J Music

Special Edition: Tori Kelly Christmas Special via Stage It

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When I saw Tori Kelly tweet she was having a concert on the 16th, I crossed my fingers that she would be performing in the city, as she recently did a show at the Roxy in LA.

To my surprise, I found out the concert would not be in New York, but would be a virtual concert for fans using the budding online concert venue, StageIt.com.  Although Skype, Ustream, and Google Hangout (amongst others) have made it possible for artists to do live streams with fans, I think the site is a great idea as it is soley dedicated to musicians & performers. Definitely check it out if you get the chance!

Back to Tori — she performed a 50 min set with all the proceeds donated throughout the show going to The Robin Hood Foundation in order to support Hurrican Sandy relief efforts.

She. Was. AMAZING! Accompanied by her guitar, Tori performed all her fan favorites (covers, Christmas music, and original music) while taking requests as she went along.  From the inflections in her voice, to her jazzy, pop, yet R&B tone, her positive spirit to the strong emotional connection to her music, the power behind every note to her ability to duplicate her “once in a lifetime” riffs — I was literally staring at my computer in shock!

She also had a few special guest throughout the show including Alfredo Flores, Cody Simpson, and Scooter Braun.

Set List

Confetti

Oh Sandy

Merry Little Christmas

Dear No One**

PYT 

All in my Head/Thinking About Forever Medley

Silent Night

Worth It/Who You Are Medley**

Eyelashes

This Christmas

**My favorites

Unfortunately there is currently no video of the performance available, but if you have yet to listen to Tori’s music — click here! If I can find a recording of the performance I will post it here.

#ChristmaswithTori raised $6,500 for the foundation!*

See my original post about Tori here.

J Music: Fela: Rhythms of Desire – The Inspiration

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This weekend I traveled down to Philly for The Inspiration Fall 2012 Show in collaboration with African Rythms, Fela: Rhythms of Desire.

The Inspiration is a co-ed a cappella singing group founded in 1989 for students of the University of Pennsylvania. It serves as a musical outlet for individuals with a desire to celebrate thelegacy of the music of theAfrican Diaspora. 

I believe the Inspiration is among the top groups on campus, but I may be bias as I am a proud Inspiration alum!  Don’t just take my word for it, check out a few performances below and judge for yourself. ‘89 #iSing

“Hold On” by Moses Hogan

“Take Care” by Drake Ft. Rihanna [Influenced by Gil Scott-Heron]

Forgive the commentary I was on double duty (proud alum & videographer)!

The set list also included “Stay” by Elle Varner, “No Letting Go” by Wayne Wonder, “Party” by Beyonce, and “Kiss” by Prince. More videos coming soon!

Find more about the group, music, and booking information here.

J Music: “We Get By”- Jojo

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Not my favorite track from Jojo, but it is great to hear something new from her.  This is the single she released this week that will be featured on her upcoming mixtape entitled, Agápe (Greek word meaning “Spiritual Love”).

Fresh off announcing her new mixtape Agápē, JoJo debuts the first single “We Get By.” The 21-year-old singer vibes out on the funky jam, which she recorded with a group of her friends known as The Backpackkids (Austin Brown, Scott Bruzenak, and Tommy Parker), who all got together to create what they call “genre-less music.”

“We get by, we get high ’cause tomorrow’s goodbye,” sings JoJo, who remainsoptimistic in spite of the obstacles she faces. “I know it will be OK. I believe in myself.”

Agápē, described as a “labor of love from the heart without limits or boundaries,” is set for release on December 20. (Rap-Up)

J Music: Jett, New Pop Artist

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Bridget (JETT) Hermano born and raised in Seattle, WA has grown a tremendous following on Youtube. In 2010 Jett began work with Tacoma based production crew 2Fifty3 as the only female singer/songwriter. 2fifty3 (consisting of) Derek ‘DC’ Clark, Emmanuel Frayer, Michael ‘MI’ Cole, Christopher ‘Breez’ Fuller and Bridget ‘Jett’. Now with song credits on Tiearra Mari and recently Shontelle, Amber Rose, Neyo, Tpain and Trey Songz under her belt, Jett continues to write. (FB)

Watch Jett cover “Who You Are” by Jessie J and “Foolish Heart” by Nina below. 

Jett is also working on some original music that has great potential. Find a snippet of a song she co-wrote with Infared Ink, produced by Rockwilder below. The “Wake Up Call” preview features choreography which I always appreciate! She seems to have a Danity Kane(ish) sound that I love (they need to come back!) and a great tone. **The full video has not yet been released.

For more information about Jett click here.