2012 Spells Doom Numerically – Skulls of Salvation

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

For years you have seen the headlines of tabloids in the supermarket with titles such as “World Coming To An End” or “Nostradamus Says World Will End In 2000,” but is there any real truth to these accusations?  Well, the ones that said the world would end in 2000 obviously were wrong since mankind is still here, but there is some truth to the notion the world will end in 2012.  Skulls of Salvation, a novel written by Lanaia Lee goes into some pretty heavy detail about the proposed coming of time.

This topic has been on the minds of many around the world after September 11th, when terrorists attacked New York City, taking down the trade centers.  That tragedy brought forth a great attack of retaliation on any and all supporters of what had happened during 9/11.  It brought forth the war in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan; some declaring it a holy war and some calling it armageddon.  Since 2001, the world has been swept into a worldwide economic crisis as just about every country’s economy was about to fall, and the pandemics of the swine flu (H1N1) and the bird flu swept the nations.  Then, during the past American election and how he talked, many believe that Obama who won the election in 2008, is none other than the anti-Christ himself as he promises peace among men, and wants a one world order.

Topics like this have brought up much commotion about the coming of time, and most recently the Myan calendar which ends in 2012, ironically the same year Obama will either be re-elected or voted out of office.  This Myan calendar, combined with historical and scientific evidence, is the basis of Lanaia Lee’s novel where man kind must defeat the coming of the end of time by following the ancient prophecy that the Myans set forth.

Her novel, Skulls of Salvation, is a novel of both fictional and non-fictional content combined into one epic struggle for life. Lee chose this subject for her book because it’s something that has always fascinated her.  Wondering if there was any truth to this legend, she found that in 2012 there will be a once in a lifetime planetary alignment that may cause some severe problems for mankind. What that is right now, nobody really knows; it could be as lame as Y2K was in 1999.  Raised by her grandmother, a proclaimed “black witch,” she was surrounded by the cult and paranormal which seems to be the topic of choice in her novels, and continues for Skulls of Salvation.

Lee’s personal history of enduring severe tragedy, heartbreak, and many other challenges have led to her becoming a strong human being. This combination allowed her to take a bold step and write about a very controversial topic that will leave some shaking their heads in disbelief and some running for cover.  It takes a strong writer to convey the message and withstand the naysayers that will be sure to follow once her book is released, and Lee is willing to defend her belief head on.

Skulls of Salvation has received some great reviews from many noteworthy and trustworthy sources, guaranteeing this novel a must read publication.  It also happens to be Lee’s favorite novel that she’s written to date, but she stresses you must read the first novel in the series, since this is the second volume and continues with the happenings of volume one.  And if you like the first and second volume of the series, you’ll be pleased to know that there are more novels on the way.

Currently, Skulls of Salvation is released and can be purchased through the Barnes and Noble book chain, and any online bookstore including Amazon.com.

Lanaia Lee’s Personal Story

Lanaia Lee was born in 1957 to a Navy father and a schoolteacher mother who home schooled her. In second grade, Lanaia was reading on a 4th grade level, so her parents moved her to a private school to enhance her education. When she was nine-years-old, her mother died from a massive stroke. Because Lanaia’s father was rarely home, her grandmother who was a professed black witch, gained custody.

When Lanaia was fourteen, her grandmother abandoned her and she landed in foster care where she had four different sets of foster parents within a year, because she kept running away to avoid men who attempted to molest her. At age fifteen, she went to boarding school on her dad’s GI Bill. She graduated in her junior year after which she drifted, living with various people with neither a family nor a home. At eighteen, she married and divorced having had three miscarriages. By nineteen, she began working in management for convenient stores and restaurant chains.

She remarried at age thirty, then had a stillborn daughter a year later. Five years after her loss, her husband left her for a seventeen-year-old. She filed bankruptcy, and one month later suffered a massive stroke, which, after seven months in the hospital, put her in a wheelchair.

