GIG ALERT - Quick Update From Vivian

Hey guys,

If you missed The Family Room last week, we're so sorry for the inconvenience, we postponed last weeks live show as it was Mothers Day.
But we're back!

This week we've got a very special show planned with singer/songwriter Karen Bernod on vocals (Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu), James "Biscuit" Rouse on drums & vocals (Lauryn Hill), Raymond Angry on keys (the Roots), Sherrod Barnes on guitar (Roberta Flack, Whitney Houston) and of course Chris on bass and me on vocals.

This is our first show back since February so we went all out with this awesome
lineup! :-) From here on in, you can catch us every other month on Stageit.com

Be sure to tune in to this weeks show by clicking on, or copying and pasting the link below in your browser window.

This Sunday, May 19th, 7pm
From our family room via Stageit to your house!


http://www.stageit.com/vivian_sessoms_chris_parks_special_guests_karen_bernod_james_biscuit_rouse_and/the_family_room_presents/23918

Then on Sunday, May 26th I will be at Smoke with Emmet Cohen on Piano, Gaku Takanashi on Upright Bass and Jerome Jennings on drums.
This wil be a stellar evening of music, please join us if you can.

SMOKE
Sunday, May 26th 2013
Sets at 7, 9 & 10:30 PM
NO MUSIC CHARGE
2751 Broadway (corner of 106th st)
NY, NY 10025


Thanks for reading, please tell a friend and remember, music can change the world.
Vivian <3 br="">

WHAT'S NEW!

Photo courtesy of Michael Katlow Cox

Hey everybody,
Did ya' miss me?
'Cause I sure missed you ;-)
I was away in April for a few shows so I didn't get to connect with you last month,
but I'm back with lots of news.

First a little about the trip. I did a show in Monte Carlo (home of Princess Grace
Kelly) and since we haven't had a vacation in a while, Chris came with and we had a
ball!
Spent a lot of time being tourists, taking in the beauty of southern France, and its
breath taking views.

We stayed in a bed and breakfast with very lovely hosts so
thank you to Tony and Amandine who looked out for us doing our trip! <3 br="">
We were in Nice part of the time and took a day trip to Cannes, home to the film
festival, which is this month I think, so the town was all abuzz with excitement!
Man I could totally live there.. (Sigh..) Luckily, I get to go back there in July,
tell you more about it soon ;-)

Then straight home to rehearse the very next day with Christina Aguilera for Times
100 Most Influential People.. And let me tell you, that is SOME list. Check it out
here http://time100.time.com/


http://www.albrightmusic.com/images/BEFlyer_resized.JPG

For this event I got to work with the amazing Rob Lewis, (MD for Christina, New Kids
On The Block), the magnificent Cheryl "Pepsii" Riley, who is not only the most
amazing singer I know, but one of the loveliest people you will ever meet, and
another absolute doll Cossandra Kellam who sang her you know what off! As you can
see by the pictures below, there was lots of clowning, posing and general mayhem!

Anyways, back to what's next..
Sooooooo...
The unveiling of our new rock band! OPHELIA ONE
Starring the stellar Jane Getter and myself, and featuring Chris Parks on bass, John
Caban on guitar, and Kevin Bregande on drums!
It's been a good minute since we rocked out so this will be a big release of pent up
energy 'cause sometimes you really do just need to rock out and let yo' freak flag
fly!

http://www.albrightmusic.com/images/BEFlyer_resized.JPG" alt="BEFlyer.JPG_resized

Thursday, May 2nd 2013
9PM - $12.00
The Bitter End
147 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012

If you're not hip to Jane Getter, go check her out pronto http://www.janegetter.com, she's
been written up in Billboard, Jazz Times, in fact all over the place including last
months Guitar Player Magazine.

Excited about this new incarnation. Got some new material we'll throw in too. But
the real countdown starts now for the release of my new record in July.
Yep, you heard me, yep I said it, lol.
And I'm gonna leave that right there.. For now ;-)

Also on the agenda this month, is the next installment of The Family Room, a live
broadcast from our family room featuring the wonderfully talented songstress Karen
Bernod, and James "Biscuit" Rouse singing and playing drums, Chris on bass, and me
chiming in on a song or 2.





Check out Karen here http://www.karenbernod.com



Check out James here http://www.jamesrousemusic.com/index

The Family Room will air on Sunday, May 12th at 7PM.
To view the live broadcast click the link below..


http://www.stageit.com/vivian_sessoms_chris_parks_special_guests_karen_bernod_and_james_biscuit_rouse/the_family_room_presents/23220

Well, I think that about does it for now, but stay tuned, more shows and more music
coming very SOON!

And remember, music can change the world..

Hugs
Vivian

Hey guys,
Vivian here with lots of news.

First, NEW MUSIC! Yep, it's almost here. No for real, it really is ;-)
We've been busy busy busy in the studio, mixing, overdubbing, tweaking. It's coming out great and I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself. We're thinking about a May/June release, but we'll be giving a single away before then and of course I'll keep you posted on all of that.

Because I'm releasing 2 records this year (the 2nd CD to be released at the end of the year), there has been an enormous amount of work to take on, but I have to say it's been fun being on the creative end of things again. It's been such a long time since my last record came out that I forget how much we enjoy writing and producing. It's a challenge and it's positively thrilling to have a seed of an idea, then to keep building and building on that idea until you have a whole song and then an albums worth of material. I think you guys are really going to like what we have in store for you. It's a whole new side of me musically.

Now for other news. First I want to thank everyone for coming out to our many events last month! We had a full house at the SOPAC Blues In The Loft Series in South Orange, NJ and a full house at the Lafayette Presbyterian Jazz Vespers in Brooklyn (we sold out of merchandise on that one!). The coordinator for Emmnanuel Baptist Church Jazz Vespers was in the audience for the show and loved it, so we'll be seeing you at Emmanual Baptist later in the year and Saint Peter's next year. God is good!

