Sunday, November 27, 2016

PATR: A Special Birthday Celebration - Dec 3rd!


A Special Birthday Celebration: Join The Preachermann and The Revival Band for a special birthday concert for Ed "Preachermann" Holley at the legendary Shrine in Harlem on Saturday, December 3rd at 9 pm until midnight!  (no cover)

Ed "Preachermann" Holley will bring the fire with 2 great performances next Saturday, beginning at 9 pm with the African band, Holy Forest and with The Preachermann & The Revival Band at 10 pm!

Come join us for a night of sonic libations.
Let's us elevate you... Entertain you and feed your mind and spirit as we celebrate Preachermann's birthday on this special occasion.

Preachermann and the Revival will cleanse your soul!


About Preachermann:


What sets Preachermann apart from his peers is that his sultry brand of neo-soul is not only fresh, it is fearless; not merely sensuous, but conscious. And unlike so many modern soul artists whose work is weighed down with clichés, he has an uncanny knack for clever wordplay that bridges the serious side of life with the levity that makes it livable. The title track to his 2006 LP, Negroes Stay Crunchy in Milk, is but one shining example of Preacher’s capacity to skillfully and seamlessly blend prophetic lore with ironic metaphor to make timeless music that crosses broad boundaries without selling itself out.

The Preachermann and The Revival Band is a ten member New York based band that blends rock, gospel and funk to create an original and engaging sound that Preachermann has dubbed ATOMIC SOUL.
 
About Holy Forest:

Holy Forest is the brainchild of musician and filmmaker Jon Fine. Wearing a number of hats on this record as producer, instrumentalist and songwriter, he enlisted friends and collaborators on this epic genre-blending project. The seeds of the recording sessions, spanning 3 years, were planted on a trip to the Makasutu Forest, a lush, green wilderness of mangrove swamps that line the River Gambia. While there, Fine connected with legendary griot Tata Din Din Jobarteh and the project was born.

With an intimate knowledge of music across genres and styles, Fine reached out to a number of critically acclaimed musicians including members of Antibalas, singer-songwriter Morley, Grammy nominated kora master, Youssoupha Sidibe and rising Gambian star ST. Digging even deeper, he brought in BK afro punks No Surrender, Bay area singer Sparlha Swa, and the criminally underrated Harlem soul man,  Ed “Preachermann” Holley to craft a collection of songs about love and distance. Recorded in The Gambia, NYC, Woodstock and San Francisco, Holy Forest is 21st century cross-continental roots music.

You have to see it to believe it! Shalimar!!

Come ready to dance, sing and celebrate Preachermann's birthday for a night to remember!


========================================================
Performance Details:

Saturday, December 3, 2016 - 9:00 pm - 12:00 am
Preachermann and The Revival
Shrine Bar and Restaurant

2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (134th Street)
New York, NY 10030
(212) 690-7807
http://shrinenyc.com
No cover
https://www.facebook.com/events/203667840041429/

9 pm - Holy Forest (feat. Preachermann)

10 pm - The Preachermann & The Revival Band


Ed "Preachermann" Holley, lead vocals
Benita Charles
, background vocals
Amnel Holguin
, background vocals
Jonah Rosenberg
, piano
Joe Paldino
, guitar
Nick Paldino
, bass
Karl Watson
, saxophone, violin
Manny Montanez
, percussion
Tom Pope
, drums

 






Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving!


Dear Friends:

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!! I wish you a safe and wonderful holiday! May you enjoy a day of love, laughter and happiness!!

I an so grateful to you for your continued support of my music and creative endeavors!! I appreciate your support. You are awesome!!


Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com






Saturday, November 19, 2016

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Show postponed until further notice



Dear Friends:

The Singing Tips by Benita Charles Show is postponed until further notice. I had an accident on Friday. I'm ok but I won't be on social media as much. Thank you for all of your support and I look forward to getting back to it. I have some fun things planned.

Thanks again for all the love you always show me! You are awesome!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com



Thursday, November 17, 2016

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #25

Benita Charles in New York City

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #25

Songwriting (101): Elements of a Hit Song (Part 3)

Here are the key elements of a hit song:
1) Song Title
- A catchy song time or a simple song title
examples:
Hello by Adele and Hello by Lionel Richie (simple title)
Take This Job and Shove It (intriguing)
Cats In A Cradle (Artistic)

2) Lyrics (words)
- The right lyrics can touch your heart and bring back memories.
- The right topic can strike a chord with your audience.
- The way the words are arranged can make a huge difference. A good rhyming scheme can make a huge difference.

