I Only Have Eyes For You

The song "I Only Have Eyes For You" may have been written by Harry Warren and Al Dublin in 1934, but it still retains its beauty in the present day. 

The popular romantic jazz song or standard, has been covered by many artists since the day that it was introduced to the world in the film Dames, including recently at a celebration of music concert at Brooklyn's Medgar Evers College by the Medgar Evers College Jazz Ensemble which is directed by Professror Roman Mitchell and features a plethora of the colleges students and graduates. 

This rendition is directed by the scholar and also features Mitchell on trumpet, Stephanie Jeannot on vocals, Steven Lawrence on piano, and Nathaniel Manning on drums. 

Living Life Like It's "Golden"

Life has its ups and downs but if you can say you had more ups than downs in your life, then you are like me.

Jill Scott was right; we ought to take our freedoms and live life like its "Golden" because any other way would make life a drag. And to have been able to use my freedom to sing about it in this cover was meaningful. Music is said to be like your communication with God or your prayer and it really is a spiritual experience to let your soul ring; especially when live music is involved. 

"I'm living my life like its Golden" and I'm thankful for the blessings of each moment. God is awesome. Please check out my cover on YouTube of Jill Scott's amazing and very inspiring tune here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THNFaccltsk&feature=share

Thank you for checking out my blogpost. 

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!

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

 

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!

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.

Flowers of Hope for the Road Ahead

Flowers of hope for the road ahead.  

 

Hope in the face of difficulty is one of those challenges we ought to learn to tackle if our number one goal is to reveal the truth about our own selves that can often get buried under an avalanche of doubt

When you have the vision to see a world full of rainbows, you live your life like a bluebird singing the sweetest freedom song. You untangle the web of confusion and find better paths to chase the clouds away. You learn to take chances and how to use your power of conviction to tackle burdening problems. And you find strategies to empty your pocketful of dreams into your reality.

Perhaps that is what Mariah Carey was speaking about when she sung her song “Can’t Take That Away.” The tune which was made for me and for you, features a timeless message that who we are and what we want in life are things worth believing in and that our hopes should be more than just fleeting fantasies.

 

I love that she sings inspirational songs that let people know that anything in the whole wide world can be can be danced into our melodies at heart if we add God to the equations. Perfect example; you plus God, equates to success or your worries plus God equals freedom from them.

 

Today of all days was a day that this song came into my heart. For one, infinitesimal things of this world often come and do break my spirit just a little bit. But when the love of God flows deeper than an ocean, he has the power to make things alright if we include him into everything that we are and that we do. And then I thought about the presidential election and the debate that was happening tonight. 

 

When being pushed to the limit, sometimes you just have to let go and let God pick up the pieces.  Sometime you have to learn to trust in everything that you are and not feel too tired to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. And when slingers come to try to knock you down, sometimes you have to not let their words easily persuade you to give up and instead believe in the beautiful and unconditional love that God provides.

 

The war was definitely on tonight between our president and the republican candidate. In a few months, the race will be decided by our votes. And many have found a choice already and claimed a winner based on a fascinating night of back and forth conversation before the eyes of the world. One wants to go beyond the red door and one wants to retain his position.

I say to you President Obama, keep living your dream. Fight and never give up. Allow this debate to be an in-depth look of what you need to prepare yourself for in the next debate. You can have anything you want in this world if you never lose focus and  continue to keep faith in yourself and in God. If you pray and then doubt, you are defeating the purpose of getting on your knees and also fear is not of God. God has endowed you with great ability Mr President and I still believe in you and you still have my vote.  May God continue to bless you and keep you.

The cover tune featured is of the song “Can’t Take That Away.” I pray it lifts you up and helps to keep you grounded in your faith, in your duties which God anointed you to claim as yours and also relieves your mind even for a moment. I admit, I butchered the words a little bit getting caught up into the song but, I dedicate it to you and to anyone who has a goal, dream or is living in doubt. God bless you all!

 

Cover of Groove Theory's "Keep Trying"

My older sister was always an inspiration to me. 

As I was growing up, I always saw her moving about and being her; beautiful and strong.  Though we are different in so many ways, I always hoped in the back of mind to be as beautiful, strong and classy as her so that maybe my parents and the world would see good in me as they did in her.

