It came as an utter surprise. The best kind: sweet, absolutely no reason, and out of the blue. The hubby procured two tickets to Maxwell’s BLACKsummers’night Concert at Madison Square Gardens. A coup he’d managed to pull off without triggering even a smidgen of suspicion. It promises to be a fabulous night out: Erykah Badu is opening for Maxwell, which sounds like a We’ll follow up with dinner at my new downtown favorite, Qi.

Maxwell performing at Madison Square Garden

Erykah’s performance was underwhelming and uninspired, with a lackluster delivery of songs that said I’d rather be anywhere but here. Gone were the glory days when she weaved a hazy blazy spell over audiences with almost tantric precision. Lyrics interlaced with nuggets nuggets of wisdom and truth-telling delivered in Southern cadence. That was then. These days audiences will have to settle for a subdued Badu banging beats in a chic black overcoat, impressive Ferragamos and a top hat over spiraling blond curls. Thanks, but no.

At last, the stage is set: big band style, complete with sultry backup singers, saxophone, trumpet, bass, percussion and other accoutrements. The opening scene unfolds – the moon colliding with the sun and the resulting eclipse. His silhouette appears to the familiar strains and evocative promise of Sumthin’, Sumthin’. Then the man emerges from the shadows: Bespoke white shirt under a sleek, fitted black retro suit, eyes shaded behind dark sunglasses. We can toss the iPhone version we’ve been forced to settle for during his extended sabbatical. Maxwell announced his return with a medley of crowd pleasers that so many of us have dimmed the lights to. The single and Fortunate, This Woman’s Work and Lifetime from the album Now are as sublime as I remember.

The effortless seduction is reminiscent of a subtly seductive Marvin. Gyrating with a feline grace and almost tangible sensuality, his style evokes shades of the 60′s when understated showmanship and sly insinuation were more provocative that the hammer over the head technique of today. The honeysweet falsetto still as intoxicating as an aged Bordeaux, now mellowed with age and experience; but still as sensual as a long drip of sweat down your naked back. He killed with several favorites from the Urban Hang Suite album: feverish women mouthing every word of, Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder), ‘Til The Cops Come Knockin’, and ‘Suitelady’ (aka the Proposal Jam). His rendition of Al Green’s ‘Simply Beautiful’ sent shivers up my spine and made me remember why I went on an Al Green binge at 15 that lasted months.

From the capitulation of the line “I can’t control the feeling…” of ‘Bad Habits’ to the naked honesty of ‘Fistful Of Tears’ eager, panting were women happily losing their minds. One woman – a brave, not-to-be denied soul – threw caution and fire-engine red panties with dead aim into the singer’s hands. Not missing a beat, the two-time Grammy Award winner caught the itty bitty thing, and with a slight, unobtrusive gesture, tucked it into his pocket. Yep, still got it. But not for him the overt bravado, outlandish claims and unimaginative maneuvers of the teeny bopper set, Maxwell understands the art of subtlety; the gradual peeling of layers rather than a mad dash for the goodie box. No, the men in the audience (the hubby excluded, of course) were not pleased with him. His passion for women – and theirs for him – is too naked and absolute. The laying down of arms before our feet, the poignant whispers, feels like too much concession of power. Guys could do themselves a favor and forget the cloak and dagger game playing and the oneupmanship for a minute, as Maxwell sang, “that’s a punk move right there.” Besides, the adoration is a two-way street and it shows in his performance and appreciation for his legion of fans and in their love for his music.

Maxwell giving some love to the audience

Maxwell closed with the ethereally beautiful gem ‘Pretty Wings‘ from BLACKsummers’ night, a treat for the many who waited for the very last drop. Worth it for them? Maybe. Beloved and I left skid marks on our way out. But for me? Oh yeah.

Are you a Maxwell fan? If so, which is your favorite album? Leave a comment and let us know.

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Picture overlooking City Island boardwalk

With every visit to City Island I’m able to relive my childhood. I remember my first trip to City Island with my Father and older brother Wil. It was a great day. My brother and I always had a great time when we went out with my Dad and this day was no exception.

After a day of hanging out with Dad, touring the Bronx and visiting his numerous ‘homeboys’ we eventually arrived at City Island. It was the coolest place. Crowds of people were buzzing around in front of the numerous restaurants, neon lights illuminated the streets and the smell of fresh seafood filled the air. By now we were all hungry and it was time to eat. Sammy’s was our dining choice of the evening and it’s still in business today.

Picture of Sammy’s Restaurant on City Island

City Island hasn’t changed much since I was a kid (everything is a lot smaller now of course). The restaurants are still packed on the weekends and the seafood is still delicious no matter which eatery you choose. If you’re going to be in the area and if you love seafood and beautiful daylight or evening views, take a little time to visit City Island. You’ll be glad you did.

