Tag: R&B/SOUL

Q: Can You please tell our readers your real name as well as your stage name?
A: Vjuni Shaun walker

Q: How old are you?
A: 33, I will be 34 in April

Q: Where are you from and Where were you born?
A: I’m from QUEENSBRIDGE New York   longislandcity  queens New York, I was born in Japan came to states at 11 years old

Q: At What age did you start making music?
A: I started making music at age of 12

Q: What genre of music do you particularly love? Jazz? Hip-Hop? RnB?
A: I like all types of music but hip hop and RnB is my favourite

Q: Who is your favourite artist and why?
A: Frank Sinatra /Michael Jackson because there music is so timeless it can’t be duplicated by anyone no matter how hard they try

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: The studio is my life I like to play basketball football baseball I like going to the movies make money etc. (hobbies)

Q: Do you play any musical instrument?
A: I play the trombone, baritone and I like horns. I was in a band as a child

Q: Where do you get your musical inspiration?
A: My inspiration comes from god and the energy my fans gave to me

Q: Who is your hero?
A: God is my hero

Q: Do you write your own music?
A: Yes I write all my music

Q: If you were given a chance, which Artist would you love to perform with?
A: Beyoncé

Q: What would you like our readers to know about V12?
A: That I’m humble and blessed and I came a long way to get to this point in my life and I’m just happy to finally be here

** Feel free to tell our readers more about yourself and your music. Things like your goals in life, and what your current projects are?. And also let them know where they can get your music or where you will be performing soon or regularly……

That I’m humble and blessed and I came a long way to get to this point in my life and I’m just happy to finally be here

At the end of my career I want people to say I am the greatest to ever do it.

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As modern classic soul goes, there are choices aplenty thanks to an array of independent projects coming and going on a daily basis. Few, however, combine so many of the essential elements as does The British Collective on Vol 1: The Renaissance Begins… Comprised of a dream cast of veteran and longstanding singer-songwriters from all corners of the UK R&B spectrum—Junior Giscombe, Leee John, Don-E, Omar, and Noel McCoy, the well-studied and equally enthusiastic ensemble delivers a festive 14-track CD embodying all that’s fulfilling and enriching about British black music of the past three decades.

The Renaissance Begins… was previewed in 2014 by the coolly swingin’ midtempo, “Romantic.” While that number still pleases, it actually pales in comparison to much of the remarkable material that the Collective has come up with in the interim. From the first measure of the opening “Piece of Heaven,” the guys’ metaphysical understanding of what makes a great groove becomes clear. The vibe is addictive enough to please fans of up-to-the-minute sonic permutations, but solidly grounded in a timeless sensibility that will quickly win over old-school devotees. Don-E’s lightly floating tones on the first verse contrasted with Noel McCoy’s shades of yearning on the second are an example of how the group’s versatile influences provide satisfying returns time after time.

Continuing the flow of “Heaven,” the punchy and peppery “Stay” builds anticipation with convivial handclaps before the groove kicks in. Junior’s impassioned tenor displays both power and vulnerability which have not faded with the years, as a contagious background chant of “Get down, baby girl, get down” compliments the ride further. Lest there be any concern that The Renaissance Begins… is structured from merely a couple of strong entries, the aural delight keeps on with the atmospheric jam “Higher Love” (featuring guests Alex Charles and Errol Reid). Emblazoned with undertones of legato keyboard work, the song’s straight-ahead message of hedonism by means of music and dance is brought home by acutely executed vocal phrasing and subtly sophisticated harmonies.

Following this triple threat of funky uptempo soul, the pace is slowed momentarily for the winding reggae calm of “Take Your Time,” succeeded by the inviting house swagger of “Won’t You Come Over.” Andrew Roachford and Donavon Blackwood lend their distinctive pipes to the latter, leading surprisingly smoothly into the slower, yet just as tasty “That’s Why.” The tune blends rhythmic elements of bossa nova and calypso (courtesy of Andrew McLean) which gel impressively with Omar’s deep, hardy delivery and Leee John’s serene flourishes.

Building even deeper on the wide-ranging palette of sounds, the Collective tackles Trevor Walters’ lovers’ rock anthem “Love Me Tonight” (a 1981 top-30 UK hit) in modestly jazzy groove fashion. Though it’s hard to touch the unaffected sweetness of the original, the guys do a credible job of preserving its integrity while adding distinguished vocal characteristics—from John’s understated treatment to Don-E’s earnestly ardent attack. Meanwhile, John displays a similarly soft charisma on the original, ultra-kinetic “Flow,” a synth bass-driven track bolstered by Junior’s vibrant runs. “Loosen up, feel the pleasure, let yourself flow…” Indeed.

On a particularly ambitious note, John covers Eddie Kendricks’ 1974 gem “Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need.” Strikingly channeling Kendricks with his pure falsetto allurement, he conjures the bittersweet lyrics with acute candor. Although the backing arrangement is slightly lacking in warmth, it functions reliably and is abetted by gutsy closing vamps by McKoy.

After the endearing “Sign of the Times,” The Renaissance closes with the gentle swayer “Doctor Love,” a no-frills slow jam highlighting the Collective’s adept harmonies from start to finish, complimented with an appearance by Glen Goldsmith. It’s a left-field choice to end the set, given that it’s more than a few notches down in tone from almost all of the other cuts; but it serves as additional testament to the guys’ through-and-through successful quest to stray from compartmentalization and formula. Highly recommended.

 

 

 

ABOUT ALPHONSO WILLIAMS

Alphonso Williams was born on 20 July 1962, the youngest of 12 children in Detroit, Michigan. His father, Archie Williams, was a well-known Baptist preacher. From a small age onwards, Alphonso Williams spent not only the Sundays, but also a large part of his spare time in the church, where he came into contact with music very early. He sang with his siblings Michico, Charles, Johnny-Maine, Linda and Matilda in the Gospelchor. Well-known musicians and singers from friendly and neighboring communities, a. Aretha Franklin, visited the worship services. From his home in Hecla Street to the Motown studio of Berry Gordy Jr. on the West Grand Boulevard, Alphonso often walked and sat there, while there were well-known soul sizes. After a successful degree at the Murry Right Highschool, Alphonso began a GI career with the US Army and was transferred to the Lucius D. Clay-Kaserne in 1980, after Garlstedt (near Bremen). His service ended in 1983. He met his present wife, Manuela, together they have two children. Even during his time in Germany, the music was his constant companion. Thus he made the balancing act between gospel and pop music and sang u.a. Also in the dance and show band of his mother-in-law. Also her first son, Raphael Williams, who was born in Oldenburg in 1987, came early to the music and was already sitting as a small boy on the drums of his grandfather. In the school band of the KGS Rastede, his talent as a beatboxer and rapper was recognized and promoted. From their passion Alphonso and Raphael founded the duo “Father & Son”. Later, the radio station Bremen4 drew attention to the duo and recorded them in their program at many events. They successfully participated in various singing competitions together, but also as single artists, such as “Fehmarn sucht den Inselstar”, “TV-Total” (Pro7), “Das Supertalent” & “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” (RTL), “My Name “” Hot Banditoz “,” Monrose “,” Daniel Lopes “, and” The World’s Greatest “(RTL 2), etc., performed in the pre-program of the” Hermes House Band “,” Vulture Draft “,” Revolverhelden ” , A .. You continue to support various youth and children’s projects.