FIDA "ONE OF FIFTY" SESSIONS - THE 45RPM'S - SUNDAY 4/24/16 - I THANK YOU!

Greetings!

It is with extreme gratitude that I personally want to thank you, the FIDA members and the registered guests who blessed the dance floor for the “FIDA One Of Fifty – The 45rpm Sessions”  event at 29 Halsey St. Newark, NJ this past Sunday.  I was in pain (I pulled the muscles in my left rotator cuff earlier that day) but I was so excited to finally get a chance to showcase these little musical gems that I’ve gone fanatic for since the age of four.  I’ve been collecting them off and on for fifty years, more so now than ever!  It gave me so much joy to share my finds with you and hearing you yell, scream and sing along with the lyrics, gagging that some of your favorite dance (and House tunes) were on 45rpm…the look on your faces was priceless!  I thank each and every one of you, honestly and truly for making a fantasy of mine a reality.  It was quite special and by the looks of it, you all were having a great time as well.

I really do like this “collective".  It’s very intimate and most of us know each other and everybody is there for the music, you were handpicked for that reason.   I was presented with the idea of possibly branching out and seeking other like-minded people, but in its current small, intimate state…it’s good for me.  With me, having a close relationship with 90% FIDA members for over twenty some odd years, as well as, the new members who make me feel like it’s been twenty years knowing you, I would like to keep it just like this.  PERIOD!  No more, no less.  The registered guests, I’ve known some of you for eons also, I appreciate you all for continuing on this musical journey with me as we go through the ups and downs, the trials and tribulations, the joys and many blessings of our lives…we only get one…and when it’s over…IT’S OVER!   So if you can love each other, which is a beautiful thing; if not, don’t hate, just go on with your own life and let them be.  The time you waste worrying about other people and hating them for silly reasons (I am guilty also), you..me…we can be achieving something, soul searching ourselves, making some money, doing something creative, building with like-minded people, learning a new skill, etc.,etc.,etc.  Stay positive, be positive, and seek to be happy, find yourself, be yourself and enjoy yourself.  

,

There were some FIDA members  & registered guest who I expected to be there for this one (and I know that they wanted to be there) but could not, I trust all is well and hope to see and speak with you soon.  Everyone had a hand in making this FIDA Session a beautiful and pleasant afternoon.  Special thanks to Marco Hall and his makeup artist assistant for the use of the space and allowing us to be us, Kevin Wright for transporting me around town to gather items and helping me with the 45s, Mr. Pytch Control for the fabulous sound system, the Bozak mixer and the crossover was classic!  I loved it! Wang Smith for his help in assisting wherever he could, Ceasar Kelley for the use of his headphones (love ya much, my brother), Johnny Dangerous for checking the sound and keeping me where I should be sonically, Jamison Braye for the chicken and Marc B. for the water & wine, Naimah Wallace for prepping the refreshment bureau,  Phyllis Wells and Kim Faison for always being there with extra snacks and bringing your joyous spirit, Rabine for his tasty chicken (Thanks brother, now we need those nutcrackers!),  Renita for making one hell of a Sangria and also transporting me around town for things needed for the event.  I truly missed my Humble Family: Anetra, Carlotta, Kendall and the Beat Brothas: Mann Up, Stacy, Drey…I love them very much!   They give me inspiration as I give them inspiration from the floor at Humble.   Lastly, my sweet, dear Mecca (my adopted niece…she’s fabulous isn’t she!!!), no worries my dear, Wang and I held the door down until you got there…it’s cool! If I left anyone out, sorry, you know I’m a senior citizen now!

We’ll be back in June, so check your e-mail for the date and join the blog.  The “Text The Tune” ante is now $100 bucks, so join the blog and get that cash.   Big ups to our “Text The Tune” winners, Renita Bogan (Think – Lyn Collins) and Sajadah Gordon (Happy Music – Blackbyrds).    Stay tuned for in depth blog articles from Mr. X (Alvaro) & Ceasar Kelley from Essentials, Rahbu, Gabe D., Serge Negri of Bamboo Sound Productions and an interview from the directress of Humble Beginnings, the one the only, come get some, Ms. Anetra Tilley!

