Michael Jackson News for Feb 27, 2010:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.a...8068512&grpId=3659174697244816&nav=Groupspace
Big turn out for Michael Jackson's Captain EO Premiere
Over 500 Captain EO fans lined up to see the film. Many came out in the wee hours of the early morning to see the resurected Michael Jackson 3-D Si-fi movie. Lots of Fans came dressed in home made, as well as e-bay bought futuristic coustumes. The film which can only be seen in 3-D at the Disney park in california, relays a good will message of searching for the light inside you. And that through music, and dance you can change the world to make it a better place.
Visitors to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA can now see Michael Jackson and his ratgag band of furry creatures and androids saving the world again, as it was meant to be seen, projected in 70mm in 3-D in the original theater it used to show in! A new print has been struck for the tribute, and the sound has been improved due to acoustical modifications made to the theater since the film's original run.
In the film, Captain EO and his merry crew discover a colorless planet where they are confronted by the Supreme Leader (Anjelica Huston) and her forces of darkness. Using the power of music, dance and light to fill the planet and the theater with magic, the EO crew turns the black and white land into a magical world of color, beauty, and happiness.
Fans were not the only ones who were delighted to be part the event, Disney Imagineers came out to see their work. Plus some of the cast of actors from Captain EO were invited to Disney, to view the film with the fans. Who knew their work would be seen again so many years later. I'll admit, I got emotional, seeing Debbie Lee Carrington, the woman who played "Idy" share her memories of working Michael. You get the feeling that they were a family, and loved working together. Now for the fans who did not get to be a part of the premiere, this is for you.
here are some pictures from the days event
here is some video from the 2010 premiere of the film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJFdsHOEz9Q
Members from the cast of Captain EO reminisce:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2s5j4z-QhA
http://www.i-newswire.com/jazz-veteran-honors-legend-icons/24115
Jazz Veteran Honors Legend Icons John Coltrane & Michael Jackson
I-Newswire) February 26, 2010 - New York, NY (USA) – Saxman/Songwriter/Producer, Alfonzo Blackwell is busy, busy, busy working hard in the studio on his 8th CD project on Utopia Records. His current release “Dance To This” brought listeners to the dance floor and his approach for his next project is to bring listeners the sophistication, style, class and fire that comes from the freedom that has embodied his music for 15 years now. The multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire reclines in his black leather console chair in his state-of-the-art digital recording studio and takes a brief moment to reflect on his studio recording process. Alfonzo says, “I’m working day in and day out to capture all parts of me, all parts of my essence and all parts of my soul. It’s almost like a 24/7 music reality show…me in the studio. I’m living in my studio now.” So far, Alfonzo has already recorded an astounding thirty-one tracks and has no intensions on slowing down or putting a cap on that total. The consummate musician goes on to say, “I’m looking to write, produce and record at least one hundred tracks for this album to select from. This is the first concept album for me and it’s a portrait of me as an artist, entertainer and musician. It’s important for me to put forth the best original work of my career and each track must be right.” Most noteworthy is Alfonzo’s traditional standard rendition of the late great John Coltrane’s “Impressions”, which is very impressive! Another very noteworthy and highly anticipated track is Alfonzo’s tribute to the late great and inarguably, the best entertainer in the history of mankind, The King of Pop Michael Jackson.
The impressive “Impressions” is a very progressive take on the John Coltrane classic jazz standard. Mr. Blackwell plays the all the live instruments on this piece and in addition to that, he also arranged, produced, engineered and mixed the groundbreaking track as well. It takes soul and masterful improvisation to pull this off with a bundle of God given gifts of talent. “When you give your complete heart and soul to your music, the rest is already written. It’s a spiritual thing so I let the music drive my ambition, at that point.” Alfonzo states in response to the acknowledged complexity of taking on this musical odyssey. “Coltrane’s spiritual and musical tour de force will always live inside of me and inspire future generations to come. His legacy will remain strong and vital. His raw genius is truly one of a kind. Coltrane is JAZZ.”
