Music Monday 168 :: Jon Batiste and Stay Human "Express Yourself" on The Colbert Report

Music Monday 168 :: Jon Batiste and Stay Human "Express Yourself" on The Colbert Report

What an exciting and energetic performance from Jon Batiste and Stay Human on The Colbert Report in August 2014. Playing various instruments along with endless dancing and further encouraging the audience's participation = a huge block party.

So much fun. Enjoy.

The Colbert Report
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Music Monday 167 :: Snoop Dogg "Gin & Juice" LIVE w/The Roots

Music Monday 167 :: Snoop Dogg "Gin & Juice" LIVE w/The Roots

Just in time for summer ... a live concert performance of what will surely be a classic (a little premature to make that claim; at least in my book).

This is not my favorite song, but I do love a party starter and this is that. And to have this performance backed up by The Roots, who I love unconditionally, is certainly one way to win me over.

Music Monday 160 :: Liv Warfield's: "Why Do You Lie" from "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"

Music Monday 160 :: Liv Warfield's "Why Do You Lie" from "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"

I saw this performance a few week's ago: fascinating and fabulous.

Liv Warfield has got it. It being: the voice. The persona. The band. The backup singers. This ... is the complete package.

Love this!

Music Monday 150 :: Icona Pop "I Love It"

Music Monday 150 :: Icona Pop "I Love It"

It's been a while since I've posted a Music Monday post; and for no good reason. Just forgetful. Not that I forget Mondays, but that the days goes by and I forget to churn one out for you.

So I was delightfully surprised when this duo appear on "The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon" last week. So much energy in such a short period of time: I love it.

Music Monday 117 :: The Roots LIVE at The Fillmore

Music Monday 117 :: The Roots LIVE at The Fillmore

My return home from Cairo has been pleasant. But so far the highlight has been seeing The Roots perform at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD.

 The Roots perform at The Fillmore on Fri., Dec. 30, 2011. Taken by Kim Fox.

The Roots are my favorite band. They're a true reflection of what music is and should be. They're true musicians and know music.

They did "Proceed (1995)" and at the bridge then threw in some go-go music. It was crazy cool. The Roots guitarist Capn Kirk continues to be a beast and rocked out the scene on Friday. Of course Questlove and Black Thought, probably the most well known members of The Roots, did their thing; they strong represent their artforms - percussion and lyrics respectively. Bilal was in the house and so was Dice Raw.

Capn Kirk (standing on the drums) goes toe-to-toe w/drummer Questlove. Taken by Kim Fox. 2011.

They did some of their old joints like "You Got Me (1999)," "The Seed (2002)" (for the encore); they threw in some Kool and the Gang, some blues and some rock; they just put it down.

The Roots drummer Questlove gets the spotlight to show off a little bit. Taken by Kim Fox. 2011.

We went up for the drum stick toss from Questlove at the end of the show. I wasn't hopeful because we weren't quite close enough. You see, I've been to numerous Roots shows and I've never been fortunate enough to catch the coveted Questlove signed drum stick. However, my friend has a virtual collection of signed drum sticks from Questlove. Point is, the drum toss went quick and we both came out empty handed. But it's all good because The Roots show did not disappoint.

Music Monday 82 :: VIDEO Cee-lo Green performs at the Grammy's 2011

Music Monday 82 :: VIDEO: Cee-lo Green performs at the Grammy's 2011

I've been a fan of the Grammy's for years. In that regard, it's obvious that I've also been disappointed many, many times for various reasons. Sometimes, the nominations are a crock of ...; sometimes, the performances are a let down. But sometimes, they get it right or they go out on a limb. I mean, who woulda thought that Esperanza Spalding would win best new artist? Deserving - hell yeah, but that's usually where the Grammy formula for winning goes wrong. When there's a heap of talent, the Grammy's sometimes go in another direction and leave me w/a heavy heart.

Enough blabber ... because Cee-lo's performance at the Grammy's last night was just what you'd expect from him. He did not disappoint in terms of creativity or enthusiasm. The dude does a nationally televised performance w/puppets. Love that. And Gwyneth Paltrow did her thing as well.

See it for yourself: Cee-lo Green performs at the Grammy's 2011

Grammy Awards Recap

So the 2007 Grammy Awards are history! I thought that it was a really nice show. I enjoyed many of the performances. I enjoyed the Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend and John Mayer performance the best. Actually, I absolutely love Cee-Lo and the Gnarls Barkley's performance of "Crazy" was incredible. Cee-lo's voice is so rich, soulful and emotive. So their performance really resonated w/me. I thought Mary J. Blige did her thing as well belting out a performance reminiscent of Patti Labelle. Beyonce was good as well. I must say that I enjoyed the Justin Timberlake duet w/Robyn Troup. I admire Troup for being able to go from being a finalist to being on stage and working it. She has a really pleasant voice and she wins a car too.

Other notable moments:

• the tribute to those who passed away this past year which included a brief dance performance by Chris Brown during the James Brown segment
• Ludacris winning for Best Rap Album and thanking/mentioning Oprah AND Bill O'Reilly
• Common telling Kanye West that people were tired of hearing Kanye complain about not winning any awards (I'm sure Kanye was in on the joke)

I was annoyed when Mary J. Blige accepted her first Grammy of the evening on stage. She read from a list and went on and on and on. I much prefer the heartfelt off the top of your head acceptance speech. And if she says one more time, how much she used to hate herself and her troubled past ... just get over it already.

Here's the complete list of 2007 Grammy winners!

Prince and the 'symbol'?

Okay, I need to say that I am late on posting this because I thought that it was a given and everybody 'got it.' I'm talking about Prince's SuperBowl halftime show performance.

I thought that his performance was okay. I had higher expectations. I thought that he would just totally rock/funk out! I don't know, but maybe the rain put a damper on things.

But my reason for this posting is to mention the entire sheet illuminating Prince's shadow has he played the 'symbol' guitar creating a he phallic. Now, some say it was not intentional. Don't count me amongst that group. I know the Prince has embraced his inner Jevohah's Witness, but this is the same guy who did not speak during his SuperBowl press conference. Instead he played a three song set that started with "Johnny B. Good". Several of my friends think that everyone 'got it' while some of my friends said 'what are you talking about...?' Was it a 'prop' malfunction...?

**Photos borrowed from Prince.org