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Episode 87. Dive into the rhythmic world of Thumper Samuels on the BAAS Entertainment Podcast, as host Troy Saunders uncovers the melody of a musician's journey who’s never missed a beat. From the family clarinet that charted his course to the 'O-ZONE Sound' that's captivating LA, Thumper's story resonates beyond the twelve instruments he plays—it echoes the heartbeat of his hometown of Omaha.

Discover the drive behind his dual GRAMMY-considered works, “Share the Influence” and “Key To My Heart,” and experience the dedication in his tributes to the heroes of our time through his number one singles. With every tale and tune, Thumper reveals how he strikes a chord that not only entertains but heals and unites.

Thumper Samuels' music has struck a chord with audiences, particularly with his singles “Hope (Heal Our Planet Earth)” and “Magic,” which became back-to-back number one hits inspired by the camaraderie and sacrifice of front-line workers during the pandemic. Motivated by the profound impact his songs have on listeners, Samuels is set to release “It’s OK, I’m Here” for free—a comforting message to those facing hardship. Additionally, he’s gearing up to energize fans with an upcoming funk anthem, “You Gotta Get Up To Get Down,” encouraging everyone to dance and celebrate life.

The interview concludes by spotlighting Samuels' philanthropic efforts through his two nonprofit organizations. JADA (Jazz Against Domestic Abuse) is dedicated to raising funds for domestic abuse awareness and supporting victims in their escape from abusive environments. Meanwhile, Our Stars of Tomorrow champions educational aspirations by donating proceeds from one Samuels-composed song each year to college scholarships, specifically aiding low-income students who lack other financial resources or scholarship options.

Join us on this musical odyssey. Subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on your favorite platform, say "Hey, Alexa, play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast," and step into the rhythm of Thumper’s world.

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Episode 86. Welcome back to another riveting episode of the BAAS Entertainment Podcast with your ever-enthusiastic host, Troy Saunders! In today’s show, we're diving into the eclectic world of Kenny Allen – a phenomenal talent whose music is as diverse as it is soulful, blending pop, jazz, R&B, alternative, world music, and hip hop.

Growing up in Washington, DC, in a household filled with music, Kenny was destined for a life intertwined with melodies and harmonies. His parents, both musicians, laid the groundwork for his artistic journey, shaping him into the multi-faceted artist he is today – a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer.

In our conversation, we kick things off with “The Great Lonely Lover,” a track that not only captured Troy's heart but also marked a turning point in Kenny's career. Kenny opens up about his musical evolution, the importance of vulnerability in his work, and how his experiences have influenced his artistry.

Kenny doesn’t forget to pay homage to his mentors, Sean “The Rick” Rickman and Federico Peña, who played pivotal roles in his early career and helped him forge invaluable connections, including with the incredible Me'Shell NdegéOcello.

Our journey with Kenny also takes us to Ethiopia, where what was supposed to be a six-month stint turned into an eye-opening 16 and a half years of musical exploration, filmmaking, and fashion endeavors. This chapter of his life was transformative, broadening his horizons and adding a unique dimension to his music.

Throughout the episode, we'll be treating your ears to a curated selection of Kenny’s discography, accompanied by fascinating stories and insights that give you a peek behind the curtain of his creative process. Learn about his ambitious 12-for-12 project in 2021, where he challenged himself to release a song every month, resulting in a year of incredible music.

Don’t miss out on his latest studio album, “Kalorama,” which is Kenny's 12th release and a testament to his artistic evolution. You can find it and connect with Kenny through his Instagram @mrkennyallen. Make sure to purchase the full album to fully immerse yourself in the sonic world of this indispensable indie artist.

Remember to hit subscribe and join us on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, and TuneIn for more unforgettable stories and musical journeys. And if you’re an Alexa user, just say “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast” to start listening!

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Episode 85. Welcome back to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast with your host, Troy Saunders! This episode is a treat for indie music enthusiasts as we dive deep into the world of jazz and genre fusion with the incredibly talented bassist, Christian de Mesones, also known as "Big New York."

In this rich conversation, Christian shares his journey through the realms of music, highlighting how various genres played a pivotal role in shaping his unique sound - a delightful blend of smooth grooves, funky soul, and a touch of Latin flair. Troy and Christian also reflect on the transformative power of music in their lives, discussing its ability to soothe the soul and provide a much-needed escape from life's challenges.

Christian takes us back to his early years, where his siblings introduced him to a world of musical diversity, from the soulful sounds of Motown to the high-energy beats of glam and hard rock. He shares a nostalgic moment from his first concert experience, front row at a KISS New Year’s Eve performance at Nassau Coliseum, which ignited his passion for music and set him on a path to stardom.

