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Ben Taylor Triumphs
New CD soars with Taylor's original sound
By Nancy Dunham
Get ready to be blown away when you hear Ben Tay-lor's soon-to-be-released CD Ben Taylor "The Legend of Kung Folk - Part I."
In a world where every progeny of a musical great thinks they have a unique musical contribution to give - and is frustrated and bitter if the public disagrees - Taylor's music and creativity truly live up to his parent's brilliant history. But unlike some of his contemporaries who seek to distance themselves from musically great parents, Taylor is the first to doff his metaphoric cap to parents James Taylor and Carly Simon.
"You have to be proud of what you come from and honor that legacy," said Taylor. "I cover a different song of each one [of my parents]. I know a lot of fans come to see me because of my parents."
Chances are good the scale will soon tip to concert audiences seeking out Taylor's music as it stands. One listen to Taylor's deep rich voice singing his cat-chy, yet natural, unfor-ced lyrics and chorus' and it's clear he's no musical also-ran. But Taylor is more than an amazing voice. His creativity as evidenced by his smooth, melodic tunes, some of which hover near Blues and R&B sounds such as on "Dangerous Girl" and "Something for Noth-ing."
And for all those who have concerns the album might be a bit too - well, serious -- for their tastes consider the fun, ditty "Wicked Way" with lyrics that include: "I just want to take you out and get you drunk so I can have my wicked way with you."
"Oh that's completely biographical," said Taylor with a laugh noting he first wrote the song from a woman's perspective. "I write songs about whatever inspires me."
Not that Taylor was always comfortable in that musical role. The practicalities of the music business and the obvious pressures he and his sister Sally - also a musician and child of Taylor and Simon - face seemed too daunting. Yet as Taylor matured he began to express himself more consistently - and publicly - through music.
"It has taken me a long time to get there," said Taylor. "I started late and I'm catching up. You can be born with a certain musical talent, but there are no substitutes for experience…The benchmark for me is to grab on and hold tight."
A Great New Album in the Worst Kind of Way
By Mona Loring
Her name is Delaney, and she's the one known for that picture in the pink tutu. That's right-- a triple threat singer, songwriter and actress all wrapped up in one heck of a girly get-up. But this isn't your ordinary get up; just like this isn't your ordinary musician.
With the release of Delaney Gibson's full length CD "The Worst Kind of Way," released on September 2, 2008, fans and music lovers are in for it; the extraordinary that is. It's one thing to hear music fusion, but it's another when it is so masterfully crafted, that it can take leaps and bounds across several musical genres, resulting in perfect blends. "The Worst Kind of Way" is just that, a synthesis of folk, pop and alternative sounds that set Delaney apart from her contemporaries, in addition to her rare vocal talent and authentic acoustics.
A California native, Delaney is the type of artist that indie music thrives off of-- not only is she putting raw emotion into words, she does it with an undefined style that, contrary to her album's title, is actually the perfect kind of way. It's no wonder that she was invited to tour throughout Europe with esteemed artists such as Barbara Streisand, Barry Manilow and Andrea Boc-elli. Even here in the U.S. she was honored with winning the Paso Robles Winery Music Awards and the title of "Vocal Perf-ormance of the Year" from the MAVRIC Awards show.
It isn't surprising to find that in just a year her debut EP "Cruel and Beautiful" is ready for the next step up, and thus, it's time for the full length album. Recorded at the Brotheryn Studios in Ojai, California Delaney focused on finding a top-notch crew to help with the project. Work began with producer Andrew Synowiec (Marc Anthony, Aimee Mann, Aly & AJ, Jordin Sparks, Bittersweet, A Fine Frenzy) and then continued with producer Jesse Siebenberg (Supertramp, A Fine Frenzy) all of which resulted in eleven tracks of pure musical genius.
Breaking the mold, her title track "The Worst Kind of Way," is exactly the reason Delaney will continue to gain the attention of fellow musicians across the world. It's the easy listening that attracts people to indie, but also the perfect blend of folk and alternative rhythm that keeps you wanting more. Not to mention having an artist that actually writes the songs herself, which is something that really sets apart the world of indie /folk rock from other musical genres.
What's another perk about the indie genre? There are no limits. Pink tutus and all, Delaney shares a sense of humor in the track "I think I have OCD" wherein we too take on the fear of "potatoes and food with carbohydrates…"
The gift of easy listening carries over into her tracks "I'm Alive," and "Something to Believe In," where we see signature piano acoustics paired with unique musical artistry. Her honest reflections are what keep us wanting more, especially when they are blended with rhythmic styling and tempos that have a way of transporting us to new places.
