A Mile a Minute: The World of Mrs. Saditty

Unsung

One of the most interesting programs that I've seen on the tube lately has to be the TV One series "Unsung". These one hour shows spotlight artists who really didn't get their fair amount of respect in the music world. So far, I've seen The Clark Sisters, DeBarge, Phyllis Hyman, Shalimar, Minnie Riperton, and a few others. All were equally as wonderful and for some reason they are real tearjerkers. This series reminds me of VH1's Behind the Music when good artists were spotlighted.

Well, one of the Unsung episodes featured Donnie Hathaway. Well, I guess I should tell you guys that out of all the shows, I found Phyllis Hyman's and Donnie's the HARDEST to watch. No, its not just the pregnancy hormones. Me and these artists go waaaaay back. I saw Phyllis for the first time at Jazz Fest when I was a little girl. As she stood on the stage, tall and majestic, I realized what music really was for the first time. Ever since that, I was hooked. Yes, I was the weird little girl loving jazz while my classmates rocked out to rap...lol. But seriously, when I heard of her death, I was crush and remained that way for quite some time. It was hard for me to listen to any of her music for quite some time but now? I'm okay with Phyllis and she remains one of my favorites.

Donnie? Well Donnie is another story. Donnie Hathaway reminds me of ...lets see...unrequited love? I know that sounds strange. The man had a voice, could sing. And never really got the stardom that he deserved. I guess I take it so hard because Donnie was mentally ill and simple medication and extensive therapy could've saved his life...ya'll know how I feel about mental illness and the stigma attached to it. It seems like such a waste...a genius. Still, Donnie's voice haunts me. I got into my husband's truck the other night to go to dinner and "A Song for You" was blasting out of the speakers. Ya'll, it just t.o.u.c.h.e.d me deep.

Well, one day I'll be able to listen to Donnie again without the deep emothions but the next best thing? I've always been a fan of his daughter Lalah and recently, I've noticed that his daughter Kenya sings backup on American Idol (which I barely watch). Well, I've been into Lalah's music before I realized who she was. Seriously! As I sat in a coffeehouse listening to her latest CD, I can't help but wonder why she hasn't had more success. Well, for jazz artist or artists with "jazz-like" voices, it is harder to break into the mainstream. But then I think about chicks like Keri Hilson who have decent voices and sing about....well, sing about nothing and of course I get mad. I know for a fact that Lalah is one of those artists who sings because she loves singing. She's never tried to ride on the coattails of her Dad and sings with conviction. It's possible that she'll "make it big" one day but until then, an old girl like me can really appreciate some sanging like hers!

Feeling Fine Friday

Props to fellow foodie and blogger Ashley who frequently features 'Wednesday Wine Down' on her site and at her crib. From today on, consider yourself invited on a consistant basis for 'Feeling Fine Friday'.

Eats: Shrimp and Chicken Scampi

In the Goblet: Ravenswood Zinfandel 2005

Sounds: Sweetback "You Will Rise"

Here's to another week's pay, earned and and an upcoming weekend of loving, living, and laughter. Cheers to you and all you do. MrsSaditty

Nearly 10 Years of Heavy Rotation

Everyone who knows me knows that I rarely buy cds. For me to go out and purchase/order a compact disc, it has to be extraordinary music from an artist(s) who has proven worthy of my ears. Enter The Song Lives On by Joe Sample featuring Lalah Hathaway. The memories.

In 1999, the former love of my life and I were having a midnight picnic on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain and listening to WYLD FM (cannot remember if it was Harold Clark, who later became a close friend of mine or Papa Smurf)...but anyway, this hauntingly beautiful song called "When You Life Was Low" piped through the speakers and I was hooked. I couldn't make out the owner of the beautiful vocals but I enchanted. O, the former love of my life, pulled out a cd on my next visit to NOLA. Voila, it was Joe Sample (who I loved since the days of Southern Comfort) and Lalah Hathaway (who had a combination of her father's soulful sounds and her mother's professionally trained vocal chords). I played that cd until I thought it would wear thin.

Over the years, that cd REMAINED in my disc changer. When I purchased my first MP3 player, on it went. I recommended this cd to everyone. I purchased several copies of this cd and gave them away as gifts during the past 9 years. Same reaction from everyone..."now THIS is music!"

It's so cool that one cd has the same effect on so many people. Jumped into one of my bff's car to ride to Copeland's the other day and she has "Fever" playing at full blast. "Where did you get that?" I asked her. "You gave it to me when I broke up with R. I can't stop playing it."

