Song of the Day: Daydreaming – Dexter Moore

With so much uncertainty in the world today, American artist/keyboardist DEXTER MOORE’s latest single, ‘Daydreaming’ brings along hope and aspirations. The immediately uplifting smooth jazz instrumental invites us to let loose of all the woes and just enjoy life while we can!

“‘Daydreaming exemplifies how music can bring out the best in people – the ideas…the passion…the inspirations to always show your best light. Hopefully, I did my best to inspire my listeners with this jazzy, melodic and groovy track…Enjoy!” – Dexter Moore.

Born in Philadelphia, Dexter Moore grew up in a musical household – his father is an organist and his late mother was a pianist. With two brothers, who are both drummers, and his sister a singer, it came to no surprise that Dexter Moore started performing from the age of 11.

Like many promising musicians, Dexter Moore’s initial exposure was at his local church. Through his connections with fellow musicians, Dexter was introduced to Gabriel Hardeman at a jam session – his meeting with the acclaimed gospel singer/musician would significantly change his career…

To date, Dexter Moore has toured in Europe as well as throughout the USA and has been privileged to play behind some of the industry heavy-weights in both Gospel and secular music; including Yolanda Adams, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Vicki Winans, Hezekiah Walker, Norman Hutchins, Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Zahmu, Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Miles Jaye and Teddy Pendergrass.

With over 30 years’ experience performing with other artists as a sideman and accompanist, Dexter Moore now wants to share his keyboard talents to the world as an artist.

‘Daydreaming’ is out now across various music platforms.

Connect with Dexter Moore via:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/dextermoorejazz/
T: https://twitter.com/RightSideLLC
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dextermoorejazz/?hl=en

Pollena Offers Optimism In Dark Times With EP, ‘Rising.’

Following earlier tips from the likes of BBC 6 Music, Line of Best Fit, Notion, Radio 1/1Xtra, Under the Radar, Beats Per Minute, Earmilk – to name a few – London-based artist formerly of neo-soul outfit Girlhood – POLLENA returns with her debut EP ‘Rising’ on Team Talk Records.

Pollena isn’t afraid to tackle a darker world in her debut EP, finding power in the fight for a better life. ‘Rising’ stands out by giving us a reason for optimism even – especially – in challenging times. Featuring raw and honest themes delivered with Pollena’s signature rich, smooth vocals, the EP blends genres, from neo soul to house, electronica and RnB, in an accomplished celebration of individuality, resilience and vulnerability and a call for hope.

Co-written and co-produced with Barney Whittaker aka Footshooter, following the success of their previous collaboration ‘Stand Up’, ‘Rising’ reveals a fresh and rejuvenated sound for Pollena that melds together elements of neo-soul, house and RnB.

The leading ‘Black Holes’ is an exploration of spacey synths, glowing keys, and commanding bass lines accompanied by powerful yet ethereal vocals. “I’m searching for a way out of the darkness, trying to hold on to a glimpse of light through connection. ‘Black Holes’ speaks to our innate desire to feel whole and an understanding that good times shared together are the answer.” Pollena.

The following ‘Diamonds’ is a glowing house and UK garage-inspired bop with a powerful message. “I’m sick of society pressuring us into lives we don’t want. We blindly follow the paths set out for us and do what’s expected, we simply don’t have to. I want ‘Diamonds’ to encourage listeners to fight for a better life.” Pollena

‘Lemons’, the first release prior to the EP’s launch, reveals waves of sun-kissed harmonies accompanying glowing jazz keys and a rich, Latin-inspired rhythm to create a summer vibe full of hope and optimism. “I want to celebrate living a life that feels true to me and inspire others to do the same. ‘Lemons’ is all about slowing down and connecting with what makes you happy.” Pollena

Rounding up the EP is the hazy, lo-fi ‘Bask In Blue’. A mellow R&B beat blends warm, soulful harmonies with balmy keys. “Bask in Blue tells a story of letting uncomfortable feelings in and embracing sadness whilst holding onto the hope that things can change.” Pollena

