MC Vendetta aka Janna Willoughby in collaboration with DJ Khemikil, the alter ego of Jessica Neilsen, joined forces as females extraordinaire to produce, "My 2 Cents In." This 12 track CD features Godfrey "G-Man" T, and "D.C." recorded in Buffalo NY and Swannanoa, NC, at North Carolina Warren College. Vendetta and Khemikil set you up for the ride of your life as you step out of your world into theirs. I present to you, MC Vendetta and DJ Khemikil.
This is "Velvet Krème".
"My 2 Cents In", is a poetic socio-political stance on the world viewed through genres such as rap, hip-hop, spoken word, vocals, and performance. With Khemikil on music and back up vocals, and Vendetta on the mic, they manage to meld boundaries many artists would not dare to venture. This is apparent in liner notes by Vendetta: " . . . we call it B-Low, where it takes so long for the grass to grow, and everyone you meet knows two people that you know and the winter takes so long it's all slow, with the snow, I grew up in the cold in this old, kinda rundown town."
If you have witnessed one of their performances, you are familiar with the 2nd track, "Memorize My Name." This is the trademark of MC Vendetta. On the 8th track, "Global Flow", Vendetta speaks of the state of the nation: "Organization stops globalization, and civilization needs interrelation, by my observation, across this fair nation, I see that we're run by some big corporation. We're supposed to be equal; we're supposed to be free, but America's chained to this box called TV . . ."
The 6th track, 'AntiTrust" is an anthem: " Believe what you want, believe what you must, Believe what you want and believe what you must, just look underneath when the stories get rust, for they must decompose and turn back into dust, for that's where we all came from, and that's all that I trust."
You must see a live performance. Vendetta is in a class of her own, as a woman onstage making waves with her poetry and voice. You can catch her at: http://myspace.com/mcvendetta. Her personal website showcases her artwork, poetry, bio, handmade journals and photo albums at: http://www.angelfire.com/stars5/papercraftmiracles/
MC Vendetta can also be found at area venues and the Buffalo "infringement" Festival @: http://infringebuffalo.org/IF08/M088. She is raw, she is real, she is Buffalo. Most of all, she is a poet and an artist who cares deeply about the state of our nation. Grab the CD, check out her artwork and get to the Infringement Festival.
Open your eyes to reality. This is MC Vendetta. This is DJ Khemikil.
Welcome to their world.
The world of "Velvet Krème "
Monday, September 29, 2008
Haale ~ No Ceiling
Haale is defined as: "Halo Around The Moon.' Of Iranian descent yet Bronx born, Haale (as in halle-lujah), released "No Ceiling" a melding of Persian mysticism with American 1960's dream wave psychedelia.
This 10-track disc features artists such as: Haale Gafori: vocals, electric guitar, lyrics, setar, Dougie Bowne: lyrics, Shahzad Ismaily: acoustic/electric guitars, electric sitar, bass, Mike Gamble: electric guitar, Steve Cohen: bass, Matt Kilmer: percussion, bass, acoustic/electric guitars, Doug Weisleman: electric guitar, bass clarinet, wooden flute, Christopher Hoffman: cello and Johnny Gandelsman on violin.
Haale has performed from France to Carnegie Hall sharing stages with Sean Lennon, Hugh Masakela and Odetta. This debut full length CD was co-written with Dougie Bowne, produced by Matt Kilmer and mastered by Fred Kevorkian. The art direction, photography and design are credited to Haale, Kevork Mourad, Matt Kilmer and Matthieu Mangaretto from Marseilles, France.
Fascinating aspects on this compilation lie in the lyrics. Haale sings in both Persian and English, inspired by Persian poetry. This is apparent in the 4th track, "Chenan Mastam", "Masti" meaning a state of ecstasy, intoxication and serenity and "Chenan Mastam" meaning "I'm so mast" as in "smashed on the great big everything" according to Vonnegut. Haale's deep-throated vocals combined with percussion bring you right into her realm. She flawlessly switches from English to Persian, equally erotic and enlightening.
The title track, "No Ceiling" begins with a rock n roll guitar riff. Haale calls out: "I go on my way, the feeling grows, no ceiling" with an orchestral unification of bass, drums and clarinet beside her. "Ay Dar Shekasteh" is entirely sung in Persian using lyrical poetry from Rumi. The bass, guitar, vocals and percussion place you in a different time while Haale soars: "Ay dar shekastah jaamah ma Ay bardareedeh daameh ma" Her music is meditative, spiritual, poetic, traditional and everything that is not today.
Connect to Haale at: http://www.haale.com/ to get her limited edition 10 track CD entitled, "No Ceiling." Connect to her my space, press, bio, store and tour schedule. The artwork on the CD jacket alone is stunning.
This 10-track disc features artists such as: Haale Gafori: vocals, electric guitar, lyrics, setar, Dougie Bowne: lyrics, Shahzad Ismaily: acoustic/electric guitars, electric sitar, bass, Mike Gamble: electric guitar, Steve Cohen: bass, Matt Kilmer: percussion, bass, acoustic/electric guitars, Doug Weisleman: electric guitar, bass clarinet, wooden flute, Christopher Hoffman: cello and Johnny Gandelsman on violin.
Haale has performed from France to Carnegie Hall sharing stages with Sean Lennon, Hugh Masakela and Odetta. This debut full length CD was co-written with Dougie Bowne, produced by Matt Kilmer and mastered by Fred Kevorkian. The art direction, photography and design are credited to Haale, Kevork Mourad, Matt Kilmer and Matthieu Mangaretto from Marseilles, France.