Love, peace, and many blessings!

Mr. Flowerz

THE 45RPM PLAYLIST – (NOT QUITE IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER) – 4/24/16
4:00PM - 10:30PM - Selector: Mr. Flowerz

1. Devotion – Earth, Wind & Fire - (Columbia) - 1974
2. After Hours – J.R. Bailey - (TNT) - 1972
3. Down For The Third Time – Bobby Caldwell - (Clouds) - 1978
4. Is It Love That We’re Missing – Quincy Jones - (A&M) - 1975
5. Ain’t Nuthin’ Spooky – Rudy Love & the Love Family - (Calla) - 1977
6. If I Ever Lose This Heaven – Sergio Mendez & the Brasil ‘75 - (Elektra) - 1975
7. Free – Deniece Williams - (Columbia) 1976
8. Everybody Needs Love – Gladys Knight & the Pips (Soul) 1968
9. Somebody’s Watching You – Little Sister (Stoneflower) 1971
10. Check Out Your Mind – Curtis Mayfield (Curtom) 1972
11. 5-10-15-20-25-30 (Years Of Love) – The Presidents - (Sussex) 1970
12. Give Me Your Love – Barbara Mason - (Buddah) 1973
13. Side By Side – Earth, Wind & Fire - (Columbia) 1983
14. Shiver – George Benson - (Warner Bros) 1985
15. We Need Love – Cashmere (UK Import) 1984
16. High Hopes – The S.O.S. Band - (Tabu) 1982
17. Tom’s Song – The Trammps - (Buddah) 1972
18. Windy City – Rodney Franklin - (Columbia) 1978
19. Life Is Just A Ballgame – Womack & Womack (UK Import)
20. Who Loves You – The Joneses - (Epic) 1977
21. Get Down Baby (Part 1) – Joe Quarterman & the Free Soul - (Mercury) 1974
22. Out-A-Space – Billy Preston - (A&M) 1972
23. Get It Together – Jackson 5 - (Motown) 1973
24. Heat Of The Beat – Roy Ayers & Wayne Henderson - (Polydor) 1978
25. Brazil – The Ritchie Family - (20th Century) 1975
26. Every Beat Of My Heart – Crown Heights Affair - (DeLite) 1975
27. Turn Me Loose – Roy Ayers (Polydor) 1982
28. A Song For The Children – Lonnie Liston Smith - (Columbia) 1978
29. The Real Thing – Sergio Mendes & the Brasil ‘77 - (Elektra) 1977
30. Sunny – Yambu - (Montuno) 1975
31. Biyo – Earth, Wind & Fire - (Columbia) 1976
32. I Like It – Players Association - (Vanguard UK import) 1977
33. Crystal World – Crystal Grass - (Polydor) 1974
34. Dreaming A Dream – Crown Heights Affair - (DeLite) 1975
35. Let’s Get It Together – El Coco - (AVI) 1976
36. Devil’s Gun – CJ & Co.- (Westbound) 1977
37. Down To Love Town – The Originals - (Soul) 1976
38. Hijack – Herbie Mann - (Atlantic) 1975
39. Turn The Music Up – Player’s Association - (Vanguard UK import) 1979
40. I Need You – Sylvester - (Fantasy) 1980
41. Nightbirds – Shakatak - (Polydor UK import) 1982
42. Don’t You Let It Show On Your Face  - Adeva (Cooltempo UK import) 1991
43. Free Love – Juliet Roberts - (Cooltempo UK import) 1993
44. Grandpa’s Party – Monie Love (Cooltempo UK impor) 1989
45. Tomorrow – Tongue N’ Cheek - (Syncopate) 1990
46. Lift Every Voice (And Sing) – Mass Order - (Columbia UK import) 1992
47. It’s Over Now – Ultra Nate - (WEA UK import) 1989
48. So Many Roads – Dee Dee Brave - (Champion UK import) 1991
49. That’s The Way Love Is – Ten City - (Atlantic) 1988
50. Move Me No Mountain – Soul II Soul - (TEN UK import) 1990
51. Going Back To My Roots - Odyssey - (RCA UK import) 1980
52. Memory Lane – Minnie Riperton - (Capitol) 1979
53. La Costa – Natalie Cole - (Capitol) 1977
54. Sunshower – Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band - (RCA) 1976