The epic, "MJ" is an original heart-wrenching tribute song and power-ballad that Alfonzo penned in the wake of the unfortunate and untimely death of music legend and icon, Michael Jackson. This song is a flawless performance that will leave the listener wanting more. A part of MJ was channeled in the making of this brilliant piece. Alfonzo says, "Michael Jackson used his voice in so many ways as an instrument like that of a saxophone, bass, guitar and even a percussion drum when the music called him to do so. He had the unmatched ability to pull from his plentiful vocal range to capture sounds that brought out the many emotions of the human soul across the entire world whether you spoke the English language or any foreign language for that matter. The language of music communicates through the hearts of all of us. I had to pay tribute to his gift of music. His genius was a major music influence to me, thus his music is a part of my musical development." Blackwell takes an instrumental approach to capture the sounds of the human voice that is reverent to Miles Davis’ approach to the legend’s “Human Nature” classic masterpiece.
Jazz Maverick Alfonzo Blackwell’s 8th CD project is appropriately titled, “Quintet: Portrait of Alfonzo Blackwell”. He displays the many gifts of his musical genius while ushering a new era of jazz excellence with his new project in the works. Alfonzo is not only a superb saxophonist…mastering the alto, soprano and tenor saxophones; he is an accomplished pianist, guitarist, bassist and drummer. He is not only prolific on these 5 instruments; hence the CD title “Quintet…” he is a seasoned songwriter and producer. He is also a bebop jazz master performer and on the flip side, a soulful R&B instrumental entertainer. His live performances are infamous with fusing contemporary jazz, funk, classic soul, R&B, hip-hop, pop and burning traditional straight-ahead jazz. Put all of the many sides of Alfonzo Blackwell, the Artist, Musician, Songwriter, Producer, Performer and Entertainer and you are witnessing and listening to history in the making with this ground-breaking project (Quintet: Portrait of Alfonzo Blackwell). The pioneer of the 21st century modern contemporary jazz renaissance, Alfonzo Blackwell introduces the “Re-rebirth of Cool” with a soulful twist of rhythm. Mr. Blackwell’s main influences are John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Grover Washington Jr. and Michael Jackson.
“This is a concept project that must embody my entire body of soul. Music, notes, chord progressions and melodies are organically flowing through me throughout this process and I must capture it all and then go back and decipher the final song picks for the album.” he says about the huge undertaking of writing, performing and executive producing this new project. The album is scheduled for release in mid 2010. Utopia Records is celebrating Alfonzo’s fifteenth year in the recording industry this year and Mr. Blackwell has much to be grateful for. His new project will be the 4th CD recorded on his founded label, Utopia Records. Mr. Blackwell says, “It’s humbling to look back on all the many years that I’ve been recording, writing, producing, performing and delivering my brand of music. I played with just about all the best of the best in the business and traveled over the world with my music. My music is my passion and I will continue to evolve with it and always keep it fresh, new, exciting and hot!”
Listening to a few pre-selected tracks that were graciously revealed would undoubtedly be the highlight of all music listeners’ pleasures. There’s a certain purity and haunting beauty that gives off a sense of vulnerability which breaks through all of the complexities of Mr. Blackwell’s progressive music. “This project is the concept album that I’ve waited a long time to do. It is finally the right time for me to embark on this musical path…” Alfonzo explains with a focused but free spirited tone. The rhythm sections in every tune come out in full force from the heart and soul of this electrifying musical virtuoso. All of the instrumentation showcased on each track resonates as the sleek and sophistication evolution of the founder of ‘Rhythm & Cool’. When asked what his inspiration for this project is, Alfonzo leans over the side of his chair and says, “Simply, the love of music is all the inspiration that I need to create but this project is especially dear to me because I finally get a chance to pull from every instrument that I play and give a ‘live concert’ performance approach inside of each and every groove.”
