Looking for new music? Look no further than your local Queens Library!
Every month, our expert staff will bring you the best of what's new in our physical and digital collections.
Check out our music recommendations for October 2016!
Jake Owen, American Love
Jake Owen is a country music singer and songwriter from Florida. He learned to play guitar after a wakeboarding accident left him unable to compete in sports. Since then, he has worked his way up from bars and coffeehouses in Florida to clubs in Nashville. He got a break when a bank teller gave his demo to a music rep at Warner/Chappell Music. Sometimes life CAN be like the movies! You can stream Jake’s fifth studio album, American Love, on Freegal.
YG, Still Brazy
Still Brazy is the second studio album by Compton rapper YG, which The New York Times hails as containing "the first great protest song" of the 2016 election. That would be the very explicit “FDT,” in which he comes out swinging against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Last year, YG was shot at a Los Angeles studio, which only served to provide more material for the album on tracks like "Who Shot Me?" and "Twist My Fingaz." But more often than not, to again quote the Times, "this is gangster rap as agit-pop, and a reminder that it was never anything but." In case you were wondering what "FDT" means, read this article where YG talks about changing the lyrics to that song after complaints from the Secret Service.
Justin Moore, Kinda Don’t Care
Justin Moore may have been born in Arkansas, but Nashville is his real home. He began performing his junior year of high school and joined his uncle’s southern rock band instead of going to college. Once he got some experience on the road, Justin went solo to pursue his songwriting muse. The move paid off and he has three number-one albums and five number-one singles to prove it. His style is a mix of rock and old school country and his appeal is cross-generational. Watch the video for the title track to his fourth album, Kinda Don’t Care.
Tamela Mann, One Way
Grammy Award winner Tamela Mann, known for her strong and powerful soprano singing voice, has released her fourth studio album One Way. It’s no surprise it bursts with vocal variety and a wide swath of musical arrangements. This is evident on the title track as well as the tender ballad “God Provides” (penned by none other than Kirk Franklin) and the simmering groove of “Through It All.” Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas as the youngest of 14 children, Mann's family was very religiously oriented. By the time she was 12 she was singing in the church's adult choir. Her professional singing career began in the '90s, with Kirk Franklin & the Family's gospel organization. Since then, she has developed a unique style, blending hard R&B with gospel. You can hear the whole album on Freegal.
Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool
A Moon Shaped Pool is the ninth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead. It delivers little joy but a whole lot of beauty. “The Numbers,” a song about the impending apocalypse brought on by climate change, meanders along, and its groove is as wide as an ocean. The first single, "Burn the Witch," is a statement on Internet shaming, among other things, while the video is an obvious homage to the 1973 cult film The Wicker Man. Singer Thom Yorke and his mates cover a range of styles, from folk to scat. This is a very intimate album, which sounds as if the world’s most cerebral band is letting us in. Watch the video for “Burn the Witch."
Bastille, Wild World
Since 2013's international hit "Pompeii," Bastille's sights have clearly been set beyond the U.K. Their second proper LP marries 20th-century rock songs and EDM-pop style with an eye on stadium rocking and dance-floor remixes. There are literary and pop culture references throughout, so keep Wikipedia handy. For example, "Good Grief," one of the album's catchiest songs, features soundbites from '80s teen comedies like Weird Science. Later in the album, songs like "Two Evils" showcase singer Dan Smith and bandmate Will Farquarson stripped down to just voice and plucked guitar, with arresting results. As such, Wild World is a triumphant pop record. Check out the video for “Good Grief."
Skillet, Unleashed
Formed in Memphis, Tennessee, Skillet is an American Christian heavy rock band that has released nine albums. Since breaking out, this platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated, and Dove Award-winning band has been averaging a new album every three years since 2003's Collide. Although the band has been through numerous lineup changes, no one is going to argue that they aren't on fire with the current lineup. Some of the new songs bring dance grooves to the mix; however, for fans, "Saviors of the World" and "Feel Invincible" will take the band to a next-gen level. No doubt Skillet are on a hot streak. Watch the video for the song “Stars.”
Heart, Beautiful Broken
On their 16th studio album, Seattle-based Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Heart "picked songs that we always wanted to re-do" and also gave us three new tracks. On both new and old, the band is playing together the way they used to. Co-produced by Nancy Wilson with Heart bassist Dan Rothchild, the goal of Beautiful Broken was to recapture a more live feel. The re-recorded songs suffered from "eighties-era over-editing-production-curse." The result is a more '70's sounding record, despite the more modern guest vocals from Metallica’s James Hetfield. However you look at it, this is a unique and rewarding addition to the Heart catalog. Watch the lyric video for the title track.
