Keeping you on . . .
Volume 4 Issue 6
THE WRITE TRACK
with LCG . . .
and Beyond . . .
2010
Favorites 1st Hit Listening Lounge with
Darien Brockington Out and About
Happy
Holidays
Fav 4
For the open minded, culturally sophisticated, soulfully conscious.
2010
Special Thanks JAG Ev Love
Steve Foster
J. Michael Howard
Jesse Boykins III
J. Eric Grimes
Trombone Shorty
Jeff Bond
5
For Foodies Only
6
Out and About In Atlanta
7 8, 9 10
11
Condessa Coffee H. Harper Station
Contents
p. 11
1st Hit Listening Lounge with Darien Brockington 4th Annual Thanksgiving Carnival
Photo Gallery 2010 Before we end 2010
2010 Favorites
See what tops this years list
Please. . . Please. . . Review This Album
Floetic Soul In This Space
p. 10
Beyond. . .
Salu Three Muses One Dat, Two Dat, Are you a Who Dat Greetings from New Orleans
Beyond ATL
p. 11
p. 5
Mouth-watering Fish and Grits at H. Harper Station!
December 2010
a word from LCG...
thewritetracklcg@gmail.com
Christmas is in the air, colorful poinsettias adorn store shelves, bright lights strung on houses, the traditional Christmas pine decorated in your living room, and the aroma of hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick fills your mind with thoughts of family and friends. An old tradition in my family which my aunt began many years ago is to trim the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. It was a time when the family came together and an activity that everyone could participate in. Traditions provide balance and structure within families and whether new or old, it’s good to have something constant. Just like my families holiday tradition, here at The Write Track, every December we feature 2010 Favorites. Whether you have enjoyed our favorite albums or favorite potato chip, I hope it’s a tradition that carries on for many years.
“New Orleans was voted #2 by Aol travel for best cities to find holiday spirit!”
Speaking of the holiday season, recently New Orleans was voted #2 by Aol travel for best cities to find holiday spirit. New Orleanians are known for having a good time, so if you’re headed down to the Big Easy to soak up some of that energy and get a reprieve from the frigid temperatures that are blanking the U.S, take a look at some of the new spots in town which you can read about on page 11.
LCG
What I’m Listening to Mike Phillips “Crazy” Ne-Yo “One in A Million” Harry Connick Jr. “City Beneath the Sea” Lloyd Banks “Don’t Deserve You” Kanye West “Devil in a New Dress”
Switching gears, Darien Brockington has been making quite a few appearances in Atlanta recently. You may have had the opportunity to see him live with Yazarah, performing with Zo, or at Moods Music. During a visit to Moods he opened up about the state of music. His feelings are that music is in danger because the people running the labels are not musicians but business people. Another problem is there is no music in schools and kids don’t know what real music is. Music lovers, and performers, let’s do our part to keep “real music alive.” For more on Darien Brockington read the section titled “Out and About.” While we get caught up in the lights and the gifts of the holiday season, let’s not forget the real reason why we celebrate Christmas. Have
a safe and happy Holiday Season!
Keep an Eye Out for our next editon in February, as we start the New Year off on a high note!
this month’s FAV
r
Tribecca Baguettes
It may be true what they say; water does matter when it comes to baking, therefore, a specialty market in Atlanta GA, The Mercantile has their baguettes shipped all the way from NYC. Truly the essence of what bread should taste like, you have the option of buying them already baked or take home and do it yourself !
Murray’s Jarlsberg Dip
A world famous cheese shop in NYC is branching out via their partnership with Kroger grocery store chain. Now you can find bright red signs advertising Murray’s in select Krogers in cities such as Cincinnati, Atlanta, and coming soon to Houston. This dip made of swiss cheese, mayonnaise and a touch of red onion, is a wonderful spread on crackers or a baguette. http://www.murrayscheese.com/
Pure Intox Fuzzy Navel Sugar Scrub on The Rocks
Everyone wants soft supple skin without paying an arm and a leg. Pure Intox has made it a little easier to achieve that goal. Step 1, wet skin. Step 2, rub exfoliant cube over entire body. Step 3, rinse. Step 4, silky smooth skin! Sold at the Beehive in Atlanta.
