by Fred Willis | Jun 13, 2017 | Gospel
New music by Robert E. Person
With each performance or album Robert E. Person takes his artistic gift to a higher realm of creativity and excellence. Whether through weekly cantor duties at his church, special appearances at venues like Hard Rock Café, singing background for pop music star Josh Groban or ministering in song for The Pope during his U.S. Papal visit, Robert continues to brand and prove himself to be one of the nation’s premier Gospel, Jazz and Classically skilled vocalists.
We discovered Robert E. Person some years ago and immediately became fond of his signature style. He blends gospel with jazz and even classical stylings with ease. The seamless combinations make him one of our favorite artists to play. Without expressing it, he shows listeners that there is divinity in a multiplicity of musical genres. His light shines through each composition and arrangement! –Fred Willis, SoulProsper Radio
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQxLPWIOOp4[/embedyt]
Taking another ingenious step higher, Robert announces a new album CLASSIC COVERS. The first single from the album is “I Give You Praise”, an original composition by legendary pianist and songwriter Richard Smallwood (“Total Praise”, “Center of My Joy” and “I Love the Lord”). Richard Smallwood’s repertoire was a significant part of Person’s young life and now the Washingtonians unite on this classic gospel song first released on Smallwood’s PORTRAIT album in 1989 (Word Entertainment).
“I released ‘I Give You Praise’ over 28 years ago and wrote it almost 40 years ago. It is one of my favorite songs and it feels great to teach, record and release it again,” Smallwood shares. “To mentor and collaborate with the younger generation of singers and musicians like Robert is important because our gifts are not our own, they are God given. We have a responsibility to reach back and sow into the next generation.”
“Singers record and perform cover songs all the time and having the opportunity to re-make a song with the original artist is rare,” says Person. “Recording with Richard Smallwood was a dream come true, a blessing, and a huge responsibility because he is the consummate musician.” – Robert E. Person
This collaboration is one of a kind that doesn’t happen often enough in gospel and/or jazz music. It’s an impressive partnership blending Person’s gorgeous vocals with Smallwood’s signature style of beautifully arranged classical and sacred piano music. And, to continue bridging the generation gap in music, Person enlisted the young, dynamic vocals of Roderick Giles & Grace whose musicianship and commitment to excellence is reminiscent of The Richard Smallwood Singers.
“Robert’s execution is absolutely beautiful. His vocals are on point and Roderick’s vocal work is awesome,” says Smallwood. “Thank you (Robert) for doing such an amazing musical interpretation of the song. You guys really did it justice!” –Richard Smallwood
So, as we continue to celebrate African-American Music Appreciation Month (Black Music Month) in this month of June, it is crucial that we appreciate and encourage music education and performance. Even more so, we must embrace and inspire collaborative creative efforts between generations, genres and cultures just as Robert E. Person and Richard Smallwood have offered. Though his music moves often occur ahead of the curve, Person keeps his finger on the pulse of society and musicality. Whether he’s teaming up with the likes of Allyn Johnson or Richard Smallwood, Robert E. Person is the embodiment of a quintessential artist in the 21st Century. Check out the lyric video to his poignant piece entitled: “Let My People Live“.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2lML9rbA50[/embedyt]
“I Give You Praise” is available June 16 on all digital music outlets. The CLASSIC COVERS live studio album and DVD will be available early Fall 2017.
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by Fred Willis | Jun 29, 2016 | Celebrity, Hot Products, Urban Music News
adidas CMO Eric Liedtke and Kanye West at Milk Studios on June 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. adidas and Kanye West announce the future of their partnership: adidas + KANYE WEST
The Most Significant Partnership Ever Created Between an Athletic Brand and a Non-Athlete
Today, Adidas announced the cementing of its long-term relationship with creative pioneer Kanye West in the launch of adidas + KANYE WEST, a YEEZY branded entity creating footwear, apparel and accessories for all genders across street and sport.
Recognizing the influence, success and global brand power that began almost two years ago with YEEZY for adidas Originals, the unprecedented new alliance makes history as the most significant partnership ever created between a non-athlete and an athletic brand. It will redefine the future, uniting adidas’ technical, innovative expertise and capabilities with the visionary imagination of West.
Together with Kanye West, a dedicated adidas team will lead the development and creation of all YEEZY products. Led from adidas’ Portland headquarters the team will manage and oversee the collaboration to assure its continued success globally. The expansion plan includes retail stores that will serve as distinct hubs for adidas and West developed YEEZY product. Further, adidas + KANYE WEST will extend beyond its current lifestyle focus, with the introduction of performance-intended designs, consequently offering options for both sport and street.
West said: “These past two years adidas and YEEZY have given a glimpse into our future. This partnership illustrates that anyone with a dream can dream without limitations.”
“Kanye is a true creator who has the ability to see things others don’t. We are excited and honored to build on this partnership, and eagerly look forward to defining the future together,” commented Eric Liedtke, adidas CMO. “With adidas + KANYE WEST we are exploring new territories by opening up the sports world to Kanye’s creativity. This is what adidas has always been about, empowering creators to create the new.”
Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of landmark achievements made by the German sports innovator and the globally influential artist. In February 2015, the presentation of YEEZY SEASON 1 rewrote the template of the modern fashion show, uniting style, music, celebrity, social media, and contemporary art to create a vibrant spectacle of creative expression. YEEZY SEASON 1 established West and adidas as powerful partners.
At the same time the YEEZY BOOST 750 set off a global consumer sensation, serving as the first product drop born of the collaboration between adidas and West. Composed with adidas BOOST™ cushioning technology, the model combines the ultimate in comfort and performance with high-end style.
As a follow-up, West and adidas launched the YEEZY BOOST 350, which went on to become one of the most sought-after and fastest-selling footwear models in history.
The low-top model unites a BOOST™ cushioning sole and adidas’ Primeknit material with West’s pioneering aesthetic. The resulting design led to a consumer frenzy, followed by unprecedented sales and, last December, a Footwear News award for 2015 Shoe of the Year.
Now, as long-term partners, West and adidas remain excited to reveal the next chapter of their collaboration.
About the adidas Group
The adidas Group is a global leader in the sporting goods industry, offering a broad portfolio of footwear, apparel and hardware for sport and lifestyle around the core brands adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade and CCM Hockey. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group employs more than 55,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 17 billion in 2015. In Greater China, the Group employs more than 3,000 people and generated sales of EUR 2.5 billion in 2015.