3) Music (melody and harmony)
- The right music can touch your emotions.
- A beautiful melody can be momerable.
- A musical riff can be memorable.
- Examples: Sweet Caroline (memorable musical riff) and Uptown Funk (horn arrangement).

4) Song Arrangement
- The right arrangement can take a song in a fresh direction.
- The late, great Luther Vandross was a master at taking a cover song and making it his own with his unique song arrangements.
- Poker Face by Lady Gaga was revamped broadway style via the hit TV show, Glee.

5) Timing/Luck (magic)
-The right time a song comes out is just as important as the song itself.
-Sometimes if it's too radical for the times, people may not get it and the song won't do very well. Years later, the same type of songs will do very well. This is something out of your control.  If you're lucky enough to have a hit song, consider yourself blessed (even if it's a one hit wonder).

Here's a formula to keep in mind when writing your hit song from the book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Songwriting by Joel Hirschhorn.

H - Hook

I - Idea

T - Title


Finally, study your favorite hit songs. What works for the song? What's the most memorable? Why do you like it? Take what you like and kind your own style.  Good luck with your songwriting and your hit song!

Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com
Blog: http://singingtipsbybcm.blogspot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcmsings/
Email: singingtips.bcm@gmail.com



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Saturday, November 12, 2016

Preachermann & The Revival returns to Friends & Lovers in Brooklyn!


MOJO and FLN present a night of great music and entertainment!

Three bands, one goal, a good time.

Round 2 in Brooklyn - Shalimar!

PREACHERMAN AND THE REVIVAL-7:15
WOOLY MAMMALS-8:15
REDDDAZ-9:15

$8 pre sale/ $10 day of show

A message from Preachermann: "Back in the BK! Heal your wounds, and smile again. Let the soothing sounds of Atomic Soul lift your spirit. Three bands , one goal, a good time! Shalimar!"

***Join us for an evening of fun, great friends and awesome entertainment! Shalimar!!



Performance Details:


Saturday, November 19, 2016 - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Preachermann & The Revival

Friends and Lovers
641 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11238
Cost:     $8 (adv)/$10 @ door
Phone:     Phone number (917) 979-3060
Website: http://www.fnlbk.com/events/2016/11/19/npghniv9hwd33wjhle4zfc890bzkwb











Friday, November 11, 2016

Happy Veteran's Day!


Happy Veteran's Day! 

A special thanks to all who served and continue to serve our country!! Thank you for your service. We honor you today! 





 

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Rock The Vote: I voted!

Today is Tuesday, November 8th, Presidential Election Day. This is a historic election because if Hilary Clinton wins, she will be the first female president in the history of America!

I hope everyone exercised their right to vote!






Saturday, November 5, 2016

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #24


 Benita Charles in New York City

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #24

Songwriting 101 (Part 2): Music & Lyrics

Today, we discussed music and lyrics - the heart of the song. I shared my songwriting process. 

1) What's the most important part of the song - music or lyrics? Both! Lyrics can bring back memories and music touches your emotions. Together, it's magic!

2) My songwriting process: When I'm inspired to write, sometimes I get the music & melody first then I write the lyrics.  There are also times when I get both. Most of the times, I get the chorus (hook) first and then I build the song around the hook.

Today, I shared a story that has inspired my present song I'm working on now, titled "No - No More!".  I had an experience where someone was very rude and intrusive with me but the worst part was I allowed it and didn't check that person.  Afterwards, I was so angry but mostly with myself because I was caught off guard and did not handle it properly. I have since forgiven myself but I'm writing a great song out of the experience!

3) Keep your lyrical idea in the same direction and make sure the music supports it.

The week's book references:

"Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Songwriting But Didn't Know Who To Ask" by Cliffie Stone

"Everything You'd Better Know About the Record Industry" By Kashif 


Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

Blog: http://singingtipsbybcm.blogspot.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcmsings/

Email: singingtips.bcm@gmail.com


 Live on Periscope:





Live on Facebook: