Wednesday, December 3, 2014

A Peaceful Protest: "On My Way" by Ken Bogan

Every Wednesday night is jazz night at E Savoy Lounge located at 2192 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. 


 
Hosted by the Ken Bogan Trio, the music fills the beautiful atmosphere with love and excitement. From 8PM to 11PM, expect to hear some of the best jazz standards from the voice of Pastor Ken Bogan who has somewhat of a likeness of the late Frank Sinatra. But being a pastor, he also adds some Gospel jazz making patrons interested in seeing what this crooner will do next because one never knows when they enter into the big glass doors.

Like any other night, Wednesday, December 3, 2014 was a night when vocal jazz romanticizes the ears of everyone willing to listen.  The Ken Bogan Trio which includes Bogan on vocals, Kim Clarke on bass and Danny Dalileo on piano cruised into musical heights of beauty.


But what made this night different was that from the stage of this cozy Brooklyn venue, Bogan used it to do his own little peaceful protest in support of the protestors making their voices heard about our judicial system.

He sang a wonderful cover of Mahalia Jackson's "On My Way"  and I'd like to invite you to check out his positive message vesselled through voice and music. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHoy8gsuZSg
 

 
Thank you for checking out my blog post!

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Our Love is Here to Stay

Jazz is such a wonderful artform.

The music and the colors of jazz; seems almost like a rainbow with shooting stars in the night after a rainstorm when the sky opens up and leaves you with a token of beauty to dwell within.

You can go to a club and enjoy live jazz music almost every single night in New York City; and not just in Manhattan, but in the other boroughs as well.

This past Monday, October 20, 2014 at For My Sweet Garden and Event Space/Kalahari Gallery located at 1103 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, NY, folks comfortably gathered in to take in a live performance by the Aqua Ninjas band lead by phenomenal bassist Kim Clarke. The night was filled with music by notable artists as George Duke, Eddie Jefferson, Cole Porter and more. 

While guests were mingling away and enjoying the sounds, the band invited them to the stage to join into the musical extravaganza.  Dalthanette Mulin definitely shined her light by adding a beautiful stroke of her energy to the night with her cover of one of the greatest jazz standards in history. "Our Love is Here to Stay" was written by George Gershwin and the lyrics by Ira Gershwin"  Please check out the live footage of her performance on youtube. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwEI_97gKtk


 
"The truest expression of a people is in its dance and music." - Agnes de Mille

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Who Do You Love

My name is Stephanie Jeannot and I am a singer, songwriter and performing artist from Brooklyn, NY. It is always fun when I can get onto any stage and sing any song that I have either come to know and love or that I learned to love after writing and producing an original song.

What a day it was to be on the big stage situated inside of Six Flags Great Adventures Theme Park where the COBANY celebrated their annual family day hosted by Norman Seabrook. Together with the ATM Band, we provided a portion of the musical entertainment and it was so live.

Other performing acts included the legendary Force MDs, the doo-wop group Legacy, Singer Bobby Wall, Comedians Purnell Halloway and Talent,  and rapper Fat Joe.

Great stage! Wonderful crowd! Exceptional soundmen! And yes, the song selections we decided to work with was wonderful. One of those tunes was an old classic by Bernard Wright entitled  "Who Do You Love."

It's a great tune. It's funky and the groove is really nice. And so, we got onto the band stage and as part of the celebration, we performed this song.  Please check out the YOUTUBE clip from the September 19, 2014 performance of the cover of "Who Do You Love" performed live at Six Flags Great Adventures. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzw0a5ivwJI



Thank you for taking the time to read my blogpost and for watching my YouTube link. I truly appreciate your support. God bless you and have an amazing week.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Cover of "You Send Me"

 


Sam Cooke popularized it and Rachelle Ferrelle added a taste of honey to it and made it even more beautiful, jazzy and sassy. I'm talking about the tune "You Send Me."

A nice ballad when sung as one and when turned into a swing tune, a grooving melody. Either way it is beautiful and I enjoy the listen. 

