tribbett because it's a victory over the devil song that makes you get up and Praise God for that victory, as Tye did sounding like he was loosing his mind in musical praise!
    Learn more about Jonathan Nelson or his new album release "Fearless," co-executive produced by Phil Thornton, by logging on to his website www.JonathanNelson.us and you can follow him @JonathanNelsonMusic on Facebook and @NelsonJonathan on the social media platforms.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat April 16, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference founded by Moseley arrives in Baltimore at Security Square Mall hosted by AJ Showtime at 92Q Jams, Doresa Harvey at Heaven 600 and DJ Fatman. On Sat October 22, 2016 (TBC) the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

April 15, 2016

Tanya Blount and husband Michael Trotter, Jr. release duet album ‘Love Affair'

By Eunice Moseley

     "As children we imagine riding the rainbow. We're older and our imaginations have changed," said Michael Trotter Jr. about the concept of the title of a song he released with his wife soulful R&B vocalist/actress Tanya Blount (Sister's Act: Back in the Habit) titled "Imagine," first single from their duet album release "Love Affair." They released another version of the single in support of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton titled "Imagine...Hillary Clinton."
The Beatles have a hit single "Imagine" written by John Lennon and I asked if there was any connection between the two and Michael said, "The Beatles to me represented every human emotion you can feel. That band was so important. Their career speaks writing about love...like Ashford and Simpson. Most the 70s and 60s was trying to push our culture to togetherness."
     The "Love Affair" album release is the couple's first project together. Trotter, Jr. is a singer but was devoted to the U.S. military serving two tours in Iraq before he was wounded.
     "I didn't think I would make it back home," Michael said in remembrance of his time at war. "I only knew music was what I love, it was soothing. A lot of times they said Trotter why don't you sing?"
     His wife, Tanya Blount (Preacher's Kids) is a Soul Train Award nominee and is best known for her memorable performance in the film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit where she sang a duet with Lauryn Hill of the Old Spiritual Hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." When asked why they released a remix of their single "Imagine" for political reasons and in support of Hillary Clinton and Trotter, Jr. said, "It's very interesting. My dad called, he works for the train system in Baltimore on the tracks, and he told me that Hillary Clinton herself called a lot of them. She spoke to each one of them personally to hear their concerns. She said she called to see if she had any similar stories to what they were going through...She was Senator and the 1st Lady and she learned...          ‘Imagine' getting behind a candidate that spends time with you."
      Information about the Tanya Blount and Michael Trotter, Jr. "Love Affair" project, the single "Imagine" and the lyric video remake of it "Imagine...Hillary Clinton" it can be found at www.TrotterandBlount.com. You can follow them on social media platforms at @TrotterBlount on Twitter and @TrotterandBlount on Instagram.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat April 16, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference founded by Moseley arrives in Baltimore at Security Square Mall hosted by AJ Showtime at 92Q Jams, Doresa Harvey at Heaven 600 and DJ Fatman. On Sat October 22, 2016 (TBC) the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

April 22, 2016

Brown, Whalum, Braun are BWB offering the essence of Jazz with new self titled album

By Eunice Moseley

"We were all recording artists on Warner Brothers in 2002 and the president said, ‘I'd love to hear you guys together grooving.' We did our first album and didn't do anything for 11 year," said Grammy Award winning guitarist Norman Brown about the union of himself with Grammy Award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum and Billboards' #1 Smooth Jazz Song Artist of 2015 trumpeter Rick Braun to form the trio BWB. "We did a Michael Jackson ("Human Nature" in 2014) tribute album...to make a statement."
    The Michael Jackson tribute album garnered a #1 hit for the trio. On April 22, 2016 BWB (Brown, Whalum, and Braun) are releasing a new self titled project of original material on Artistry Music/Mack Avenue.
    "The Michael Jackson tribute was covers of his hits. ‘Grooving' (their debut) was hit songs and cover songs. We wanted to do an album of original songs," Norman said about the new project. "(The audience) they are loving it. They showing us much love. We did a tour and decided we are officially a group."
    BWB are currently on tour promoting the previous and new projects arriving at the One World Theatre on May 27th; the Dosey Doe on May 28; the St. Lucia Jazz Festival on May 7th; the Steel City Jazz Festival on June 4th; the Tri-C Jazz Festival on June 25th; the QC Summerfest on July 31st; the Wolf Creek Jazz Festival on September 4th, and the Capital Jazz SuperCruise on October 23rd.
    When asked about the recording process Norman Brown said, "We were camped out at Rick Braun's place, he has a studio. It was natural flow. I would start an idea...each contributed - each individual."
    Brown said the title track he is fawned of because they all wrote on it.
    "I like ‘Turn Up' because it's a party song and ‘North Star' because I contributed," he laughed when I asked which songs on the album were his favorite.
    My favorite cuts on the album include #1 "Triple Dare" because it offers the essence of Jazz providing a prime reason for the official creation of the trio - a perfect mix; #2 "Bust a Move" because you get that Smooth Jazz sound along with a treat of vocals from the guys; #3 "BWB" which offers Funky Jazz all the way to the last note, and #8 "Hey Baby" is another treat of vocals of the guys on the hook covered over by a Jazz filled symphony.
The "BWB" project offers 10 selections of original material. To learn more about the "BWB" release or the members of BWB log onto www.MackAvenue.com. http://www.KirkWhalum.com, www.NormanBrow.com and www.RickBraun.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 (TBC) the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

April 29, 2016

First NBC's ‘The Voice' winner Javier Colon releases new album ‘Gravity,' performs May 4, 2016 at Rams Head on Stage

By Eunice Moseley

     "I think ‘The Voice' pressured situation you are thrown into...there is no time for nervousness, that helped me when I get nervous," said Javier Colon, the first NBC's "The Voice" winner, about performing live Wednesday May 4, 2016 at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis, Maryland.
    Javier said you have to have confidence in yourself to counteract the nervousness that artists feel when performing. Since winning "The Voice" this soulful Pop/Rock/R&B singer, song writer and guitarist has recorded and released four albums. His latest project release was on the first of April and is titled "Gravity" (Concord Records). Those attending his concert May 4th will get to hear selections from that album and his previous projects.
    "It's been lots of ups and downs, been crazy and a blessing," Colon informed me when asked about his career journey since his national debut and win. "I've been signed to a couple of different labels. I know how rare it is (control over your album). Some songs don't come out. Some times it can work (label choosing songs on the album)...I love to collaborate."
    Javier said he was seeking and found creative control over this album at Concord Records so that he can brand the project as he wanted. He said what he doesn't like is, "when they are trying to shape the entire album and you're trying to be a certain artists."
His first album after "The Voice" win was on Universal Republic Records. He then released a project on Capital Records and then his own label. "Gravity" is his forth album on Concord Records. Colon has performed, as opening act, in Japan for saxophonist Dave Koz and in Mexico and South America for Maroon 5.
    "Oh my goodness, yes I have great creative control," Javier said when asked about how much control over his album he has at Concord Records. "When I made this record I was not pressured to be anyone or to sound like anyone. It is really great to do want I want to do with no outside pressure. It was the best situation."
    Hear the Soulful Pop/Rock/R&B sounds of Javier Colon Wednesday May 4th at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis, MD at 8 p.m. You can learn more about Javier at www.JavierColon.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 (TBC) the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

May 6, 2016

The ‘Rickey Smiley for Real' docu-series premieres on TV One May 10, 2016 8pmET

By Eunice Moseley

"I thought his life was entertaining...I didn't know he was a single father," said Roger Bobb executive producer of "Rickey Smiley for Real," a docu-series of the comedian/actor/syndicated radio personality, which premieres on TV One Tuesday May 10, 2016 at 8 p.m. ET. Smiley serves as executive producer.
    "Rickey Smiley for Real" starts its second season with the first season reaching 8.2 million households. The unscripted reality show follows Smiley as he raises his two biological and eight adopted children, hosts his syndicated "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" in Dallas, Texas at 97.9 The Beat (KBFB), his career as a stand-up comedian, as well as his acting and other ventures. Viewers will get to see some of his friends and radio show co-hosts such as rapper DaBrat.
    "There were no concerns," Rickey said when asked about any apprehensions by him or his children in putting their lives on national television. "Me and Roger of Bobcat (which produces the show) were having a conversation about my life and we thought a real look at my life and career...would be interesting."
    The comedian juggles his children who are of different ages with different situations and different dilemmas that need his attention, a weekday morning show to host and he is maintaining his comedic and acting career that current have him appearing as a featured columnist on Fox Network's nationally syndicated celebrity news show "Dish Nation" (2012-present).
"I have children I've adopted and biological children, I have a big family," Smiley said. "I wanted to capture some of that stuff, there is so much content. We thought it was a great idea and here we are."
    The first season of "Rickey Smiley for Real" scored as the 2nd highest in programs on cable for Blacks ages 25 -54. This season viewers will see him do his feature columnist thing on "Dish Nation," collaborate with Kelly Price on a song, tour with comedian Mike Epps and take a trip to the Bahamas. The viewers will also get to see his interaction with sons Brandon, Malik and Craig, and daughters D'Essence and Aaryn.
    In his very early twenties Rickey Smiley started his career as a stand-up who by 2002 was starring in Ice Cube's Friday After Next feature film and in 2007 starring in First Friday. As a comedian he toured or was opening act for such comedian heavy weights as Steve Harvey and George Wallace. He went on to host BET's "Comic View, Showtimes' "Def Comedy Jam," "Showtime at the Apollo," HBO's "Snaps," "The Nashville Network," "Uptown Comedy Club," and "Comic Escape." The Birmingham, Alabama native starred on a TV One sitcom "Rickey Smiley Show" from 2012 to 2014, and the next year in 2015 he launched the "Rickey Smiley for Real" docu-series.
    TV One is owned by Radio One, who produces "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" (2008) through their company Syndicated One, and reaches 57 million households. Its range of programs include entertainment focused original programming, classic series, movies and music. Learn more about "Rickey Smiley for Real" airing Tuesday May 10th at 8 p.m. ET by logging onto www.TheRealRickeySmiley.com, www.RickeySmileyMorngingShow.com or www.TVOne.tv.

May 13, 2016

Brooklyn and India make Sandaraa, see the duo perform in Baltimore and DC this weekend

By Eunice Moseley

    "It was something about his skills," said Pakistani Pop star Zeb Bangash about her music partner clarinetist Michael Winograd who together make the duo Sandaraa. "It really connected well with our folk music. We performed in DC the first time we played together it was so fresh for me...it worked within the tradition (of our music)."
    Michael, a Brooklyn native, specializes in Yiddish or Klezmer music and it fits perfectly with Zeb's India flavored Pop vocals. The duo is touring to promote their upcoming album release and will be performing Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore starting at 8 p.m. and Saturday May 14th at the Tropicalia in Washington, DC at 8 p.m.
    "You learn after collaborating that there's going to always be similarities," said Winograd who is also a member of the Yiddish Art Trio and the Tarras Band. "We had met through mutual acquaintances. Someone I know as a scholar in Jewish and Turkish music...Zeb was doing a concert and we cross paths with him. He gave her a CD of my music. Later in the U.S. she was playing in DC... in a conversation with her he said. ‘I know a clarinetist.' She had been listening to my music on her iPhone!"
    So that is how Michael Winograd and Pop star Zeb Bangash became a duo mixing Klezmer and Pakistani music into Sandaraa fresh sound.
    "We start touring in May for the new CD launch," Michael said. "(On the album) You will find old songs of Pakistani music and Klezmer music and it worked for us."
On the making of the Sandaraa album Zeb said, "Everyone came together pretty naturally...everyone can be heard."
    Zeb said collaborating with Michael was so natural.
     "I could never have planned something like this. It just kind of happened at an interesting time. Haniya decided to do her own thing in Canada I was desperately used to doing music with someone else. So it was great timing," Bangash said.
     Haniya and Zeb was a MTV Music Award winning Pop duo in Pakistan. Haniya was the guitarist/vocalist and Zeb sang lead vocals. They became one of Pakistan's most loved performers and well known Pakistani songwriters. Their music is classified in as Pop Rock, Alternative Rock, Folk Rock, Classical Music Blues, and Easy Listening. Zeb Bangash studied in the U.S. at Smith College and has record songs for a long list of Bollywood films.
    "In Folk music the name of the game is freelance," Winograd added. "People (musicians) work with multiple groups. That is true for everyone I've worked with in the band (of seven people)."
    Michael Winograd is Jewish. His music is Klezmer and he collaborated in other groups, such as the Yiddish Art Trio and Tarras Band. Michael also teachers at Jewish Music Workshops and released a solo album in 2012. Sandaraa's self titled album was released May 8, 2016. Learn more about Sandaraa and their other tour dates by logging onto www.Sandaraa.com.

May 20, 2016

Slim of 112 is ‘Refueled' with fresh sounding solo album release

By Eunice Moseley

"For me it's the song," said Slim, lead vocalist for the Grammy Award winning R&B group 112, about his second solo album released on May 13, 2016. "Because of my success producers sample...outrageous numbers....fueled by one record."
    The one song Slim may have been talking about is his solo hit single
   "So Fly" released in 2008 featuring Yung Jock. The single was released on his debut solo album "Love's Crazy." Eight years later Slim, real name Marvin Scandrick, releases his second solo album titled "Refueled" featuring vocal assistance from Carl Thomas, Ma$e and Rich Homie Quan.
    "I am refueling everything in my personal life," Slim said about the meaning of the album. "I always prefer that you shouldn't have to skip...listen to the whole album," he added when asked about the project. "It is not about putting your favorite artists on, it's about the message. That's why I chose certain people. My phone was blowing up when people heard I was doing a record...all spectrums of musicians old and young."
    The artists Slim felt would compliment his message included Carl Thomas, Ma$e and Hip-Hop's Rich Homie Quan. After the Slim solo album debut he said there were million dollar deals offered.
   "I want to thank everyone who supported me," Slim said about his first solo album success. "It was bigger than I expected. Straight up I was flying."
    Slim said he learned since his last solo album that the music business is a marathon not a sprint.
    "This time I am going to focus on who I am touching," he said about his marketing plans for the album's release. "I challenged Rich Homie Quan...and he delivered. When I write Its in the first person...so they (fans) can get to know me."
    Slim is reuniting with his 112 members Q Parker, Daron Jones and Michael Keith for a 20 year anniversary celebration as well as reuniting with the groups founder Puff Daddy for a Bad Boy Family Tour this summer which will kick off at the Barclays on May 20th.
    "I never done a record with Carl Thomas and I ran into Ma$e and sent him a track and he sent back the record," Slim said about how his feature guests came to be on the project.
"   Refueled" is released on Shanachie Entertainment's record imprint, home of Regina Belle, Silk, Pieces of a Dream, Angie Stone and Najee.
    "(Randall Grass) He was always on the phone hearing the record. He wanted to know my frame of mind," Slim said about the general manager of his label's New Jersey based company when I told him he was with a great label. "I am different from their line-up. I still have that Hip-Hop edge. My first single may not necessarily be a ballad...he understands."
     "I love my job and music at the end of the day is a job," Slim said sincerely.
    My favorite cuts on the Slim solo album "Refueled" include #1 "Forever" featuring Carl Thomas, I love the support of the military drum beat its fresh and that it is laced with the sounds of a lead guitar softly screaming in the background; #2 "Never Break Up" featuring Rich Homie Quan, for its infectious fresh Hip-Hop beat and you get to hear that distinctive Slim vocal sound too; #7 "Hey You" sounds like a nice sexy slow dance club selection; #8 "Ain't Going Nowhere," a sweet love song, which has a nice classical guitar to support it, and #10 "Ready to Fall" another sweet love song with a fresh drum roll beat in the back possessing all the qualities needed for an award winning song.
    Slim was signed with the other members to Bad Boy Records on Def Jam as 112 in 2002 in Atlanta by Puffy (Sean Combs). They would go on to release six albums and garner a Grammy nomination. They received a Grammy Award for the "I'll Be Missing" you single release with Puffy and Faith Evans. His unique vocal sounds can be distinctly heard on such 112 hit singles as "Cupid" and "Peaches and Cream." Slim is also the CEO and owner of his own company M3 Productions.
    You can learn more about Slim's "Refueled" project at www.Shanachie.com.

