The LadyDiva Live Radio podcast

Songwriter artist Derrick Washington on new release

Derrick Washington has been a songwriter since a teen, and has came up doing his music songs and private events at a high rating for his music. Derrick has been a return guest on my platform on many occasions thru the years to present new music. At this showcase Washington present a holiday song "Help Me Make This House a Home" and he announces a new project to come take a listen...

Veteran Saxophonist Mekiel Rueben on new album

The Chicago born native became interested in music at the early age of eight yrs. old. Mekiel is influenced by the community, culture and sounds of his hometown Chicago to a fruitful life in the Caribbean. As a young man, he was drawn to music. He understands the power of sound and his performance speaks to fans across the musical spectrum. Mekiel Rueben’s first single from 10th album release SOMETHING LIKE THAT “Boney Kirk”! A Tribue to Boney James and Kirk Whalum! Tune in

Jazz saxophonist Eldon T. Jones on music and upcoming events

Jones moves hearts through his profoundly genuine playing and an infectious groove he honed in Portland before becoming a nationally recognized smooth jazz artist and electrifying festival performer.As a child in a prominent musical family, melody was part of the air Jones breathed. “I fell in love with music by listening to my mother sing. Listening to my uncles playing saxophone in church inspired me to pick up the sax,” Jones says. He began playing saxophone in his church and at Jefferson High School in Portland, where he won awards in classical and jazz. From there, he studied music at Mt. Hood Community College, the pinnacle of jazz education in the Northwest. “As I got into music that resonated with me, Grover Washington, Jr., Wilton Felder (Crusaders), and Kirk Whalum influenced my own playing,” Jones says.In 1995, Jones brought together young musicians from his neighborhood to form the group N Touch that Portland audiences soon grew to cherish. Their burgeoning local fanbase led to N Touch opening for Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power, receiving glowing praise from musicians in both groups. They even performed at a private event for Michael Jordan. The original N Touch musicians moved on to new projects, and Jones kept the music of N Touch alive in Portland over the years with new members.As Jones established himself throughout the Northwest, he never disconnected from his community or roots. He often performs at the Oregon Symphony’s Gospel Christmas show and benefit concerts for local organizations. Jones values his role as a mentor and has provided a training ground for outstanding musicians including his brother Anthony Jones (Pink Martini), Chris Turner (Prince), and Darius Fentress (Fred Hammond). In 2017, World Arts Foundation recognized Jones with a Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual Martin Luther King, Jr.  Tribute for the blessing his music has been to the Portland community.In 2015, Jones contributed the song “Love Will Find a Way” to the Bespeak Love collaboration, which reached #1 on the UK Soul Chart and was played throughout the US on smooth jazz radio stations. In 2018, the original N Touch members took the Alberta Rose Theatre stage for the sold-out crowd to relive an era. Jones performed the music of his idol, Grover Washington, Jr. at PDX Jazz Festival in 2019 and took the show on the road to Bend, Oregon for three sold-out Jazz at the Oxford concerts in 2020. In 2022, Jones partnered with LaRhonda Steele for a special Juneteenth concert at Alberta Rose Theatre, and he performed at the Vanport Jazz Festival, which is named after the town where his grandparents survived the 1948 flood. Portland Jazz Festival invited Jones to perform a First Call Showcase concert, a new series honoring local legends of the jazz scene, so he put together an outstanding band for a sold-out show at The Old Church!Jones released “T’s Jam” as a single on October 25, 2021, and it peaked at #54 in its 16-week run on the Smooth Jazz Network Top 100. “T’s Jam” also reached #1 on the Groove Jazz Music Most Added chart, and #4 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Most Added chart. The success of “T’s Jam” caught the attention of Jones’s longtime friend and industry wiz Darren Rahn who signed Jones to his label Side 2 Music. Rahn produced Jones’s next singles “Captured by Love,” which hit #30 on the SJNT100, and “Sweet Serenity,” which peaked at #31 on the SJNT100 and #41 on the Mediabase Smooth A/C Chart. Jones paid homage to his hometown Portland Trail Blazers with his 2024 single “Rip City,” which was played on SiriusXM Watercolors and peaked at #29 on the SJNT100.Eldon T Jones is currently preparing to release a new radio single and perform around the US in 2024. “All the wonderful music I hear inspires me to interpret my own life experience through music and share my ideas with the world,” Jones says about his drive to elate new audiences.