It was one evening on the North side of Long Island when the band I was working with introduced me to the song. I had never sang it and barely heard it once.  Crazily, the first version I'd ever listened to was Rachelle's, but they played Sam Cooke's version and asked me to sing it. You know what I did that night right?  I went home, did some homework and now, it is one of my favorite songs to sing.
I love the lyrics, the attitude and that there is room to improvise over it.

The other night, I stopped by Essence Bar in Brooklyn. I had already put the idea of going there out my head because it was kind of late and I almost did not make it, but I decided to stop by for a short minute to show some birthday love to my friend and got a chance to rock on the mic with the Jimmy Hill and the Black Ivory Band. When they asked for my song selection, I chose, "You Send Me!" Glad to have found out the musicians all knew the song and were able to swing it. And so, I performed it there and had a great time doing it. 

I would like to invite you to check out the complete video of my performance of the cover of "You Send Me."  Here is the link:


 
Thank you for checking out my blogpost!

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Please Vote for Me in the Sarah Vaughan Internation Singing Competition

I love Jazz music and have been truly inspired by so many jazz artists that have come and graced the world with their wonderful talents. Sarah Vaughan is definitely one of those artists.


Her voice is da bomb. She has such an incredible range and her vocal stylings are fantastic. Some of the riffs that you hear in her songs, you do not hear from any other vocalist's voice. I love the depth of her voice and I like her approach a lot.

Often times, I find myself doing searches on artists or singing opportunities on Google. And surprisingly, I came across the Sarah Vaughan International Singing Competition and so decided to join in. For one, Sarah Vaughan has the biggest playlist of songs on my IPOD. I could listen to her voice and sing along with her all day and never get tired. Her songs and the way she sings them always makes me feel like getting on my feet and singing; wherever I am.

So when I went to the Indaba Music site and saw that this competition was live and on-going, I decided that it would only be right to honor such a wonderful singer as the Divine One.

The contest directs each singer to upload three selections that Sarah Vaughan sang by either downloading the track made available to competitors or some other suggested songs featured on a PDF file to choose from.

 
 
 
I'd like to invite you today to listen to y submissions and please if you listen and you liked what you heard, vote.  The only way for me to advance to the next round is by the votes of anyone willing to vote for me. I hope you will! Here are the links:
 
 
 
 

Thank you in advance for voting!

 
 

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Cover of Mother's Finest "Baby Love" by Eric's Top Groove featuring Stephanie J at Farafinas

God is always working on my behalf and opening doors to great opportunities for me.

For instance,  I was blessed with the opportunity to perform live at the YSYM Showcase at Farafinas in Harlem, NY with Eric's Top Groove.



Eric Durham is a wonderful guitarist who always adds the right amount of funk to any song that he plays. Kind of cool to work with him whenever and wherever it is.

 
Together, we did a series of old school and new school. The event was in honor of music from the seventies and eighties. How perfect was it to add to the set list, my favorite song; Mother's Finest's Baby Love.  It is funky and I love Joyce Kennedy; one of my favorite entertainers because she kills it when in a live setting and if you have never had the opportunity to see her perform, please log on to youtube and type in Mother's Finest.
 
June is Black Music month, a month to celebrate music of old and new and to honor those who have inspired and contributed to the form of art that we love so much.  I'd like to start this month by honoring my favorite song and would like to share with you our performance at Farafinas: A cover of Baby Love recorded by OMG Entertainment. Please check it out here:
 
 

 
Thank you for watching. For more videos, please visit my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/sj1and0
 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

A Tribute to Billie Holliday

A tribute to Billie Holiday (A poem)
( (c) by Stephanie Jeannot)



Eleanora Fagan
Started sangin
While a lil thang
She had that swing
And all that jazz and blues
And the fanciest poppin shoes
And a white gardenia
A Billy Holiday signature
Creative and vivacious 
Added her own touch
To standards and poems
U2 described her as the Angel of Harlem
And dem Gershwin tunes
Or that song "Blue Moon"
And "God Bless the Child"
On April 7, 2014 would've been 99 
Thankful she shared 
this that and those
And her singing of the poem 
"Strange Fruit" by Abel Meeropol
Added a sophisticated touch to songs
That even now have us be-bopping along
With that raspy sound
The diva won over crowds 
Billie Dove
Happy birthday to you in heaven up above

(She did inspire something in my life which has also become part of me as it was in her. Flowers in my hair! If it's not a flower, it's a hat with a flower on it. All I know is I dig her style. So much that it's a part of mine: 

Thanks for reading my poem. Have a great day.)

