my last writing of 2007 - amy, amy, amy

It's almost 2008! This has been a great year really. I mean...a lot of non-great things have happened, but I really can't judge my year by those, right? Anyway, I only wrote one thing this week and that is a brief review of Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black" album. It made the top 21 2007 releases for Citypaper, and it was my number 4, so I got to write it up. Because Amy is a hot mess right now, I feel the need to profess how much I love her music, so you will also find a concert review I did in May and also a longer review of "Back to Black" I did for Giant Step in April. I'll put my top 10 for 2007 below too. Enjoy and have a wonderful New Year! xo

PS. If you haven't checked out the Elizabeth Shepherd Trio, you need to do so now...I love her!

www.myspace.com/elizabethshepherd

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Citypaper Top 21 for 2007, Amy Winehouse - Back to Black, #7, 12/27/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/music/top10/2007/

While Amy Winehouse is a hot, troubled mess — as I type this, the drugged-out bag of bones is chillin' in a London jail — the brilliance of her U.S. debut can't be denied. Her formula, mixing retro sounds with emotionally accessible lyrics, is infectious. Out of that mangled beehive came commercial hits like overplayed "Rehab" and the Ghostface-laced "You Know I'm No Good," which balanced out lesser-known gems like hip-swaying "Tears Dry on Their Own" and ballad "Love is a Losing Game." Hate on her publicly if you want, but be for real — you know Back to Black is a dope (no pun, no pun) ass album. - Deesha Dyer

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My Citypaper Top 10 for 2007:
Amy Winehouse Frank (Universal Island)
Common Finding Forever (Geffen)
4Hero Play With The Changes (Raw Canvas)
Amy Winehouse Back To Black (Universal Island) [CP Top 21]
Elizabeth Shepherd Trio Besides (Do Right Music)
The Brand New Heavies Elephantitis: The Funk and Soul House Remixes (Delicious Vinyl)
DJ Jazzy Jeff The Return of the Magnificent (Rapster)
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings 100 Days, 100 Nights (Daptone)
DJ Junior Excursions (recordbreakin.com)
Ben Westbeech Welcome to the Best Years of Your Life (Brownswood)

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Giant Step, Amy Winehouse, Back to Black Review, 4/2007:

http://www.giantstep.net/features/172/

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Giant Step, Amy Winehouse Concert Review, 5/2007:

http://www.giantstep.net/features/177/

Writings for week of 12/17/07

Happy Holidays. I didn't get around to posting this last week, so here goes. An article on the Homeless Memorial Day and the last of the 215hiphop.com Wordplay Rap Up. I also took some pictures at the 2 year Zodiac party that was last week, so I'll include that link too. Enjoy, Deesha

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Zodiac Pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/deesha34/Zodiac2YearAnniversaryDec2007

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Homeless Memorial Day Service, Philadelphia Citypaper, 12/20/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/12/20/just-do-it

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Wordplay Rap Up, 215hiphop.com, 12/24/07:

http://215hiphop.com/features/deeshas-2007-rap-up-wordplay-part-iv/#more-403

Articles for week of 12/10/07

Hello everyone - I am still home recovering, but doing okay. Last week, I wrote up 5 things...Two were previews for 2 shows, Bilal and the 215hiphop Toy Fundraiser, another was a new feature for 215hiphop, which basically just asks the favorite album, song, and concert for 2007 of different people in the Philly community, and the last is an interview with Jamiroquai percussionist Sola Akingbola as he discusses his latest solo effort. Enjoy, Deesha

Bilal preview, Philadelphia Citypaper, 12/13/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/12/13/soundadvice

215hiphop toy fundraiser, Philadelphia Citypaper, 12/13/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/12/13/soundadvice

Sola Akingbola Interview, GeoClan, 12/13/07:

http://www.geoclan.com/music/articles/06/interviews/AnInterviewwithSolaAkingbola.htm

Wordplay Year End, 215hiphop.com, Parts 1 and 2:

http://215hiphop.com/category/wordplay/

Writing for Week of 12/3/07

It is snowing. Winter isn't even officially here yet! Anyway...this week I wrote 2 reviews. One of the Redman show. I wasn't going to go, but last minute I did. It is also Clayton's favorite rapper, so it was good to enjoy that with him. Redman was crazy, and so good. One of the best hip-hop shows I"ve been to in awhile. Next was the Philly's Men Are Cookin' event, which is an event to raise money for a scholarship for lower income students. It was a lot of men cooking a lot of dishes. I had a wonderful time there too. I also did a WORDPLAY on MC Tone Trump from West Philly. Last piece is a preview of the Babyface concert that is this week. Oh snap - I don't think I ever posted up the WORDPLAY with Digs Darklighter, MC and graf artist. Damn...okay, that one is here too. Enjoy!

Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Philadelphia Citypaper, 12/6/07 (scroll down):

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/12/06/soundadvice

Philly's Men Are Cookin', Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 12/3/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/12/03/phillys-men-are-cookin-nov-24-national-constitution-center/

Redman, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 12/4/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/12/04/redman-nov-30-trocadero/

Digs Darlighter, 215hiphop.com, 11/2007:

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wdigs-darklighter/#more-345

Tone Trump, 215hiphop.com, 12/5/07:
http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wtone-trump/#more-376

articles for week of 11/26/07

Hello - I recently joined Facebook. I'm finding so many college people on there, as MySpace I find more high school people. Anyway, I am feeling a bit lumpy, so I gotta hit the gym, but before I do..check these out. I wrote about the Redman show that is coming up on Friday. If you are reading this and want to go, see me on how you can get half off tickets. I also wrote about Bodyrock, which returned last week with DJ Skeme Richards. Enjoy both!xo

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Redman, Philadelphia Citypaper, 11/29/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/29/redman

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Bodyrock w/DJ Skeme Richards, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 11/28/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/11/28/bodyrock-w-dj-skeme-richards-nov23-m-room/

article for week of 11/19/07

Happy Thanksgiving! I can't wait to eat tomorrow. This week saw me doing a review on the new Amp Fiddler album (see post below this) and a write up on the Low Budget Crew show, which includes Kev Brown, Oddisee, Ken Starr and State Store. That's it! Be sure to also check me out over at www.myspace.com/coveryourlover

xo

Low Budget Crew, Philadelphia Citypaper, 11/21/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/22/low-budget-crew

Amp Fiddler - Afro Strut Review

Amp Fiddler

Afro Strut

Released: Sept.2007

More info including where to buy: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/1654

The latest slice of music by the multi-talented Amp Fiddler contains a healthy dose of funk, soul and dance. Aptly titled, Afro Strut, Fiddler mixes up styles, tempos and vibes to provide an overly satisfying listening experience.

The groove starts with opening track, 'Faith', and it never lets up. The song’s serious bass line lays the undertone for a solid offering. Saadiq’s contribution is definitely heard. The vibe then transitions when Fiddler teams up with breakout star Corinne Bailey Rae on up-tempo vintage track, 'If I Don’t.' The sections where they are singing in unison, like the second part of the chorus give the song an innocent and school crush feel. Some other standouts worth mentioning are 'Right Where You Are' (the beat that comes in around the 35 second mark fits perfectly), 'Ridin', which has both house and disco elements, and 'Come See Me', a track that has Fiddler showing off his falsetto over a laid-back beat - very slick and smooth.

Before getting to my favorite track, I gotta give props for the Jimi Hendrix cover of 'Hey Joe'. This is a dangerous move, afterall…it is Hendrix. Fiddler embodies the original with the vocals and even the rock sound. There are a bit of new millennium generated sounds thrown in, but they aren’t that bothersome truthfully.

I mentioned that I had a favorite and that would be, 'Heaven', featuring soulstress Stephanie McKay. The way the song opens gives me chills…it is haunting and uplifting. McKay and Fiddler make a beautiful combination. The song is soft and speaks of finding solace in tough times – something everyone can definitely relate to.

Afro Strut was released at the right time. Fiddler’s experience and talent with various instruments and with different bands show through the crisp clean sound and production. There are parts within songs where I am just surprised and touch by the adlibs, a hit of a key or stroke of a guitar.