May 27, 2016

MBK's Glory2Glory presents Livre', ‘Jericho: Tribe of Joshua'

By Eunice Moseley

     "Our parents grew up together, they did concerts together," said Richard Tolbert one of the members of the Contemporary Urban Gospel group Livre' (pronounced liv-ray) when asked how the five member group was formed. "They're like family. I had never met them (the other members) personally. My cousin was looking for singers for a Revival...we came together for three nights and been together for nine years."
    Livre' consists of Rich, Ajanee Hambrick, Ariel Malloy, Malik Spence and Kenneth Williams. As a group they were signed to MBK Entertainment in 2008. After nine years of performing together the group finally has released their debut album titled "Jericho: Tribe of Joshua" on Glory 2 Glory/MBK Entertainment/Sony Red. Glory 2 Glory is a record label of Jeff Robinson (MBK Entertainment), first manager of 12-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys and owner of MBK/J Records the label Keys debuted on.
    "We diffidently played a part in the creation," said member Malik when asked about their measure of creative input in their debut project. "We wrote a lot of the records, did co-producing...collaborated with Mali Music."
    The "Jericho: Tribe of Joshua" project also features collaborations with Jason Nelson and A$SAP Ferg. They have already garnered four consecutive "Top 30" hits with "Jericho," "Amazing," "I Will Be Alright," and "Everything's Coming Up Jesus."
    "We started recording six years ago and we recorded a lot, but everything happens in God's time," said Richard.
    Based in the Bronx Livre' has already been named "Top 5 Artist to Watch in 2016" and "Top 10 Hot New Songs in 2016" for "Jericho" by BlackGospel.com and named by Essence.com the "Get Lifted: 20 Gospel Artists to Watch in 2016." They spent a whole month on Billboard's Top 40 Gospel Radio Chart.
    "I am glad we stayed relevant," Rich said about the long journey to get to their debut release. "Our goal for the album is to make a splash like we know we should, to tour and bless as many lives as we can."
    I have a feeling because of their dedication to the group and their desire to spread the Gospel they will make that splash. You can learn more about Livre' and their debut album "Jericho: Tribe of Joshua" at www.LivreOfficial.com.

ASCAP brings the business of music to Hollywood with ‘I Create Music' Expo
   ASCAP_Expo_2016_PopRockFeedback_DesmondChild_AntoniaArmato.jpg    The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted an annual expo "I Create Music" that brought the most popular businesses and organizations to the public, offering also seminars and discussions lead by the leading songwriters and producers in the business today. Recently the ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo was held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles for three days of networking and educational opportunities.
    "The biggest thing is digital and physical distribution of your music," said a representative from CD Baby, one of the premiere music publishing and distribution companies. "We help you collect money from places like Youtube and help you collect additional royalties. That is something we are really passionate about...because our artists are making a lot of money and we been focusing more on it (collecting it). Revenue use to come from two places and now it comes from 20 places. We can help people bring it all to one place."
    Visitors at ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo learned that CD Baby make and sell your music on MP3, CD or vinyl forms and they collect your royalties. You can also earn money from their CD Baby Sync-Licensing Program when your music is used in films, television, commercials, and video games. The event offered discussions on various topics. I went briefly to hear what was being said during the "Pop/Rock Feedback Session" with Desmond Child (Bon Jovi) and Antonina Armato (Mariah Carey, Jonas Brothers) they were giving constructive critiques on the lyrics of some of the audience members' songs. Timaland was keynote speaker and Melissa Etheridge opened the event with a performance. Others artists who performed included OMI ("Cheerleader") and songwriting trio Chris DeStefano Brett James and Priscilla Renea (Carrie Underwood).
    "We are a content management system for music," said a representative from Songtradr.com a new platform to license and/or sell your music directly to movies, television, advertisers and gaming companies. "We are also a marketing place for music you can upload your music on our website for free. Sign-up for free, you use key words so that all your music is in one place so you can find it."
    ASCAP has over 560,000 members of professional songwriters, composers and music publishers of every genre of music. It is one of the premiere American performing rights organizations. www.ASCAP.org.

June 3, 2016

Cartoon Network's Terrell Ransom serves as Ambassador to benefit learning disabilities

By Eunice Moseley

     "My friend Jacob, his brother has a learning disability. It's amazing to see him work. He is an amazing musician," said young actor Terrell Ransom Jr. the voice of Darwin on the Cartoon Network series ‘The Amazing World of Gumball" about how he was appointment as the Celebrity Youth Ambassador for The Jonathan Foundation's Spring Fundraiser to benefit children with learning disabilities. "In June I will be attending the event. I will just be...helping out."
    The Jonathan Foundation's Spring Fundraiser will be Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, California from 6 - 10 p.m. Terrell is sharing the job as Celebrity Youth Ambassador with his friend Jacob Hopkins who also stars on the Cartoon Network series "The Amazing World of Gumball" as Gumball.
    "My friend Jacob plays Gumball he introduced me to The Jonathan Foundation. We sought of formed a friendship," Ransom said.
    The Jonathan Foundation, founded in 2001, is an Assessment Scholarship Program advocating for children diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and other learning disabilities. It was founded by Raja Marhaba when his sons, Jonathan and Omar, were diagnosed with ADHD. Both his sons currently sit on the foundation's board, mentor to children and speak about what children with learning disabilities go through.
    "I actually played a boy with learning disabilities on ‘Days of Our Lives,'" said Terrell about his role as Theo Carver, which he played for seven years. "The role was an autism child." When I asked how he knew how to play a child with autism he said, "My mother introduced me to kids with learning disabilities."
    I can see why The Jonathan Foundation decided to have Terrell Ransom Jr. as their Celebrity Youth Ambassador. Ransom also starred in primetime television shows such as ABC's "The Whispers," "CSI" and "CSI: NY."
    "My ideal role is where I am starring in Star Wars and Marvel films. A Jedi in Star Wars, a lead role," he said enthusiastically when I asked what his ideal acting role would be. "...Or in a movie where I am a super hero."
    Just looking at his acting resume' I have no doubt he will make it to his desired acting role. Learn more about The Jonathan Foundation at www.TheJonathanFoundation.com.

Trumpeter Matt Von Roderick takes the ‘Hero's Journey' with debut album
     "It's all about being a musician," Trumpeter Matt Von Roderick said when asked about how a trumpeter ends up rapping and singing on his debut album - "Hero's Journey." "A singer is really a musician. A core element of the three that has been with me...the spoken word...more direct - through story telling. Jazz is amazing...the biggest gift to the entire world. Some circles don't know how to relax."
    Jazz certainly can make you relax, but Matt puts another twist to his music with his rapping and I must say his flow is impressive enough to make you want to move. His debut project "Hero's Journey" offers 12 selections, 11 originals and one cover of the classic "What a Wonderful World."
    "'Hero's Journey' ...is a return to love," he pointed out. "It's my desire to connect with people."
    As a trumpet player Matt has played on the stage with such great artists as Musiq Soulchild, Neil Diamond, Dionne Warwick and with the "Saturday Night Live" Band.
    "Follow your heart," the multi-talented musician said about life's journey after mentioning to me that he knew about my bio-book titled     "Journey to Love". He said life has shown him clearly how true that statement, "follow your heart," is.
    My favorite selections on the "Hero's Journey" project include the first song on the album "Seize the Night" because of his impressive rapping style and also the way he makes his horn flip , the third selection "All For You" was so powerful and explosive, and I think I hear a bit of The Beatles flavor mixed in there somewhere, and the remake of one of my favorite classic songs, this song never fails to make me cry, "What a Wonderful World," you can not go wrong with this masterpiece of a song and Matt did not disappoint, in fact he provided a very fresh Jazz twist to it.

June 10, 2016

Live a warrior's life with Universal Pictures' Warcraft

By Eunice Moseley

    Universal Pictures' presents Warcraft a fantasy 3D IMAX film, based on the video game and novel, where you can live a warrior's life as the leader of one world who has to unite and trust the leader of another more savage world in order to same your world against an eviler enemy. Rated PG-13 Warcraft stars Travis Fimmel as the hero Sir Anduin Lathar, the military leader of the human world of Azeroth; Glen Close makes a cameo as the legendary Guardian of the realm Alodi; Toby Kebbell as Durotan the leader of the orcs fleeing their dying planet Draenor; Paula Patton as the half-human half-orc prisoner of the Azeroth people; Dominic Cooper as Llane Wrynn king of the human world; Ben Foster as the King's advisor Wizard Medivh called the Guardian; Ben Schnetzer as the young Wizard Khadgar who discovers the evil magic, and Robert Kazinsky as Orgrim the right hand soldier of orc leader Durotan.
    The special imagery combined with the 3D IMAX effect puts you right inside the CGI (computer-generated images) film so you an experience the look and feel of how real that world could be. The story is written by Chris Metzen, a Vice President at Blizzard Entertainment which released the Warcraft video game and novel, and the screenwriters are Duncan Jones and Charles Leavitt. The director was Duncan Jones.
    The writer tried and succeeded to merge our own world's past into the film's world which made you connect more with the emotional situation of Azeroth world. Its ending begs for a sequel. Producers of Warcraft include Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Charles Roven, Alex Gartner and Stuart Fenegain.
    Warcraft also stars Daniel Wu as the orc warlock called Gul'dan who is full of the evil influence they call fel-magic; Clancy Brown as the orc world's warchief Blackhand. the puppet of Gul'dan; Burkely Duffield as Callan Sir Lathar' courageous son; Anna Galvin as the orc leaders' brave wife Lady Draka; Ruth Negga as Lady Taria Wrynn, the wise and brave queen of King Llane, and the story writer Metzen made a cameo appearance as a turbaned perfume vendor.
    It seems both the Azeroth and the Draenor's have a more powerful and sinister enemy to deal with, the evil influence of the fel-magic. Many friends have already been taken over by it and many have died in the war caused by it. Can two worlds trust each other enough to fight the evil together to save the last remaining world between the two?
    Warcraft has already grossed $171 million worldwide in 65 countries, and its United States and Canada release date is not until today, June 10, 2016. Warcraft is released in Australia June 16, 2016.
    Warcraft is a Legendary Pictures, Blizzard and Atlas Entertainment production distributed by Universal Pictures. See the trailer and learn more at www.WarCraftMovie.com.

June 17, 2016

Warner Bros.' ‘Central Intelligence' shows anyone is hero material

By Eunice Moseley

Kevin Hart (Ride Along2) in a Warner Bros. Pictures' presentation titled Central Intelligence along side heavy weight actor/wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (Fast 8) told me it was going to be funny when I screened it so I came prepare to have my jar-locked from laughing too hard, but I was pleasantly surprised by the serious messages which showed me that anyone is hero material and that bullies never win - they just seem to. Released June 17, 2016 Central Intelligence also stars Oscar nominated Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone) and Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad").

The Rated PG-13 comedic/drama is action packed and follows the lives of two high school classmates of the year 1996 in Baltimore, one is Calvin Joyner played by Hart ("What Now" comedy tour) a class "hero" with good grades and awesome athletic abilities and the other is over-weight Bob Stone played by Johnson (San Andreas) a classmate picked on by bullies so bad Calvin came to his rescue when no one else would. Both of their paths crossed that day and it would be the reason why Calvin is chosen by Bob, a seemingly rogue CIA Agent, to help save the country from chaos and destruction.

At a time when Calvin the accountant is unhappy at work, which means his wife Maggie Joyner played by Danielle Nicolet ("Born Again Virgin") is unhappy, he is contacted by his old "friend" Bob during a 20th high school anniversary celebration who is now the very muscled Agent Jones. Unfortunately his own people at the CIA are after him dead or alive for the "seemingly" murder of his partner Agent Phil played by three-time Emmy Award winner Aaron Paul (Exodus: Gods & Kings). Jones needs Joyner's skills for numbers to help him solve the case, which could mean the fall of the United States if he doesn't, before the CIA - lead by Agent Pamela Harris who is played by SAG Award winner Amy Ryan ("The Office") - catches up with him. Through lots of action and much more in laughter the two somehow form a partnership but can they save the country?

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and produced by Michael Fottrell, Peter Principato, Scott Stuber and Paul Young Central Intelligence is a New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures presentation of the Bluegrass Films, Principato-Young Entertainment and RatPac-Dune Entertainment production. The story was written by Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen and the screenplay is written by Ike, David and Thurber. Central Intelligence also stars Timothy John Smith, Megan Park and Thomas Kreteschmann.

For more information about the comedic film Central Intelligence starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart or to view the trailer log onto www.CentralIntelligenceMovie.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Dr. Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 (TBC) the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

June 24, 2016

Todd Dulaney's carving out a place in Gospel music with ‘A Worshipper's Heart'

By Eunice Moseley

    "I am just hoping to inspire. Put out music centered around God and Love," said Stellar nominated Praise and Worship leader Todd Dulaney about his sophomore album "A Worshipper's Heart" (EOne). "We want all the people around the world to be in the presence of God."
    Dulaney's project debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Album's Chart. The lead single, "The Anthem," hit #1 on Gospel Airplay Chart and also debuted #3 on Billboard's Top Christian & Gospel Albums Charts.
    "The crazy thing is I didn't want to do this I wanted to be an athlete...I went to the church of Smokey Norful. I started praising and I was thinking I found my purpose. It gave me an identity. I knew I was called to lead and worship," he said when asked about his Gospel industry break-through story. "Athletics is passionate...but people can have their hearts shifted (in Gospel)...and I didn't know you could be a recording artist and make money!"
    "A Worshipper's Heart" was also #1 on the CMTA Current Gospel Overall Chart and the CMTA Top Gospel Reporter Chart. Dulaney was recently on tour to promote the album in Maryland in my hometown of Baltimore, Virginia, Kansas City and Chicago.
    "My first album I released independently ...on my own then connected with Entertainment One. They said, ‘we want you to do it live, Praise & Worship need to be live'."
    So "A Worshipper's Heart" is a live recording with Smokey Norful introducing and complimented him on his Praise & Worship talent. I am sure he came to his church that day for a visit. The album is inspiring and I now some hearts were "shifted" that day. My favorite selections on the project include #2 "Dance in the Rain" which comes off as soft Rock throughout with the sweet sounding lead guitar and Rock drum beat and I love Rock as much as I love Country, Jazz, Pop, Blue Grass - well I love all genres but R&B is my first love; #3"Free Worshiper" is a favorite because of the sweet background vocals making it sound so heavenly, and #7 "Greater" featuring vocalist Caprisha Cartwright, is a loving offer because of the sweet vocal collaboration - seems to be the perfect mixture.
    You can learn more about Todd Dulaney by logging onto his website at www.ToddDulaneyland.com or follow him on Twitter @ToddDulaney.