Btw. . . 

If you never heard The song Strange Fruit, first read the poem written by Abel Meeropol in the 1930s and then follow the link to a YouTube clip of Billie's performance of it:


Strange Fruit 
By Abel Meeropol

"Southern trees bear a strange fruit,
Blood on the leaves 
And blood on the root,
Black body swinging 
In the southern breeze,
Strange fruit hanging
From the poplar trees.

Pastoral scene of the gallant south,
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,

Scent of magnolia
Sweet and fresh,
And the sudden smell of burning flesh!

Here is a fruit fir the crows to pluck,
For the rain to gather, 
For the wind to suck
For the sun to rot, 
For a tree to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop 

And here is the link: http://youtu.be/h4ZyuULy9zs


Saturday, April 5, 2014

Forever Love

Still remarkable to me how love like that of my parents still remain through thick and thin, seasons of growth and regardless of changes in life or imperfections. Years never seem to grow old but the two individuals grow bolder in love and continue on through life as destiny suggested. This poem is dedicated to longevity. 

Forever Love
(C) By Stephanie Jeannot 


Love is meant to be celebrated
especially if the romance is heaven sent
like a relationship that lasts forever;
time seems to only get sweeter 
as the days go by.

So like birds of a feather you fly
on a journey of forever; two of a kind.
From sunrise to sunrise; timeless you shine
as one with love forever on your side, 
as God intended.


The following is a video clip of a celebration of love. After 20 years of marriage, the wife dedicated a live performance of their wedding song, Anita Baker's Sweet Love, to her husband. Please check out the YouTube link here: http://youtu.be/YfGoaO2gqa8

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Day Two: Doctor's Orders (poem)

Day two of National Poetry Month and I’m fueled with a poem and hope that you’ll desire to read it; for it came to my heart inspired by life’s trials.

 

 

Doctor’s Orders

© by Stephanie Jeannot

 



The doctor told me life is but over.

Maybe I heard the wrong words wash over.

I seem to take things in like a coper.

I’ve been known to be an innovator.

 

Create in me a cause to want to be creative.

To the lines of a page, I am a native.

Life, as short as it is, is what you make it.

Love never made me feel oh so naked.

 

I walk with my heart like an outfit in fashion.

My face, so expressive, I emote a caption.

Whoever said life was to be approached in caution,

probably never purchased emergency medicine that had to be bought in an auction.

 

By medicine, I mean getting out there and letting go

For what tomorrow brings one may never know.

Today I awaken to the mighty star’s glow;

but what if there is no tomorrow?

 

So I asked him, “Doc! How should this knowledge be applied?

Should I let it wash over me like a tide?

When the wind blows should I take it for a ride?

Or is this my moment to let out a cry?

 

But then, I realized what he really had said.

For words, depending on how you cook them, is what you’re spoon fed.

But if you’ve envisioned tomorrow, dancing in your head,

you should let your life be spirit lead.

 

So I went to the pharmacy to fill my prescription

with no desire to swallow pills as per my doctor’s direction.

For I know what is for me, in my own dimension

but how could I be left with all these unanswered questions?

 

Like, why should I be the one to go without my smile?

And why am I to answer sad calls arrowed at me when dialed?

And why feel it in my heart for all this time?

And why are these dreams so deep within me that they run in my bile?

 

Sour sop was one of the meds I was to take

But singing seemed to be the sweeter healing to bake;

especially when it came from the pen when my mind spake

as if it were a hot summer day and the page was a refreshing lake.

 

Now on the follow-up visit to hear what doc has to say;

a check-up of some sort to put me in my place

before my living comes to one that is erased

and the many mansions of God stand before my face.

 

Words can tend to puncture holes in a shadow

and the circling of a message can dim the sun’s glow

so much that the stage that awaits for one to put on a show

can change its song and dance to a flow God enables.

 

What will be the healing over my own fate?