Music producer Mike Murray on Seven Stories of Jazz series album

Mike Murray stands as a multifaceted Recording Artist, Composer, Musician, and Producer in the Smooth Jazz and Chill Out genres. His journey into the realm of music commenced during his formative years, where summers spent at camp ignited his passion for the piano, played on a humble upright instrument. This initial introduction laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion.
During high school, Murray’s musical trajectory took an unexpected yet compelling turn when he secured a spot in a local funk band. However, his role evolved from pianist to drummer, revealing his adaptability and versatility. Though these musical seeds were sown, life beckoned him forward to explore new horizons.
Across the years, Murray’s musical horizons were greatly expanded by the influence of icons like George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Four Play, Santana, Hiroshima, Paul Hardcastle, Alex Bugnon, Earth Wind & Fire, Sly Stone, Mandrill, and an array of other revolutionary talents.
With the release of his newest single, "Global Warning," the forth of seven singles in a series called Seven Stories, Mike Murray continues his musical journey, blending smooth grooves with deep stories. Following the bold energy of “ewe do ewe,” which marked a pivotal moment in his evolution, Murray takes the next step in his growth, inviting listeners to experience a sound that’s personal, real, and always rhythm-driven.
With Seven Stories, Murray begins a fresh chapter—one that brings together smooth grooves, real stories, and thoughtful moments. This new collection builds on the spirit of “ewe do ewe,” staying true to the idea of following your own path, but with a deeper sound and a wider range of feeling. Jazz Differently

Author and Multi-disciplinary Artist Chanell J. Wilson on new release

Multi-disciplinary artist & Author Chanell J. Wilson has been performing since she was young and writing since she was 13. She has a vocational certificate in Recording Arts and has studied Cinematography, Film Editing, Screenwriting, & Editing. Chanell has released Black Heart on the Table EP Vol 1: a warrior’s lament on her label Beaver-Wilson Girls & Son Media LLC. Currently, she is working on her Aura & Orbit EP inspired by her latest single Aura & Orbit. Chanell has been on my show many times, she has made history with me on my journey of all my shows through the years. I will be spinning all her music in this showcase...

Entertainer and singer songwriter Derrick Washington on new releases and new projects

Singer-songwriter Derrick Washington is at it again with his  R/B music. Derrick Washington is from Hattiesburg, MSHe began his music career at age 15. Derrick’s favorite inspiring artists are El Debarge , Michael Jackson,Tyrone Davis, and The Late Great Johnnie Taylor. He has also participated in shows with other Southern Soul Artists, such as Tucka “The King Of Swing." Derrick has been on LadyDiva's shows since 2020 presenting all his albums and singles. Derrick has an amazing trail with his career in the entertainment industry, his love of real soul music. This showcase will present new released music, and upcoming new projects to come, take a listen 

Heidi Tann A woman of Soul, On the Move with her music

As she developed her voice and craft over the years, she has set her sights on releasing an album that reflects her musical style—smooth and pop jazz, with a mix of bossa nova and Latin jazz, plus R&B. 
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Heidi is no stranger to performing in international venues. After completing her bachelor’s degree from Manila at age 22, she immediately chased her dream, embarking on solo gigs throughout Asia. This path saw her performing in musical venues in Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Guam. 
Life was not always smooth sailing in Heidi’s earlier years of entertaining. As a single mother, singing provided her with the strength she needed to carry on; oftentimes performing as much as 5x a week, to provide for her daughter and set an example on the values of hard work and perseverance.
 
This experience also intensified her resolve as an artist. Today, she is a proud mother to that same daughter, Hannah, who, as a scholar, graduated Summa cum Laude from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School. 
 
What makes Heidi different?
 
“My cultural heritage and my experience. Even when I sing these songs in my chosen genre, my FilAm roots are palpable in my delivery and the feel and tone of my songs. The sum total of my experience enables me to bring depth to the songs I perform.”
 

Independent Soul Songstress Gwen Yvette

Gwen from Beaufort, SC. An artist with extraordinary talent and vocal range, the Harlem-born, St. Helena Island. Gwen Yvette is one of the more sought-after singers throughout South Carolina & beyond. Gwen Yvette continues to write, record, and release music. With her new release ”It’s Alright” to present on the show. Mentions on upcoming events, and future music projects.

Best Jazz Artist Dee Brown is Mister Smooth

Guitarist Dee Brown created a jazzy album of R&B instrumentals on which he adopted the persona of a fictious character called “Mister Smooth,” who is confident, focused, and anchored in equanimity. Writing eight new songs, most of them with his GRAMMY® nominated producer and longtime collaborator Valdez Brantley (Usher, Mary J. Blige, Keith Sweat, Lil Wayne), Brown’s sixth album will be released by Innervision Records on March 28. The melody-rich title track will be issued as a single the same day.
 
Stepping into the “Mister Smooth” character like a method actor while writing and recording the album wasn’t much of a stretch for Brown, who is a devout man of faith. The confidence and maturity that he exudes on the recording and is on full display via his guitar work and the compositions he crafted for the set are bolden and empowering. It’s a determined mindset purposed with overcoming challenges and adversity while remaining in control - even when the world feels chaotic.       
 
“Mister Smooth embodies a person who is consistently on top of things and maintains control in any situation. Even when faced with uncertainty, he excels at ‘faking it until he makes it,’ elevating the experience for everyone involved. I created an album that captures the essence of what it means to be a Mister Smooth. This concept isn’t just a reflection of who I am or aspire to be; it represents a powerful attribute that enhances any situation. The name itself resonates with many, making it relatable and appealing. This is perfectly aligned with the type of music we produce and the kind of person with whom we all aspire to be,” said Brown who released multiple singles from the project while he was working on the collection over the last couple of years.
 
