WAGTi Radio

Join your hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields aka Poetry Man as they welcome Tshombe the Poet to the show. A little bit about Tshombe the Poet Born in New Orleans, La. His parents decided to raised him and his three siblings abroad in Israel where he received most of his education. After returning to the US in the early 90's, he enlisted in the US Navy where I currently serve. He is married to his wonderful wife Dedre (Dee-Drah) of 9 years, but whose counting, huh? Tshombe began writing life as he lived, saw and felt it onto page where he later started a blog called Truth Theory which which became his moniker. After a short while he developed a following in his poetry/spoken poems. He achieved the qualifications of becoming a spoken word artist after performing his poems "The Revolution", "Imagine That", and "Changing Faces" on stages from Chicago's Negro League Lounge to The Hawaiian Hut in Hawaii (the country's largest poetry venue). After a series of creative initiatives and created venues, some successes and failures, he founded what is now known as The STORM in June of '07 where he is the host of the famous Freedom Verse Cafe. Tshombe self produced, published and marketed his first album titled "IAMNOTAPO3T" as a "home grown" project that led to many other success in the way of production opportunities and brand marketing. He has just released his sophomore album entitled "Verbal Jazz Vol. 1" which has received countless praises for its quality and value. He has definitely gained the respect of being a poet amongst his peers and is known for his "reachback" attitude to help other aspiring writers. Shared by April Sims, Radio Programmer WAGTi Radio (http://www.WAGTiRadio.com) WAGTi (http://www.WEareGREATERthani.com)  

In this episode April Sims will discuss in detail the 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar, she recently attended, with Christopher L. Fields and the listening audience of A & E Radio from 7:00PM – 8:00PM EST at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aprilsims. About 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar The 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar took place at University Center, Carnegie-Mellon University, located in Pittsburgh, PA on January 16, 2010 from 9:00AM – 5:00PM EST. The 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar was organized and hosted by Kevin Amos, who is the producer for “One to One”, a Sunday morning radio program aired on the Internet from 6AM – 12:00PM EST. “One to One” can also be heard in the Pittsburgh, PA area on WRCT 88.3FM, the student run radio station located on the campus of Carnegie-Mellon University. The 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar was moderated by Bob Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of Soul-Patrol.com. Kevin Amos assembled panels for the seminar surround music genres such as Jazz, Blues, R&B, Reggae/World Music, Hip Hop, Rock as well as panels regarding Radio Past, Present and Future; Promotion and Marketing; Independent Artists; Developing Community Voices and more. Some of the panelists for the seminar included, but were not limited, Emmai ALaquiva, Owner of Ya Momz House; Liz Rueger, President of Independent Artist Representatives; Christian Nowlin, Owner of Out of the Dark Records; Bob Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of Soul-Patrol.com; Jonnet Solomon-Nowlin, President of National Opera House; Mena and Vocalist; Stephan Broadus, Assistant to Publisher of Pittsburgh Courier.# # # About WAGTi: WAGTi stands for “WE are GREATER than i” and was created by indie artists and entrepreneurs to promote, educate, motivate and inspire indie artists and entrepreneurs. # # #

Join your hosts April Sims and Poetry Man as they shine a positive light on Sue Urda. A little bit about Sue UrdaSue Urda is known as the Connections Expert. She is the Co-Founder & CEO of Powerful You! Women’s Network, a two-time honoree on INC Magazine’s list of the 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies, and co-creator of the inspirational movie, Stepping Stones. Sue’s book,Powerful Intentions ~ Everyday Gratitude is designed to help you understand the complex workings of your mind, tap the inner wisdom of your heart and live each day through deliberate creation and intent … All this, as you enjoy the moments of your life. Her book was selected as a Winner in the National “Best Books 2009” Awards in the category of Spirituality:Inspiration, a Finalist as the Best New Non-Fiction Books 2009 by USA Book News, and as a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Book Awards for 2009. Sue’s experience in the corporate world as well as 20 years as an entrepreneur, supply her with the knowledge, connections and motivation to assist individuals in their own pursuit of success, joyful-living and balance. She travels the country connecting women to each other, their vision and themselves through the Powerful You! Women’s Network, her Keynote presentations and her words. http://www.wearegreaterthani.com 