Due to the amount of work going on with the record, we're not doing our Live From The Family Room series this month. Just too much going on to manage it all, but don't worry, we'll be back in April with very special guest Karen Bernod.

In the meantime, if you wanna see me this month, below is a list of where you can find me for the rest of March!

MONDAY, MARCH 18th, 2013 - MACANUDO
Steve Weiles Band featuring Vivian Sessoms - 8pm
26 East 63rd Street
New York New York 10065
USA (212) 752-8200
Price: Free

Steve Weiles - Drums, 
Ron Afiff - Guitar, 
Gaku Takanashi - Bass
, Vivian Sessoms - Vocals

THURSDAY, MARCH 21st, 2013 - SMOKE JAZZ & SUPPER CLUB
The Vivian Sessoms Quintet - 7pm, 9pm, 10:30pm
2751 Broadway
New York New York 10025
USA 212.864.6662
Price: Dinner & Drinks/ NO COVER




Featuring Jim Pryor on Piano, Hilliard Greene on Bass, Clarence Penn on Drums and Keith Loftis on Sax. Fabulous dinner menu by executive Chef Patricia Williams.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23rd, 2013 - HAT CITY KITCHEN
South Orange International Blues Festival Winter Edition - 10pm
459 Valley Street
Orange New Jersey 07050
USA 862.252.9147
Price: Call Venue




Curator Mike Griot was so happy with our performance last month at his SOPAC's Blues In The Loft series, he's decided to have us back this month! We're excited to be part of the winter edition of Mr. Griot's renowned South Orange International Blues Festival in Orange NJ, opening with the Michael Hill Blues Mob and following up with 

Mike Griot
, Dave Stryker,
 Al Gold
 and special guest Vivian Sessoms doing a special blues set.

Stay tuned, lots more exciting stuff next month! 'Til then, hope to see you and remember, music can change the world.

Vivian

VIVIANS JANUARY NEWS..

(Chris & I performing at the 2012 Teaneck International Film Festival)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

I weigh about 5 pounds more than I should but I'm happy. I enjoy cooking for the holidays. Being with family and friends has so much more meaning for me now than ever before. We exchanged maybe 3 gifts this year which is completely out of character for us, usually it's a gift giving frenzy, but it seemed like the whole family was feeling more like just being together than run around or spend hours on the internet shopping. So be it, less stress.

We are off to the races this year, starting with Chris and I taking our brand new band to the APAP Conference at the Hilton Hotel. If you haven't heard of the APAP Conference, it's where talent buyers from all over the country converge to view established and up and coming talent to fill their venues concert calenders. We'll be performing over 2 days and we've added strings and horns to the band, they sound incredible!
Our performance schedule is below (scroll down):


Saturday, January 12th - 9:45 pm
Sunday, January 13th - 4:45 pm

If you're free stop on by, but beware, these are very short performances ;-)

APAP CONFERENCE at the Hilton Hotel - Sutton Center, 2nd fl.
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019 USA
212.586.7000
Price: Free

By the way, if you're in the area I will also be at Macanudos Cigar Bar every Monday this month EXCEPT January 14th, and it's FREE :-)

MACANUDOS
26 East 63rd Street
NEW York, NY USA
212.752.8200
Price: Free
Steve Weiles Band featuring Vivian Sessoms - 8pm

Steve Weiles - Drums
Mark Eckroth - Keys
Ron Afiff - Bass
Vivian Sessoms - Vocals

Last month, for my birthday, we aired our first ever live broadcast The Family Room Presents via Stageit.com and it was awesome! Really awesome! We had the fabulous Kelli Sae on vocals, the super talented Julian Velard on piano and vocals, and the stellar Stephen Bard on guitar and vocals along with Chris on bass and my favorite Eric Brown on drums and percussion. It was a blowout! Behind the scenes, we had my fabulous assistant Shirlise Castille fielding comments and questions from viewers, my cousin and assistant director Maurice Sessoms filming & directing, and my son and editor Will Saunders, assistant directing and teching. What an amazing crew..

The next live broadcast is scheduled Saturday, February 2nd, with a surprise special guest. ;-)
This time we'll do 2 broadcasts the same day, with an early show starting at 4pm (for our overseas people), which is Eastern Standard time (9pm London time, 10pm German time, 12pm Australia) and a late show at 7pm.

4PM SHOW:
Vivians 4PM Stageit Show

7PM SHOW:
Vivians 7PM Stageit Show

So many big things planned for this year with a new record release and so much more. Stay tuned lovelies, and check in often 'cause you don't wanna' miss any of it!

May all your dreams come true this year! <3 br="br">
and remember..
music can change the world

Vivian

VIVIAN SESSOMS HAS A SHOW ON STAGEIT!

Hang with Chris & Viv as they host the first show in a new monthly series called The Family Room. The series will feature musician friends of the two, interesting artists, music, poetry, and everything in between.

Joining Chris & Vivian this week are 3 brilliant recording artists, each with their own very unique styles, Julian Velard (www.julianvelard.com), Kelli Sae (www.kellisae.com), and Stephen Bard (www.stephenbard.com) with Eric Brown on drums and percussion.. We wanted to shake it up a bit with distinctly different talents for this first show!

Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 - Pay what you can
First Set - 8pm to 8:30pm, Second Set - 8:30pm to 9pm

What is Stageit?
Stageit is an online venue that allows musicians to stream exclusive LIVE concerts to fans over the internet. The vibe is incredibly intimate often featuring performers playing from their homes, directly from their laptop.

Here's how it works!
Go to http://www.stageit.com/julian_velard_kelli_sae_stephen_bard_vivian_sessoms/the_christmas_show/17353, click signup to set up an account and then click the BUY button.

