Welcome to Chocolateville

My 2008 International Soul Music Summit Review reprint

2009-07-26T21:26:00.002-04:00

..originally published
September 23rd, 2009

Atlanta, Georgia

International Soul Music Summit Review

The International Soul Music Summit recently held in Atlanta Georgia ( Sept. 12-13) was a huge success. Upon arriving at the Atlanta Renaissance hotel I knew we were in for a first class conference. If you are ever in town I suggest you stay there. Its a cool, sexy place with great location, amenities and views of the city. The event included soul music artists and taste makers from around the world.

Once again I had a chance to hear great artists like soulster Kaye Ree from Frankfurt Germany, the talented Jon Bibbs, Abby Dobson, Rhonda Thomas, LaSonya Gunther and many more. I got down with my Soul Kitchen family members Vinx, Chanda Leigh and Brodie onstage. I hosted that show at Apache Cafe and had a great time..Big ups to my main man Paul Bunn on keys and the brother Tai on percussion. The brother Shaka Hasberry (Cleveland Oh) put it down with fellow FAMU alum TUT.. ("Man Down" is a great song, brother!) My long time friend Heston did his thing- showing why he has been nominated for two Soultracks.com awards. (I voted for you man!) I got a chance to hear some other great performers that I suggest you keep you ears open for: Wayna, Von, Collette and Chimere are some great vocalists that you will surely enjoy hearing (and seeing) onstage..

Great performances aside the panel discussion and networking was second to none. I learned so much listening to brothers like Daddy O from Stetsasonic, Eric Roberson, DJ Barry King, D-Maurice, Monica Tyson (Yoruba Records, Greece/Italy) Mike Ashley (Life and Soul, UK), Dan Dodds (Soul Jones, UK) and Thornell Jones (Hidden Beach).

some other notable attendees were celebrities, Rafael Saadiq, Joi, Leon, Detroit promoter Drake Pfifer (Urban Organic), Funk Jazz Cafe founder Jason Orr and producer Nicolay whom I had the pleasure of sitting on the Producers panel with, also in attendance was April Hill, Waterseed, Moods Music, Melika Miller, Cloud 9 and Rhythm and Soul radio doing a live internet remote.

I know I am forgetting whole lot of folks and I am really sorry for that in advance. (Shoot me something I can advertise for you)..I received some Great new music and a gazillion business cards, the proof that this event was well worth my time and money. If you missed it STOP SLEEPING on this soul music movement and STOP COMPLAINING about commercial nonsense. The real music is here..

I have a special rate on weekend passes for all Soul Summit events which will be held this year the same weekend of the FAMU/ TSU classic. Group discounts available!

Thanks for reading..See you at the Summit!

Best regards,
TD

2009-04-13T23:13:00.001-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHOCOLATE SOUL BACK IN THE MIX!

Due to Popular Demand the City's Premier Cultural Event Returns Better Than Ever

Tallahassee, Florida- March 30, 2009

With a potent roster of DJs, musicians, and vocalists, Chocolate Souls' return offers a cosmopolitan, urban, chic environment to mature, fun-loving business professionals and upper level collegians (ages 21-36) with an appreciation for culture and music. Our live musical performances feature a dynamic blend of many soulful genres in the music spectrum. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, great people and a classic party mix from the Chocolate Soul DJs. This will also be a pre-album release party for singer, songwriter, and producer Terrance Darnell. Advance copies of his debut cd will be available along with guest musicians from around the country. Be sure to get your tickets early for this highly anticipated return. Chocolate Soul brought to you by the Student Alliance for Cultural Development and Chocolatevilleradio.com. Friday April 24, 2009
813 Macomb St,
Tallahassee FL.
Pre-sale ticket sales $7.
$10 at the door
9:00pm-2:00am

Contact: Ayanna Martinez Nictoria Frazier
Tel. # : (312) 714-4747 (347) 277-3162
Email : AMartinez@chocolatevilleradio.com NictoriaF@hotmail.com
Title : PR Rep. for Chocolatevilleradio.com President of SACD

COME HERE I'VE GOT A STORY TO TELL!