July 1, 2016

‘The Legend of Tarzan' Continues with the Epic Warner Bros.' Presentation

By Eunice Moseley

     Warner Bros. Picture's presentation of The Legend of Tarzan is an epic authorized adaptation of the tale of "Tarzan of the Apes." The character Tarzan was created in 1912 by Edgar Burroughs in an article and published again as a novel in 1914 which resulted in 25 sequel media projects and seven authorized books. Alexander Skarsgard (Zoolander) gives a stellar performance as Tarzan (John Clayton III, Lord Greystone). Margot Robbie (Focus) gives a stunning performance as the spirited Jane. The Legend of Tarzan arrives in theaters July 1, 2016.
    This tale of Tarzan has him happily married to Jane in "civilization," when his life is interrupted with a request by Dr. George Washington Williams to return to the jungles of the Congo in Africa and help its people who were being enslaved. Academy Award nominated Samuel L. Jackson (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) plays Dr. Williams. Reluctantly he returns to the jungle that killed his parents and where a Gorilla found him as an infant and raised him as one of her own. The Congo's creatures and people become his family and it is shown upon his return to the rich land. The Legend of Tarzan provides action and adventure as Tarzan, accompanied by Dr. Williams and Jane, try to stop the enslavement of the Congo people before the scheduled 40,000 blood thirsty mercenaries arrive to carry out the plan. The mercenaries' orders also include the thief of the Congo's natural resources. Can Tarzan stop all this from happening while at the same time protecting Jane and the Doctor?
    The Legend of Tarzan is directed by David Yates and written by Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer. It also stars two-time Academy Award nominated Djimon Hounson (Amistead) as Chief Mbonga - the antagonist, Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge) as the desperate Prime Minister and Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) as the corrupt and ruthless Belgian Captain Leon Rom who is on a mission to capture Tarzan for Chief Mbonga in exchange for diamonds so he can finance his King's continued enslavement of the African people and theft of the country's natural resources.
    The Legend of Tarzan is available in 3D and IMAX 3D. It takes the viewers back in time showing enough of the mythical story that new generations unaware of the tale can know the beginning of the saga of Tarzan - King of the apes. Ella Purnell, who has a striking resemblance to Margot, plays the younger Jane. It also stars John Hurt, Casper Crump, Hadley Fraser and Simon Russell Beale.
    The action/adventure film is a Village Roadshow Pictures, Dark Horse Entertainment, Jerry Weintraub, Riche/Ludwig, Beaglepug and Ratpac Entertainment production. Producers include Jerry Weintraub, David Baron, Alan Riche, Tony Ludwig and Micke Richardson. Watch the trailer and learn more information about The Legend of Tarzan at www.LegendofTarzan.com.

July 8, 2016

Shirley Caesar Honored with Hollywood Star, Releases ‘Fill This House' Album

By Eunice Moseley

"If anyone ever told me a Shirley Caesar star would be in Hollywood...I said to the Lord, ‘I don't know if...its your plan but don't let anything stop me from getting it on the 28th," said 11-time Grammy winner Pastor Shirley Caesar when we spoke about the possibility of her getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. God did heard her prayer because on June 28, 2016 the living legend Shirley Caesar received her honor with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony took place outside Fonda Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. Caesar was joined by Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams as her guest speakers. President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Leron Gubler was emcee and he declared June 28th as "Shirley Caesar Day" in Hollywood.

Early in June on the 3rd Caesar released her newest album "Fill This House" (eOne/Light Records) featuring Anthony Hamilton and Hezekiah Walker. The 18-time Dove Award winner executive produced this project along with Stanley Brown and Phil Thornton.

"No one could have told me that the Lord would give me a brand new beginning," the Pastor sincerely said about the release of this album, the newest one in a list of projects numbering over 40 in her career. "New things are happening. I am one of the oldest Gospel artists out there yet life is doing a new beginning for me."

The 14 Stellar Award winner's new beginning starts with her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the release of "Fill This House." The North Carolina native started singing Gospel professionally at the tender age of 13 as Baby Shirley. As a college student she was brought to the attention of Albertina Walker leader of the Gospel group The Caravans. Caesar left her college studies to tour with them for eight years. In 1966 she went solo releasing a Gospel version of the secular Country hit "No Charge" gaining the attention of mainstream music. Her career since has gained her the title of First Lady of Gospel.

"Hundreds of songs came in," Shirley said when I asked how she selected the songs for this album. "'Fill This House' was one of those songs. I said that's a Caesar song. Let me ‘Caesarize' that! I really did not know I had it in me. They worked me like a Hebrew slave."

Though I could listen to the full album and enjoy each selection my favorites on the Pastor Shirley Caesar "Fill This House" project include "It's Alright, It's OK" featuring Anthony Hamilton because it takes you way back to a time when real emotions where heard in vocalist which uplifting you; "He Won't Fail You" because the choir support is perfection when accompanied by the Pastors' Praise & Worship vocal style; "Survive This" featuring Hezekiah Walker because it is a hand-clapping heart and soul lifting selection, and "Prayer Changes Things" because I say this phase all the time to people and I am not sure they believe me so it's inspiring to hear it sung, I also love the lead guitar crying in the background at the end making it Rock/Gospel. You can follow Pastor Shirley Caesar on Facebook @Pastor.ShirleyCaesar for more updated information on the project or her live performances.

Their Struggles are Real in Universal's The Secret Life of Pets, in theatres July 8, 2016 As an animal lover it "tinkled-me-pink" to see what could be transpiring in the minds of pets with and without owners. In the Universal Pictures presentation of The Secret Life of Pets you get to see that their struggles are real, just like yours and mine. Six-time Emmy winner comedian/actor Louis C. K. (Pootie Tang) is the voice of the star pet of the comedic 3D animation named Max, a terrier owned by Katie - voiced by Elie Kemper ("The Office"). One day Katie comes home from work with a stray dog, Max's new adopted brother Duke a large and sloppy Newfoundland who is voiced by two-time Emmy winner Eric Stonestreet ("CSI").

The struggle for dominance over who is the boss of the house begins and it spills over into the streets where both become lost in the city of Brooklyn, NY. Out of necessity they form a bond so they can survive and find their way back home. Their journey's antagonist is Snowball a crazy rabbit voiced by MTV Movie Award winner Kevin Hart (Ride Along) that was abandoned by his owners so he is out for revenge against all pet owners. Max and Duke fake being ownerless while on the street in order to live long enough to find their way back home. In the mean time Max's friends in his Manhattan apartment building are lead by Gidget the Pomeranian - voiced by Jenny Slate ("Parks and Recreations") - in a hunt to find the two lost pets.

The journey is full of laughs, twists and turns that make you wonder, do they make it home, what happens to the pet gang of ownerless rebel animals, will Max and Duke stay together? The Secret Life of Pets was written by Brian Lynch, Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The directors include Chris Renaud and Yarrow Chaney. It is an Illumination Entertainment (Minions) production. It also stars Academy Award nominated Albert Brooks (Finding Dory) as the voice of the grumpy red-tailed hawk Tiberius; Emmy nominated Tara Strong (Rugrats) as the voice of the parakeet Sweet Pea; Lake Bell (Million Dollar Arm) is the voice of the always hungry tabby cat Chloe; Bobby Moynihan ("Saturday Night Live") voices Mel the pug; Australian rugby player Michael Beatties is the voice of the pig Tattoo; Academy Award nominated Chris Renaud (Ice Age) is the voice of Norman a lost guinea pig; Golden Globe nominated Steve Coogan (Around the World in 80 Days) voices Ozone a Brooklyn Sphinx cat gang leader; Dana Carvey ("Saturday Night Live") is the voice of Pops an elderly basset hound, and Emmy Award winner Hannibal Buress ("Saturday Night Live") is the voice of Buddy a laid-back Dachshund.

Rated PG The Secret Life of Pets arrives in theaters July 8th. You can log onto their website at www.TheSecretLifeofPets.com for more information or to view the trailer.

July 15, 2016

Grammy Nominated Will Downing Brings Sexy Maleness to ‘Black Pearls'

By Eunice Moseley

    "I kept them in the same key," said Grammy nominated Will Downing about his newest album release, "Black Pearl," full of female cover songs. The Shanachie Entertainment project has an album cover with Downing sitting on a speaker, reminding me of my younger years when the songs he covers were always on my lips, accompanied by me on my red lead guitar, my red microphone and black speaker - just like on his album cover. Will Downing will take you back too, to an era where the majority of the songs had deep meaningful content. The first single off his "Black Pearl" project is a prime example with Will covering Cherrelle's hit "Everything I Miss At Home" - about love found after love is lost. "These songs were sung from a female perspective...they sing up and I sing down...(but) it was comfortable for me."
      Love is love so Downing's version of the songs still shows a picture of love in its many forms. He makes you see the meaning behind the songs from a male perspective. Will brings the "male sexy" to "Black Pearl" especially on Rufus and Chaka Khan's hit "Ever Lasting Love" one of my favorites on the project. On this selection not only did Will bring his signature sexy style to it but the harmony is so tight it's almost perfect. Could that be a result of his wife Audrey Wheeler Downing providing background vocals?
      The "Black Pearl" project offers ten songs that you can enjoy as you relax. Speaking of relaxing I asked Downing how his radio show "The Wind Down" was going. The show's play-list specializes in songs that relax the listeners.
"We are in 20 markets," He said.
      The "Black Pearl" album is produced by Will and features the assistance of Kirk Whalum on flute, Dwayne "Smitty" Smith on bass, Mike Logan and Chris "Big Dog" Davis on keyboards - just to name a few.
      "All the songs are originally done by Black women. They are diamonds and pearls," Will said when I asked why he named his project "Black Pearls". "A friend and I was talking about Phyllis Hyman, I use to open up for her and he use to work for her. We said ‘what's your favorite song?' We both liked the same song."
      That conversation sparked the idea in Will to do an album of cover songs of black female artists. Downing has been providing us with his soothing voice for 28 years via 19 albums. His last Shanachie Entertainment album release was titled "Chocolate Drops" in 2015 where he was joined by "Chris "Big Dog" Davis. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy and he credits and thanks the MDA for helping him deal with his condition by performing at their fundraisers.
      My favorite songs on the "Black Pearls" project includes the Angela Winbush hit "Your Smile" because he clearly brings the male touch to it with a coolness only Will Downing possess; the Brenda Russell (Oleta Adams) hit "Get Here" because I love the lead guitar support by Randy Bowland that gives it a Latin feel that Downing has no problem adjusting to; the Randy Crawford hit "Street Life" featuring Najee on sax because I love how it starts slow and transitions into a finger snapping and toe tapping selection with an ending that allows the musician's a solo (horns, keys) which they totally owned; the Jones Girls' "Nights Over Egypt" featuring Kirk Whalum on flute who brings that Egyptian sound and flavor with his skills all the way to the end helping to make this selection supreme; Deniece Williams' "Black Butterfly" because Will takes an anthem for Black people and made it a love song for all people, and "Don't Let It Go to Your Head," a Jean Carne hit, because Will Downing makes it cool and jazzy.
      Will's "Black Pearl" is truly an historical piece that will become a keep-sake for his fans and the fans of all the female legendary vocalists he honored. To learn more about "Black Pearls" or Will log onto www.Shanachie.com or www.WillDowning.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

July 22, 2016

Sax-Man Steve Cole Makes You Feel Good with ‘Turn It Up' Release

By Eunice Moseley

"I was actually talking to a friend of mine, we were listening to music in the car, and I said ‘turn the volume up.' So I wanted to make an album where you'd want to turn the music up," said saxophonist Steve Cole when I asked about the title to his eight album "Turn It Up" (Mack Avenue/Artistry Music), released July 15, 2016. I think Steve accomplished that. The first single off the album "Turn It Up" when released was the #1 added single on Billboard's BDS Chart.

I asked him if that meant he partied through the making of the whole album he said, "Some of it was. It was a process started with David Mann in New York. I get so inspired in New York hanging out in Manhattan, I love starting music there."

Steve Cole is a contemporary Jazz sax-man who is also part of a group of musicians called the Sax Pack with Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, Jackiem Joyner and Marcus Anderson. His friend he spoke about, David Mann produced the "Turn It Up" project for him. He has collaborated before with Mann on his sophomore album in 2000 titled "Between Us." The "Turn It Up" album also has assistance from Nicholas Cole on keyboards and James Lloyd (Pieces of a Dream) on piano.

"I want people too listen and feel good," Cole said sincerely. "People look for a good time...substance...when you feel music."

That's what Steve provides on this project, substance. My favorite selections on the "Turn It Up" album is the #2 title track and single "Turn It Up" a smooth Jazz sounding selection with enough Pop in it to make it a hand-clapping feel good song; #3 "Reverence" because Steve's horn talent gives you an uplifting feeling of triumph; #5 "Bright Side" not because that is how I try to see life in general but because it is another feel good song that provides a little Funk vibe of grandeur and I love the keyboard support by David Mann too - his fingers must have been flying: #8 "Laws of Attraction" because its such a powerful piece, and #9 "Workhouse" because it had me drumming on my table, so you know I was loving the beat. Steve Cole is on tour and you can hear some of the new album as he arrives in your town. He arrives in Long Beach, California August 14, 2016, San Antonio, Texas August 20th and Denver, CO September 16th - just to name a few.

Other musician on the project include Keith Fluitt (vocals), Lamar Jones (bass), Dan Levine (trombone), Trevor Neumann (trumpet), Khari Parker (drums), Ricky Peterson (Hammond B3) and Bernd Schoenhart (guitar) You can log onto www.MackAvenue.com or www.SteveColeMusic.com for more information on the "Turn It Up" album release or his concert appearances.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

July 29, 2016

Ellis Hall is Music Personified, a Talk with a Musical Genius

By Eunice Moseley

They say when one of your five natural senses are not working the others are amplified five times. I believe its true and its evidence in Ellis Hall, who is music - personified - as a five-octave vocalist and musician who plays keyboard, bass, electric guitar, acoustics and drums expertly even though he has been blind since he was 18 because of extreme congenital glaucoma. Recently Ellis Hall made a rare appearance in Los Angeles to perform at Herb Alpert's Vibrato Grill. Normally he is on his "Ellis Hall Presents: Ray, Motown and Beyond" tour of the symphony halls.

"We tour a lot and record a lot," Hall said. "Thank God for my wife/manager. The club scene is not what it used to be. Lots of clubs you have to pay to play."

So performing as a featured artist for such symphonies as Boston Pops Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Seattle Symphony and Hartford Symphony has kept him constantly on tour. Ellis is also a song writer and producer and has contributed to the soundtracks of such films as The Lion King 2, Shrek 2, Chicken Run, Invincible and Bruce Almighty. He has also dived into acting having appeared on Martin Lawrence's Big Momma's House and in the musical stage-plays such as "The Gospel at Colonus," where he was nominated for an Ovation Theater Award.

"I'm on the soundtrack of many lives. I am honored to be the vessel," Ellis said sincerely about his creative gifts.

His first professional recording was for Rock artist Paul Pena on Capital Records in 1971, he played bass. He played bass also for the Spinners. Hall went on to become opening act for Earth, Wind and Fire and the Temptations. In 2001 he met Ray Charles and impressed him so much that he signed Ellis Hall to his label CrossOver Records in 2002. It was Ray Charles that told him about the symphony circuit. After Ray's death Ellis went on to play with Pittsburgh Symphony with Marvin Hamlisch conducting. He was a lead vocalist for the band Tower of Power for three years and was even the voice of one of the California Raisins in that years' marketing campaign.

In September, 2016 he releases "Soul Unlimited" - conducted by Jeff Tyzik who gave Ellis the title "Ambassador of Soul." The album includes the cover of David Bowie's "Let's Dance" and George Harrison's "Something" featuring Billy Preston who Hall is a protege' of.

"I am all about uplifting. There is enough in the world for everyone," Ellis Hall said, concluded our interview. "Music has no boundaries. I tell folks it wasn't until I was 14 that I recognized what I was suppose to do. I was on corners at eight and nine years old singing. People started throwing things - it was money!"

