Blogging About My Year in Review - Reflections of 2023
As I reflect on this outgoing year, I must say wow!! I released two original singles, “I Saw You featuring Marqueal Jordan” and “Intoxicated Love” with lyrics/melody written by me and music produced by David P. Stevens and Jeff Canady respectfully. Darryl Swann was there to do what we do so well together. Both songs made it to #1 somewhere, US, Canada, Italy… I also made a little music history by being the first Smooth Jazz artist to release a spatial mix utilizing Dolby Atmos technology. “Intoxicated Love” will forever be special as it made history!!
The Castella Music Presents promotions brand produced two “Sold Out” shows at the Stand Up Comedy Club, bringing two Billboard charting artists to California, Marqueal Jordan (Chicago) and Demetrius Nabors (Detroit). The shows were well received and will be followed up with another Castella Presents in April 2024.
I received numerous accolades, artists of the week and artist of the month on a variety of stations. Even having “Intoxicated Love” being the #1 song of 2023 on Black Planet Radio (Italy) and Cool Jazz Weekly (Kutztown Radio). I was also a finalist for Female Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year on Soul Tracks, truly an honor!
I also had the opportunity to collaborate with producer Sonix (Tim Rouse), with the song we wrote together to be released on his forthcoming album, I can’t wait for it to hit the airwaves! Gail Jhonson and Britt Prentice asked me to collaborate on a tune written by Sheryl Aronson, classic love song - On the Road to Your Heart. We had a chance to perform it “live” at Sheryl’s birthday party - it was a blast! I also appeared on R.L. Walker’s EP as well as singing background on two songs with my friend Dr. Gabe, songs that got me started on my path.
I went to NAMM and met Victor Wooten… he said he could tell I was a great singer without even hearing me sing, if that’s not the compliment of the year, I don’t know what is.
My friends Kyle Turner, Ilya Serov, Nes Powers, Gail Jhonson, Willie Bradley, Lemek, Quintin Gerard W. and Tatiana Tate shared their stages with me, I’m grateful! Notably I was a presenter and performer at the Women’s Song Writers Hall of Fame in Washington, DC. I was honored to induct Sherrye Payne. I did countless interviews - Friday Night Live with Kat Carter, We Luvv Rare Grooves with Clifton Mosely, The GHP Show with Gary Fuston, Jazzie After Dark with Jazzie K Ward and many others. I love to talk almost as much as I enjoy singing!
Of all the songs I sang this year… I believe I sang the National Anthem the most at my Alma Mater, CSULB… I also sang the anthem and Black National anthem at the South Bay Lakers in February.
As I look back on the year, at times I didn’t feel busy, but I was constantly working, constantly networking, constantly creating, constantly believing in myself, constantly strategizing, constantly being a friend and constantly making progress. The journey ain’t easy and I am constantly relying on my faith to keep me and the support of the numerous people who give me kudos on a daily basis! I truly means so much! The constant encouragement has motivated me to keep on going knowing that what I do is having a positive impact on someone. Finally, I sang each Sunday at my church and at my work church. God keeps me and has given me to gift to sing. As another year is ahead of me, I’m excited to see how the year unfolds and what God has in store for me. If you’re reading this - Thank you for being here with me! I appreciate you! Mark your calendar for the next Castella Music presents on April 11, 2024. I love you all!