2009-03-25T20:34:00.004-04:00

Whoa! Now I am known to tell a good story but this one is a doozie! So check it..Go get your favorite drink and a friend and get comfortable...I'll wait for you..........
:)
:)
:)

........ You back? Ok cool. So I decide to take a brief spring musical oddesey. I started at the Soul Kitchen...Of course you know that internationally acclaimed artist Vinx is the creator of one of the world's best songwriting workshop retreats. If you have not been and you are looking to get better what the hell are you waiting for? Seriously check out the soul kitchen link below and get down..You will thank me later for that..

Anyway Soul Kitchen was off the chain! I had a great time there writing songs with a variety of newcomers including keyboardist Lucy Kirkpatrick, NY singer Khalil and jazz vocalist Gigi from Houston along with Jackz and Young Drumma, two very gifted young writers. Being a teacher and a righteous brother it was an honor spreading music knowledge and working with this 14 and 16 year old. I also teamed up with several of my compadres to work on new music like DJ Vando, Heston, Brodie and musicans Sam Ravenna (bass), Chiedza (Gtr) J Willis (Drums) and the legendary Batman (Gtr). Vinx stated this was the best SK ever, I am inclined to agree although the first one is always magical..

After winning the Soul Kitchen producers challenge and laying down final vocals for my album it was off to the Atl. There's something beautiful going on in Atlanta these days.. The underground music scene is as vibrant as ever and I was soaking it all in..First stop- SugarHill for the Tuesday night jam session where I saw more good friends Julie Dexter, Mike D (Harmony in Life) and super songstress Von..I had a great time. I knew I would when I ran into Phillipia on the way in and caught a quick hug and two step to set off the night..Also ran into and had a good conversation with fellow Famuan J. Carter, creator of Solfusion and Sugarhill... Keep doing big things my brother!

The next night Apache Cafe was just great..Julie Dex and Phillipia were out again so I got a double blessing of those talented sisters for the second night along with Eva Kennedy and others..As I listened I took notes that would come in handy at the end of the week. Atl is show and prove ground these days and these artists fearlessly approached their performances with a seasoned passion that was just beautiful.

After a few business meetings regarding the release of my album it was time to say goodbye to the A for 3 new letters, NYC... I was invited to the Indie Soul Mixer hosted by London based soul music tastemaker Mike Ashley. I was scheduled to perform and decided to go a day early to attend my good friend LaSonya Gunter's show in Harlem the night before. When I got there she called me an asked me would I perform as an opening act for her. Would I??? Of course I would!!! Who would not jump at the chance to open for such a pioneer songstress? Without Lasonya there may not be some of the great underground soul artists that we love so much. I took the A from Brooklyn to Harlem and performed on an amazing show! I was so glad I was there. The venue, Temple M located @ 555 W. 141st and St Nicholas is a new venue with great ambience, great sound and great food. I suggest you check it out..

The next night Mike Ashley's Indie Soul Mixer 4 was a beautiful event full of tastemakers like my brothers from other mothers, Terry Bello, Drake Phifer and Barry King. I also met up with a great group of old friends including songstress KJ Rose whom I went to FAMU with. We spent the night performing and kicking it in the city that never sleeps..

Sunday night I ended up in Harlem with some great new friends. In all seriousness I was humbled to be in the city that gave our culture such a solid foundation. As we played records from an amazing collection of vinyl I couldn't help but think about all of the amazing people who lived in Harlem. By the way make sure that you check out www.natcreole.com and let me know what you think....I performed for my new friends and they absolutely loved my sound. It was a great feeling getting love from the New Yorkers..They say if you can make it there you can make it anywhere..That's what's up!

