The world better get ready….Jaz is about to murder the game!

Also, shout out to Mrs. Betty Wright for blessing us with her presence.

This was actually my first time seeing Jazmine perform a full set but after seeing her own the stage, it just once again validated why she is a star. Looking fly in a flashy gold dress, she kept every second of the audience’s attention with her 30 minute set. 

My personal favorites were: “Break My Little Heart,” “Kiss By A Rose” and “Round Midnight” which was dedicated in the memory of her cousin that just passed -Mustafa. 

 Set List:

     1. Flow
     2. Feel Nice
     3. Break My Little Heart
     4. Kiss By A Rose (by Seal)
     5. Bus Stop
     6. Say I
     7. Round Midnight
     8. Outro/Umbrella

I, probably like you, represent the millions of consumers who are just plain tired with the current state of music. At one time, I considered myself to be a music fanatic. Every Tuesday, I would go to Best Buy and pick up the latest CDs that were released. I attended almost every major concert that rolled through my city. And every day, I kept myself abreast with the latest news in music courtesy of Mtv.com. Today, however, I am no longer inspired to buy CDs as much as I use to for the fact that majority of songs on albums don’t move me. Most artists aren’t even touring around my way as much and most music news today is about everything else except the music.  

For me, it was because of artists of the 90s like TLC, Lauryn Hill, Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, The Fugees, Usher, Jay-Z, Brandy, Tupac, Toni Braxton, Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Destiny’s Child, Outkast and many others that allowed me to develop my passion for music and the music industry. Each of these artists had their own sound, their own originality and distinctive styles, yet, they were all successful. And while I admired these artists, I really admired the successful music moguls -Clive Davis, L.A. Reid, Sean Combs and the many others-who were behind the scenes investing on talent and making their vision a reality. I personally think it’s time to get it back to those days.

Almost every month, there are continued reports about the downfall of the music industry. Physical sales are almost down 20% this year and while the industry would like to put the blame on piracy and downloading, I would ask the music industry to instead accept more of the blame. What new artists in urban music from the U.S. have really made an impact in the first six months of this year? Can you name three? It is my belief that consumers will still purchase albums….if there is a perceived reason to do so. Do you agree? Usher sold over 9 million records with Confessions at the peak of piracy because he had a great album…. and an even better marketing campaign. What happened to marketing and promotion lately anyway??? And how come most of my friends rarely know which artists are releasing projects each week anymore? Where’s the anticipation at? Where’s the buzz nowadays? Do we even care about music anymore?

A year and a half ago, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to work with an artist who I feel will go down as one of our generation’s most respected and successful singer/songwriters -Jazmine Sullivan. A friend posted a few songs of hers from her stint with Jive on a message board that I frequent and I instanty got goosebumps listening to her voice. That was the day my life changed forever. To then find out that some of the songs I was listening to were recorded at the age of 13 made me wonder how she couldn’t have an album in stores. I knew from first listen that she was a star and when I found out that she had been dropped from Jive, I knew I wanted to get involved. What’s crazy is that even before I heard her music, I was always complaining to my friends about how boring music was and described to them an artist I would like to work with in the future, not knowing that her name would be Jazmine Sullivan. There wasn’t much information about her online at the time (this was before the myspace page was created) and after sending out two emails to people that knew her, they eventually found their way to her manager, Pam Sullivan. I asked if I could assist them in landing a new deal because I believed in her God given talents. And although I had no experience or contacts with A&Rs, I knew I had a couple things working in my favor -the passion to succeed and an unshakeable belief in the artist that I was working with.

After sending out numerous emails to every major label and taking meetings with a few, we eventually landed a deal with J Records earlier this year. We are blessed to work with one of the most successful A&Rs in the business who has guided the careers of multi-platinum artists such as Alicia Keys, Dido, Jamie Foxx, Mario and new artist Emily King (www.myspace.com/emilykingmusic). This time around, I know we are in better hands. Not to mention, my idol, Clive Davis, heads the label and we all know he loves African American soulful female vocalists (Whitney, Fantasia, Alicia, Aretha, etc.).

