ACID JAZZ | NEO SOUL | IMPORTS
PH: 404.653.0724 MOODSMUSICAtl@gmail.com MOODSMUSIC.NET
SLOMMO EST. 2013
SOUL. MUSIC. CULTURE.
slomoatl.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The 2nd Annual Summer of Soul Presenting our 2016 look at the best stuff going down from now until the fall.
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Summer soul stars Anthony David, Latrese Bush, Nai Br.XX and more ATL artists to watch this season
Much to-do about summer Slo*Mo picks the most soul-filled shows: from the Brand New Heavies to ONE Musicfest and tons of other dopeness Jarrod Lawson
SLOMMO EST. 2013
SOUL. MUSIC. CULTURE.
slomoatl.com
Co-Publisher & Editor in Chief: Carlton Hargro | Co-Publisher & Creative Director: Larmarrous Shirley Contributors Natrice Bullard Miller of Eye27 Photography Slo*Mo is published by Slo*Mo Media. | slomomedia@gmail.com www.facebook.com/SloMoMagazine | www.twitter.com/slomomedia
M the intro
The 2nd Annual Summer of Soul
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About our cover: Gracing the cover of our very special Summer of Soul issue — shot by photographer Natrice Bullard Miller of Eye27 Photography (www. natricemiller.com) — is Marcia Dore, who is no stranger to Atlanta’s soul scene. You might have caught Dore hosting concerts at venues around town, interviewing artists like Avery Sunshine and Jaguar Wright (among many others) at the long-running 1st Hit Listening Lounge music series (at Moods Music), or working as a makeup artist for music videos (like Fonzworth Bentley’s “Everybody”). On top of that, she’s served as a runway coach for the Bailey Agency and as a spokesmodel for Groove Therapy Haircare products. And she’s got her hands in all kinds of other cool stuff. Follow her on all the social media sites: @iammarciadore. M
Natrice Bullard Miller, Eye27 Photography
Marcia Dore
ast July, the good folks at Slo*Mo (that’s me, Carlton Hargro, and Larmarrous Shirley) rolled out our very first special issue — which we dubbed the Summer of Soul. Our goal was to highlight the people, music and events that lovers of soul music and culture should be checking out throughout the warm weather months in Atlanta. Now, nearly 12 months later, we’re back with the 2016 installment of the Summer of Soul. The mission this year is the same as last year: We want to hip you to the artists, songs and concerts worth experiencing. This time, though, we’re pointing out MORE of everything and everyone. In addition: Just like last year, we’re gifting Slo*Mo friends an exclusive Summer of Soul mixtape, mixed by the man DJ Larmarrous himself, for free. It features a bunch of summer jams by local favorites and other artists that we love. Get in the summer mood by downloading a copy for your damn self.
Summer Soul Stars By Carlton Hargro
s the hazy days of summer officially begin, the question for music heads quickly becomes: What new tracks will I be rocking for the hot-ass months ahead? Slo*Mo can help with that. Just check our handy list below — it features nine of our favorite artists (who just happen to dwell in Atlanta) and info about their latest releases (singles, EP and full albums). So take a look at what the local soul scene is offering, and then snag these dope sounds for yourself. Latrese Bush
Photo by Kaya Faery
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ATL artists to watch this season
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Latrese Bush In a world of “microwave music,” where some of the dopest sonic creations by artists are too often seen as disposable, soul singer Latrese Bush is taking a novel approach to getting Royal her tunes into the ears and hands of her fans. Fresh off the success of her hit duet with Noel Gourdin, “Because of You,” it would be standard practice for Bush to drop a full-length album or even an EP. Instead, the Atlantabased Alabama native is embarking on a yearlong journey that will see her releasing one new single on digital platforms every few months — and it starts with the mid-tempo, soonto-be steppers classic “Love I Can Sing About,” which went on sale in early June. She sees the single campaign, aptly titled “Singled Out,” as a way to give fans the chance to find her music and, ultimately, extend the life of her new sounds. “The Singled Out campaign is one where I wanted to find a way to be more open and engaging with the audience … and connect in a way where I’m always giving my fan base something they want to hear,” says Bush. “The other aspect for me is … I like my songs. I like them all,” she adds. “I don’t want to have to choose which one to put out. I want to put them all out. Sometimes you put out a 12song record and only two or three get to go play, and I don’t think that’s fair. And so, I decided that I don’t want anybody to put an expiration date on my music. I’m going to give them all their rightful place in the world to, hopefully, go all the way.” Bush also plans to use the campaign as a way to throw a bigger spotlight on the people she works with to create her music.