So I leave Brooklyn and fly back to Atl on my way back to Florida..It was an awesome trip and I mean Awesome! At my layover in Atlanta I decided to sit on the plane for a minute and reflect. I prayed about this whole thing, thanking God for these great opportunities and events and prayed for guidance and strength. I get up, walk into the airport and guess who I see? No for real guess?

STEVIE WONDER! I mean I walked right in front of him! I did a double take and when I knew it was him I had to stop. I mean after all of this the universe threw me a beautiful signal. I told him how much his music meant to me and my family. "Thank you so much Mr. Wonder" I said and he shook my hand and replied, "Thank You Brother, God Bless You, God Bless You!"

So I got down in the world of music and got a universal blessing courtesy of the most gifted person in the history recorded music.. All this goes to show that we have got to keep going and pursue our dreams, we never know what is waiting for us at the end..

Thanks for reading, this story is to be continued....

Peace and Power,
TD

Barack Obama Elected President

2008-11-05T16:02:00.002-05:00

..the Winds of Change are here!!

2008-11-05T15:46:00.002-05:00

"Its almost surreal" I told my friend and guitarist Sean McMorris on November 4th..It was a feeling that something was about to happen. We were working on music that day (as usual) and I could not help but to feel something in the air. I still can't describe the moments of empty, still space I found myself in as I read "Barack Obama elected president on CNN." Enough of the talking, the polls, the hope and anticipation. This was real. In my lifetime I saw the election of America's first black president. Many thought this day would never come. Which goes to show you that we do not know how this whole thing will play out. On behalf of all those who have a lifetime stories on the African American experience; its joys and it's many pains, I stand with my brother when I say that Anything Is Possible.
And I believe that surreal thing in the air were
the Winds Of CHANGE...

Congradulations Brother President!

International Soul Music Summit Review

2008-09-23T19:56:00.003-04:00

The International Soul Music Summit recently held in Atlanta Georgia ( Sept. 12-13) was a huge success. Upon arriving at the Atlanta Renaissance hotel I knew we were in for a first class conference. If you are ever in town I suggest you stay there. Its a cool, sexy place with great location, amenities and views of the city. The event included soul music artists and taste makers from around the world.

Once again I had a chance to hear great artists like soulster Kaye Ree from Frankfurt Germany, the talented Jon Bibbs, Abby Dobson, Rhonda Thomas, LaSonya Gunther and many more. I got down with my Soul Kitchen family members Vinx, Chanda Leigh and Brodie onstage. I hosted that show at Apache Cafe and had a great time..Big ups to my main man Paul Bunn on keys and the brother Tai on percussion. The brother Shaka Hasberry (Cleveland Oh) put it down with fellow FAMU alum TUT.. ("Man Down" is a great song, brother!) My long time friend Heston did his thing- showing why he has been nominated for two Soultracks.com awards. (I voted for you man!) I got a chance to hear some other great performers that I suggest you keep you ears open for: Wayna, Von, Collette and Chimere are some great vocalists that you will surely enjoy hearing (and seeing) onstage..

Great performances aside the panel discussion and networking was second to none. I learned so much listening to brothers like Daddy O from Stetsasonic, Eric Roberson, DJ Barry King, D-Maurice, Monica Tyson (Yoruba Records, Greece/Italy) Mike Ashley (Life and Soul, UK), Dan Dodds (Soul Jones, UK) and Thornell Jones (Hidden Beach).

some other notable attendees were celebrities, Rafael Saadiq, Joi, Leon, Detroit promoter Drake Pfifer (Urban Organic), Funk Jazz Cafe founder Jason Orr and producer Nicolay whom I had the pleasure of sitting on the Producers panel with, also in attendance was April Hill, Waterseed, Moods Music, Melika Miller, Cloud 9 and Rhythm and Soul radio doing a live internet remote.

I know I am forgetting whole lot of folks and I am really sorry for that in advance. (Shoot me something I can advertise for you)..I received some Great new music and a gazillion business cards, the proof that this event was well worth my time and money. If you missed it STOP SLEEPING on this soul music movement and STOP COMPLAINING about commercial nonsense. The real music is here..

