Nadirah Shakoor: On Family, Her New Film, and Almost Singing with Yanni.

Nadirah Shakoor is best known as a Grammy nominated singer and songwriter, former member of Arrested Development, current member of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, as well as her own group, Outside Art. She is also a social activist, mentor, and performer - with her own entertainment company, Muziki Kianga (A Musical Burst of Light), dedicated to "spiritually conscious and life affirming music". Now you can add Film Maker to her resume.


Nadirah recently answered some questions about her new Documentary, "Bullying: A Shameful Dilemma", as well as life as a Coral Reefer and how she got to where she is now...



Most people know you from the Coral Reefer Band. But, your musical career started well before that: you were a member of the Grammy winning group Arrested Development, have toured with Madonna, Al Jarreau, Janet Jackson, Quincy Jones, and others…and have several solo albums out. When did you first figure out you could sing – and when did you decide that’s what you wanted to do for a living?

"I come from a family of singers and musicians. My father was always in one singing group or another and they would often rehearse in our living room. When I was just a few years old my father taught me how to harmonize. When I was 9 he started bringing 45’s of songs for me to learn. I remember the first one was Alfie by Dianne Warwick."


How did you hook up with Arrested Development?

"My brothers, Rasheed, Omar, and I had a musical project at the time called 'Shakoor' (which means Thankful or Greatful). We were similar to Arrested Development in that we dressed in African style, wrote socially concious lyrics, and I sang while my brothers rapped. During that time we lost our father and the group was put on hold (note: Nadirah's father was an innocent bystander caught in the middle of a drive-by shooting near their home in South Central Los Angeles). One day I saw Arrested Development’s 'Tennessee' video, I was very moved and drawn to their music and mission. I felt an almost overwhelming need to be a part of it. I wrote them letters and sent music until they responded, then went to see them when they came through Los Angeles on tour. I ended up auditioning right in the catering room and two weeks later I was in Atlanta rehearsing with Arrested Development to do Saturday Night Live!"


Of all the famous people you’ve toured with in the past (not counting Jimmy Buffett) who was your favorite and why ?

"I would have to say Arrested Development for a number of reasons, the first being timing as they came at a very emotional period of loss in my life. When I saw that first show I cried when African music started and Taree walked on stage with a big Carmen Miranda like hat of fruit on her head. I loved the songs and being part of a movement. I also liked being able to work bare footed, which I still do today. We traveled much of the world and even performed for Nelson Mandela in South Africa in the first year after the abolishment of apartheid. It was wonderful experience and just what I needed at the time. I will be forever greatful for the opportunity."


You have four solo albums and some singles out that cover a wide spectrum of music – from soul, to house music, to your most recent, “Nod To The Storyteller”, which includes covers of Jimmy Buffett songs. Tell me about each of those.

"My first CD 'NadirahSongs' is actually a compilation of R&B songs I’d collaborated with different producers on over the years, most of them were demos. I released it myself."


T"hen came 'Soul Power', which was more hip-hop meets R& B, produced by Arrested Development’s leader Speech. It was released in Japan only. "

"I always loved ‘House music’, in fact, as a teen ager I used to sneak in House Music clubs with a fake ID to dance. The lyrics are often Spiritually uplifting and life-affirming and I was inspired to write in the House Music style. Like hip-hop, it allowed more freedom than the R&B of the day. I could mention God or sing of serious life issues without limitation. This suited me since I was taught and believe with all my heart that I should strive to use my talents to contribute something helpful and meaningful to the world. Thus my 3rd CD 'Obsessed With Peace'. It was also released independently."

"As for "'Nod To The Storyteller', one night at a party in Boston Jimmy said to me, 'Nadirah you should do an album of some of my songs!' and 'Nod' was born!


And, as all Parrot Heads know, you’ve been with Jimmy since 1995...