The CD just feels good and I actually play it the entire way through. Can’t think of when the last time I said that about a male funk or soul release.

articles for week of 11/12/07

2 reviews this week. 1 that was easy - Spinderella at Fluid and one that was hard - Stevie Wonder at the Wachovia. Reviewing a DJ is as easy as saying how they did and a few songs they played, but reviewing a LEGEND was a bit harder because I am just afraid of missing or messing something up, but it is my opinion and my review, right? Hope you enjoy them both. The Stevie one has 2 You Tube clips so check it fo' real...xo

Stevie Wonder Concert Review, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 11/14/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/11/14/stevie-wonder-nov8-wachovia-center/

DJ Spinderella Review, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 11/12/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/11/13/dj-spinderella-nov9-fluid/

writing for week of 11/5/07

Last week was so crazy that I didn't get to put these up until today. I have so much writing to do...the Stevie Wonder concert review being one of them..WOW..he was AMAZING, and I don't use that word lightly. Anyway, time is short...I wrote about this party Clayton and I went to with a bunch of DJ's, but we only got there in time for ?uestlove! Also gave a little preview to the Spinderella DJ party, which was dope...gotta do that review too, and the last one I did was a write up for the hip-hop band, Philly Slick, who had their album release party over the weekend.

Enjoy, Deesha

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DJ Spinderella, Philadelphia Citypaper, 11/8/07 (scroll down):

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/08/soundadvice

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DJ ?uestlove, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 11/5/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/11/05/dj-uestlove-nov-3-silk-city/

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Philadelphia Slick, Philadelphia Citypaper, 11/8/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/08/philadelphia-slick

Writings for week of 10/29/07

Hello - Happy November! October went by so fast. This week, I wrote 4 things, all for the Philadelphia Citypaper. This week was the 2007 Choice Awards and while I only penned 3 things, I felt confident in those 3. The due date for them creeped up so fast on me this year that I didn't have proper time to think about them..my fault! But, the ones that did win from me were Lady B, Misia Denea and Freshout Media. I will just put their write-ups below, since it is all under one link. The other thing I wrote was a review of the Alice Smith concert last night, which I went with Clayton to. She was amazing..no doubt! Alright..gotta go do work for Get Well Philly..if you don't know what that is, check here: www.myspace.com/getwellphilly. Add us if you have MySpace. BTW - I am listening to the new Amp Fiddler....WOW - love it! Until next time, Deesha

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Alice Smith Concert Review, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 11/1/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/11/01/alice-smith-world-cafe-live-nov-1/

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Philadelphia Citypaper 2007 Choice Awards, 11/1/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/11/01/a--e-nightlife

Best Dancing/Activism Machine

There really is no stopping dancer/activist Misia Denea, who's always turning the spotlight on issues such as Hurricane Katrina, wrongful imprisonment, domestic violence and war. Her dedication and determination have taken her around the world to teach, dance or participate in community workshops. If you've been to an urban grassroots fundraiser, rally or protest this year, Denea was probably right there alongside you with an open heart and/or dancing feet. —DD

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Most Likely To Be Around In 10 Years

Truthfully, Philly has enough art, culture, music and promotion-type companies, but not enough of them come correct. Enter Freshout Media, a company that purposely seeks out left-field venues and artists to create something new and innovative. From taking over the South Street Whole Foods rooftop to helping bring Pharoahe Monch to shows at World Café Live, Freshout has established itself as the optimistic future of the Philly party and arts scene. They work damn hard to represent. www.freshoutmedia.com. —DD

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Longest Comeback We All Saw Coming

For most hip-hop heads in the 27-to-38 age range, Lady B served as a soundtrack to their adolescence. When her voice dropped off commercial radio in 2002, fans had the choice of following her to Sirius Satellite or hunting for a new queen of the airwaves. Now, after years of petitions and e-mails, Lady B is back on the dial, playing classic hip-hop and R&B on The Basement Party on WRNB. Radio's good again, if only for four hours a day. Mon.-Sat., 3-7 p.m., WRNB 107.9 FM, www.1079wrnb.com. —DD

