MISSED IT? Here's your second look at VISION/VOICE/VARION's exclusive interview with Terry Townsend only minutes before hitting "center stage!" Sunday, the inspirational/gospel artist kicked off the Memorial Day Holiday with his official CD RELEASE/LISTENING PARTY and rocked music fans out of their seat as he performed his title track, "A Mutual Love Affair" and Shadows of The Cross from his first CD "The Blessed Project" released in 2000.
To find out more about Terry Townsend and to grab your copy of "A Mutual Love Affair," switch now to his official website: www.terrytownsend.net
Never Forget Those Who Made The Ultimate Sacrifice!
MEMORIAL DAY 2013
FILE PHOTO--AP
(Huntsville, AL)--The liberties we all enjoy today were paid in full by some brave service men and women who gave their all. It's so important to remember the service and sacrifice members of our Armed Services make everyday BEFORE you sit down to enjoy the luxury of a bar-b-que with family and friends today.
Terry Townsend's CD RELEASE/LISTENING PARTY--May 26, 2013
(Huntsville, AL.)--Great Event! Huge
success! Wow, what a blast. I got such a kick out of watching Terry
Townsend, a soft spoken, humble man come out of his shell last night during his
official CD Release and Listening Party for his brand new project entitled ‘A
Mutual Love Affair!’
For months I've been telling you about this
forthcoming project. Last night, after much anticipation Townsend performed the title track and two
other songs from his previous CD, "The Blessed Project" before a standing
room only crowd. He looked and sounded like a million bucks dressed in a
bright red jacket that instantly cued everyone in on who was the "real
star" in the room.
It was my first time seeing this "regular
guy" tap into his "super-star" alter ego. For months we worked
together, side-by-side promoting and campaigning support for the release of
this new project. After all that time, it finally hit me I had never heard Terry Townsend 'hum"or sing a single note.
Last night he stepped up to the microphone and
literally blew everyone away in the room, including his music producer and
friend Kelvin Wooten of "Django Unchained" fame. "I almost
forgot how passionate Terry is about his music and honestly it's been about
seven years since I've seen him sing before we started rehearsals for tonight
almost three weeks ago." Nice endorsement from the Alabama based
musician whose ‘star power’ is "rising" in Hollywood.
Kelvin Wooten is a Grammy-nominated producer who
earned fame in Tinseltown with "Freedom," a single on The Django
Unchained movie soundtrack. "Freedom," recorded in Athens is a
duet performed by R&B mega-star and Grammy Award winning singer
Anthony Hamilton and newcomer Elayna Boynton.
Much like Hamilton, Townsend’s roots are grounded
in gospel music. In the early years he performed in several different quartets and worked as a background singer on projects connected to everyone from Oprah
Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Patty Austin and Michael McDonald.
Over the years those performances took a back seat
to him simply being a businessman, a loving husband, father and grandfather. Today,
there has clearly been an "awakening" for this humble electrician
because he looked comfortable and right at home as he took ‘center
stage!’
After 13 years Townsend is writing a new chapter in his rich history with gospel music. The success of his sophomore project is based on the right combination of talent and growth vocally. 'A Mutual Love Affair' is a rich, sultry duet performed by Alexandria
Thomas and co-written by Canita Rogers. The title track has a tremendous
amount of crossover appeal and is already getting airplay on jazz and R&B
radio stations in the U.S. and the UK.
‘Whatsoever’ is an up-tempo single on the album that is also sure to be a hit with music fans.
It was especially rewarding to see the support
Townsend received from other independent rising stars. Daniel
Beard, Kenn Orr and Shekina N Glory were just a few of the industry insiders
packed into the intimate setting at The Reserve at Research Park Club House.
The clubhouse which is a breath taking glass-donned
building showcased right in the center of this exclusive complex was a
beautiful backdrop for the performances of other specially invited guests; including Comedienne Joy who served as emcee, Spoken Word artist Kimeko Farrar,
Jazz Saxophonist Dr. Reginald Jackson a Ameia
Davis, a 15 year old praise dancer who performed as Townsend sang "Shadow
of the Cross" from his first CD, "The Blessed Project!"
I simply can't wait to see the 'memorable moments'
captured by featured photographer Richie Carter of Richie Carter Photography. Carter made certain everyone was "red carpet ready" as they entered the building.