The music that Jazmine has been creating prior to signing with the label is on some other stuff. If I could even compare it to anything, I would say that the music is going to resonate with the hearts and souls of listeners on a worldwide level much like Ms. Hill’s Miseducation of Lauryn Hill did back when it dropped in August of ’98. And the reason why I am in awe of her is not only because of her voice, but also for her natural ability to write full songs by herself. Some of these songs will make you cry. Others will make you want to shout. But they all are going to create an album that will make you appreciate her artistry. She is truly a musical prodigy and with this blog site, you will get to witness history in the making. This site is intended to keep you up to date with what’s happening in Jazmine’s career, as well as keep you informed with what’s going on with the music industry as a whole. Another goal is to reach thousands of new people each week, so it’s up to you to spread the word. A new musical movement is taking place, but it’s up to the public/consumers to change the way things are currently (and you know what I mean by that). There’s power in numbers!

Disclaimer: Out of each of us, I’m the more vocal one of the group, so only expect honesty and sincerity from my posts. I will not and can not rest until Jazmine is at the top of the music game…because she deserves praise and recognition on a worldwide level for her talents. My posts are a reflection of my views, and may not neccesarily be representative of the views of Jazmine or Pam Sullivan. 

Again, thanks for supporting Jazmine and her music. I know ya’ll are dying for the album, but trust me, it’s going to be well worth the wait….and it’s our goal to get it to you in ’08!

Marcus Washington

Check out that classic photo of Jazmine from back in the day when she was killing shows as a teenager. If you are in Philly on July 6th, you will get the opportunity to witness and experience just how much Jazmine has evolved since then. Today starts the first day of summer and in two weeks, Jazmine and Eric Roberson will be the first to kick off a month long series of FREE concerts at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. Come out and show your support. Jazmine has been hard at work rehearsing to make sure she gives you all a great show. You won’t be disappointed!

The press release is listed after the jump.

Bank of America Sounds of R&B Series at Penn’s Landing
Monday June 11, 3:07 pm ET
Expanding Series Returns for the Third Season at Penn’s Landing

PHILADELPHIA, June 11, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) — The Bank of America Sounds of R&B series, which continues Penn’s Landing Corporation’s series of Free Friday night concerts through July, features outstanding, celebrated, and critically acclaimed national recording artists who have ties to Philadelphia. Several of the performers are Philadelphia natives, or have worked with Philadelphia-based music producers, songwriters and artists. As part of the Summer Season 2007 at Penn’s Landing, presented by Independence Blue Cross, this free concert series, sponsored by Bank of America is a partnership with WRNB 107.9 FM and CW Philly 57.The Bank of America Sounds of R&B series will open with Jazmine Sullivan on Friday July 6th. Like many R&B artists, Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan got her introduction to music around the age of 5 or 6 years old while singing in the church choir. At 12 she made her national television debut on Showtime at the Apollo. One of the most exciting moments early in her musical career was being asked to sing with music icon Stevie Wonder at 13 years old. Jazmine Sullivan’s name can be found on Fantasia’s Free Yourself for background vocal credits and songwriting credits for two tracks off of Christina Milian’s CD So Amazin including the first single Say I.

Eric Roberson will also perform on Friday, July 6th. Roberson attended Howard University on a Musical Theatre scholarship. While attending Howard, Roberson landed a recording contract with Warner Brothers, and in 1994 he recorded the R&B hit “The Moon.” Roberson has acquired an admirable reputation as singer, songwriter and producer. Roberson has worked with a “who’s who” of soul artists including Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and Will Downing for over a decade. Roberson’s latest CD is entitled LEFT.

Visitors to Penn’s Landing will get to know a new name, Donnie, on Friday, July 13th. Like his predecessors, D’Angelo and Maxwell, Donnie is the hottest ‘neo-soul’ artists to hit the scene. He exudes such a passion for music and credits the influence of such influential artist as Donnie Hathaway, Sarah Vaughn and his cousin Marvin Gaye. India.Arie has this to say about Donnie, “Donnie is my brother, meaning not only that I love him unconditionally, but that we share the common goal of spreading knowledge through music and lyrics.” Donnie’s new release, The Daily News on the SoulThought label will debut on June 19th.