Fantasia, The Definition Of...
Fantasia Barrino took the crown on American Idol season 3. Since then, she has built a solid career as an R&B artist, including a Grammy win for 2010’s "Bittersweet." But it’s her work on Broadway starring in the musicals The Color Purple and After Midnight that informs her fifth album. Producer Ron Fair goes big with the arrangements on tracks like the ballad “Ugly” that sound like show tunes designed to bring down the house. You can also hear it on the set’s show-stopper, “Sleeping with the One I Love”—while it sounds like a standard that has been dusted off from the Cotton Club era, it’s actually a new song by R. Kelly. Fantasia's voice, winsome and wonderful throughout, radiates through the album and her sultry, raspy delivery recalls a living legend, Tina Turner. You can stream the entire album on Freegal.
Needtobreathe, Hard Love
Now six albums deep into a career spanning nearly twenty years, the South Carolina-based Needtobreathe’s latest release, Hard Love, is an experiment in pushing the boundaries of American rock and roll. The driving title track rightly states that all relationships require a "hard love" if they are to last. The song fits in nicely with the band's storyline. “Money & Fame,” “Happiness,” and “Be Here Long” serve as anchor points for the record while “Testify” hearkens back to the more religion-heavy material of the group’s early records, but not in a way that will make secular fans feel like outsiders. Watch the video for the song “Happiness."
We’re very excited for our upcoming concert with soul, R&B, and gospel vocalist Cleveland P. Jones on Monday, October 3 at Central Library. Free tickets are still available!
A humble native of South Carolina, Jones started his artistic voyage under the tutelage of his mother and grandfather, who were the lead singers in his church. A graduate of two prestigious institutions, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, Cleveland earned his degrees, but also engulfed himself in the study of music. He instantly fell in love with soul and jazz.
Cleveland’s debut album, Ace of Hearts, was released in 2013, and he was named SoulTracks.com's New Artist of The Year as a result. He’s performed at SOB's Sol Village Artist Showcase in New York City, in several shows with the ATL Collective in Atlanta, and most recently at Yoshi's in San Francisco, California.
Cleveland was kind enough to answer some questions before he joins us at Central.
What role have libraries played in your life?
Libraries have always been one of the most resourceful places in the world. They’ve allowed me to visit places I never thought I'd see, offered cultural experiences I never thought I'd witness, all through reading from the author's eyes and thoughts.
Which performers and albums have inspired your career as a musician?
I am hugely inspired by Bobby McFerrin, Rachelle Ferrell, Anita Baker, Donny Hathaway, and countless others who have helped to shape my approach to music. Bobby’s album Play with Chick Corea and Rachelle Ferrell's First Instrument are staples in my life.
Your song “Don't Leave Me” appears in the recent independent movie Echo Park. Many film critics said that the music used in the movie was an essential part of its charm. How did your song get chosen for the soundtrack?
This was a surreal moment in my musical career, for sure. My song was submitted nearly three years ago, before the film was officially released. A great friend of mine saw that filmmaker/DJ Tony Okungbowa was requesting music from independent artists. She submitted four of my tracks to him, and he picked "Don't Leave Me." To hear my song so prevalently used in the film really changed my life. Truly one of my hugest honors!
What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a professional singer?
First, accept your own sound and be grounded in your mission, musically and in life. There is no "overnight" deal for fame, and be very careful how you treat people as you progress in your craft. Compete only with yourself and leave all other comparisons and judgment to others. This will allow you to be at peace and know your lane. Also, be assured that there is room for all artists to shine, so never think you're not as good as the next person. You were uniquely made and gifted.
What can our customers expect at your concert here at Queens Library?
Your customers, who I prefer to address as family, can expect an authentic experience of emotive music from my soul to theirs. A blend of jazz and soul and a hint of gospel will permeate the auditorium that evening, and I am honored to selflessly give my music to you.
After a wonderful first season of Shakespeare in Queens, the curtain is about to rise on Season Two of this ambitious project.
Every month, actors from TITAN Theatre Company will present a free dramatic reading of a Shakespeare play at a community library in Queens.
Lenny Banovez, Artistic Director of TITAN Theatre Company, will also hold “Talking Shakespeare” discussions at Flushing Community Library, where he will give a “behind-the-scenes” look at Shakespeare and discuss more modern interpretations of his plays.
