Amel Larrieux IS for real

Highly underrated as a solo artist, in my humble opinion, most remember her as the other half to Groove Theory in the mid 90s. Don't get me wrong, Tell Me was certainly my jam. Yet her subsequent albums will forever be classics in my mind. Amel has a voice that leads to me believe that it's straight from heaven above. She has a very unique quality to her music that I get lost in yet fully find myself absorbing the very essence of every measure.

Even more than her immense talent to sing in whistle register, the lyrics to her music touch the soul. She skillfully weaves a picture of a real love with her song 'For Real' from the Bravebird album. Utilizing an imagery of impossible tasks she shows how real the love she has is.

"I can float I can fly us to the highest Mountain top I can breathe you, I can drink in your laugh."

Amel will be in Charlotte June 13th, at the Neighborhood Theatre. Check her for real skills out. Buy tickets here: http://www.neighborhoodtheatre.com/theatre/events/shows.asp?fshow=915

You can also follow Amel on twitter @amellarrieux. Tell her @feistyfreddi sent you!

For Real - Amel Larrieux

How Deeply I Need You

I woke up with this song in my spirit. It is a great reminder even though we are those that have "free will", our whole life is dependent on the one that spoke a word and created the world. As much as I think I want to have my way, I know I can get in the way and hinder my own blessings. Without Him, what would I do?

I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do and let it minister to your soul.


The Lyrics
Here is my heart, I give it Lord to you
Here is my life, I lay it before you
Where else would I go? What else would I do?
I did not know you?


How deeply I need you, my Lord
How deeply I need you, my Lord
Like the desert needs the rain, I need you like the
Ocean needs the streams, I need you like the
Morning needs the sun, I need you Lord my only one
In every way, in every day
I need you

Dwele and his silky smooth style

In 2003, I first made Dwele's acquaintence in Atlanta. I was there for business and decided to leave the my Buckhead office for lunch. It was then I heard the sound pour from my rental car that would stir my soul. This syrupy sweet (like the McCafe drinks he now promotes) crooner stole my heart with his first single Find A Way from his debut album Subject. "Wish that I, would have known the treasures I'd found I didn't know, until you left, I loved your smile...." I remember the Tuesday his CD was released, I scheduled myelf for a meeting at 10am, when the store opened, to buy a copy.

This was a very serious appointment!

I had the opportunity to finally see Dwele live May 24, 2009 in Charlotte. He was performimg at Cans as a part of the McDonalds McCafe Experience (thus the McDonald's logo in the picture LOL.) I've seen a lot of music live and many performers in my life but Dwele hands down puts on the best performance. Determined to not let the corded mic keep him from giving me.... ahem... US a show, he got off stage and danced with the ladies, took a picture of himself with someone's phone and found a few background singers in the process.

Of course, I know every word to all 3 CDs he's released so it was only fitting that I sang a chorus of Find A Way with him. It was the song where our love began.... I wonder if he knows? Perhaps I'll find a way to tell him.

Find A Way - Dwele

Welcome to the ER for your Soul

Thank you for joining me on this experience! I've always used music as the soundtrack for my life. Picture it! The year was 1990. We'd traveled to the Nation's Capital for a family wedding. It was there on my cousin's couch I first saw the video for 'All I Do Is Think of You'. How could Troop so perfectly depict what I thought I felt at the tender age of 10 (don't judge) about the cutest boy in my class? When I learned it was just a remake from the 1975 The Jackson 5 version, I knew, good music that touches the soul lasts forever.

To this day, listening to this song puts a smile on my face and releases fond memories of pre-teen puppy love.

Check out the original Jackson 5 version


And the version that I played on tape (remember those) until it BROKE!