Townsend's longtime
friend and colleague Minister Fred Whitlow, of the "NO MORE DIRTY," a local cable public affairs television show has also cheered Terry Townsend on
for months leading up to last night's command performance.
After 4 months of hanging out, posting, blogging,
twitting, following and "LIKING" Townsend's social media campaign--I
have no doubt he will have much success with "A Mutual Love Affair." It is a BLESSED PROJECT, indeed! Hats off to
you buddy!
GO GRAB A COPY OF TERRY TOWNSEND'S"A
MUTUALLOVE AFFAIR" from his official website Terry Townsend Music,
you will be glad you did.
(Huntsville, AL.)--Huntsville and surrounding area, it's an event that promises to be a night to remember. Grammy winning R& B recording artist Anthony Hamilton will be performing live in concert with his full band, the Sunday May 12th at the Von Braun Center at 7pm.
Check out Huntsville Times preview to Hamilton's concert, plus the special "Alabama Connection" to his award winning hits. Reporter Matt Wake has a preview to Anthony Hamilton's forthcoming Christmas CD, plus fills you in on Kelvin Wooten, "the man behind the music" that's influencing the national music scene.
CHECK OUT MATT WAKE'S STORY AS IT APPEARS IN THE HUNTSVILLE TIMES
ESSENCE MUSIC FEST-FIRST EVER "FAMILY REUNION DAY!"
(New Orleans, LA.)--Gina Brown's got a secret, but I'm spilling the beans! That's right, ALL NEW my girl and best friend will be one of the featured artists kicking off the annual ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL in New Orleans. This year event organizers announce the first ever "Family Reunion Day!" Essence Fest 2013 features Beyonce', Charlie Wilson, Maxwell, New Edition-just to name a few. But, before these legendary artists can take center stage, first you'll be rocked out of your seat and dance in the isles with New Orleans' rising star Gina Brown.
Gina Brown, featuring Anutha Level will kick off the "four day music festival July 4th with a day designed with families in mind. The fire works July 4th will not be limited to the skyline of downtown New Orleans, but with some of the best local artists "The Big Easy" has to offer.
It's going to be explosive! Essence Music Fest kicks off July 4th and ends on my birthday July 7th! YES! You know I'm over the moon because I will spend another birthday and another season covering one of my favorite events with one of the hardest working women in the industry, Gina Brown.
Gina Brown- W&A File Photo
If you haven't been, just know there's nothing like ESSENCE FEST! For more than 16 years this annual event has attracted music lovers from all around the world to the Crescent City and Gina Brown is definitely the entertainer to take it from hot to "sizzzlllling!" The addition of the "Family Reunion Day" is a great way to ensure there's something for everyone!
The addition of the "Family Reunion Day" is timely and what's a family reunion without "The Electric Slide, The Cupid Shuffle or The Wobble?" Brace yourself--ALL NEW
The "G-Slide" a critically acclaimed single and line dance that's gaining Brown critical acclaim on the R&B and Southern Soul charts will be just one of the singles this New Orleans based entertainer will perform live. "G's Spot" has been climbing the blues charts since November 2012 and Gina Brown is sure to take the party to"another level" as leads off what's being billed as "the event of the summer."
ESSENCE MUSIC FEST-201---Photo: "E"Photo
Since 2010, 'VISION/VOICE/VARION" has been your exclusive "all access" backstage pass all of the exclusive interviews, red carpet arrivals, music and this year is no exception! Book your flight and purchase your tickets today, you won't be disappointed. ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013...."it's going to be epic!"
(Princeton, New Jersey)--This just in, former CNN Correspondent Soledad O'Brien has accepted a teaching position at Harvard University. A Harvard alum, O'Brien will spend the next year at the Ivy League school as a "distinguished visiting fellow." Harvard announces O'Brien will spend the 2013-2014 year delving into topics related to public education in America.
Though O'Brien left her daily hosting gig at CNN, she said she would continue to work with the network producing documentaries independently with her own production company.
"Embracing The Possibilities"-Princeton University
Soledad O'Brien is joining a growing elite number of seasoned journalists who are venturing out on their own and creating their own brand. Katie Couric, Anderson Cooper, Regis Philbin, they're all experienced television personalities who are finding a marginal amount of success without the benefit of call letters at the end of their names. The digital explosion and the world wide web is making it possible to make what may have only been considered a "dream"--reality!