Ellis Hall has a passion for Jazz but all genres, as with musical instruments, have his love and passion for music.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

August 5, 2016

Japanese Jazz Pianist Keiko Matsui releases ‘Journey to the Heart,' her 27th album

By Eunice Moseley

"For me my mission in my life's journey is to the heart. It has a double meaning...your heart and your inner self," said Soul Train Music Award nominated Japanese Jazz Pianist Keiko Matsui about the meaning to the title of her 27th August 5, 2016 album release "Journey to the Heart" (Shanachie Entertainment).

Matsui shares her time between her native country Japan and her U.S. home in Los Angeles, California. It was during a stay at Catalina Island in California where she crafted most of the melodies in "Journey to the Heart."

"My process of making albums is a little different," Keiko, who was in Tokyo at the time of the interview, informed me when asked about her recording process. "The melody is very important it takes a lot of time to perfect the melody."

This album release marks the 30th anniversary since her debut release in 1987 of "A Drop of Water." On the "Journey to the Heart" project Matsui enlist the assistance of Cuban musicians Carlos Del Puerto (bass) and Jimmy Branly Del Puerto (drums), Ramon Stagnero (guitar), Luis Quintero (percussionist), and Gregoire Mare (harmonica). They will be on her 2016 winter tour.

"I didn't really pay attention...it felt very natural," Keiko Matsui said when asked about the growth of her talent. "I started composing in elementary school. I'd get in a special place and I start composing melodies. I started taking lessons (at 5 years old) but never thought I would do it professionally. I just started recording music. What I want is to make the most beautiful music in the world."

The "Journey to the Heart" album includes such selections as "Blue Rose," "Moving On," "Carnival," "Butterfly," "Casablanca," "Havana Nights" and "New Beginnings."
When asked about the title which is so close to the title of my biographical book "Journey to Love" Keiko said, "The title came during the process of recording. In my music the hook is the heart so I wanted to use ‘in the heart.' Through the process of recording, talking to a producer I got the idea of ‘Journey to the heart" - the perfect title."

Matsui's 8th album release "Dream Walk" in 1996 stayed on top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart for over 15 months. Her 2001 album release "Deep Blue" stayed on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts for three consecutive weeks. Also a humanitarian Keiko has leant her talents to help many worthy causes such as breast cancer where her song "Say It, Fight It, Cure It" was featured on a Lifetime Network special on women battling cancer and the Susan G. Komen Foundation benefit where she performed with Olympic figure skaters. She helped save the trees when her 1998 album release "Full Moon and the Shrine" was accompanied by her PBS special "Keiko Matsui: Light Above the Trees" which earned her multi-National Smooth Jazz Award. She fights hunger, in 2004 the title track to her album "Wildflower" was used to support the United Nations World Food Program for its efforts in Africa. She supported marrow donating when she collaborated with Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M) performing in numerous concerts. Her mini-album "A Gift of Life" proceeds went to the National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation in support of A3M.

"Journey to the Heart" is yet another masterpiece of a project that I expect to do great things for the heart and for the world.

"My fans are waiting for me...to deliver the music...to deliver the concerts," Keiko said sincerely about her motivation to another record album. "For my fans I was continually always on a journey to the heart of my fans and to the heart of myself. The core of the creator is the heart...I get so excited."

You will get so excited too about the music and piano skills of Keiko Matsui when you hear "Journey to the Heart" I am sure. Learn more about Matsui by logging onto www.Shanachie.com or www.KeikoMatsui.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

August 12, 2016

Dave Hollister is Back with ‘The Manuscript' Project August 19, 2016 Featuring Angie Stone, Led by First Single ‘Definition of a Woman'

By Eunice Moseley

"He said, ‘that's not you. We got to bring you back'," said Dave Hollister (Blackstreet) about the birth process of his August 19, 2016 album release "The Manuscript" (Shanachie Entertainment).

Hollister's relatives include of K-Ci & JoJo, Fantasia and Calvin Richardson so you can understand how his vocals helped him become a household name even though he is a member of one of the best Hip-Hop/R&B groups of all time - Blackstreet. The Teddy Riley created group made musical history in a three year span becoming a platinum selling force. Dave branched off releasing eight solo projects; "The Manuscript" is his ninth. The singer/songwriter was born a day after me on August 17th so this project must truly be special. The first single release "Definition of a Woman" has actress LisaRaye starring in the music video, reminiscent of six-time Grammy winning SisQo's (Dru Hill) "Incomplete" video that stars the "Single Ladies" actress.

"My manager he said, 'let's go...its time'," Dave said when asked about his motivation to create a new project. When I asked what we can expect on the album, because his past projects have been about love, he said, "It's been relationship driven. This one is more about love. That is what we been missing. It's been ‘relationSEX'...the relationSHIP is missing."

The Chicago native is also Preacher Hollister so you know this project will be very inspiring. The first single "Definition of a Woman" is produced by Walter W. Millsap III (Beyonce', Alicia Keys Jennifer Lopez). Also featured in "The Manuscript" project is Angie Stone.

"I am not singing somebody else's story. I can only feel my story," Hollister pointed out when I noted what a soulful singer he is. "I hope people listen and say this is real, Dave is back."

"The Manuscript" is a Conjunction Entertainment and Top Notch Music project and it arrives August 19, 2016. Learn more at www.Shanachie.com or follow Dave on Facebook (Dave_Hollister).

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

August 19, 2016

Ben-Hur's Epic Story Honored Well in the Paramount/MGM Presentation

By Eunice Moseley

The epic story of Judah Ben-Hur is honored well in the Paramount/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures presentation of Ben-Hur arriving in theaters August 19, 2016. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch) Ben- Hur stars Jack Huston (Spartacus) as Judah Ben-Hur a prince accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala played by Toby Kebbell (Wrath of the Titans) an officer in the Roman army. This is the retelling of the epic 1880 novel by Lew Wallace titled "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ."

The blockbuster saga of Ben-Hur was told in 1959 and starred Charleston Heston as Judah. The current tale of Ben-Hur, shot in Rome, takes place years before the 1959 adaptation of the novel but is just as masterful. In this version Ben-Hur is stripped of his title, separated from his family and the love of his life Esther played by Nazanin Boniadi ("Homeland") and forced into slavery for crimes he did not commit. He is forced to work on a Roman warship as faith smiles on Ben-Hur time and time again saving his life. Through a series of events he ends up at the camp of African Sheik Ilderim played by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby, Invictus), who races chariots in the Roman arena. The African Sheik sees his talent for horse racing and makes a deal with Ben-Hur to win his freedom by winning the next Roman chariot race - against his adopted brother Messala.

Aimed at winning his freedom from Rome and seeking revenge from his brother Messala who is also competing in the chariot race, Ben-Hur instead through meeting Jesus Christ played by Rodrigo Santoro (The 33) found the spirit of forgiveness instead. The chariot race is only one of the most astonishing scenes in the epic film which is filled with them.

Ben-Hur also stars Ayelet Zurer (The Da Vinci Code) as Naomi - Judah's mother; Sofia Black D'Elia ("Criminal Justice") as Tirzah his sister; Pilou Asbaek (Despicable Me 2) as Pontius Pilate and Moises Arias (Worlds Apart) as Gestas. Written by John Ridley and Keith Clarke Ben-Hur is executive produced by Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, Keith Clarke, John Ridley and Jason F. Brown. Produces include Mark Burnett, Sean Daniel, Duncan Henderson and Joni Levin. Screened in 2D, 3D, 3D Real and Digital 3D Ben-Hur is a Bazelevs, Lightworkers Media, and Sean Daniel production. You can watch the trailer or learn more about Ben-Hur by logging onto www.BenHurMovie.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

August 26, 2016

Hands of Stone, the Rise of WBC Welterweight Roberto Duran, is Life Inspiring

By Eunice Moseley

When there are no barriers placed on a child's mind, all things are possible. The Weinstein Company presentation of Hands of Stone, based on the rise of Roberto Duran as the WBC Welterweight champion of the world, is life inspiring and a prime example of how far the "human will" can take a person. Emmy nominated Edgar Ramirez (Zero Dark Thirty) stars as Roberto Duran, Usher Raymond (Texas Rangers) plays Sugar Ray Leonard who held the WBC Welterweight title and Academy Award winner Robert De Niro (The Good Shepherd) plays legendary boxing trainer Ray Arcel. Hands of Stone arrives in theaters August 26, 2016.

Hands of Stone will take you on an amazing journey of a young boy who survived on the streets of Panama with his fists. His street suave and fighting skills along with his persistent desire to find a boxing trainer who could help him take his winning streak on the streets into the boxing ring where the money was guaranteed his success. Roberto Duran (Ramirez) had a persistent and an undefeated reputation that paid off for him when he received the support of the man who helped make boxing an official world sport, trainer Ray Arcel (De Niro) who taught 18 world champions.

Rated- R the Hands of Stone peaks during his infamous 1989 show-down with Sugar Ray Leonard. I remember the fight well. It seemed everyone in the world watched that fight to see if an undefeated 29 year-old boxer from the streets of Panama could take the WBC Welterweight belt from the charismatic and very skillful American boxer Sugar Ray Leonard (Raymond). He did take it in a very close full round competition. His triumph became the triumph of his people and his defeat, that same year in a rematch, was their defeat. Duran would go on to box professionally his entire career retiring in 2002 at the age of 50.

Directed and written by Jonathan Jakubowicz Hands of Stone shows all the different personalities that influenced him, the personal and career choices that fueled him and the historical events that gave him a permanent place in history's time-line delivered in a beautifully constructed masterpiece. Those that are not boxing fans can now appreciate the creativity of the sport of boxing, understand the trails and tribulations of the lifestyle that comes with the pentacle of success he achieved and applaud at the end for how Duran handled it. Hands of Stone, though historical in events that are well known, has many surprises courtesy of some scenes and particulars that came out in the film that are life inspiring.

Jay Weisleder, Carlos Garcia de Paredes, Claudine Jakubowicz and Jonathan Jakubowicz are the films' producers. Based on a book by Christian Giudice Hands of Stone also stars Reg. E. Cathey (The Machinist) as Don King; Ruben Blades (Predator 2) as promoter Carlos Eleta; Ana de Armas as Felicidad Iglesias (Duran's wife); Jurnee Smollett-Bell ("True Blood") as Juanita Leonard (Leonard's wife); Golden Globe nominated Ellen Barkin (Ocean's Thirteen) as Stephanie Arcel, and Emmy winning John Turturro (Transformers) as Frankie Carbo the mafia owned boxing promoter. Arriving in theaters August 26, 2016 Hands of Stone is a Fuego Films, Vertical Media, Epicentral Studios ad Panama Film Commission production.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

Septembert 2, 2016

The Light Between Oceans, an Epic Tale of the Healing Power of Love

By Eunice Moseley

The Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture presentation of The Light Between Oceans is an epic tale of the healing and everlasting power of love. Based on the novel by M. L. Stedman, The Light Between Oceans arrives in theaters September 2, 2016. It stars Academy Award nominated Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave) as Thomas "Tom" Sherbourne and Academy Award winning Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl) as Isabel Graysmark. Rated PG-13 The Light Between Oceans takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, at least it took me. Especially when I realized the main characters had my recently found ancestors' names Thomas and Isabel.

The Light Between Oceans is about an Australian World War II veteran (I am a Navy veteran) who survived the war but left his heart and emotions on the battle field. He takes an isolated job as a Lighthouse Keeper (yes, I have a lighthouse) to try and leave the sounds of the battlefield behind. Upon arriving to the windy ocean side town Tom (Fassbender) meets the full of life Isabel Graysmark (Vikander) whose personality starts to bring light to his numb heart - gradually bringing it back to life. Their love for each other and love for life takes them on a joyful and tragic life journey that tests their bond as another couple nearby, Hannah Roennfeldt played by Academy Award winning Rachel Weisz (The Whistle Blower) and Frank Roennfeldt played by Leon Ford (All Saints), find love, then joy and then tragedy too. The two couples' lives meet as Hannah becomes a widower with a baby seemingly lost at the same time the Sherbourne's loose their second baby to stillborn death. What happens next shows how God can use the tragedies of their lives to bless them both and is the height of the film that left my face totally wet with tears - of joy.

The Light Between Oceans is produced by David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford. It's directed and screenplay written by Derek Cianfrance. The romantic period piece also stars Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, Caren Pistorius, Florence Clery, Anthony Hayes and Emily Barclay. The Light Between Oceans is a DreamWorks Picture, Reliance Entertainment, Participant Media, Heyday Films production. www.LightsBetweenOceansMovie.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

September 9, 2016

Bob Baldwin Makes a Big Statement with ‘The Brazilian-American Soundtrack'

By Eunice Moseley

"I wanted to make one big statement," said Grammy nominated keyboardist Bob Baldwin about his newest musical release "The Brazilian-American Soundtrack" (City Sketches/Red River Entertainment) a two-disk project. "I was flowing pretty hard. I could have easily released the second next year...the first is a spin off of an album I did in 2004."

Baldwin labels disk one "Movement I: Rio-Ipanema" and disk two as "Movement II: New York". One offers 14 selections and the second 12. There is a long list of featured artists which include Café' De Silva (percussion), Porter Carroll II (vocalist), Zoiea Ohizep (vocalist), Gabriel Mark Hasselbach (trumpeter) and Leo Gandelman (sax). The album is executive produced by the Urban Jazz keyboardist.
Bob received his love for Brazilian music through his father who played it in the 60s.

"I was just 5 or 6 years-old. The delivery was in a different way, the flow...harmonic," he said about the culture's music. "Over the years I gravitated towards that sound. I studied it ... and it grew."

It grew into a genre I have never heard of but I will define this project as Urban Brazilian Jazz. My favorite cuts on the project include (disk one) #1 "Funky Rio" for its unique beginning with what sounds like bongos and I was surprised by the pleasing sound of Bob Baldwin's vocals; #3 "Tear Drop" featuring Ragan Whiteside (flute) because Baldwin's finger must have been moving rapidly on the keys evoking that Brazilian feel and I loved the flute support; #4 "Caiperinha/The Redeemer" featuring Torcuato Mariano (guitar) because of the unique mixture with Bob's keys have with the guitar - they did a beautiful dance together, and #8 "Lookin' at Me" featuring vocalist GiGi because Baldwin let his keys carry her sweet vocals creating an even sweeter melody. On disk two my favorites include #3 "My Soul" featuring Marion Meadows (sax) I love the play on the keys making it sound almost magical; #5 "Summer Madness" featuring James "Crab" Robinson (vocals) for the way Bob's fingers must have been flipping and turning taking me back to a time when I would sit on the front steps and watch the neighborhood live with people having fun and making money; #6 "Yesterday" a cover of the hit song of The Beatles featuring Freddy V (sax) because I love how he changed it from a British Pop song to American Urban Jazz selection, and #10 "State of Mind" for evoking a feeling of peace in me through its Smooth Jazz delivery.
"Music is the Universal language," Bob concluded. "Different...same page."

For more information on the Bob Baldwin "The Brazilian-American Soundtrack" two-disk release log onto www.BobBaldwin.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

Setepmber 16, 2016

Grammy Nominated Rev. Luther Barnes is Passionate About ‘The Favor of God'

By Eunice Moseley

"You still have to live the life," said Grammy Award nominated Rev. Luther Barnes about the content of his newest album release featuring his Restoration Worship Center Choir titled "The Favor of God." "Be thankful...God has been good...try to give it back to him (in praise)."

Worship and Praise is what Rev. Barnes' new project is all about. The first single "God's Grace" reached Billboard Gospel's Top 20 Charts proof that positive and inspiring content is in demand. Barnes, the son of Bishop F. C. Barnes who wrote the Gospel standard "Rough Side of the Mountain," answered the "call" to music ministry at a young age as a member of his father's church. He has accumulated 28 album releases since then and garnered a Grammy Award nomination and Stellar, Vision and GWMA Excellence Award wins.