There will be an interesting twist this season: in January and February 2017, TITAN will present eight of Shakespeare’s English history plays on a weekly schedule!
In January, at Long Island City Community Library, you can see “The Making of a King,” featuring Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, and Henry V; in February, at Flushing, the focus will be on “The War of the Roses,” with Henry VI Parts 1, 2 & 3 and Richard III.
“The great thing about Shakespeare, especially when we break it into seasons, is that there is never a ‘down’ year, because there are so many great plays,” said Lenny Banovez. “Season Two is no exception. Macbeth, The Tempest, and a rarely done complete presentation of the Henry histories in order, make Season Two of Shakespeare in Queens extremely exciting.”
Season Two starts with Macbeth on Monday, October 3, at 5:30 p.m. at Langston Hughes Community Library, 100-01 Northern Boulevard in Corona.
For the full schedule of Shakespeare in Queens, visit queenslibrary.org/shakespeare.
Looking for new music? Look no further than your local Queens Library!
Every month, our expert staff will bring you the best of what's new in our physical and digital collections.
Check out our music recommendations for September 2016!
Leslie Odom Jr., Leslie Odom Jr.
Born in Queens, Leslie Odom, Jr. is an actor and singer best known for his Tony Award-wining role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway smash hit Hamilton. His self-titled CD was first released in 2014, but an updated and improved version has just been made available to capitalize on his stage success. His style on the album is more jazzy than Broadway, though several songs from musicals are included (but none from Hamilton). His presentation is a combination of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, but his style is still quite unique. See for yourself in the video for the first single, “Autumn Leaves."
David Nail, Fighter
David Nail is an American country music artist originally from Missouri. He may not have the name recognition of others in his field, but he certainly has enough fans and awards to get those artists’ respect. Fighter is his fourth full-length album and it represents a change in his tone. Where he used to sing songs about the usual country themes, his experience as a new father has allowed him to open up and make his songs more personal and reflective. You can hear that on the song “Ease Your Pain.”
Snoop Dogg, Coolaid
Snoop Dogg's 14th studio album is a return to form for a rapper who hasn’t been doing a lot of rapping the past few years. If his lyrics seem a bit self-congratulatory, at least his track record proves they are well-deserved. Yes, there are songs about smoking pot and LA street culture, but Snoop drops enough current slang and pop references to make sure we know he’s still relevant. What really matters, though, are his rhyming skills, and those are in evident abundance. Despite his many forays into other genres and explorations of different styles, Snoop can still do battle with those half his age. Listen to the first single, “Kush Ups," featuring Wiz Khalifa.
Steven Tyler, We’re All Somebody From Somewhere
The Aerosmith front man goes country on his first solo release. The title track (and first single), written by Tyler with The Cadillac Three's Jaren Johnston, is a celebration of America as a melting pot. The album is laden with power ballads and pulsating rockers, and Tyler has a laugh as he skips through the effervescent "I Make My Own Sunshine" and glides into the groove of "Sweet Louisiana." However, a good chunk of We're All Somebody From Somewhere moves a good deal slower, pulsating along with minor keys and deliberate marches. Pro that he is, Tyler never seems out of sorts when he is out of his rock-and-roll comfort zone. Check out the video for the single “Love is Your Name."
The Monkees, Good Times!
Here they come, walking down the street....Fifty years after their debut album and TV show, the Monkees are back with a new album. The songs on Good Times! are like a wedding dress—some are old, some new, some borrowed, and a bit of blues. When it came out earlier this summer, it debuted at number eight on the Billboard Top 200, and the more recently released vinyl edition made it to number one on that format’s chart. With some songwriting help from Noel Gallagher (Oasis), Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Andy Partridge (XTC), and others, it should appeal to new fans as well as the faithful. Even the dearly departed Davy Jones makes an appearance on a remastered song from the archives. If you’ve ever been a believer in the pure power of pop, you owe it to yourself to check out the video for the first single, “She Makes Me Laugh."
