Anthology: Behind the Scenes

An Interview with Meshell Ndegeocello

by: Casey Pukl

Fearless. That’s the only word that comes to mind when thinking of Meshell Ndegeocello. There are few musicians out there that I perceive as truly being fearless. Ndegeocello is one of them. She’s unapologetic, honest, raw, and a damn good bass player and songwriter. It’s hard to listen to her and not feel like she knows you and you know her. From her early days of playing with David Bowie, Madonna, and John Cougar Mellencamp, Ndegeocello has come a long way. 9 studio albums into her successful career, her latest is perhaps her most accessible and daring release yet.

I truly cannot say enough good things about the singer/songwriter/bassist/rapper’s latest, Weather. The simplest release she has had by far stands in stark contrast to her previous albums and truly makes it shine. The album was produced by Grammy Award winner Joe Henry, and recorded in five days. Ndegeocello worked with jazz players on the record because she felt, “They have this ability not to be judgmental about music.” The result of this chemistry is 13 songs that have you soaking in luscious pop-driven sensibilities and wringing out raw emotion. The simplicity of the instrumental pieces perfectly complements the heart-wrenching vocals, and drives each song to place of pure and utter beauty.  In the second track, “Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear”, drummer Deantoni Parks’ groove lays it on thick and tight in the verse, and later opens into what might just be the perfect understated chorus. The cello, played by Gabe Noel, also seals the deal on this track for me.

I had the opportunity to conduct my first ever e-mail interview with Meshell this morning! I apologize for the lack of my usual “flow” here, but via e-mail it’s a little less of a conversation, and more of a list of questions and answers. Special thanks to Meshell for taking the time to answer these questions for us! Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview With Boney James

by: Casey Pukl

I’m always honored to interview the incredible artists that play here at Anthology. Boney James is no exception. With over three million copies of his twelve albums sold, four certified Gold albums, three Grammy nominations, a Soul Train Award, and an NAACP award nomination, James has plenty to be proud of.

His latest release, Contact, has been nominated for a Soul Train Award, and has also received much critical acclaim. The album covers new ground for James, who is constantly striving to innovate and span across genres. Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to talk to Boney James about his latest record, his evolution as an artist, and what we can look forward to seeing when he comes to Anthology at the end of the month!

CP: I want to start out by congratulating you on our Soul Train Award nomination for Contact!

BJ: Oh, thank you! Yeah, it’s pretty cool. I’m really excited about it!

CP: Tell me a little bit about this record and how it came about.

BJ: Sure. This record is a real departure from the last one. The last one was more of a late night record with a lot of covers on it, you know, it had that slower vibe. I really tried to give this record a new energy. There’s a lot of up-tempo stuff on it, a lot of vocal tunes, it’s really got a different vibe. I always try to reach across genres, that’s where the name Contact comes from in a lot of ways. It started out being like the roar of a plane and that electrical contact, but it later became about people connecting.

CP: Speaking of people connecting, you featured a lot of great R&B singers on this record. How did that come about?

BJ: I started writing the songs for the record, and you know, sometimes the horn just doesn’t sound right. Sometimes the melody was made for a voice and not the horn. So I started writing lyrics, and then trying to match a voice to it.

CP: Did you have any particular artists in mind as you were writing, or did that come later? Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Dwele

By: Casey Pukl

Dwele is that guy. Which guy? That guy. You know, the one who writes incredible songs, can sing himself to the moon, has worked with Kanye West, Common, and many more, and you expect to be larger than life. Dwele is as humble, laid back, and kind as they come. I had the pleasure of speaking with him yesterday morning (one day after his emergency root canal might I mind you), and we talked about everything from his writing process and his speaker building hobby to his gorgeous female fans. If I had to pick one word to describe my chat with Dwele, it would have to be… cool. Just plain, old-school cool— and it doesn’t get much better than that.

Dwele

CP: Tell me about your record Wants, World, Women and how it came together. Did you have the concept for it first, or once you finished writing, did the songs fit themselves into the categories?

D: It was really a combination of both. It really started when I was working with Nottz on the song, “I Wish.” The first line of the song I had was, “I wish I had a dollar for every dollar you think I have, I wish I had those Gucci shoes inside that Gucci bag.” It was a part of me that I don’t usually get to express. You know, I like those nice things, but that’s not all of what I’m about. I was trying to find a way to talk about it without making people mad. It was a section I just had a lot of fun with.

Then came the political section. You know, I’ve wanted to do some political stuff before, but I never really had the platform. I wanted to talk about the economy and what’s happening. I can’t really put a political song in between some baby-makin’ songs, you know? (laughs) Then came the “Women” section, where I did what I’ve been doing all along. This record was really about giving myself some different avenues to express stuff I don’t usually get to.

CP: Do you have any favorite songs on the record? Read the rest of this entry »

Rachelle Ferrell

Though she is largely obscure outside of jazz circles (particularly those connected to the festival circuit), Rachelle Ferrell is unquestionably one of the most dynamic talents in contemporary pop music. Very few vocal artists in the industry have Ferrell’s potent combination of range, phrasing, and musicianship (she is also and accomplished pianist). Such potency was made powerfully aware to Blue Note Record’s head Bruce Lundvall who first heard Ferrell on a demo tape (while driving to the supermarket) and signed her shortly thereafter in 1990 after seeing her perform in Germantown, Pennsylvania. So impressed was Lundvall with her talents, that he signed Ferrell to both the Blue Note Label and the Capitol Label allowing her to funnel her talents through the prism of traditional jazz and R&B. In short, Rachelle Ferrell’s talents transcend generic classification and Lundvall had the foresight to realize such a fact. Lundvall quickly set out to plan Ferrell’s coming out party via a showcase at the 1991 Montreux Jazz Festival. In the past, the showcase was used to introduced the talents of Dianne Reeves (also signed to both labels), Stanley Jordan, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Live at Montreux 91-97 captures Ferrell’s moving debut at Montreux in July of 1991 and subsequent performances at the venue throughout the decade of the 1990s. Ferrell first emerged in the states with her R&B debut Rachelle Ferrell (1992), a solid collection of self-penned originals that featured a striking duet with Will Downing (“Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This”). It was with the release of First Instrument in 1994 (recorded prior to Rachelle Ferrell) that audiences were really introduced to Ferrell’s jazz sensibilities.
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/rachelleferrell#ixzz0tnqraaaj

Reserve your seats @ Anthology San Diego

San Diego’s newest, premiere dining and live music establishment – Anthology, offers some of the most legendary acts on stage and in the kitchen. Located near the hip neighborhood of “Little Italy” on the southern end of India Street, Anthology marked its grand opening on June 6, 2007. Anthology comes to life in the spirit of the classic ’30s and ’40s supper clubs with a decidedly modern spin, to deliver a culturally harmonious gathering of food, music, wine and ambiance in an intimate 300 seat venue. Anthology has become one of San Diego’s premier upscale dining rooms. On stage, Anthology plays host to renowned local and international musicians in Jazz, Classic Rock, Blues, Latin and World music. From unplugged to plugged, solo to large bands, guests can be sure they will be impressed by the exciting array of local musicians and singers.

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Via resort2010.wordpress.com

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WHAT: Rachelle Ferrell
WHEN: Wednesday, July 28th, 2010, 7:30pm
TICKETS: $36 – $54 BUY TICKETS
MORE INFO: Artist Profile

