The road to stardom can be bumpy at times. There can be financial difficulties, relationship strains … or a run-in with the law in Fort Worth, Texas that leaves you tased and incarcerated.
So goes the story of Kashan, an ambitious R&B balladeer from Tennessee. Despite these inauspicious beginnings, Kashan survived the tasing and made it out of Texas with his dreams intact. Now safely nestled in Brooklyn, the singer is putting his nose to the grindstone to begin work on his debut CD—with the help of his musical cohorts, the SimplySoul Band. Here’s what you can look forward too: stripped-down love songs, mellow R&B grooves, funky guitar lines lapping at syncopated drum beats, chimes, finger snaps and Kashan’s capable croon. Expect big things from this determined artist … but maybe not a show in Texas any time soon.
Anthony Hamilton took it to the limit on the main stage at the JVC Jazz fest in Newport this weekend. This soul man rocked out in a southern style and even brought his wife out for a song to showcase her amazing vocal skills. The positive energy he brought to the stage flooded the audience and by the end of the first song, all the dancers in the crowd were shakin their booties!
Anthony Hamilton performs with Soulive & Frank Wesley
Anthony’s performance added a soul flavor to the jivin, jazzy vibe at the festival. Imagine my surprise when, less than an hour later, I’m standing backstage for the Soulive performance and Mr. Hamilton walks right in front of us and boogies onto the stage to perform alongside the band and their renowned guest Frank Wesley!
Anthony Hamilton performs with Soulive @ JVC Jazz
JVC Jazz managed to bring together musicians of all shapes, sizes, tones and textures in celebration of this legendary event. Here’s a moment where we can see music’s ability to blur the lines of separation and unite artist, fans and everyone in between. That, my friends, it true power.
COMING SOON:
After his show we caught up with Anthony backstage for an interview. He was cool, laid back and super funny – probably one of the most fun interviews I’ve ever done. See what happens when we ‘brush each others shoulders off’ and find out what it’s like for this soul man to jump into the jazz and funk community. Stay tuned for the interview coming soon!
