The music is industry is definitely suffering but the reasons are varied and are actually complex. Music sales are definitely down but it is not all about the internet vs. brick and mortar. When you look at the music industry and you throw in radio (and what they will not play), the internet, iTunes, bootlegging, downloading, the closing of retail outlets - both major and independent, you have a lot to talk about. But what I want to talk about is not really those issues. One of things that I feel is most important in reference to the tanking of the music industry is very simple – music just ain’t that good anymore. Or maybe it should be said that music that you hear is not that good. Music that is not on the radio is a lot better. Music that is on smaller labels (many times) is very good. Music that you don’t hear about is what you may need to hear.

The Revelations featuring Tre’ Williams. Now this is great music in an old school sense. A man with a voice that is reminiscent of classic soul singers. Soul. Blues. Grit. Passion. That’s what you get and you are glad that The Revelations are serving up a tasty dish of true soul music.  When Tre’ sings Sorry’s Not Enough, you can feel the ache in his heart and his voice. The song I Don’t Want To know is so good that you can’t play it and go to the next song. You have to replay it before you can move on. This CD entitled Deep Soul is not long but rest assured it is very good.

Grace Jones has released her first album in 19 years. Hurricane is not the typical “dance” CD that you might expect. But it does not stand as demur release wishing it could surpass Nightclubbing or Warm Leatherette. But it stands on its own as it begins with the statement, “this is my voice, my weapon of choice” on the song This Is Life. Williams Blood is the first single and probably a somewhat autobiographical tale of Grave’s heritage while I’m Crying (Mother’s Tears) is a great tribute to her mother mother. One thing – it is good to know that Grace is still a man eating machine – but you have to listen to Corporate Cannibal to understand what I am talking about.

Asa’s self-titled CD is a joy to hear. Treat yourself to this CD that you will probably not hear on the radio. I enjoyed this from the very first listen. Asa is an artist I hope everyone finds the time to discover.

India.Arie has done it again and surprised me with a cover of one the best “best” Sade songs, Pearls.

Incognito has released a remix version of their recently released CD, On The Beach.

And thank goodness, I can tell you that there will undoubtedly be some “good” music coming our way very soon. Look at March with a new Lionel Richie. Then there will be a “live” DVD from Stevie Wonder. A second CD from Chrisette Michele. An English language CD from an amazing voice, Corneille. Take a listen to a song from Corneille on our Songs of the Week Page. Put a comment on that page to let us know what you think.

Maybe things are looking up.

It is time for another year of music and all I can say is , THANK YOU. Every year I send out a list of the bestselling CDs at my store to my music industry friends as well as my Top Ten Favorite releases of the year. It is really about  what I play the most so I am thinking that maybe I should switch to my Most Played List for 2008. I’ll figure that one out before I finish writing this. And I thought maybe I should just let everyone know what I liked from this year.

Honestly, as much as I love music, I know that what’s being released now, as a whole is not memorable. Every now and then something interesting comes along on the indie scene that is pretty decent. Unfortunately, the music that is pretty good is very low key because those people don’t have the juice to get major interest from news outlets. A lot of the music that I listened to in 2008 was not well publicized and a few of the projects were actually not released in 2008.

Now, let’s see. First I always have a problem remembering what came out since the beginning of the year. But here is what I remember liking this year. I picked 20 CDs that I remember liking a lot.  No particular order. But I would be interested in finding out some of your favorites from 2008 and why.

Labelle – Back To Now
What can you say? Omit the single and you have a true Labelle CD. Patti, Nona and Sarah give it to you. The cover of Truth Will Set You Free (originally a Mother's Finest song) and Without You In My Life (a new Labelle classic) are worth the price of the CD.

Ashford and Simpson – The Warner Bros Years: Hits, Remixes and Rarities
What can you say. 2 discs. 12” versions. Remix versions by current remixers/DJs. Classic music.

Albright – Sunny One Day
A 2007 release that I played to death in 2008. Hot!! This CD shows what the indie scene is doing that the major label should be doing – putting out really good music.

Kindred – The Arrival
Probably the most underrated R&B CD of the year. The story continues and you learn a lot about love. And giving. And sacrifice. And family. I love this CD.

Andy Caldwell - Om:Dubai
Great dance music. A 2007 release that I found out about from my good friend, noted writer Scoop Jackson. I am so glad he turned me on to this CD.