The next two years involved intensive physical therapy, but she would never walk again. She took the step of finding work to help her rehabilitation. She found employment at vocational trades where she met her soulmate, David, also in a wheelchair from a motorcycle wreck he sustained in 1984. They married in 1992 and are still very happy. David and Lanaia lost two children due to her disease, erratic hypertension. Lanaia and her husband live independently, and she still drives.

In 2001, David dared Lanaia to write a poem. Out of curiosity, she posted it in an online poetry forum. The feedback was so positive, she kept writing. At first, she wrote just poems, then short stories and finally novels. All of her work is typed one-handed because of her disabilities. Lanaia gives credit to the grace of God, which has helped her overcome immense adversity. This inspirational and talented author holds her head high, and she claims she won’t quit until she hits the bestseller list.

Accolades For Nora Foss Al-Jabri

When The Expressionist Magazine first featured Connie Talbot, we were engulfed with requests from other greatly talented children from across the world.  We just love the talents of young budding artists in any respected genre or medium of art they choose, and feel it’s our duty to show the world the talent they possess.  One of the names that crossed my desk was Nora Foss Al-Jabri.  After hearing her version of “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” a song originally done by one of my favorite artists, Belinda Carlise, I was amazed by the similarities they shared.  I knew this talented young lady was going to go far, as long as she pursues her passion for singing.  We had the chance to interview this budding diva and here is what she had to say in her own words.

Q.  Tell us about yourself, and how you got into singing.
I was born January 29, 1996, and I am thirteen-years-old.  I have always liked singing, and started singing even before I had learned to speak.  When I was eight-years-old, I started singing in a more serious manner.  At that time, I participated in my first talent contest and acted on a stage for the first time.  This was something that I enjoyed very much, and I knew that this was something I wanted to do in my future.  I started singing in a musical chorus and took private lessons to develop my voice.  I practiced several hours each and every day.  At the age of nine, I performed in the stage once again, in a similar song contest, and this time I won.  I think that it was after this contest that other people started recognizing my singing.  However, it wasn’t until 2007, when I was eleven-years-old, it carried away. Without my knowledge, my sister uploaded a video of me singing on a large Norwegian Internet site.  More than 100,000 people saw the video within the first five days, which is much in a small country like Norway with its 4.9 million citizens.  This led to the biggest newspapers and the biggest TV channels coming to my home to interview me, taking pictures and filming me. I remember that I found it somewhat frightening.

Later on, I signed up for the contest called Norway’s Got Talent.  I ended up placing third, which I was very satisfied with.

Q.  Can you compare your sound to any major singer out in the industry?
I have noticed that other people compare me with Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Eva Cassidy.  It is kind of hard to define my style, as I feel I have several styles.  I think it is a common opinion that I have a jazz/pop/country voice. However, it is Celine Dion and Eva Cassidy that have inspired me to sing the way I do.  I’m also very fond of Beyonce, and would have loved to try singing some of her R ‘n’ B songs.

Q.  Has your family supported your singing career?  Do you consider that a big part of your success so far?
My family has been very supportive to me all the time, and they have followed me on everything.  They have supported me during th

ick and thin, and have given me comfort whenever I have needed it.  I would definitely not have gotten to where I am today without them.

Q.  Do you have a CD out currently or is there one in the works?  If so, can you tell us about it?
I have still not released a CD, but we are working on it.  We are producing the record at the moment, and it will be released next year.  I’m looking forward to this; I think it will be exciting.  I can’t tell too much about the record yet, but I can reveal that some of the songs are written by me.

Q.  What is your favorite song that you sing, and what makes it so special to you?
I have several favorite songs.  Earlier this year, I performed in a memorial show for Michael Jackson.  I participated on the s

ong “We Are The World,” along with several other artists.  This song is magical to me.  The song was written in the 80s, but the lyrics are still valid today.  Too many innocent people in the world, children and adults who have not done anything to deserve it, are suffering greatly.  I am half Iraqi, and I often think about how my family in Iraq are doing.  However, the song I love to sing the most is “Gabriella’s Song.”  It is a Swedish song that is about a woman that

is being dominated by her man, but at the end of the song, she can’t take it anymore and says she wants to live her life. The song has a strong lyric: “I want to feel that I am living all the time I have got.  I want to feel that I have been living my life, knowing that I am adequate.”  I think that lots of women feel the same way.  I have even heard from people that they started crying when they heard me sing it on Norway’s Got Talent because they could associate themselves with the song.