Savannah Bee Company Beeswax Hand Cream
Another product brought to you by my favorite Savannah based company specializing in honey, this cream will not only moisturize your hands, the almond and pecan oils create an irresistible smell. http://www. savannahbeecompany.com
For Foodies Only Coffee Shops may be similar in the regard that they provide a third place environment that feeds ones caffeine addiction, but differ in execution. With the closing of some of our favorite coffee destinations in Atlanta, i.e. Tilt, Condessa Coffee opened just in the nick of time. Not your run of the mill coffee house with mismatched chairs and eclectic decor, Condessa is chic, with dark wooden tables, silver industrialized chairs and a great counter top hug the corner storefront on Boulevard and John Wesley Dobbs in the Tribune Lofts. Real flowers on the tables remind you more of a cafe than coffee shop. Not even open a week, they are still working out some kinks with their soft opening. Expect an expanded menu, additional product and liquor licenses to arrive soon. The owners and management are coffee enthusiasts that compete in competitions to design drinks. Before you place the lid on your latte, be sure and take a look at your custom masterpiece!
H. Harper Station 904 Memorial Drive, Atlanta GA 30316 http://www.hharperstation.com/ Parking: Complimentary Valet Hours: Tues-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun 5pm-10pm The most ambitious undertaking brought to you by the Lush Life Group, who have been amazing guests on Course E at Hartford Jackson International Airport with One Flew South. After acquiring and upgrading Rolling Bones and the launch of H. Harper Station, they are well on their way of securing a spot in the Atlanta restaurant battle. H. Harper, a family name of one of the owners is a sophisticated watering hole that currently occupies the space of former Depot on Memorial Drive. The interior is made up of a bar that extends past a second doorway, two top tables and stunning jade chandeliers. If you come in search of drinks, you will be pleased to know that they have over 43 signature cocktails including a New Orleans favorite, The Pimm’s Cup. With a mixologist and two chef ’s onboard you’re bound to find something that pleases your palate. Menu options include the bison short ribs which melt in your mouth, jerk meatballs garnished with brussels sprouts and for those seeking true southern flavors the Lil Smokies consist of beef “hot dogs” layered on a bed of mac and cheese, mustard greens and the bbq sauce that you love so much from Rolling Bones, drizzled on the plate...yum! An added touch is the variety of garnishing salts that your server brings to the table. With new additions to the menu such as the pimento (made in house) grilled cheese sandwich, Reynoldstowns newest resident is receiving a warm welcome.
THE WRITE TRACK
December 2010
Volume 4 Issue 6
Out and About
1st Hit Listening Lounge with Darien Brockington
The setting: Mood Music in Atlanta, a Friday night, chairs set up in a close knit formation facing a sofa where the slim Darien Brockington was sitting. On that brisk night he was rocking a scarf wrapped around his neck in order to keep his vocals tight. His hair was cut into a Mohawk style which if you can pull it off, is quite sexy and an overall layered look with dark denim. Music Addikts and host Jodine Dorce presented the 1st Hit Listening Lounge. Before they got into the nitty gritty, a showing of Darien Brockington’s video “Rain” was viewed on a hanging flat screen which had also premiered via facebook and twitter prior. The evening contained a sampling of music from his current mixtape The Cold Case Files, live performance and Q and A. A vast majority of the album was sampled as you gained insight into his inspiration for the project. Once the dj began to spin the records, the audience was anointed by the likes of “Welcome to My World,” “Meet Me in Paris,” “Let’s Make Love Tonight” and “Fashionista.” During Q & A, Brockington came across as modest but his name has been credited within a Grammy nomination. A little known fact is that he wrote the song “Superwoman” for Mary J Blige but ended up flipping the words and using it for himself. That’s not the only track he flipped, remember “I Miss You” from Someone to Love? Well on the mixtape it’s called “Don’t Miss You Nomore.” When asked why did you put out a mixtape instead of a album, he responded by saying it had been three years, The Feeling was the first thing that he had ever done and Someone to Love was more of who he was. He grew up listening to what was on the radio and the best thing that he could do to explain what he was going through was to put out a mixtape. Intelligent and savvy, if music doesn’t work out, he is currently pursuing an Accounting degree. He verbalized how he enjoyed being an independent artist because he could truly express himself without constraints. What’s next for DBrock is that he is in the studio working on new music, Affected: The Story of John Do, which he hopes to release in the Spring.