Eric Benet – Love & Life
Benet is back. He sings. A different CD than the highly underrated Hurricane CD but this is the CD that Eric wanted to make and it does not disappoint. If you heard Eric sing some of these songs at The Experience you’d understand how good this CD really is.

Marc Broussard – Keep Coming Back
This guy is so good. He should be promoted to the urban world because he deserves it and his talent and music crosses all lines.

Lalah Hathaway – Self Portrait
It took some time but I discovered why Lalah told me this is her best CD – and it is.  Lalah is like butter - smooth and oh so tasty.

Kirk Franklin – The Fight of My Life
A December 2007 release that shows why Kirk Franklin is one of the best writers in gospel music.

Gladys Knight & The Pips – Claudine
The soundtrack is re-released. What a joy. Is The Makings of You one of the best songs ever?

Miguel Migs – Those Things Remixed
A remix collection of his release from the previous year (Those Things). Both CDs are great.

The Murrills – Family Prayer
Donald Lawrence does it again. A great group of people who deserve their accolades. Music that feeds your soul, your mind and your ears.

Duffy – Rockferry
Love it. Wish she got the same pub that Amy Winehouse got because this is a MUCH better CD.

Adele – 19
See Duffy comment. Thanks to one of my very good friends for making me listen to this and thanks to my rep for making sure that I rec’d the deluxe copy when it was released.

Lyfe Jennings – Lyfe Change
A CD that compares with his first CD in terms of quality.

Mick Hucknall – Tribute To Bobby
Mick (the voice of Simply Red) does his idol Bobby Bland great justice.

Various - Chill: Brazil Vol 5
Relax and enjoy.

Al Green – Lay It Down
Al never fails. And more importantly, even with guests he doesn’t try to become someone else. Al is Al and that’s a good thing.

Donna Summer – Crayons
A great welcome back after 17 years from the Queen of Disco. Is it her best? No. But, she still has it.

Algebra – Purpose
There are some moments on this CD that are really good. It is not a brilliant CD but it deserves a listen.

What I listened to a lot in 2008 that was not released in that year: Feeling Orange by Ledisi, View From Another Place by Wayne Lewis, Love Stories by Frank McComb, Milira by Milira and a few more. Plus I must say that Ledisi made me like a Christmas CD when she released hers. Now that is a CD that I can listen to year round and that speaks volumes for a holiday CD.

I will tell you another highlight of 2008 for me – the two best concerts: Maxwell and Tina Turner. Amazing. Both of them. That’s all I can say. Amazing.

I wonder what you think about the music of 2008.

He did in a few minutes what had never been before when his death was announced. He shut down Twitter and created chaos on Google. Google – “the” definitive search engine couldn’t handle the news and the inquiries about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

He sold almost three million downloads in one week worldwide. Over two million in the United States in one week. Three of his albums sold MORE than the number 1 recording on Billboard’s Top 200 for the week ending June 28th. Those CDs had to be listed on the Catalog Chart. That was based primarily on two/three days of sales.

People cried all over the world but what was more important – people smiled. And laughed. And remembered the time when music was good and fun and special.

I am sure that everyone has stories about how Michael affected their lives. I grew up with Michael.  Like many others I watched him grow and mature and become the most dominant force in recording history. But even in his death all I could do was smile because his music was happy and positive and upbeat and just so good.

No other artist has ever gotten me to stand in line to purchase concert tickets – much less stand in line in the rain like I did for Michael (on the Victory tour). I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to see him perform several times with and without his brothers. You had to see him. You just had to see him. 

And who would have guessed that in his death he brought me a few minutes of fame because I was interviewed by ABC and because I was interviewed by Ed Christman from Billboard Magazine and had quotes featured in an article in Billboard that was carried by Reuters and listed on Yahoo News:

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/entertainment/5701938/michael-jackson-sales-surge-expected-to-last-months/

So what can we do but enjoy what he gave us. Because he has given us all something that we will always remember. Here are some comments from some of you that you posted on my Songs of the Week Page.

I thank you. And I thank the King of Pop.

·  JOVAN - 2009-06-30 22:46:56

I THANK THE UNIVERSE FOR SHARING THE GREATS OF MICHEAL JACKSON'S ARTISTRY. MAY HE FIND ALL THAT HE NEEDS IN THE AFTER LIFE. MAY HIS FAMILY HAVE THE STRENGTH PROSPER ON WITH HIS LEGACY.