"Back in the early 80s I started recording in Atlanta. We put out an album every year," Rev. Barnes pointed out about his career in Gospel music.

Rev. Luther Barnes started his own church just recently, the Restoration Worship Center in Rocky Mount, NC which currently has over 250 members. His choir is featured on the new album "The Favor of God" - a 27 member choir.

"I have my flock I have to minister to...and the world," Barnes said when asked if his message was the same to both. "I have to go beyond (his church)...try to speak as a singer about things we go through. The bases of the album is to thank God for slowing me down...making me wait. Even though you got problems it's about praising God. We all go through that just give God praise...don't let it get personal."

The musicians on the album are from Rev. Luther Barnes church as well and are exquisite. My favorite selections on "The Favor of God" project include #1 "One More Time," featuring the vocals of Barns and daughter Bonita Greene a member of the Restoration Worship Center Choir, because it is an inspiring Praise & Worship song; #2 "God's Grace," the first single off the album, because Rev. Barnes delivers passionate vocals layered with that old-school Gospel feel with superb support by the choir; #3 "Old Saints Praise," featuring the vocals of Bonita Greene, because of the horn support by Lloyd Barry which had me envisioning myself marching down the street into victory; #5 "Feel the Fire," featuring the vocals of Lisa Wilson, because it is a sweet selection of the love of God and I adored the ending with her singing in a cappella; #6 "Jesus Is a Friend," featuring the vocals of Portia Thorton also a member of the Restoration Worship Center Choir, because of her passionate eloquent vocal delivery and I love the support of what sounds like violins, and #9 "You're My God" because Rev. Barnes' vocals make you feel the depth of his love of God.

Rev. Luther Barnes' career has had him in the studio or performing with such Gospel greats as Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, John P. Kee and The Mighty Clouds of Joy. Learn more about "The Favor of God" album release on SRT Entertainment/Shanachie Entertainment at http://www.Shanachie.comor www.LutherBarnes.us.

The Los Angeles 2016 Merge Summit Takes Over The Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles and the Millennium Biltmore Hotel literally pulled out the red carpet for the 2016 Merge Summit held recently to inspire synergy and provide priceless bits of information, experiences and advice from some of the entertainment and faith based industry leaders.

"Be brave enough to pull out the weeds," advised legendary artist manager Suzanne De Passe credited for the success of The Jackson Five at Motown.

I came especially for her "Conversation" session because our paths had cross a couple times in her career and the "Casting Director" session with casting agent Robi Reed who I worked with as a journalist before her move to head BET Network's casting division. The wait was long and just as I had to leave both ladies entered and spoke on the same panel.

When someone of Suzanne De Passes' statue and success gives advice it stops you in your tracks or it should - at least for a while. Sometimes advice, even when paid for and proven correct is rejected, but De Passe came on the stage on point with her advice. First she commented on being asked if she was "still" working in the entertainment industry because she was 70 years old - a good looking and vibrant 70 too. I could tell that bothered her. I get that comment as well because I have been a journalist for over 30 years and a public relations and business consultant for 23 years, but I brush it off because one thing you do not loose is your time and experience in your career. Robi Reed took advantage of the opportunity of being on stage with the legendary manager unexpectedly and asked about casting her projects. You see the Merge Summit is about gaining knowledge and taking advantage of opportunities.

That is the essence of the Merge Summit to provide opportunities to network and learn. If that was the goal of the two day event, then it was a success from what I could see of the eager and hunger-for-advice attendees.

Other sessions included DeVon Franklin, Sallie Richardson-Whitfield, LisaRaye and Meagan Good. A concert was offered as well featuring Kierra Sheard. The Merge Summit seeks to integrate faith and entertainment in a series of exclusive events that education, inspired, empower and provide opportunities. You can learn more about the series of Merge Summit events by logging onto www.TheMergeSummit.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

September 23, 2016

The Return of Authentic Western Films with Fuqua's Magnificent Seven

By Eunice Moseley

   I love Westerns and hoped that the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Columbia Picture presentation of Magnificent Seven was real enough for me to enjoy. The Antoine Fuqua directed Magnificent Seven marks the return of authentic Western films. Based on the remake of the 1960 film, Fuqua's Magnificent Seven stars Academy Award winner Denzel Washington as Sam Chisolm a Bounty Hunter hired to save a town called Rose from the heartless industrialist Bartholomew played by Peter Sarsgaard (The Center of the World) who is draining the town of its people's lives and resources. Magnificent Seven arrives in theaters (IMAX, 2D, 3D included) September 23, 2016.
    Sam (Washington) is hired by Emma Culler played by Haley Bennett (The Equalizer) whose husband Matthew Cullen, played by Emmy Award winner Matt Borner (The Normal Heart), was murder by Bartholomew (Sarsgaard) for trying to protect a ruthless beating of a town member. Emma and townsmen Teddy Q played by Luke Grimes (American Sniper) collect all what the town had to give in money and offered it for protection. Bounty Hunter Chisolm enlists the help of some skillful, ruthless but kind hearted misfits to accompany him - Josh Furraday played by Christ Pratt (Jurassic World), Goodnight Robicheaux the sharp shooter played by Academy Award winner Ethan Hawk (Total Recall), Jack Home a tracker played by Vincent D'Onofrio (Men in Black), Billy Rock as knife wheeling expert played by Byung-Hun Lee (Terminator Genisys), Vasquez a Mexican Outlaw on Sam's Bounty Hunter's list played by Manuel Gracia-Rulfo and Red Harvest a Comanche Warrior played by Martin Sensmeier. The odds are against them but their skills, the help of the towns' people and prayer gives the film an unexpected ending that will have you too cheering (and crying) at the end.
    The sound, sight and feel of Magnificent Seven give you that authentic, out of the studio, backdrop that makes it authentic. Mix that with IMAX, 2D and 3D and you have another iconic film to represent the seven, who first appeared in a 1954 Japanese film titled Seven Samurai. Magnificent Seven is produced by Roger Binbaum and Todd Black, and it also stars Jonathan Joss, Sean Bridgers, Billy Slaughter, Cam Gigandet and Vinnie Jones. Magnificent Seven, Rated PG-13, is a LStar Capital, Village Roadshow Picture, Pin High Production, Escape Artists production.

Warner Bros' Storks Takes You on a Delightful Road Trip Back Home
     The Warner Bros. Picture's animation Storks takes you on a delightful road trip back home with Andy Samberg (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) as the voice of Junior the dutiful stork up for promotion and Katie Crown as the voice of the open hearted optimistic orphaned human Tulip. Storks is Rated PG and arrives in IMAX, 2D and 3D theaters September 23, 2016.
     An undelivered baby named Tulip ages out at 18 and must leave the stork factory called Cornerstone on Stork Mountain which no longer delivers babies but parcels. Instead she is placed by herself in the old baby making factory. When Tulip receives one lonely letter from a young boy named Nate, voiced by Anton Starkman pretending to be his parents who asks for a baby boy with a Ninja kick, she excitedly submits the letter unknowingly creating an unauthorized baby. Stork Junior, who put her in the factory alone, is afraid his boss will find out so he takes Tulip and the baby, whom they name Diamond, on an adventurous road trip to Nate Gardner's home with his parents Sarah Gardner voiced by Jennifer Aniston (Horrible Bosses) and Henry Gardner voiced by Ty Burrell (Finding Dory). His parents, to please Nate, are preparing the roof of their house for the Storks' arrival.
    Of course the trip has its frightful, precious, funny and awe inspiring moments that take you on a journey that will end either with you crying or clapping in excitement - you decide when you see. The Warner Bros. Animation Group project also stars the voices of Kelsy Grammar (Toy Story 2) as the Cornerstone factory Boss about to retire and is looking at Junior as a replacement, comedians Keegan-Michael Key ("Key & Peele") and Jordan Peele ("Key & Peele") as the Alpha and Beta wolves who start out wanting to eat the baby and end up wanting to adopt her, and Danny Trejo (The Book of Life) as Jasper the giant stork who did not deliver Tulip as a baby who has been stalking her every since. Nicholas Stoller (Neighbors) and Oscar nominated Doug Sweetland (Cars) directs the comedic adventure film with Stoller as writer. Stoller also produced the animation with Brad Lewis (Antz). Executive producers of the 3D computer animated film include Glenn Ficarra, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and John Requa. Storks is a Warner Animation Group, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Stoller Global Solutions production. You can log onto www.StorksMovie.com for more information or to watch the trailer.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

September 30, 2016

Deepwater Horizon Starring Mark Whalberg Depicts Courage Taking Over

By Eunice Moseley

Academy Award nominated Mark Wahlberg (Planet of the Apes) stars in the Summit Entertainment presentation of Deepwater Horizon, based on the 2010 BP oil rig explosion, arrives in theaters September 30, 2016. Deepwater Horizon shows what happens in crisis when courage takes over. Directed by Peter Berg Deepwater Horizon also stars Emmy nominated Kurt Russell (Furious 7); Academy Award nominated John Malkovich (Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon); Academy Award nominated Kate Hudson (Kung Fu Panda 3); Golden Globe winner Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin), and MTV Movie Award winner Dylan O'Brien (The Maze Runner).

The dramatic disaster thriller tells of the final hours of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill as worker Mike Williams (Wahlberg) says goodbye to his wife Felicia Williams (Hudson). His job is to build or repair the rig. When Mike finds out that the executive boss Donald Vidrine played by Malovich (Conair) missed inspections to save a hundred thousand dollars for a multi-billion dollar company he enlist his immediate supervisor Jimmy Harrell played by Russell (Fast 8) who decides to test the rig. The test indicates that the numbers are not matching - not a good sign. While the tests continue Mike goes to his room to call his wife and Jimmy takes a shower. Vidrine (Malovich) pressures worker Jason Anderson played by Ethan Suplee ("Boy Meets World") to note that the rig was in good condition so they could continue because they were behind schedule. Just as they start to drill disaster strikes and heroes are made.

Deepwater Horizon also brings in the human side to the disaster showing the personal lives of some of the over 120 men and women such as Andrea Fleytas played by Rodriguez ("The Bold and the Beautiful") who navigates the rig; Caleb Holloway played by O'Brien (The Hunger Games) who was working on the first rig that brokel Shane Roshto played by Henry Frost (Roots), and Adam Weise played by Jeremy Sande (Universal Soldier) that works on the rig for three weeks at a time. It also tells the event in a way anyone can understand how oil rigs work and as a result walk away with respect for the job and its workers.

Written by Matthew Sand and Matthew Michael Carnahan, Deepwater Horizon is Rated - PG. Deepwater Horizon is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and David Womark. You can log onto www.DeepWaterHorizon.Movie.com to watch the trailer or for more information.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference featuring panelist Entertainment Counsel Paul W. Gardner (www.TheGardnerLawGroup.com) and Celebrity Stylist Jeneanne Collins (Rebellious Beauty) and www.EURweb.com publisher Lee 'The Voice' Bailey arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

October 7, 2016

Vernon Neilly's New Album ‘Outta Time' is the Fire of Jazz Meeting the Chill of Hip-Hop

By Eunice Moseley

Born in the Philippines, raise in the Bahamas and the United States makes Jazz guitarist Vernon Neilly literally a man of the world and on his latest project "Outta Time" (Boosweet Records) it is evident as you hear the Fire of Jazz meeting the chill of Hip-Hop that he is worthy of an audience of over 100 million. Fluent in the Latin language Neilly is a world traveler because of the demand for his guitar skill, but this eight song project will leave you full. It features 15 musicians and vocalists.

"I've played with many many people," said award winning Jazz guitarist Vernon Neilly about his long career in the music business that have included playing for and with such great artists as Ella James, George Clinton, The Temptations, The Dramatics, Warren G, Howard Hewitt and Teena Marie. "They were called ‘the vehicles'..."

Neilly means they helped him make it in the business by using his skills. Neilly also rides the actor vehicle appearing in such movie projects as Along Came Polly, Starsky & Hutch, Walk Hard and television series such as "One on One" and "Girlfriends." Overseas Vernon has much more popularity then here in the states. As a celebrity musician he has performed on the Brazilian version of "The Tonight Show" before a viewing audience of over 100 million after the release of this last project. The crowds there were clawing at him as if he was Jimi Hendrix back from paradise. In fact Vernon covers a Jimi Hendrix hit song titled "Fire," featuring Vernon and lead guitarist Greg Howe (Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake), which is one of my favorite selections on the "Outta Time" project. The vocals on "Fire" are reminiscent of Prince.

"The single ‘Outta Time' features my son Khalif you've met him, it debuted on Billboard Charts (on August 29, 2016) at #6 on Hot Singles," he said about the album's release. "He is my youngest son... he help me write the lyrics to the first two songs. One of them is the one on the Billboard Chart. He's 20 years. He got an artist he is producing coming out before the end of the year."

Vernon's son Khalif Neilly is a Hip-Hop lyricist who also appears on the "They Don't Care" selection.

"I'm fortunate and blessed," Neilly said when we talked about his long career. "(But) There is not enough of reaching back in our community. My parents and grandparents taught me knowledge is power, just like you said E. You have to learn the system to know how to maneuver in it. That is what's missing for our youth....access. Not enough people do what you do (giving exposure) at the level that could make a difference."

The long list of musicians and vocalists on this "Outta Time" project shows Vernon is a man that has reached back. I know because he has reached back fro me by participating and sponsoring my community event, "Uplifting Minds II", for half of the 17 years I've held it in Los Angeles, Houston and Atlanta.
"Outta Time" is released like all his award winning projects "G-Fire I," G-Fire II," from his own label, Boosweet Records, started in 1999 and headquartered in Los Angeles.

"I do it this way (independently) because that's my only option," he admitted. "This is my fifth project. I have been working on it for a few years...because of the people I wanted to record on the project - they had busy schedules...so it took a little while."

The wait was worth it just because of my favorites on the project make it worth the purchase, those selections include #4 "Get Yo' Lyfe Rite," featuring Vernon and Victor Johnson, because of those crazy guitar skills reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix transitioning to a Prince flavored feel and then at the end making the guitar cry; #6 "Nassau Nights", featuring Vernon, Frank Gambale and Cacau Santos, because I love that Brazilian or Latin feel and #7 "Metta Funk Trip", featuring Vernon and Kiko Lourirro, because of that futurist electronic sound - I can't make out if it's a guitar or keyboard or both sounding the same.
"Outta Time" is executive produced by Neilly and Rosalie Mayers and also features such artists as Mattias Eklundh, Bill Hudson, Jennifer Batten, Juan Belson, and Charles Glen. Also a producer Vernon has worked with Seymour Duncan (guitar manufacturer).

Vernon's first job was as a radio personality on the #1 station in South Florida on WEDR 99 Jamz. He went on to record and tour with Johnny "Guitar" Watson. His last album was "A Tribute to Stevie Wonder" featuring the skills of Greg Howe. Log onto www.VernonNeilly.com to learn more about his newest album release "Outta Time" or for performance dates.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference featuring panelist Entertainment Counsel Paul W. Gardner (www.TheGardnerLawGroup.com) and Celebrity Stylist Jeneanne Collins (Rebellious Beauty) and www.EURweb.com publisher Lee 'The Voice' Bailey arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

October 14, 2016

Bishop J. Drew Sheard Goes Epic with ‘GEI LIVE' New Album Release

By Eunice Moseley

"The one thing that was absolutely epic...the single with Kierra. We had the kids' choir...come down the isles, then they were joined by the teen's choir and they were joined by the adult choir. It was fantastic to see that," said Bishop J. Drew Sheard about the live recording "GEI Live" released from his label Karew Records, which he owns with his Grammy Award winning wife Karen Clark Sheard who is also the First Lady of his church Greater Emanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.). "On the single one of the choir members is a rapper he did his rap piece. It was phenomenal."