writings for week of 10/22/07

I'll be brief. This week I penned 4 different things. One is the Un-Inhibited Muse event which is here in Philly. It is an art, film, dance, and photo event for local artists, including some high school students. The reason I was so drawn to this and pushed it to the Citypaper is because the founder of the event is someone who is in the community and actually provides opportunities to kids, giving them an alternative to negativity. Next was the 2007 AIDS Walk...which was tiring. Wanted to run it, but nature, luck and my body weren't on my side. Next year for sure. I am on the left side of that picture. I also attended a Frank McComb show at World Cafe Life last night..wow is all I can say - this man is amazingly beautiful on the piano. I wrote a review for Critical Mass. Lastly was the Philly Mayoral conversation meeting that I attended on Monday night. I really wanted to experience this, especially because I talk so much smack about what we need to do to better our communities and confronting our politicians. It was very standard, but good experience. Next week will be light...I think! Have a good night, day or whatever it is wherever you are, Deesha


PS. Sorry the pictures suck, I need a new camera!


The Un-Inhibited Muse, Philadelphia Citypaper, 10/24/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/25/on-the-dl-2


2007 AIDS Walk, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 10/21/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/10/22/aids-walk-oct21-eakins-oval/


Conversation with Philly Mayoral Candidates, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 10/22/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/10/23/mikey-and-al-oct-22-peco-energy-hall/


Frank McComb, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 10/25/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/10/25/frank-mccomb-oct-24-world-cafe-live/

*articles for week of 10/15/07*

It's time for the Citypaper bi-annual MUSIC issue! Last time around, I did an article with Jake Lefco/Happ G and DJ Skeme Richards. This year, I got to write about MC Ethel Cee, who I have been WAITING to do something on. She is fierce! I was supposed to also interview Peedi Peedi, but that just didn't work out. Oh well...I am satisfied with Ethel Cee's. She was mad cool to interview and Mike Regan really did a great job photographing her. I love that photo above that he did. He does mostly all CP photography. That should have been the damn CP cover, but all good. Also, looking at the other 10 or so people in there, I'm happy I got to squeeze hip-hop in. Anyway, I also wrote a review on the Large Professor party, which by chance - Ethel Cee hosted. I really need to get caught up on CD reviews and recommendations, mainly the new Raul Midon. I HAVE TO GET FOCUSED! Enjoy the writings. The next 2 weeks will be a bit light and if you are around Philly on Friday, come to the CARE event - see the flyer below the links for info or go to www.myspace.com/coveryourlover. xo

Ethel Cee, Philadelphia Citypaper, 10/18/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/18/ethel-cee

Large Professor, Philadelphia Citypaper Critical Mass, 10/13/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/10/13/large-professor-oct12-fluid-nightclub/

Writings for week of 10/8/07

This has been a strange week...Just strange. Anyway, the March/Black Thought pictures above were taken by Clayton (http://www.geoclan.com/) and the Ronson picture was taken by Claudia. This week, I wrote 5 things - 2 which were the same thing. Normally I wouldn't do that, but that was the Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights March, which I feel should have been covered everywhere and after looking at the pics wanted to do the event and cause justice. As you see, MC Black Thought was part of the march and that is the angle I had to use to write about it. I also did a Common (I love him - - sorry C) review for GeoClan and wrote about the Mark Ronson gig in NYC, which wasn't that that great. the Wordplay that I did this week is producer N.Batez and I squeezed that in to promote an event this weekend. Anyway, enjoy...music issue of Citypaper coming up soon, so I gotta get my ass to typing in the next few days. I am pretty pleased with who I had to interview.

Until then....xoxo

Common 'Finding Forever Review', GeoClan, October 2007:

http://www.geoclan.com/music/articles/reviews/07/GeoReviewCommonFindingForever.htm

Mark Ronson in NYC, Citypaper Online, 10/09/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/10/09/mark-ronson-oct5-webster-hall-nyc/

Black Thought at Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign March, Citypaper Online, 10/9/07:

http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/10/09/black-thought-oct7-5th-to-15th-street/

Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign March, 215hiphop.com, 10/10/07 (you might have to scroll down after a few days to see this):

http://215hiphop.com/category/news/

Wordplay with N.Batez, 215hiphop.com, 10/10/07:

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wnbatez/#more-293

Week of 10/1/07 Articles

First of All - GO PHILLIES!

Okay, now that that is out of the way, guess who I met last night? Erykah Badu and Big Daddy Kane. I had a conversation with both. I'm still on cloud 9. I also told them both about GeoClan (http://www.geoclan.com/) and Cover Your Lover (www.myspace.com/coveryourlover) and gave Badu a t-shirt. It was lovely. And Big Daddy Kane was funny and so nice. Anyway, I am fooling around at work, so I gotta get to it. I wrote 4 things this week. One is a Wordplay with MC Side Effect, who has 2 shows this week, another is the MOKA album release party. I just recently discovered them and their sound is really dope. I also wrote about one of Side's shows at Liquid Charm with about 12 or so other acts and then the last one was the Sexual Freedom Day. I had to grab that one because it seemed so interesing to me. Enjoy! xo


Wordplay with Side Effect, 215hiphop.com, 10/2/07:
http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wside-effect/#more-278


Sexual Freedom Day, Philadelphia Citypaper, 10/4/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/04/just-do-it-2


MOKA Album Release Party, Philadelphia Citypaper, 10/4/07 (scroll down):
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/04/soundadvice


Mic Check Thorsday, Philadelphia Citypaper, 10/4/07 (scroll down):
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/04/soundadvice

Writing for week of 9/24/07

I think I am back in the swing of things as far as returning from Europe is concerned. I still feel a bit behind and have lots to catch up on. There's a lot going on in my head concerning friendships and what they really mean. That sounds corny, but whatever. This week, I did a WORDPLAY with DJ Tactics, and also contributed to the new Citypaper feature, Critical Mass, which basically reviews anything and everything. I want to step my review game up, so I hope to participate in this atleast once a week or something. This week I attended 2 lunchtime type mini performances. One of Sara Bareilles and the other of Reef the Lost Cauze for the Campus Philly Kick Off. Enjoy!

Wordplay with DJ Tactics, 215hiphop.com, 9/26/07:
http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wdj-tactics/#respond

Reef the Lost Cauze at Campus Philly Kick Off, LOVE Park, 9/26/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/09/26/reef-the-lost-cauze-sept26-love-park/

Sara Bareilles, Borders Bookstore, 9/24/07:
http://criticalmass.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/2007/09/25/sara-bareilles-sept24-borders/

if you live in philly, this is where you should be this weekend - 9/21

No articles to post this week because I was away. No Sweet Tooth because I was away. I do have some Raul, Van Hunt and Angie Stone stuff to give out over the weekend, but in the meantime, if you are in my city of brotherly and sisterly love, check out these events...check the Saturday line up...I'll be there with my freshly done hair..hope to see you there also!

Freshout Media and Goodie Goodie present FLAVA FEST:

www.myspace.com/flavafest

8/10/07 Articles including...the big one!

Hi -


I am still in Germany, so this will be short! The big feature I was working on for Citypaper is out today. This feature was so important to me and I am so thankful to those that made it happen, especially my editors, the people I interviewed and my friends here in Germany who let me work while I was at their house. I stayed up all night last week and finished it on a German keyboard....not so easy..hahaha...The article is about the divisions and animosity between the different sub-scenes in Philadelphia. I feel good about how it turned out and would have loved more space, but such is life. Maybe there will be a part 2. The picture above is of Cosmo Baker (second picture) , who I interviewed. I also may put the full interviews online. Not sure yet. The other piece is an animal symposium that I got assigned last minute (third picture of person appearing at event). It is not only for animal rights, but also social justice in general. It also includes a Veggie Cabaret. I have an image of people dressed as carrots dancing around! The last one I did is of Josh Valocci (first picture) - who is a music writer over at the Philadelphia Weekly, which is a rival of Citypaper. I did a Wordplay on him for 215. He is a nice guy. Okay, gotta go...enjoy! xoxoxo


PS. In my sleep last night, I had dreams of an art project I am going to start when I return!

The Lost Cause, Philadelphia Citypaper, 9-13-07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/09/13/the-lost-cause

Animal Rights Symposium, Philadelphia Ciypaper, 9-13-07

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/09/13/just-do-it

WORDPLAY with Josh Valocci, 215hiphop.com, 9-11-07

http://215hiphop.com/interviews/wordplay-wjoshua-valocchi/#more-245