"When Arrested Development disbanded I found myself re-located to Atlanta with my son, a mortgage, and no income. So, I made calls to contacts I had in Los Angeles and was presented with three tour opportunities. Yanni needed a singer and offered the most pay (double JB’s offer) but his entire show was instrumental except for one song that would feature me. I would have been bored to death so I had to turn it down. The second offer was Spearhead, a hiphop group similar to Arrested Development that had in fact been on several shows with us (my note: Michael Franti & Spearhead have had several recent hits, including "Say Hey, I Love You'). I liked their music and their social statement but it was only a temporary 'gig' and I needed something with more job stability. The third possibility was Jimmy Buffett. I was not familiar with Jimmy at the time but for some reason his name just sounded like a jazz singer's. I had worked with Al Jarreau so I felt up to the challenge and the money was cool. When the music arrived for me to study it included a lot of his older music which to me sounded very country and made me nervous. I remembered hearing 'Why Don’t We Get Drunk and Screw' on the radio a couple weeks earlier and thinking, 'Wow! they will put anything on the radio!' Here I was an African American woman, raised in Islam, with dreadlocks, two rings in my nose and a burning desire to uplift the world's conciousness through music. To be totally honest, I just didn’t see how I could fit in or be accepted by a group of southern, white, 'country' musicians. I started crying and called my mother to tell her it was not jazz but country and I didn’t think I could do it! She reminded me that I needed a job (as mother’s will). In the midst of my dilemma Amy Lee called me. She and I both lived in Atlanta and she wanted to welcome me aboard. She answered my questions and helped to ease some of my fear and anxiety. When I went to the first rehearsal and heard the music I realized Jimmy’s sound had evolved to a lovely combination of Carribean, Folk, Soft Rock and Pop with a hint of his Country roots. I was relieved and I was warmly received. The rest is history! I have learned so much in this last sixten years about people, carribean culture, work ethic, performance, the music business, and so much more. I would not trade it for the world and intend to be a Coral Reefers for as long as Jimmy wants me to be. I feel very blessed to work with such great musicians and great people. I consider each and every one of them a friend, my road family." 


Jimmy seems to be very generous with the spot light and often gives you an opportunity to step out front and “solo”...

"Actually we are all full band members each with our own special contribution. I was hired as a 'featured' back up vocalist in fact my first few shows I was placed center stage next to Jimmy. He has been very generous featuring me as well as the other Coral Reefers and I am very greatful. He not only allows us to pursue our own musical agendas but he encourages and supports us in our efforts as well".


You were gracious to invite me to your birthday party last year at your home outside Atlanta, and I met several of your family members there. You all seemed very close. How important is family in your life?

"Family is extremely important and yes, we are very close. I have all the responsibilities that come with being the oldest sibling with the most education, a good job, and a decent career. I have relied on my family to take care of my son while I’m on the road. I couldn’t have come this far without their love and support."


Speaking of family, you and your brother Rasheed have a band together, Outside Art.

"A little know fact is that the original 'Outside Art' consisted of Heather Perry, guitarist Paul Pesco, and I. That group didn’t pan out but I liked the name - which represents great art that is not necessarily main stream - so I kept it. My brother/drummer, Rasheed, and I put the new Outside Art together and were already doing live House Music in the clubs. After recording Nod to the Story Teller we added the music to our repetoire in order to help promote it."


How do you cope with all the travelling and “suitcase lifestyle” of being in a band? 

"I have been doing the road thing since 1984 so I am quite used to it. I love being able to travel to different parts of the world and meet new people. It is a blessing and a priviledge that I don’t take for granted. Of course there are times I miss my family and being home but there are also those times when I have been home a while and can hardly wait to get back on the road! It’s the life I have chosen - or maybe it chose me. In either case I am greatful and happy with this life of mine."


Guitarists have to keep their strings clean, horn players change their reeds, drummers buy new sticks...Your voice is your instrument: What do you do to keep it strong and healthy? 

"As a singer and performer my whole body is my instrument. Good health is essential in order to do my job. I juice organic vegetables and fruits, I work out, and I swear by Emergen-C. The proper amount of rest is also very important for a singer, I function best on 8 hrs of sleep and try to get my 8 every night, especially when on the road. As a writer it is important to I keep my Spirit nourished. I do this with prayer, meditatation, chanting, journaling, and sharing my life with interesting people of like mind."