·  LD - 2009-06-30 22:46:46

I like this version. I was a Michael Jackson fan in his earlier years. As he evolved the songs sounded different but he has a few cuts that has peaked my interest. But my granddaughter Kaia 7yrs old now is a huge fan. She plays the videos everyday. What an impact , I grew up in his era late 50's, shows how great he was to every age!!!!!!

·  Darrell Hill - 2009-06-30 00:31:56

Hey Dedry - Thanks so much for this incredible remix. You never disappoint. Definitely one of his most under-rated songs. Now I gotta pull out the Grover Washington Jr. instrumental version too!!! Neither icon will ever, ever be forgotten. R.I.P.

·  Joyce - 2009-06-29 11:52:20

I have been a long time fan. All of Michael music has touch people in so many different ways. Words can not express the lost we have just suffered. An ICON!!!! R.I.P always!!!!!!

·  shelley - 2009-06-28 21:19:52

I like this version. I can really see him doing a tap routine at the end. Thanks for sharing.

·  ROSEMARY - 2009-06-28 17:29:02

Michael, I pray that whatever you may have been going through, you knew what we do for Christ will last and you done so much for the children and Jesus said it best "Suffer Little Children to Come Unto Me and Forbid Them Not For Theirs is the King of Heaven". You will always be remembered and loved. Rosemary

·  Kim - 2009-06-28 17:28:50

Greatest entertainer ever!! Rest in peace Mike. God bless you.

·  valarie - 2009-06-28 10:07:58

Wonder! michael jackson would have loved this version. He would have rocked this with a dance routine out of the world. r.i.p michael jackson.

·  Deb - 2009-06-28 09:44:21

King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson. Your music will always resonate in my soul. God bless you and may you rest in peace. Deb J

·  www.IndustryBuzzz.com - 2009-06-28 09:44:12

We are praying for the The Jackson Family! xoxoxo Dedry Love what you are doing

·  Karen - 2009-06-28 09:44:02

Thank you soooo much! This was one of my favorite songs...I already miss him. R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop

·  Jazzi J - 2009-06-28 09:43:52

Man, what can you say but WOW!!! We know that we all have to go but this was definitely a total shock. I just hope Michael had a chance to have and know some kind of happiness and peace before he left this earth! Even in his death there is a lesson. How awful is it for us to enter and leave this life and have not known or experience happiness and peace... He's at PEACE NOW!!!!

·  Chartina - 2009-06-27 10:34:15

Gone to soon..... I thank you for what you have given us down through the years........ there will be no other........ R.I.P. my brother....... We love you Michael Jackson, but GOD loved you best. Love Always! Tina

·  Torya - 2009-06-27 09:07:42

I really like this, Michael's voice was so classic. I'm having problems with referring to him in past tense. R.I.P. Michael, your music will live on in our hearts and minds forever!

·  James Edmondson - 2009-06-27 09:07:16

Thanks for this song from Michael, I was delighted to be able to download it. I have albums that I will be putting on Ebay in the coming weeks for bidding. I have all his albums on vinyl.

·  connie - 2009-06-27 09:06:59

As long as it's Michael, it's all right with me. I love and will miss him. He was not only an icon, he was like family to me. God rest his soul and comfort not only his family but this world in our loss. We'll see him later....

·  Denise Banks - 2009-06-27 09:06:47

So sad that the America has killed another great black man. Michael has now ascended and risen above it all. Michael is still loved unconditionally and the media can't stop the love his fans have for him and will always have love for him. LOVE YOU MICHAEL.

·  gerry - 2009-06-27 09:06:21

as I think about the lost of this very talented brother and the pain that everyone of us must fell, I really can not even imagine the pain of his family that knew him way better than us, you will be missed beyond words, but thank you for the beautiful music that you brought us time and time again, thank you my brotha, my prayers are with the family and your kids, they will need them the most. Gerry

·  Ava - 2009-06-27 09:05:55

BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for all the years of awesome music. I will miss you Michael. TRU TALENT!

·  Alfred - 2009-06-26 22:22:24

I love this mix...Wow Michael is Just BAD all by himself...whew...Gifted Brotha!!!...R.I.P

·  Roz - 2009-06-26 21:46:12

This is a fantastic version of this song..I liked the original, but this has some extra soul in it. Thanks much for sharing... ..and may Michael finally RIP.

