Contributed by Karen J. Francis
kfran.nyc@gmail.com

Definition: “THE MIXED BAG” — posts highlighting successful symbiotic relationships involving two or more manifestations of creative energy (e.g., the way that set design and screenwriting work harmoniously in a given cinematic sequence, the union of music and artwork in an exquisitely transformed gallery space, and so on …)

The convergence of music with other forms of creative expression can sometimes be a match made in artistic heaven. Two creative platforms can merge together so swimmingly and so completely, that it seems that the one was written or conjured up for the sole purpose of accompanying or supporting the other. Case in point: Any fan of HBO’s “Six Feet Under” series knows that its finale was one of the most effective and satisfying endings in recent television history. Thanks to tremendous effort and heartfelt passion on the part of all involved, we as an audience are able to follow each of the show’s major characters — Ruth, Keith, David, Rico, Brenda, and Claire– all the way to the grave.

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Contributed by Karen J. Francis
kfran.nyc@gmail.com

It’s late Sunday morning, and you are in your kitchen. The quiche is fresh out of the oven and piping hot. You add a few dollops of whipped cream to your fruit salad, and rest it on the banquette. You garnish the omelette with a few sprigs of parsley and set it next to the tray of smoked salmon and capers. You fill each of your champagne flutes with one part prosecco and one part of either orange juice or passionfruit nectar. A bundle of freshly cut, fuschia-colored gerbera daisies adorn the center of the coffee table.

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Contributed by Karen J. Francis
kfran.nyc@gmail.com

I am so feeling this vibe right now. In a sea of same-ol’-songs, to find something genuine … that isn’t angst-ridden or depressing! They are called Little Jackie and their music is described as a blend of “old-school R&B sound with a quirky hybrid of hip-hop and pop.”

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Contributed by Karen J. Francis
kfran.nyc@gmail.com

“Hat 2 Da Back” is one of my favorite songs from TLC’s debut album, Ooooooohhh…. On the TLC Tip. It was not the biggest hit from that album, nor did it receive the greatest amount of airplay, but in my opinion, it is a glimpse of TLC at their very best. This sentiment is due in large part to the fact that each group member is in her element on this track, and each given a spotlight moment to call her own. Their individuality is on full display and it was this uniqueness that catapulted them to stardom and cemented them as one of the top-selling female groups of all time.

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Contributed by Karen J. Francis
kfran.nyc@gmail.com

Back in 1993, two teenagers from Atlanta, Georgia were at the top of the music game. So much so that Coca-Cola nabbed them to do a spot for an upcoming Sprite campaign. The company retained the successful slogan that it had been using for years (” I like the Sprite in you”), but needed a fresh, youthful update for the early 1990’s hip-hop set. The rap duo Kris Kross delivered, recording an infectious rhyme that would remain in our minds long after the group’s success had faded.

I became reacquainted with the commercial earlier this year and remembered it immediately. So well, in fact, that I was still able to recite Daddy Mac’s entire flow, fifteen years later. (Now, these amazing powers of recall may be due in part to my major crush on Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith which lasted from ages 13 to 14 … but I digress.)

In the world of advertising, if success is measured by an ad’s ability to resonate with its target audience in a way that is both memorable and enjoyable — then this commercial should be studied. And Coca-Cola must have been on a roll during that time period, because Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth’s “Obey Your Thirst” ad from 1995 is pretty dope, too. Feel free to “reminisce.”



Contributed by Karen Francis

Contributed by Karen J. Francis
kfran.nyc@gmail.com

Calypso. Caiso. Soca. Bacchanal. Bashment. Destra.

For many born of West Indian ancestry, or even for those possessing a great affinity for the people and their culture, Destra Garcia is likely to be a household name. And if you do not know her by name, then you definitely know her by sound. In a genre historically dominated by men (including great pioneers like The Mighty Sparrow and the various male artists who emerged in the wake of his musical legacy), she is now regarded as the top of the contemporary heap.

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Contributed by Karen J. Francis
kfran.nyc@gmail.com

Sure, we are all quite familiar with Ms. Jackson and her prolific stream of mainstream hits that have infiltrated the airwaves with infectious grooves and dance-beats ever since she first took “Control” in 1986. But who remembers this lesser known B-side gem from the “Anytime, Anyplace” single and its timely release in the summer of 1994?

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