Join your hosts April Sims and Poetry Man as they welcome music legend, Jay King to April Sims A and E Radio.A little bit about Jay KingMusic industry legend and icon Jay King has blessed the airwaves and ear drums of the masses by recording his first solo epic, "Open Book". A ten song adventure through adult contemporary textures of love, life and feeling.Working with musical powers such as Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind and Fire, and guitar virtuso Tony Dewayne.Veteran industry staple John Barnes graced the project with expert production assistance and engineering at his state of the art complex, Innersound Studio-Los Angles, CA.Music compostion and production was added by Kevin Techmeier, Ched Tolliver and James L. Richard II, The Sekret Service.Jay has created a masterpiece in the realm of audio experience that is a destined to become a standard for all time.   http://www.wearegreaterthani.com 

Twin brothers Kelvis and Kendall Duffie formed Kloud 9 in the tradition of such artists as The Isley Brothers, The Whispers and Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, all of whom the group would go on to appear with on tour. Growing up in a single-parent home in Denver, CO where their mother was a church musician, Kendall and Kelvis started singing in church at an early age. By the age of fourteen they captured the attention of producer Jerry Weaver (former guitarist with Aretha Franklin and producer of Janet Jackson's debut album). With Weaver, Kendall and Kelvis laid the foundation for a music career and began learning the ins and outs of the music business. Weaver formed a gospel group called Meekness which included the Duffies but the group experienced only minor success. When Meekness disbanded, the Duffie twins headed for Nashville to try to further themselves in the music industry. Their experiences there propelled them into careers as record executives with major gospel labels. However their thirst to perform and record never left them and so they decided to form a vocal duo. The name Kloud 9 was derived out the concept of wanting people to experience a mood of ultimate pleasure when listening to their music. The spelling of Kloud with a "K" was a nod to the fact that both their names began with that letter. After shopping their music and being constantly told they should push their music in a more edgy and raunchy style, Kendall decided to look abroad for audiences who appreciated quality soul music. "I remember driving to work one day and pulling over at a grocery store parking lot and literally breaking down in tears," states Kendall. I felt so empty and unhappy and I knew I had to do music and do it at a level that would satisfy the desire in my soul. I called my job and resigned on the spot, bought a one-way ticket to London where I knew music had a different appreciation, knowing that being an American would open doors for me over there. I told my family that I would not return until I found an outlet to release my music. I realized I didn't have enough money to travel on public transportation every day so I bought a map of London, got numbers and addresses to all the indie and major labels in London and my game plan everyday for the first few months I was there was walking 4 - 5 hours each way for 20-30 minutes meetings. At one point I recall feeling rocks on my foot and looked under my shoe and saw I had literally walked a hole in my shoes!" During my time in London I met a producer named Ray Hayden who produced Maysa's first album. He allowed me to work in his studio to help him with production on various projects. I remember leaving his studio one morning around 3AM with not a penny in my pocket and knowing I had several hours to walk back to where I was staying but I was finally feeling happy again. I was creating music. It was through Ray that I eventually met Maysa and through Maysa that I met Incognito leader Bluey. Shortly thereafter we got a call from Expansion Records in the UK to do an album." Koud 9's debut CD ON KLOUD 9 was released in 2002 in the UK and was critically acclaimed. The album topped the UK Sweet Rhythms Soul Chart for three weeks and spent twelve weeks on Finland's Soul charts. Kloud 9's other UK releases include 2005's YEARNING TO LOVE YOU and KLOUD 9 PRESENTS THE VIBE ROOM, a compilation of Kendall's productions, both of which reached #1 on the UK soul music charts. ENJOY THE RIDE is truly Kloud 9's coming out event in America. The duo has been building a following in America as an opening act for The Isley Brothers, The Whispers, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and of course Maysa. They recently won a Soultracks award for "Best duo/group" and have been making an impression on their peers and mentors in the business. As R & B legend Walter Scott of the Whispers says, "These are some super talented brothers, no question about it. The world is gonna hear from them!" posted by April Sims / http://www.wearegreaterthani.com

