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David Crawford

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

David Crawford: A Veteran Arranger

David Crawford is a Flutist, composer,arranger and producer.  Crawford has spent decades shaping the sound of American music. His résumé reads like a tour through R&B and Soul history, with credits that include Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, Bill Withers, Vesta Williams, René & Angela, and Con Funk Shun. Now, during Black History Month, Crawford returns with a newly remixed version of his single Africa Nouveau, available on all major platforms.  The remix places Crawford’s flute at the center of the musical conversation. On the original version, he shared the lead with acclaimed trumpeter Nolan Shaheed, a longtime friend and collaborator.  Nolan played with Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, and Earth, Wind & Fire.  Both versions of Africa Nouveau are vibrant, with textures of modern Jazz.  Africa Nouveau Remix serves as the first release from his forthcoming album Something Borrowed, Something New. The project reflects his musical talents we’ve all come to enjoy.  

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LYDIA CAESAR

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Songstress Lydia Caesar

The Billie Holiday Theater launches its Spring 2025 season with the return of Billie & Beyond.  The New Music Series inspired by the Life and Legacy of Billie’s Iconic namesake with a special Valentine’s Day inspired show featuring Singer-Songwriter Lydia Caesar, Saturday, February 15, 2025 @ 8PM (Brooklyn, NY 1368 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11216).  The event is co-curated with veteran journalist, TV/Film writer and producer Bonsu Thompson.  The series features the next generation of great female vocalists, and Lydia Caesar has answered the call.  She is excited about an opportunity to sing in the theater during Black History Month.  Lydia Caesar will take the stage and sing a tribute to Billie Holiday.  Lydia Caesar is known for her powerful and melodic mix of uplifting, soulful rhythm and blues music.  The audience are in for a real treat.  Lydia Caesar will perform a few of her well-known songs, including St. Louis, Through it All  and her latest single, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.  

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JOHN STEIN

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Next Gen, Jazz For My Grandchildren

John Stein is a jazz guitarist, educator and author.  His music over the course of his career has been consistent with performing jazz.  His latest release, Next Gen, Jazz For My Grandchildren, is near and dear to his heart. By request from his daughter, he composed five tracks on his new album dedicated to his five grandchildren.  Stein began playing the guitar at seven years old.  Before embracing jazz, Stein performed folk music and rock and roll in his formative years.  After embracing jazz, he released his first album Hustle Up (1995) on Tightly Knit Records, a subsidiary of Knitting Factory Works. Hustle Up displays Stein’s talents, as a guitarist, composer and artist.  John Stein’s passion to play jazz guitar, he enrolled in Berklee College of Music to further his studies and hone his craft.  Stein graduated from Berklee College of Music, becoming a great jazz guitarist and educator of our day.  He has a career that expands over 30 years.  Stein is a retired professor of Berklee College of Music, and an author writing books titled Jazz Standards For Solo Guitar, Composing Blues For Jazz Performance, and Composing Tunes For Jazz Performance. John Stein has performed with some of the world’s finest jazz acts and can cover a spectrum of jazz styles.  

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Theo Forsett

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

THEO FORSETT A TRIPPLE THREAT

At the age of six, Theo Forsett knew rhythm and blues was his calling.  Like most of the greats, he began singing in the church choir.  Branching out of a musical family, and being the youngest of six, singing became natural to him.  Theo Forsett left his hometown, Bartow, Florida, and headed for Los Angeles, to further his career.  He performed at local clubs and wherever he could.  He received approval from renowned artists and producers. While in the process of making a name for himself as a solo R&B singer, Theo was asked to sing background vocals for Diana Ross, and Eddie Murphy’s How Could It Be album, produced by Stevie Wonder.  Theo Forsett has recently returned with his new album Love At Your Fingertips.  His singles, Love At Your Fingertips and More Than Enough, are quickly gaining momentum among R&B listeners. He remains persistent in his career in music and the arts. 