I instantly thought of Soledad as I took advantage of an unexpected opportunity of my own.
While visiting my brother and his family in Mount Laurel, New Jersey I discovered I was only a "stone's throw away" from greatest institution of higher learning-Princeton University.
I was absolutely astonished by Princeton. My first step on the campus literally took my breath away. Princeton is everything you've heard and more. It's the stuff dreams are made of for a lot of kids who grew up in inner cities like me.
Though I wasn't born with a "silver spoon" in my mouth, I truly believe I did okay while attending high school and college in Alabama. But come on, Princeton? Honestly? For so many years I didn't think my grades, background or culture would every afford me an opportunity to enroll, not to mention visit this great institution.
But, perhaps Soledad accepting her "fellowship" at Harvard gave me the courage to at least explore "the possibilities!" You are only limited by the "limitations you place on yourself!" For the last 3 years built a consulting firm, Walton and Associates solely on what I've experienced and mastered when it comes to deadlines, investigative reporting and covering disasters and catastrophes like tornadoes and the BP Oil spill which paralyzed the Gulf Coast.
I truly believe if given a chance, everything I've experienced as a producer, reporter, anchor, could be transferred into an actual classroom. So, why not Princeton, Harvard or Yale for that matter? Never will you find an instructor/visiting fellow with the "drive, fortitude, insight and passion."
Unfortunately more than 50 percent of the instructors in the mass communications departments in major universities in this country have very little practical experience. In fact, less than 50% have stepped into an actual newsroom. I'm reminded of an old adage that echoed in my ear as I produced a newscast and two talk shows in Mobile and was bored by the professors at The University of South Alabama-"if you can't do, teach!"
The April Chill Doesn't Dampen The Dream of " No Limitations"
I have no doubt I could bring the same love and passion that spans nearly two decades in the business into a classroom setting. Why not a Big 10 or Princeton? Again, my new found belief "no limits!"
I've always dreamed of walking the halls of Princeton as a visiting lecturer, educating the 21st century journalists about an industry that never has two days that are the same. This week that dream literally became one step closer into becoming reality with my visit to Princeton, NJ. Walking down the corridors of this ancient institution of scholastic achievers I got a real sense of something bigger than myself.
Tour Guides- Mr. Mrs. Ronald Wesley
I wanted to publicly thank Ronald and Kim
Wesley for planting the seed of a commitment to
excellence. The same warmth, integrity and accuracy I used to master my skills as a "season, proven" television news reporter could make a difference in "influencing the next generation of 21st century journalists."
Princeton University...it's a long shot, but then again--"my God is awesome!" He is capable of doing things exceedingly, over and beyond anything we could imagine. Today I've discovered a new found respect and admiration for higher education. I truly believe in about 10 years I might consider helping students tap into their passion with their chosen careers.
My unexpected opportunity of visiting Princeton University has "renewed, recharged and inspired" me to reach higher heights. Wait until Dr. Cornel West gets a load of me! I would be considered as unorthodox because I would immediately encourage the students to close the textbooks.
Like being a parent, there's no perfect "manual" on how to become an awesome journalist or storyteller.
For that, you've simply got to experience it all first hand--we're talking practical experience. Get out and write about what you see and above all, tell me why it matters and how it affects "RP's!" After all, if it doesn't affect "real people," why are we doing it? Journalism 101!
ALABAMA POLITICIAN'S STORY A RATINGS HIT FOR "48 HOURS"
Stephen Nodine
(MOBILE, AL.)--It would appear folks along the Gulf Coast are not the only ones intrigued by the Stephen Nodine-Angel Downs story!
48 HOURS: "POWER AND PASSION" was Saturday night's #1 program in viewers and households, according to the Nielsen ratings.
Stephen Nodine's "torrid tale of loosing it all for love" is the CBS's News weekly series' "most watched" profile since May 2012. The producers of the award winning news magazine spent more than 6 months investigating both sides of this continuing saga.
Steve Nodine, a former County Commission for Mobile County was at one time, considered one of the most promising, prominent politicians in Alabama. Love him or loathe him, Nodine is credited for helping to boost Mobile's crippling economy. He is noted for helping to lure ThyssenKrupp Industries to Mobile County. Nodine is also credited, in part for helping The City of Mobile become a serious contender in the fight for the Air Force and its next generation of refueling tankers. Mobile eventually lost the bid, but the biggest looser would ultimately be Stephen Nodine. Soon after Boeing was awarded that contract, the dark-hidden secrets of this trusted politician began to seriously unravel.