After opening the album with “Mister Smooth,” the Detroit- born and based artist offers a taste of his hometown on “Wes 8Mile,” which he wrote with multi-time Billboard No. 1 chart-topper Blake Aaron who produced the song that was issued as a single. Mike Parlett’s saxophone perfectly complements Brown’s cool toned electric jazz guitar riffs that invoke jazz guitar legend Wes Montgomery.
 
“Eight Mile is one of the main streets running through Detroit, and I grew up on the west side of Detroit. The name ‘Wes 8Mile’ comes from my guitar hero Wes Montgomery's unique style of playing, which often involved using octaves. An octave is a note that is eight diatonic notes away from the first note, and he would play these two notes together. My goal was to create an up-tempo groove that incorporated both octaves and single note playing, along with a half-step modulation. I also wanted to incorporate an ensemble, which is why I invited saxophonist Mike Parlett to play on the track with Carnell Harrell (keyboards), Mel Brown (bass), and Tony Moore (drums),” explains Brown.
 
Another collaboration with Aaron resulted in “The Thing Is…” which adds horn player and arranger David Mann, keyboardist Tateng Katindig, and Aaron’s rhythm guitar to the ensemble. It was the second single from the album and hit all the major charts. 
 
“Many times, when a conversation is going and someone wants to make a valid point, they will say, 'The thing is...’ That is what this song is all about, making a musical valid point that will grab your attention and immediately be noticed," stated Brown.
 
Brown and Brantley interpret Sister Sledge’s rousing anthem “We Are Family,” which includes an imaginative jazz breakdown midway through the disco dancefloor filler. 
 
“My wife suggested that we remake ‘We Are Family’ and I immediately thought of Nile Rodgers, the incredible guitarist from the legendary group Chic. I’ve always admired his rhythm guitar work,” Brown admitted.
 
Brown sees his Mister Smooth character as someone who would be charming, which inspired the song titled “Charming.”
 
“This track was developed after I decided we needed to record a slower song. I wanted to incorporate 808 electric drums, Moog synth/bass, and a variety of synthesized sounds reminiscent of the 1990s with a strong emphasis on guitar,” said Brown.
 
“Finesse” was the first track recorded for the album, yet the song had to go through a process of evolution. Brown explains, “I noticed a problem with the song’s chorus. I decided to try an alternative melody, and it seems to work perfectly. So, when you hear the track, if you listen to the lead melody on the big body guitar, that’s the new melody and if you listen in the background, there’s another melody that is played with my Stratocaster-style guitar that is more like a picking style playing the original melody. They work together perfectly.”
 
The album’s first single was “You Already Know,” which was released as a deep cut during the recording process to keep Brown on radio playlists. His gregarious guitar is slick and proficient as it deftly maneuvers to the fore of a midtempo electric groove. 
 
The vibrant “Charismatic” gets a boost from Merlon Devine’s soprano sax. Brown explains, “Initially, Valdez (Brantley) played the flute sound on the track on his keyboard, but I felt we needed a live flute player. Unfortunately, all the flautists we knew were unavailable. I suggested using a soprano saxophone instead and called my good friend, Merlon Devine. We decided to keep the keyboard flute sound after all, but it’s Merlon’s beautiful soprano sax that really stands out on this track.”
 
We experience a completely different side of Brown on “4th Dimension,” on which he indulges his rock god guitar alter ego. 
 
“I was kind of a rock ‘n’ roller influenced by great bands from the '80s and '90s. I’ve always loved legendary guitarists like Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and Jimmy Page, and I wanted to create a rocky, funky groove. We started exploring a direction that I don’t usually take. 
 

The Amazing Jazz Artist Joyce Spencer being inducted in the Music Hall of Fame

Joyce Spencer is a distinguished saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist originating from Dallas, Texas, whose musical journey reflects a rich tapestry of influences and genres. With a versatile repertoire that's pans traditional and contemporary jazz, classical, R&B, funk, fusion, blues, pop, and Gospel/Christian music, Joyce's artistry is a testament to her diverse musical upbringing. This extensive background has not only enhanced her performance capabilities but has also fortified her skills in music composition, allowing her to create engaging and memorable musical experiences. With mastery over the soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, as well as the flute and her vocal talents, Joyce captivates audiences with her ability to transition seamlessly between lively tunes, smooth jazz, and heartfelt ballads. Her performances have graced numerous venues, including music festivals, concerts, church gatherings, and corporate events across the United States. Joyce’s academic background is equally impressive; she holds a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education, having specialized in saxophone and flute, with additional focus on classical and jazz music, theater, and radio and television broadcasting. After a successful two-decade career in the corporate sector, Joyce made a passionate return to her musical roots as an independent artist. When she  is not performing or composing music, Joyce dedicates her time to recording her upcoming projects and collaborating with other independent artists, continually pushing the boundaries of her musical creativity. Through her relentless passion for music and unwavering commitment to her craft, Joyce Spencer stands as a beacon of artistic excellence in the modern music landscape. Music, Events, new future projects and more to mention, enjoy