Q.  If you could share the stage with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be? I would have loved to perform on a stage with lots of artists.  Some of them are Eva Cassidy, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson or Beyonce.  All of them are fantastic musicians and singers.  There is, or there was something unique with all of them.

Q.  Have you done any live shows?  If so, where and what was your favorite show and why?
I have been at some live shows, for instance, Norway’s Got Talent and Oprah. Both experiences were incredible and exciting, and I was very nervous.  One of my best memories was when I sang in the semi-finale in Norway’s Got Talent, and the audience never stopped cheering me and shouting my name after I was finished singing.  The whole audience was fantastic!

Q.  What do you like most about your fans?  Do they have an impact on your singing?
I love my fans!  They are the ones that make me want to continue singing.  They are there for me and support me, even if they don’t know me.  I think that is fantastic.

Q.  What are some of your greatest accomplishments or experiences you’ve had so far in your singing career?
The greatest moment in my career so far was when I was on Oprah.  It was amazing.  However, I was so nervous that I felt I wasn’t completely able to show what I was capable of.  However, what an experience; I loved it!  I would say it is partly due to Oprah that I’m releasing a record next year, and probably due to her that I’m being interviewed by this magazine.  I recently heard that Oprah will end her show in 2011, which I think is sad, but I fully understand her decision.  I would like to send a greeting to Oprah and thank her for having me on the show.  It was a memory for a lifetime.

Q.  Is singing something you want to to do the rest of your life as a career?
Singing is something I want to do for the rest of my life, but it is hard to make it so we will have to see what happens.

Q. I hear you have been invited to sing in both California and Hawaii. Have you ever been to the United States before and how exciting is it to go to Hawaii?
I have been contacted by some people from both Hawaii and California, wanting me to sing there.  However, this is not confirmed yet, so I can’t comment on it any further at this point of time.

Q.  What do you like to do when you’re not singing?
When I’m not singing, I like to write music and songs, spend some time with my friends, travel and to play soccer.

Q.  Do you enjoy school? How do you manage school with singing and still maintain good grades?
I enjoy school very much.  It is important to get an education, so I am trying my best at school at the same time that I’m focusing on my singing career.

The Chocolate Nutcracker

What do you think of when Christmastime is near?  Colored lights, pine trees, traditional carols, crowded malls, and snow covered streets?  Perhaps you conjure up the delight of fres

hly baked cookies, spending time with family and waiting for Santa’s arrival.  For me, the ever classic tale of The Nutcracker always comes to mind.  I remember one of the first times I saw the ballet. I was a little girl, and my mother took me to see it.  I loved the costumes, the dancing and of course, the beautiful music.  For many Christmas seasons to follow, my mother would continue to take me to see the performance.  As an adult, I continue to look forward to the beloved ballet.  The story is timeless and continues to be a part of my holiday tradition today.

Originally written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman, the popular dance production was called The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and was considered to be quite mor

bid, not exactly something recommended for children.  It was later on revised to a more child friendly version with the help of the French writer, Alexander Dumas Pere.  Pere sparked the interest of Marius Petipa, the senior ballet master of the Russian Imperial Ballet. In 1891, he commissioned Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to compose the score for a full length version of The Nutcracker.  It debuted the following year in St. Petersburg, Russia. The ballet stayed until 1934, when it appeared in London.  Six years later, it was introduced to the United States in a shorter version.  Then in 1954, choreographer George Balanchine created his famous and well known version of The Nutcracker for the New York City Ballet.  Although the ballet is not as dramatic or scary as it first was written to be, it still embraces the original story.  A little girl’s favorite Christmas toy (the Nutcracker) comes to life and takes her away to a magic, fairy tale land populated by dolls after defeating the evil Mouse King.  This is a tale where reality is lost and imagination prevails.  Sugarplum fairies sparkle, and toy soldiers don red candied cheeks.  It’s make believe, happy and wonderfully written for all ages to enjoy.  However, it is a well known fact that nearly every version of ballet production consists of mostly all Caucasian performers.  LaVerne Reed wanted to change that.