ScHoolboy Q, Blank Face LP
ScHoolboy Q is a hip hop artist from Los Angeles whose first major studio album, Oxymoron, went straight to number one on the Billboard Top 200 in 2014. His new release, Blank Face LP, made it to number two in its first week of sales, so he obviously has a devoted fan base. Despite being from the West Coast, ScHoolboy Q is obviously more influenced by East Coast rappers Nas, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and The Notorious B.I.G. He even admits so himself. His style varies from smooth to hard and he could easily go the R&B route if he chooses. For now, though, he’ll keep doing what works best for him, working with artists he respects and only releasing the material he is most proud of. The first single, “Groovy Tony,” was a hit earlier this summer, but if you missed it, listen to it now.
blink-182, California
Whether they meant to or not, blink-182 paved the way for a new version of pop punk. After two weirdly restrained albums, the band is aiming to recapture its golden-age sound on California, their seventh album. The opening song “Cynical” brings the intensity and urgency of their early material, sweetening the pop side of pop punk and making them sound more like a unit than ever. Further highlights include "She's Out of Her Mind" (which builds a sing-along out of the term "anti-social"), "No Future," and "Kings of the Weekend," which all pile up hooks like empty beer cans. It’s good to hear blink-182 having fun in the studio again—and hearing that may be the best part of this album. Watch the official video for “Bored to Death."
Blake Shelton, If I’m Honest
You probably know him best as a judge on the TV talent show The Voice, but Blake Shelton has been a bona fide star of country music since 2001, when the Academy of Country Music nominated him as Top New Male Vocalist. In the 15 years since then, he has won over 25 awards, appeared on numerous television shows, and has just released his tenth studio album, If I’m Honest. He must be doing something right, because he just won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Country Artist. If you’re more familiar with his judging and mentoring skills than his singing, check out the video for the playful “She’s Got a Way with Words.”
Maxwell, Black Summers’ Night
Along with fellow musicians D'Angelo and Erykah Badu, Brooklyn-born Gerald Maxwell Rivera (better known simply as "Maxwell") has been credited with helping to shape the "neo soul" movement that rose to prominence during the late 1990s. He's been working on his fifth studio album—the long-awaited Black Summers' Night—for the past six years. The album is a collection of shimmering love songs that pushes the limits of R&B. At least half of the album is drenched in sunshine, juxtaposing sparkling chords with fed-up lyrics on songs like “Gods.” Musically, it brings to mind his second album Embrya, which found the singer diving deep into oceans of sound, full of undulating bass lines and gurgling synths, with his sweetly effortless tenor floating and glinting atop. You can stream the entire album on Freegal.
Jeff Beck, Loud Hailer
Ranked one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" by Rolling Stone, Jeff Beck has twice been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His new studio album, Loud Hailer (the British word for megaphone), combines fluid fretwork with topical lyrics, written with the help of two fierce young females from London: singer Rosie Bones and guitarist Carmen Vandenberg. The intense album opener “The Revolution Will Be Televised” takes up the blurring line between fantasy and reality in the age of drones and violent video games and does not stop there. The songs get political and take hardline stances against conservative politicians, the world’s dependency on oil, and Beck's fears for the children of the world. Loud Hailer doesn't bother with too many references to contemporary music. Like earlier efforts, it's built around that amazing tone and variations on the 12-bar blues. Watch the lyric video for “Live in the Dark."
For an undocumented immigrant, what is the true cost of the American Dream? In her new memoir, My (Underground) American Dream, Julissa Arce examines that question as she tells her inspirational story.
Julissa was 11 when she moved to San Antonio from Mexico, and she learned that she was an undocumented immigrant on the day of her quinceañera. Despite all odds, she excelled in her studies, and in 2005 she became an analyst at Goldman Sachs. Over the next six years, Julissa continued to conquer the corporate ladder, achieving phenomenal success while living in fear because of her secret undocumented status.
Julissa has decided to use her story to fight for immigrant rights and change the national conversation around immigration. In addition to writing her memoir, she is the chairman and co-founder of the Ascend Educational Fund (AEF), a college scholarship and mentorship program for immigrant students in New York City, regardless of their ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status.
Julissa will join us at Jackson Heights Community Library to discuss her memoir, her success as a woman on male-dominated Wall Street, and more with New York State Assemblymember Francisco Moya.
Tickets to this free event—which will be held in English (at 2:00 p.m.) and Spanish (at 3:15 p.m.) on Saturday, September 17—are still available.
Julissa was also kind enough to answer some questions for us before her upcoming event.
What role have libraries played in your life?
I've always loved books, and libraries make books accessible to everyone. If knowledge is power, then libraries are the fuel for that power. However, for the longest time I couldn't borrow a book from a library because you needed a valid I.D., and as an undocumented immigrant I couldn’t get a valid I.D. It was frustrating that something as simple as getting a book from the library was so cumbersome for someone in my situation.
Can you tell us more about the Ascend Educational Fund and how it helps immigrant students?
