Keeping you on ...
Volume: 4 Issue : 2
THE WRITE TRACK With LCG ...
A Note from LCG ... Your Amazing! It still amazes me that The Write Track has been operating for 3 years. I am always taken back when I read the first issue where we were Words and Times, which was very personal and opinionated. Although we have gone through several makeovers, mostly visual in this time frame, there are some things that remain the same. First and foremost my goal has always been to showcase amazing talent and share interesting finds. Long hours are spent researching, writing and capturing information, so that you receive an informative and enjoyable reading experience. Over the last year I have allowed our readers to connect with us in between issues by joining media sites such as facebook and twitter. For year three we are highlighting bachelors and bachelorettes (see page 9) as well as featuring a musical podcast dedicated to each issue. If you missed the first one it is still available on www.mypodcast.com. Let’s make year 3 the best yet! One way to do so is to let me hear your thoughts, what do you like and what would you like to see in an upcoming edition? Also if your talents would be an asset to The Write Track, e-mail us at thewritetracklcg@gmail.com. I must also take the time to thank my contributors both visual and literary and artists that have made year 3 remarkable. Special thanks goes to JAG for her eye for error, KSmalls, for his interesting and insightful writing ability and Ev Love for her creative edge for design. Last but not least, if you like what you read spread the word and once again to my readers thank you for your support. April 22 is Earth Day. Some of the things that I have incorporated into my life that come so natural are recycling all plastic and paper goods and bringing reusable shopping bags to the grocery store. Every little bit helps and hopefully you can make your own contribution to the earth. One suggestion is to organize or pick up litter in your local neighborhood. In my “fav four” (found on page 8) check out some of my ecofriendly finds. Reminder, Mothers Day is May 15, which will be here before you know it. Remember to honor all the mothers in your life, whether it be your own, godmother, aunt, grandmother, stepmother, mother-inlaw, or anyone else that has served in that role. Our next issue in June will celebrate Black Music Month. I come across many talented individuals everyday, some of which you have seen in The Write Track, and others that you will see very soon. I can always use a little assistance in my quest for talent on the rise. If you know of any artist that deserves to grace the pages of our publication, please let me know. Lastly, Happy Spring.
Volume 4 Issue 2 Contributors JAG, Ev Love, Jeff Bond, Steve Foster Want more of The Write Track? Follow us on Twitter or Facebook http://twitter.com/thewritetrack and facebook.com/thewritetrack
CONTENTS
EMAIL US AT thewritetracklcg@gmail.com
5
TUK TUK THAI LOFT
6
PLEASE... PLEASE... REVIEW THIS ALBUM
look what’s nside music 6 Hard Melk 7 New Amerykah Part 2 10 Yes Yes We Reviewed These Albums
8
LCG’S FAV 4
food 4 Creole Nouvelle 5 Tuk Tuk Thai Loft
other 8 Top 4 Picks 9 Showcase 11 Get Your Read On 11 Designer to Watch 11 Venture Outside The Perimeter 11 Events
THE WRITE TRACK
April 2010
Volume 4 Issue 2
CREOLE NOUVELLE
123 luckie street atlanta ga 30303
www.creolenouvelle.com
With the French and Spanish influence of Louisiana they have remained on the forefront of culinary excellence for decades. It’s no wonder that one tries to replicate the decadent flavors in other cities. Creole Nouvelle in downtown Atlanta, formerly Parish Market, has reopened after a misunderstanding over the name, briefly closed the establishment. Jazz paintings line the walls and white tablecloths cover tables fit for two, in an effort to recreate the quaint bistros found in New Orleans. When your food arrives the presentation is nice, but the lunch portions are small. You would either need several dishes to fill you or come with a light appetite. The crab cakes are a winner for containing more crabmeat than breading, but if you are used to classic New Orleans poboys where it’s hard to keep the meat inside the buttery french bread, you won’t have that problem (there is not much filling). Beyond dining the restaurant doubles as a market, selling Louisiana based products like Zatarain’s. Besides the few mishaps, that could get better with time, the only thing missing was live jazz in the tiny corner of the restaurant. Overall its nice to find dining with atmosphere in downtown Atlanta.
THE WRITE TRACK
April 2010
Volume 4 Issue 2
Tuk Tuk Thai Loft 1745 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30309
The infamous lunch hour, a reprieve from the day usually comes in 30-60 minute increments. Depending on what line of work you are in, the time may be spent doing a host of things from running errands to preparing for an afternoon meeting. Often meals are rushed and not enjoyed, but wouldn’t the day be so much more delightful if you could escape to Thailand for one hour? Luxury meets the bold flavors of Thai at the recently opened Tuk Tuk Thai Loft. From the same family that has built an excellent reputation with restaurants such as Nan and Tamarind Seed, this venture targets Thai Street Food. Take the elevator to the third floor ,but before stepping inside you will notice the large windows that let in an abundance of sunlight and you can’t miss the Tuk Tuk Taxi, a common taxi in Thailand with three wheels. The focal point of the restaurant is the stunning fully stocked bar, opening into a large dining area. If the weather is nice, how can you pass up the opportunity to sit on the patio that wraps around the corner with views of Peachtree Street, The Brookwood Shopping Center and the Atlanta skyline. The food is above average, with many applauses for the Pad Zee Ew. On the way to the bathroom you pass the plush waiting area with light colored leather sofas and cozy setup that almost makes any wait a pleasant one. Warning, don’t get carried away or you may not want to go back to work, but in that case there is always dinner!