Reed, who grew up in South Philly in the 1950s, studied dance and took on small roles in The Nutcracker in the Pennsylvania Ballet throughout the years.  Reed was always a very talented dancer, but was never cast as Claire (or  Clara), the lead character in the production.  Reed said that when she got older she was going to create and direct her very own version of the classic tale where the dancers could all be of different colors; a multicultural Nutcracker production.  This was Reed’s vision, her dream.  She went on to study dance and theatre at Howard and George Washington Universities, and then later on lead a national dance touring company.  At the age of 39, Reed set out to remake The Nutcracker… her way.  This African-American inspired modern take on the original holiday classic would be called The Chocolate Nutcracker.

Reed’s narrative loosely follows the original version, but unlike the original more Victorian version, the opening party scene is set in 1950s Harlem.  And this is just the first change to the version we all know.  The lead dancer, Claire, has to fight off vicious snakes instead of battling the notorious Mouse King and his army.  Traditional snowflakes are replaced with twinkling starlight generated by a hidden disco ball.  And if you remember the original Nutcracker, there are magical lands including that of the Snow Queen and Candy Land.  In Reed’s version, little girl Claire stops off in more realistic places such as Africa, Egypt and Brazil.  She even visits a street corner where a jazz bassist and saxophonist play a duet.  However, there still is magic involved in each of these places.  Claire explores the “Magical Rainforest,” a place called the “Land of Funk” and “Jazz Land.” The little girl and the Chocolate Nutcracker explore these faraway lands in a dream.  With all their global travels, the duo is introduced to a variety of musical dance genres such as gospel, hip-hop, jazz, modern, tap and ballet.  According to Reed, the whole idea was to incorporate cultural touchstones that would better resonate with minority audiences and incorporate more popular dance styles than just the traditional pointy-toe ballet.

The Chocolate Nutcracker came to life in 1994 on the campus stage at the University of Southern California, and it has been exciting audiences ever since.  Performed throughout the country, the ballet production is selling out to large crowds.  It’s not just the popularity of the show that has grown, but also the amount of dancers involved.  When The Chocolate Nutcracker first got started there were only about 75 dancers, mostly all youngsters.  Today, there are over 200 dancers from the ages of six to twenty-five, along with over 120 adult volunteers.  Quite a few of the children involved with the ballet over the years have endured personal struggles.  Some haven’t had much to go home to.  They may live in high poverty situations or come from broken homes. Instead of getting involved with crime such as using drugs or hanging out on the streets, these children have overcome the odds and taken to dance.  In fact, dancing is their life.  When these youngsters perform, they use every ounce of their heart and soul. Their passion and drive is amazing and it truly emanates in each one of their performances.  In addition, the production is not exclusionary, meaning white children can participate and many ending up doing just that.

The end result of Reed’s dream is nothing short of energetic, fun and different.  It’s a refreshing twist to the original version we all know so well.  Sometimes it is hard to embrace change, but in this case, change is a good thing.  The Chocolate Nutcracker has everything and more that the classic tale does.  So, if you haven’t seen it, be sure to do so this holiday season.

The 12th anniversary show will be shown at the newly renovated Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg, FL, the weekend of December 4-5th, 2009.  For more information, contact www.mahaffeytheater.com.

Mahaffey Theater

401 1st St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-892-5798

Disney’s A Christmas Carol 3D….Bah, Humbug?

Who needs another version of the beloved Charles Dickens’ classic, you might ask.  Well, I was thinking the same thing, but this may be one of the best versions to date.  Granted, it’s animated and is in 3D, but Robert Zemeckis’ take on the original black and white, is a sheer delight.