Now FEVER is a whole 'nother story. It blesses this cd with it's presence. Yes, I have heard HUNDREDS of versions of this song (Beyonce, SIT DOWN), the best being in smoky jazz clubs by unknown singers. Lalah takes the cake!

I hadn't listened to this in a few days but was moved to blog about it when the anti-jazz MrSaditty asked me to put this and a few other Joe Sample songs onto his I-Pod. I did that and added some Dave Koz,Boney James, and a little bit of Kirk Whalum. I am pleased to see that he is slowly being converted to a jazz head, little by little.

For those of you into smooth grooves, check Joe and Lalah out and let me know what you think.

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly!!!! (and the rest of my weekend in review)

Friday began with me getting my hair done. Although I am bored silly and ready to return to work next week, it was nice having a morning appointment instead of late afternoon. After getting tightened up and a few bangs cut, I continued on to the mall in search of something to wear to see Frankie.

I know myself and malls so to ensure comfort of my visit, I wore these:

Not too cute...in fact, not cute at all but oh-so-comfy! First, I had une envie (Creole speaking peeps, where ya at?) to check out some shoes.                                                                                                                                                                                          

In Macy's, I looked at these:

Nice but my chubby feet would squeeze out the sides...

FROWNED at these (they are more Rainbow and Forever 21 than Macy's)

I found nothing really impressive. I moved on to a few other stores and finally landed here, my fav spot:

::::singing:::::

"Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your naaaame...and they're always glad you caaaaaaame..."

After a while, I was pretty beat. I parked my booty here and did some people watching. A little while later, it was time to pick up the Itty Bitty Saditty's.

"Mommie, your new hair looks like a Princess!" A statement guaranteed to get a hug and a book of choice from Target! (Before we pick up the two itty bittys---I ain't crazy enough to bring all three in a store on a Friday afternoon!)

We made it home and I made this: Lime baked fish, seafood stuffing, and a medly of edamame, green beans, and carrots (the bagged mix at Target is to die for!).

As usual, Mr. Saditty went to work on Saturday but rushed home early, telling me he needed me to go with him to pick up his "order"...

He replaced the old Mistress with a new one. I shall be upping his Life policies IMME-JUT-Lay.

I jumped back in my truck, FUMING because I didn't want a stupid ol' bike making me late for the jam!He drove her home and I had to nag him to come inside and get dressed. I cannot stand to be late for ANYTHING!!

Because I rushed him to get ready, he wore the mean mug the entire way to the venue. But did I care?

HEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLL Noooooooooo! I didn't care how he acted because I was on my way to see Frankie! Fraaaaaaannnnnnnnkaaaaaaaaaay baby!

In case you didn't know, in Louisiana we love us some Maze. I am sure the same can be said in other parts of the country but we tend to be fanatical about this 61 year old (and still sexy!) singer and his awesome band. How many bands out there have been touring together (with many of the same members) for over 40 years? As usual, Frankie began  with a word of thanks to the audience. He always reminds everyone that folks in Louisiana were the first to give him love his new band toured with Marvin Gaye. We love you too, Frankie! One of my earliest memories is of me as a child, asleep in someone's lap at the Superdome during Budweiser Superfest while the adults listened to Maze. Well, here I was for the twentysomethienth time seeing them. Hubby was grumpy as I enjoyed myself, singing all their songs. When I heard the opening to "Golden Time of the Day", I let looooose! When the band began playing "Back in Stride Again", Grumpy McGrumpy jumped outta his chair and started acting a PLUMB FOOL!!!! He was dancing and singing, acting like it was his idea to come. He continued until the end of the concert. It takes him a while to get warmed up but he'll be okay. After a two and a half hour performance, we were hungry and met up with a few of our friends to grab a bite to eat. All was well, MrSaditty was in a good mood and no longer grumpy.

Okay, so I spilled a drink on him, sat my phat butt down on his lap and crushed him but it was all love! The rest of our evening was all "Happy Feelins"!

 

Countdown to Maze!

I doubt that I will ever get tired of seeing this group! I know, I know...they haven't released an album in nearly twenty years but they manage to sell out concerts allovahtheplace! Hubby and I along with some friends are going to see them on Saturday night (and again in July during Essence Fest). Not sure what I'm wearing Saturday but I gotta be extra fllllyyyy in case Frankie's eye should land on moi :::::wink:::::