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     Rhythm & Blues Revival:  I wasn’t expecting it, couldn’t have predicted it and it caught me completely off guard.  Calling it an out of body experience puts it mildly.  It was many, many things.

      I saw the Find Your Way Tour featuring Rahsaan Patterson, Fantasia and Kem at Washington, D.C.’s Warner Theatre last week.  I’ve seen all three entertainers perform live before, so I thought I knew what was in store.  I was wrong, oh so wrong.

     Rahsaan Patterson opens the show.  Backed by a live band, the singer breezed through his hits and some new stuff sans background singers and over-stylized reworking of songs that have caused some to be a little critical of his live shows lately.  This time around, Patterson was offering simplistic soul and humorous banter with the audience which ultimately was received with a lively ovation at the conclusion of his set.

     Fantasia, sporting braces on her teeth, followed and hit the stage like a mighty tsunami.  She wasted no time exuding enormous energy as she took her hip-hop numbers “It’s All Good” and “Selfish” and sung them as if they were the foot-stomping classic “Jesus Can Work It Out” by Dr. Charles Hayes & The Cosmopolitan Mass Choir.  And she was just getting started!

     Next came her current hit “Free Yourself,” and I knew it was on when she kicked off her sneakers and began to share the story behind the track.  Hands waved and folks hollered out as though they were talking back to the preacher on Sunday morning and Fantasia growled and hauled back while delivering the incredible ballad.  I thought I had endured all I could by this point, and I thought folks were going to think my friend Vern Goff of Emerald City Communications was related to Fantasia’s American Idol cohort George Huff as her eyes bulged in disbelief by, as she put it, “Fantasia’s unadulterated soul and power!”

     And if there was ever any doubt about whether Fantasia could sing anything including the phone book, the church-reared High Point, N.C. native effectively executed three R&B staples—her godmother Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady,” Chaka Khan’s “Tell Me Something Good” and Prince’s “Purple Rain.”  It was obvious to any church folk in the place that Fantasia’s cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” was more so about God’s latter rain as tears began to well up in the A.I. champ’s eyes, and she announced at the end of the song, “I feel the Holy Ghost in this place.”

     As the singers began tune-up—that’s church-speak for moan in the key of the musicians—Fantasia’s immaculate band began to play the chords that normally lead to one thing: shouting music.  It was at that point that I needed to take a walk.  Get some fresh air.  At least attempt to come down from the emotional rush that had rocked the theater.  I mean what else could she do?  How much better could this show get?

     She went into “Truth Is” and then dedicated the “You Were Always On My Mind” to the mothers and children in the house.  Her set closed with “Baby Mama,” and I looked in disbelief as her keyboardist incorporated the most intricate jazz chords into the ode for single mothers.  And with the same power she came to the stage, she left the stage with similar vigor and cheers from the crowd wanting more.  As if the mighty Bishop T.D. Jakes had just held revival, those folks hadn’t gotten enough of Fantasia.    

     During intermission, I ran into gospel star Brent Jones in the hallway.  We, like many others, wondered how Kem could follow the mighty wind called Fantasia that just blew the house away.  Some folks didn’t stick around to see either, saying they’d gotten all they needed from our American Idol, and they were headed home.  I almost did the same, but since Motown provided my tickets, I stuck around just to be courteous.

     Good thing I did! 

     By the time Kem hit the stage, the set had been transformed with the décor of a modern bachelor’s pad.  Candles and rugs and flowing curtains adorned the stage as the petite crooner began his surprisingly energetic set of songs from his new album, Kem II.  Fans embraced the new material—other artists occasionally struggle to incorporate newer tunes into their concert set because of the audience’s chilly reception.

     While Kem’s show is on the complete opposite side of the soul spectrum in comparison to Fantasia, he engaged his crowd in the same vein as they swayed and sang along to each and every song.  But that church element showed up once again as Kem began to testify about the struggles that once plagued him and how music saved his life.  Just before he went into his latest hit, “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” Kem explained about how this song, like most of his others, are love songs written to God.  He shared of how these songs were birthed from his homeless, reckless lifestyle and a time when his mother even forbid him from coming to her home.  It was moving to say the least.  He fought back tears as he became transparent before the crowd and a man yelled out, “Give Him the glory.”  He was talking ’bout God.

     People began to stand with raised hands, just like the worship services often seen on TBN.    Again, another R&B singer invoking the genuine presence of God into a set.  It was amazing.  He continued through his performance, which by then had a deeper meaning to the crowd, and said “Goodnight” after a two-song encore.

     Most notable about this entire service—uh, I mean, show—is that the R&B artists operated so freely in their gifts.  They spoke of God, encouraged relationship with God and invoked His presence numerous times without the tired church clichés and scolding.  In between their squeaky clean rhythm and praise, they spoke to every man, the common folk and the church-less without beating them over the head with the pretentious and often antiquated concepts that occasionally handicap the church.  I was inspired and blessed by the situation.  Moved beyond words!  Me speechless—that’s certainly rare.  