Upcoming Events:
Soultracks.com Awards, Detroit October 2-3
Can A Sista Rock A Mic Festival October 8-11
Urban Organic 7 year Anniversay November 14-15

Thanks for reading, see you around...TD

THE INTERNATIONAL SOUL MUSIC SUMMIT WAS OFF THE HOOK!

2008-09-16T15:04:00.002-04:00

Stay tuned to Chocolatevilleradio.com..
More info to come....TD

The International Soul Music Summit announces its 2008 Convention

2008-07-29T13:45:00.002-04:00

2008 International Soul Music Summit Returns for a 3rd Year with Mission to ConnectMusical Worlds While Making a Global Impact Atlanta, GA – ( The International Soul Music Summit (ISMS) returns to Atlanta, Georgia, September 12th – 13th, 2008 with a new theme, more artists, networking and nightlife activities.

With the theme: State of Emergency Part II: Is Soul Music Dead? The International Soul Music Summit is ready to make a global impact. The largest music conference in the world dedicated to the soul genre; the International Soul Music Summit provides mainstream, emerging and independent soul artists, retailers, consumers and executives with information, networking opportunities, and technology on how to build noteworthy careers while continuing to make passionate, timeless music. Terry Bello, Executive Producer/Creator of The International Soul Music Summit and Billboard’s 2006 Music Director of the Year, says this year’s summit will be the event of the soul music world. The first and second conferences, attracted attendees from across the US and as far away as London and Germany. By calling attention to the importance of networking and education to fulfill the soul scene’s needs, we have invited people from other music scenes to honest, open and frank conversations about music. We have opened the door for artists to speak directly to the decision makers who are placing music, generating spins and we have provided the opportunity to gain the knowledge and contacts to augment their careers. Bello, a longtime radio personality and the voice of soul radio says, "My goal is to educate people about this music and do everything possible to get this scene and the music to the next level. Like Jazz and hip-hop before us, this music is poised to be the next big thing. Components of the 2008 International Soul Music Summit, September 12th – 13th, include: • Panels (artists, retail, radio, management, performance, consumers etc.) • Live Performances & Concerts/Acoustic Jam Sessions • Themed Networking Sessions/ISMS Network • Unsigned Artists Showcase Hotel and registration specials are now available for a limited time online @ www. soulsummitonline. com. Sponsors on board at press time include Heineken, BETJ, Rolling Out and The Music Choice.About ISMS: Birthed in 2006 by “the voice of soul” and Billboard’s 2006 Music Director of the Year, Terry Bello, The International Soul Music Summit is the largest music conference in the world dedicated to the soul music genre. The inaugural conference created in 6 weeks brought over 500 attendees from as far as London, England. Among the artists who have supported this event are Trina Broussard, Rashaan Patterson, Peven Everett, Jaguar Wright, Heston, Eric Roberson, Martin Luther, Maysa (formerly of Incognito), Ann Nesby, Conya Doss, Joi, Algebra, Frank McComb, Lina, Davina, St. Juste, N’Dambi, Yazarah, Donnie, Melissa Young, Anthony David, Peter Hadar, Carmen Rodgers, Middle Child, Russell Taylor, Jon Bibbs, Carol Riddick, Salakida, Allison Crockett, Kelly Love Jones, Jaguar Wright, Kay-Ree, Sy Smith, Big Brooklyn Red, Marlon Saunders, Vinx, April Hill and Grammy Award Winner Gordon Chambers. The International Soul Music Summit prides itself on being the internationally known summit that provides informative and relevant panels along with networking & technology sessions on the future of soul music. The 2008 International Soul Music Summit will take place in Atlanta, GA, September 12th – 13th, 2008. For more information on The 2008 International Soul Music Summit, hotel accommodations, performance and panel schedules, visit www. soulsummitonline. com or call the ISMS Hotline @ 917.804.4926. For media inquires or interview requests contact PR COMPANY @ Phone Number or email address. 2008 International Soul Music Summit Fact Sheet Dates: September 12th – 13th, 2008 Creator/Executive Producer: Terry Bello Location: Atlanta, GA The International Soul Music Summit September 12th & 13th 2008 in Atlanta, GA.RENAISSANCE ATLANTA HOTEL DOWNTOWN Hotel info http://www. marriott. com/hotels/travel/atlbr-renaissance-atlanta-hotel-downtown/?groupCode=imsimsa&app=resvlinkFor more information on The 2008 International Soul Music Summit, hotel accommodations, performance and panel schedules, visit www. soulsummitonline. com or email us at soulmusicsummit@gmail.com