55. Change – Lisa Stansfield - (Arista UK import) 1991
56. Wishing On A Star – Rose Royce - (Whitfield UK import) 1977
57. I Really Don’t Need No Light – Jeffrey Osborne - (A&M) 1982
58. 90% Of Me Is You – Gwen McCrae - (CAT) 1972?
59. It’s A Shame – The Spinners - (Atlantic) 1972
60. I Don’t Know What It Is (Sure Is Funky) – Ripple - (GRC) 1973
61. Think – Lyn Collins - (People) 1972
62. Yes We Can Can – Pointer Sisters - (Blue Thumb) 1973
63. Mr. Big Stuff – Jean Knight - (Stax) 1971
64. Is It Really Real –Alicia Myers - (MCA) 1982
65. Inside Out – Odyssey - (RCA) 1982
66. We’re On Our Way Home – Brainstorm - (Tabu) 1978
67. At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up) – Rufus ft. Chaka Khan - (ABC) 1977
68. Tighten Up – Archie Bell & The Drells - (Atlantic) 1968
69. Super Disco – The Rimshots - (Stang) 1976
70. Hi –Tension  - Hi-Tension - (Island) 1978
71. Potential – Jimmy Castor Bunch - (Atlantic) 1975
72. The Tornado – Charlie Smalls - (Atlantic) 1975
73. Could It Be I’m Falling In Love – The Spinners - (Atlantic) 1972
74. Do You Know – Donnie - (Giant Step) 2003
75. I Can’t Help It – Michael Jackson - (Epic) 1979
76. Why Can’t We Live Together – Timmy Thomas - (Glades) 1972
77. Summer Madness – Kool & The Gang - (DeLite) 1974
78. Valdez In The Country – Donnie Hathaway - (ATCO) 1973
79. To Each His Own – Faith, Hope & Charity - (RCA) 1975
80. El Pito (I’ll Never Go Back to Georgia) - Joe Cuba Sextet - (Tico) 1965
81. Corazon – L.T.G. Exchange - (Fania) 1973
82. La Botella (The Bottle) – Joe Bataan - (Salsoul) 1974
83. Sexy MF - Prince and the Power Generation - (Paisley Park) 1992
84. Backstabbers – O’Jays - (Philadelphia International) 1972
85. Smiling Faces Sometimes – The Undisputed Truth -(Gordy) 1970
86. Superficial People – Ten City - (Atlantic UK import) 1989
87. Happy Music – The Blackbyrds - (Fantasy) 1975
88. Where Is The Love – Betty Wright - (Drive) 1975
89. Sending Out (An S.O.S) – Retta Young - (All Platinum) 1975
90. Phoenix – Aquarian Dream - (Buddah) 1977
91. Star Love – Three Ounces Of Love - (Motown) 1978
92. I Don’t Know What I Do (If You Ever Left Me) – Sweet Cream (Shadybrook) 1978
93. Smile – The Emotions - (Columbia) 1978
94. If You Want My Lovin’ – Evelyn King - (RCA UK import) 1981
95. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing – Stevie Wonder - (Tamla) 1974
96. Love Ballad – George Benson - (Warner Bros) 1979
97. You Are My Heaven – Roberta Flack  & Donnie Hathaway - (Atlantic) 1979
98. Angel Of The Night – Angela Bofill - (Arista/GRP) 1979
99. Little Red Corvette – Prince - (Warner Bros.) 1982
100. Circles – Atlantic Starr - (A&M) 1982
101. Nothing’s Changed – Ten City - (Atlantic UK import) 1990
102. Candidate For Love – T.S. Monk - (Mirage UK import) 1980
103. Lovin’ Is Really My Game – Brainstorm - (Tabu) 1977
104. Wide World Of Sports –Instant Funk - (Salsoul) 1978
105. Leaving This Planet (Part 2) – Charles Earland - Prestige (1974)
106. It Only Takes A Minute – Tavares - (Capitol) 1975
107. Runaway – Loleatta Holloway - (Salsoul) 1977
108. Stars In Your Eyes – Herbie Hancock  (Played by Mia Friday!!!!) - Columbia (1980)

FIDA Thanks YOU! 2/21/16 - The "One of Fifty" Sessions!