Okay, so we all know the story about the Victorian-era miser named Ebenezer Scrooge who gets taken on a journey of self-redemption, with the help of three ghosts.  I believe I have seen all versions of the tale (I personally always liked the 1970 Albert Finney Scrooge), but I wasn’t too sure about the latest installment to the classic.  I mean, it is a cartoon, right?  Well, not your traditional, run-of-the-mill cartoon by any means.  It is beautifully crafted, so much so, it doesn’t even feel like you are watching animation.  And yes, it is shown in 3D.  Now, when I think of 3D, I think cheesy.  I think the effect was ruined for me back in the 80s with such 3D movies as Jaws III and Friday the 13th III. Let’s just say after seeing these corny fright flicks, my expectations were pretty low for Disney’s A Christmas Carol.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  The 3D effect was brilliantly used here, and not overused like in some older films.  It’s not so “in your face” or over-the-top, but more like you are actually in the film itself.

There is an all-star cast, which makes the movie even more enjoyable.  Jim Carrey stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, and does an excellent job with his portrayal. In addition, he plays the three ghosts.  Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, Robin Wright-Penn and Carey Elwes also star.  Robert Zemeckis shines with his adaption of A Christmas Carol.  In fact, many movie critics are calling it one of his most polished pieces to date.  You may know this director by a famous collection of films including Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, and his other well loved animation, The Polar Express starring Tom Hanks.  Many seem to think that Zemeckis’ A Christmas Carol may become more popular than The Polar Express.  This could indeed happen as crowds rush to the theater to see the season’s hottest new film.

I will say though, A Christmas Carol is not recommended for young children.  Parents may be confused by this since this is a Disney animation, two words that children love dearly.  However, in this case, there are quite a few mature scenes, some even considered frightening and dark.  In addition, Zemeckis’ makes much use of Old English dialogue, which may not be easy to understand for younger viewers.

So now that I know what magic and intelligence this new version of A Christmas Carol possesses, I definitely urge those who ask the question, “Why another?” to change their mindset and get to the theater this holiday season to see this beloved classic come to life in a whole new, refreshing way.

Triptico @ Your Face

WHERE:   Market On 7th (Ybor City)
WHEN:   DECEMBER 4th
TIME:    8:00 PM to 2:00 AM
PRICE:   5.00

Address:   1816 E. 7th Avenue, Ybor City, FL

There is no free parking, parking garages are available and private parking lots.  Parking fees differ between 1-5.00 at the garage or $5.00 and up at private lots.

Triptico is one of Tampa Bay’s newest and hottest latin rock bands today.  Comprised of three outstanding artists, they bring rock to you like you’ve never heard before.  They have been featured on WMNF radio, and this past summer won TBT’s Artist Of The Year award.  This is a concert you won’t want to miss.

Jarred Dies 11/17/09

Jarred Banks / Jessica / Natalie

Over the last few months, we saw someone was stalking Jessica making her think her dead husband was alive.  Last Friday, everything came to a head as Natalie and Jessica come to Napa, CA to Nash’s vinyard and meet their stalker; while running into Jarred.

Jarred admitted to helping with the situation, but only the money transfers because the stalker knew his dad Charlie killed his step-dad.  Natalie and Jessica forgave him, but they were still at the mercy of the stalker… Mitch Lawrence, Jessica’s biological father and Natalies former husband.

John storms in the front of door, Brody in the back and grabs Jessica out of the way.  Jarred is shot by Mitch, and John subdues him.  Natalie runs to her fallen husband, when Charlie and Vicki come to the scene.  Jarred would later die at the hospital, but not before saying goodbye to Natalie and telling Charlie he did kill his step dad, under a drunken stuper; one punch and his step dad fell hitting his head.  Jarred’s body is now being transported back to Llanview, and Napa police are taking possession of Mitch Lawrence.

Bo / Nora / Matthew /Daniella

In the boarding school in London, Matthew runs into Tea’s daughter Daniella, together they make an escape.  Matthew takes her to Seattle and promises her he will get her to Tahiti to be with her “dad.”