The single Bishop Sheard is talking about featuring his daughter Grammy Award nominated Kierra Sheard is titled "Hang On." The album was record live before a full house in Detroit. It also features The Clark Sisters, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole and Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark.

"God gives us gifts. Those gifts have to be nurtured," said the Bishop when I mentioned that everyone in his family is outstanding artists. "It is up to us to nurture so he can get the glory. It has been a blessing. My house when the kids were home...was booming with music. That was my house...everyone blasting music, no one could hear."

Bishop J. Dew Sheard is the featured vocalist on the "Press On" selection. Karen Clark Sheard is feature on the track "I Owe Your Praise." Dorinda Clark Cole is featured on "I'm In His Arms" and Twinkie Clark takes the lead on "I'm Delivered." The "GEI Live" project is produced by the Bishop's son J. Drew Sheard II who is the featured artist on the track "My God is Real" and The Clark Sisters are the featured vocalists on "Look to the Hills."

Log onto www.GEICOGIC.org for more information about the "GEI Live" (Karew Records) album release by Bishop J. Drew Sheard.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference featuring panelist Entertainment Counsel Paul W. Gardner (www.TheGardnerLawGroup.com) and Celebrity Stylist Jeneanne Collins (Rebellious Beauty) and www.EURweb.com publisher Lee 'The Voice' Bailey arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

October 21, 2016

Jim Brickman Brings Soothing Holiday Comfort and Joy with New Album and Tour

By Eunice Moseley

"Everything becomes intuitive when I put my hands on the keys," said six-time platinum selling Jazz pianist Jim Brickman about his process of playing. "It evolves."

Brickman is evolving with his new album release titled "Soothe for Sleep" full of beautiful symphonic sounding selections lead by Jim Brickman's exquisite style of piano playing. In the background vocals by Kathy Phillips is echoing visuals of what ever you feel Heaven is.

"Over the years you get the opportunity to play more and more music...people know," Jim said about his upcoming Holiday "Comfort and Joy" Tour. "I'm singing more. I got Kris Allen from ‘American Idol' on the tour."

The Jim Brickman "Comfort and Joy" 2016 Holiday Tour kicks off on November 25, 2016 in Peekskill, NY and ends 28 event dates later on December 31, 2016 in Phoenix, AZ. "Soothe for Sleep" is his 21st album and it debuted at #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart.
When I asked the veteran pianist about his influence on up and coming pianist, which I can clearly hear, he said simply, "It's pretty incredible..."

The "Smoothe for Sleep" album is pretty incredible too because through it Jim brings soothing, along with comfort and joy, to the Holidays this season - a great gift for those you love. My favorite cuts on the album include #1 "Setting Sun" because of the sweet angelic sound that creates a masterpiece that provokes visions of twinkling stars; #3 "Exhale" because I love the support of the flute that projects images of Native Americans living peacefully in their natural setting; #4 "Slumber Deep" which made me envision ballet dancers performing so beautifully it brought tears to my eyes; #5 "Serenity" because it puts you in a peaceful state of serenity that deepens with each key Jim Brickman plays; #9 "Gently Drifting" because of the ending it sounds like you are "drifting away" literally, and #11 "Hush" for it sounds just like a sweet lullaby.

You can learn more about the Jim Brickman new album release "Soothe for Sleep" and about his "Comfort and Joy" Holiday Tour by logging onto www.JimBrickman.com.

Anna Danes Will Help You Find Your Wings with Sophomore Jazz Album Release, ‘Find Your Wings' Jazz singer Anna Danes brings the "old blue eyes" era back with her sophomore Jazz album release "Find Your Wings" (DLG Recordings). Offering 12 selections that show her soft and laid back vocal style. Born in Poland and settled in Canada Anna released her debit Jazz album "Longing" in 2013. Also an author and producer (Jazz Divas) Danes recorded the "Find Your Wings" project at the Capital Records' studio and it is produced by Dave Darling (Motley Crue).
"This is my second album. I never knew I had one (a voice)," said Anna Danes when questioned about her career as a Jazz vocalist. "It is like looking in the mirror for the first time, hearing your tone...it's hard to describe."

My favorite songs on the "Find Your Wings" album include the title track #5 "Find Your Wings," which she co-wrote, for being such a sweet uplifting selection of hope, #2 "I Will Wait for You," a Michel Legrand cover, because it makes me want to do the Cha-Cha - one of my favorite dances and #3 "It's Crazy," a Sammy Cahn cover, because the sound is reminiscent of the Frank Sinatra era.

"I want my voice to float in the background," Anna pointed out. "I like to tell a story, like Sinatra...from the heart."

You can hear that sentiment in her vocal delivery. Find out more about Anna Danes, her sophomore album release "Find Your Wings," and her up coming performance by logging onto www.AnnaDames.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Sat October 22, 2016 the "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference featuring panelist Entertainment Counsel Paul W. Gardner (www.TheGardnerLawGroup.com) and Celebrity Stylist Jeneanne Collins (Rebellious Beauty) and www.EURweb.com publisher Lee 'The Voice' Bailey arrives at the Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, CA. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.)

October 28, 2016

Fred Hammond Inspires Again with ‘Worship Journal Live' New Album Release

By Eunice Moseley

"This is not just a Gospel concert,' said Grammy Award winning Fred Hammond about his "Festival of Praise" 2016 Concert Tour. It coincides with the release of his new album "Worship Journal Live" (RCA Inspiration) with a lineup that includes Hezekiah Walker, Israel Houghton, Regina Belle, Karen Clark Sheard, Casey J and comedian Earthquake. "This is not just a shout ‘til your wig fall off,' this is a Gospel/Comedy event of the decade...its interactive. I have never seen a Gospel concert do this...visually stunning."

Hammond's attempt to reach a wider audience by combining music of seasoned iconic Gospel artists with a living legend R&B/Gospel artist and a Contemporary Gospel artist with a seasoned comedian is going to be like a cherry on a delicious looking cake. I've suggested mixing audiences to artists all the time when they're trying to get a following because the idea makes since to me and Hammond has done it masterfully. I saw R&B group Dru Hill mix audiences with a Rock slant to one of their songs.

Fred's new project, "Worship Journal Live," was recorded in Houston and his "Festival of Praise" tour launched in October in Seattle, WA. I know why he calls it a "Festival" because what an experience it must be to attend the joining of such diverse talent. The album's first single "Father Jesus Spirit" title invokes visions of the Holy Trinity and it's one of twelve selections on the live album. This is Fred Hammond's first live project in almost 20 years.

"It's the first live one in 19 years," Fred pointed out. "I prefer the studio," he said when I asked if he liked live albums as I do as oppose to studio recorded albums. "I can get more creative."

Fred Hammond is also known for uplifting and assisting other artists. He is noted for helping to nurture the careers of a long list of artists.
"It goes back to Derrick Brinkley in the 80's," Hammond said when I complimented him for reaching back. "...Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton, Dawkins and Dawkins. I believe in sewing, in giving back. It's about sharing."

Derrick Brinkley is a Grammy nominated Gospel artist and Pastor. Marvin Sapp also a pastor is a multi-Stellar Award winner and was a member of Commissioned - a group Hammond co-founded. Fred began as bass player for The Winans and by 1985 he was a member of Commissioned. He also performed with Radicals for Christ and as a producer and songwriter he has worked with artists such as Chante' Moore, Kenny Lattimore and Sean Combs.

"Just one of those things...Radicals for Christ really was my solo afford," Fred said when I asked about him leaving Commissioned for a solo career. "In Commissioned I was one of six with opinions. When we started going in different directions I knew it was time to go solo."

Fred Hammond goes on to garner 11 Grammy, 23 Stellar and six Dove Award nominations. He won a Grammy, four Stellar and six Dove Awards. He has released 13 Billboard Chart topping albums and 28 albums total.

You can learn more about Hammond new project "Worship Journal Live" and his "Festival of Praise" Tour by logging onto www.RealFredHammond.com.

Anastasia Lee's Music Industry Blueprint Preps for Debut Operatic Classical Crossover Album Anastasia Lee is true to her name a princess of the Opera. Her Operatic vocals do not match her child like image, her sound is so deep and mature you would have to question if she was lip-syncing. But yes, this mature deep operatic vocal talent is truly who Anastasia Lee is. Her talent for singing Pop songs with a classical delivery has built her a large following. She formed a group and each member's outstanding achievements have amassed a following as well that has resulted in a donated of $25,000 to their GoFundMe accounts for their debut album of Classical Crossover music. Anastasia Lee will be joined by friends Tatiana Marie and Agne - they form the group Music Industry Blueprint.

"My parents brought the Fathom of the Opera, its classical crossover...that's taking any song from any genre and putting a classical spin to it," said Anastasia when we talked about where her love of opera came from and what exactly is Classical Crossover. "I just sang to it. My mom came upstairs I was singing in Italian."

Yes Anastasia can sing in other languages too that include Russian, Hebrew, French, Spanish, Latin, Portuguese and Czech.

"I am taught the songs in that language," she added. "But I study Spanish, Latin and Russian. Russian is more fun to speak."

Lee hopes to enlighten everyone on Classical Crossover - singing any genre and making it Classical or singing it operatically. She noted artists who sing in this fashion as IL Divo, Michael Buble', Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. Anastasia was at a Josh Groban concert when she was called on stage at the tender age of 14 to sing.

Music Industry Blueprint is mentored by Rick Barker, former manager of Taylor Swift. He suggested that they classically crossover a Taylor Switch song. That single, "Sano e Salvo (Safe and Sound)" was on the Best Selling Charts in U.S. and U.K., Germany and Japan. They are giving all the proceeds from this single to the St. Judge Children's Hospital

"He was her first manager. He gives us feedback and ideas. We bounce ideas around," she said.

The group has a fresh sound led by Anastasia's deep operatic voice backed by the Pop harmonic sounds of Tatiana Marie and Agne. Anastasia Lee has recorded 350 songs in 10 different languages. He represented the United States in an international television singing competition in Romania call "Music for Kids."

"Now that we have funded the CD we're choosing songs, and then booking a tour and gigs," Lee surmised. "I would like to tour with Josh Groban."

Log onto www.AnastiasiaLee.com for more information about future performances or progress of Anastasia Lee and the Music Industry Blueprints debut album.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

November 5, 2016

Grammy Nominated VaShawn Mitchell Found a Secret Place in South African with New Album

By Eunice Moseley

"I travel to South Africa...I realized it's become my secret place where I am not bothered by emails and cell phones...just you and God," said VaShawn Mitchell, a Grammy nominated Contemporary Gospel vocalist, songwriter and producer (Smokie Norful), about the location of the live recording of his latest album release "Secret Place: Live in South Africa" featuring Tasha Cobbs and Bebe Winans (November 4, 2016). "It was important not to just go and record, and not incorporate South African artists."

Born in Chicago November 19th VaShawn has been in the Gospel music business for almost 20 years, starting as a member of Youthful Praise which still backs him. His accomplishments are great which includes a street in his hometown named after him; two Grammy Award nominations; six Stellar Award wins, and two Dove Award nominations. This recent live recorded project, "Secret Place: Live in South Africa," is Mitchell's ninth album. The current single off of the project is titled "Joy."

"It came together over time," VaShawn said when asked if he had a concept for the album when it began. "We invited the South African artists. I personally reached out to the top artist...and he said yes! So it came together over time with South African's sound."

"Secret Place: Live in South Africa" was recorded near Johannesburg to a sold out crowd where VaShawn combined his American Contemporary Gospel sounds with the worship sounds of South

African artists. American guests on stage with Mitchell included Tasha Cobbs on "Jesus Reigns" and Bebe Winans on "Nobody Greater."

"It was epic to see the massive worship experience," VaShawn pointed out. "The energy will transfer to the Word and Spirit. It's worship from front to back."
VaShawn said that South Africa is Americanized. "South African is almost an Americanized country...technologically advanced," Mitchell stated when I asked. "I spent time in Johannesburg - everyone should visit!"

If you can not visit South African then listen to VaShawn Mitchell's "Secret Place: Live in South Africa." Log onto www.VaShawnMichell.com for more information about the artist who is noted as Billboard's "Gospel Artist of the Year" (2011) or about the "Secret Place: Live in South Africa" album release.

Baltimore Filmmaker Anthony Michael Hobbs Wins Again at GIBFF for Naga Pixie anthony_garyinternationalblackfilmfestival_redcarpetedarrivals_photocredit_EuniceMoseley_RESIZED.jpg Anthony Michael Hobbs is only eleven years old and yet a seasoned actor with an Emmy nominated project to his credit (PBS's "The Abolitionists") and a four-time award winning record as a film director/producer (One Nation). Hobbs adds another filmmaking award for receiving the 2016 Gary International Black Film Festival "Best Youth Film Director" Award for his second short film Naga Pixie (Imagination Lunchbox) starring Anthony Michael Hobbs and Trinity Breanne Perio as Naga Pixie.

"I'm happy, very proud," said Hobbs about his fifth award as a filmmaker. "Also very sad I wasn't able to accept it."

Anthony Michael's mother Kerri Moseley-Hobbs drove him 13 hours from his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland to Gary, Indiana to attend the four day event where his short film Naga Pixie was screened twice. They had to leave before the awards ceremony to get him home in time for school.

"I guess it's thanks to my mom," Anthony Michael admitted when asked who he credits for his career as an actor, model, motivational speaker and film producer/director which started at the age of four. "Without my mom I wouldn't have been able to go...to travel...to meet the people."

The people Hobbs refers to are his adult supporters and fans. While on the road to the Gary International Black Film Festival the media was reaching out for him, he had a radio interview while in route. While at the film festival and while on the red carpet people and journalist were so excited to meet the young articulate professional. I was there to cover the screening because this outstanding artist is my youngest grand child. He was pulled here and there for interviews and conversations with people saying to him, "I heard you on the radio station and I just had to come meet you."

When I asked him which craft, acting or filmmaking, does he like to do the most he said, "They are equal. While filmmaking I act in the films that I make."

Before he started his filmmaking career at age 9, his acting credits included a role as young Frederick Douglas in the PBS documentary "The Abolitionist" which earned a 2013 Emmy nomination. PBS chose Anthony Michael Hobbs to represent them at the Emmy Awards ceremony that year. He was the voice that welcomed website visitors of TBWA World Wide, the largest advertising holding company in the world. The TBWA campaign was "our website is so easy to navigate through a child can show you." He starred in the DreamWorks documentary "How to Train Your Dragon: Dragons and Dinosaurs," he stars in numerous PBS Sprout Network mini-segments - "Claritin Kids Allergy Medicine," "Sunnyside Up Show," and "Good Night Show" and he stars in a national classroom program called KinderRhyme which appears in over 2600 school programs

Hobbs is also a stage actor appearing in two professional plays. As a model Hobbs has appeared in the USDA Healthy Kids national print campaign and the Finish Line Athletics chain print in-store campaign. As a speaker he has worked for author Daniel Shields at a dramatic book reading event, former NFL player Joel Gamble (Cleveland Browns) at his Foundation's Scholars Program and for Ocktober Film Festival for the Youth Award Presentations.

"I think its great," Anthony Michael said when I mentioned that kids came up to me saying their roles in his films or his films have encouraged them to be actors. "The more people in the business the better...I'm sure people are tired of seeing the same actors over and over."

