One of my favorite art forms is music, and it's always important to have inspiring and thought-provoking aural ambient stimulation. Generally speaking, I listen to R&B, Soul, Jazz, Funk, Acid Jazz, Ambient Drum n' Bass, and some Classical. Listed below are some musical artists who I regularly listen to; I have seen many of them live in concert and been moved by them. Their music resonates with my character, and each have influenced and inspired me at various times in my life.

Very special thanks to my close friend Tony for his assistance with this part of my site.

	Gabriela Anders Gabriela Anders is a relatively new Argentinian vocalist whose songs of love and loss are kissed with jazz, Brazilian pop and R&B sensibilities. Her music contains a sensuous and syncopated passion, and combines a wide range of musical influences, experiences and innate sensibilities. Her untypically mature debut album, Wanting stays parked in my player often.
	Erykah Badu "The mothership can't save you, so y'ass is gon' get left..." This hot young soul goddess captured my heart with her perfect charms. Not only can she invoke the "I can do anything 'cause I'm a woman" attitude, but she can fall down into a mudpit, then put on the big dress, sing her heart out, then, finally, put a spell on the men that makes them tell the truth.
	Kathleen Battle This diva has a lovely lyric soprano voice, which I love. On Baroque Duet, her 1991 Sony Classical recording with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and the Orchestra of St. Luke's under the baton of John Nelson, I enjoy her performances of compositions by Scarlatti, Handel, Stradella and others.
	Tracy Chapman I have been fortunate enough to see Tracey twice: once in 1990 and once in 1996. Her explorations of matters of the heart are always reflective of the simultaneous joy, despair and complexity associated with intimacy. Her New Beginning album is in my mind her best work yet: it has a rich and earthy feel. She truly deserves the Grammy she won for "Give Me One Reason", which was such a crossover hit, and included an excellent video directed by Atlanta filmmaker Julie Dash (who directed one of my favorite films, "Daughters of the Dust").
	D'Angelo "Brownulated Pure Soul Brown Sugar" ("I want some your...") This singer, songwriter and producer has the silky voice and the smooth tones. His Y2K album release, Voodoo, really does put a spell on you! I would definitely like to catch him sometime when he comes to Atlanta: I heard that his last shows in Atlanta here were the best! His voice is the kind that can make and keep you high with lush tones that explore love, lust and ache...
	Davina "I don't wanna be wrong, but it feels right; If lovin' you is so strong, it can't be wrong..." Homegirl blasted her talents out all over on the soundtrack to the film "Hoodlum" in 1997. Her masterful and addictive debut is *still* stuck in my player. The tracks combine in a steady groove in which she compels you with her ache-filled, harmonic voice.
	everything but the girl Although I have been familiar with ebtg since around 1987, I didn't manage to see them in live until their Fall 1996 show at the Roxy in Atlanta. The show was astounding: Ben "opened" for them, mixing a furious combo of Brit acid jazz and drum n' bass for over an hour. Then, Tracey joined him for a set that covered songs from many of their albums, completely mixed in their now well-known sound, which combines intimate, delicate vocals with break-beat, organic layers of rhythm.
	Dione Farris Ever since her days as one of Arrested Development, Ms. Farris has graced us with her excellent voice and her undeniable soul. On her debut album, "Wild Seed Wild Flower", she created music that is intelligent and honest, yet down-to-earth --- it's a truly memorable production. Her ability to blend rock and R&B has given her music a personality all its own.
	Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music Roxy Music came through at the dawn of the Seventies to demonstrate cool style and powerful ensemble work with strong individuality, fronted by the unique vocals of Bryan Ferry. In addition to Roxy Music, Ferry has produced many interesting solo works, using his haunting vocal style to cover everything from Cole Porter to "Amazing Grace" to "I Put a Spell on You". His 1985 release, Boys and Girls, is still one of my favorite albums, with incredibly rich and sensuous orchestrations.
	Billie Holiday What can I say? This woman is a legend, and I have felt her influence in the many performers, writers and artists who have lived after her. None can match her fiery blue soul.
	Groove Theory and Amel Larrieux "Tell me if you want me to, give you all my time. I want to make it good for you, 'cause ya' blow my mind." Groove Theory hit the scene big time in 1995, and both Amel and Bryce have been major players in many other musical efforts since then. Amel's spirited and sultry voice has driven hits for such acts as Sweetback and others. Amel's solo effort "infinite possibilities", due out February 2000, should help reignite our love of her dreamy vocal talents...