Like Jim Mayer, your band-mate in the Coral Reefers, you are also very involved with anti-bullying efforts. You have a just completed documentary that you are screening in Atlanta... 

"The fact that both Jim and I are both working to shed light and find remedies for the issue of bullying is purely coincidental although not surprising. “Uncle” Jim loves children and has dedicated much of his talent to making meaningful music for children of all ages. He invited me to sing on his CDs as 'The Funky Diva' and I am proud to be included in such fine work. We haven’t discussed our individual anti-bullying efforts yet but I know Jim has been doing a lot of school concerts for the past few years which may have prompted him to do something about the problem in our schools.Fortunately I never had to deal with bullying as a child but my ex-husband tried to bully me into submission until we divorced. It turned out that he grew up a victim of bullying and, untreated, became a bully himself. It is a problem that has reached epidemic proportions especially amongst school age children and in the schools themselves. In recent years I have felt a pull to do more for my community so I began speaking and sharing my music at some public and charter schools.

In October 2010, I met a woman at an Outside Art concert, Lauretta Ali, who was working on a stage play about the life and music of Billie Holiday. She told me that the way I like to leave the stage and get closer to the audience reminded her of Billie Holiday, who was known for doing the same thing at alll her shows. She asked if I would be interested in playing the part of Ms. Holiday in her play. Later she shared with me another project dear to her heart, a documentary about bullying. I knew the Universe was presenting me with what I asked for and I jumped on board. I started researching and discovered cyber bullying and that children are committing suicide as a result of being bullied! I also learned that being bullied or bullying as a child has far reaching consequences into adulthood.  The film – 'Bullying: A Shameful Dilemma', is a series of poignant interviews with both children and adults. Some were guilty of bullying and some who have been victimized by bullies. They each share their experiences and the impact on their lives today. We ask the questions: What makes one person a bully and another a victim? What can we do? What can the schools and parents do, etc. Our mission is to inspire others to not only discuss the issue but to work together to find solutions. I am excited to be part of what I consider something very important."



I look forward to it - and to seeing you there!

"Fred, I must say that I feel and appreciate all the support you have given me. I thank you neighbor and look forward to doing more together in the future. In the meantime be blessed and happy.

On Wednesday, March 30th, Nadirah will screen her brand new documentary film, "Bullying: A Shameful Dilemma" at the Wonderroot Community Arts Center in Atlanta. The film will be followed by a discussion and live music. Tickets are only $5.

http://www.wonderroot.org/

http://www.nadirahshakoor.com/

http://www.debgrishamentertainment.com/

Kelly McGuire: on House Concerts, Trop Rock, and Fishing for Songs.

In an earlier blog I offered up the ABC's of "House Concerts" - a popular way for artists to connect with their audience in an informal and intimate setting. One of the most avid supporters of House Concerts is singer/songwriter Kelly McGuire.

Although Kelly is widely known as a Texas troubadour, his story actually begins in Missouri. A self described "shy and inhibited" guy, he grew up with a guitar playing dad who taught him his first chords. Kelly also played accordion and clarinet as a kid, but his first real taste of the spotlight came in the early 70's, when he sang The Drifters' "This Magic Moment" in the cafeteria his junior year of High School, surprising classmates who didn't know he could sing. A leading role in the Senior Spring musical (as King Arthur in Camelot), then a stint in a friend's band followed until, finally, Kelly landed a gig that would last almost fifteen years - playing solo for a pizza chain called Shot Gun Sam's, with locations in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. It was during one of those five night a week performances that Kelly decided to make the Lone Star state his home, moving to Dallas in 1979.

While playing in Houston- this time at a rib place named Tony Roma's - Kelly drove drove through the Clear Lake Area on the Coast, known as the "Yachting Capitol of Texas". As Kelly puts it, "I drove back to Dallas, packed my bags and moved!" Already an avid sailor, he bought a live-aboard boat, landed a job as a yacht broker and sailing instructor, and moved there full time. Eventually, the grind of playing other peoples' songs 4-5 nights a week started to weight on Kelly and, in the early 90's, he put down his guitar for a year. He only decided to pick it back up after deciding he was going to write his own material - the first of which became the songs on his debut cd, Redfish Island, in 2000. Club Blonde followed in 2002, then - what many consider his signature cd, Boat In Belize (which won the Texas Music Award's Album of the Year), six years later. This year, McGuire released his fifth cd (a live album came out in 2009), King of The Island. Along the way, Kelly also spent time as a jingle writer, and has won numerous other awards, including "Indie Entertainer of the Year" from the Country Music Association of Texas.