Greetings!!!

All I have to say is...WOW!  Electric!  You guys are F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!   Absolutely fabulous!  You ROCK!   The screams, the yells, the shoutin', the stompin', the rejoicin'...Your NRG was crazy Sunday night!   The power of music is truly amazing to witness.   Love of the music for music's sake.   I love y'all for making FIDA the "small, intimate in gathering of like-minded music lovers" just like I intended it to be back @ 618 Fulton St. where it all began in an "attic" back in 1998.  The FIDA members were in full force especially the "original"  Lo Kidz!  Werk!   There were some technical difficulties (some of my CD's were skipping, I hit the power off button by accident when Jackie Wakefield walked in the door....werk Jackie!  The diva strikes again!).  Everyone was SMILING! HAPPY! LAUGHING! Listening and dancing to the music of our lives.  No Shade, No Pretense, No Attitude, No Drama.  Just music, love, dancin' and fellowshippin'!    

Thanks to the snacks and platter of goodies supplied by one of our new FIDA guest, Charli...thank you my love.    Thanks to all who contributed to the bounty (water, wine, jello shots, soda, juice, chips, dip... It's not mandatory for admission...but that's what we do...communal support!).  I thank you and love you for blessing FIDA.  To my two brothers, without these two kats, man...I don't wanna think about it, FIDA DJ Rahbu and Ceasar Kelley for supplying the sound.  I really do love you guys!   Mecca, my beautiful, you handle the door like a "pro" thank you much!    Kyeatta & Renita, to whom this event was dedicated, thank you for being the beautiful women you are, Marco Hall, what can I say, thank you once again for your wonderful work space and being so gracious to allow me to host this event in your establishment.   To the man I watched grow up from a little boy, our FIDA/ThinkSoul, DJ Gabe D!   You socked it and  rocked the kids lovely.  Thank you sir!  Love you much too much! 

If you didn't fill out a member or guest membership application, they will be available at the next event.   Music quiz for those selected for full membership.    Please join the blog, www.flowerzindattic.com/blogspot.

Next event, FIDA Presents "All Vinyl  - The 45rpm Singles" , April 24th.

Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you...all of you...YOU ARE TRULY THE SPECIAL ONES!

Be blessed everyone, be peaceful, be loving, be caring.  Be you!

Mr. Flowerz

The Track Listing for FIDA "One of Fifty" Sessions - 2/21/16

THE TRACK LISTING FOR FIDA “ONE OF FIFTY” SESSIONS

SUNDAY -  February 21^st, 2016 

Mr. Flowerz -  5:00pm (We had a late start) - 8:30pm

Not quite in play order.