This swanky Little Italy supper club is making your life easy this Mother’s Day by offering two ways to celebrate mom that will leave her singing your praises. A specialty brunch will be served from 11am – 2pm, and during brunch, the Anthology House Band will be performing a musical tribute to female R&B legends – featuring all the favorites from Billie to Aretha and Beyonce. Goodies on the brunch menu include Carpaccio of Hawaiian Pineapple with mango and strawberry crudo, honey infused yogurt and toasted coconut; Dungeness Crab Benedict with poached cage free organic eggs, crab salad, Crows Pass Farms bordeaux spinach, roasted rosemary potatoes schaner and Farms citrus hollandaise; and House Fried Chicken and Waffles with pure maple syrup, vanilla bean cream, rosemary and apple buerre blanc; among many more dining options. For dessert, make sure to save room for the Buttermilk Panna Cotta with strawberry and lemongrass coulis, dried fruits and toasted rosemary. If you can’t make it to brunch, then treat mom to Anthology’s dinner and show duo with a multi-media presentation by Luscious Noise starting at 7:30pm. Dining options are a la carte; brunch show tickets are $10 and dinner show tickets are $15. For details and reservations, please call or visit Anthology in Little Italy. Get more details here

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Via DiscoverSD.com

Rock Mom’s world with a tribute to female R&B legends performed by The Anthology House Band. Dine on upscale comfort food such as Dungeness crab Benedict, house fried chicken and waffles, and pastries including gooey raisin brioche cinnamon rolls.

1337 India Street, Little Italy. (619) 595-0300; Brunch is $24; cover charge $10.

For more info: click here

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Via sdnn.com

“A superb, powerhouse R&B singer who delivers blues and soul with show-stopping authority.” -Los Angeles Daily News

Award-winning blues and soul vocalist Janiva Magness celebrates the release of her Alligator debut CD, WHAT LOVE WILL DO, with a live performance in San Diego on January 3, 2009. Magness, winner of both the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Award for Best Contemporary Female Artist Of The Year, possesses a rich, soulful voice and has absolute command over her material. She is an incredibly gifted performer who can lead her audience through a range of emotions, from the deepest sorrow to overwhelming joy. In April 2008, she traveled to Iraq and Kuwait co-headlining Bluzapalooza, the first-ever blues concert tour to perform for American troops. Concert information is as follows:

Saturday, January 3rd
Anthology
1337 India St.
San Diego, CA
619.595.0300
www.anthologysd.com
10:00 p.m.
$13 – $27

*Check website for detailed ticket information

A survivor of an impossibly rough childhood, Magness’ life experience informs her music in a way that is brutally honest, emotionally moving and, above all, spiritually healing. Part of her healing includes helping others in need. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Magness, a foster care alumni, is also a National Spokesperson for Casey Family Programs, promoting National Foster Care Month.

WHAT LOVE WILL DO, co-produced by Magness and Dave Darling (Brian Setzer, Meredith Brooks, Dan Hicks), features 13 powerful songs, each overflowing with Magness’ expressive emotional intensity. Magness reaches heights only hinted at in her previous recordings, interpreting new material written especially for her and songs from Little Milton, Tina Turner, Bill Withers, Al Green, Candi Staton, Dorothy Moore and Marvin Gaye. Her impassioned singing takes each song from deep within her being and projects it out directly into the heart and soul of her audience, making WHAT LOVE WILL DO essential listening for blues, roots rock and soul music lovers everywhere.

Born in Detroit, Magness was inspired by the blues and country she heard listening to her father’s record collection and by the vibrant music of the city’s classic Motown sound. By her teenage years, though, her life was in chaos. She lost both parents to suicide by the time she was 16. She lived on the streets, was in 12 foster homes in two years, became a teenage mother who gave her baby daughter up for adoption and bounced from city to city, feeling hopeless and desperate.

One winter’s night, Magness hitchhiked across Minneapolis to attend an Otis Rush concert, and for the first time saw a path forward. She began going to as many blues shows as possible, soaking up the sounds of her favorite blues and soul artists. While working as an intern at a recording studio, she was approached by her boss to sing some supporting vocals on a track. Finding her voice, she soon began working regularly as a background singer. By the early 1980s, Magness made her way to Phoenix and befriended Bob Tate, the musical director for the great Sam Cooke. With Tate’s mentoring, she formed her first band, Janiva Magness And The Mojomatics, and before too long the influential Phoenix New Times named her group the city’s Best Blues Band.