Angel Downs
Full disclosure here, I was one of the many journalists in the City of Mobile who still has a friendship of sorts with Nodine long after the shocking arrest and murder charge of his former mistress Angel Downs. Nodine, as many of us referred to him in the newsroom at WPMI-TV (NBC Affiliate) in Mobile was popular among many of the television news stations in the market because unlike many other politicians he was charismatic, "talked in soundbites" and quite frankly, I seriously believe could "sell a blind man a camera." His power of persuasion was at times didn't go unnoticed.
I remember that fateful Monday morning in May 2010. I received a call from the producer overnight telling me that Stephen Nodine was being sought as a person of interest in the death of his girlfriend longtime girlfriend Angel Downs.
I remember waking up immediately out of a deep sleep in total shock. It was almost as if my feet couldn't hit the floor fast enough to run out the door and into the newsroom. "Stephen Nodine arrested, Stephen Nodine arrested!" Those words played over and over in my head as I headed into the television building. As I touched up my make-up to tell the rest of the world about this breaking news, I clearly remember thinking if Stephen Nodine thought anything of the mother of his child--none of this would have happened. Angel Downs was shot and killed after spending a long day at the beach with Stephen Nodine on Mother's Day.
Angel Downs and Stephen Nodine
Nearly three years later, this story of "sex, lies and audiotape" still lingers on. A voicemail recording Angel Downs and Facebook posts she reportedly left behind only minutes before she was killed was apart of the mountain of evidence and testimony in this case.
Today there are still so many lingering questions in this case of the Alabama politician's fall from grace. What happened on that fateful day in May 2010? Was it murder or suicide? Did Stephen Nodine kill his long time mistress Angel Downs?
Nodine was tried for murder, but a jury could not reach a verdict in his case. Baldwin County court documents show he accepted a plea bargin in which he admitted to a domestic violence charge and a perjury offense related to a form he filled out for a court-appoint attorney.
Nodine who maintains Downs shot herself continues to fight to clear his name. ALL NEW--VISION/VOICE/VARION has learned Stephen Nodine filed an ethics complaint this week against the U.S. Attorney's office and other federal officials in an unrelated gun prosecution. Stephen Nodine is still living and working along the Gulf Coast. Prosecutors continue to pursue other unrated charges against Nodine on a weapons charge.
Stephen Nodine Taken into Custody in Baldwin County
AP PHOTO--Runners & Spectators Shocked By Blast in Boston
(Boston, Massachusetts)--Shock, disgust, horror! These are just a few of the words still embedded in my brain as I wake up the morning after The Boston Marathon Tragedy. The continuing news coverage, the bloody images of dismembered limbs, the screams and sound, it's all too much.
Though it happened on U.S. soil it's just not our nation! Thousands of the runners crowded into Downtown Boston for this annual marathon were from England, China, Africa and Australia. This is a "world tragedy!"
As the world watches, back here at home one thing is certain, even the most basic community experience of coming together and having fun has been compromised. The Hangout Festival is weeks away in Gulf Shores. Organizers in Huntsville are putting the finishing touches on Panoply, another annual event that attracts thousands in Big Spring Park in North, Alabama. I can only imagine the music, the stage, the outdoor extravaganza is secondary now to safety. Organizers and municipalities everywhere are now wondering could it happen here? Are we truly safe anywhere?
The Boston tragedy shows us how nonchalant we have become about living. How many times have you gone through the airport and frowned at the TSA? This almost has a Newtown, Connect feeling where it "hits too close to home!" Common everyday folks going about their everyday business are now the target. Where they live, breathe, shop, run is now on the attack. Wake up America, much like Europe our everyday lives and simple things we take for granted are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to those who hate.
This tragedy serves as a wake up call to "expect the unexpected" and stay vigilant. The police and The FBI simply can't be everywhere, all the time. You can't prevent everything and our nation's leaders and security officials can't stop it all.
Nothing is guaranteed and this tragedy simply can't alter how we live everyday life. Our consciousness is heightened and Boston has left us more than aware of just how "fleeting our time with our family can truly be."