1. Stay This Way – The Brand New Heavies

2. Mama Said – Carleen Anderson

3. In The Park – Lonnie Liston Smith

3. New Bell – Manu DiBango

4. Money (No Love) Vox – The Funkmasters

5. Take A Chance (KF Edit) - Pleasure

5. Wide World Of Sports – Instant Funk

6. Sweet Tears – Roy Ayers

7. Movin’ – Brass Construction

8.  A New Day – The Repercussions

8. Turned On To You – Ladies of the 80’s

9. Journey To The Light – Brainstorm

10. Tell Me What To Do – Johnny Hammond

11. Stella (KF Extended) – Norman Conners

12. Happy Feeling – Earth, Wind & Fire

13. Move Me No Mountain – Chaka Khan

14. Still In Love – Rose Royce

15. Everytime I See you I Go Wild – Stevie Wonder

16. I Believe In Miracles (Latin Jazz Version) –  Sunlightsquare Latin Combo

17. Now (Sweet Lover Man) – Formerly Of The Harlettes

18. Don’t You Need – Linda Evans

18. Fantasy – Cassio feat. Sajadah

19. Don’t Wanna Be Set Free – Vanita

20. Here We Go – Determination feat. Jackie Wakefield

21. When She Made Me Promise – The Beginning Of The End

22. As Long As You Love Me – True Example

23. Under Your Spell – Phyllis Hyman

24. Love To The World – L.T.D.

25. Tried, Tested And Found True – Ashford & Simpson (Thank you Renita!!!)

26. On Your Face – Earth, Wind & Fire

27. The Screams Of Passion – The Family

28. I’ll Be Around – The Spinners

29. I’ll Be Good To You – Brother’s Johnson

30. Time Waits For No One – Jean Carn

31. Midnight – Ten City

32. Almighty – Kim English

33. Star Suite (Shelter Blaze KF Edited Mix) – Mondo Grosso  

DJ GABE - 8:30pm – 10:30pm

1. Distant Planet - Mr. Fingers
2. Do U Luv Me? – Lil’ Louis feat. Joi Cardwell
3. I Want You - Osulande & Floetry
4. So In Love (Pablo Martinez Remix) - Jill Scott Feat. Anthony Hamilton
5. Life Starts Today (Tea Party Mix) - Ian Friday
6. Cerca Di Mi (Shelter Mix) – Elements Of Life Feat. Raul Midon
7. I Put A Spell On You (Honeycomb Mix) - Honeysweet Feat Cindy Mizelle
8. Dance Like You Been Here (DJ Beloved Mix) Miranda Nicole & Kia Alice
9. Take Me To The King (Mark Francis House Mix) - Tamila Mann
10. Star Love - Cheryl Lynn
11. Bad For Me – Dee Dee Bridgewater
12. We Can Do It - Brass Construction
13. Miss You - Rolling Stones
14. Mesopotamia - B 52's
15. Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On ) - Talking Heads
16. Feel Up - Grace Jones
17. I Want You All Tonight (Extended Version) – Curtis Hairston
18. Falling In Love (Shorter Edit Of The Club Mix) - Sybil
19. Love Has Come Around - Donald Byrd & the 125th St. NYC Band
20. Can You Handle It - Sharon Redd
21. Twisted - Ultra Nate
22. Emerald City Sequence - Quincy Jones
23. Do You Like It, The Way That It Feels- Tempest Trio

THANK YOU ESSENTIALS! Saturday - 12-19-15

Greetings!

I trust this e-letter finds you in good health and happiness!    I want to give deep and sincere thanks to Mr. X and Ceasar for inviting me to play some music this Saturday at the Essentials party.  These brothers are among the coolest and most humble kats I have ever known. Not only are they true music connoisseurs, but they are good people and that is sooooooooooooooooooooooo damn rare in these “end-of-times” days to find.   Mr X and Ceasar, I love y’all and thank you!     I want to thank my FIDA members & guests who came out: Polo (I tried to get to the Player’s Association), Vanita (Wow! We miss you my love),  Kyeatta (My sis! My ThinkSoul right-hand! How could I forget you!  Thanks for the ride home!), FIDA DJ, Rahbu (he is Essentials too!), Jamison (The true music guru!), Steven (you and that Cowboys jacket, SMH!), Carlton (Don’t touch the pitch while any DJ is playing, tell them J) and his wifey, my lil’ sis Edie, Tony (my brother for life), Yaminah (I love it, I love it), all the way from NYC, the lovely Mia (Much love and respect, you are next on the decks, very soon) and friend, Cliff (U made it, Wow!  Good to see you), Shay (You betta shake girl), Laveka (Wow???), Lottie & Tracy (My fam from way back in the day), Naimah (Much love), Rasmir & Tia (Love to see ya dancin’), Kim & Phyllis (I love ya, thank you, y’all betta sing those songs), My Humble Beginnings family, Anetra, Kendall, the two of the Beat Brotha’s, Stacy and Dre (You guys got my love always), and our Ms. Deidre, Connie Constance (You are fabulous, check your iPod for those tunes played!), Mr. Cassio (who walk in just as “So In Love” was playing! What a coincidence!), Hilary and uncle (OMG! So honored, thank you), Erbi (Don’t be a stranger), the Jeudys’ (Indeed, werk! Thanks guys), Debbie & hubby (Wow, y’all gotta stay a little longer next time), to the Essential regulars, thank you for just being you and the kats that assist Ceasar & Mr. X, I don’t know your names but thank you for everything.   If I forgot anyone, my bad, sorry and thank you too!

