Stevie Wonder, Adam Thomas "You And I" + Chris Cendana

July 5, 2010

Spotlight: Stevie Wonder

My (Own) Track of the Week: You And I

Ready To Pop: Chris Cendana

Spotlight: Stevie Wonder

Stevie makes me never want to sing again!

Billy Joel, Prince, Babyface, Harry Connick Jr. and Boyz II Men have all played a huge part in my musical development but there is one that stands out above all others: the one man who has inspired me the most and who makes me never want to sing again... Stevie Wonder.

The man is a freak!

In the best kind of way! Stevie Wonder is a once in a lifetime musician, song writer, singer and humanitarian and his endless awards, number one hits, Grammys, etc are not something I could go into even if I tried: it would be the Encyclopedia of Stevie Wonder rather than a blog by little old me!

Instead, I want to reintroduce or familiarise you with the masterful works of Stevie Wonder and what they mean to me! // READ MORE //

My (Own) Track of the Week

As I'm on the subject of Stevie Wonder, I thought I'd share with you my more laid-back version of 'You And I.' I have performed this track a few times at Weddings as a First Dance and it always creates a magical moment for the special couple and is a truly lovely song with great sentiment. // READ MORE //

Ready To Pop: Chris Cendana

Chris Cendana is a relative unknown to most in the UK but is a rising star on the world wide web with an incredible amount of views on YouTube and his own website. Chris just needs that final push over the top to move him into the blinding limelight and give his numerous talents the reward I believe he deserves.

You see, as an artist, I need to see that having talent and a hard work ethic does pay off for those that have them in abundance. I need to watch Chris go from a relative unknown to being the next big thing... or if not that then at least supporting big name acts and signed to a small indie label who will nurture him through to his niche audience. // READ MORE //

About Adam Thomas...

I am a Swing & Soul Singer based in Leicester, UK. I have been performing professionally for 10 years. I sing Soul and Jazz music. I am reinventing Northern Soul for the modern age. I'm a musical interpreter. Follow me @iamadamthomas

If you have any Music Monday suggestions then please let me know about them and I'll spread the word! HAPPY MONDAY!

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// MUSIC MONDAY // Sam & Dave, Adam Thomas "Ordinary People" + Mayer Hawthorne

June 7, 2010

Spotlight: Sam & Dave

My (Own) Track of the Week: Ordinary People

Ready To Pop: Mayer Hawthorne

Spotlight: Sam & Dave

The greatest live act ever. FACT.

The reason Sam & Dave are one of my Spotlight Choices is their unbelievable live act. The best live act ever, in my opinion. Sure Michael Jackson, Prince, Elton John and Lady Gaga fans might have something to say about that but they all have/had endless show budgets to play with that would allow for them to create a wonderful, fantasy environment to accompany the messege in their songs. Sam & Dave had a stage with little, if any, lighting, smoke filled rooms that can only be likened to working mens clubs and absolutely terrible acoustics. Did it matter? Good God no! // READ MORE //

My (Own) Track of the Week

Ordinary People by adamTHOMAS

I love the honesty of this track: it's not a love song, it's not a goodbye song it's just someone admitting the flaws in their relationship and the fact that they are just ordinary people who aren't perfect and I think that has a strong resonance with so many people. It's a soulful ballad and, although not the best lyrics for a wedding, for some couples it represents the fact that they've made it work. Everyone loves a success story don't they!? I think music is about a feeling so you should choose a song that gives you a special tingle for your wedding song rather than caring about the lyrics.

Ready To Pop: Mayer Hawthorne

Mayer Hawthorne grew up in Michigan, near Detroit, a city he describes as rich in music tradition and high on the list of influences in his choice of a musical career.

A Strange Arrangement is his debut album released last year without ever really making the commercial splash it should have (the same can be said about Jamie Lidell's Soul Fest, 'Jim' - what's wrong with some people!!) It is only recently that I was switched on to him after a quick look on YouTube at the video for the fantastic single ‘The Ills’, a piece of rip-roaring, almost break-beat, soul. // READ MORE //

About Me...

I'm Adam Thomas, a Swing & Soul Singer from Leicester, UK. I've been performing professionally for 10 years singing Soul and Jazz music. I'm a musical interpreter and currently reinventing Northern Soul for the modern age. Follow me on Twitter @iamadamthomas

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Music Monday

April 26, 2010

Spotlight:

Michael Bolton

Although I cannot even remember the first time I heard Michael Bolton sing, it would most certainly have been with my Mum blaring the album out very loudly over the car stereo as she continued her obsession with long haired singers of the time: Jon Bon Jovi, Marti Pellow and, of course, Mr Bolton.

I do, however, remember the first time I tried to sing (sorry, scream) along to the ‘Time, Love & Tenderness’ album at my Dad’s house. It didn’t go too well and I'm pretty sure that blood vessels were burst that night!! But, despite my distain for a man with a sickening four octave range, I was completely hooked by his powerful mix of rock with soul/pop undertones and... read more

My (Own) Track of the Week:

Over My Shoulder

I've always wanted to record this track as it is one of my favourite Mike & The Mechanics songs, with the wonderful soul tones of Paul Carrick. Have a listen, I hope you enjoy it. :)

Ready To Pop:

Industry

Now, I must be honest here, I’m a little bit biased in my support for these guys! You see, despite the fact that they’re great (and I would have supported them anyway), I performed with Michele McGrath in quite a few shows before she hit the big time and we are actually very good buddies... read more

Back Beat:

Conner Reeves

Every month I delve back into my past and try to dig out some of the artists who have really inspired me and who I tried to emulate (or as I say ‘nick bits from’): Conner Reeves is 100% one of those artists!

Connor Reeves is quite possibly the best unknown soul voice of his generation. The boy is a pitch perfect, song-writing, soul-tinged pop vocalist with simply too much talent.

Unfortunately he is the perfect example that endless talent doesn't always get you to the top of the music industry tree and that, in fact, talent almost comes secondary nowadays... read more

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