As we all struggle to deal with the "freeze frame" of those horrific images that continue to play over and over in our minds, lets also remember the images of strangers running to the finish line to help. Remember the people who went from picking up make shift gurney to rolling up their sleeves at hospital emergency rooms to donate blood. We can't allow the enemy to win. We simply have to take a cue from the rest of the world and live our lives with "the new norm," a heightened awareness of "what if?" This week's Boston tragedy is a sobering reminder--"America is not immune!"
(NEW ORLEANS, LA.)---The 2013 Essence Music Festival Line-up is almost set! Which night will you rock out to some of the best in R&B, Hip Hop and Neo-Soul? Essence Music Fest in New Orleans, Louisiana is more than an event, it's a reunion. Some of the hottest performers in the world descend on "The Big Easy" leaving their mark in the most memorable way.
Gina Brown & Anutha Level Performing July 4th
ALL NEW: My girl Gina Brown officially kicks off the party with an "explosive" performance July 4th. Be sure to join the "Empress of New Orleans" and Mayor Mitch Landrieu as they welcome thousands to this colorful hot bed for fun and entertainment.
VISION/VOICE/VARION is also gearing up to bring you another exciting year of "all things Essence!" VVV...."your all access pass to some of the hottest musical performances this summer!" Stay close!
(Huntsville, Alabama)---I've got mine and soon you'll get your opportunity to get your copy of Terry Townsend's new CD "MUTUAL LOVE AFFAIR!" Terry Townsend is changing the game when it comes to your father's ROCK OF AGES! I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of his title track single "Mutual Love Affair" weeks ago and loved it! Now, hot off the press I am now driving down the interstate rocking out and lifting "holy hands" to my advance copy of the full CD. Let's just say, "membership has it's privileges!" I will get into my connection to Townsend in just a minute, but trust me this one is worth getting. Right now I am having a hard time deciding my favorite cut from at least four individual tracks on this album.
Of late I've enjoyed gospel that is considered "out of the box," and comes with a more of an edgy sound. Mutual Love Affair satisfies the "music lover" in me because speaks to every side of my musical taste. It is a creative blend of gospel, jazz and rhythm and blues.
Townsend who hails from a musical family calls Tanner, Alabama home. Tanner is a small bedroom community just outside of Huntsville. I recently discovered he comes from a large musical family and has an extended family of aunts and uncles from a marriage of nearly three decades. He was fortunate enough to marry his childhood sweetheart Tammy and enjoys a simple life with her and their three daughters. The more I am around him and his family I've learned to appreciate the joy he finds in "easy living." Laid back is the best way to sum up his personality and his unique sound on every single of "Mutual Love Affair."
Townsend, who penned every song on "Mutual Love Affair" sings passionately about his faithfulness to God, but in a unique and non-traditional way. It's so unique that you almost forget that you're listening to gospel--and not R&B. "Mutual Love Affair" could easily go either way--it has a tremendous amount of cross-over appeal. I dare to say his upbeat tempo singles "What So Ever" and "I Can't Stop" remind me of another crooner with close-knit ties to Alabama, Eric Benet.
Terry Townsend is not just a featured artist, he knows what it is to "share the spotlight." He still sings in the church he grew up in every Sunday with a male gospel group. He is very versatile and extremely generous when it comes to a "spirit of giving" which is evident as he shares the spotlight with his rich, sultry duets--"Mutual Love Affair" and "Be Strong."
Townsend told VISION/VOICE/VARION viewers in an earlier interview he considers "Mutual Love Affair" some of his best work to date. His first CD entitled, "The Blessed Project" earned him critical acclaim around the world, including the UK more than 10 years ago. A decade later Townsend and his "musical genius" producer Kelvin Wooten are on track to turning heads again.
Wooten, also based in North Alabama, earned national attention with "Freedom," a single that ended up on the original soundtrack and in a pivotal scene of the movie "Django Unchained!" The critically acclaimed single was recorded by Grammy Award winning R&B singer Anthony Hamilton and newcomer Elayna Boynton.
Full disclosure here: My connection to Townsend, Wooten and Hamilton has strictly been on a professional level. My company has had the privilege of generating a lot of publicity surrounding their individual projects. With that said, I don't think there's a conflict of interest with me simply saying they are all talented individuals. Let's face it their work speaks for itself. Whether it is gospel, R&B, contemporary jazz--together, the Townsend and Wooten team are about to give music lovers who are in the market for "something different" a real earful!