AEF has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships over the last four years. We believe that, regardless of immigration status, all students deserve access to the same educational and professional opportunities. For many of our students, AEF is their only hope of going to college. I struggled to pay for college, and I promised myself that one day I would create a scholarship fund to help students in my situation. These students have persevered through unimaginable circumstances and we are proud to be able to play a part in their journey.
You were officially sworn in as an American citizen in August 2014—how excited are you to vote in a presidential election for the first time this fall?
I feel incredibly privileged to exercise my right to vote this November. My first vote will be in a critical election for our country. Our next president is going to appoint the ninth Justice of the Supreme Court, so this election will impact generations to come. There are cases on issues ranging from immigration to voting rights that the next justice will help decide.
Immigration has been a heated topic in this year’s presidential campaign. Despite their past statements, what would you like to say to both candidates about immigration reform?
Immigrants cannot continue to be a scapegoat for you. Our country has always been a country of immigrants, and together we make America great. We love and believe in this country so much that we are willing to cross oceans, walk through deserts, and risk our lives to come to America in search of a better future. Immigration reform would not only enrich the lives of immigrants themselves, but it would also enrich our country. Immigration reform would strengthen our economy, create jobs, and make our country more secure.
What are some of your favorite books and who are your favorite authors?
I love Paulo Coelho, C.S. Lewis, Eddie Huang, Sandra Cisneros, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Richard Wright, and Turney Duff. Their writing is so honest and raw—every single one of them has influenced my philosophy and writing. In terms of business books, I swear by The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, How to Win Friends & Influence People, and pretty much anything Malcolm Gladwell writes. One of my newest favorite books is Self Made by Nely Galan.
Despite your immigration status, you achieved so much in your life at such a young age. What are your lessons for success?
1. Focus only on the things you can control.
2. Be strong in your convictions.
3. Be nice to people.
4. Most importantly, do the work, don't take shortcuts.
What advice would you give to other young people who have found themselves in a situation like yours?
Do not give up; your dreams are worth your sacrifice. Do not worry about the million things you cannot control; instead, focus on your education, focus on developing your professional skills, and the rest will fall into place. I will continue to fight for your rights and work tirelessly to even the playing field.
“I have always associated Fridays with libraries,” says Florence Odigie from Arverne. “When I was younger, my mother would take me and my siblings to the Arverne Community Library to check out books for the week. Once I was older, I still continued this tradition and would often visit the library after I got out of school on Friday afternoons.”
When Florence reached tenth grade, she asked if she could volunteer at the Arverne Library. Even though the branch had moved to a cramped trailer due to Hurricane Sandy, she gladly offered her help, following in the footsteps of her sister, who had volunteered at Arverne years earlier.
Later that year, Florence accepted an offer to work as a library page. “To this day, I do not regret that decision,” she says. “What I gained from my two years of working at Arverne is not limited to valuable job experience; it also includes a precious support system and countless words of
wisdom. I previously believed that I would have trouble balancing a job and schoolwork. However, the staff encouraged me and allowed me to work around my school schedule, and understood that my education was worth more than anything to me. I did come to realize that I have the ability to balance a lot of responsibilities successfully.”
“Florence’s pleasant demeanor could always brighten up any customer or staff member’s day,” says
Nicole Gordon, Community Library Manager at Arverne. “Her infectious smile was always inviting, and the children were always drawn to her. No task was ever too big for her and she was always ready and willing to take on more responsibilities. What’s so amazing about her is that she would come in to work only twice a week, but was always able to accomplish so much. When she left for the day, the children’s room always looked like she had waved a magic wand.”
When Florence began to fulfill the promise of her education, she knew she could rely on her library family for help. Staff members—as well as other library customers!—helped her revise her college essay and advised her throughout her college application process. That help paid off in a fantastic way—Florence was accepted at Princeton, Cornell, Harvard, UPenn, and numerous other colleges!
“Without the help of the library’s staff members and patrons, I highly doubt I could have achieved all that I have to this day,” says Florence. “Whenever I had to go to a college interview or visit a college, I always had the utmost support from the staff at Arverne. As I head off to Princeton University, I will always cherish the years I have spent at Arverne Library. The experience I’ve gained from when I was a child to now has definitely enriched my life.”
Thanks to Florence for her dedication—and everyone at Queens Library wishes her good luck this fall!
Photo: Arverne Community Library Manager Nicole Gordon with Florence Odigie.