	Jamiroquai "All these things we do, will make our dreams come true..." I was introduced to Jamiroquai on a trip to Vienna in January of 1995. "Return of the Space Cowboy" was real big then. Their most recent album, "Traveling without moving", is a delicious blend of jazzy funk and soulful vibes. Jamiroquai has the ability to combine percussive, synthetic and vocal arrangements into lush, multilayered, multireferential arrangements.
	k.d. lang From twang girl to chanteuse, this powerhouse of a woman has publicly explored more aspects of her identity than most superstars. Ms. Chantelaine has flirted with us, through her ingenuis lyrics and musical arrangements, encouraging us to love deeply, to take chances with people, and to release our sexualities. Like most artists whose music I enjoy, she often has remixes done which can burn the pants off you... or, you can just sit back and sip a beer while grilling your vegetarian burgers in the summer sun.
	Wynton Marsalis Since I played the trumpet when I was younger (who knows, I may again someday), I have a special fondness for the horn. Wynton Marsalis has -- since the Classical Jazz series that was conceived by Alina Bloomgarden began at Lincoln Center in 1988 -- been Artistic Director of what later became Jazz at Lincoln Center in 1991, the most important jazz program in the world. I enjoy his versatility, from jazz classics to Baroque duets (my favorite of which are with opera singer Kathleen Battle).
	Maxwell This fine brother put on a show in the fall of 1997 in Atlanta at the Roxy. He has often been compared to Marvin Gaye, and I think he fits the comparison. His last full album release, EMBRYA, was pregnant with a silky groove and ethereal lyrics that woo and please just like he did the last time...
	Morcheeba This British trio's releases (especially big calm, which gives me just that), stay in my CD player. The soulful, haunting vocals of Skye Edwards, combined with their entrancing, atmospheric music, comes off with a smooth, trippy, jazzy feel. Their music has an intimacy and a directness that feels like you've journeyed past trouble, to a place where honesty and maturity are king.
	Meshell N'Dgeocello I have had the distinct pleasure of witnessing this maverick of a performer twice. Both times, Meshell blew me away with her all-out, forthright lyrics and her take-no-shit attitude. The woman can command her music, combining highly intimate, politicized words with funky rhymes and basslines. In her 1996 concert in Atlanta, she performed a searing set against a large, sensuous red drape covered with Eastern spiritual symbols.
	Sade Everyone is familiar with the lovely Ms. Sade Adu. I have seen her twice in Atlanta: once at the Fabulous Fox Theatre and once at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. The Chastain Summer deLuxe concert was the most special; experiencing her enchanting voice and sensuous presence under the summer stars while sipping wine was beyond compare. With Lovers Rock, her latest release after an eight year hiatus, this incomparable chanteuse reaffirmed her rule over the bedroom and lovers everywhere...
	Ryuichi Sakamoto Ryuichi Sakamoto is truly a Renaissance man! He has appeared in Madonna's "Rain" video, produced the soundtrack to the film "The Last Emperor", and contributed to the recent "Red Hot and Rio" compilation. His memorable album Smoochy is one of my favs, taking a cue from Brazilian rhythms with its intoxicating and sensual tones. In addition, his Web presence reflects his status as a truly creative genius, with links to his numerable web projects, film scores, electronic music, and webcasts.
	Seal Seal is one of the few artists represented on this page that I can say has truly affected my experience of life's trials and tribulations. I began listening to him in 1990, with the release of his first album, when I was moving "out on my own" for the first time. "The Beginning" was truly the start of my love for his particular combination of intensely personal lyrics. I have seen him three times in Atlanta: during each concert there was a decidedly elevated feeling of overcoming life's difficulties and celebrating connections through intimacy. His CDs stay parked in my player.
	Nina Simone Nina Simone's special brand of low-voiced, powerful blues has engaged my attention for some time now. Her vocal style contains a deep and honest plea for companionship,and for an overcoming of strife in a world that is sometimes set against you.
	Lisa Stansfield Lisa has been a recipient of my attention ever since "All Around the World" was a big hit. She is definitely one of the British soul singers who has had major crossover appeal, mostly due to her loving, honey-colored voice. She is one of the few pop singers who I could, and do, listen to over and over. Who else can cover Barry White's "Never Gonna Give You Up" with such silky fire (not to mention a sassy video where homegirl walks naked through the streets to find her man)?
	Swing Out Sister This British group blends pop and jazz into a delicious combination that has evolved over the years. Over the years, they have moved from a more polished production level to a more freeform jazzy lounge style, which has given them much-deserved attention from jazz-oriented festivals and radio stations, such as Clark Atlanta University's WCLK - the jazz voice of the city.
	Talk Talk Although they have disbanded, this British musical group that has captured my attention for many years. Their work resists categorization, especially "Laughing Stock", which was one of their most ominous and eerie compositions. I think of them as composers of ever-changing reflections of moods. They take me to places beyond the present, but still within the natural world.