Peace & blessings one and all,

Christopher

My Playlist (somewhat in sequential order, maybe missing 1 or 2 tunes)

1.       Children Of The Ghetto – Courtney Pine

2.       This Terrible Planet – Ahmed Jamal

3.       I’ll Play The Fool – Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band

4.       Space Princess – Lonnie Liston Smith

5.       Let’s Get It Together – El Coco

6.       Introduce Me To Love – Absolute

7.       Don’t Let It Show On Your Face – Adeva

8.       For Me (Honeycomb CD mix) – Dawn Tallman

9.       My Beat – Blaze

10.   Illusions – Angela Johnson

11.   The Real Thing – Sergio Mendez & the Brazil ‘77

12.   Where Is The Love – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway

13.   Let’s Sing A Song Of Love – Patrice Rushen

14.   Say A Prayer For Two – Crown Heights Affair

15.   The Magnificent Dance – The Clash

16.   Brother’s Gonna Work It Out (Remix) – Willie Hutch

17.   I Have A Dream Speech – MLK played over E2 –E4 – Manual Gottishing

18.   The Bed’s Too Big Without You – The Police

19.   Nature Boy – George Benson

20.   Come Get To This – Marvin Gaye

21.   If You Really Love Me – Stevie Wonder

22.   Peg – Steely Dan

23.   Reach In – The Jackson 5 (Third Album)

24.   The Tornado – Charlie Smalls

25.   Living On The Frontline – Eddy Grant

The Jazz Soul of Jazmina!

This is an article that I wrote on one of my favorite dance music vocalists, who, at the time was going by the name of Jazmina.   Unfortunately the magazine that I was writing for, The Underground News  never published it.  It was written back in 1994.

The Jazz Soul of Jazmina!
by Christopher Flowers

Blessed with the Creator's gift of lyrical beatitudes, the tepid, spiritual essence of this songbird emanates from her sleek frame and steel-lined lungs.  Just listen to her "R&B-downtempo-jazz-hip-hop-with-a-house-twist" KULT Records (a Hourglass Records original pressing) smash hit, "Good Time", or her mood-soaked classic on AceBeat Records, "I See You" topped with the Shelter Records release of the gospel strong "High On Hope", and you'll know why Jazmina is known in underground dance music circles as the prolific "Duchess of Downbeat House Soul".

Leslie Oliver was just a blossoming teen upon discovering her vocal skills, inter-fused with her innate ability to scribe insightful proverbs of self confidence and perseverance born during her tender "crayola" years; Leslie, then later Jazmina, developed into a talented master lyricist and percussionist.  An alumni of the famed Newark's Arts High School that produced many future Jersey dance music vocalists, she later became a graduate of Rutgers University with a BA in English; Jazmina persists in her vision-quest to become a college professor and novelist.

Snuggled in an extremely humble warm coat that offers her prophylactic protection from the consumptive "I'm-A-Diva" disease that afflicts a few (if not many) of her underground dance music female (and male) contemporaries, she sheepishly accepts her accolades, says Jazmina. "I'm not really moved about the money and where my place should be in this business.  I've done more than I thought I would in five years.  "High On Hope" reached the number one spot in the UK...I don't need the tour or whatever...It's about using those gifts that God has given you...if nothing else happens...I'll be satisfied," says Jazmina.