The multi-award-winning Japanese vocalist TiA will be joining us at Queens Library on Saturday, August 13—get your tickets now!
TiA, who was born in Yokohama, Japan, signed a record contract with Epic Records when she was just 16. Shortly after that, her song “Ryuusei” was featured on the hit anime show Naruto. TiA’s first album received a Gold Disc Award, and her singles have ranked at number 1 six consecutive times on Chaku Uta, a record chart that measures the most cellphone downloads of best-selling digital singles in Japan. Since making her American performing debut in 2014, she has appeared at the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, the Prudential Center, and more. She released her first American track in 2015, and is winning over audiences with her expressive and soulful voice.
TiA graciously answered five quick questions for us before her upcoming concert.
Have you ever visited an American library? And how different are Japanese libraries than the ones in the U.S.?
Yes, I've been to an American library in New York. I like libraries because they are quiet. I can study and concentrate there. There are no huge differences between Japanese libraries and American libraries.
Congratulations on signing a record contract at such a young age! What inspired you to start singing?
Thank you. Actually, my mother was a singer and she taught me how to sing.
How many times have you performed in the United States? And how did it feel to perform at the Apollo Theater?
So many times! I lost count, because I've been performing almost every day since I came here. It was my dream to perform at the Apollo Theater. I’m blessed to have been a part of that historical venue.
Your song “Ryuusei” appears on the anime show Naruto. Are you a fan of anime?
Actually, I'm not a huge fan of anime. But when I got offered Naruto's ending theme, I looked up some episodes and it was really fun to watch!
What can our customers expect at your concert here at Queens Library?
I am going to sing Japanese original songs, some American cover songs, and my U.S. debut single "I'm On My Way." I rarely get the chance to sing my Japanese original songs here in the U.S., so I'm excited to share them with all of you.
TiA took over Queens Library’s Instagram on Wednesday, August 10. Visit instagram.com/queenslibrary to see her posts!
Looking for new music? Look no further than your local Queens Library!
Every month, our expert staff will bring you the best of what's new in our physical and digital collections.
Check out our music recommendations for August 2016!
Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Getaway
Few rock groups of the '80s broke down as many musical barriers and were as original as the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They created an intoxicating new musical style by combining funk and punk rock together (with an explosive stage show to boot). In 2016, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released their 11th studio album, The Getaway. In an attempt to escape the creative quagmire evident on their last several LPs, the band recruited Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton, who produced the record and co-wrote five of its tracks. Unsurprisingly, The Getaway easily stands as the Peppers’ lushest album to date. Watch the video for the song “Dark Necessities."
Craig Morgan, A Whole Lot More to Me
A Whole Lot More to Me is the ninth studio album by American country music artist Craig Morgan. He co-wrote nearly half of the album's 12 tracks and for the first time co-produced the set with recording wiz Byron Gallimore (who worked with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Lee Ann Womack). The album's uplifting first single, "When I'm Gone"—rather incongruously—finds inspiration in mortality. Some of the topics in other songs suggest Morgan's sense of adventure: sushi, caviar, champagne, a Versace suit, and silk ties. Like the title, Morgan proves what an open-minded guy he can be. You can stream the whole album on Freegal.
Brad Mehldau Trio, Blues and Ballads
Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau has recorded and performed extensively since the early 1990s. His trio’s latest album could be considered jazz for the average guy, in contrast to his typical classical music influences and deep technical virtuosity. For example, the trio explores the splendid simplicity of The Beatles "And I Love Her," goes on to Cole Porter's "I Concentrate On You" and Charlie Parker's "Cheryl," and finally closes out with a version of Paul McCartney's "My Valentine." It's a deceptively sweet-sounding set which is absolutely absorbing. Perhaps only a musician of Mehldau’s extraordinary powers of invention can do this consistently and to such intense effect, but it works. Listen to “And I Love Her."
Kevin Gates, Islah
Since releasing his first mixtape in 2007, Baton Rouge rapper Kevin Gates' rise to success has been organic. Following his release from prison in 2011, he doubled down and delivered a steady stream of output. Gates' debut studio album was inspired by his daughter, named Islah, which means “to make better." The album was released with few pushbacks and (even more astonishingly) almost no big-name guest spots or features, suggesting that his no-holds-barred candor is working for him. His best music is rooted strongly in the 2Pac tradition of blunt-force honesty, which gives us every good, bad, and ugly thing he has. Watch Gates perform "2 Phones" and share his story on The Wendy Williams Show.