·  LOLA - 2009-06-26 21:46:02

For Michael Jackson: well done my gifted brother michael may you rest in peace ........... real peace..........you've done your God given part to make this broken world that much better with your music from the heavens. you will always be a part of my heart and soul. Love Lola

It’s funny but certain things can stick with you and eat at you and eat you and eat at you. So when someone invited me to their artist’s performance and mentioned that the artist was performing this weekend at The Checkerboard Lounge all I could say is I will never set foot in that place ever again. But let’s back track so that you can understand the entire picture…

We try to support our neighborhood on as many levels as are presented to us. We have been blessed to attain access to a lot of artists – some famous and some not so famous. When we have that opportunity we try to present those artists to the people who support us in our own neighborhood. We have two events that we are able to do that have been fairly successful on many levels. We have The Experience, an interview, CD release celebration and (often) mini-performance that has featured the likes of Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Ashford and Simpson, John Legend, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Natalie Cole, Brian McKnight, Maxwell and many, many more. We also do a second event called Bronzeville Nights . Bronzeville Nights is a networking opportunity that presents local Chicago artists in a mini-performance setting as well as the occasional performance or visit from a more well-known artist. We have featured some great local talent like Jay Collins, Adam Emil, Felton Offard, Amadeus, SpqHer, Aniba Hotep, Russoul and more. We have also had visits from platinum recording artist Gerald Alston (formerly of the Manhattans) and Will Downing at Bronzeville Nights.

Well the time came where we wanted to explore a different venue for Bronzeville Nights. We thought that The Checkerboard Lounge might be worth a shot. So I called the owner of the venue and asked if a particular date was available. It went like this…

“Hello Mr. Thurman, this is Dedry Jones from The Music Experience. I spoke with you a couple of months ago about possibly doing my event, Bronzeville Nights in your space but you were booked pretty solid for the next month so I am calling again to see if you have a date available”. At that point, I told the owner Mr Thurman what date I wanted and he checked to see if that date was available while we were on the phone and it was available.

I gave a sigh of relief and asked, “How much is the date?”

Mr Thurman replied, “$300.00”.

“I might want to speak to a couple liquor companies so can you tell me if you sell Remy Martin” I inquired.

“Oh yeah we sell Remy, he replied.

"What about Heineken," I asked.

“We sell that too.”

“Great. So are you sure the date is available because I will come by and take care of that tonight.”

Thurman said, “we’re booked tonight so you can come on Wednesday or later in the week.”

I didn’t really like that idea so I asked, “What time are you there tomorrow because I think I want to just stop by before then.”

“I get here at 4 PM.”

“Alright. I think that I will just stop by tomorrow at 4 when you get there and take care of you. I want to make sure that I have the date.”

Thurman replied immediately, “You don’t have to worry about that. I’m a man of my word so you have that date.”

“Great,” I replied. “But I will see you tomorrow afternoon. Now, you have some food that people can purchase, stuff like that.”

“Yep, we got it. We can do some food.”

“Alright, Mr. Thurman. I will see you tomorrow.”

So that went well and I was stoked. Got the space and I am happy. So that evening I created the flier that I was going e-blast and we would be ready to go. But being cautious, sometimes to a fault, I didn’t send the e-mail out. I called my business partner and told him that I wanted to wait until everything was truly “a done deal”.

The next day, I called my business partner and asked him to meet me at The Checkerboard at 4 PM. I wanted him to see the venue so that he would feel comfortable with the space. He rushed to the venue, in traffic, from the north side. My store manager got off at 3 PM and I wanted make sure that I got the venue stuff settled so I could start promoting Bronzeville Nights so I closed my store to run over to Hyde Park and get things finalized. I was excited not only to get the venue but because I feel proud about presenting  good talent to people. After featuring platinum recording artist, Gerald Alston (formerly of The Manhattans) and Will Downing at Bronzeville Nights before that we were looking good. For this Bronzeville Nights we were booking, we had a special guest from a major label who was going to join us and do a mini-performance along with several very talented Chicago artists.

So, we met at the venue at 3:55 PM and waited for Mr Thurman. He showed up at 5 PM instead of 4 PM and I greeted him and let him know who I was and that I had come to pay for my night. He looked at me as he stood by his car and said, “What was the date?”

I gave him the date and he said “oh, that date isn’t available.”

I was stunned and I said, “What? You told me that the date was available when we spoke yesterday.”

Thurman said “Yeah, well a lady has the date now.”

