Skoolwerk EPK Rundown: Nuyorican Soul 1997 [Giant Step Records]

One of the finest albums in my collection is Nuyorican Soul, released in 1997 on Giant Step records.  Nuyorican Soul was a collaboration spearheaded by Masters At Work duo Louie Vega and Kenny Dope, two of New York’s finest DJ/producers.  Together they called on latin and dance music royalty to create this stellar project loaded with classic latin and dance music grooves. The album features George Benson, Roy Ayers, India, Jocelyn Brown, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Vincent Montana, Jr. and DJ Jazzy Jeff.  As I was sorting thru some old VHS tapes I ran across this promo video for the Nuyorican Soul album. I checked Youtube and to my delight there it was!  I wanted to share this EPK just in case some may have missed it or missed this stellar album all together.  Hard to believe it has been 16 years since this album released but timeless music lives forever.  This album brings back great memories and the EPK featuring behind the scenes bits and pieces is just as exciting! Sure to make you revisit the album today!

Twenty Feet From Stardom – The Unsung Heroes Behind The Greatest Music Of Our Time – A Documentary

Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. In his compelling new film TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others.

These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom.    Along with rare archival footage and a peerless soundtrack, TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM boasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting to name just a few.  However, these world-famous figures take a backseat to the diverse array of backup singers whose lives and stories take center stage in the film. TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM stars singers Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Judith Hill, Claudia Lennear, Lisa Fischer and Tata Vega.

Visit the Twenty Feet From Stardom Official Website For Screening Dates In Your City.

Louie Vega Presents: Elements Of Life – ECLIPSE

It’s been years since Fania Records released a new artist album and this Elements Of Life ‘Eclipse,’ a 2-disc album from Louie Vega’s critically acclaimed live orchestral project is one that was worth the wait.  Eclipse’s first disc showcases 17 brand new tracks from Elements Of Life that tastefully traverse the sounds of Afrobeat, Jazz, Latin, R&B, Gospel, Soul, Blues, Brazilian and World Music all woven with the golden touch of Grammy Award winning Producer/Artist/DJ Louie Vega. The second disc includes “EOL Soulfrito”: an homage to Fania Records through interpretations and remixes of classic Fania songs performed by the Elements Of Life in a 33-minute sound collage as well as six more bonus tracks. The album features Josh Milan (Blaze), Anane’, Cindy Mizelle, Lisa Fischer, Luisito Quintero and Oveous Maximus.