With a musical career spanning three decades and collaborations with national recording artists, Christian has carved out his space in the industry. His debut solo album, “They Call Me Big New York,” is a testament to his artistry and dedication, boasting multiple top-ten singles and nearing two million streams on Spotify.

Christian delves into the realities of the music business, emphasizing the importance of regular music releases, strategic marketing, and a deep understanding of the industry to ensure that his music reaches the widest audience possible. His efforts culminated in a #1 hit on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Airplay chart with “Hispanica (Instrumental),” featuring the legendary pianist Bob James - a milestone achievement that has set the stage for his next big goal: a GRAMMY nomination.

Discover the fascinating story behind “Hispanica,” its evolution from a vocal track to an instrumental hit, and the serendipitous involvement of Bob James. Join us in supporting Big New York’s musical journey and help us catch the attention of jazz radio stations like Watercolors SiriusXM.

Subscribe and listen to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on your favorite platform, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, and TuneIn. Just say, “Hey, Alexa, play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast,” and immerse yourself in the world of indie music and artistic passion.

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast via the BAAS Entertainment website, www.baasentertainment.com, and all podcast platforms. 

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Episode 84. Dive into a captivating conversation as host Troy Stephens speaks with renowned songwriter/producer Nes. Discover the unexpected journey Nes took into the music industry, and learn about her incredible rise to stardom after a serendipitous encounter with the Force MDs.

Episode Highlights:

• Unexpected Beginnings: Nes never planned to be a singer but found her knack for songwriting early on.
• The Big Break: A chance performance at a party led to collaborations with legends like Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Anne Nesby, Johnny Gill, and even Queen Latifah.
• GRAMMY Dreams: Get a glimpse into Nes's passion as she discusses her GRAMMY-considered song "Everything About Me Is Dif’rent.”
• Industry Insights: Nes delves into the lessons she learned from music moguls and her experiences with icons like Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.
• The Comeback: Unravel why Nes took a hiatus from music and her triumphant return filled with new opportunities.
• Looking Ahead: Stay tuned for upcoming projects, potential collaborations, and two EPs from the unstoppable Nes.

Catch this episode and more on the BAAS Entertainment Podcast, available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Simply say, "Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast."

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Episode 83. Your host Troy Stephens returns with an amazing conversation with R&B singer K’Jon, best known for his hit song "On the Ocean," a favorite on the The Steve Harvey Morning Show that hit #1 on the Urban AC Radio charts and #12 on Billboard's R&B charts. As always, Troy plays portions of his favorite K’Jon tracks and encourages everyone to go out and stream - and buy - the full songs. Go out and support these indie artists!

K’Jon begins by expressing that he wants to leave a legacy with his music, something that his kids can remember and have fun with when he’s gone. He wants his music to last for generations. Throughout the interview, you’ll hear how passionate K’Jon is about the music he puts out and how he wants it to move people and make them feel.

Troy and K’Jon discuss how they both grew up listening to all genres and eras of music. They were exposed to so many amazing artists and styles and that reflects on the music they still listen to and produce. The Detroit native is influenced by Motown, and even talks about how he wants to make an album of big band music. We’re hoping that project will come to fruition soon.

“On the Ocean” was featured on K’Jon’s debut album, “I Get Around,” in 2009. Since then, he’s released “Man” (2013), “A Beautiful Thing” (2014), and the pandemic stress reliever “Live, Love & Laughter” (2020). He’s released several singles since his last release, and a new EP is coming out this month. Even though K’Jon has been signed to a major label in the past, he seems to enjoy the freedom and control over his music that being an indie artist allows him.

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Pocket Casts and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast via the BAAS Entertainment website, www.baasentertainment.com, and all podcast platforms. 

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Episode 82. This very special episode of the BAAS Entertainment Podcast highlights the amazing performers - Steven Kroon, Ty Stephens and Carla Cook - who will be part of the BAAS Entertainment Gala taking place on September 16, 2023. These three amazing performers are friends who share a love of crossing musical genres. They are planning an amazing evening of music to benefit two special charities, Chelsea's Charity and The Ana Grace Project. 

The first annual BAAS Entertainment Benefit Gala will be held at Edmond Town Hall (45 Main Street, Newtown, CT) on Saturday, September 16. VIP tickets ($150) include upfront seating, plus a pre-show VIP reception with artist meet and greet, hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and an incredible swag bag full of goodies. Regular tickets are $50 each. This is a show you will remember for the rest of your life.

