Underground Magnolia Podcast

Desireia Valteau

Elevated Entertainment focusing on arts, culture, and society from an award-winning journalist.
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NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Celebrates His Passion for Diverse Music and New Orleans
Today
NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Celebrates His Passion for Diverse Music and New Orleans
In this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey of renowned jazz saxophonist, Donald Harrison, often hailed as the “father of Omniverse music.” Born and bred in New Orleans, Harrison’s musical prowess transcends eras, genres, and boundaries.Key Highlights:Versatility Across Jazz Eras and Beyond:Harrison’s artistry extends far beyond traditional jazz. He seamlessly weaves soul, funk, and even classical orchestral compositions into his repertoire.Having shared the stage with luminaries like Art Blakey, Eddie Palmieri, Dr. John, Miles Davis, Ron Carter, and Chuck Loeb, Harrison’s musical lineage is rich and diverse.Jazz Master Recognition:In 2022, the National Endowment for the Arts bestowed upon him the prestigious title of Jazz Master, a testament to his immense contributions to the genre.Mentoring the Next Generation:Harrison’s influence extends beyond performance. Artists such as Christian Scott, Jon Batiste, Esperanza Spalding, Trombone Shorty, and even The Notorious B.I.G. have benefited from his mentorship.Musical Exploration Onstage:Recently, Harrison has been captivating audiences with a fusion of sounds. His performances seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary jazz, swing, hip-hop, trap, soul, and more.Roots and Inspiration:Discover how a historical New Orleans slave gathering place informs Harrison’s music, connecting him to the city’s rich cultural heritage.Uncover the story behind his moniker, Big Chief Donald Harrison.Join us as we explore the life, legacy, and boundless creativity of this jazz icon. Tune in to Underground Magnolia Podcast for an unforgettable musical journey.MUSIC:Theme: Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo FoggMusic by Donald Harrison:Art of Passion (Hard Swing) Art of Passion (Trap Hip Hop)Art of Passion (Trap Hip Hop Jazz)The Magic TouchThe Magic Touch (Nouveau Swing)the Magic Touch (Omniverse Single)New York Second Line (Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison)Congo Square Suite (Movement I) Congo Square Suite (Movement 2) Congo Square Suite (Movement 3) CONTACT:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/) Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. To be featured on the podcast, send an email.Support the Show.
Saxophonist Andre Ward Talks New Music, Sade, The Emotions & Earth, Wind & Fire
Jul 18 2023
Saxophonist Andre Ward Talks New Music, Sade, The Emotions & Earth, Wind & Fire
Saxophonist Andre Ward, who has been on the contemporary jazz scene for over 25 years, joins Underground Magnolia Podcast to talk about  his latest album, "Africa Rising" and his storied background.  The Chicago native discusses the following:"Africa Rising," as a whole, tells a story about love and relationships to a conscious beat of Black Excellence. Retellings of The Emotions' 1977 classic, "Don't Ask My Neighbor's" and Sade's 1992 hit, "Kiss of Life."Earth, Wind & Fire being his favorite group and why the band's influence can be heard throughout his new album.Working with vocalists Chantel Hampton and Janice Dempsey on new release.Being part of Lalah Hathaway's band while students at prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.Touring with Freddie Jackson for 9 years, with 4 as his musical director.Going solo and releasing his first album in 2001.His love for hometown Chicago.For more on Andre Ward, check out his Instagram @andrewardmusic.MUSIC:All music is from Andre Ward's album, "Africa Rising."About Underground Magnolia Podcast:Desiréia Valteau is the creator, producer, writer, and host of all content. Editor:  https://ypeditor.com/CONTACT:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @undergroundmagnoliapodcast(https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliapodcast/) Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. To be featured on the podcast, send an email.© 2023 Underground Magnolia, LLCSupport the show
A Healthy Mind Equals An All-Around Better Life
May 28 2023
A Healthy Mind Equals An All-Around Better Life
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, Tyra Valteau Sorapuru, a Mental Wellness Coach and Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 30 years, joins in to discuss effective tools for all around healthy living.  We discuss the following: Balancing your feelings COVID-19 forcing African Africans and other People of Color to seek helpHelping  family and friends who need mental assistanceTips on what to look for in a therapist and/or psychiatristGoing beyond virtual only therapy How emotional health affects physical healthSetting boundaries and saying NO Links and additional information for mental health support:National Alliance on Mental Illness -  https://www.nami.org/Home Therapy for Black Girls - therapyforblackgirls.com Therapy for Latinx -  therapyforlatinx.comTherapy for Black Men - therapyforblackmen.orgPsychology Today - psychologytoday.com - lets you search by race, ethnicity, gender, and other parameters.Check with your local and state government Check with your your health insuranceConfirm therapists/psychiatrists licenses in the state you reside inMUSIC:Theme: Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo FoggSunset Drive by Tokyo Music Walker Echoes Of The Soul by Ron Gelinas Chill Beats Pursuit by Ron Gelinas Chill Beats Merry Bay by Ghostrifter Official Made Of Wood by Joe Crotty Coffee Shop by PYC Music  CONTACT:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @undergroundmagnoliapodcast(https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliapodcast/) Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. To be featured on the podcast, send an email.Support the show
After Over a Decade Hiatus, T.S. Monk is Back with a Stirring Live Album
Jul 12 2022
After Over a Decade Hiatus, T.S. Monk is Back with a Stirring Live Album
This episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast shines the spotlight on jazz musician T.S. Monk, also the son of jazz legend Thelonious Monk.After a decade plus recording absence, he’s back with  the live album “Two Continents, One Groove.” The prolific jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader discusses:Why it took so long to release a new project.The meaning of the album's title.His band's contribution, including a song dedicated to his father that addresses the racism many musicians faced in the heyday of New York's live music club scene.Growing up with Thelonious Monk, his ongoing legacy, and the day the younger Monk realized who his father was.How other jazz greats such as Miles Davis, Max Roach, and John Coltrane were frequent visitors to the Monk home.The importance of jazz as an American art form created by African Americans.For more on T.S. Monk and Thelonious Monk, go to https://theloniousmonk.store/pages/legacy or on Instagram @tsmonkofficial.Buy the album at https://storyvillerecords.bandcamp.com/album/two-continents-one-groove.Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliappodcast/)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.Support the show
Lorraine Lionheart Is One of the UK's Leading African Music Artists
Apr 5 2022
Lorraine Lionheart Is One of the UK's Leading African Music Artists
This episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast features Lorraine Lionheart, a singer and songwriter heating up the global music scene. Hailing from Botswana in Southern Africa and based in the UK, she boasts a sound that fuses traditional African music with contemporary Afropop. The sexy singer already has four independent albums and several singles under her belt that explore a new-ish African beat called amapiano.In addition to her music, Lorraine is a scholar, who is currently working on a Doctorate in Ethnomusicology and she is a lecturer, who does a masterclass on the “music of Africa.”  Her UK profile is also getting a lift. She has played for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and has been invited to sing for the Queen of England’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. She along with other artists and choirs from Britain were asked by the Commonwealth to add their own twist to a song called “A Life Filled with Grace” and Lorraine gave it her signature Southern African treatment. Hear all about Lorraine by listening NOW to the episode.For more on Lorraine Lionheart, go to her Instagram @lorraine_lionheart.Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliappodcast/)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.Support the show
Legendary Melba Moore is 'So In Love' with Her New Music
Mar 16 2022
Legendary Melba Moore is 'So In Love' with Her New Music
On  this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, Melba Moore discusses: New song, “So In Love,” from her upcoming "Imagine" album, which is slated for release in April 2022.New music on her daughter's independent record label. Becoming an "Auntie" to younger audiences thanks to DJ's such as D-Nice.Legendary recording and stage career:Released over 20 albums since 1970 and earned several R&B top ten hits and two #1 R&B singles. In 1968, she joined the Broadway play "Hair" and became the first African American woman to replace a white actress (Diane Keaton) on Broadway.In 1970, she won a Tony Award for starring in "Purlie."Her version of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was named the second official "Black National Anthem" in 2017.Her connection with Aretha Franklin’s family and recording Franklin’s version of "Lean On Me.”She almost lost it all during her 1991 divorce from her husband, who was also her manager.Melba was also  a civil and equal rights activist, who marched with Coretta Scott King and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Additionally, she worked closely with the National Council of Negro Women and the National Political Congress of Black Women.In August 2022, she is scheduled  to  receive a special acknowledgement from President Joe Biden.For more on Melba Moore, go to her Instagram @melba1moore.Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.Support the show
Closing Out Latinx Heritage Month With Ella's Eve Cosmetics
Oct 13 2021
Closing Out Latinx Heritage Month With Ella's Eve Cosmetics
This episode highlight's Ella's Eve Cosmetics, an e-commerce makeup brand founded by sisters Melissa Polanco and Lissa Martinez.Polanco and Martinez are proud Latinas repping their Dominican heritage in an industry that is offering up more and more beauty brands by Women of Color for Women of Color.The host catches up with  Polanco to discuss how the company started, the importance of Latina and WOC owned beauty brands,  the company's products, and the significance of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, which is Sept 15 – Oct. 15. Music:Jazz Addict’s Intro  by Cosimo Fogghttps://soundcloud.com/cosimo-foggLipsia by Sapajou | https://soundcloud.com/sapajoubeatsMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USAnita Latina by Le Gang | https://soundcloud.com/thisislegangMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USCome Along by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomedayMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USContact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV) Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.Support the show
Chasing DNA and Family Roots - Part Three with Dr. Tukufu Zuberi
Jul 22 2021
Chasing DNA and Family Roots - Part Three with Dr. Tukufu Zuberi
This third part episode features Dr. Tukufu Zuberi, who served as host of PBS’ History Detectives from 2003-2011. The Professor of Sociology & Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania does a deep dive regarding the complexity of race and identity. He takes DNA tests to task and even goes so far to say that they are a "joke" and are NOT the answer to finding one's roots. Listen now to this lively and controversial conversation.Music (in the order it was played):Jazz Addict’s Intro  by Cosimo Fogghttps://soundcloud.com/cosimo-foggBreaking Down by Groove Bakery | https://groovebakery.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ The Way by Mike Leite | https://soundcloud.com/mikeleiteMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USDay Ahead by Joe Crotty | https://soundcloud.com/joecrottyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USContact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV) Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.Support the show