THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Neo-Soul's Rahsaan Patterson's world tour comes to an end in Detroit:

And Stellar Award nominated singer/songwriter Tarralyn Ramsey releases 'Beyond the Darkness'

Neo-Soul Rahsaan Patterson's world tour comes to an end in Detroit

   *Rahsaan Patterson started in the entertainment business on the kids television show “Kids Incorporated” with Fergie, Mario Lopez and Shanice and then he later worked as a background singer for such artists as Brandy (“Baby”) and Tevin Campbell (“Back to the World”). He later signed to MCA Records and released his self-titled debut in 1997. His next release was “Love in Stereo” in 1999.

   He later contributed to the soundtrack of “Brown Sugar” and in 2004 released “After Hours” on his own label Artistry Music. In 2007 he released “Wines and Spirits” and in 2008 he released “The Ultimate Gift.” Through it all he collaborated on projects for such artists as Ledisi, Jodi Whatley, Chico DeBarge and Brian Culbertson.

   “I sing background, write and occasionally produce, “Rahsaan Patterson said about his work with other artists. “My 2007 release has been sustaining my live performances for two years.”

   Rahsaan said he enjoys performing live in fact, his world tour will finally be ending December 30, 2009 in Detroit. He recently performed near my home town of Baltimore in Annapolis at the Rams Head.

   “I enjoyed performing there. I love Annapolis,” Patterson said. “Last Christmas was the first time I performed at the Rams Head. I heard about it from a friend, LaLah Hathaway.”

   To date Rahsaan Patterson has sold over 10 million albums and has received a 2008 BETJ Virtual Award and was honored as the 2007 SoulTracks Artist of the Year. His single off of his “Wine and Spirits” CD, “Stop Breaking My Heart,” entered Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart as the Hot Shot Debut and the highest ranking debut of that week. On the Adult R&B Chart the single remained in the top 20 position for several months, an amazing accomplishment for an independent artist (and label).

   For more in Rahsaan Patterson log onto www.Rahsaan.com and www.MySpace.com/Rahspace. 

Stellar Award nominated singer/songwriter Tarralyn Ramsey releases 'Beyond the Darkness'

   When I first listened to Gospel singer/songwriter Tarralyn Ramsey's “Beyond the Darkness” release her voice immediately reminded me of a combination of Deborah Cox and Whitney Houston.

   “Recently I have been getting the comparison to Deborah Cox,” Tarralyn Ramsey admitted to me when I said her vocals were reminiscent of those talent ladies. “My nick-name is Lil' Whitney!”

   Well “Lil' Whitney” has an awesome voice and she brings it to us, her third CD, on her own “indie” label Tarprincel Entertainment Group. Her company is not only a label but a publishing, management and production company.

   In 2000 Tarralyn started in the music business with a recording deal at Verity/Warner with a self-titled debut which garnered her a Stellar Award nomination. In 2004 she released “Tarralyn” on Casablanca/Universal Records. Ramsey won the VH1 “Born to Diva” Award. Recently she released “Beyond the Darkness” on her label, which is distributed by Central South.

   “My distribution company called and said it’s been two-three years,” Tarralyn recalls the reason she went back into the studio after so many years since her last 2004 album. “I kind of got in a place before they called where I couldn't sleep and once the distributer called I got overwhelmed with stress. I remember stepping my foot in the studio and ten songs were done. We were in the studio for five days straight… (We) finished twelve songs in a month!”

   Tarralyn told me the gap in CD releases was because she “got burnt out.” Well the wait was worth it because of her passion to the task resulted in a powerful CD. You don't hear allot of instrumentals, which is great because you get to hear her unbelievable vocal ability.

   “I don't like a lot of busy production.” Ramsey pointed out.

   Tarralyn Ramsey says she hopes her CD touches people in a “dark place” because life can throw you curve balls but “God will change it.”

   My favorite songs on this funky soulful Gospel singer's “Beyond the Darkness” CD include “I'll Take Your Trouble,” a sweet testimony of God's love for us; “Glory and Honor,” a great hand clapping Praise and Worship selection; “Wise Men Still Seek Him,” a heart-felt worship song, and “Yes, You Can,” a lovely uplifting anthem for dream seekers.

   To hear from the CD or learn more about Tarralyn Ramsey log onto www.TarralynRamsey.com.