ARTIST PROFILE: Don Blackman
Posted by Radiocafé on 14 Jun 2007 at 10:15 am |
Category: 4. Soul Sounds
“If things don’t change, then that’s it”, Don preached to a congregation of devoted followers at last year’s Jazz Café sell out show. We weren’t sure if he was having a joke, but later all was to become clear. Don’s performance, as always, featured virtually every track from his ‘82 album, ‘Never Miss A Thing’ causing a particular stir. Also featured was the brilliant new album ‘Listen’, and two audience-pleasers: the Bernard Wright penned ‘Haboglabotribin’; and ‘I Love You’, which he recorded with the late great Weldon Irvine.
Don demonstrated precisely why he is one of the all time greats: his vocals were spot on, the funky vibe was deep and heavy, and he had the eager crowd eating from his palm throughout his two-hour-plus set.
Concerns about the industry
So what was Don eluding to with the worrying words of warning which provided a somber interlude to this great man’s total entertainment policy? Radiocafé was fortunate to be invited to speak to Don, who willingly opened up to express grave concerns about the state of the profession: “the music industry has gone in the wrong direction,” he told us. “The companies’ efforts are put into so many artists who don’t deserve it these days. The real talent doesn’t get a look in any more”. We fully agree with Don’s sentiments. However, of more concern was Don’s assertion that if the industry doesn’t change soon, this may be the last time we have the privilege to seem Don perform live.
The need for a Campaign For Real Music
So we told Don about the Campaign For Real Music, the very existence of which is to raise the profile of great albums like ‘Blackman’. “That sounds like a great idea, I’m fully in support of that”, he told us, before concluding: “however, the music industry is very frustrating nowadays”. We mentioned how hard it is to obtain the ‘Blackman’ album , and Don said he was disappointed that [until recently] this had never officially been released on CD in the UK (we had to pay £28 for our Japanese import a number of years ago, but fortunately courtesy of the incredible Expansion record label, it’s now available in the UK). However, Don still gave us a trade-mark bear hug, and we said we’d continue to campaign on behalf of him and the many other, overlooked artists who simply deserve so much more.We hope, and suspect, he just might be back…
All about Don Blackman
Don’s influence on music has been immense, his 1982 self entitled album rightly labeled an all time classic, with a cult following. Don continues to play to sell out audiences at the Jazz Café each year (although see below…). He has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Lenny White, Bernard Wright, Parliament, Funkadelic and more recently Sting. His talents at the keyboard, soulful voice and his song-writing genius that have won him a loyal base of dedicated fans across the world. If you haven’t experienced the magic of Don yet, we urge you to do so, as you’ll soon be caught under his music’s incredible spell.
>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW RADIOCAFE’S FULL PROFILE OF DON BLACKMAN
Like this? Subscribe to our RSS feed
(6 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
Loading ...
Loading ...
indeed i’m a big fan of don blackman and i’m honored that he will be producing the album of my group voices of praise ensemble, his first gospel/inspiration album, scheduled to be released in spring 2008.
get ready people!
peace & luv!
We cannot wait to hear that on LaDora - please keep us informed! We’d be very pleased to feature and promote this release on Radiocafe, we fully support gospel/inspiration music which (in the UK at least) does not get the airplay it deserves.
Please send our very best regards to our friend Don.
Our very best wishes
Paul @ Radiocafe
Very impressive commentary, Mr. “WhiteMan” Congratulations!
But, of course, you are a man of many talents and purpose. I’ve admired you for that ever since meeting you through my sister, LAA Dora.
There are many “unsung” heroes and heroines that are overlooked depite the qualified contributions that are made to enhance society. I pray that your destiny defines your purpose. There’s so much good in you, darling!
Much love….
Congratulations on a very impressive commentary that describes and elaborates you and on your talents very well, Mr. “WhiteMan”…
Since meeting you through my sister, LAA Dora, I’ve always observed and admired you for the smooth performance and/or service that you render.