It is the perfect escape for Delaney fans because we not only get songs about love, morality, whimsical quirks and pure passion, but the gift of something new and different…which is refreshing when most music today seems to repeat the same ten topics. Delaney puts it best when she shares that, "Beautiful is boring and perfect is never polished:" A songwriter and a poet, how much better can it get?
Glad you asked. It continues to get better when the singer and songwriter have the opportunity to demonstrate their talent without having to hide behind a microphone. Delaney has already taken the steps to getting herself known when she joined the Screen Actors' Guild and guest starred as a singer on FOX's hit TV series "Boston Public" and MTV's "My Own."
So what's next for the triple threat wearing the you-know-what? Gearing up for the big release no doubt, and waiting for all of the unexpected to come knocking down her door. Be sure to keep your eye out and catch one of her local shows, they're well worth the time after your nine to fiver.
Please visit www.delaneygibson.com for more information.
JINSOO TERRY: Creating Superheroes through Music
By Mona Loring
Meet Jinsoo Terry. She’s a 52 year old Korean woman. But, don't judge a book by its cover-- you wouldn't know it but she's actually a rapper. She's also the founder and CEO of Advanced Global Connections in San Francisco and an author, newspaper columnist, motivational speaker, live entertainer, comic book creator, television celebrity (in Korea), and a minority business advocate. Now that she’s added rap artist to her list of impressive credentials, she is showing the public once again, her entertaining, diverse and unpredictable sense of nature.
It's practically impossible to ascertain a firm description of Jinsoo Terry, as she is constantly propelling forward with new and innovative ways to educate, motivate and entertain the masses.
Jinsoo regularly travels around the world speaking and meeting many people who have requested her presence from notable companies as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Yahoo, Google, etc. as well as the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Red Cross. She has been invited to speak at distinguished events such as the International World Women's Forum in Seoul, Korea in 2007, the International Speakers Forum in Dubai, U.A.E., the Global Business Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, and the International Knowledge Forum in Vienna, Austria.
Jinsoo has also received numerous awards and recognitions. To name a few, she was honored by Willie Brown, the mayor of San Francisco, with an official "Jinsoo Terry Day," earned a certificate of appreciation for achievement in trade, and selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce as "Minority Business Advocate of the Year."
It's obvious that Jinsoo has set herself apart from all the others. Shattering stereotypes of a typical Korean woman, she exemplifies core American values while bringing confidence to the world and now she's doing so through the medium of music.
Valley Scene Magazine got to sample her upcoming CD "Creating Superheroes." It was wonderful to hear positive, uplifting rap music for a change.
VS: What inspired you to make this album?
JT: Six years ago I was asked to speak to an inner city youth group and women's group. I wanted to share my experience about moving to a new country. Starting all over, and the challenge I had at the time, and how I overcame the obstacles. My culture was so different from this group because of my age and ethnic background. I wanted to have something in common with them-- in a fun way.
VS: Why did you choose rap?
JT: To further the first answer, I decided that rap music was the best common denominator to reach my audience. Rap was an easy way for me to express myself to this group. I am a motivational speaker and rap was the best way to tell my story.
VS: What's the album's theme?
JT: "Creating Superheroes" is the title. It has a positive, motivational theme throughout all the songs. It is designed to remove cultural barriers and enhance self-esteem. One of the songs show the listener how to make their dreams become a reality and the steps to follow. Another is called "No Barriers." After you hear the song several times you gain confidence and get the tools to know how to remove any barriers you thought you had in life.
VS: Tell us about your collaboration with others.
JT: It took seven talented producers over six years. Singers, rappers, hip hop dancers, Young African American illustrators, photographer, and a videographer. Kendrick the videographer did work for the legendary rapper, Tupac. It was amazing how I found all these talented artists.
VS: What do you hope to achieve?
JT: To encourage and motivate a young audience that includes inner city, struggling women, and even women in prison. I use the music as training material when I teach these groups.
VS: Anymore music in future?
JT: Not at this time. We want to put our efforts in marketing our current music CD. I followed my own steps from dream to reality. I am determined to make these songs well-known and help people become successful. I want to show that if a 52 year-old business Korean-American woman can make this CD successful, anyone can achieve their dreams. "If Jinsoo can do it, you can do it too!"
Visit: www.jinsooterry.com
www.creatingsuperheroes.com
www.mypalbot.com