You will then have an opportunity to purchase credits (which Stageit calls "Notes" ; 10 Notes = $1.00). Notes allow you to pay for tickets to see shows and to tip performers during the show. This show is "Pay What You Can," which means you can pay whatever you can afford (minimum 1 Note). Once you have Notes, they can be used for any show!

THERE WILL BE GIVEAWAYS!
The top 5 tippers will get a signed CD from me, and the highest tipper will get a signed CD from Julian, Kelli & me along with a Sunny One Day tee shirt!

This is the very first show in the series and there aren't many tickets available so if you want to tune in and you don't already have a ticket, you can grab one here: http://www.stageit.com/julian_velard_kelli_sae_stephen_bard_vivian_sessoms/the_christmas_show/17353

See you this Tuesday on the internet!


Then on December 28th Jenny and Vivian will be appearing with the fabulous Dana Fuchs (Across The Universe) at the Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17 St., NYC 10011. Tickets are $25. 212.620.5000

And last, but by no means least, Vivian will be debuting at Smoke Jazz Nightclub this NEW YEARS EVE as a special guest of jazz legend Harold Mabern (pianist) and renowned saxophonist Erik Alexander, with John Webber on upright and Joe Farnsworth on drums. This will be Just One Of Those Nights you won't want to miss!

Get tickets here http://smokejazz.com/

On a more serious note, let's remember to spread as much joy, love and warmth as we can this holiday season, and to lend our support whenever and where ever we can. We really never know what anyone is going through at any given moment, or what pain they might be living with. There has been such a tremendous amount of tragedy in these last months. We must remind ourselves to be grateful for every single blessing and for all the good things in our lives.

And remember, music can change the world..
Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Love,
Vivian

OH, YOU FANCY HUH?

OH, YOU FANCY HUH?
Trying new things is a good thing..
I've been seeing some really great looking e-mails and e-flyers lately and I've wondered how people were making their emails look so fly.. Now I know ;-) I should have tried this a long time ago, but kept putting it off because I thought it would be difficult and I didn't have time for difficult. Well, it was easy, in fact so easy, I thought I'd send you guys an update to let you know what's going on over here in Viv-land.


BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
First off, got a show coming up, in fact a few shows coming up this year. The next one will be at Feinsteins. I did a show here last year, and it was amazing, so I'm going back for round two!



FEINSTEINS at LOEWS REGENCY
Sunday, April 22nd - 8:30pm
Park Avenue and 61st Street, NY. NY

Premium Seating - $35. *(with additional $25. minimum)
Regular Seating - $25. *(with additional $25. minimum)

THE INCREDIBLE BAND:
Chris Parks - upright, electric bass, acoustic guitar
Mike Mancini - piano, keys
Noam Dworman - acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, vocals
Eric Brown - drums, percussion, vocals
Jeff Pierce - trumpet

with very special guest, Kevin Anthony!

Click Here To Buy Tickets!


Click Here For The Feinsteins Website..


NEW MUSIC!
Looking at summer release for the new record and man, I am SO excited!! It really has been a long time coming, much too long, so stay tuned.


NEW VIDEOS!
Just put a bunch of new videos on Youtbe. You can check them out here!

Vivians Youtube page



INDIE ARTISTS!
Check out my new Indie Artists page, where I feature the works of artists I love, from musicians to painters to designers & authors, etc.
New features for this month are Kelli Sae with her new album PURE, Martha Redbone with her new album GARDEN OF LOVE - Featuring the Songs of William Blake, Sy Smith with her new album FAST & FURIOUS and last, but most definitely not least Gary Foote with his new album HARLEM WORKS

STAY TUNED!
That's all for now, but there's lots of exciting news coming soon, so tune in and we hope to see you at Feinsteins!
Thank you for supporting independent music, and remember, music can change the world.

Enjoy the sunshine!


Vivian

Little pink houses for you and me.

(all the house look just like this in Nantucket.. lovely..)

Hey there good people!

So there I was yesterday in another airport ;-)
On my way to a gig in Nantucket, if you're overseas and unfamiliar, it's a
little island in Massachusetts. This state is known for it's quant little islands,
all very rustic and romantic. I'm doing a wedding for the family of Susan Tedeschi,
an amazing blues singer, if you don't know her, look for her music on iTunes. Maybe
she'll sit in on a tune, that would be awesome.. And it'll be nice to see the
scenery for a day.

A sweetheart of a girlfriend of mine (Hey Jill), who works at Jet Blue hooked me up with a free ticket, so I'm all set. Just found out my flight is delayed, so I've got time to roam the new and improved JFK Airport, it's quite impressive. The design is very streamlined so you don't have to wait in lots of long lines and, some of it is set
up so you go straight thru security directly to your gate, lots of cute shops and
restaurants, etc. And of course Jet Blue has become so large that they have their
own terminal.

I had a room at a bed and breakfast which I LOVED. Hubby and I have been talking
about a vacay in the fall, now I'm thinking it would be quite lovely to do a bed and
breakfast tour up the east coast for a week or two. Lots of them have fabulous
restaurants, and if you go in the fall, the discounts would be great, but knowing my
boy, he will want to go to the sunshine. He is a true boy of summer, you know, the
ones who start wearing shorts in May? He would try for flip-flops if I didn't catch
him at the door.

Although fall is my favorite season, and I really do love the fall with all of it's
colours and smells and textures, the sweaters and tweed blazers coming out, it's so
special.. but this year, I'm really sad to see summer go.. It's taken many years but
in the last few years or so, I've really come to love the summer too, and have
become more in tune with the whole timing and pacing of life and it's seasons..
Planting and growing and blooming and dying and rebirth. Maybe it's because last
winter jut seemed to go on and on forever. It's just feels like life shouldn't be
that hard, shoveling feet and feet of snow in the freezing cold. Maybe it's because
this summer seemed really short with all the rain, I dont know. I just know I crave
more sunshine... So maybe Chris has the right idea..