I pray that your God given purpose defines your destiny as you continue.
Much love, darling!
Don is one of my Best Composer Singer Keyboards Player, and the Real GrandMaster of Funk!
I am so honored to have collaborated with him,he gave me his Funky voice and his good spirit on this song.
“Funky Toons” is on my double album “From my Head To Your Feet”- will coming out 10 th December 07 in France.Don is one of Featuring.
I try to keep the real spirit of music with a musical sense,and i need to work with real artists like Don Blackman. I bought his record in 82 ! 20 years later,He’s on my album !
(A wonderfull story)
Majors compagny don’t understand the artistic choices and want to format the music,nevermind,I believe in my way…and i choose to followed my heart and live my dreams.
Don, is now my “Brother”,and like he say,we are Brother from “another mother”,but sure,we could be some real brothers…cause, we have the same good vibes.
I am keyboards Player/composer/producer too & i hope to play in live together one day.(may be at the Jazz Cafe ;)) I saw the concerts of Don at the Jazz London Cafe in September,it was amazing to listen many young people singing “Hoding you,loving you” together,and the Groove of The Don’s Band stayed in my mind.
Ladora sing on this track too(Funky Toons), and she’s now my Sister too !;)
With this track on my album, i support Don,& i hope that many people discover his talent & all his records.
I am working to try to make come Donny in France for some Concerts.
Peace & Love to Donny & Ladora…and thanks to the Jazz London Cafe for this gift!
I wish you all the best.
(sorry for my bad english!;)
Skalp
www.myspace.com/skalplemairepascal
The album “Don Blackman“ from 1982 is a jazzfunk masterpiece and explains Don’s influence on artists from all over the world until today. Great that it’s now available in the UK and more and more people will have the opportunity to know how amazing Don’s music is.
Peace from Brazil,
Barbera
Don is my hero. I was born the year his album came out and when I first heard it, it blew me away. It really is the perfect album - EVERYBODY that I’ve ever met who’s heard it has been moved by it. I’m a pianist too and I’ve spent ages transcribing his solos on ‘Heart’s Desire’ etc note for note so that I can play them and learn from them. Don is the most amazing singer I’ve ever heard and his piano playing is just as lyrical. Don - I really hope you make it back over to the UK at some point so I can finally see you perform live, and meet you!
Tom
Just wanted to let Blackman still a big fan and wish him and family a very happy and healthy 2008.
Love,
The laugh from Listen track 15
Don…. Is an awesome artist. I first heard him when a friend sent a link to his music. I have been a fan ever since. You just don’t hear jazz or music of that type anymore. We need some real music out there….
I worked with Don for a minute with voices of praise and I can tell you that this new gospel album is exciting on multiple levels. He has the most pristine ear and creative soul I have ever none. Don is also very generous with his gifts as he loves the art of music with all his heart.
I couldn’t agree with Sylvia more that Don has the most pristine ear and creative soul ever known. So much so that I hear, “if you work with him, make sure you come correct and be up on your game.” Don’t sing flat, sharp or off notes because his ear is so keen (perfect pitch) he hears it and will let you know where you need improvement and he’s generous enough to help you.
“Lesson to be learned, come correct, so that you will last more than a minute.”
None…
None…
None…
None…
don blackmon is without question the greatest LP of the 80s, a amazing talent, fantastic love songs that cannot be match , why oh why did’t it came out in the uk at that time in 1982, i do not know.
Saw the “Don” a few years back perform @ the Camden Jazzcafe. Unforgettable experience ! Mister Blackman is a funktrip to hear and watch, and a fun-entertainer with hilarious jokes :o) ! Check also Don jammin the moog-bass on Bobby Broom’s track “Let It Go” (1984), recently reissued on Expansion. And he appeared as well on debut-albums around 1979 from Sylvia St. James (Side Effect), and from Lips (Stanley Clarke’s hornsection). Keep on keepin on tha fonk Don, with your impressive US & UK Family Tradition !