City Island backstreet

Have you been to City Island? What do you think about it?

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L to R: MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane & Black Thought of The Roots

Hip Hop has changed for the better because it is now a viable means of financial wealth and opportunity for young artists and entrepreneurs. It’s negative in it’s lack of accountability for it’s lyrics and portrayal of our culture. Bottom line is hip hop as we knew it will never be the same. But what ever is? Change is inevitable. There may be some light at the end of the tunnel though. If the recent successes of artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco & Common are any indication, I’d say that gangster rap is starting to show some serious signs of fading (finally!).

“A child is born, with no state of mind, Blind to the ways of mankind, God is smiling at you but he’s frowning too because only God knows what you go through. You grow in the ghetto, living second rate and your eyes they sing a song of deep hate…” Melle Mel – “The Message”

I miss the days of lyrical substance. Artists like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5, Public Enemy and KRS-One all made statements with their lyrics. As someone who grew up in the Bronx during the time of street jams and block parties I feel privileged and honored to have actively participated in the infancy stages of a culture that has become a worldwide phenomenon. I would like to see it claim it’s rightful place in mainstream culture as a positive source of creative inspiration for inner city youth.

The Hip Hop Honors Concert

It was a pleasure to photograph the 2007 Hip Hop Honors concert in New York. The crowd fully participated and the performances were great. The event was held at New York’s Nokia Theater in Times Square and the line up included MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane and The Roots. Events like these are what keep the original flavor of hip hop alive.

L to R: Guitarist backs MC Lyte, The Roots

My Top 5 Rap Albums

I know everyone is not going to agree with me on this and that’s cool but I decided to include a short Top 5 list of some of my all time favorite rap albums. These are not only classic albums in my opinion but monumental in terms of music production and lyrical content.

1. Nas – Illmatic
2. 2Pac – Me Against The World
3. Public Enemy – It’ll Take a Nation of Millions..
4. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message
5. Run – DMC – Raising Hell

What are your top 5 Rap Albums? Do you think hip hop is dead? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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There’s a good reason why the the Jamaica Tourist Board tag line is, Once you go, you know, because there’s nothing like Visiting Jamaica. If you’ve never had the Jamaica experience, do yourself a favor and book a quick get-away  first chance you get. Believe me, you won’t regret it. I went to Jamaica for the first time back in 2007 with my wife (though she wasn’t my wife at the time) and we had a great time. During our trip in Jamaica we visited several spots: St. Andrew, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, Montego Bay, Spanish Town and Negril. My wife is Jamaican and was raised in St. Andrew so none of the Parishes of Jamaica were new to her, but I on the other hand was completely entranced by the sheer beauty of the island. The sights were spectacular and the people were as friendly and welcoming as any visitor to a new country could hope. We also got a chance for a brief drive by infamous Tivoli Gardens and Trench Town communities, on the outskirts of West Kingston.

L to R: Spanish Town, Resort in Ocho Rios & Montego Bay

While in Ocho Rios we visited Dunn’s River Falls, a magnificently beautiful waterfall standing over 600′ ft. located right on the beach. It was originally featured in the very first James Bond film, “Dr. No.” and remains as spectacular as it was then. The day was perfect, that is until I ruined my Canon XT DSLR Camera while climbing the waterfall.  Storing it in my backpack was not the smartest move on my part. Of course I had insurance on the camera, which I highly recommend. Other than that little mishap, the entire trip was an absolute delight.

The Bob Marley Factor

Of all the places we visited while in Jamaica I’d have to say that the most fulfilling visits was to the Bob Marley Museum on the legend’s ‘s old estate on Hope Road in Kingston. As a ‘tourist’ (I hate to use that word) I half expected a corny rushed tour of the property with not much time to explore and soak in the essence of Bob right? Not true at all. There was a in-depth tour, detailing his life, career and challenges, a brief video of old interviews and footage in his screening room and even an entire room wall-papered with old newspaper clippings. But after the walk through we were pretty much left to our own devices. We were able to check out most of the rooms, like the tiny kitchen with it’s old blender and pots where he often cooked ital rastafarian grubbage for guests as well as the recording studio where he actually cut some of his hit songs. No photos allowed though, damn!

Pictures taken at Bob Marley’s old estate on Hope Road.

We hung out on the property with some of the locals many of whom had been around during Bob’s time and I made a few friends as well. They keep his memory alive by spinning vibrant tales about his concerts or an old incident they still laugh about with fondness. It was an amazing feeling to plant my feet in the same soil in which the legendary Bob Marley once played football (we call it soccer), which was one of his favorite things to do at home. My fiance and I enjoyed Jamaica so much that I suggested we get married there. Which we did in July of 2008.

Jamaica has now become a second home to me and we’ve been back a few times since the wedding. Another place to scratch off the old bucket list. If it’s not on yours add it, and GO!

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