THE WRITE TRACK
April 2010
Volume 4 Issue 2
please . . . Please . . . Review These Album
Hard Melk When we think of the Dutch, music is not the first thing that generally comes to mind but with the growing talent pool of both producers and artists, maybe we should rethink that stance. Joya Mooi has sprouted wings and after the release of Hard Melk, her debut album, also serving as the soundtrack for the Dutch theater play BH, she is getting ready to fly high. Mooi, the Dutch word for beautiful and although she is pleasing to the eye, the description goes beyond the physical attributes. With a name meaning beautiful it’s ironic that her standout track “Doctor” paints a vivid depiction of the distorted way a lot of women feel about self image. The chorus is catchy but its the lyrics that really grab you, “so grab the knife and slice me open, I feel so honored and horrified, sounds crazy but when I wake up, I will be perfect in every way, especially when the drains are pulled out, I feel its not a mistake.” None of the other cuts are quite as controversial but good in their own right. “Take a Step Back” is the lead single but it’s the upbeat duet “My Day” with vocalist Mar, that is getting the most buzz. A very electronic sound layered with elements of soul, the album is socially conscious with a carefree tone. Mooi intertwines her lyrics with the melody in such a way that you will not feel drenched in relationship madness. This is the kind of feel good music that will catapult you into summer.
www.twitter.com/joyamooi New Album Alert
Vivian Green Beautiful PJ Morton Walk Alone Trombone Shorty Backatown
THE WRITE TRACK
April 2010
Volume 4 Issue 2
Badu’s “Cleva” Marketing Tool Erykah Badu is “cleva”, at least that’s what her 2002 single claimed; but what does one do when their label does not put up money to market your new album? Record a video where you walk down the streets of Dallas while removing your clothes before falling to the ground in the same place where JFK died? “Cleva” marketing, maybe; a strange angle, most definitely! Considering the popular rock band, Matt and Kim, did something similar 1 year ago, does Badu get a pass? Dallas police didn’t seem to think so and Badu was sited with disorderly conduct. Known for her eclectic style and quirky lyrics, the second installment of New Amerykah Part 2 (Return of the Ankh) which took nearly two years for fans to receive, is reminiscent of what we liked about Mama’s Gun, her critically acclaimed second release. Considered a pioneer of the neo soul music movement, Badu can get even more bizarre and still keep fans coming back for more. However, this album is pretty even tempered, that is if you can put even tempered and Badu in the same sentence. Per Chelsea Lately, Badu describes the difference between part one and two, as sinister verses melodic. It could be described as the comparison of hip-hop to soul. Minus the publicity stunt, “Window Seat”, on its face value is the strongest single. “Love” is part robotic and the closing song, “Out My Mind, Just In Time”, is a ten minute heartfelt lovesick ballad mirroring “Green Eyes.” This new cd is one you can play all the way through . . . the wait was well worth it!
On the lookout for Vaughn Anthony
It’s tough enough to make it into the music business, but imagine having a Grammy award winning brother and trying to emerge out of his shadow with your own voice. Vaughn Anthony is determined to defy the odds and has enough talent to do so. Sure, there are vocal similarities between he and older brother John Legend, but their styles are clearly different. Performing as a background singer, taking pointers, and being signed to Legends label Homeschool, have been a great learning experience for him. Support his two EP’s, Mr. Everything and The Future, in edition to an excellent collaboration with Patty Tyler. Be on the lookout for his debut album! THE WRITE TRACK
April 2010
Volume 4 Issue 2
THE WRITE TRACK
April 2010
Volume 4 Issue 2
THE WRITE TRACK
April 2010
Volume 4 Issue 2
YES . . . YES . . . WE REVIEWED THESE ALBUMS
THE WRITE TRACK
April 2010
Volume 4 Issue 2
get your read on Atlanta based author Emily Giffin delivers her fourth novel, Heart of the Matter, May 11, 2010. To read the first chapter online, visit her website http://www.emilygiffin.com Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva by actress Victoria Rowell available May 4, 2010
venture oustide the perimeter
designer 2 watch
Louis Stewert
In the fashion world minorities are underrepresented and even more so with top brands. Who doesn’t know Louis Vitton, the French purveyor of high quality luggage and handbags, but Louis Stewert who is he? A top executive that broke away from the company and started his own line, The Louis Stewert Collection. Promoted by celebrities, you may see the likes of Lisa Raye and Dr. Dre sporting these custom made bags. Ranging from bible cases to laptop bags, make this collection unique. What’s the bigger draw, a black man spearheading the designs, Louis Stewert. Just like Vitton the price tag is hefty, but your custom made bag will be one of a kind! http://louisstewartcollection.com/
events
Straw Dog
Some Atlantans dread 285, the circled expressway that surrounds the city of Atlanta. The mere thought of going around it or beyond ignites worry, even fear, but how about the adventurous where boundaries are not an issue or those that live in the outskirts to begin with? A newer development, The Avenue at Forsyth in Cummings, off exit 13, (make a right at the light) houses the flag ship store of Straw Dog. Catering to women and children, the fashion forward will find lines such as Velvet and Miss Me. Friendly owners make your shopping experience that much better. If originality is something that you are seeking, then this is a good place to search. With a lot of intown boutiques carrying the same lines and some of the same product, it is more likely for you to see yourself coming. A limited amount of jewelry and new merchandise arrives daily, check back often. If you want to eliminate the drive, you can visit the website for selections, but up close and personal is always better. Their second location, described as a destination spot is tucked away in East Cobb.
Rites of Spring Nashville, TN April 23 & 24 notable artists Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival New Orleans, LA April 23-May 2 notable artist Drake Atlanta 2010 Jazz Festival Atlanta, GA May 29 & 30 notable artist Esperanza Spalding Capital Jazz Festival Washington, DC June 4-6 notable artists Hil St Soul Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival Manchester, TN June 10-13 notable artists Mayer Hawthorne and The County THE WRITE TRACK
April 2010
Volume 4 Issue 2