Anyways, lots of you have been asking about the live show today, and of course I
should have written before now, BUT here's an update. The show is postponed until
the first week of October, so sorry to disappoint you guys, I really am but it was
just impossible to get all the people I wanted to be involved with everyone's
schedule being so hectic, so I though moving the date back a few weeks might be a
good idea, but don't fret, it is STILL going to happen the first week of October and
of course I'll post it everywhere and keep you all in the loop. I just want it to be
special, so hang tight.

I will however, be doing a live radio interview today and I'd love if you guys
all tuned in and even called in with questions. The name of the show is "The
Conversation"!!! LIVE!!!! Hosted by Klarque Garrison. It airs this Sunday at 4pm
EST, and the call in number is (917) 932-1078 or listen online at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/survive365.

Listen to internet radio with Survive 365 on Blog Talk Radio

If you're waiting for part 3 of my last blog, I will post that next week, in the
meantime enjoy the sunshine, enjoy your loved ones, ENJOY LIFE!

Love to the families of the victims of 9/11 <3

PS here's a little something from the show, enjoy!




Love,
Vivian

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Hey guys,

Just a little note to thank all of you who came out to the show last Sunday.
It was a fabulous, fabulous show. In fact, it may have been my best show ever! The band was fantastic and the turnout was awesome! People were dancing, singing and having a good old time! So thank you everyone, for supporting us and making this our best show ever.

If you missed the show, you’re in luck! We’re doing another show next month. It will be a Live Broadcast via the internet, and we’re holding a contest so the viewers can pick the time, date and price of the show.
Stay tuned for the details, or look to the left to vote on the particulars:

Part 2 of my latest blog is below..

Thank you again, and remember.. music can change the world..
Enjoy the summer..


WHERE I'M FROM..

"Now… Back to the story!

We needed singers, so we put out the word in our ‘Hood’ that a spot was open. I can’t remember who, but someone suggested “‘Lil’ Vivian from 200” (200 was the building Vivian grew up in). She had sung in our class production of “The Wiz” and she was GREAT!!!
At first her mother objected (I’d later find out that her mother sung professionally also), but I guess with a little nudging from Mrs. Evans, she landed the role of Dorothy. When we held auditions for the singing spots Vivian blew the other girls out of the water!!!! We had our Star!!

One problem though, just as when she starred in our school play, Vivian was still afraid of singing in front of people. Well, unbeknown to a few of the guys and me, Vivian would quickly lose that fear.
At the beginning of her first practice with us, Vivian walked in the band room guided by on of the biggest, smoothest dudes I had ever seen around our side of town. It was her Uncle Lincoln. We started out pretty slow, but needless to say, by the end of that practice we’d all done pretty well.

Within two weeks we had about 5 songs down pat. The tightest of them all was Diana Ross’ “Love Hangover”. Vivian sang the “----“ out of that song. And, of course, I held the bass line right in the pocket, LOL.

During those days, trips from NYC to Atlantic City were well awaited when summer hit. Mr. Byrd gave an annual bus ride to AC every year. Since he’d given us access to a room for rehearsal, he considered us to be “His Band”, so he often checked in on us. Well, it was during one of Mr. Byrd’s unannounced visits, that he brought us some of the best news a bunch of kids from the projects could ever expect to hear: we would be the opening act for Marvin Gaye (at the old Coliseum) in Atlantic City.

I will never be able to explain the excitement we all felt; I’ll say this though, it was over the top. We practiced hard, and though I honestly don’t remember the set we’d put together, I remember it being tight! We reached out to some of the guys in the projects who were already playing professionally by that time and they made sure that we had it right.

Julian had his brother Tim (who was already a guitar virtuoso, touring Europe with a Funk band), Everett had his oldest brother Freddy (who had started out playing in the same band as Tim, but was doing a lot of keyboard work in the studios at that time) and I had the help of two bass players (John – who had begun his bass career playing funk with Tim and Freddy, but had crossed-over to Gospel when he got Saved, and Jerome, who was touring Europe with Tim).

Kenny was a natural and his ear was amazing! Though he couldn’t read a lick of drum music, Kenny could pick up the drum line – stroke for stroke- by listening to the LP’s. Yeah, we got it right! We got it tight!! Besides Vivian, we had two other girl singers. If I’m correct, one’s name was Valerie and the other was Caroline. To be honest, they were only there to fill in space because Vivian had the vocals locked!! LOL!!!"

Stay tuned for part 3

FEINSTEINS AT LOEWS REGENCY PRESENTS VIVIAN SESSOMS IN CONCERT

Hello, Hello, HELLO!!

It’s been such a long time I know! All I can say is, I miss you guys so much!

I’ve run into so many of you around NYC, I’ve gotten emails, etc, asking, “Why haven’t I been getting emails from you? When are you performing? Where have you been?”

Well, here I am ;-) Actually, to be more accurate, I’ve been keeping my head down making headway with this new record, which I’m not even going to talk about since I don’t have the new record in my hands ready for you to hear (guilty).

I have been busy though. I toured with Joe Cocker last summer in support of his new record, “Hard Knocks”, which I also submitted songs for (none of my songs made it, next time though..).

After that I worked with Cher at Caesars Palace in Vegas in the fall. Then I did the Capitol Jazz Cruise.
In the spring of this year I did a workshop for a new play directed by THE Bill T. Jones (Fela). So I have definitely been busy.

In fact, I have a show coming up this very weekend at the lovely Feinsteins Nighclub. This will be my first show in two and a half years and I’m hoping to see all of you there..

The information is below.