4th Annual Thanksgiving Carnival BMI Producer of the Year, Polow da Don and Foundation F.O.C.U.S. (Focusing On Completion Until Successful) chose SW Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall as their platform to give back to the community. In spite of early afternoon and mid-evening storms, the rain did not stop the 5,000 plus that showed up for turkeys (1,000 giveaways), a chance to enter the “Free Rent For A Year” Contest, free carnival rides, cotton candy and popcorn, event hosts, Ludacris and Big Boi plus a slew of chart-topping performers including Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Lloyd and surprise guests Bow Wow, Gucci Mane, Sean Garrett, and Waka Flocka. Community and retail supporters included The Ludacris Foundation, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Councilman Kwanza Hall, DJ Greg Street of WVEE 103.3FM, Chick-fil-A and Foot Locker. The evening ended with 9-minutes of fireworks. SIDENOTE: Foundation F.O.C.U.S. concentrates on instilling a desire for education, interpersonal skills, networking and marketability within youth by providing assistance through a variety of programs, seminars and panels to ensure success in producing educated, humble and goal-oriented individuals.
Content Provided By Ev Love
THE WRITE TRACK
December 2010
Volume 4 Issue 6
Photo Gallery
20 10
1. Lloyd at the 4th Annual Thanksgiving Carnival, Atlanta, GA 2. Farah Lissa at Keep it Classic, Atlanta, GA 3. Jesse Boykins III at Centerstage, Atlanta, GA 4. Jambalaya from Creole Nouvelle, Atlanta, GA 5. The Lounge at Benjy’s, Houston, TX 6. Chili Garlic Marinated Shrimp, Salu New Orleans, LA 7. Trombone Shorty and Christian Scott, at The Atlanta Jazz Festival 8. Banana Pudding Cake from The Cake Hag, Atlanta, GA
r
t. q
w
y i
e u THE WRITE TRACK
December 2010
Volume 4 Issue 6
2010 Favorites
ATLANTA MOBILE EAT Moto Bene
TV SHOW
THAT YOU KNOW YOU WATCH ...
Top 5 Albums
“Two and a Half Men”
Blu Transition Conya Doss Backatown Trombone Shorty New Amerykah Part 2 Erykah Badu My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Kanye West How I Got Over The Roots
Top 5 Singles “Window Seat” Erykah Badu
Best New Bakery
La Gourmandine (Pittsburgh, PA)
Artist we are checking for in 2011
“Finding My Way Back” Jaheim “Champagne Life” Ne-Yo “Soldier of Love” Sade “Hurricane Season” Trombone Shorty
Best EP IL Esperenza Spalding Rudy Currence Joya Mooi J Cole
The Setup
A French Bakery in Pittsburgh with a chef and owner from France, all the pastires are wonderful, especially the
Chouguette’s
THE WRITE TRACK
December 2010
Volume 4 Issue 6
NEW
MEN’S
Favorite Atlanta Hangout
Artist
Shoe
Social Vinings
Mar & Quadron
Mpulse
(It’s a toss up!)
A great neighborhood spot with an outdoor patio to people watch and live music!
MOST ENLIGHTENING Documentary Waiting for Superman
Favorite
ATL Nightspot
The Soundtable
NEW Atlanta Restaurant
tuk tuk thai loft
NEW
Atlanta Shop
the beehive
NEW
Gadget Apple IPAD
A move to Edgewood Shopping district and a change of ownership, has helped rejuvenate an old concept with new life. Find works by local artists.