Because with tomorrow, I planned an intimate date

And hope to keep it and let faith sizzle in my plate

And choose today to live because even still, tomorrow might stand me up and never make its way.

 

 

Thank you for reading my poem. With all the ups and downs of life, sometimes you are left uneasy. Especially when faced with situations not used to. God is still awesome and makes miracles happen; perfecting what we have come to see as imperfect. As long as there is faith, there is a way. 

 

With that in mind, please check out a cover of Yolanda Adams' "Open Up My Heart" performed with Ladeezinthehouse Band here: http://youtu.be/i1kOZPvxoDA 


Prayerfully it will inspire at least one person who takes a gander at it.


Peace and blessings! 


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Happy Birthday Sarah Vaughan!!!

That singer and musician with the incredible range who inspired the world with her amazing voice and 4-octave range, was also known as the incredible Sarah Vaughan.




90 years ago today, March 27th, the divine one was born and throughout her life, used her beautiful talent to croon songs that we all have grown to love and that still play on many of the world's jazz radio stations today. I think the songs I appreciate the most or at least the jazz vocal works I heed the most are pieces from Sarah Vaughan's huge collection of music.   That is actually how I came to know that it was the birthday of one my favorite singers in the world.

Every Wednesday night is jazz night at the Proper Cafe located at 217-01 Linden Blvd in Cambria Heights, NY and like most nights, I am blessed with opportunity to vocalize a few jazz tunes that have touched my heart; often a tune that Sarah Vaughan did a rendition of. Last night was no different. I heard The Divine one's version of "Black Coffee" and instantly fell in love with it and wanted to cover it. And I did!



Jazz night usually ends around midnight and that's when I have to drive back to Brookkyn, NY. While driving, music keeps me energized to find my way back home safely. Who would have thought I would have heard her best rendition of "I Cried For You" spinning on WBGO and also find out that today would've been Sarah Vaughan's 90th birthday?  Blessed to know and thankful to be able to celebrate her life and her legacy, even in this minimal way.

Her gift was amazing and I am so very inspired by her ability. How many singers you know that can hit the types of notes that she was hitting back in the forties?  So classy and great stage personality! Her voice was definitely an instrument and she used it well. And her scatting; incredible.  Thankful to know of such an awesome singer and to be able to listen to her recordings and to even attempt to do some of the things she was doing vocally.  

For instance; I went down to Smalls Jazz Club in Greenwich Village, NY for a jazz vocal workshop with Marion Cowings and was so inspired by her rendition of "Just One of a Those Things," that I tried to sing it. Check out the live footage of it here: http://youtu.be/zt1t0Z51_uc

Blessed by her legacy. I think I will be going on a Sarah Vaughan musical escapade, listening to her instrument, the whole day long. 

Happy 90th birthday way up there in heaven! RIP Sarah Vaughan and thank you!!!


Monday, March 24, 2014

75th Anniversary of Blue Note Records Celebration with EpistrophyEnsemble


                        


Monday, March 24, 2014 is a day to remember. Especially for those who were fortunate enough to be at York College in Jamaica, NY for the 75th anniversary of the Blue Note Record Label featuring the Epistrophy Ensemble.  The event was held in the lobby of York College's Performing Arts Center and the music was beautiful. 

The exciting musical event started with John Coltrane's Blue Train, and continued With Dexter Gordon's Cheesecake with a tenor sax feature by Omar Daniels. Followed by that was John Coltrane's Lazy Bird featuring alto sax player Carl Bartlett Jr. 

Other notable songs were Horace Silver's Song for my Father, Freddy Hubbard's Up a Jump Spring and Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil just to name a few. 

What was great about the event was that it was more than just the music but also featured educational components about the Blue Note Records itself including the who, what, when, where and why about the label. The sound, the atmosphere, the knowledge; awesome!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Tribute to Whitney Houston


Whitney Houston really touched my heart when she sang those million songs that she was born to sang. It is almost as if she was a family member because her music and life  was part of my household and filled my life ever since I was a kid and still has yet to part from my company.

The day she died was a day that I will never forget!  I felt as if music would never be the same. From collages to slideshows and singing her songs. I don't remember sleeping that night even for a wink. I guess you can call me a true fan of hers. She was definitely one of my favorites to listen and learn from.