Midnight Cafe on Quiet Storm Radio with your host April Sims The following artists were featured (in order played) during this segment. Rod Tate - Rain Erly Thornton - Lost Without You Mo Pleasure - Lover's Groove... Read More Rob Murat - Until Its Over Natalie Brown - How I Love 2 Luv U Taniq - Breakin' The Rules Bobby Ricketts - A Song For You Chaise Lounge - Like Young Afi Soul - Call Me Nuqleus - One In A Million Jana Mashonee - A Change Is Gone Jimmy Wayne - Sara Smile (ft Hall and Oates) Monet - Wanna Kiss You Elijah Bland - Sugar High (ft Wayna) Green Tea - Your Beautiful Janice B. - Watch Me Fly Dana Jackson - I Apologize Sheraton Cadwell Orchestra - My Funny Valentine April Sims / http://www.wearegreaterthani.com

Join April Sims and Vincent Versher (sitting in for Christopher 'Poetry Man' Fields) as they welcome MO Pleasure to April Sims A and E Radio Show. A little bit about MO Pleasure Known affectionately as Mo Pleasure, this renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, began playing acoustic piano at the age of four and by his early teens already mastered several instruments including bass, trumpet, guitar, drums and violin.Upon receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from University of Connecticut, Mo began his professional music career playing bass with Ray Charles. He then began working as a session musician, backing some of the most accomplished talents in Jazz and R&B including George Duke, Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves, Jonathan Butler, Rachelle Ferrell, Michael McDonald, Oleta Adams, Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller and Frankie Beverly and Maze, to name a few.From 1989 through 1992, Mo was both keyboardist and musical director with saxophonist Najee, pianist Alex Bugnon, and vocalists Philip Bailey, Patti Austin and Jon Lucien. In 1993, he became a member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and ascended to become the band’s musical director in 1994. Mo was featured playing keyboards, trumpet and guitar with Janet Jackson’s 2001 “All For You” tour and played keyboards and trumpet with Boney James’ 2004 “Pure” tour. As a principal member of the group Devoted Spirits, Mo was featured playing keyboards for Jimi Hendrix’s 60th Birthday Celebration and the 2004 “Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix” tour. Mo most recently toured with Roberta Flack and Rachelle Ferrell.In addition to performing at worldwide jazz festivals including Montreux, North Sea, St. Lucia, Cancun, and Montreal, Mo has been a featured concert pianist, performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and for the Boston Ballet.There are many Television and Video performances to Mo’s credit, including Ray Charles BBC Special, Mad TV, BET on Jazz, VH1, The Tonight Show, Earth, Wind & Fire documentary Shining Stars and HBO Special – Janet Jackson in Hawaii. His movie soundtrack credits include Talkin’ featured in the Disney movie “Three Men and a Little Lady” and the EWF single “Cruisin,” featured in Spike Lee’s “Get On The Bus.”Two of Mo’s CDs were released independently in Spring 2005. Devoted Spirits’ “Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire” and Audio Caviar “Transoceanic.” Audio Caviar is a collaboration featuring Mo on piano, bass, trumpet and flugelhorn, Ralph Johnson on drums and Denmark guitarist Steen Kyed.Mo’s first offering as a solo artist, Elements of Pleasure, was released in 2006. The release earned him a devoted worldwide following and established him as a producer and multi-instrumentalist with singular talent. Scheduled for release in late 2008, Mo’s second solo effort, Mo’Elements of Pleasure, expands upon his first project. The lyrical movement of the piano, the soulful sounds of the trumpet and flugelhorn and the funky rhythm of the bass are the elements that touch the heart, mind and soul. The music is a combined collaboration of instrumental funk and soulful vocals, reminiscent of his many musical influences. Demonstrating the respect and cache he has garnered in his illustrious career, the album is chockfull of special guests including Tony Terry, Maysa, Ali Woodson, Philip Bailey, Maxayn and Bobby Ricketts.   April Sims (http://www.wearegreaterthani.com) 