2008-07-23T23:44:00.003-04:00

The next songwriters Soul Kitchen is coming! Dont miss this opportunity to escape, collaborate, create, produce and perform. for more info go to

www.songwritersoulkitchen.com

Anthony David Album Release in Atlanta was a HIT!

2008-07-18T17:49:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of www.jodinescorner.com

If you weren't at the Anthony David album release party in Atlanta, you missed a hell of a show!
I was so delighted to be the Mistress of Ceremony and introduce some of the BEST talent in ATL. Anthony opened up the stage and allowed songstress Chimere, Dain Harris, Rahbi, Brandon Thomas and Algebra to partake in the celebration. I don't know if was the energy in the room or the high of celebrating Anthony's milestone in his career but every artist tore it up on stage. DJ Salah Ananse kept the energy moving on the 1s and 2s. I felt like a proud momma watching the crowd jump on their feet and scream for Anthony. I was elated that it was a packed house. Very encouraging and let's me know that people still love good music! Jodine Dorce

from Soultracks.com

2008-07-18T17:37:00.003-04:00

The following review appears courtesy of Chris Rizik from Soultracks.com

There is a bit of "if a tree falls in the forest..." sense to the release of Acey Duecy, Anthony David's major label debut. Like the 2008 Grammy nomination of Ledisi as Best New Artist -- even though she had previously released two internationally acclaimed discs earlier in the decade -- the celebration of this "new" artist belies an underlying belief in certain circles that if Clear Channel didn't play it, it didn't exist. So Universal will be pushing Acey Duecy, a compilation of eleven songs from David's two Brash Records releases, Three Chords & the Truth and Red Clay Chronicles, as the debut of an exciting new Southern Soul singer who is India.Arie's buddy. This despite the fact that David sold thousands of copies of his first two discs and that "Words, " the duet with Aries that serves as the album's first single, won the SoulTracks Readers' Choice Award for "Song of the Year" back in 2007.
Now all that being said, it must be admitted that Acey Duecy is simply phenomenal. David's two Brash albums were both solid and enjoyable, but there is little doubt that Acey has captured the best moments and has put them together into a package that will blow away the uninitiated. Even two years after first hearing them, it is tough not to be wowed by the opening five cuts, all taken from Red Clay. David's ease with acoustic soul and Southern blues is palpable and his songwriting, which developed from album to album, is top notch. Any one of these five tracks could have been a hit with a major behind it, and hopefully will now.
The second half of the disc comes from Three Chords, and is only slightly less enjoyable due to the less organic approach that was taken on that album. But the sharp lyrical content of "Cheatin' Man" and "Krooked Kop" show that from his start, David was hitting it even as he was searching for his own distinctive sound.
It is certainly a monumental development for the independent soul movement that one of its male leaders has received the attention and the impending commercial push of the largest record company in the world. And while there may be a certain sense that the release of Acey Duecy inadvertantly minimizes David's previous commercial accomplishments, there is also excitement that his music is now entering a whole new universe and will be exposed to millions of new fans who may use this disc as the doorway to hear other soul NextGens such as P.J. Morton and Maya Azucena. And in that respect, Acey Duecy is a great portal to the world of modern soul. It is incredibly strong front to back, and displays an artist and a movement whose time in the sun has truly come. Highly recommended.
By Chris Rizik