I stood there stunned. He then said “Well you know the economy.” He paused and said, "You know you guys can outbid her if you really want the date.” He looked at the both of us, then turned away and started walking toward the door while saying in a voice full of attitude, “You guys don’t really want the place if you won't outbid her.”

When I looked at my business partner's face I knew I needed to get him in his car and just let everything calm down.

Now all I can say about this whole thing is WTF!!!  How do you run a venue, promise to rent it to a specific individual, say that you are a “man of your word” and then tell the person you promised the venue to that they had to OUTBID someone else who just popped up out of thin air.

If that is how you run your business then all potential clients need to be warned. And unfortunately, I had been warned that Mr. Thurman would give you a date then forget. Well, this was definitely not the case.

I asked.

Mr. Thurman checked availability.

He said it was available.

Then he tried to extort additional funds if we wanted to actually rent the venue.

Again, I say WTF!!

You give me your price. I agreed to the rental rate. Didn’t ask for a deal or a discount. I come to pay “the man of his word” and you try to hold me up. My attitude at that point is screw you.

Being a businessman I know the hardship we all go through but what Mr LC Thurman of the Checkerboard Lounge did was totally inexcusable.  

So my response to the person who asked me to attend their event on Friday at The Checkerboard is, “there is no way that I will ever set foot in that place ever again.” For a guy who has issues with economy, all I can say is that maybe if you were a “man of your word” and maybe if you treated people with honesty and respect – maybe things would go a little better for you. Karma is a b**** and it will come back to bite you in the behind.

So if you want to book The Checkerboard Lounge, DON’T. Mr. LC Thurman, owner of The Checkerboard Lounge will lie to you. Then he will try to extort you for additional funds. So if you rent a date, pray that someone else doesn’t outbid you because you will end up S.O.L. and Mr Thurman will be smiling all the way to the bank.

It seems amazing that another full year has passed and it is time for me to let everyone know what my favorite CDs of the year were for 2009. That is always very difficult for me because all I never actually remember what came out so I tend to add what I played the most during the year. As I type and go over what happened this year I will let you know what I am listening to – right now it’s “Christmas Time Is Here” by Jody Watley which will be followed by one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, “Christmas” by Rachelle Ferrell. To me Rachelle’s song should be a standard for everyone at this time of year.

So, let’s see. The Best of 2009. I have looked at the Billboard list and laughed. I laughed because I can’t believe ALL of the stuff that I haven’t heard. Times are different for retail. Back in the day I got copies of SO many CDs to listen to but all that has changed now. Now, I do a lot of purchasing on my own so my list will definitely be personal. Some stuff I haven’t heard because companies didn’t send it to me and some stuff I haven’t heard because I just can’t listen to garbage. A bunch of CDs I had to take off after the first two songs because I just couldn’t take it anymore. 

Music is just in such a sad state now. I asked four people this week about a release for next week by a MAJOR, MAJOR artist and none of them had any idea that artist had a CD coming out. This ain’t the old days. But I am about to digress so let me just talk about the music of 2009. A lot of disappointing releases. Mariah – arghhh!!!  Adam Lambert – give me a break!!! Wow, People Make The World Go Round just came on (from the music loaded on my computer - not the radio) by Lalah Hathaway and Marcus Miller – a welcome relief from thinking about what I didn’t like this year. LOL! Lalah sounds amazing. OK, back to 2009.

This list is not your normal list, but its what I liked in no particular order:

The Revelations feat Tre Williams – The Bleeding Edge
 Now here is some good old fashioned music. Good songs and really good singing. This CD is worth it just to hear Tre sing the classic, Lets Straighten It Out. I can play that song over and over. Makes me remember that back in the day people wrote great songs and let singers sing. That was a time when singers made you feel what they were saying. 

Miguel Migs – Salted Vol 2
Let’s Dance. Miguel Mix has put together another collection of house music that makes you move a little. Shake your head a little. Wiggle this a little. Wiggle that a little . And the next thing you know your whole body is moving while you’re doing whatever it is you are supposed to be doing. Good House Music still lives. Miguel regularly releases great compilations. Reach back and get Salted Vol  1, Those Things and Those Things Remixed.

Fred Hammond – Love Unstoppable
I have been blessed in 2009 with some of the best artists that we have ever presented at The Experience. Fred was one of those artists. I can honestly say that I have played this CD non-stop, every day for three months. Fred sings and Fred is the truth. Music that makes you move, laugh, cry and think. 