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     While We Were Gone:  I participated in the biannual Dr. Bobby Jones’ International Gospel Industry Retreat in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.  You name them; they came to Ft. Lauderdale for the retreat, which serves as a showcase for talent recorded for television and a three-day empowerment session for gospel personalities and executives.  There are always so many highlights: The Caravans Reunion performance (“Queen” Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood and Shirley Caesar) featuring Evelyn Turrentine Agee and a special appearance by Dottie Peoples; Kim Burrell and Daryl Coley’s back and forth rendition of “Great Is They Faithfulness;” V. Michael McKay’s impromptu songwriting sessions where artists learn his songs and deliver them impeccably on the spot; the private artist-executive only luncheons and dinner receptions; and the invite-only late night cruise to announce the ALW Entertainment tour featuring Yolanda Adams and Israel & New Breed.  Most events took place at the brand new Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale, despite the fact that it was nowhere near our hotels.  (More on that later.)  But among those spotted at the retreat include Shirley Caesar, Brent Jones, Rizen, Tamela & David Mann, Melvin Williams, Deitrick & Damita Haddon, Kurt Carr, Chocolate, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, Mary Mary, Papa San, Lexi, Micah Stampley, The Nashville Super Choir, Revelation SEED, Lemmie Battles, Luther Barnes, Joann Rosario, Joe Ligon, Sister Cantaloupe, Daniel Austin, K&K Mine Ministry, Percy Bady, Oscar Williams and newcomers Najiyah, Daniel Austin and A-7.  And those were just the artists!  Personalities such as Gerard Henry, Donna Richardson Joyner, LaBelle member Nona Hendryx, Jerome Bell and executives and media professionals like Telisa Stinson, Veryl Howard, Tara McGee, Max Siegel, Kenny Taylor, Neily Dickerson, Veda Brown, Alvin Williams, the Chris Anderson and E.P. of Twelve magazine, D.A. Johnson, Sheilah Belle, Bro. Steve, Debbie May, Louis Gibbs, Larry Robinson, Curtis Jermany, James Walker, Lydia Gooding, Jerry Mannery, Andre Gates and countless other people were in attendance.  (Anyone missed, insert your name here!)  Ft. Lauderdale rolled out the red carpet for Dr. Jones, promising him everything but an appearance on Oprah to get him to bring the retreat back.  (Unfortunately, it looks like it will be headed back to Ft. Lauderdale too.)  They’re naming a retirement development after him and plan to build a multimillion dollar gospel museum and learning annex.  They want to turn Ft. Lauderdale into the “Gospel Capitol of the United States.”  Hey, you do what you got to do to boost tourism I guess.  I ain’t mad at Ft. Lauderdale’s aggressive approach.  I’m just mad about the distance between the hotels and the Broward Center.  They need to provide taxi vouchers in addition to keys to the city, but I digress.  Despite the logistical issues, the retreat itself was great and while I’d basically give anything to go back to Las Vegas, I repeat, back to Las Vegas, with the retreat, I guess come December it’ll be ole Ft. Lauderdale again.       

     On June 19, Target celebrated Black Music Month with Kanye West protégé John Legend.  The popular retail chain hosted an intimate private concert with the R&B singer at the Canal Room in New York City as part of its month-long commemoration of black music and musicians.  Target also donated $25,000 to the Harlem School of the Arts to fund scholarships in the disciplines of music, theater, dance and visual arts.  As part of the private concert, students from the Harlem School of the Arts were given the opportunity to join Legend on stage to perform the song “Used to Love You” from his CD, Get Lifted.  Commemorating Black Music Month, Target has a compilation CD available at both stores and on Target.com.  The disc pays tribute to inspirational African-American musicians from the past, as well as those who will continue to make musical history in the future including Queen Latifah, Barry White, Donna Summer and Boyz II Men among others...

      Just as my column ran an item revealing that Destiny’s Child told a U.K. reporter of their plans for a gospel record, the group announced their breakup.  “We have been working together as Destiny’s Child since we were 9, and touring together since we were 14.  After a lot of discussion and some deep soul searching, we realized that our current tour has given us the opportunity to leave Destiny’s Child on a high note,” the statement said, among other things.  What will they do now?  Well, Kelly Rowland is focusing on acting and is currently screening her independent film The Seat Filler while on tour.  Michelle Williams is one of the new spokesmodels for Gap.  Her print ads and commercials begin airing soon.  Beyonce Knowles is working on a new solo album, and her movie The Pink Panther has been pushed back to Feb. 2006.  I wouldn’t worry about these three girls.  They’re all going to be alright.  Expect a reunion in 2015.

