Journeys have been made, songs sung, meetings had, and turkey eaten (amongst other goodies), but though the first holiday of this season is behind us, I'd like to give some thanks to start this entry off:
First, my deepest thanks to my family, friends (including new friends I've made here), label, managers, agents, publicists, journalists, band, stylists, street teams, etc. for the ongoing support of my career and album. I could not, and can not do it without you, and my love and appreciation are boundless. As "This Much Is True:" continues to garner attention and praise (for which I'm also thankful), it's truly a shared success, as this is a communal effort. The saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes an army to make an album, and I'm so grateful for mine, so thank you.
That said, I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving (or long weekend)! I spent mine with my incredible family in Minnesota (that's our backyard at dusk pictured above), and though it was a bit cold, it was exactly the rest and recharge I needed before getting back into the groove this month. I'll tell all you about it, but since it's been a minute, let's catch up. With pleasure, I present to you the Holiday Edition, Vol. 1, with extra stuffing and second helpings:
In the past two months, I've been in Chicago three times (with more trips to come), but by far my last visit home was the most fun. From the moment I arrived, it was non-stop parties, performances and publicity. A whirlwind, but I had an absolute ball, and can't wait to go back!
If you, like me, were glued to CNN during this historic presidential election, you no doubt became very familiar with the highly outspoken, always provocative Roland Martin. Well, Roland happened to be celebrating his 40th birthday on the night of my arrival, and I was there! It was a fabulous party, filled with a who's who of Chicago society and personalities. Aside from partying with Roland, the highlight of my evening was meeting legendary DJ Herb Kent, aka "The Cool Gent", who's been spinning for over 60 years (meaning he can count three generations of my family among his listeners) and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
The next morning, I taped an acoustic performance for WGN America, which included my own version of "Winter Wonderland", and will air nationally during the 8a.m. hour on December 9th (check out www.wgnamerica.com to find out where to watch in your area), before heading over to the studios of radio stations V103 & WGCI, to introduce more DJs and execs to my music. While there, I also sat down with Live Nation, the largest producer of concerts in the world, who will hopefully be helpful in bringing me to more cities soon (as many of you have requested)!
My last day in Chicago was extra special, as I made my first college appearance at Chicago State University, followed by an intimate performance at the offices of Jet Magazine, which overlook Grant Park, site of Obama's acceptance speech. Both audiences were incredibly receptive, and it was a pleasure to perform for them, but being in Chicago, which is known for great jazz and blues, it would've been shameful if I didn't attend at least one performance in my travels there. I got my chance when we hit the Jazz Showcase and caught the incredible Dee Alexander, who not only gave me chills, but reminded me exactly why I do what I do. What an inspiration!
I wasn't even back in New York a week before I was off to Minnesota for the holiday, but it couldn't have come too soon, as I was craving the comforts of family and home cooking, and my crazy clan is always good for plenty of both. It was a short week, filled with food, films, football, and the search for the perfect wedding dress for my little sis, but it wasn't all play and no work, as I managed to fit in lunch with the Founder/CEO of Black Music America (www.blackmusicamerica.com), and a personal tour of First Avenue, the club Prince made famous in "Purple Rain" (which looks exactly as it did in the movie). I was even extended an invite to perform there, and hopefully will soon...
Of the many transitions the music industry has made in the last decade, one of the greatest losses is the independent record store (no diss to iTunes, but it's a pity). With even the major retailers slowly folding, it's a rare and beautiful thing to stumble on those surviving gems, where you can readily find well-priced rare imports and vinyl alongside albums from Indie and major labels alike. Minneapolis is home to one such gem, which has been in existence for 40 years now. I'm proud to say I've been a devotee since age three, when my dad and I would walk there hand-in-hand after nursery school. It's three-parts music emporium, one-part head shop/psychedelic boutique, stocking everything from incense (which permeates the store) and quirky cards to rare posters and apparel...and is appropriately named the Electric Fetus. As is our habit, I made a pilgrimage with my dear dad, who this time had my album in hand, as he was determined that if they didn't carry it, they should. He needn't have bothered, since to my delight, I was there on the Soul/R&B rack, right between Loose Ends and Curtis Mayfield.
Speaking of which, many people continue to ask where they can find "This Much Is True:". If you're not blessed with an Electric Fetus in your hometown, you can always find me at iTunes, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Borders.com and on the racks at Best Buy, which recently honored me with my own placecard!
After that veritable feast, what could possibly come next? Well, in addition to a healthy serving of interviews and "meet-and-greets," in December I'll be making several musical appearances with WBLS's Bob Lee in celebration of the season, as well as performing at "urban hang suite" Solomon's Porch in Bklyn. (where Chaka recently made an appearance) on Dec. 11th at 9p.m., The Eclectic Ride (also featuring Daniel Merriweather, among others) on Dec. 16th at NYC venue Drom, and I'll be back at S.O.B.'s for Sol Village, hosted by R&B singer/songwriter Eric Roberson (along with Bilal, Gordon Chambers, and more) on Dec. 17th at 8p.m. If you're in the New York area, come check me out, and as always, check www.maiysha.com for updates.
So, now that you're undoubtedly stuffed with info, I'll just tempt you with a little dessert: if you haven't already, check out "Australia". Not being a Jackman or Kidman fan, I fully expected it to fall flat for me, but it is actually a wonderful story, beautifully told and shot...and so much more relevant than you'd ever imagine. As for music, I'm currently addicted to the "Nigeria 70: Lagos Jump" compilation I picked up from the Fetus (as I affectionately call it). If you're into Fela, Femi, or just great, earthy, sexy African grooves, you'll love it too. Aside from that...
I'm absolutely mad about:
1. My family...the whole kooky, adorable lot of them.
2. Coming back home after being with my family.
3. The free pass holiday dinners automatically grant you.
4. My new haircut. Lots more layers, and nearly four inches shorter, but it's growing on me. Thanks, Yehia (my Chicago stylist)!
5. How absence makes the heart grow fonder...
I'm absolutely mad AT:
1. Plaxico Burress...get it together, Man.
2. The Timberwolves...you could've at least won while I was home to see you!
3. The repercussions of that free pass I was granted for the holiday...and the days that followed.
4. The level of greed that would cause one to ignore that they were trampling a human being.
5. The fact that I'm still craving my dad's homemade eggnog...this is how cellulite happens, Kids.