So if you’re suffering from the January blues, I reckon this mini EP will offer up some comfort. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Black Holes, Lemons

OUT TODAY: Mark A. Walker Offers Relief in Times Of Trouble With Second Single, ‘Let Me Breathe’

MARK A. WALKER‘s latest single, ‘Let Me Breathe’, smooths out those difficult challenges that life sometimes presents. The sheer tranquillity of soothing instrumentation, provided by Stellar-nominated producer Keran Vega, encourages us to take a break from all the troubles – and just breathe – if only for a moment. The single was written and produced by Michael Upshaw with Mark A.Walker as co-writer and Chris Howden as co-producer.

‘Let me Breathe’ follows Mark A. Walker’s debut single ‘Duke Stroll’ which features multi-Grammy Award-winning musician Phil Lassiter. For this production, Mark A. Walker is surrounded by a stellar production team led by Executive producer Michael Upshaw and co-producer, Grammy nominated producer Chris “BIG DOG” Davis.

Paying tribute to the late legendary jazz musician/instrumentalist George Duke, ‘Duke’s Stroll’ claimed the top spot of CHBN’s radio playlist charts for four consecutive weeks as well as receiving firm support from radio stations across UK, including Phoenix FM, Chocolate Radio, Pulse 98.4 and more recently on Sonic Nation with Jeff The Fish.

Mark A. Walker is a highly sought-after performance and session musician with the Gospel, R&B/soul and jazz scene, who has worked with notable artists/musicians, including, Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, Maysa, Richard Smallwood, Gerald Albright and Yolanda Adams. He’s been involved on projects that have garnered one NAACP Image Award nomination, four Grammy Award nominations and seven Stellar Award wins.

Now Mark. A Walker is steadily coming into the limelight as a solo artist with the irresistibly smooth ‘Let Me Breathe’, available from 18th November across major music platforms.

Connect with Mark A. Walker via:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/markawalkermusic
T: https://twitter.com/MAW_bass
IG: https://www.instagram.com/markawalkermusic

Song of the Day: Duke’s Stroll – Mark A. Walker (ft. Philip Lassiter)

Coming out of the shadows and into the spotlight from the smooth jazz community, MARK A. WALKER takes centre stage with latest single, ‘Duke’s Stroll’. The blissful jazz instrumental piece features multi Grammy award-winning arranger/ trumpeter Philip Lassiter.

Handpicked as a lead musician for the single by Miparis Music Label Executive Michael Upshaw, Walker perfectly ignites rhythmic passion in the tribute to the late great legendary George Duke, a highly respected multi-instrumentalist and artist known across multiple music genres across the globe.

For this production, Mark A. Walker is surrounded by a stellar production team led by Executive producer Michael Upshaw and co producer, Grammy nominated producer Chris “BIG DOG” Davis. 

Bassist Mark. A Walker is a highly sought-after performance and session musician with the Gospel, R&B/soul and jazz scene, who has worked with notable artists/musicians, including Gerald Albright, Lalah Hathaway, Maysa, Richard Smallwood and Yolanda Adams.  

‘Duke’s Stroll’ is out now for your pleasure…Have a listen below…

FB: https://www.facebook.com/markawalkermusic
T: https://twitter.com/MAW_bass
IG: https://www.instagram.com/markawalkermusic/

Kinzoogianna Returns with Fifth Single, ‘Saving Grace’

KINZOOGIANNA – AKA Anna Stubbs from groundbreaking Nu Jazz /Broken Beat band Brotherly – presents her Fifth single titled ‘Saving Grace’.

Her latest offering is a spacey synthy ride around Earth contemplating it’s demise, and hoping for a late save, with beautiful multi layered vocals, and Rob Mullarkey (Jacob Collier) and Richard Spaven (Jordan Rakei) on edgy, hyped up bass and drums.

‘Saving Grace’ will form part of Kinzoogianna’s debut album, ‘Gold For The Hungry Souls’ slated for release on 1st August 2022 on Brotherly Music/Kudos Records. Have a listen to the single below…