VH1 SOUL GETS TO THE HEART OF SOUL WITH ITS FIRST ORIGINAL SERIES
"SOUL CITIES"
PREMIERING EXCLUSIVELY ON VH1 SOUL ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AT 9PM*
Hosted By Nelson George
new york, ny, november 10, 2008 -vh1 Soul is hitting the road to visit some of the most famous metropolises around the country with its first original series "Soul Cities." Viewers will accompany host Nelson George as he embarks on his search to experience the soul in some of America's greatest cities. Nelson, an award-winning author, filmmaker, television producer, and African-American culture critic, will provide viewers a unique perspective of the music, culture, history, food, people, and famous spaces and places that makes each city soulful in its own way. "Soul Cities" visits the recording studios, churches, radio stations and restaurants that produced some of the most influential music and moments of soul culture. The cities featured in this original series are Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and the Bay Area- which includes San Francisco and Oakland.
Premiering weekly on VH1 Soul beginning Tuesday, November 11 at 9PM*, this six episode, 30-minute original series will feature exclusive and original interviews with top urban music artists as they reminisce about their journeys from their hometowns to the stage and everything in between. A search for soul is not complete without experiencing the food - soul food that is. Nelson George indulges in the culinary delights in each city and gets the chance to taste food that represents the deep culture of soul. The series will also showcase live music and conversations with artists like Babyface, Raheem DeVaughn, ?uest Love of The Roots, Labelle (featuring Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx, & Sarah Dash), Angie Stone, Irma Thomas, Lalah Hathaway, Robin Thicke, Gamble and Huff, and VH1 Soul's "You Oughta Know"artist, Jazmine Sullivan.
The premiere roll-out schedule of VH1 Soul "Soul Cities" is as follows:
o Philadelphia - Series premiere on Tuesday, November 11 at 9PM ET/PT
o Chicago - premieres on Tuesday, November 18 at 9PM ET/PT
o Bay Area - premieres on Tuesday, November 25 at 9PM ET/PT
o New Orleans - premieres Tuesday, December 2 at 9PM ET/PT
o Memphis - premieres Tuesday, December 9 at 9PM ET/PT
o Los Angeles - premieres Tuesday, December 16 at 9PM ET/PT
This new and compelling series is a warm and enlightening experience, appealing to those that desire to experience America's cities in a soulful light - connecting with the true essence of soul music's past and present via music, culture, food and lifestyle.
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Influences
Dizzy, Miles, Jimi, Ron Sr., Anton Rogers, David Mancuso, Ahmad Jamal, Jean Luc Ponty, MOM, Shango, Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, Larry Levan, Mercury, Mars, Philly International, Salsoul, Oshun, Malcom, Roy Ayers, Bob, P&P Records, George Duke,Fela,
Prelude Records, Lee Scratch Perry, Patrick Adams, King Tubby, Greg Charmichel, Azymuth, Mutabaruka, Ossie Davis, Prince, 1982, Imports etc., King Sunny Ade, Malo, Carlos Santana, Brian Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Flora Purim, Yemoya, Rap when it was called disco rap, Hip Hop when it was fun, Coltrane, Jackson 5, George Benson, Wild Style, Frankie Knuckles, Airto, Heatwave, Quincy Jones, Eguns, The Police, The United Aboriginal States of America, The 7 Directions, Black Jazz Records, Imagination, John Rocca, Richard Long, King Tubby, The Cherokee Nation, NYC Peech Boys, Eddy Grant, Donna McGhee, Obatala, Gil Scott Heron, Pat Metheny, Salvador Dali, Soul 2 Soul, Loose Ends, First Love, Ogun, The Apache Nation, All my Great Grand Mothers and Great Grand Fathers, Harry Whitacker, Jonsey Hines, Johnnny Hammond, "Go Bang", Nick Martinelli , Leroy Burgess, Larry Heard, T.C. Curtis, A Tribe Called Quest, Ron Hardy, Manuel Gottsching, James Brown, Wes Montgomery, Leon Ware, Wally Badrou, Marvin Gaye, Sade, MLK, Mohamed ALI, The Shelter NYC 91', Sound Factory 91', The Sioux Nation, Giovanni Hidalgo, Pharoah Sanders, Tony Allen, Norman Connors, Phyllis Hyman, Freddie Hubbard, Rodney Franklin, Tania Maria, Maxwell, One Way, Rinder and Lewis, The Temptations, The Qur'an, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Castaneda, The Bible, Muddy Waters, Robert Moog, DJ Premier, J Dilla, Rhodes Keyboard, Mongo Santamaria, Players Association, Chaka Khan, Angel Figueroa, South Side of Chicago, Brooklyn NYC, Burning Spear, Beat Street, Chicago in the 80s, Rockers, the Baby Powder and Foot Imprints of NYC, Richard Pryor, Francois K, Tokyo Japan, Oya, Huey P. Newton, Black Aboriginal Hereos of America, Esu, The Last Poets, Kool Herc, Fania All-Stars, Bruce Lee, my first dance steps in '85, Love Saves the Day (the book), West End Records '81-'82, visual artists-poets-muses of the 7th generation, Ousunkote, Jazz/Funk era, everyone that's a true devotee of Music and a protector of revolutionary Art - Do you understand the puzzle...
A perennial presence in music since the early 90's, Ron Trent pulls no punches!