Not only were her mannerisms influential, but so was her taste in music. She listened to such wonderful music. 

I was in High School when Groove Theory had that popular song “Tell Me” blasting all over the air waves. I always liked the song. 

A few years later, my sister introduced me to the music of Amel Larrieux and that is when I fell in love with her music.  She is such an awesome singer.  I have seen her about four times in concert and have since purchased all of her albums or singles that feature her on it. 

Oddly enough, I never realized that Larrieux was the lead singer of Groove Theory until then and that is when I began listening to Groove Theory even more.  Whether with the group or on her solo projects, I like the music that she breathes.  Pure fire!!!

Larrieux's voice is so serene.  I can listen to her music all day and never get tired.  There is one song in particular that I love.  “Keep Trying” was originally performed by Groove Theory back in the nineties.  The lyrics are positive and motivational.  I like how uplifting the message of the song is. But also, the groove is nice, the melody is cool and I like the way she sings it.  I am so happy my sister put me on to her.

This has been a remarkable year.  There have been both good and bad moments, but the important thing is that I survived it all and I am still here. Especially with school, singing, work and even love, I am learning to keep a more positive outlook on things,

A few days ago, I listened to this song for the first time in a long time and it made me realize that.  The hardest thing to do in life is to stay on course and not give up, even and especially when things do not go my way or someone lets me down. I know God still has the upper hand.

 

 This song says to keep trying. And since it has been on my mind, I felt like singing it.  Please check out my cover of “Keep Trying.”  Thank you for checking out my blog.

Cover of Chaka Khan's "Sweet Thang"

My first ever open mic experience was a really interesting one.

The event was held at a venue called 143 located Downtown Brooklyn on Flatbush, not too far from Juniors. 

I never heard of programs of that sort where musicians were playing music behind artists who come from everywhere with a desire to share their talent. But there it was and since I was there, I decided I wanted to sing the only song I thought I knew all the words to.

I’d always been a fan of Chaka Khan. A friend asked me if there was any artist that if around I would get star struck by and my response was Chaka. She is just phenomenal. I am still surprised to have found out that this diva is 60 years old. She looks really good for her age.  

I was blessed with the opportunity to see her live in concert once. I was one of the many New Yorkers who stood out in the rain on July 4th a couple of years back to see her perform live on Good Morning America at Bryant Park and it was amazing. Rain or not, I danced as if the sun had a spotlight right there on me.

One of her songs I always loved was “Sweet Thang.” And since I listened to the song so many times, I thought I knew it enough to sing it at an open mic and so, I tried to. But when I got past the second verse, I forgot the lyrics and was so embarrassed that I walked off the stage without completing the song while the band was still playing.

That was over a decade ago, but the memory of it still remains as if it were new and fresh. That’s when I decided to listen more and to also try to remember. I know the words now and lots more songs than I probably should, but that is what I like to do most; sing.

“Sweet Thang” has lyrics that are meaningful. Whether you have been in a relationship or have had a crush on someone, you might be able to relate. I appreciate the melody and the tempo is really great. It’s jazzy and funky and all of that; one of the reasons I have loved this song all these years. 

Though I may not be able to do Miss Chaka’s song justice, I only want to be able to try to sing a song of such grandeur as this one. And so, here is my cover rendition of “Sweet Thang” done as part of a rehearsal  with keyboardist Rodney Dixon, for an upcoming event that will be happening in Long Island, NY in about a week.

Cover of Mariah Carey's Hero

I was in the fifth grade when Mariah Carey came out and inspired the world.  One song in particular that has a lot of meaning to me is “Hero.”

The words are just beautiful. It reminds me of the modern day “Greatest Love Of All.” Not only is it one of my favorite songs but it is also one that speaks life.  

The message that it gives inspires minds to follow dreams and to believe in something. I have so many heroes in my life: my parents, my sisters, my teachers and professors, friends, history makers and more.  Because I like to sing so much, I think it is a appropriate to start this cover series with a song to dedicate to all the heroes in my life.  You inspired me to be more than just myself but a greater version of who I am and for that I am grateful.