STELLAR LINE-UP FOR JAZZANOOGA 2015

JAZZANOOGA'S "SUNDAY BEST!"

(Chattanooga, TN.)-Jazzanooga 2015 is almost in the history books, but now before one of the biggest headliners in the music festival's 4 year history takes center stage. Take 6 is the 10 time Grammy Award winning; multi-platinum selling,  ensemble celebrating 25 years in the industry with a stop in Chattanooga. Jazz and gospel lovers like VISION/VOICE/VARION applaud Jazzanooga organizers for truly "presenting their Sunday Best" with climax of the music festival.  The "smooth and sultry sounds" of Gretchen Parlato and Alan Hampton are also apart of the 2015 line-up.  

Photo Credit:  Jazzanooga.org

Jazzanooga started in 2010 as a one day community festival and has grown to a month-long celebration that honors and promotes Chattanooga as "the destination for arts and culture" during Jazz Appreciation Month in April.  Ticket sales support local youth Jazz education activities and music scholarships.

Gretchen Parlato  PHOTO CREDIT:  Jazzanooga.org

The April 26th performance will be held at The Robert Kirk Walker Community Theater, a smaller more intimate venue at the famed Memorial Auditorium. Organizers tell VISION/VOICE/VARION they are committed to making certain every single note of Jazzanooga 2015 is "savored" until the last performance.  Tickets are still available at the theater box office.  For more information on this incredible event that rivals New Orleans and Memphis in May visit:  www.jazzanooga.org.  

ADIA: RAGS TO RICHES

R&B GOSPEL ARTIST ADIA SET TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM

“BEHIND ENEMY LINES” JULY 29; FEATURES JESSICA REEDY,

ERIC DAWKINS, GEMSTONES & MORE

NEW SINGLE “RAGS TO RICHES” AVAILABLE ON ITUNES TODAY!

(Atlanta, GA.)--Get ready to welcome a new voice within R&B Gospel! Xist Music is proud to announce the release of their first female artist Adia as she gears up for the release of her debut album, Behind Enemy Lines, which will hit stores July 29th.  Bringing a new vibe to the genre, the album is produced by Fred “Blaze” Crawford (Deitrick Haddon, Day 26, Dave Hollister, Ramsey Lewis), and gives a dynamic one-two-punch that is a treasure trove of songs that are not only message-driven but artistic, engaging, and entertaining. Behind Enemy Lines features appearances by Jessica Reedy, Eric Dawkins, Sean Simmonds and Gemstones. 

The first single, “Rags to Riches” featuring Sean Simmonds, is available on iTunes today (and has been well received among her fans as well as industry insiders.  The single highlights the realities of life, and how keeping the faith can carry one through.  The video, which co-stars Willie Taylor of Day 26, touches on topics of suicide, teen peer pressure, and verbal/physical abusive relationships (CLICK HERE).

Ready to share all of her inspirations, experiences and every tiny step of her journey with listeners, Adia wants her music to show people what real life looks like, how real faith works and how music -- in its most real and honest form -- can help to lighten loads and transform lives.

“I am so excited to share this project with the world,” says Adia. “I believe that my generation will appreciate the transparency of "Behind Enemy Lines" and be able to receive and witness the Love of Jesus in a way that is relevant to them.”

A young budding voice in the world of Gospel music, Adia was featured on the lead single “Incomplete”  from the movie soundtrack, “A Beautiful Soul,” which was written by and starred Grammy nominated Gospel singer and TV personality Deitrick Haddon. The soundtrack hit #10 on the Billboard Gospel Charts. 

Adia will be hitting the road this summer making appearances at various concerts, tours and festivals. For more information on Adia log onto www.adiadaily.com and follow her on social media at @adiasings.

WHAT'S HOT! ALABAMA'S OWN TERRY TOWNSEND

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS!

(HUNTSVILLE, AL.)—The royal birth isn't thing that's got tongues wagging across the pond! Inspirational/Jazz Artist Terry Townsend is earning critical acclaim across the pond in the U.K.  Find out what all the "BUZZ" is about.  Read Townsend's latest review from "Soul and Jazz and Funk" in London. 

 "This Just in From The U.K.

CHECK OUT: SOULandJAZZandFUNK's Latest Review  
http://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/reviews/2319-terry-townsend-mutual-love-affair-wwwterrytownsendnet-.html

DON'T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD Terry's new CD "A Mutual Love Affair." Switch Now: WWW.TERRYTOWNSEND.NET to get your copy today!

ITS OFFICIAL, A MUTUAL LOVE AFFAIR IS TRULY A "BLESSED PROJECT!"

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 MUTUAL LOVE AFFAIR" from his official website Terry Townsend Music, you will be glad you did.

www.terrytownsend.net

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

GOSPEL TAKES ON JAZZ AND R&B

(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!

For more information on the CD release date and performance schedule for Terry Townsend, visit his official FACEBOOK fan page and website at: www.facebook.com/terrytownsendmusic  and www.terrytownsend.net

ALABAMA ARTIST TURNING HEADS IN THE U.K

"TOWNSEND'S TRIUMPHANT RETURN"

Mutual Love Affair, Available on CD Baby & I-Tunes May 2013

His laid back vocals and smooth, jazzy baselines have turned heads before.  Now,  after more than a decade Terry Townsend is back and in a really big way.  His new album "Mutual Love Affair" is co-produced by "Django Unchained" music producer Kelvin Wooten.  The duo is teaming up again and getting a lot of attention for the title track.  The single "Mutual Love Affair" is a duet featuring Alexandria Thomas and it's already getting a lot of attention for it's rich, flawless, "out of the box" blend of contemporary gospel and jazz.  

Wooten, who co-produced Grammy Award winning artist Anthony Hamilton's single "Freedom" featured in the movie "Django Unchained" calls Mutual Love Affair, "some of my best work with Townsend thus far!" The whole project is so contemporary it could really go either way, gospel or R&B, said Wooten.  "Honestly,  almost all of the tracks could be played on any top 40 station," declared Wooten.

Townsend says his 'love affair' with gospel is and has always been a "labor of love." The North Alabama based singer and songwriter tells VISION/VOICE/VARION,  "I learned a lot from my first project and I really wanted to take the time out to really listen to God and ask for his direction on moving forward with my second album."   I asked God to surround me with the right people for my next project, people with like minds.  "I'm happy to say he answered my prayers," Townsend said.         

Check Out Varion's Initial "Meet & Greet" with Terry Townsend in Huntsville 

                    

Ten years ago Townsend's debut CD "The Blessed Project" earned him critical acclaim in both inspirational and gospel genres.  "The Blessed Project" also earned him critical praise from music critics all over Europe, including the UK.  Cross Rhythms Magazine based in London wrote an article praising Townsend for his "unique, out of the box approach" to inspirational gospel.  Mike Rimmer, a featured entertainment reporter with Cross Rhythms wrote: The Blessed Project "contains the right blend of soulful singles, laced with enough musical spice that are sure to send shivers down your spine."  He called it "easy listening" and encouraged music lovers all over the UK to support the Alabama based artist.

A decade later,  Townsend is posed to bask in the afterglow again. Vision/Voice/Varion has learned before his May 2013 release, his title track "Mutual Love Affair" is already in heavy rotation with some jazz and gospel stations in the Huntsville area.  

Keep it here for details on the forthcoming CD "MUTUAL LOVE AFFAIR," exclusively on CD BABY and ITUNES.             

     

Photos: Richie Carter-Richie Carter Photography

CLICK HERE FOR TERRY TOWNSEND'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE:  

www.terrytownsend.net