What a better way to celebrate her life on the second anniversary of her death, then to participate in a tribute to Whitney Houston which also happened to be a singing competition.

I considered all her songs that I loved. I guess “Saving All MY Love” has always been a favorite of mine; but I always cover that song. I wanted to do something I do not usually do. And so, I went with “All At Once.”  

What a fantastic night of music tonight by Track 1 Entertainment and hosted by Radio Personality, Barry Mason as a tribute to Whitney Houston with a singing competition. It was really great to join in with other artists and sing all of our favorite Whitney songs. I was happy to be amongst wonderful talent and really happy to have been chosen as the winner of the competition. Wow!!!

 
Here is the video footage taken at Track 1 Entertainment’s event.


 
Thank you for all of your support. God is awesome!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

In Rehearsal Mode: Sing Away Snow Day

All snowed in here in New York City.

I hate the cold and as fiery hot as music is to me, it definitely has the potential for warming me up. You probably didn't know this but music is my boyfriend. He treats me right and makes me feel so beautiful. You are what you attract and music is truly in its entirety the epitome of pulchritude.

So on this cold day, I decided to do the thing I loved doing the most; singing. 

What a perfect day to sing the tunes of a person I started listening to when I was barely in grade school and loved all my life. I think when Whitney Houston died,  I cried like a baby. She was definitely a favorite.


Today, I was inspired to practice some Whitney songs because I just recently entered into a contest sponsored by Track 1 Entertainment called "So You Think You Can Sing Contest, Tribute to Whitney" that will be held on February 11, 2014 from 9PM to Midnight at Brooklyn Night located at 497 DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. 




If other true Whitney fans are amongst those in the competition, then it is going to be a really good competition because Whitney was definitely someone to exemplify as a singer.  Hopefully if you are not doing anything that night, you will make it there.






But for now, please check out Episode 3 of Rehearsal Modes of JNote: Sing Away Snow Days" featuring my cover of Whitney Houston's version of the Isley Brothers' "For the Love of You."

 

 
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. God bless you!!!

Rehearsal Modes of JNote: Live Till I Die

I was asked by a friend to give to him a video of myself in rehearsal mode.

LOL! Who knew it would turn out to be something that got me not only singing covers but also sharing some of my graphic designs.  the following video is what a typical rehearsal would be like for me. I come home from my 9 to 5 and get right into it when the opportunity arises.

This video includes two covers. A piece of Kim Burrell's "Since Jesus Came In" and Al Hoffman's "Live Till I Die."  Also included is original sounds of music by JNote and Beatlife LI.  All art and video by Melodiaz Creations. 

God knew exactly what he was doing when he ushered friends into my life. For if it had not been for the inspiration of a good friend, I would have never got the idea of creating the following video blog post.  Please watch!!!
 


Thank you for checking out my blog everybody. I love you with the love of God. Peace and blessings!

Monday, January 20, 2014

A Poem & Song for Music Monday: Music Never Stops Raising My Heart Beat Premiums

Inspired by a writing prompt by Mama Kat; a blog post triggered by the word punched. And so here it is: a poem and a video blog post for music Monday entitled:  Music Never Stops Raising My Heart Beat Premiums by Stephanie Jeannot. Basically the theme of this whole thing is out with the old and in with the new. The onld being the cover of a classic tune by the Brand New Heavies, "Never Stop." The new being the theme song by BeatlifeLI and Stephanie Jeannot, "Premium" and also, the opening slide show and video editing by Melodiaz Creations. Praying you enjoy this!


 
The music playing

through my B28 eyes

Is making passionate love

to my ears and confines

Enough to fill my cup

Right up to the top

For I’ve been yearning for a melody

to get me to bop

It has that what you can say

crunch to it

The one that adds this tender

touch to it

It’s slurring and un-loose

enigma me

I’ve been punched in to that vision of lovelies

of Fresh sixteens and harmonies.

But first we start with

shells and boxes

the kinds that case

divas and foxes

before we enter into

them hopeful doors

to the rhythms of the soul

tearing up birthday suits on all fours


 
Thank you for stopping by and checking out my blog post.