Matthew finally gets the surgery, but the inexperienced doctor refused to go through with after he opened Matthew.  Dr. Evans runs to Seattle on a promise to his brother Shaun, and gets there just in time to save Matthew.  It appears that he will be OK.

Daniella talks to Todd, her real father, on Tea’s cell phone.  She still doesn’t know Ross is not her dad.  Tea was about to tell Todd of Danni, but Blair took Todd’s phone and Tea hung up. 

Danni goes to see Matthew, happy to know he will come out OK.

Bo and Nora confess their love for each other in London, and vow to tell Clint; but once Nora gets the phone call from Clint about Jarred that changes the mood from joyful to sorrow and will postpone things.  Her life is happy and sad with Matthew and Jarred.

NEW MAYOR

With all the other things going on, we almost forgot about the Mayor race.  Vicki wins it by one vote, after 3 recounts.

Rex, Gigi

Pissed over the sonogram from Staci, she gets plastered at Rodi’s.  Schyler brings her to his apartment to sleep it off.  Meanwhile, Rex gets home from Michigan, when Gigi gets home.

Rex confronts Roxi about Mitch being his father, and she reluctantly tells Rex the truth.  Rex returns back to Gigi, and tells her that he found his father.

Chelsea Peretti on World’s Dumbest TruTV

Usually when one may become a comedian later in life, it’s fairly obvious at an early age.  The typical M.O. of a future comedian would be the typical “straws up the nose” gig at the cafeteria during lunch, or the produced bodily noises during the silence of the teacher’s lecture. It’s all for a laugh; it’s what makes the class clown.  Yes, comedians often start at an early age, usually popular through school for their antics, and one you don’t want to turn your back on because you never know if there will be a sign stuck to it.  For Chelsea Peretti, she didn’t fall into that category at an early age, she did come out of her shell in the 8th grade, she was destined to make a mark on the world.  “I figured out being funny was a good survival skill in school.”

However, like anything good, you can’t rush it. It takes time to brew and get to perfection before its grand reveal, and that is exactly what happened to Peretti.  Her “class clown” phase didn’t start till she was in 8th grade when she really started to joke around with her classmatesl, but despite her funny side, Peretti really wanted to be an actress; comedy was the cherry on the cake.

It wasn’t until college when she realized how free you are in comedy.  For instance, you don’t have to wait to be told what to do; you have the ability to take the bull by the horns, and with comedy you have more freedom of expression.  Finally, a friend convinced her to try an open mic night at a local New York club called the Parkside Lounge and from that point on, her destiny was carved in stone.  Like it or not, she was a comedienne.

All in all, Peretti has performed on many a great stage doing stand up comedy, but still falls in love with the smaller, more intimate venues.  Making people laugh, breaking the vicious cycle of drama in people’s lives, helps inspire this comedienne to keep doing what she loves best.  Peretti is a skilled artist.  Her canvas is the stage on which she stands.  The paint Peretti uses is a colorful collection of her many jokes.  And her masterpiece?  Making you laugh till you have your drink blow out of your nose.  Ah, the special moments that only a comedienne can treasure.

World’s Dumbest on TruTv

Chelsea Peretti is probably best known right now for her cameo role on TruTv’s hit series, World’s Dumbest.  The series, “in a nutshell,” has videos captured by real people doing, well, dumb things.  The show’s categories include partiers, drivers, and criminals.  As the video plays, celebrities get on and mock the people by making witty observations.

The clips really sell themselves, but these celebrities enhance them even more so with their observations.  Sometimes the funniest part of the video is something they see and point out that we, as viewers, didn’t even catch.

When Peretti originally did the spot, she wasn’t supposed to be on there as permanent, but after only one taping, the show’s producers asked her to come back… and I’m glad they did.