This Garden State, Newark exclusive, glucose shrill queen was born into an ancestry of gospel singers and musicians, peeled her shyness away after being mesmerized by the then teen sensation Desiree Coleman in the Broadway production of "Mama, I Want To Sing".  Within two weeks of a tearful catharsis behind her, in praise of Desiree's showstopping performance; Jazmina, this sepia twigling, stood in front of the pulpit on one of those santified, God-fearing Sunday afternoons wailing the gospel classic, "God Has Smiled On Me" as a stunned church gazed in awe!  That echoing, fervent femme falsetto made her devotional leader mother to drop the microphone!  "The whole congregation turned around and the pastor looked out of his office and gagged!," Jazmina remembers.

Her "rites of passage" into R&B dance underground took root at AceBeat's legendary Campsite Studios on North 6th Street.   AceBeat's campsite and label launched the careers of such dance music stars as Jomana, Charvoni, Joey Washington, The Voices of 6th Avenue and Brothers Of Peace (BOP).  It was Bill Watkins who caught a whiff of Jazmina's feathery vocal texture while she was rehearsing with her university's choir and later set up an audition with his cousin, producer/musician Tyrone Payton and his empirical con-flux, Intense.  Also sitting in at the audition was the cashmere-throat "Intense" imminent lead vocalist Khison, and AceBeat Records President/Founder, Ace Munchin.  After the audition, although Ace was wary of her style; with Tyrone's insistence, Jazmina joined Intense completing the musical triad.   

She was given a rough draft of "Can't Treat Me This Way" to demo that would later be her first recorded lead song as a member of Intense.  This tune was actually a part of an EP entitled the Garage Movement released on AceBeat Records in 1989.  However, the initial breakout cut championed by DJ Tony Humphries at Club Zanzibar was a lead song by Khison called "Let The Rain Come Down".   It was their first smash hit song off the EP that grasped dance floors from the US to the UK to Tokyo, reaching worldwide underground cult status when Movin' Records re-released a remixed version by Tony Humphries whose foresight included an ample solo breakdown by Jazmina.  That cameo performance was monumental making her the capstone of the trio. 

As Intense ascended the ladder of underground musical prominence, irreconcilable differences sent Khison to debut an uncertain solo career reducing the trio to a duo, Jazmina and Tyrone were left to wing on their own.  Though they had a Chester draw full of quality material, the releases weren't forthcoming.  Taking advantage of this release dry spell, Jazmina took a stab at producing, thus birthing the 1991 AceBeat house jam, "Lock It Up" by the CRJ Project (Charvoni, Ruby and Jazmina).  She continued to "keep up her skills" doing cameo appearances on songs for other AceBeat campsite producers on cuts such as "Call Him Up" by the Voices of 6th Ave and the unreleased, explosive Tony Humphries tribute, "What's On His Mind".  Both tunes featured 18 of the Jersey's reigning underground dance music celebrities. 

A lack of solid distribution and major promotion plagued Intense's follow up, The Movement Soul EP containing three powerful contenders for worldwide success, "Holding On" feat Khison on lead vocals, "Mighty Love" and the strongest of them all, the emotion drenched, "I See You" penned by Eddie Stockley and Kenny Bobien featuring them on backing vocals along with Charvoni both songs led by Jazmina.  "I See You", her "pet tune" she says, "It'll have it's time...I'm going to put it out again". 

"I See You", and the Hourglass (later licensed to KULT Reords) original pressing of "Good Time" produced by left field DJ/Producer guru, Johnny Dangerous are two jazz, hip-hop soul dance cuts that managed to squeeze through the major/indie label's bobbed wire of predetermined 120 beats per minute House tracks.  Jazmina parades in those downtempo, swingbeat R&B hip-hop slippers with a Jersey swagger, tearing a small opening in that "fence" for others with BALLS to follow suit.   Ultimately, she sees herself extending beyond the realm of underground R&B 4/4 dance music, but the rhythm of her heart beats incessantly for the down reaching, deep house material, "I don't think I'll leave dance music...I love it too death!

Slated for their second release on the Shelter label around mid September or October is the socially relevant battle cry, "Life Is Special", produced by Tyrone Payton.  About the lyric, Jazmina says, "You have these young boys and girls thinking that they have to do all of this craziness to survive...it's not necessary.  I like to speak the truth.  It's alright to dance, get sweaty and have fun...but I want the dancer/listener to go home with something in their head...to learn something."