After almost 30 years of playing - over 20 of those in bars and nightclubs - McGuire and his band now spend about half of their time playing corporate events and private parties and the rest perfoming at House Concerts around the country. I had a chance to speak to Kelly just before he travelled to Atlanta, Georgia for his first House Concert there.


Let's talk about House Concerts first, Kelly. You do alot of them. What is it you like so much about them?

"Corporate events are great - and we're happy to do them. They want cover songs, but they pay us well to do that. Bars were a great learning experience for me, and I made my living there for a LONG time. But, they're also meant for cover songs and often you're basically background noise. They're not set up, for the most part, to be a great listening environment. Once you start writing and performing your own material, you want people to hear your songs, your lyrics, and a House Concert is the best place for that. They are meant to be a place where people can come listen to an artist perform their songs, and tell you about the stories that went in to writing them. I did my first one - In Key West during Meeting of the Minds - back in 2002. I didn't even know they existed! Right now I probably do about 30 of them a year, all over the country - sometimes just me, sometimes with my band - and sometimes with other artists, guys like Mark Mulligan and Gary Seiler. "


The term 'House Concert' can be a misnomer, because they're not all held in someone's house. Tell em about some of the more interesting "House Concerts" you've played.

"Oh yeah, a House Concert can be held just about anywhere, as long as the environment is right. The biggest was one we did for about three years in Arizona. It was outside of a barn - up on a trailer that would be decorated with hay bales and things. There would be 150 people there, sitting on blankets and chairs. It was great. Another one, in San Diego, had 100 people. But, it's not about the numbers. Most House Concerts are between 30-60 people. And I enjoy that as much as playing for 3000, maybe even more. Because those 30-60 people are there to LISTEN to my songs."


What can people expect to hear from you at a House Concert?

"It really depends on the place. Each House Concert is unique and different. You can come see me at five different places and you'll never see the same show twice. I don't have a set list - haven't in fifteen years. And I keep adding new material, so there are always new songs to play. I can remember when I didn't have thirty minutes of original songs to play, let alone two hours! Plus, the audiences at each one are different, what we TALK about is different. Usually, I tell folks about the stories behind the songs. But, at a recent one, the audience wanted to talk about the music business. So, we did.   "


How do you feel about the term "Trop Rock"?

Well, I appreciate it because it's describes that particular niche - right away you know what you're talking about. There are going to be songs about boats and beaches, and I do alot of that material. It's where I started, writing about what I knew living on the water. But, I write songs about alot of subjects. Some of my songs are country, some more folk, reggae, rock. My main influence, like so many people like me, was Jimmy Buffett, no doubt. But, also the songwriters and groups I was listening to in the 70's - the Eagles, Jim Croce, James Taylor. Lots of people. I look at it like this: we are the legacy of Jimmy Buffett. To most of us, he was (is) a huge hero. You can only write so many songs about tiki bars and getting drunk, though, so you have to expand out. . 'Boat in Belize' was thematic. I had more songs for that album but they didn't fit with the material. So, I saved them for the new album, which has a variety of stuff on it and, so far, people seem to really like. I consider myself a songwriter who does some Trop Rock."


I don't want to go into the stories behind your songs - although there are alot of great ones I'd personally like to know about (like "Great Bicycle Disaster"). I'll leave those stories for people to hear when they attend a House Concert with you. But, I do want to ask about your songwriting process.