In Anthony Michael's first short film One Nation (Imagination Lunchbox) he plays Steven who along with his friends decide to give back to servicemen returning home from the war. One Nation was screened at 10 national film festivals and he won at four of them - the Alhambra Theatre Film Festival's "Spirit Award"; the Montclair Film Festival's "Grand Prize for Kidz Shortz"; the Ocktober Film Festival's "Best Youth Filmmaker," and the Gary International Black Film Festival's "Best Youth Short." In his current film Naga Pixie Hobbs plays Jason who teams up with his friends again to figure out why Naga Pixie is always nagging them about things they think are trivial such as not hurting animals and respecting nature. Naga Pixie, which held a special red carpeted screening in his hometown of Baltimore in August, 2016 at the Firehouse Community Hall with Iron Man in attendance, will also be screened at the Sunrise Film Festival in Nova Scotia in Canada.

To kids like him looking to become filmmakers and actors the advice this young achiever gives is, "If your mom say sure then just do it. Just do it. If you are an adult just do it. Like Nike' say, ‘Just do it.'"

Learn more about this extraordinary young man by logging onto www.Anthony-Michael.com or www.ImaginationLunchbox.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

November 11, 2016

Bishop Paul S. Morton Leaves a Powerful Legacy with ‘...Live in New Orleans' Album Release

By Eunice Moseley

"I believe I am an agent for change. The future belongs to those who are open to positive change. People can get stuck in tradition. You got to move on to the next level in life," said Grammy nominated Bishop Paul S. Morton during an interview. The Bishop has a new album release, "Legacy: Live in New Orleans" (Tehillah Music Group/Entertainment One), featuring two different generations of artists. This is his final solo project.

The new album features vocal assistance from Rance Allen, 11-time Grammy winner Shirley Caesar, William Murphy, III, Tasha Cobbs, Lisa Knowles, Zacardi Cortez, DeWayne Woods and his son Grammy Award winning PJ Morton (Maroon5). The Bishop is cofounder of the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church in New Orleans and is Senior Pastor of the Changing A Generation Full Gospel Church in Atlanta. The live recording has the assistance of 100 members of Greater Change Mass Choir which includes vocalists from both the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir and the Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir.

"We bring together Gospel legends that been out for a while that made an impact and the 21st Century artists," said Bishop Morton about the project. "Rance Allen, I've known for years and Shirley Caesar - what can I say... there's 21st Century artists like Tasha Cobbs...Lisa Knowles, Zacardi Cortez and my son PJ Morton - two Worlds."

The result of the mixture is a powerful and unique sound that ensures the legacy of the music ministry of the Morton's - Bishop Paul S. Morton and son PJ Morton. Bishop Paul S. Morton was raised by a Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan.

"I come from New Orleans...We have a church there," the Bishop said when asked why he chose New Orleans as the live recording site. New Orleans is where Bishop Morton relocated to start his own ministry and where he found his music ministry. Forty years has been spent managing this ministry with wife Pastor Debra Morton. They have three children and seven grand-children.

"We had to turn people away," the Bishop said about the day of the live show/recording. "People came from everywhere. So many artists came that were not on to perform...you could feel the love."

You can also "hear" the love in "Legacy: Live in New Orleans". My favorite cuts on the project include #4 "God Has Been Good," featuring Rance Allen, because it brought me back to old school church worship; #5 "Faithful," featuring Lisa Knowles, because the vocal assistance from Knowles makes it a powerful piece; #7 "Keeping Me Alive," featuring Pastor Shirley Caesar, because it takes me back again to that old school church way of worship as only Caesar could deliver; #8 "He Loves Me" an explosively powerful love song that offers a Heavenly harmonic ending; #9 "Watching Over Me" an uplifting and hand clapping Praise & Worship piece; #10 "Let Go," featuring PJ Morton and DeWayne Woods, because of the message - its one I give to myself and others as well, and #12 "Bow to the Name," featuring Zacardi Cortez, a majestic Praise & Worship song that can carry with the praise for ages.

You can learn more about Bishop Paul S. Morton's "Legacy: Live in New Orleans," the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church or the Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church by logging onto www.CAGMin.org.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

November 18, 2016

Comedian Michael Colyar Makes ‘The Afternoon Rush' Hours Uplifting with AURN Syndicated Radio Show

By Eunice Moseley

"I don't normally read emails from people I don't know, but it said opportunity," said comedian/actor Michael Colyar about how he ended up as the co-host of the American Urban Radio Network (AURN) "The Afternoon Rush" radio show airing Monday through Friday from 3 - 7 p.m. ET with co-hosts Loni Swain (radio producer/107.5 WGCI, Chicago) and Ebony Steele ("The Rickey Smiley Morning Show"). Colyar goes on to explain that an old friend saw him in the audience at T.D. Jakes' Potter's House and decided to reach out to him about the open position. "He said, ‘I have an opportunity to offer you a radio show'...I said, ‘ain't no need arguing with God.'"

As they say the rest is history. Michael Colyar is now the new host of the "The Afternoon Rush" syndicated radio show replacing the late great Doug Banks' show and Rudy Rush the original host of "The Afternoon Rush" radio show. Rush is currently hosting the iHeart Media Urban station's 83.7 The Beat radio show. Colyar is not new to hosting a national show; he is the original host of "BET Live from LA" which attracted 55 million viewers.

"Everything is so excellent," Michael assured me. I could tell he was so excited about his new gig. "It's been a nice run, we're 11 weeks in. Everything I have accumulated is a gift from God. We forget how blessed we are."

The last time I interviewed Michael Colyar it was about the launch of a book. At that time he told me how he started his career performing outside at Venice Beach in California for nine years - confirming my advice to artists looking for a stage that the outside world is their stage. Michael Colyar went on to perform on "Star Search" and won $100,000 of which he donated $50,000 to homeless charities in Los Angeles. Aside from the BET hosting job Colyar went into acting, some of his credits include "Martin," "Barbershop" and the voice of Buford in "The Princess and the Frog". As an author he has published several books to make you laugh and think, and he is launching a one-man show.

As host of "The Afternoon Rush" radio show Colyar, a Chicago native, has a potential audience of over 6 million making it one of the biggest afternoon radio shows in the country.
"What is most important is that God and my mother are proud of me," Michael concluded about the new journey in his life.

For more information on "The Afternoon Rush" radio show hosted by Michael Colyar, Loni Swain and Ebony Steele log onto www.TheAfternoonRush.com and if you want more information about Michael Colyar, his books and one-man tour log onto www.TheRealMichaelCoylar.com.

The World of Wizards Seem Real in ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' fantastic_beasts_and_where_to_find_them_5k-2880x1800_Courtesy_WarnerBrosPics.jpg Director David Yates (Harry Potter franchise) successfully creates a world where wizards and witches seem real in the Warner Bros Picture presentation of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - arriving in theatres November 18, 2016. Based on a novel by J. K. Rowlings ("Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone") of the same name the film stars Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) as Newt Scamander a "Magizoologist" who has a love for magical creatures whom he studies as part of his research for a textbook which appears in the Harry Potter films as part of the literature used at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The year is 1926, before Harry Potter becomes a student, and Newt's magical beasts have escaped in New York while he was there doing research for his textbook. The young magizoologist is suppose to let the President of the community of witches and wizards Seraphina Picquery, played by Carmen Ejogo ("Selma"), know that beasts are loose, but instead he goes out on a quest to capture the beasts before the "humans" and President Seraphina finds out and hurt or kill them. Of course nothing goes as planned. His suit case full of beasts refuses to stay closed. To make matters worst his suit case is accidentally switched with a human Jacob Kowalski, played by Tony Award winning Dan Fogler, while he was at a bank trying to obtain funding to open up a donut shop. Before the human Jacob, also known as a No-Maj, can blink the Wizard researcher has used his magic to whisked Jacob away so that he can retrieve his suit case of magical creatures without the humans seeing him. Unfortunately a member of the wizards and witches community security force Porpentine "Tina" Goldstein, played by Katherine Waterton (Steve Jobs), sees the incident and turns them both into President Seraphina in hopes of getting her rank of investigator back, but even that does not go as planned.

The fantasy film's script is written by Rowlings who also serves for the first time as producer. The Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) is breath taking. Rated PG-13 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them also stars Allison Sudol (Transparent) as Queenie, Tina's little sister. Queenie is a mind reading witch that has a "love at first sight" experience with the human Jacob and joins him Newt and sister Tina on the quest to find the magical beasts.
Colin Farrell ("True Detective") stars as Percival Graves the Director of Magical Security of the wizard and witches community. He was looking for a dark and allusive magical force of destruction whose identity is unknown and now he is in search of Newt, Tina and Jacob. He wants to erase Jacob's memory of them. Graves has an informant Credence Barebone, played by Ezra Miller (Justice League) who is not what he appears to be. Credence has an abusive adoptive mother Mary Lou, played by Oscar nominated Samantha Morton (In America) and two adopted sisters - Chastity, played by Jenn Murray and a 10 year-old sister Modesty, played by Faith Wood-Blagrove. The cast also includes Ron Pearlman, and Oscar winner Jon Voight ("Ray Donovan") as Henry Shaw Sr publisher of the major newspapers of New York.

A David Yates Film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, is A Heyday Film production shown in 2D, 3D and IMAX. Aside from Rowlings producers include David Heyman, Steve Kloves, and Lionel Wigram. Tim Lewis, Neil Blair and Rick Senat serves as executive producers. You can log onto www.FantasticBeats.com for more information or to watch the trailer.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

November 25, 2016

Donnie Simpson is Back Hosting TV One's ‘Donnie After Dark' Airing Sundays at 11 p.m.

By Eunice Moseley

"It's the slot I need to be in...late night," said legendary DJ Donnie Simpson about his return from retirement to host second season of TV One's "Donnie After Dark" late night television show airing on Sundays at 11 p.m. Donnie is also hosting TV One's WMMJ-Majic 102.3 FM radio show, "The Donnie Simpson Show," airing Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. "I'm glad I did it. Now I have two shows - radio and television."

Donnie, known for his deep voice and green eyes, told me it was at the urging of his wife, Pamela, after 5 ½ years of retirement to come back to the airwaves. She told him at 62 years old that he was too young to retire.

"I am blessed to have set out for 5 ½ years," Simpson said of his new career beginning. "I got my first check and didn't know where to sign I hadn't seen one in so long."

Donnie was the first DJ personality of an Urban-format radio station to have a salary of over $1 million without syndication. His career started at the young age of 15. Because of his deep voice he was asked to sit-in for a regular DJ for a week, that week lasted for over seven years.

"I was watching him and I said, ‘I can do that.' Three months later I was on the air," Donnie informed me of his humble introduction into the life of a radio DJ. "I became very popular, a heavy voice and I'm just a kid. I couldn't be live the straight 8 p.m. to 12 midnight because of the law (in Detroit)."

Donnie said he would air live from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. then go home and do his homework, while a prerecorded show airs. His voice changed to what we know now between the 7th and 8th grade.

"My voice changed over the summer. Before that I loved being in the choir. I was the only male in 1st soprano with the girls! After the summer break I was baritone," he recounted. "My mother owned a record shop. She is celebrating her 50th anniversary...she still has a record store. People would say to me you sound like a radio DJ. I wanted to be a Baptist Minister."

Donnie said his mother had an in-house live remote radio show and he was asked to record the promo-spots and as they say the rest is history. Before he was even 18 he was a professional DJ on WJLB in Detroit, Urban Contemporary, before relocating to Washington, DC to work at WRC -TV. From there he went on to host BET Network's "Video Soul" and other network specials. In 1998 he was named "Billboard's Air Personality of the Year." He went on to host "The Donnie Simpson's Morning Show" on WPGC-FM for 17 years until he retired in 2010. In 2015 he came out of retirement to host TV One's Majic 102.3 FM weekday radio show.

The TV One "Donnie After Dark" television show launched on thanksgiving day and airs regularly on Sundays at 11 p.m. Upcoming shows for "Donnie After Dark" include visits by David Banner, comedian Lil Duval, Jermaine Dupri, LisaRaye McCoy, comedian Special K, 112, actress Naturi Naughton and Musiq Soulchild.

"James Brown, the sports caster and my mom say all the time, ‘you gonna be a minister,'" Donnie said when I mentioned that may be God was setting him up with a massive audience before giving him the "call" to preach.

Donnie has a twin brother Lonnie who is a Pastor in Detroit so you never know. In the mean time Donnie Simpson continues to be the country's favorite east coast radio voice and personality to minister to us the best in music. TV One was launched in 2004 by Radio One and reaches over 60 million households. In 2008 it launched TV One High-Def reaching 14 million more households.

Learn more about TV One's "Donnie After Dark" television show and "The Donnie Simpson Show" on MAJIC 102.3 FM by logging onto www.TVOne.tv or follow him @DonnieAfterDark and @DonnieSimpson on social media platforms.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

December 2, 2016

‘The Bible Experience,' Celebrating 10 Years of Making the Bible Exciting

By Eunice Moseley

"I spent 20 years of my life in faith based entertainment...a friend...one of the executive producers...was shopping for Christmas and the only place open was Barns and Noble so he brought everyone an audio Bible and brought one for himself. He popped it in and popped it out saying it was so boring," explained Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award winning producer Louis "Buster" Brown about how the project to record an audio version of the Bible, titled "The Bible Experience," came to be a reality. Celebrating 10 years "The Bible Experience" consists of well over 200 high profile celebrities. "He is a film and television person...so him and myself came together to produce an audio Bible dramatization."

"The Bible Experience," a New International Version translation, is published by Zondervan and produced by Inspired by...Media Group. The audio Bible is executive produced by Brown (multi-media); Kyle Bowser (film and television); Robi Reed (Emmy winning casting director) and Inspired By Media Group founder Ron Belk (multi-media). "The Bible Experience" was also produced by Chip Hurd (producer/director), whose daughter is the talented Kim Fields. The audio Bible is 70 hours long covering Genesis to Revelations.

"A year later I realized it was a big job. My background gave me most of the responsibility," said Lou, whose uncle is the legendary Motown writer-producer Norman Whitfield. "Anytime you uplift God you get under attack. It's been ten years...challenges and rewards. Struggling is a part of the balance of life. When you have struggles you didn't invite...you still have to deal with it. I was not as prepare as I thought when we took this job. It was a huge calling."

The multi-million dollar project became the best selling audio Bible in the world and this year it is celebrating 10 years. Its cast consists of over 200 high-profile celebrities voicing the characters in the Bible.

"We don't realize...the greatest thing we can do is be servants," said Buster, who is a producer that has worked on such projects as Prince of Egypt and Mountain High, and with such artists as Kirk Franklin and the Family, Yolanda Adams and Michelle Williams.

Voices dramatically presented on "The Bible Experience" includes Blair Underwood as Jesus; Samuel Jackson as God (New Testament); Kirk Franklin as Simon Peter; Angela Bassett as Esther; Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Jonah; LL Cool J as Sampson; Eartha Kit as the Serpent; Bishop T.D. Jakes as Abraham; Pastor Shirley Caesar as Naomi; Bishop Eddie Long as Joel, and Tisha Campbell-Martin as Mary Madeline - to name a few. Also appearing in "The Bible Experience" are Denzel and Paula Washington, Judge Greg Mather, Common, McLyte, Anthony Hamilton, Angie Stone, Faith Evans and Queen Latifah.

"When we did the project the goal was to be a blessing. The first thing we did was build a house (after Katrina)," Lou Brown added. "We also gave 100,000 bottles of water to Flint."

This project was the first time Brown had to deal with someone else's interpretation of the Bible. They spent 10,000 hours bringing it to life.
"It was the intent, as a team, to bring out the interpretation God was leading us to bring out. The Black perspective of the Christian experience," he said sincerely. "The Word belongs to all of us...we brought our culture."

Lou said they debated on who would voice Jesus. They went through many people and decided to go with Blair Underwood. To learn more about ‘The Bible Experience" log onto www.TheBibleExperience.us or www.Zondervan.com or www.InspiredBy.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

December 9, 2016

Grammy nominated songwriter Dayna Caddell says ‘God Loves You' in new single from her ‘Push' LP

By Eunice Moseley

"The album is full of stories of life experiences...filled with the hope and the goodness of God. It will really uplift you," said Grammy nominated songwriter Dayna Caddell about her Urban Inspirational vocal album release "Push" featuring Israel Houghton and Erica Campbell. The current single is "God Loves You" which is accompanied by a music video.