She moved to Los Angeles in 1986 and slowly began finding work. She married musician and songwriter Jeff Turmes, with whom she recorded It Takes One To Know One in 1997. After three more independent releases, Janiva signed with Northern Blues and recorded Bury Him At The Crossroads in 2004 and Do I Move You? in 2006. Both CDs were co-produced by Magness along with Canadian roots star Colin Linden, and both garnered Magness a massive amount of critical and popular attention. Magness and Linden won the prestigious Canadian Maple Blues Award for Producers Of The Year for Bury Him At The Crossroads in 2004. Do I Move You? debuted at #8 on the Billboard Blues Chart and was the #1 Blues CD Of The Year in 2006 on Living Blues magazine’s radio chart.

With WHAT LOVE WILL DO and a major U.S. tour planned with more dates and countries to be added, there is no doubt that even more recognition will come Magness’ way. Janiva Magness continues to wring the truth from every note she sings, amazing and delighting both old and new fans all over the world.

GRAMMY-NOMINATED SOUL/R&B SINGER-SONGWRITER, KEYBOARDIST

SAN DIEGO, CALIF., Oct. 12 – Grammy-nominated soul and R&B singer-songwriter and keyboardist Amel Larrieux will seduce listeners with her distinctive sound and virtuosic vocal style for two nights at Anthology: Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Amel’s collaboration with Stanley Clarke and Glenn Lewis, a cover of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s 1972 song “Where Is the Love”, was nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 2004 Grammy Awards.

Born and raised in New York, Amel honed her musical sensibilities in her diverse, artistic neighborhood of Greenwich Village. In the 1990s, she found fame as co-founder of the R&B/hip-hop duo Groove Theory with Bryce Wilson. The pair’s debut album, “Groove Theory,” included radio hits “Tell Me,” Keep Tryin’” and “Baby Luv.” In 1996, Amel was featured as a guest vocalist on the debut album of Sade’s band, Sweetback.

Amel released a solo album, “Infinite Possibilities,” in 2000. Her solo debut saw her expanding her musical horizons—it included a few tracks (such as the song “Down”) that could be described as “acid jazz”: a fusion of jazz, soul and funk.

She’s released three albums on her own independent label, Blisslife Records, which she founded in 2003. One of these releases, 2004’s “Bravebird,” includes the track “For Real,” which inspired Ebony magazine to rave about her “ethereal high-octave vocals that bring to mind Minnie Riperton.”

Her third solo record, 2006’s “Morning,” is Amel’s highest-charting album to date, peaking at #74 on the Billboard Hot Adult R&B Airplay chart.

In May 2007, Amel released her fourth solo album, “Lovely Standards,” an album of jazz covers, which made it into the Top 5 of Billboard’s Top Jazz Albums. Her single “No One Else” appears on the soundtrack to Tyler Perry’s 2007 film “Why Did I Get Married?”

ABOUT ANTHOLOGY
Anthology is San Diego’s premier, award-winning live music venue and fine dining restaurant, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in downtown San Diego. Inside, Anthology comes to life in the spirit of a 1940s supper club—with a decidedly swank and modern spin—to deliver a harmonious gathering of food, music and world-class ambience. On the stage, Anthology plays host to local, regional and international recording artists in jazz, rock, blues, Latin, singer-songwriter and world music in a performing space that boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and immaculate acoustics.

Anthology’s New American cuisine is inspired by consulting chef and award-winning culinary superstar Bradley Ogden. In just over a year, Anthology has garnered such acclaim as “Best New Jazz Club” by CityBeat, “Best Restaurant Design” by Riviera Magazine and “Best Live Music Venue” by CitySearch.

For a complete listing of upcoming events, with more details about and tickets and artists, and to find more information about private party events, visit www.AnthologySD.com.

Anthology is located at 1337 India Street (between A and Ash Streets).

Tickets are available at the Anthology Box Office, by calling 619.595.0300 and at www.AnthologySD.com.

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