FEINSTEINS AT LOEWS REGENCY PRESENTS VIVIAN SESSOMS IN CONCERT

This Sunday, August 7th, 2011 – 8pm
540 Park Avenue (corner of 61st Street)
212.339.4095
$20. Advance/ $25. Door (Dinner required)

Featuring:
Chris Parks - bass
Sherrod Barnes - guitar
Ron Thompson - piano
Eric Brown - drums
Tim Ries - saxophone
Mark McGowan - trumpet
Clark Gayton - trombone

The show is called I Am Music. I called it that because I still love music as much today, as when I was a kid sitting in front of the record player.
I’ll be featuring new music from 2 different records, songs from the last CD, Sunny One Day, and music I’ve written for other artists.

I have a KILLER band and you guys know I don’t do things halfway, so you know we will be JAMMING up in Feinsteins. Make your reservations quick because tickets are going fast.

‘Til Sunday, here’s a little something (further below) for you to read, my latest blog post, written by a childhood friend of mine, Gerald McDonald, about our first band together.
See you Sunday, and remember, music can change the world..

Vivian

"Where I’m From (Pt 1)..

Without mentioning the year, Id like say that the culmination of this event took place during the summer of my last year in elementary school.

I’d always loved music and wanted to play and instrument badly. So, in the beginning of that school year I joined the P.S. 92, Mary McCloud Bethune School’s Orchestra. I had no idea what instrument to choose.
The music instructor, Mrs. Stratfield, suggested the cello, and I agreed.
From cello I went on to play bass guitar.

A great friend of mine, Julian Green, who lived in the St. Nicholas Projects (I lived in Lionel Hampton Houses), and his brother, Tim Green, had already been playing guitar professionally in Funk bands and performing all over Europe. Well Tim began to teach Julian guitar and me Bass.

We learned pretty quickly too. By the end of the spring we’d formed a band with two brothers, also from the St. Nicholas Projects: Kenny and Everett Veasley. Their older brother Freddy played Funk keyboards professionally. He taught Everett keys, and Kenny taught himself to play drums – by ear - and he was funky. After joining forces we still needed a place to practice and someway or another, we got Mr. Byrd to give us open access to a room in the St. Nicholas Projects Community Center, of which he was in charge.

By mid summer we’d already had a few songs “down pat” and were pretty tight! We added a percussionist, “Big Larry” to the band and were well on our way to stardom, LOL!!! The only thing that we needed was singers.

Before I go any further, I must take you back to the beginning of the school year. Our teacher that year, Mrs. Judy Evans, was amazingly educated and Afro-centric. She taught us as if she were teaching adults, giving us the gumption to reach for whatever we wanted in life. We were the “TOP” class for that year.

Well, a couple days after the school year had begun, Mrs. Evans made an announcement to the class that we’d be having a new student, that had been skipped a couple of grades, joining our class. You can imagine the chatter in the room. Seemed as if no one wanted a “Nerd” joining our class and we were about to give this new kid hell! But, on that day, in walked the cutest, prettiest little girl I’d ever seen. She was scared and timid to the point of being terrified. But,… She was beautiful. That was the first time I had ever set eye on “Vivian Sessoms”.

Now,… Back to the story!"


Check back next week for Part 2.. ;-)

Showtime.

Summer, Summer, Summertime!!

blockquote>

Come out and celebrate with us! It's SUMMERTIME!!
First off, I've got some new digs..
I'm doing Sunday Brunch at a new place called O'Hara's Grill in downtown Jersey City -
June 12th - featuring Miss Rosalyn McClore on piano
June 19th - featuring Chris Parks on guitar &
June 26th - featuring Chris Parks on guitar.
Then Thursday night, June 23rd - Rock and Soul jam at O'Hara's
featuring Chris Parks on bass and Maurice Watson on drums, with special guest Mark dollar on guitar.


Then come on across the water Friday night, June 24th and catch me up in Harlem at Billie's Black for their anniversary party with a fabulous list of performers including:
Ra Re Valverde
Kimberly Nicole
Gloria Ry'ann
Mika
Adina Nyree
Mike Hammond
Lorenda Robinson
Russell Taylor
Abby Dobson
Chester Gregory
Kevin Anthony
& Darius Booker
You REALLY don't want to miss this!


Lastly, you can catch me a few nights a week at The Darby (244 West 14th St. Bet'n 8th & 9th Ave), formerly known as Nell's, with the magnificent Ron Grant and Kimberly Davis, along with a who's who of musicians and singers stopping by to round out the evening. When I tell you I know a place and WE WILL TAKE YOU THERE, I am NOT playing. If you're ready, come go with me..
June came in with a bang and it's gonna be hot and heavy y'all!!
Have a great summer babies!

WANT..

WANT..

i want -my god given right to choose who represents me
i want my god given right to live the life i call free
i dont want to see any more naked black women on b/e/t
i want black men to stop talking about how they don’t respect me

why should we let anybody tell us who we are
only we know who we can be
i will say these words til I’m dying
cuz i wont stop, i cant stop- ‘til you hear me

people have lived and died so we can stand and walk tall
they feared for own their lives but somehow they kept going.. strong
do we feel we owe nothing to them but to dress fly & party on and on?
i am so sick and tired of us living as though we are invisible
look at the life of the man
who fought & lived from day to day
trying to figure out how to lead his people
to the promised land, the PROMISED LAND
leaving behind his young wife and children
wrapped up in our pain and suffering (the world of living)
how do we repay him for all that he gained
by grown women clappin their asses
and grown men refusing to take stances
maybe this is a necessary ill
maybe we’re just lettin’ off steam
but i can’t see how this is the answer
my people, this can not be the way

i’m talkin’ to our mothers, fathers, sisters & brothers
i’m talking to our children
i’m talking about - black pride
where is it?