Throughout his career, Alfonzo Blackwell has worked with and developed great relationships with many leaders and experts in the music and entertainment world. Grammy winner and music legend James Mtume stated, “The truth needs to be told, just as this CD is needed to be heard” about his previous released, “Sax You Down” album. Alfonzo was featured playing the theme song at the end of each episode alongside of David Hasselhoff for the Baywatch Nights TV Series which was also featured on his self-titled sophomore project. In between tapings, David Hasselhoff requested to hear Alfonzo play accapella on the set. Hasselhoff said, "There's so much sweet soul coming out of your horn, you can really play that thing..." Alfonzo has been counseled by legendary Business Manager, Bert Padell and Entertainment Attorney L. Londell McMillan who among many others have praised Alfonzo’s artistry to name a few.
Alfonzo Blackwell is sure to please with writing, performing and producing the instant-classic and soulful soundtrack for the new decade 2010 that’s here upon us now. Which cuts will make it on the final pressed CD? You can rest assure that the final selected tracks will be jam-packed, new modern contemporary soul from Alfonzo Blackwell’s heart to all the hearts around the world. “Quintet: Portrait of Alfonzo Blackwell” will be an artistic and beautiful portrait of a music renaissance man and a jazz master. “In the near future, I plan to resume my work on a full tribute album to Michael Jackson and his musical genius that I started 2 years ago, prior to his devastating passing. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. His music will live on forever. John Coltrane’s genius and music has always been in my musical path of study and homage. I plan to continue paying tribute to his work on future projects. A traditional jazz standards project is also in the works.” Alfonzo says respectfully of two of his greatest musical influences, Jackson and Coltrane.
Alfonzo Blackwell Discography
“Quintet: Portrait of Alfonzo Blackwell” (2010)
“Dance To This” (2008)
“Sax You Down” (2004)
“Reflections” (2001)
“The Time Is Now” (2000)
“Body of Soul” (1998)
“Alfonzo Blackwell” (1996)
“Let’s Imagine” (1995)
For more information, music, videos, and the latest news on Alfonzo Blackwell, please visit the following websites.
www.alfonzoblackwell.com
www.myspace.com/1alfonzoblackwell
www.utopiarecordings.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9rlEdg_Y20
http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/02/26/michael-jackson-thriller/
Michael Jackson's Thriller Tops The Charts: Wake-Up Video
It has been eight months since the passing of
Michael Jackson, and his death continues to be felt deeply in the music world (you need only listen to the emotional Jackson part left in the remake of "We Are the World" for proof). It seems certain that Jackson's legacy will be truly immortal, and the reason why is his music. The artist left behind some of the most iconic pop songs ever written — many of which came from his staggering breakout album
Thriller, which came out in 1982 and first topped the
Billboard album chart on this day in 1983.
Fueled by huge singles
"Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Human Nature,"
Thriller kept a stranglehold on the top spot for most of 1983. After it entered the position on February 26, it stayed there for 17 consecutive weeks before getting bumped by the soundtrack to "Flashdance." Two weeks later, it returned to #1 before getting knocked out again by
the Police's
Synchronicity. It bounced back for one more week in September before dropping out, but it returned to the top for the last two weeks of the year. It then spent the first 15 weeks of 1984 at #1 as well. All told,
Thriller was the top-selling album in America for a grand total of 37 weeks, an absolutely unheard of run.
Thriller sold 15 million copies in 1983 alone and has become the best-selling album of all time. Even more impressive? There are only nine songs on
Thriller, and
seven of them became Top 10 hits (with "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" both topping the singles chart). In honor of his tremendous feat, check out the video for "Thriller," which would get little argument against its place as the greatest music video of all time.
Michael Jackson HIStory for Feb 27, 2010:
1971 - The single "Mama's Pearl," by the Jackson 5, hit #2 in the U.S.
1980 - Michael Jackson won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." The award was his first Grammy.
1984 - MTV world premiered Michael Jackson's Pepsi commercial.
1992 - In London, Michael Jackson visited British comedian Benny Hill. Hill was recovering from a heart attack.
1997 - ABC-TV aired "Happy Birthday, Elizabeth." Michael Jackson had performed on the show that was taped on February 16, 1997.