"It's kinda like fishing. You throw your line out and nothing happens, sometimes for a long time. Then, one day, you throw your line out and WHAM! That was the day for that song. One of my newest songs, "Woman Behind The Wheel", I had the title and the idea for seven years. One day, I was going through my notes and it just happened. When they're ready to be written, they come out. Like fishing, you have to be patient."

www.redfishisland.com

www.kellymcguire.net

email :  Kelly@redfishisland.com

For Booking: 281-332-8595

Some source info for this post from:

http://margaritamafia.com/margaritamafia/

www.billypeoples.com

DJ Jeff Allen: Trop Rock Tastemaker

According to Mapquest, it’s approximately 2700 miles from Western Pennsylvania to the coast of California. So, how did a one-time restaurant manager turned dj make the trip and wind up one of the most respected  voices in Trop Rock - and one half of the most successful Trop Rock internet radio network in the world? I posed that question and more to Jeff Allen, aka “DJ Jeff”, over the course of a couple of bi-coastal phone calls.

As a fellow dj, I know how I got into it - I wanted to be the guy throwing the party (and it paid pretty well). How did you get into dj’ing?

“I was living in York, Pennsylvania  in the early 80’s – had been working in the restaurant business since high school. I figured that’s what I was going to do for the rest of my life. On my nights off, I’d go to watch a buddy spin records at a local dance club. Whenever my friend would go off to talk to women – which, lucky for me, was pretty often – he’d let me step in and take over the turntables. I really liked it, became a student. I started out going to other clubs to listen and learn from other dj’s. Before long, I was spinning at clubs around the area. Pretty soon I also had a mobile dj business going, playing weddings and other events down as far as Maryland. It wound up being an almost thirty year career”

When did you first hearing Trop Rock?

“In 1998 I helped start the Amish Parrot Head Club in Pennsylvania. So, I was very familiar with Jimmy Buffett, and Dennis McCaughey and Tropical Soul were in the area (and still are). Before long, I started hearing from club members about these other artists, people I had never heard of before.  I’d be dj’ing at a club party and they would request songs … One of the first “Trop Rock” artists I remember hearing was Jim Morris, when a guy gave me some cds for a wedding. The first person I remember seeing live was Scott Kirby – when he came to play an event in our area, then, later, John Frinzi and Peter Mayer.”

How did the Amish Beach Party come about?

“I was always interested in radio, learned a lot from listening to the dj’s but  –  although I did some radio sales – I had never been on the air. Then, around 2000, Radio Margaritaville’s Program Director Steve Huntington started inviting listeners to submit their own home made shows to run each week on the station. Back then, the technology wasn’t there for me to do it live from my house, so I would record these one hour CDs and send them to Steve. I needed a name, so I took part of our name from the Parrot Head Club and came up with the Amish Beach Party. That lasted about three years, until Radio Margaritaville started airing on Sirius and they put a stop to guest dj’s. About that same time, I had some health issues that forced me out of the restaurant business. So, I was looking for something else to do. I got serious about the Amish Beach Party – which, thanks to improved technology, I could now do as a live show - found a home at Radio Jimmy Dreamz on the Live 365 Network. I was there for almost 5 years.”

How did you get from Amish Beach Party on Live 365, to starting your own network and hosting shows yourself?

“I learned a lot doing my show on Radio Jimmydreamz, and the technology had gotten better and better. So, I started thinking I could ‘go bigger’, start my own internet radio network for Parrot Heads. I had a passion for it and felt there was a niche for a professionally run, well marketed radio station focused on Trop Rock. In March of 2009, I was approached by Bill and Trace from Meet The Phlockers about working with them to put something together. I really owe them a lot, because they helped me – gave me the platform - to step out. The result of that partnership was Sandbar Radio, with me as the Program Director and Amish Beach Party as one of the anchor shows. The next logical step for me, then, was to start my very own network, which I did in early 2010.  I put together a business plan, found some investors and, that’s how we got to where we are now, BeachFront Radio (http://www.beachfrontradio.com/home.cfm). And it really just came out of trying to create a job for myself seven years earlier ”

That’s not EXACTLY where you are now, because BeachFront Radio – like the Amish Beach Party - began its life in Pennsylvania. But, you’re now broadcasting from the Channel Islands in California. That’s not just another exit down I-81. How did you get from the right coast to the left?