Peretti’s expressions, mixed with her sarcastic tone, helps make World’s Dumbest a success and she’s one of my favorite personalities to watch on the show.  Peretti isn’t alone on the hit show.  There are other celebs such as Danny Bonaduce, Todd Bridges, Leif Garrett, Judy Gold, Tanya Harding and more, and when you get them together, it’s an hour of pure craziness.  Just be sure not to drink anything while watching this show because it very well may come out your nose.  Okay, you’ve been warned.

The episodes run on Thursday nights at 9PM.

Other Projects from Chelsea Peretti

Peretti created a series called All My Exes, a web based video series where she sits down with her ex-boyfriends and interviews them like Barbara Walters. What you get is a hilariously awkward video where she makes these guys squirm with questions that would make your mama blush.  Peretti dives deep and personal, describing why she broke up with them and pursuing their answers for why they behaved like they did.

The series doesn’t actually portray her real life ex-boyfriends, but watching the videos you’d swear they were.  According to Peretti, the reason behind the series is, “ I can’t find a decent, lasting relationship to save my life. I thought it would be fun to poke fun at it.” It makes you wonder though if these scenarios are real or not… but we’ll let that be Peretti’s little secret. {wink wink}

You can see this series at www.myspace.com/chelseaperetti

Peretti also created Black People Love Us, a website that hilariously satirized a white couple using black people ”to be cool.”   To check that out go to www.blackpeopleloveus.com

The Smoking Gun – Chelsea Peretti Podcast

Artist One on One sits down with comedienne Chelsea Peretti, best known for her cameo role on The Smoking Gun’s World’s Dumbest on TruTv.  She talks about her role on the show, her life in comedy and some of her new and past projects we get to look forward to or enjoy!

Prelude To A Dream -Review

Title: Prelude To A Dream
Singer: Jackie Evancho
Album #: Debut Album
Label: Unsigned
Genre: Crossover Contemporary
Web Site: www.jackieevancho.org

Songs On The Album:

1. Everytime
2. Concrete Angel
3. Teaching Angels How To Fly
4. Starry Starry Night
5. Think Of Me
6. Memory
7. To Where You Are
8. River Of Dreams
9. Dark Waltz
10. The Prayer
11. Amazing Grace
12. Ave Maria
13. O Mio Babino Caro
14. Con Te Partiro

Classical crossover is music that tells a story. It must be compelling and elegant in its delivery, and it must make the listener feel every emotion and become one with the song.  This genre takes a special kind of musician because you’re not only a singer, you’re a storyteller and an actor/actress in the same light.  Many musicians (singers) tend to shy away from the genre just because of its complexity, but those that stand the challenge and love it, know how to make it work.  When done right, this genre is an exquisite example of singing at its best.

Jackie Evancho’s debut album, Prelude To A Dream, is exactly what classical crossover should sound like.  This nine-year-old girl sings like a bird, with perfect harmony, passion, and heart. These very qualities allow Jackie to tell her story while providing the listener the feeling they are apart of the story she sings.  Jackie’s vocals on this CD are second to none; she has pitch perfect control and powerful vocals when needed, while delivering a sweet innocence in her voice that makes her singing oh so sweet.  What’s even more amazing is that her voice sounds mature in her songs, setting her up for a long career when her voice does change in the near future.

Jackie demonstrates her talent most in the song, “O Mio Babino Caro.”  I am amazed at the power and range she is able to achieve on this song.  You can tell from the first word out of her mouth that she loves this song and is ready to do it justice; an instant hit for her.  Some other great songs to mention on this album are “Teaching Angels How To Fly” for its sweet, soothing and heart-warming story and vocals, and also “Amazing Grace.”  I, personally, love the music compilation of this track; it helps add strength and beauty to Jackie’s already amazing voice.

We would definitely recommend this CD to anyone, and if you don’t like classical crossover, Jackie will make you a fan.  

RATING:   5 out of 5

Motown’s Kin – Aiyana Lee Anderson

She comes with a bubbly personality, a passion for music, a love of life and a special gift bred into her by her family whose talent lists a mile long.  She is ready to release her first album, and is already a huge hit in Romania.  And here’s the kicker- she is only eight.  Aiyana Lee Anderson isn’t your typical eight-year-old girl in some ways. After all, not many eight-year-old girls have their own CD coming out and a hit in other countries.