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JUICY Picks:  Check out this month’s hot picks and features:

2005 Cadillac STS:  The Cadillac STS does everything except wash windows, take out the trash and cook dinner.  This sophisticated automotive masterpiece will certainly do just about everything else.  The STS has Cadillac's best interior ever.  It offers truly comfortable and supportive seats that do everything but transform into a bed.  You can even save your preferences so that you don’t have to re-adjust after someone else drives.  There’s liberal storage space, which is lacking in a lot of luxury vehicles.  The sound system is superior—put in a live CD and you’ll easily think you were at the concert—and most vehicles offer XM Radio.  The five-passenger sedan has a choice of engines, a V6 or V8, and an appropriately calibrated, five-speed automatic transmission.  Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available on the V8.  My new guilty pleasure OnStar is included—you’ll never get lost again.  Other amenities available are the heated and cooled front seats, a touch screen navigation system with voice recognition and your own personal nanny.  Well, maybe not the nanny.  For more details, visit www.cadillac.com.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel:  Headed to Hollywood for the first time?  Or maybe you’re looking for somewhere that balances classic Hollywood with modern sexiness.  Well, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is the place for you.  I took my mother to La La Land for the first time, and the Hollywood Roosevelt made the perfect backdrop to the jam-packed itinerary I planned for her.  The Hollywood Roosevelt has a long history of catering to Hollywood’s A-list. It was founded in 1927 by a collective of Hollywood luminaries (which included Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Sid Grauman and Louis B. Mayer) to house east coast movie makers who were working on the West Coast.  Among the films shot there include Beverly Hills Cop II, Internal Affairs and The Fabulous Baker Boys.  The newly renovated property is a stoplight away from the incredible Hollywood & Highland Center, home to the Kodak Theatre, the TV Guide Channel, Grauman's Chinese Theater and some great shopping and eating spots.  There are rumors that the hotel is haunted, though mom and I never spotted one ghost.  Consider the Hollywood Roosevelt on your next trek to Hollywood.  For more information, visit www.hollywoodroosevelt.com.

Lizz Wright:  Dynamic jazz vocalist Lizz Wright recently released her new disk Dreaming Wide Awake.  The ballad-heavy 12-song collection is the follow-up to Wright’s amazing 2003 debut, Salt.  Just as impressive, Dreaming Wide Awake showcases Wright’s deep, sometimes-tenor most-times-alto voice on folk-friendly and blues numbers.  The twenty-something singer tackles classics like “Get Together,” “A Taste of Honey” and Neil Young’s “Old Man,” while stylizing contemporary numbers like “Hit the Ground” and the title track.  Wright may not have the success of Norah Jones, but her talent matches if not exceeds the multi-platinum selling singer.  Despite it all, Wright will remain a gem among music lovers, and her newest release is still a superb offering.  To learn more about Lizz Wright, visit her online at www.lizzwright.net.   

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     Scene Spotting:  Duane Martin (All Of Us) and wife Tisha Campbell-Martin (My Wife and Kids) having lunch at Kate Mantilini on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills...Michael Ealy (Barbershop) and rapper Won-G among those in attendance at a private mansion party in the Hollywood Hills for Howard University alumni…Ken Lawson (The Parkers), Phil Morris (Wanda At Large), Tracy McGrady, Gary Peyton and others in Houston for the Nick Van Exel Foundation celebrity weekend…Myra J. of the Tom Joyner Morning Show dining post-Sky Show in Houston at The Breakfast Klub…Gospel singer James Hall taking in a show by neo-soul crooner Bilal at New York City’s S.O.B.’s…Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jesse L. Martin and Daphne Rubin-Vega at the opening of the off-Broadway production Birdie Blue.

Got a spotting?  E-mail the Juice at GarekNews@hotmail.com. 

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Quickies:

~  Seagram’s Gin & Juice is unveiling its hot new look and sleek design with a star-studded party in partnership with TVT Records, the Ying Yang Twins and Smooth magazine tonight in Los Angeles following the BET Awards.  In support of the relaunch, Seagram’s Gin & Juice will also set the summer season off with a nationwide promotional campaign called Seagram’s Gin & Juice Barbecue Blast-Off, where consumers across the country will have an opportunity to win barbecue-themed prizes.  Among the giveaways are a custom cooler bag with built-in sound system, oversized drinking tumblers and limited edition, commemorative playing cards, all designed to add the perfect accent to year-round entertaining.  For more details, visit www.SeagramsGin.com.

~  Read and win!  Jawn’s Juice wants to keep you reading.  The first five readers to e-mail me at GarekNews@hotmail.com and name (3) magazines I write for will win a book from my library by a top black author.  All e-mails must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on June 28.  No exceptions. 

~ They have dressed Chingy, Free (106 & Park), Ruff Ryder's deejay Swizz Beatz, Jaheim, actor Lamman Rucker (As The World Turns), Kindred The Family Soul and always keep me dapper.  A special thanks to Aja Imani for keeping me “GQ.”  Aja Imani is located at 9244 East Hampton Drive, Suite # 62, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.  Contact them at 301-324-8300 or at ajaimani@aol.com.

Well I’m Jawn and that’s your Juice!  See you next week!

E-mail me directly at GarekNews@hotmail.com because I never read the message board!

© 2002-2006 Jawn’s Juice.  All rights reserved worldwide. All information provided by Jawn’s Juice on this Internet site is for personal use only.  No commercial exploitation of anything contained herein may take place without prior written permission from the column’s author, Jawn Murray. Material contained herein may not be re-sold, loaned, hired, exchanged, bartered, or in any other way re-distributed in any other manner whatsoever.