Considered to be one of the architects of the Chicago music scene, Ron studied and collected various types of music as a young boy, taking cues from his father who ran a record pool in the late 70’s. Later, becoming a respected DJ in his early teens in the mid 80’s. Ron began to work on his own productions, which lead to his first release, the highly recognized classic "Altered States" in 1990, giving him international acclaim. Through his 13 year old Prescription Records, Ron has notched up an extensive back catalogue of his own productions and introduced several key players. Prescription Records is widely regarded as one of the most influential Deep House imprints of the period.
In the early 90's, Ron collaborated with House/R&B team Hula & Fingers, producers for Jive records and production credits with Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Kool Mo D, High Five, Lidell Townsend and MTF. Under the direction of Hula & Fingers, Ron began to develop his skills as a producer and musician by incorporating his training as a percussionist along with developing skills on the keyboards. After several releases on Club Records, Hula & Fingers classic imprint, Ron went on to form his own label with renowned vocalist/producer Chez Damier.
In 1993, Ron and Chez began creating the template for what would become the signature Prescription sound, eventually finding it's way into various remix and writing production hits, and implementing the conception of Prescription Records. Prescription Records, together with it's sister label Balance, introduced the likes of Anthony Nicholson, Abacus, Glen Underground (CVO), Moody Man, Norma Jean Bell, Joshua, Peven Everett, Rob Mello, and Luke Solomon to the world. During its course, Prescription Records became known for issuing superbly produced, often epic dance music by drawing influences from all over the globe and delighting club goers, as well as DJs with its highly unique sound.
Ron's sound expanded in 1997 with the release of the dance classic "Ncame U”. With writing partner Anthony Nicholson, famed vocalist D'bora, and Peven Everett on trumpet, this record launched Ron onto the NYC dance scene. After Ron's move to NYC, he quickly gained respect as a DJ/Producer by doing various gigs at Body and Soul, Shelter and hosting his own events at the legendary nightclub Vinyl in downtown
Manhattan.
Ron’s DJ and production skills caught the attention of the owners of Giant Step. Together, they began to create a new sound that would lead the way for the future of Giant Step the club and Giant Step the label. In 2000, Ron started his residency with Giant Step at Shine, bringing forth a fusion of Neo Soul, Jazz Funk and World music, while merging it into a dance formula. The party, “Giant Step Weekly Sessions”, sponsored by Levi's and Evian, played host to many loyal weekly followers. With Ron's vast knowledge of music and Giant Step’s thirst for the cutting edge, the event became one of the most top rated nights in NYC.
Ron's in house productions on the Giant Step/Sony label, featured artists such as Amel Larrieux, Jody Watley, Anastacia, Donnie, Carl Hancock Rux, Lina, just to name a few. His productions lead him to work with other greats including Tony Allen, Chucho
Valdes, Papa Weba, 4Hero, Amp Fiddler, Groove Collective, as well as various other world artists.
DJ compilations include:
Giant Step Sessions :: (Giant Step)
Musical Reflections :: (R2 BBE)
Afro Blues :: (Kings Street)
Deep&Sexy 2 :: (Wave music)
Abstract Afro Journey :: (King Street)
Outside of running his record labels, Prescription and the new imprint Future Vision, Ron continues his work as an international DJ. Together with his partner, Sonia Hassan, Ron’s monthly Chicago residency AFRICA HI FI allows him to educate people musically by presenting interactive formats of visual art.
On Ron Trent's musical quest for knowledge and tones, there will be more to come from this musical pioneer.
For more information on Ron Trent's discography and a more in-depth bio please visit
www.PrescriptionWorld.org
Friends will be friends, When you're in need of love They give you care and attention, Friends will be friends, When you're through with life And all hope is lost, Hold out your hands 'cause Friends will be friends Right till the end
"There's something to be said for a party that promotes diversity in nightlife, good music and peace and love over everything else. Africa Hi-Fi manages to do just that each time it takes over Sonotheque, with superb dance music from legendary DJ Ron Trent (who was praised by Sonotheque's Joe Bryl when we interviewed him last year) and the earthy socialite skills of host Sonia H. Tonight, they welcome the hip-hop, soul, funk and dance sounds of New York artist and DJ Ge-Ology. You may not be able to belly up to the bar for free booze, but you can get a different kind of warm, fuzzy feeling by knowing that Africa Hi-Fi supports NextAid and Amnesty International." (Maya Henderson)
Catalog: TB010 Artist: KGOSI Title: Advice From Father
Terry Hunter Mixes Produced by Terry Hunter for T's Box Productions All background vocals performed by Terisa Griffin Additional vocals by Randy Muller Keyz by Jigga James Edwards Guitarz by Nick Monson Tracked By Leonard Pt. 6 Recorded , Mixed and Mastered by Joey Fernandez @ Rosehip Studio Chicago, IL
Africa Hi Fi Remixes Remixed and produced by Ron Trent for MusicandPower All instruments arranged and played by Ron Trent @ The Lab
FOR LICENSING INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US AT TSBOXMUSIC@GMAIL.COM ! Advice From Father
Great interview, Ron. I learned a lot and share a lot of the same feelings. I really learned about your take on analog systems vs digital systems. That's the reason why I very seldom bring my laptop to play at clubs, it's a real turnoff to have a system that can't do justice to your creativity. Hope all is well, bro and keep making good music. Do you have a space on Last. fm by the way?