“That would be Captain Cali! Carol, aka Captain Cali, is the other half of Beachfront Radio. She was my friend and business partner first. But, before long, it became more than just a working relationship. Anybody who has ever tried a long distance romance knows how difficult THAT can be. Imagine trying to do it – and trying to run a business at the same time – from completely opposite ends of the country!  So, in January of this year I decided to move out to be with Carol. The nice thing about internet radio is that, as long as you have computer, you can do it anywhere! So, now the ‘Amish’ Beach Party comes to you from California.”

You were telling me a funny story about how the BeachFront Radio “Dance Party” show came out of your move to California…

“Yeah! I had just moved out there with Captain Cali and we were working in one room, turning it into a studio for BeachFront Radio. We were broadcasting, but it was pretty late on a Friday night, so we figured there were probably not as many people listening as there would be during the week. I started throwing in some different songs – some dance tunes - really just for ‘music to hang pictures by’. It didn’t take long before we started seeing a response and people seemed to love it!”

When you said you “saw a response” what do you mean?

“You’re a long time radio dj, so you know that – before Facebook and Twitter - when you would play music over the air you didn’t get to SEE people responding, unlike in a dance club or a mobile gig, where people get out on the dance floor (or don’t). But, technology has changed all that. Now we can get an almost immediate response - It has become very interactive. People can request things and tell us when they hear something they like. We have a VERY active audience that is constantly giving us feedback. That night, we were blown away by the number of posts saying they were really enjoying what we were playing. Our focus will always be on Trop Rock but, because of that night we’re going to keep it up – doing a ‘Friday night dance party’ at least once a month!”

In addition to being a well known dj and world wide radio show host, you’re also one of the most vocal and well respected supporters of Trop Rock music. Where do you see the genre going?

I’m amazed at what is going on in Trop Rock. When I first got involved  - outside of Jimmy, there weren’t that many artists doing that type of material. Now there are HUNDREDS of acts. On one end you have people like Kenny Chesney and Jack Johnson reaching a huge audience. Right under them is a long list of artists, people that we play on BeachFront Radio but that just haven’t had that big radio hit to cross them over. The quality is improving and there’s more and more good material. You have guys who have been around a while, who are writing hits for the groups of tomorrow and you have a younger generation that’s just starting out that has some real commercial potential. It’s ever evolving. I’m very excited about the future. But, it would never have happened without Parrot Head Clubs.”

Here’s a question that always seems to stir up debate: Jimmy is obviously the king. But, eventually, he’s going to stop touring (or ticket prices are going to get so high that most people won’t be able to afford to go). Who do you see as stepping into his shoes when that happens?

”I don’t know. There are some great live acts out there, like Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24. Look at the Grateful Dead when they stopped touring. The fans didn’t go away, they just went to see bands like Phish. When Jimmy stops touring, someone will step up – I’m not sure who it is yet…”

One of the great things about BeachFront Radio is that it travels – people can see you live. You and Captain Cali are on the road a lot, broadcasting from events all over the country.

“I love that. BeachFront on the road…we’re out at least once a month. First and foremost, it’s great catching up with the Beach Bums, as we call our regular listeners to BeachFront radio. And, secondly, getting to work with all the great Trop Rock artists out there.”

What are some of your favorite events to attend?

That’s hard, there are so many great events and so many great host clubs. The Parrothead Rendezvous in Panama City, FL is a favorite for personal reasons – that’s where I first met Captain Cali. Meeting of the Minds because of its history. We did a Halloween party in Ft. Meyers before MOTM that was a blast – people have asked us to do it again his year. … And this will be my first time going to Fins To The West. I’m very excited about that.”

What’s next for Beachfront Radio?

“We’re having a blast with our two shows – The Amish Beach Party and Pyrates Behaving Badly on Tuesday night, hosted by Cheeto Gyrl and Capt Cali. We’ve got some new shows in development to launch in 2011 – can’t give away too much info! We also want to keep growing the audience and finding new converts to Trop Rock. In person or in your head, Trop Rock puts you in a good mood. It’s just happy music.”  

http://www.beachfrontradio.com/home.cfm