Aiyana Lee Anderson was born and bred into the music business, her genes carry the gift bestowed to her which she already recognized and is sharing with the world.  She knew early on singing was her life since she’s been doing it since she was two. Her mom, Nicole, is a talented singer, song writer and composer of music.  She has blessed the world with her talents for years and now she lends her experience and talent to her daughter.  On the other side of the spectrum, Aiyana also has some American legends in her family whose genes were passed down to her as well.  Her uncle is David Ruffin from The Temptations, best known for his hit “My Girl.”  She has motown in her blood and loves the hits they produced in the ’50s and ’60s.

Amazingly, Aiyana Lee has a broad genre reach meaning that she sings pop, jazz, motown, R&B, and really anything that she finds a good beat to.  For some artists, it’s hard to find that one genre and do it well, but not Aiyana; if she can dance to it then it’s worth singing.  Being able to sing in the different genres takes discipline and practice, something Aiyana loves to work on.  For her, singing isn’t practice.  Instead, it’s fun and fills her soul with happiness; something she hopes you can hear and feel when you hear her music or see her perform.

One of the things she loves most about performing, is being able to perform with her mother on stage.  In the modern family we see lots of parents struggling to find something to relate to their child with, something they can do together.  Well, Nicole and Aiyana had no trouble and they perform together for countries.  I, personally, haven’t seen them perform live yet, but I bet watching a mother/daughter duet on stage would be nothing short of magical.

Aiyana has performed in her home country of England, Romania, and Germany, as well as a few others.  She is already really big in Romania, and is about to return there to perform some more for the first few weeks into November.  Aiyana recently had a small tour with her mom there in Romania, where she has accumulated a lot of fans.  Her mom is from Romania, therefore, it’s extra special to have her treasured in their hearts, and let me tell you, she has Romania in hers.

Aiyana’s New CD

In just a few short weeks, Aiyana will release her first CD before her ninth birthday, a self-titled compilation.  It will be released digitally on CD Baby for distribution everywhere.  Aiyana says the CD will contain a mixture of genres so there is something for everyone.  She incorporates pop to jazz.  As a special tribute, Aiyana will sing “My Girl” and “Just My Imagination” from The Temptations, songs that made her uncle famous.  Those songs will be especially fun to listen to because it’s always enjoyable watching a younger generation sing songs from their family.  Look at Natalie Cole and her remake of her dad’s, “Unforgettable.”

The CD contains fifteen songs, some written by Aiyana herself and some by her mother, Nicole.  One of the songs was written by Nicole for Celine Dion, performed by Aiyana.  There is also master song writer Michael Jay and producer Tony Matthews who contributed to the album.  (Tony worked with legends such as James Brown and Whitney Houston.)

With people like that lending their talents to Aiyana, this album should be a sure success.

She’s Still A Child

Despite the success she is experiencing, and the talent she has worked with, Aiyana still takes time out to be a little girl growing up in this big world.  She plays with her friends, goes to school, watches movies and enjoys life; things a typical eight-year-old girl would do.

Even though her schedule is tough with touring, singing, and living a life of the typical child, she loves and maintains good grades in school.  One of her favorite subjects is World History, and she doesn’t complain about doing homework!  But when she’s not doing anything, her favorite thing to do is spend time with her mother, who she credits for her success.  ”My mom has done everything for my singing. I love her so much, she’s amazing.”

Aiyana is a very special young girl, who loves the lime light and has no intentions of not growing up to be a singer.  I asked her what she would do if singing didn’t happen for her when she grew up and her response was solid. “Nope, not going to happen… singing is what I am here to do.”

Keep an eye out for her new album set to release soon, and check up on Aiyana on her Myspace page: www.myspace.com/aiyanaleeanderson

Also don’t miss our one-on-one interview with her.  You can hear it on the Artist One-on-One podcast in our podcast section.

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