Saturday, December 31, 2011

My Top 10 DMV Artists of 2011


Photo by Roy Cox

After seeing so many top 10’s and the "best" of 2011 over the last several days I decided to make my own list. Although in my opinion all of the artists in the DMV are the best.

(1) Anita King is a songstress and fierce advocate of live music. In September 2010 she began hosting the Anita King Jazz Benefit Concert to raise funds for the MusicianShip non-profit organization. I had the pleasure of attending one of her performances this year. In the new year she will be performing at Mimi's Cafe in Fredericksburg, Virginia as well as a number of other venues. Kudos to you Ms. King for your humanitarian contributions!

(2) Vocalist Maysa Leak celebrated 20 years in the music business this year. She is also known for being a lead singer with the British band Incognito and Stevie Wonder's Wonderlove. Her new release "Motions of Love" is currently number one in the US and UK on Soultracks/Amazon.com top ten sales charts and on the UK Soul Chart. Congrats to you Ms. Leak on the success of your CD!

(3) If you have never seen bassist David Dyson perform with Pieces of a Dream I advise you to put it on your list of things to do in 2012. To see him take command of the stage when he solos is astounding. The band members literally exit the stage to let him do his thing. I can never get enough of seeing them perform. The chemistry is electrifying and there is never a dull moment. He is one funky cool axe wielding cat!

(4) Thirteen year old guitarist Isaiah Lemons is someone you definitely want to stay tuned to. His line of clothing, Izzy Wear by Front Page Gear will debut in 2012. I am looking forward to hearing more from this young entrepreneur and musical phenom in the new year. Rock on Izzy!

(5) Multi-talented Cherie Mitchell-Agurs (Sweet Cherie) is the keyboardist/musical director/vocalist for the female Go Go band Be' la Dona. She also performs with the legendary Chuck Brown and is a radio personality on GoGo.com's "Inside the Pocket".  Keep doing your thing Sweet Cherie!

(6) Last year I had the opportunity to attend one of vocalist Mycah Chevalier's dynamic performances. In addition to her solo career, she is the lead female vocalist for Guilty Pleasures. Make sure you check out her CD "Roux's Fantasy". I am sure you won't be disappointed!

(7) This year proved to be a great one for the gospel group The Soul Messengerz. Their new CD "Grace and Mercy" was released and they were signed by Malaco Records. Congratulations and much continued success to you in 2012!

(8) Singer/songwriter Claudette Monet's unique blend of funk/rock and R & B/jazz definitely caught my attention.  I am still loving her single "Rock Star".  Looking forward to more great things from her in the new year!

(9) Gospel hip hop artist Royalty aka Mr129's debut CD "Reaching for the Gift" was released this year.  He is spreading the good news through rap. Do check out the videos for the singles " Gotta Get It" and "Headphones"!

(10) JoRob Waldron is not only making his mark as an R & B singer but a songwriter, and producer as well. In addition, this year he partnered with Eye Catching Entertainment to open EC & J Studios. Congrats to you on your endeavor!


Wishing you all an abundance of prosperity in 2012!!!

Peace & Blessings

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