Paul Simon, Stranger to Stranger
Raised in Queens to first-generation Hungarian-Jewish immigrants, Paul Simon copyrighted his first song, “The Girl for Me,” with Art Garfunkel when he was 14. He has since soared to musical heights with the release of his groundbreaking Graceland album and has worked with musicians all over the world. He was even selected as one of the "100 People Who Shaped the World" by Time magazine in 2006. His latest CD, Stranger to Stranger, is a record that nearly draws together the man’s entire accrued vernacular. It's as inviting, immaculately produced, jokey, and unsettled a record as any he has ever made. Just some stuff in the head of a 74-year-old New Yorker, spun casually into art in that sagely, choirboy, and everyman voice. Watch the video for the first single, “Wristband."
case/lang/veirs, case/lang/veirs
case/lang/veirs is a Canadian-American super-group consisting of k.d. lang, Neko Case, and Laura Veirs. Rather than bring finished songs to the studio, they honored the spirit of collaboration. The result is an album of rare beauty and intelligence, rendered in imaginative arrangements containing sometimes startling harmonies. The most moving moment of an almost faultless album, though, is lang's contribution, “Why Do We Fight?”, where piano, glockenspiel, and a low hum of strings reinforce strummed guitar. While the hooks are mostly vocal-led, producer Tucker Martine and the small band of players color them perfectly. While a collaborative record like this probably won’t yield a follow-up, it’d be a gift if it did. Listen to the track “Atomic Number."
Mike Posner, At Night, Alone.
Until recently, Mike Posner was a bit of a bridesmaid figure of major-label pop, co-writing for Justin Bieber and Maroon 5, but less successful when it came to recording under his own name. But then came “I Took a Pill in Ibiza." Those looking for the same sort of bouncy clubland anthem will not find it on his second album. Instead, it’s an album exclusively optimized for solitude spent immersed in deep thought. The good news is that Posner has one of the most distinctive male voices in pop, and it’s in full force here. Fortunately, the production lets it shine. Watch Posner's acoustic performance of "Be As You Are" for PerezTV.
Neil Young, Earth
Neil Young earned fame both as a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and as a solo artist. Young has always been a strong advocate for environmental issues, which is the basis for Earth, recorded live last year. The 13 songs, culled from earlier material on the subject, are overdubbed with “choral gleam, extra guitar drama, and noisy approval by a peanut gallery of livestock, turkeys, insects, and crows.” But Earth is not really a “live” album at all. For a collection of songs about food awareness, there is very little organic or even natural about it. Credit goes to the thematic consistency of Young’s songwriting, but also to Promise of the Real, his current backing band featuring Willie Nelson’s sons Lukas and Mika. He's made an album worth spending some time with. Watch a video for the opening track “Seed Justice.”
Musiq Soulchild, Life on Earth
The Philadelphia-born Taalib Johnson (aka Musiq Soulchild) grew up in a household that provided him with an education in '70s soul and the likes of D'Angelo and Lauryn Hill. After six albums for Def Soul and Atlantic, in which he refined his style to produce a string of gold and platinum albums, he is now signed to My Block, the boutique label run by Grammy-winning producer Warryn Campbell. Life on Earth is Johnson's first proper album in five years, and his first outside the major-label system. There are no wacky personas, no sharp left turns. It’s simply the soulful R&B that has become the hallmark of his career. Life on Earth doesn’t rewrite Musiq’s playbook and it wasn’t meant to. It’s simply a back-to-basics album from an artist who has been away from home much too long. Watch the video for the track “I Do.”
American Authors, What We Live For
The American Authors formed while at school in Boston in 2006, but dropped out and relocated to Brooklyn in 2010. On their sophomore album, they play a variety of characters throughout their tracks. They travel with gypsies by way of thick folk vibes (complete with plenty of tambourine action), and paint pictures of desert campfires. They take the stage in a swanky jazz lounge, and then a stage made of crates with a two-stepping crowd. The title track, written by Captain Cuts, sets the tone with the first of many singalong choruses, a solid pick for fans of passionate, radio-ready, summertime spirit. Watch the video.
“Dreams Start Here” is the theme of our upcoming 2016 Autumn Gala, and I welcome you to join us and help support the Queens Library programs and services that encourage our children and teens to achieve their dreams.
For many of our customers, the dream of a better life begins at Queens Library. This is especially true for the youngest members of our community. Whether it’s early childhood programs like Universal Pre-K and our Toddler Learning Centers, daily science and technology activities at our Children’s Library and Discovery Center, or the help provided at our STACKS afterschool programs and Teen Spaces, our community libraries help thousands of young people realize their dreams every day.