Jazmina Live @ The ThinkSoul Experience Show 2008

DISCOGRAPHY

Garage Movement EP - AceBeat Records (1989)

Let The Rain Come Down (Remix) - Movin' Records (1990)

Movement Soul EP - AceBeat Records (1991)

High On Hope  - Intense feat. Jazmina - Shelter Records (1993)

Good Time - Johnny Dangerous feat. Jazmina - Hourglass/KULT (1994)

Love Me For A Day - Jazmina - KULT Records (1995)

Stormy Weather (I Don't Mind) - Johnny Dangerous feat. Jazmina - Nervous Records (1998)

Soul Of The Music - Jazmina Oliver - Imani Records (1998)

Rescue Me (Y Don't You) - Willy Washington - Dance Tracks (2000)

I'll Be Watchin' - Catalan FC/Sven Love feat. Jazmina - What's Up Records (2002)

It Ain't Easy - Willy Washington feat. Jazmina- Defected Records (2004)

I'm Happy/I Won't Complain - Blaze feat. Jazmina - AceBeat Records (2004)

FIDA TRACKLIST FOR SUNDAY 11-22-15

FIDA TRACKLIST FOR SUNDAY 11-22-15 – Mr. Flowerz  4:00pm – 7:30pm

(Not totally in sequential order)

1. Don’t Leave Me Starving For Your Love – Holland Dozier (Invitcus) 1^st track played

2. Hold Onto Your Dreams – Jah Wobble

3. Rolling Down The Mountainside – Main Ingredient

4. Una Esta – Bobbi Humphrey

5. Dancing For Your Love – Rufus & Chaka Khan

6. Things Are Gonna Get Better – Bunny Sigler

7. Stop On By (Live) – Rufus & Chaka Khan

8. Trouble Don’t Last – Incognito ft. Ramsey Lewis & Carleen Anderson

9. That’s The Way The Cookie Crumbles – Odia Coates

10. Gypsy Moths - Labelle

11. Windy City Theme – Carl Davis and the Chi-Sound Orchestra

12. Come Go With Me - Pockets

13. Phoenix (45 rpm Version) – Aquarian Dream

14. Star Love (KF Edit) – Three Ounces of Love

15. Contusion – Stevie Wonder

16. How Do You Like It – Player’s Association

17. You’re A Star – Aquarian Dream

18. Share That Beat Of Love – C & C Music Factory feat. Audrey Wheeler

19. I Think Of You – Blaze feat. Amira

20. Do U Love Me (KF Edit) – Lil’ Louis feat. Joi Cardwell

22. This Time – Chante Moore

23. Living In Ecstasy – Fonda Rae

24. Brighter Days (trancemental) – Dajae

25. Diverse Shyt (remix) – Rahbu

26. Imagination (KF Extended) – Earth, Wind & Fire

27. Everytime I See You I Go Wild – Brainstorm

28. I Want You For Myself (Mike Maurro Remix) – George Duke

29. What Can I Do For You (KF Edit) – Labelle

30. Hot For You (KF Hotness Edit) – Brainstorm

31. Freddie’s Dead (KF Edit) – MFSB

32. The Session  (Kuniyuki’s Piano Mix) – Henrik Schwarz

33. Redhanded – Bugz In The Attic

34. I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun (4Hero Mix) - NuYorican Soul

35. Welcome To Our World (Joey Negro Remix) – Mass Production

36. Love Has Come Around – Donald Byrd & the 125^th Street Band

37. Fool’s Paradise – Rufus featuring Chaka Khan

38. I Want You – Marvin Gaye

39. Strawberry Letter #23 (KF Berry Edit) – Brothers Johnson

40. You Make Love Like Springtime /w reprise (KF Edit) – Teena Marie

41. Everybody Loves The Sunshine (demo) – Roy Ayers w/Ubiquity

RAHBU’S LIST TO FOLLOW – 7:30PM – 10:00PM