Fascinating aspects on this compilation lie in the lyrics. Haale sings in both Persian and English, inspired by Persian poetry. This is apparent in the 4th track, "Chenan Mastam", "Masti" meaning a state of ecstasy, intoxication and serenity and "Chenan Mastam" meaning "I'm so mast" as in "smashed on the great big everything" according to Vonnegut. Haale's deep-throated vocals combined with percussion bring you right into her realm. She flawlessly switches from English to Persian, equally erotic and enlightening.
The title track, "No Ceiling" begins with a rock n roll guitar riff. Haale calls out: "I go on my way, the feeling grows, no ceiling" with an orchestral unification of bass, drums and clarinet beside her. "Ay Dar Shekasteh" is entirely sung in Persian using lyrical poetry from Rumi. The bass, guitar, vocals and percussion place you in a different time while Haale soars: "Ay dar shekastah jaamah ma Ay bardareedeh daameh ma" Her music is meditative, spiritual, poetic, traditional and everything that is not today.
Connect to Haale at: http://www.haale.com/ to get her limited edition 10 track CD entitled, "No Ceiling." Connect to her my space, press, bio, store and tour schedule. The artwork on the CD jacket alone is stunning.
Ellen West ~ Preparing To Be Forgotten
While listening to Ellen West's CD, "Preparing to be Forgotten", I knew immediately that this artist would not live up to title of her 6 track debut CD. Preparing to be Forgotten was recorded at The Boathouse in the winter of 2006 in Buffalo. Ellen West IS Michele Buono or maybe Michele Buono is Ellen West. Either way, Ellen West is the alias Michele Buono takes on when playing solo acoustic shows.
The group Ellen West is composed of: Michele Buono as lyricist/lead guitar/graphic design with Jen Sojka on cello and Justin on piano. This is her solo debut, combined with session instrumentalists. Ellen is also a member of the band The Missing Planes.
Poetic influence is apparent in the manner that she titles her songs. It is reminiscent of the beats of the 50's. It is no surprise that the name Ellen West is derived from a tune by Throwing Muses. This CD is akin to taking Joni Mitchell, Meg White, and Neil Young, mixing them with indie dreamwave folk then tossing in a bit of punk pop. Ellen's guitar chords are precise and her vocals are yearning and mournful in nature. Instrumentation such as piano and cello, and an echo chamber effect on Track 2 brings this CD full circle in getting her spirit across.
Track 3, "Great Escape," begins with cascading acoustics and cello, painting a musical landscape. Ellen's vocals compliment this piece beautifully. The cello cries along with Ellen's strumming. Mid song, the strings gain momentum followed by vocals: ". . . as if I've got some-thing . . . to prove."
Ellen's playing is mind blowing.
A slow, melodic pace can be heard in the 4th track, "Winning Isn't Everything." The piano adds a sing-songy dreamlike rhythm. Ellen bursts forth in the middle with: " . . . you've bro-ken a trust, now I'm at a loss." This tune is so peaceful musically, it's reminiscent of a lullaby, though lyrically it is quite solemn. Ellen plays with her heart and writes of her truth. This is, by far, my favorite on the entire CD. An instant hit.
Haunting yet sultry, "An Empty Room" is a ballad. The instrumentation brings a harpsichord quality to this song. One gets the feeling that notes are being played off key when indeed everything is composed in complete perfection.
Connect to Ellen West by visiting: http://www.myspace.com/ellenwest. She is a rare breed and far surpasses mainstream acoustics. Ellen manages to meld classical into punk, erotica to pain, jealousy to love, and hope into hunger in a mere 6 songs. Grab her CD and check out her band: http://www.themissingplanes.com/.
Prepare to be enlightened.
The group Ellen West is composed of: Michele Buono as lyricist/lead guitar/graphic design with Jen Sojka on cello and Justin on piano. This is her solo debut, combined with session instrumentalists. Ellen is also a member of the band The Missing Planes.
Poetic influence is apparent in the manner that she titles her songs. It is reminiscent of the beats of the 50's. It is no surprise that the name Ellen West is derived from a tune by Throwing Muses. This CD is akin to taking Joni Mitchell, Meg White, and Neil Young, mixing them with indie dreamwave folk then tossing in a bit of punk pop. Ellen's guitar chords are precise and her vocals are yearning and mournful in nature. Instrumentation such as piano and cello, and an echo chamber effect on Track 2 brings this CD full circle in getting her spirit across.
Track 3, "Great Escape," begins with cascading acoustics and cello, painting a musical landscape. Ellen's vocals compliment this piece beautifully. The cello cries along with Ellen's strumming. Mid song, the strings gain momentum followed by vocals: ". . . as if I've got some-thing . . . to prove."
Ellen's playing is mind blowing.
A slow, melodic pace can be heard in the 4th track, "Winning Isn't Everything." The piano adds a sing-songy dreamlike rhythm. Ellen bursts forth in the middle with: " . . . you've bro-ken a trust, now I'm at a loss." This tune is so peaceful musically, it's reminiscent of a lullaby, though lyrically it is quite solemn. Ellen plays with her heart and writes of her truth. This is, by far, my favorite on the entire CD. An instant hit.
Haunting yet sultry, "An Empty Room" is a ballad. The instrumentation brings a harpsichord quality to this song. One gets the feeling that notes are being played off key when indeed everything is composed in complete perfection.
Connect to Ellen West by visiting: http://www.myspace.com/ellenwest. She is a rare breed and far surpasses mainstream acoustics. Ellen manages to meld classical into punk, erotica to pain, jealousy to love, and hope into hunger in a mere 6 songs. Grab her CD and check out her band: http://www.themissingplanes.com/.
Prepare to be enlightened.
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