by any means necessary, if necessary
by peaceful means when we can
i’m asking if we think we are past fighting for our civil rights
as though the movement has ended
when in fact it has only (truly) just begun
if our leaders of yesterday were here today, we would have marched to new orleans
BUT FIRST, we would have marched after the 2 bush elections
are we not tired of being taken for granted in voting fraud scandals and by pop personalities who speak so cavalierly of lynching and nappy headed hoe’s?
of students who hang nooses from trees for sport, cops who maim and murder in the name of the law.. irate comedians who resort to racial slurs and epithets in a moment of panic
and loss of self control, calling people nigger..
nigga? please
you know what?
i hereby refuse to call another black person nigga

in my dreams i often see the image of a black cat
and in her resides the spirit of nefertiti
like an angel she comes to me
and softly chides
“you were not sent here to simply just.. be
but to fight, raise hell and rebel for that which you believe



things haven’t really changed for people like you and me

young men sent to fight for a country that would rather see them die than educate their minds
young women raising families without fathers is another sign of our times
WHERE ARE THE FUCKING BLACK MEN WHO WILL STAND BESIDE US??
we have the highest rate of aids, but are the ones who can least afford to see a dr
we shop the most yet own the least
1 out of 9 black men is in prison..
but none of that will stop me from trying to make YOU // hear ME..
why should we be so familar with defeat?

i want -my god given right to be protected by the police
i want my god given right to have honest and fair representation by my govenrment
i -want -my -for -ty -ac -res -and -a -mule
don’t you?
we live in a land where we still encounter racism every day
yet so few speak for us in a way that is not sensational but instead rational and with intellect and poise
we forget that this fight is not over
that the revolution MUST GO ON
because the revolution will STILL be televised

our heroes are dying

or else
they are slandered, ridiculed, and brought down before our very eyes
yet we stand unmoved, unphased and unprepared
the elders of our tribe disappear before us
as our last line of defense
but it is easier to build a monument than to start a movement
there is a pain in my heart that is hard to describe
it is not unlike the feeling you get when love has betrayed you
except it is a country that has failed me, failed all of us..
so i guess you could call it heartbreak

it will begin with me
let the movement begin



the time is now to take a stand..

Epiphanies

Sometimes.. I marvel at little things and big things.. Things we take for granted, for instance, I was thinking today about how amazing human life is. Don't you think it's a miracle that 2 people can come together, fall in love, mate, and out of that union can come another human life? A tiny baby can come from 2 people falling in love?? How amazing is that? How amazing is it to watch a person grow, and learn and grow more and be shaped by their families, and friends, their surroundings, their education, and watch them become who they're going to be?

The only part that is difficult is watching people die. Still haven't been able to wrap my brain around that one yet. I once read a story, that in the very near future, disease had been conquered, there was very little crime, people could live as long as they wanted and they chose when to die. The interesting thing was, you would think people would choose to live forever if they could, but once all their family and friends began to die, staying around didn't have the same appeal and people eventually began to feel lonely. Even though their children were still around, even though they could make new friends, there was something comforting about having at least a few people in your life who knew everything about you, people with whom you had shared memories and experiences. In some small way, I guess I could understand that.. But life is quite amazing, isn't it?

Short Blog..

Ok, so I had a blog all written up and ready for you guys since last week but it was kinda’ dark and I haven’t written in a while so I didn’t want to come back after a month or 2 of silence with a gloomy entry (will post next week)..

And I’m off to new adventures so I figured this is definitely part of the “Indie Star” part. As you all know, I’ve been working on a new record for the last 2 years. The thing with me though, is that I’ve become very indecisive over the last few years. Hell, even before the last record came out, I had another one practically finished and ready to go. Naturally that makes it very hard to decide what my next move should be all the time because I’m always second guessing myself and not having anyone to reign me in (like a manager or label). Which just means I keep procrastinating and starting new ideas and projects. This is the kind of thing that is a pitfall (or a curse) for an independent artist. It doesn’t matter that you can do a lot of things well or how versatile you are. What matters is getting your product out there and keeping your artistry in the forefront, minds and hearts of your fan base. This is key! And it certainly doesn’t help being a perfectionist..

Anyhow, let’s just say that I’m starting to move forward and I might FINALLY have some very much needed help which is a good thing, actually it’s a great thing! So under advice of my perspective new associates, I’m looking for songs. I write, of course, and produce but in an effort to get out of my own way and to try something new, I’m taking songs from other writers and so I’ve been listening to songs for the last month and oh boy, is it EVER hard to find a good song! That’s a whole other blog, but let’s just say that it’s really surprising to me, how even with the internet being the tool it is and people having as much freedom and creative control as they would like, that there’s still not so much originality. Everyone still wants to write and sound like everyone else.. Even songs from the pro’s. Not knocking it, well I guess I am in a way, but they weren’t all bad, just thought I’d get a lot of variation and fresh ideas, but really, not so much.

I will say this, searching for songs has put me in touch with a few people I haven’t spoken to in years. Some are people I’ve always been fond of and, or admired so it’s been awesome to reconnect with them and it actually makes my heart glad. And of course, they had great songs! I recently reconnected with my high school best friend as well and another guy I was in my first ever band with who was reminding me of some of our childhood escapades and whoa! These are some stories! I’ll be sending some your way soon because you will get a kick out of hearing some of these! Boy, I’ll tell ya’ when I’m done with the music, I’m gonna’ write a book!

By the way, look for some new stuff on Youtube soon and tell me what you think.

Hey, my birthday is in 2 weeks. I’m a Christmas baby ;-)
May you all know comfort, joy and peace this holiday season.

Anyway’s, all for now.. will keep you posted. Oh, and I’m trying out a new tagline..

Love, Light & Music <3

On The Sofa With Vivian Sessoms..

BILLIES BLACK & POLLEN NATION PRESENT
“On The Sofa With Joseph Riley Land Featuring Vivian Sessoms"

Up & coming journalist, Joseph Riley Land, will do an Oprah style interview with yours truly, Vivian Sessoms next Wednesday, October 13th at 7pm. We’ll be discussing the making of the new record, due out in the spring of 2011, latest tour schedule, upcoming shows, love, life and everything in between. Chris and I will perform a few new songs as well, which will be our first performance in 2 years so you don't want to miss this!