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Charles A. Kelly

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

A True Innovator of Music

Charles A. Kelly is a gold record (RIAA, BMI) artist, keyboardist, producer, author, worship leader and songwriter based in Los Angeles. His talents have placed him on sets with Neil Diamond, Elton John, Sister Sledge, The Pointer Sisters, Ndugu Chancler, and Nile Rogers to name a few.  Charles A. Kelly is a true key player in the Jazz world.  His ability to transcend music into a message you can feel is his greatest gift.  His album Endangered Species is being received well in the jazz community.  Kelly’s latest song to be released is titled I’m Good.  I’m Good has an encouraging message for all to enjoy.  The song combines his Jazz and Christian roots.  His song I’m Good will minister to your spirit, reminding you everything will be alright. 

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Gene Moore

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Gene Moore’s Tunnel Vision

Gene Moore is a man who grew up listening to soul music and now has created gospel soul with a declaration of faith.  His new project Tunnel Vision launched us in with an Anthem Won’t Be Moved. Including other messages in his music such as Ask for Rain, Take Care and Depending On You. All are statements of faith and placing trust in the Lord thy God. His sounds are to encourage us and remind us to stay focus on Christ.  Gene Moore was nominated for his first Grammy this year for Best Gospel Album for his sophomore album Tunnel Vision. So we are super excited to have him as one of our KeyPlayers. I have seen him live and it is a Holy Ghost Party for real. Don’t be fooled by the groove, his lyrics are clear and his message is sound.

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JANA JACKSON AMAZING

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

JANA JACKSON NEW SINGLE AMAZING

Jana Jackson is collecting critical acclaim from T. D Jakes, Oprah Winfrey and has joined the Key Player family of Urban Buzz Magazine. Jana Jackson has release her new single Amazing.  She is a PK (preacher’s kid) raised in Nashville, Tennessee, known for her soulful vocals and her genuine love for people and for God.  Her musical gift has truly made room for her.   Jana Jackson has a powerful alliance with the Lord, which is shared in our interview of her awesome testimony of being blind since birth and her journey continues. In addition to being a gospel recording artist you will learn some of the great contributions she provides for the body of Christ as a true business woman. It will truly make you believe all things are possible with Christ.  Believing that nothing is impossible with the Lord on our side, Jana Jackson encourages us to dare to trust Him in all things, so that He can show us His path for us. Proverbs 3:5-6

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Mark McLean

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Lucas

Mark McLean A Dynamic Musician On The Drums

Mark McLean’s recently released album, FEEL ALRIGHT is a triumphant work that is being welcomed by music enthusiasts regardless of genre preferences. It effectively features seven artists lending their skillful vocals on a myriad of styles from Soul, Blues/Funk, Pop/Rock, to Jazz both Cool & New Orleans-hot.  The singers, musicians – the entire ensemble, with multi-talented Mark McLean at the helm, adroitly break all the rules on FEEL ALRIGHT with 11 eclectic tracks, each one a stand-alone success.

Mark has been quoted as saying: “I don’t want to be seen as a drummer, I want to be known as a musician whose instrument just happens to be drums”.

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Jumaane Smith

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Jumaane Smith New Generation Jazz Trumpeter

Jumaane (JEW-MAH-KNEE) Smith, trumpeter and vocalist, released his first album I Only Have Eyes For You. Jumaane Smith has grown to be a much sought after trumpeter. He is currently touring promoting his new project I Only Have Eyes For You and will be at Joe’s Pub in New York on November 28th.  His collaborations range from pop idols to jazz legends. He’s worked with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Buble’, Jackie Evancho, Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers, Wyclef Jean, Justin Bieber, Diddy, Natalie Cole, James Ingram, Wynton Marsalis, Ravi Coltrane, Chris Botti and many more. In a world of auto tunes, there is a refreshing sound in the air. Sound the trumpet Jumaane Smith is here.

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Songtress Shelea

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Shelea New CD Love Fell On Me

Songwriter, producer, musician and Songtress Shelea caught the attention of fans and music critics alike with her astounding YouTube tribute to the late Whitney Houston. Stevie Wonder a huge supporter, was instrumental in booking Shelea for a performance at the White House for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.  Stevie Wonder is featured playing harmonica on Shelea’s title track Love Fell On Me.  Love Fell On Me was chosen as the musical theme for the film Jumping the Broom (Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Mike Epps). Shelea’s debut CD boasts production from the legendary Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin), together they co-wrote and co-produced Have I Ever Told You on the new project. The new CD also, features a duet with Shelea and Brian McKnight on Can’t Play It Cool.

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