Maxwell- BLACKsummers’night
Another Experience artist who brought it was Maxwell. Maxwell is growing musically and this CD is just an indication. His voice is as beautiful as ever.  His songs are still right in the pocket. Stop The World because Maxwell is definitely back.

Kelly Clarkson – All I Ever Wanted
OK, I have a thing for Kelly Clarkson. Always have. Kelly can sing and there is no discussion about that fact. Kelly is her own woman, her own artist. She stands up for what she believes and she succeeds. Who could make a song named “My World Would Suck Without You” and make it work and then sing “If No One Will Listen” and make you believe every word?

Q-Tip – Kamaal The Abstract
I have loved this CD for the last 8 years. It was finally released this year and proves that an artist can do something different that the label may not get at the moment and the music will be totally sustainable on its own.  Hip-Hop, live music and a good emcee describes it all.

This list isn’t easy. Ray Chew’s Fool Like Me is playing now. Valerie Simpson is on vocals. I’ve always loved this song. Alright, back to the list – I’m struggling with it but here we go with the rest…

Well instead of struggling I took a long break – my brain was tired trying to think of stuff I liked that actually came out in 2009. Back to thinking. Maybe if I listen to Sade’s Soldier of Love that will inspire me. After all hearing Sade sing “I am at the borderline of my faith / I’m at the hinterland of my devotion / In the frontline of this battle of mine but I’m still alive, I’m a soldier of love” gives me inspiration.

Angie Stone – Unexpected
Another Experience artist, Angie has put out her best solo CD since her debut and some of the best music since her CDs with Vertical Hold. Maybe and Why Is It are two amazing songs. The good news is that there is NO filler on this CD.

Frankie Knuckles – Motivation Too
Frankie has released his second CD of inspirational house music as the follow-up to his last release, Motivation. Great music from a great artist. Time to dance again.

Brand New Heavies – Elephantitis
The Funk and House Remixes – What a joy. What a joy. A double CD of remixes by The Heavies with N’dea Davenport. One CD is is the “funk” remixes and the other is the “house” remixes. Love it. Love it. I only wished they had included the remix of Never Stop that I have stashed in my personal collection (there are several remixes).

Brand New Heavies “Live”
Released on the same day as Elephantitis, this double CD has BNH returning home to England with N’dea on lead vocals. What a great welcome home gift for England. “Live” CDs are not always good – this one is good.

Melanie Fiona – The Bridge
This CD has the flavor of the “big deal releases” by English women but is SO MUCH BETTER. Melanie worked it out. Perfect mixture of old school and new school.

Whitney Houston – I Look To You
Whitney delivers a solid CD and solid performances.

Ghostface Killah – Ghostdini
I don’t listen to a whole lot of rap but I was feeling Ghostface. Some other hip-hop that I hear is really good, I haven’t yet heard but this one I liked.

John Mayer – Battle Studies
I am a fan of John because he can add a smidgen of soul sometimes and some blues. I might like Continuum a little better but this is a good CD.

Ledisi – Turn Me Loose
I don’t think Ledisi can release a bad CD. This girl sings for real – all the time.

Jordin Sparks – Battlefield
Are the sounds amazing? Not really. But Jordin Sparks can sing. She is could be Kelly Clarkson’s younger sister. Beautiful voice. I played this CD a lot throughout the year.

N’dambi – Pink Elephant
N’dambi put together a CD that works well in preserving her original flavor but can compete at radio with the big guns – if given the chance (or when radio grows up).

Kindred – The Arrival
This was one of the CDs that I palyed an awful lot through the year. I am including it even though it was released in late 2008. Its is a CD that does something that few CDs do now – it tells a story. Fatin and Aja have done a wonderful job through the years telling their story. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Frank McComb – Love Stories
This will always be one of my all-time favorite CDs. It’s very old but I probably played it more than most stuff released in 2009. Unfortunately the label cut this one of earlier this year. Frank McComb is the male voice of this decade. This guy sings.

Vanessa Bell Armstrong – The Experience
Gotta pick this CD. It was recorded at The Experience at the request of the producer, Donald Lawrence. It was a wonderful night  and Vanessa hit it out the park. We were thrilled to be a part of this recording. Even though several labels have recorded the performances at The Experience, this was our first major label release for purchase. (Lyfe Jennings was our first major release that was an added value CD for people who purchased his CD at independent stores across the country.)