Hamad Thrills Fans at Dusk
I found myself in the Federal Hill section of Providence last month at Dusk Lounge for a sold-out performance from rapper Hamad. Labeling him as a rapper is, in all […]
Jazz Insights: Frankie Carle
Big band pianist and songwriter Frankie Carle passed away at age 98 in 2001 in Mesa, Arizona, where he had retired. Frankie (Francesco Carlone) was born in Providence in […]
Is This Jazz?: Passion Reverence Transcendence — A Tribute to McCoy Tyner
On December 11, the legendary jazz pianist McCoy Tyner turned 80 years old. A few months earlier, I received an album by the trio of pianist Benito Gonzalez, drummer Gerry Gibbs […]
Jazz Insights: Bonnie Mann
Three years ago we lost one of jazz’s popular cabaret singers. Eighty-five year old Bonnie Mann (Boncorsi Wotherspoon) was born in Pawtucket. Known for her big-band style singing she regularly […]
Ball Drop Beat Drop: More fun than should be allowed
Much like the extra dry champagne served on the holiday, New Year’s Eve traditions can be a bit stale. Interested in switching it up? Then head to Platforms Dance Club […]
Keep on Moving: Time Keeps on Slipping: Check out these shows to close out the year, and feast your eyes on a few 2019 predictions
At the end of the year it is natural to look back on what transpired, but here at The Motif, we keep on moving forward. At first I was a […]
The Roots Report: Kodachrome: Time to take some folkin’ pictures
Okee dokee folks… When I was a teenager going to concerts, I took a lot of photos with a cheap, pocket-sized Kodak camera that I borrowed from my grandparents. I […]
The Roots Report: David Crosby at the Z
Okee dokee folks… At age 77, David Crosby seems to be at the top of his game. It’s almost as if he has captured his third wind (maybe even his […]
Hip-Hop: Bas Brought His Talents to The Met
Exactly a month removed from VanJess and Masego setting The Met ablaze with some R&B tunes, I found myself back at the venue again, this time for a hip-hop showcase. On […]
The Roots Report: An Interview with Edwin McCain
Okee dokee folks… Singer-songwriter Edwin McCain may not be a name that is at the forefront of your brain, but you definitely know his music. His songs “I’ll Be” and […]