Ty Stephens started as a dancer, which brought him to New York and gave him the opportunity to perform in back-to-back Broadway shows. Knowing that the career of a dancer is limited, he transitioned into a singer, helped by the legendary Gregory Hines, establishing a career as a performer that has taken him around the world. His style is uniquely his own, centered around 70’s R&B, with jazz, soul, funk, and Broadway, all mixed together.

Steven Kroon got his start in Spanish Harlem in the early 1950s. His father was a musicologist who always played Spanish music in their home. Many of the legendary musicians he listened to, including Tito Puente, lived in the area. Later, they moved to Queens, and were immersed in the music of his neighborhood, which was filled with performers and producers. Count Basie lived four blocks away. All of the combinations of cultures and sounds created Kroon’s distinctive style. The break that changed his life was when he had an opportunity to audition for Luther Vandross. He got the gig and ended up working with Luther for 20 years. He learned so much working with all of the stellar musicians around Luther. Being around Luther, he learned so much about the industry since Luther was so hands-on with everything he did. He also earned the opportunity to work with legendary jazz double bassist Ron Carter. Working with Vandross and Carter exposed Kroon to the very top R&B and jazz artists in the world. After 20 years, he decided it was time to “do me,” left those groups to record on his own and blaze his own path. He created a masterpiece with many of the musicians he worked with. He is blessed, proud and happy now to be able to do what he wants to do.

Carla Cook got her start in the church in Detroit, and always loved to sing in choirs. Her brother loved jazz, giving her an early exposure to the music. Being in Detroit, her high school years were filled with the sounds of Motown. She moved to Boston, and formed the first of several jazz ensembles, gigging at jazz clubs and private events. She moved to New York in 1990, where she began performing regularly on the jazz scene. Her debut album, “It’s All About Love,” earned an AFIM-Indie award and a Grammy nomination, and widespread critical acclaim for her two subsequent recordings, “Dem Bones,” and “Simply Natural”. She is currently a jazz vocal instructor at The Juilliard School.

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast via the BAAS Entertainment website, www.baasentertainment.com, and all podcast platforms. 

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Episode 81. Host Troy Saunders has his latest conversation with composer, vocalist and jazz soloist Fostina Dixon. She is an instrumentalist who plays soprano, alto and baritone saxes; flute; and clarinet. Troy starts off by expressing his astonishment at who Dixon has performed with, a list that includes Cab Calloway, Sammy Davis, Jr., Prince, and Marvin Gaye.

Fostina talks about the early days when everyone played an instrument in schools. She began on a plastic clarinet and eventually got a wooden clarinet, which led to her musical education. As an educator, she is sorry about the decline of music education in school, and the rise of behavioral issues that educators need to deal with among students. Today, even schools that have music programs make students purchase their own instruments and music isn’t a core part of the curriculum.

In this free-wheeling, wide-ranging interview, Fostina discusses everything from how she got started, came to work with so many legends, her views on the current jazz scene, and the difficulty in crossing over into different genres. There is also a very interesting discussion about Fostina’s feelings on indie artists having to promote themselves on social media and producing their own music. That discussion leads into a deep conversation about the current state of jazz music and how hard it can be for jazz artists in today’s market. Venues are not paying artists as much as they did prior to the pandemic, and even tours of Europe that used to be lucrative have slowed down, creating challenges for anyone who wants to make their career in jazz.

Fostina’s latest album is "New Beginnings," which is now available, along with her complete discography which includes “Leave the Door Open,” “Get on the Floor,” “Vertical Alignment,” “Here We Go Again,” and “Yesterday, Today, & Forever”. Her style is in the pocket, soul-stirring and funky and her improvisation is upbeat and passionate. Troy spins clips from several pieces during the interview and hopes everyone will check out the full tracks from this unique and mesmerizing performer.

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast via the BAAS Entertainment website, www.baasentertainment.com, and all podcast platforms. 

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Episode 80. Host Troy Saunders has his latest conversation with the legendary Helen Scott, one the founders of The Three Degrees, best known for their 1973 worldwide hit, “When Will I See You Again”. The Three Degrees have been doing it and doing it strong for over 60 years and this special episode will focus on their incredible career.

Their manager Richard Barrett brought three young teenagers, Scott, Fayette Pinkney and Janet Harmon, together in Philadelphia. The three didn’t know each other before joining the group, which recorded for the Philly-based Swan Records. They scored their first hit in 1965 with the single “Gee Baby (I'm Sorry),” which Troy plays a sample of.