“When I was growing up I absolutely enjoyed reading the liner notes of records, but when you buy a lot of stuff online, you don’t know who took part in actually creating the record,” she says. “So I want to ‘single out’ everyone who had a hand in creating the product that I’m releasing.” When it comes to exact release dates on the upcoming singles, Bush — hoping to keep fans on their toes — is holding details close to her vest. But with “Love I Can Sing About,” her summer song, leading the way, listeners can rest assured that they’ll be getting fresh material to groove to for the next 365 days. For more info on Latrese Bush and/or to purchase “Love I Can Sing About,” visit: www.latresebush.com. Cufrock Hip-hop veteran Cufrock has been away from the music industry for five years — busy spending quality time with his family and recording tons of tracks that weren’t being shared with the general public. But in May, the former member of the rap/rock crew El-Pus quietly unleashed a brand-new collection of songs, titled “Older,” that capture both his true-school tastes (on songs like “Black Ocelot”) and more avant-garde sensibilities (cuts like “Rappin’ With My Shirt Off”). And the project’s name also serves dual purposes, referring to the age of some of the tracks on the album and to his own age. “I’m a grown man. I’m in my 40s,” says Cuf. “I’m not gonna do young music. I’m gonna do music the way I know how to do music.” More info: www.reverbnation.com/cufrock Continued on page 7
Much to-do about
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ou ready for a whole mess of live music this summer? Well, we understand if you’re overwhelmed by the sheer choices of bands/DJs/artists to check out in Atlanta. That’s why we did all the legwork for you, curating a collection of truly can’t-miss concerts — especially if you’re a fan of soul, jazz, house and true-school hip-hop. Read and up and plan accordingly.
June 23: Underground System, The Dangerfeel Newbies, Daz I-Kue — Local soul/jazz/house heroes The Dangerfeel Newbies and U.K. born, ATL-based producer/DJ Daz-IKue take the stage with rising Afrobeat stars Underground System … which is sure to equal a genre-jumping night of high-energy music. Aisle 5. aisle5atl.com. June 24: Jonathan Butler, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle — Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www. cobbenergycentre.com. June 25: Black Milk & Nat Turner with Boog Brown, Yani Mo, DJ Kerosene, Hosted by Fort Knox — Aisle 5. aisle5atl.com. June 26: Steely Dan with Steve Winwood — Chastain Park Amphitheatre. www.chastainseries.com. July 1: An Evening With Lynne Jordan: A Musical Tribute to Nina Simone — City Winery. www.citywinery.com/atlanta. July 1: Adron — The EARL. www.badearl.com. July 2: The Brand New Heavies — The 1990s-era band that brought back the soul/funk sounds of the 1970s, The Brand New Heavies, hits the stage in Atlanta — with beloved lead singer N’Dea Davenport along for the ride. Buckhead Theatre. www.nextlevelatlanta.com. The Brand New Heavies
July 2: Lion Babe — Vinyl. www.centerstage-atlanta.com. July 7: Emily King/PJ Morton — Seeing singers/songwriters Emily King and PJ Morton alone would be a serious treat, but here we’ve got both powerhouses bringing their soulful and introspective songs together at the same damn time. You should run your ass to the box office, like, now. The Loft. www.centerstage-atlanta.com. July 9: The Wolf Creek Old School Hip Hop Fest featuring Doug E. Fresh, Juvenile, Whodini, and more — Wolf Creek Amphitheater. www.wolfcreekamphitheater.com. July 9: RCR! Against Domestic Violence — “A night designed to help give others a voice through music. With DJs Vicki Powell, DJ Deb, DJ Bri and Tora Torres. Proceeds go to charity. WildPitch Music Hall. www.facebook.com/ WildPitchNightclub. July 16: Amel Larrieux — Atlanta’s newest intimate music venue (which also happens to be a winery and a restaurant) welcomes former Groove Theory frontwoman Amel Larrieux and her mellow soul style to its soon-to-be-jumping stage. City Winery (at Ponce City Market). www.citywinery.com/atlanta. Amel Larrieux
summer
(2016 edition!) Slo*Mo picks the most soul-filled shows
July 16: The Wolf Creek Funk Series featuring Sheila E, Confunkshun, Lakeside, and The Mary Jane Girls — Wolf Creek Amphitheater. www.wolfcreekamphitheater.com.