DEBORAH FLORES http://www.DeborahFloresMusic.com The debut CD for veteran songstress of the performing stage Deborah Flores, has arrived! With a seamless flow of sounds from soulful R&B and contemporary jazz to neo-soul this album has it all! Deborah’s seasoned voice belts out effortlessly in the R&B songs “Movin On” and “Sneakin Around”. “Sneakin Around”, an original composition, filled with a funk filled playful ibe, “Dream on Dreamer” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” (a Bill Withers classic) display the mellow silky flavor of smooth jazz with some unexpected yet warmly welcomed surprise turns along the way. Bassist, Marcus Miller takes it to another level in Deborah’s rendition of, “Do I Do” (By Stevie Wonder). There’s even a touch of some soft rock found in the Lenny Kravitz classic, “I Belong to You”. Adding a more mature vibe to the song list, Deborah sings in sultry elegance the jazz standard, “The Man I Love” featuring a stellar performance by Eric Marienthal on sax. Undoubtedly you will not be able to sit still during Deborah’s original song, “Move Your Body”, which evokes an urban funk sound that commands you to do just that! Producer, Jeff McCullough, owner of Tree Hill Media, applies his creative soulful talent to every song. With over 20 years in the business, Jeff’s expertise will keep you moving and grooving. Jeff’s musical arrangements take the songs by storm! Each melody, each composition, takes you on another musical journey making this CD an experience of pure joy! Deborah Flores, in her unique style and soulful vibe, provides something for everyone’s musical pallet. http://www.wearegreaterthani.com

Growing up in Detroit in the 60's when the streets sang and flourished with the sound of Motown and all of its artists, the Soul of Aretha Franklin and Jackie Wilson, and many Gospel artists proved to be the training camp of life for David Isaac. David became involved in the music industry as a young musician as Detroit evolved into the place for Funk bands in the 70’s from the likes of Parliament/Funkadelic (which he briefly worked with) or Rock from Bob Segar, he became an Engineer and Programmer as it became the home of R&B, Techno, and Gospel from artists like Anita Baker, DeBarge, The Winans, or Juan Atkins in the 80’s (all which he worked with), then he became a Producer in the 90’s as Hip-Hop and Rap made its mark in Detroit from such artists as Eminem, and J. Dilla, all which explains the energy int the environment of Detroit. After working with artists like Parliament/Funkadelic, R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder, El Debarge, Aaliyah, KEM, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Whitfield, Fred Hammond, Anita Baker and more, David decided (with the influence from top musicians and engineers) to make the move to Los Angeles, California. There he worked with such artists as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Puff Daddy, Babyface, Billy Idol, Whitney Houston, Bette Midler, Toni Braxton, and more within his first eight months in L.A.! David met and began to work with Bass Legend and Producer, Marcus Miller, and from there he used all of his talents with such artists as Luther Vandross, Eric Clapton, Wayne Shorter, David Sanborn, and Roberta Flack, to films such as “I Think I Love My Wife”, “Head Of State”, “Love Jones”, “The 6th Man”, “Serving Sara” and more, to television’s “Everybody Hates Chris”, to producing the Funk ride at the opening of Seattle’s “Experience Music Project”. So far, David has earned three Grammy Awards and many nominations. You can hear some of his work on Chris Rock’s latest movie,“Good Hair”. He is also wrapping up his own forthcoming R&B/Funk CD with the help of a many R&B legends, like Patrice Rushen, Marcus Miller, Nathan Leftenant from Cameo, and James “D-Train” Williams. The single, “Let This Party Be” is creating quite buzz around the world. David also is developing tutorials and a website that empowers anyone to be a professional producer or mix engineer online.

VINCENT VERSHER of Pure Marketing Group discusses effective music industry marketing 101 with April Sims and Poetry Man. "PURE Marketing Group (http://www.pmgroupllc.com) specializes in brand development and artist management through the integrated use of advertising, public relations, graphic design, electronic communications, and merchandising. PMG boasts many long-term relationships in the corporate, technology, sports, food/beverage, and entertainment industries. PMG was launched to conceive or broker strategic promotions, events or other integral components to a marketing plan of distinctive entrainment properties, on a national, regional or local basis. Our objective is to leverage our strategically grounded consumer marketing orientation to create for the client, truly customized partnerships that address brand positioning, sales objectives, or artist development, while incorporating unique assets of the entertainment property. " APRIL SIMS http://www.wearegreaterthani.com http://www.twitter.com/aprilsims http://www.myspace.com/april_sims http://www.facebook.com/aprilsimsphotography