Philadelphia raised and Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter Musiq Soulchild will exhibit his unique sound of 70s soul, hip-hop swagger and funky grooves when he takes the stage on Friday, July 20th along with Raul Midon. The Philly raised artist released his debut album on his new label Atlantic Records entitled “LUVANMUSIQ,” earlier this year. “I’ve been away for a little while,” he says. “The industry’s changed and so have I – personally, mentally, psychologically. I look at my previous three albums as grade school, middle school, and high school. Now with this new album, ”LUVANMUSIQ,“ its like I’m going off to college.”

Husband and wife Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon using the moniker Kindred the Family Soul, will close out the Bank of America Sounds of R&B concert series on Friday, July 27th. Kindred the Family Soul took the music industry by storm in 2003 when they were signed to Hidden Beach Records with the assistance of their friend, Jill Scott. “Surrender to Love” featuring the hit single “Far Away” was their first release on the Hidden Beach label and was probably the most critically acclaimed soul album of that year. Their latest CD, “In This Life Together,” was inspired by and named after the Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee autobiography. Kindred the Family Soul is a breath of fresh air as they sing about their love and commitment to each other and their love for family while being forthright about the challenges of living monotonous lives. The musical style of this husband and wife dynamic duo can be described as an updated Womack and Womack with the bliss of Ashford & Simpson.

The pre-show music mix each week of the series will be presented by DJ STATIK of the Ill Vibe Collective. With a true knowledge, skill, and understanding of his art and music, Staik has exploded locally, nationally and internationally unleashing a collection of perfect projects. The blueprint of the DJ is symbolized by Statik’s keen awareness of all types of music, aptly mixing and blending these types of music, and presenting the finished product in a way that each one who listens feels like the product was produced exclusively for them.

Penn’s Landing Corporation Program Director, Keeya Branson-Davis remarks, “The City of Philadelphia is the home of incredibly talented musicians who have helped to make Philadelphia’s musical legacy internationally renowned. The artists in the series were chosen for their musical talent, their passion for performing, and their commitment to preserving Rhythm and Blues music. For independent artists, emerging artists, and established artists, the Bank of America Sounds of R&B Series is the perfect live showcase.”

This free series is made possible by the generous support of Bank of America. Dan Fitzpatrick, President of Bank of America Pennsylvania comments, “Bank of America is a proud supporter of the arts in the Greater Philadelphia region, and believes it is important to provide cultural enrichment for residents as well as tourists. The Bank of America Sounds of R&B Series presents an opportunity for all our residents and visitors to kick-off their summer weekends enjoying popular R&B sounds on the scenic Penn’s Landing Waterfront.”

Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 56 million consumer and small business relationships with more than 5,700 retail banking offices, more than 17,000 ATMs and award-winning online banking with nearly 22 million active users. Bank of America is the No. 1 overall Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the United States and the No. 1 SBA lender to minority-owned small businesses. The company serves clients in 175 countries and has relationships with 98 percent of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies and 80 percent of the Fortune Global 500. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE:BAC – News) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Penn’s Landing Corporation is the non-profit organization responsible for funding and producing public programming on the Great Plaza, Philadelphia’s Delaware Waterfront Park. Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the 2007 Summer Season at Penn’s Landing. All events produced by Penn’s Landing Corporation are FREE to the public and on the Great Plaza, the heart of Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s premier riverfront entertainment destination.

CW Philly 57 (WPSG-TV) is part of CBS Television which is a division of CBS Corporation, consisting of 39 stations, including 21 CBS, 11 The CW, three MyNetworkTV and four stations not affiliated with major networks.

WRNB 107.9, a Radio One radio station, is also a proud partner for this free series. Radio One, Inc. is the nation’s seventh largest radio broadcasting company and the largest company that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. Radio One owns and/or operates 70 radio stations located in 22 urban markets in the United States and reaches approximately 14 million listeners every week.

Public Programming at Penn’s Landing would not be possible without our presenting sponsor Independence Blue Cross and the support of Bank of America, PECO; an Exelon company, the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Pennsylvania Lottery and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, all of whom are committed to serving the Greater Philadelphia community.

For more information on event locations and event details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visit http://www.pennslandingcorp.com. The Penn’s Landing Corporation website is a virtual resource for the waterfront which can help visitors to plan a visit to easily park, play and stay all day at Penn’s Landing.

The Penn’s Landing Corporation logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=349