Aug. 6: KISS 104.1 Flashback Festival — Featuring George Clinton and more. Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood. thelakewoodamphitheater.com.
July 16: SiriusXM Presents “I Love The 90s” Featuring Salt N Pepa with Spinderella, Biz Markie, Kid ‘N Play, All-4One, Coolio, Tone Loc, Rob Base, And Young MC — Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. www.vzwamp.com.
Aug. 7: Raekwon and Ghostface Killah — Center Stage. www. centerstage-atlanta.com.
July 17: ATL Collective Presents Jimi Hendrix’ Are You Experienced — Terminal West. www.terminalwestatl.com. July 19: An Evening with Macy Gray — City Winery. www. citywinery.com/atlanta. July 22: Digable Planets — The Masquerade (Hell). www. masqueradeatlanta.com. July 31: Art of Rap Festival — Ice-T’s lauded documentary “The Art of Rap” gets brought to life on stage in the form of a festival with the same name, featuring music by him, Public Enemy, Grandmaster’s Furious Five, Naughty By Nature, Mobb Deep, Kurtis Blow, EPMD and Busy Bee. Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood. thelakewoodamphitheater.com. Aug. 5: Chaka Khan — In a time when our soul legends are passing away in disturbingly large numbers, it’s imperative to see straight-up icons like Chaka Khan whenever you get a chance. And here’s your chance for 2016. She’s got nothing but classics in her catalog … be prepared to be singing along all night. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.cobbenergycentre.com. Chaka Khan
Aug 19: ATL Collective Presents TLC’s Crazy Sexy Cool — This should be fun: ATL Collective, the outfit that stages live versions of classic albums, is giving “Crazy Sexy Cool” the royal treatment. Expect to see some of the city’s top musicians and singers banging out this legendary LP. Terminal West. terminalwestatl.com. Aug. 20: The Wolf Creek Funk Series featuring Morris Day, Midnight Star, and more — Wolf Creek Amphitheater. www. wolfcreekamphitheater.com. Aug. 25: Jill Scott — This show will undoubtedly sell out. You know how folks (especially the ladies) LOVE Jilly from Philly. Chastain Park Amphitheatre. www.chastainseries.com. Aug. 27: Nik West — The bassist/vocalist who’s been taking the world by storm — partly via some viral videos of her performing acoustic renditions of Michael Jackson and Prince hits (among others) — brings her multitalented self to the cozy space at Vinyl for one funky, funky night. Vinyl. www.centerstage-atlanta.com. Nik West
Much to-do about summer (2016 edition!)
Slo*Mo picks the most soul-filled shows Aug. 27: A Night of Classic R&B featuring Blackstreet, Joe, and Eric Benet — Wolf Creek Amphitheater. www.wolfcreekamphitheater.com.
Kid, Gary Clark Jr., Jazmine Sullivan and what seems like the whole-damn Dungeon Family. This is one you would hate yourself for missing … so don’t. Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood. www.onemusicfest.com.
Sept. 1-5: Atlanta Weekender — Edgewood Club District. www. atlantaweekender.com. Sept. 4: House in the Park — Grant Park. www.houseinthepark.org.
Sept. 17: The Wolf Creek Funk Series featuring Cameo, SOS Band, Klymaxx, and more — Wolf Creek Amphitheater. www.wolfcreekamphitheater.com.
Sept. 8: Bad Boy Family Reunion: Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, Lil Kim, Mase — Philips Arena. www.ticketmaster.com.