As President and CEO, I’ve decided to get the ball rolling for this year’s Gala. I’ve personally purchased the first table’s worth of tickets. I believe that it’s as important for me to give back to the Library as it is to ask our community for their support. We can all do our part to help build the life-changing programs that Queens Library provides.
The Autumn Gala will kick off our fall fundraising season. We’re very privileged to be recognizing the Honorable David N. Dinkins, the 106th Mayor of New York; Husam Ahmad, Chairman and CEO of HAKS; and Plaxall as our Gala honorees.
Of course, not everyone needs to buy tickets to a special event to help the Library. Every level of support is welcome and appreciated. When we join together to donate to Queens Library and to help fund the programs that fulfill the dreams of our children and young people, we make a lifelong impact on the future of our community.
You can learn more about the 2016 Autumn Gala and other ways you can give to Queens Library by visiting queenslibrarygala.org. I thank you for your support.
Dennis
We’re very happy to welcome the multi-talented Alton Fitzgerald White to Queens Library! A versatile singer, actor, and dancer, Alton has starred in several Broadway hits, including The Lion King, The Color Purple, Ragtime, Miss Saigon, and more. He has performed in concerts around the world and will sing selections from his critically acclaimed album, Disney: My Way!, at his sold-out Central Library show on July 25. Alton will also autograph CDs after his performance. (There will be a standby line for free seats in case of no-shows.)
Alton was kind enough to answer some questions for us about his historic run on Broadway, his many artistic interests, and more.
What role have libraries played in your life?
The library was the most important place to me growing up. I would go to my local library as a child to see the special shows and cartoons playing there, and I’ve always loved to read. Before computers and the internet, libraries were everything; they were the best way to access information and knowledge.
Last year, you ended your legendary run as Mufasa in The Lion King after 4,308 performances! That’s an incredible accomplishment! How did you keep the character new and exciting for you while performing it so many times?
The number one way was gratitude—gratitude for being a working actor! Being in such a successful show and playing such a great character gave me plenty of motivation. But as an actor, whether it’s community theater, regional theater, or the absolute pinnacle of Broadway, it all comes back to being able to work and having gratitude for that.
On Disney: My Way!, you perform a collection of classic Disney songs. What inspired that project?
I was at the point in my career where I wanted to do a theatrical CD, and I didn’t want to use the same songs everyone else does. Around that time, Disney asked me to perform on one of their cruises, and put together a lineup of songs for me from their Broadway shows. It was a wonderful experience, especially singing songs that were originally written for women performers. I had a grown man come up to me with tears in his eyes because he never imagined that a man could sing “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins! So I decided that I really wanted to do a CD of Disney songs, and I contacted Thomas Schumacher, the president of Disney Theatrical Group, who gave me access to their entire catalog. I put my own money into the CD, and paid the licensing rights for the songs I chose. It’s the project in my career that I’m most proud of, and I’m honored that Disney let me put their name on it!
You’ve had a very full career, appearing on Broadway, on television, and in film, singing all over the world, and even doing voiceover work. Is there one kind of performing that you enjoy the most? And are there any other kinds of artistic work you want to try in the future?
I enjoy singing as myself. After playing so many strong characters during my career, singing songs as myself, without any bells and whistles, in an intimate setting like a cabaret or a nightclub, is very liberating. I’m finishing my first book at the moment, and I’m really looking forward to releasing it! I’d like to expand my film and television career. I’m also developing musical theater master classes, creative workshops, and speaking engagements. I’m most interested in sharing my voice, talents, advice, and motivation, in every medium.
What can our customers expect at your sold-out concert at Central Library?
A lot of fun! I hope they’ll sit back, relax, and enjoy the songs. I’m excited about the Q & A part of the show, where I can share stories about the songs I’m performing, answer questions from the audience, and satisfy curiosities.
What career advice do you have for aspiring Broadway actors?
The most important thing is to work on your personal discipline. You can have all the looks in the world, all the talent, but without the right attitude, you won’t be able to sustain the opportunities that come your way.
What are some of your favorite books and authors? And what are you reading at the moment?
Anything by Malcolm Gladwell—Outliers is a phenomenal book. I’m currently re-reading The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck. I really enjoy motivational books, because no matter how far you go, you need to be reminded of what you’ve learned. Life is constantly changing, and motivational books can help you maintain your personal foundation of hope, gratitude, faith, and trust.