Troy says that The Three Degrees helped initiate Philadelphia International Records (“You can say it, I won’t” quips Scott). Philly International is the legendary Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff soul label that featured The O'Jays, Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, and McFadden & Whitehead. Philadelphia International Records created a musical legacy that culminated in "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)," the 1974 hit recording by MFSB featuring vocals by The Three Degrees that was the theme for “Soul Train,” the first TV theme song (and perhaps the first disco song) to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. When Don Cornelius refused to allow any references to “Soul Train” in the single release, The Three Degrees’ singing of the title was removed. But, the group would achieve their own major commercial success when “When Will I See You Again” became a hit later that year.

Troy and Helen discuss how The Three Degrees had tremendous success in the U.K., where they performed for Prince Charles’ 30th birthday celebration at Buckingham Palace. Not only did they tour the palace before most people were able to do so, but they were invited to attend the wedding reception of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, among the few Americans invited. The press even nicknamed The Three Degrees as “Charlie’s Angels”. The group performed for almost every member of the royal family in support of their various trusts and charities.

Helen is proud that The Three Degrees have maintained that name since 1963. It’s been a joyful ride that not many groups have been able to accomplish. The conversation covers the wide range of styles that the group covered throughout their career and Helen is very open and candid in telling their amazing story. She also shares her suggestions to new artists who are just beginning their musical journey. This episode is a memorable dive into a great musical journey from the legendary singer who lived it.

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast via the BAAS Entertainment website, www.baasentertainment.com, and all podcast platforms. 

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Episode 79. Host Troy Saunders has his latest conversation with award-winning soul singer and songwriter Teri Tobin. Her music is uplifting and soothing, from the heart, a spiritual experience, all in one beautiful package.

Teri does the interview from her home in Arizona. She was born there, raised in Southern California, lived all over the place, eventually ending up in Houston. After a hurricane damaged her home and caused her to lose her job, she decided it was time to go back home to be with her family.

Teri has performed from a very young age, starting in church, and then getting signed as a teenager to a deal as part of an R&B and hip-hop soul act. When that project faltered, she pursued a promised solo deal that never materialized, before finally finding her place at Howard University, where she found her footing and developed her signature sound of hybrid musical influences from soulful rock to jazzy R&B. Album releases include “Love Infinity” (2011), “Good To Me” (2012), and “Truth Is” (2014).

Since her last album, she’s dealt with writer’s block and a severe bout of COVID that affected her voice, so it’s never been the same. She shares a touching story about how when she recorded a song with her “new” voice, she was forced to re-record the lead vocals and face new challenges while still in recovery, which helped her build her confidence to keep making music.

She’s currently working on her fifth album, “Forever,” and discusses how she is a true indie artist. She has produced and recorded almost all of her own music, and handles every aspect of her music and career. She’s hoping that the new album will be out by the fall, so follow her social media accounts for news about the upcoming release and her performance schedule.

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”

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Episode 78. Host Troy Saunders has his latest conversation with two of the baddest brothers on the planet. Music producer Regi Myrix and singer/songwriter/engineer Lamar Kelsey are here to discuss their collaboration "Souladelica" EP and new single, “If You Don’t Mind,” which recently debuted at #2 on the UK Soul Breakers Chart.

Regi Myrix, CEO of Myrix Media Group, is a R&B and soul music producer and multi-instrumentalist. He has a lifetime love of music, beginning with local gigs in New Jersey, eventually becoming an in-demand producer with many artist production credits that have hit the charts in the United States and United Kingdom. Regi is making his return to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast, so go check out that episode for more of his music.

New Jersey-based Lamar “L-Unique” Kelsey started off as a rapper, making his mark as an R&B singer and highly sought-after vocal coach.

Myrix and Kelsey discuss their creative process and how all of the best music comes straight from the heart. Kelsey says that he always sings how he feels and he’s never reading anything when he’s in the studio recording, which comes across as real on the record.

“If You Don’t Mind” is a Nigel Lowis remixed track from their original 2012 collaboration on L-Unique’s album, “I Can’t Go On Like This”. Troy and Regi agree that is an amazing record that didn’t receive the promo it deserved back in the day. Troy plays clips from several tracks on that album, including “Step Song” and “Sex Me While I’m Driving,” which still sound amazing. Regi reveals that they may re-release other tracks from that album so they get the attention they deserve. The original album is available for streaming and is worth adding to your playlists.

Troy hadn’t been able to hear the remix of “If You Don’t Mind” since it isn’t available in the United States yet. Regi promised to send it to Troy as soon as the interview was over (and which Troy reminded Regi several times that he’s waiting for!) Regi came through and Troy played a clip of the U.S. premiere right on this episode! Listen for the official release of the full song in the U.S. in two weeks. Listeners in the United Kingdom can check it out now!

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast via the BAAS Entertainment website, www.baasentertainment.com, and all podcast platforms.