Oct. 1: Lalah Hathaway Live in Concert with Jarrod Lawson — Center Stage. www.centerstage-atlanta.com.
Gary Clark Jr.
Sept. 6: Kraftwerk — Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.cobbenergycentre.com.
Oct. 4: Prophets of Rage — Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. www.vzwamp.com.
Sept. 10: ONE Musicfest — Jay Carter’s hip-hop/R&B/soulflavored festival takes control of the city one mo’ gin, with heavyweight acts like Ice Cube, Erykah Badu, BJ the Chicago
Oct. 5-9: A3C — Various Venues. www.a3cfestival.com/ Oct. 25: King — Center Stage. www.centerstage-atlanta.com M
Stan Zeff The man behind the famed house music event series and record label Tambor has returned for the summer, offering up “Selecta” — a “compilation of Afro dance tracks” curated by Zeff. The album is chock full of dancefloor bangers by internationally known cats like the Infinite Boys, Anyboi and many more. Get your copy and get to movin’ them feet. More info: www.facebook.com/PlayTamborMusic Anthony David Wow — it’s been four years since singer/songwriter/musician Anthony David gave folks some new music? Hard to believe fans of the bluesy-soul vocalist have had to wait so long, but the wait is over with the release of his new single “Beautiful Problem.” Unleashed in May, the mellow-yet-beat-heavy track sets the stage for his forthcoming full-length album, “The Powerful Now.” Keep your ears peeled for more new music from this ATL icon. More info: www.rollingmojo.com
Nai Br.XX Tasha LaRae And while we’re on the subject of house music in Atlanta, singer Tasha LaRae (who folks may know as a member of the legendary Arrested Development crew or as the woman behind the Racism Sucks T-shirt line) let loose the new song “Find May Way” (and a slew of dope remixes) this past April. More info: www.tashalarae.com Michael Murani Another locally based musician who is releasing new sounds after a hiatus is keyboardist/producer Michael Murani. Under the banner Meditative Funk, Murani is back with the new jazz-soaked song “Blue Skies” — with vocals by Julie Dexter, trumpet by Russell Gunn, and sax by Kebbi Williams, among other heavyweight musicians. More info: www.meditativefunk.com Leaf Newman She may be known to many as a former BET reality TV star, but besides the fame she gained on cable, Leaf Newman has amassed a strong and loyal following for her incredible music. And, now, the singer/musician is finally giving fans a new full-length LP, “Flowers & Grass,” which dropped in late April and showcases 10 airy, light and guitar-driven jazz/pop/folk/soul songs. More info: leafnewman.bandcamp.com.
Anthony David
DJ 100K You can catch DJ 100K every Wednesday working the boards on Slo*Mo’s “Mo Audio” radio show (on ABLRadio.com), but the dude’s talent extends way beyond that. Case in point: He just put out his second album — “Thursday Night Bounce.” 100K says the project, comprised of nearly a dozen house/ bass/electro-flavored ass-shaking anthems, “was inspired by the energy that permeates through the city of Atlanta every Thursday night.” Bottom line: You need these beats. More info: www.100ksounds.com. M
Photo by Divante King
Continued from page 3 Nai Br.XX Sweet-voiced singer Nai Br.XX, along with producer/ collaborator Sensei Bueno, created a helluva buzz when they dropped their debut EP, “Wasted Callaway,” almost a year ago. These days, the duo is busy doing shows (like recently serving as openers for the L.A.-based soul/jazz trio Moonchild) and getting the word out about their latest, vibed-out tune, “LoveStruck” (which also features YouTube sensation Caleon Fox). But despite her slightly esoteric vocal style, Nai draws inspiration more from the pop-side of things. “I love Mariah Carey,” she says with a guilty laugh. “Her voice still sounds better than most of the artists out now!” On top of listening to Mariah B-sides and rocking the current single, Nai and Bueno plan to spend the summer working on another collection of songs — so stay tuned for more goodness soon. More info: www.naibrxx.com
ACID JAZZ | NEO SOUL | IMPORTS
PH: 404.653.0724 MOODSMUSICAtl@gmail.com MOODSMUSIC.NET