Date: Wednesday, 10/13/10
Time: 7:00 pm
Cover: $0
Food & Drink: $10 Minimum
Address: 271 W 119th Street
Phone: 212.280.2248
*Bring 2 people, get an Albright tee shirt, for FREE!

I know, I know... It's been a really long time.. Too long in fact, so make your way on over to Billie's Black next Wednesday evening to hear all the latest

Check out the website here:
http://www.viviansessoms.com/

And my Twitter page here:
http://twitter.com/viviansessoms

Youtube page here:
http://www.youtube.com/chynadall

Looking forward to seeing you there, and remember.. music can change the world.

Flying High In Heels or Flying In High Heels, That Is The Question..

I always gaze at other travelers who are packed so efficiently and lightly with such envy. They are usually crisply pressed and well dressed to boot, which makes it even worse. Then there’s the woman in high heels, the light makeup, the freshly coiffed hair and her smart little travel outfit, be it jeans, shorts or what have you, which usually just makes me stop and stare in silent awe and admiration. It reminds me a little of when my grandmother used to talk about how people used to get dressed up to travel. They wore hats and gloves and stockings and matching coats and dresses and shoes and bags. It's all so very MAD MEN.
Of course, no one dresses up that much anymore, but mind you, I’m still on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. I can usually be found wandering around the airport in sweats (that double as pajamas when I’m home, I'm sad to say). Sometimes they might be a snug fit (Juicy’s if they’re clean), but that’s usually about all the sexy I can muster on a flight that’s more than 2 hours long and those will usually be worn with Uggs (as in fucking ugly boots).
Needless to say I get a lot of suspect looks from airport security..
I have a friend that insists when I come to see him anywhere, I must not where those things on my feet! Of course he is gay but I’m pretty sure he’s only echoing the sentiment of most, if not all straight men.



On the other hand there is nothing worse that trying to be cute while you’re traveling and being totally miserable and worn the hell out when you arrive. I remember only too well traveling with my mom when I was kid and getting smacked upside the head for the smallest thing because her feet hurt. Still, whenever I see other people arriving at their destinations looking so fly, so fresh and so clean, clean, it makes me wonder why I always choose to run around looking like a damn homeless person. Especially when I am as PASSIONATE ABOUT FASHION as I am.. I mean, I’m running around with my head tied up in a rag up under a hat, so I’m not messing up my hair, no makeup (ok, every once in a while I will do lipstick), layers of sweats so I don’t get cold on the plane (it does get damn cold on the plane), uggs, and way too much damn luggage to boot!



Another point to consider though, is how people treat you when you’re dressed well as opposed to dressed like a bum. As I observe this strange breed of people I admire so much, I notice they are usually treated very well. They ask for something and behave in a way that suggests they expect their request to be granted. I, on the other hand, ask for something, am told no, then ask again only to be told no again, then insist, then demand, then start screaming for the damn manager. Only when the person attending to me is told that I too am traveling in business class, just like the well dressed person before me, do they concede and realize that my request wasn’t so ridiculous after all (hahahahahahaha). And that’s only some of the time, sometimes the person will be like “git yo’ raggedy ass on outta here, hell naw I aint updatin’ you’ mileage account, heffa you know you aint got no damn mileage account”, or “you know you don’t belong in the executive lounge, now git!”
Other passengers roll over my feet with their luggage, men DO NOT offer to help me put my bag in the overhead even though I am 5’2” and visibly struggling trying to get a bag more than half my size (yeah, I know, big for a carry on) higher than my head. They will however, offer to help the well dressed woman, even though she may be 5’11” and carrying a pocket book the size of a wallet. It’s ridiculous and of course it’s not something I’m unaware of, hell I’m in the music business. It’s just that I think I’ve kind of gotten in the mindset that where travel is concerned, it’s comfort first and worry about looking good when I get off the damn plane ergo heavy bags. But I’m thinking I need to rethink this whole travel effect.. So I’ve decided to try a little experiment, stay tuned..



The shoes I wore on the plane..

The Beauty Of The Landscape..

(My accountant Bob and me.. Photo courtesy of Mary Crane, Bobs wife)

For some reason each time I visit Canada, it always reminds me of the 60's or 70's..
Like the US, but like I remember it as a little girl..
There's just something about it that takes me back to a time...

Sometimes it reminds me of France a little.. Hearing people speaking french in the
French-Canadian regions..
Sometimes it even reminds me of Australia with the Provinces and all that.. But
mostly it reminds me of the US about 30 years ago..

Obviously, it is a lot like the United States because of the close proximity to us
and the ability to observe, learn, and borrow so easily from one another.. Being our
neighbors and allies we're able to go back and forth extremely easily..
Gonna pause for a bit, I'm about to watch a movie.

So on a sidenote, I saw a great french film called Micmacs.. It's adorable! Go see
it, great cast, funny, sweet.. You'll love it. You won't even mind reading the
subtitles, promise..

Back to Canada, whenever I visit, I always find that I see so many things that
remind of being a little girl, mostly products (I saw a can of Tab cola today, when
is the last time you saw one of those?), TV programs, old buildings.. Remember when
there use to be a red fire alarm stand on every street corner in the US?

I don't know if I'm saying Canada is behind because it does seem very modern, it
seems to have every comfort we're used to at home. In fact, compared to a lot of
places I've traveled to, it is one of the closest to the US in having technological
modernization available to all with the exception of Germany, Switzerland and Japan,
I think (some other smaller European countries should be included in that as well)..