"Push" is produced by Grammy winning producer Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary, Dru Hill) and Vann Clayton.

"I wrote on Erica Campbell's record...I've been writing with Warryn for years," Dayna informed me when I asked about her hook-up with Warryn one of the best Contemporary Gospel producers in the business and Israel Houghton a trend setting star-making artist. "The Campbell's are a busy family. The Israel thing was a blessing. My sister's been his publicist. I didn't feel he would, but he did!"

Israel Houghton is featured on the selection "So Grateful," Eric Dawkins is featured on "Overjoyed" and Vann Clayton assists on "Adore" and "Crazy."

"(‘Push') Takes you on a ride...uplifts you," she promised about what the album offers its listeners. "God in your life is the best thing you can have. This is my first LP. I had singles and written for other artists, but this is my first LP."

Caddell began "feeling out" artists which took time. While deciding on artists and waiting for their availability Dayna was diagnosed with autoimmune syndrome and had to sit it out for about four years.

"I came from...mainstream music. When I first felt the tug on my heart it was Inspirational. God showed me to ‘be you' and delivery the message," the Dove nominated songwriter said about her vocal style described as Urban Inspirational. "It became organic...started collaborating with so many people, Warryn Campbell is a production Master...Erica Campbell did background."

Dayna Caddell music business her credits included recording background vocals for Diana Ross for a Super Bowl celebration; appearing as a backup singer on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" for Pop artist Bisou Phillips; writing "Every Prayer" for Israel Houghton and Mary Mary; co-writing "Power of the Cross" for Ricardo Sanchez; "Wish You Well" for Dave Hollister, and one of her singles titled "What He's Done" with Warryn Campbell. Her "Push" album is released on her own label Push Forty Entertainment on eOne Entertainment. Dayna is also an interior designer with credits that include WE tv "Mary Mary" reality show.

Learn more about Dayna Caddell and her debut album release "Push" by logging onto www.DaynaCaddell.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

December 16, 2016

Life's Better When You ‘Sing,' the Universal Picture's Animation ‘Sing' Arrives In Theatres December 21, 2016

By Eunice Moseley

The Universal Picture's new animated presentation shows that life is better when you "Sing." "Sing" is a 3D computer-animation musical of animal characters all with aspirations of singing for people. "Sing" arrives in theatres December 21, 2016 and stars the voice of Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon a very optimistic koala bear whose theatre is loosing its audience. He gets the bright idea to hold a talent contest with the winner getting every dollar he has left which is almost $1,000. His elderly assistant mistakenly makes the prize $100,000 so not only is everyone in the city who thinks they can sing at his door to audition so are thieves and criminals out to take the winnings. What happens through it all will make you leave the theatre believing that life's much better when you ‘sing.'

The story line rings so close to my own life because I have a community event "Uplifting Minds II" (ULMII) that is a talent show which in its heyday, when my partner was a high-profile entertainment person, attendees filled an entire mall. It too lost its audience after the partnership ended to competition. Like Buster however I am an optimistic person and so ULMII continues after 17 years with its over $10,000 worth of prizes and barely an audience. In "Sing" its qualifying talent also touches on my own event which includes the voices of Reese Witherspoon as Rosita the domestic house-wife pig with a Pop voice and nice dance moves on stage and in the supermarket aisles (need I have to say I love roses, love to eat, snoot when I laugh and can sing on stage, and though my kids and grandkids hate it I am known to sing and dance in the aisles of the supermarkets); Seth MacFarlane as Mike the Frank Sinatra sounding arrogant mice that lost big at the card table so he has gangsters chasing him (my late husband called Mike lost big gambling once); Scarlett Johansson as Ash the Punk-Rock-Star porcupine (inside joke for ‘ash' reference, but I love all genres of music Punk-Rock included); Tori Kelly as Meena a shy Indian Elephant with a powerful voice suffering from stage fright (I have Cherokee in my blood, lost 70 pounds so I guess you can say I was elephant size, one of my ULMII talent show multi-winners is named Neenah and two of my friends in elementary school left me on stage once due to stage-fright); Taron Egerton as Johnny the mountain gorilla with piano skills and a superb R&B voice whose father is a thief, and Nick Kroll as Gunther a flamboyant domestic pig with a German accent selected by Buster to be Rosita's dance partner.

Directed by Garth Jennings and Christophe Lourdelet, "Sing" also includes the voices of John C. Reilly as Eddie Noodelman a Suffolk sheep and Buster's doubting partner in the theatre business; Nick Offerman as Norman a domestic pig that is Rosita's devoted workaholic husband; Garth Jennings, also the screen writer, as Miss Crawley a green iguana who is the elderly assistant of Buster with a glass eye she keeps loosing; Jennifer Saunders as Miss Nana Noodelman a wealthy former singer and grandmother of Eddie, Buster's partner, who the two are seeking funding from; Grammy Award winning Jennifer Hudson as a young NaNa Noodleman; Rhea Perlman as Judith a brown llama from the bank looking to repossess his theatre if he doesn't pay what is owed; Peter Serafinowicz as Big Daddy a mountain gorilla and father of Johnny; Beck Bennett as Lance Ash's ex-boyfriend who picked another singing partner when she entered the competition alone; Leslie Jones as Meena's supportive mom, and Jay Pharoah as Meena's encouraging grandfather.

"Sing" consists of 85 classic hit songs and an original song by Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande titled "Faith." The vocals throughout the film are of high quality and will be totally enjoyed by all. The "Sing" soundtrack offers 16 selections. Those who sung their own songs in the film and on the soundtrack include Taron Egerton ("I'm Still Standing," "The Way I Feel Inside"), Seth MacFarlane ("I Did It My Way," "Let's Face the Music and Dance"), Scarlett Johansson and Beck Bennett ("I Don't Wanna"), Scarlett ("Set It All Free"), Reese Witherspoon and Nick Kroll ("Shake It Off," "Venus"), Tori Kelly ("Don't You Worry About a Thing," "Hallelujah") and Jennifer Hudson ("Golden Slumbers," "Carry That Weight"). Produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy with a budget of $75 million "Sing" is an Illumination Entertainment production that arrives in theatre December 21st. Log onto www.SingMovie.com for the trailer or more information.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

December 23, 2016

Guitarist Tyler Reese Makes Jazz Fusion His Own in ‘Reminiscence' Release

By Eunice Moseley

"I get to work with players way better than me," said guitarist Tyler Reese about the difference in being a session musician for Country artists and being the lead musician in his own Jazz session for his solo album "Reminiscence" (REMU Records). "I am totally learning every aspect. Not that the other players aren't good but they have a different mentality (Country verses Jazz)."

Reese describes his music as Jazz Fusion and I can clearly see why in listening to the "Reminiscence" project. It has the unpredictability of Jazz and the strings and beats that Country and Funk is branded for. Jeff Silverman is producer with Tyler and the first single release "Moving On" is one of my favorites on the project.
"Jeff is a good friend," Reese added about his co-producer. "He helped me lay it out."

The "Moving On" single appears on the album twice at the beginning and the end. The last version being the radio track - I like both. The first shows clearly Tyler Reese's style for fusing Jazz with Country and Funk. The Funk influence of the 23 year old prodigy comes from the influence of Prince who summoned him once to Paisley Park to play for him. The radio version of "Moving On" has Reese going crazy on the acoustic guitar while the piano keys of Paul Rucker successfully keep up. I also like "2 Funk" because it has that Prince influence too and I love that quick drum solo which gave it that Jazz uncertainty. I also like the title track "Reminiscence" for its sweetness and angelic feel and "Headed Out" because of its Country flavor with the viola or violin strings of Tim Larsch and the upright bass of Mark Fain giving it that Tyler Reese Fusion Jazz sound.

"The stuff I wrote is not in the same vein of straight ahead Jazz," Tyler said when explaining to me what Jazz Fusion will sound like for listeners of the project. "There is some Smooth Jazz, some Funk and some Rock - an incorporation of multiple genres."

Musicians on the project - aside from Fain, Larsch and Rucker - are Gary Grainger and Carl White on bass; Toby Fairchild on drums; Matthew Burgess on percussion; Roy Agee on trombones; Vinnie Ciesielski on trumpet and Tyler Summers on sax. Aside from studying under the legend Prince Tyler was taught by 20-time Grammy winning guitarist Metheny and at Berklee College of Music. Learn more about Tyler Reese and his "Reminiscence" album release by logging onto www.TylerReeseMusic.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

December 30, 2016

‘The Pulse of Entertainment,' Year 2016 in Review

By Eunice Moseley

The year 2016 for "The Pulse of Entertainment" was full of interviews and movie reviews. The year began with an interview with Mykel Jenkins ("Bold and the Beautiful"). We talked about his starring role in the movie The Masked Saint, based on the life of a professional wrestler with the same name who became a Baptist minister that ended up being a neighborhood hero (vigilante). Next was an interview with Luci Martin the original lead singer of the group Chic. We spoke about the formation of her girl group "Next Step" that consists of other Chic vocalists that include Norma Jean Wright and Alfa Anderson. Next I interviewed one of my favorite vocalists Grammy Award winning Regina Belle. We talked about the release of her new Inspirational album "The Day Life Began." I did a review of the album and it was so inspiring I still have the title track on my MP3 player.

Movie reviews followed of DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda 3 and Walt Disney's The Finest Hours. For The Finest Hour, which was based on a true story, I was privilege to interview Ben Foster (X-Men: The Last Stand), Chris Pine (Star Trek) and Casey Affleck ("Chasing Amy"). Coverage of the NAACP Nominations Luncheon followed and I was able to interview on the red carpet arrivals screen writer NZingha Stewart (With This Ring); Hudson Yang ("Fresh Off the Boat"); radio personality Egypt Sherrod about her book release "Keep Calm...Its Just Real Estate," and J. August Richards ("Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."). An interview with Le'Andrea Johnson, a Gospel singer and an unorthodox minister, was next and we talked about her role in the Oxygen Network reality show "Preacher's of Atlanta."
Coverage of the 2016 SAG Awards in February provided interviews with Sola Bamis and Mason Cotton ("Mad Men") and Emily Robinson ("Transparent"). An interview with Christian Jules Le Blanc ("Young and the Restless") followed. We talked about the "Young and the Restless Genoa City Live Tour" that he was hosting. I watched the "Young and the Restless" daytime series religiously in high school and while serving in the U.S. Navy so I was very excited to speak with Christian who plays Michael Baldwin. Another exciting interviewed followed that included the group SILK. We talked about their "Quiet Storm" album release. Coverage of the Bergman's Oscar party allowed me to interview Renee Olstead (Space Cowboys), Kelsey Scott (12 Years a Slave) and Sara Scott (True Blood).

I was excited to also interview three-time Grammy Award winner KC of KC and the Sunshine Band. We talked about his new album release "Feeling You." Coverage of the NAACP Theatre Awards and an interview with multi-Stellar Award winner Contemporary Gospel artist Jonathan Nelson (Light Records) followed. We talked about Nelson's album release "Fearless". I also reviewed the "Fearless" album which featured guest vocalists Kim Burrell and Dorinda Clark-Cole. Another exciting interview was with Tanya Blount (Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Preacher's Kids) and her husband Michael Trotter, Jr. We talked about their album release "Love Affair." Tanya is best known as the vocalist in the film Sister Act 2 who sings "His Eye is On the Sparrow" with Lauryn Hill.

Comedian/radio personality Rickey Smiley took the time in 2016 to speak to me about his reality show "Rickey Smiley for Real" on TV One. A review and interview with Slim, lead vocalist of the Grammy Award winning group 112, followed. We talked about his new solo project "Refueled" which features vocal assistance from Carl Thomas, Ma$e and Rich Homie Quan. I went to review Universal Picture's Warcraft, a CGI film based on the video game and Warner Bros' Central Intelligence starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (Fast 8) and Kevin Hart (Ride Along 2). Central Intelligence is about an unlikely pair of high school acquaintances who ends up saving the country. Reviews of Warner Bros.' The Legend of Tarzan and Universal Pictures' The Secret Life of Pets followed.

Though I have interviewed her many times I was excited to interview 11-time Grammy Award winner Pastor Shirley Caesar about the release of her newest album "Fill This House" (Light Records) which features Anthony Hamilton and Hezekiah Walker. Other interviews that excited me, even though I have interviewed them many times in the past, included Grammy Award nominated Will Downing for his project "Black Pearls" and Dave Hollister (Black Street) - now a Pastor. Hollister and I talked about his album release "Manuscript" (Shanachie Entertainment) which features vocal guest Angie Stone. I also reviewed the Will Downing project - an album of cover songs of legendary black female vocalists. Movie reviews followed which included Paramount/MGM's Ben-Hur, the Weinstein Company presentation of Hands of Stone based on the life of WBC Welterweight Roberto Duran and Walt Disney's The Light Between Oceans starring Academy Award nominated Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave) and Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander.

An interview with a long-time friend Jazz guitarist Vernon Neilly (Boosweet Records) followed. We talked about his new album release "Outta Time." That interview was accompanied by a review of the album which has a Jazz/Hip-Hop fresh sound. More movie reviews followed that included Warner Bros.' Storks, MGM/Columbia Picture's Magnificent Seven and Summit Entertainment's Deep Horizon, starring Academy Award nominated Mark Wahlberg (Planet of the Apes). Deep Horizon is based on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Interviews followed that included Bishop J. Drew Sheard, father of Grammy Award nominated Kierra Sheard and husband to Grammy Award winning Karen Clark Sheard, about his "GEI Live" album release; Jazz pianist Jim Brickman's interview was about his new project "Soothe for Sleep" which included a review; Fred Hammond talked about his album release "Worship Journal Live" and his "Festival of Praise" tour featuring Hezekiah Walker, Israel Houghton, Regina Belle, Karen Clark Sheard, Casey J and comedian Earthquake; VaShawn Mitchell's interview had us talking about his new release "Secret Place: Live in South Africa"; Grammy Award nominated Bishop Paul S. Morton, father of Grammy Award winner PJ Morton (Maroon 5), about his new album release "Legacy: Live in New York" which was also accompanied with a review, and an interview with Anthony Michael Hobbs, my grandson, a multi-award winning actor (PBS's Emmy nominated "The Abolitionist") and filmmaker (One Nation) at only 11 years old, was about his new "Best Youth Film" award from the Gary International Black Film Festival for directing his second film Naga Pixie (Imagination Lunchbox).

More movie reviews followed that included Warner Bros.' Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them and Universal Pictures' musical animation Sing. The year ended with an interview with famed east coast radio personality Donnie Simpson about coming out of retirement to host TV One's "Donnie After Dark" television show. The year also ended with my column, The Pulse of Entertainment, picked up by The Washington Informer (for its print edition and website) adding to its syndicated readership numbers which include over ¼ million a week. Its website www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com attracts over 60,000 hits a week. To those who read The Pulse of Entertainment I want to thank you. Talk to you all in 2017.

More movie reviews followed that included Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them and Universal Pictures’ musical animation Sing. The year ended with an interview with famed east coast radio personality Donnie Simpson about coming out of retirement to host TV One’s “Donnie After Dark” television show. The year also ended with my column, The Pulse of Entertainment, picked up by The Washington Informer (for its print edition and website) adding to its syndicated readership numbers which include over ¼ million a week. Its website www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com attracts over 60,000 hits a week. To those who read The Pulse of Entertainment I want to thank you. Talk to you all in 2017.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: The 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore in April and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Offering an entertainment business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $10,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.