ATL Burger
Grindhouse
THE WRITE TRACK
December 2010
Volume 4 Issue 6
PLEASE...PLEASE...REVIEW THIS ALBUM
In This Space Floetic Soul
ALSO IN STORES Neyo Libra Scale Jazmine Sullivan Love Me Back Dirty Money Last Train to Paris Tank Now or Never Avant The Letter
Apparently Marsha Ambroisus wasn’t the only member of the former group Floetry that has been working on a solo gig. Sure she has created much anticipation about her project, set to be released at the beginning of next year but did former band mate Natalie Stewart beat her to the punch line? Emerging with a video alongside veteran Musiq, she merges her poetic style to launch Floetic Soul. Complemented by voices such as Lalah Hathaway and Raheem Devaughn, Natalie dishes out lyrics as if she were at a poetry slam. The romantic expression found on Floetic Soul may have something to do with the fact that Natalie is in married bliss. Whatever the reason, the album is solid, and with lyrics that say “You Got Me Forever” is enough to get my vote!
Hailing from Detroit, the city where Motown drew it’s first breath, Lando “The Singer” delivers quite an impressive debut. Like most artists first project they have a lot to get off their chest and In This Space is no exception. As the Atlanta music scene has been patiently awaiting it’s arrival, you will be thrust into the experience as the album opens with the emotion filled “The Light.” “Luv Er’ythang About You” is like a boost of adrenaline, a true testament to what love can look like. “Just Keep Turning Me On” sounds a lot like the style Case made popular in 1999 with Personal Conversation. Among the 13 well crafted tracks “Space” is truly a standout. Great background vocalists enhance the records sound and thoughtful lyrics. The album is mature, genuine and easy listening. Now all that’s left it to press play!
Album’s We’re Checking for in 2010 Jesse Boykins III Anthony David Marsha Ambrosius Darien Brockington THE WRITE TRACK
December 2010
Volume 4 Issue 6
Beyond ... New Orleans Talk about breathing new life into the Crescent City post Katrina, developers are attempting to create a new and improved New Orleans. For a city that eats, restaurateurs have decided to follow a sweeping trend in the culinary industry, tapas or most recently referred to as small plates. These two new dining options have created quite a buzz and whether you are interested in eating or drinking, they have you covered.
SALU
The hand painted inverted sunken ceiling draws your attention the minute you step into Salu wine bar on Magazine Street. A contemporary presence and Spanish influence makes visitors want to leave the bustling French Quarter for an artistic journey down Magazine Street. Four types of paella cater to everyone’s taste, even “herbivores” get their choice of a Spanish vegetable filled rice. Priding themselves on carrying hard to find wines, their list of specialty cocktails will have you diverting your attention to the reason why you stopped by. Savor the hand breaded manchego cheese sticks accompanied by a sweet quince dipping sauce or crabmeat and four cheese flat bread, chiligarlic marinated shrimp, grilled skirt steak ... are you hungry yet? Cheers to Salu!
Three Muses
The popularity of One Dat, Two Dat, Are You a Who Dat has been overwhelming that soon this book will be a limited edition. A celebration of New Orleans, The Fleur de Lis and of course The Saints, New Orleanians sure know how to rear their Saints Fans early!
The first of two new compilations from a New Orleans based label, Louisiana Red Hot Records; their roster of New Orleans artists is impeccable. Their first production since Hurricane Katrina, you can’t help but hear the soulful voice of Harry Connick Jr. radiating from your speakers. *Available at Peaches Records in New Orleans www.peachesrecordsneworleans.com
A light dusting of the popular Indian spice, Garam Masala flavors popcorn, brought to your table while awaiting your food at the newly opened Three Muses on Frenchman Street in New Orleans. Looking similar to the other live music venues within that corridor, whether you come for the exotic small plates or killer cocktails, you’re in luck, the kitchen stays open late. Order food from the bar with tantalizes dishes which include lobster spring rolls, Asian sesame greens and crab cantaloni. Live acts perform on the built in platform, seven days a week, check the board outside for their weekly lineup. THE WRITE TRACK
December 2010
Volume 4 Issue 6