And yet, there is something a little old fashioned about the place and I don't mean
that in a bad way..
It's something to do with the people.. They are very kind, they're interested.. The
pace of life seems slower.. Even in the fast paced cities.. I don't know... Maybe
I'm talking out of my ass but it really reminds me of when I was a little girl..
.
I not saying people dont care in the states, not at all.. but I don't know.. It just
feels sometimes as though we've become so inundated with information and technology
and 9/11 and the war and Katrina and the BP oil spill.. Presidents getting impeached
and accused of cheating.. And everything in between..
You just become immune after a while... numb..

It doesn't feel like that here.. This country is big as hell and yet, everywhere you
go, feels like a small town..
I'm not that up to date with Canadian politics and I know no one person, or place is
perfect, so I'm sure Canada has had it share of scandals and disasters just like
us.. But hey.. they've got healthcare too..

This isn't an argument for or against Canada.. And it certainly isn't a comparison
by any means.. Or at least, not meant to be.. Its just my own little observation.
But there is something very lovely and quie

Just enjoying the day in beautiful Canada..

Hot Fun In The Summertime..

There is no place like NY in the summertime, love it, love it, loves it!! Every
place is jumpin' off and poppin', opportunities knockin', I'm running into friends,
old and new.. The sun feels good on my skin..I got a new do.. I'm pullin' out the
strappy sandals and the sleeveless tops and tight jeans (well actually.. I never
really put the tight jeans away) and the miniskirts and sundresses..

Hello fellow sunworshippers.. Got a lotta catchin' up.. Sorry for the long silence.
Been on hiatus for a while, just takin' it easy and reflecting.. Making a lot of
life changes, still some to go.
Revamping my interiors and exteriors you could say, and it was high time..

Figuring out what doesn't work anymore can be hard sometimes, I seem to get used to
things and want them to stay same 'cause it's what I know, what I'm used to and so
it feels comfortable. Even when it starts to get uncomfortable.. Hopefully you
understand where I'm coming from a little..

I decided I'm going to take time to reach out and get to know a few people I've been
admiring from afar and see if I can forge a few new friendships.. To my great
surprise I got a few totally unexpected calls from people saying "You know, we
should hang out sometime.. I've always liked your vibe and been wanting to reach out
to you". Seems they'd been making an effort to reach out to people they want to get
to know too!

Life is funny like that sometimes.. You say you want to make a change and try
something new and all the doors open and the phone starts ringing to that end! God
or Fate or whatever you want to call it..

I've decided to say NO more to doing things that don't make me happy, even if those
things are attached to a lot of $$ at the other end..

I plan to start putting 80% of my energy into my music instead of my usual divvying
up between the work that pays and the things I love which has been leaving less time
for me..
The thing about doing your own music is you make less money (at least in the
beginning) but whatever.. I'm preparing to work with less even though I'm praying
and hoping for more :-)
This is a big change for me but I'm ready for it.. I want to make time for the
people and things that I love and I finally figured out that A. I can't do
everything and B. The time is now...

I had a bad car accident last week.. 10 car pile up.. Wasn't hurt bad.. Just bruised
up, concussion, really sore.. Scared the hell outta me though.. Totaled my car..
Brand new Mini :-(
In fact, this whole year has kinda been like that.. A lot of big changes..
Not always smooth.. But que sera sera (one of my favorite songs.. check out the Sly
Stone version, *sidenote: did you know that Sly Stone dated Doris Day?). Kinda helps
put things in perspective..
The important things just become crystal clear..

Album 1 is complete.. Album 2 about 70% done with the music. Need to finish vocals,
artwork, photo shoots etc.. Still haven't decided which one to release first..
I ran into my friend and publicist Kat, yesterday at the movies (Sex and the City)..
I know that's a sign.. ;-)

Anyhoo, heading out on the road again with the legendary Joe Cocker.. whom I adore..
I can listen to him sing all day and nite.. I don't even want to hear myself sing
all day OR nite... Lol
We'll be opening for Tom Petty who I also love! If you see us heading to your town,
come out and see us..

Look for the new record in the fall..
Promise. 'Til then, if you get the chance, check out new music by these artists..
because they're awesome..
And because music can change the world..

Sandra St. Victor - Sinner Child
Kimberly Nicole - The Yellow Brick Journey
Colin Smith - The Wilderness
Lots of love.. See you somewhere soon..

Where In The World Is Vivian??

My nephew and his dad in front of the Rockerfeller Center Tree..


As my friend Kevin would say, “where in the world is Vivian Sessoms?” He’s always telling me “You should write about your adventures and keep people posted on what you’re doing, they’re interested in knowing where you are and who you’re working with and all that jazz”.

You know, I get on these tangents sometimes, where I say I’m gonna’ write a blog and I have all these ideas in my head but I don’t sit down right away and put anything down and then I forget what I wanted to write about. My memory has gone to hell..

Anyways, hey you guys! I know it’s been a while, sorry about that. I expect we’re all getting ready as best we can for Christmas what with the snow and all. I, for once, did all my shopping early this year, as I planned to be out of town for Xmas. Actually, I planned to see Rob Thomas for my birthday and then spend the holiday with my nephew and fam, but alas work calls so here I am in snowy Slovakia (formerly Czechoslovakia). It’s a beautiful country, and I’m working very little so I’m getting to see a lot of the city I’m in (Bratislava). It’s only 30 minutes from Vienna (where I used to live some years back), and I’m performing with truly gifted musicians which is a real treat.

For Christmas I will head to London for a few days and spend time with a few of my closest friends and their family. One of the great things about being on the road is making new friends and keeping up with old friends. My buddy Everton Nelson is a brilliant violinist, who plays on practically every movie soundtrack we hear today. His wife Julia is a wonderful artist/graphic designer/singer who can cook her you know what off, so can Everton for that matter, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing them both. They have a beautiful little girl named Sienna who absolutely melts my heart every time I hear her voice with her little British accent. It’s too friggin’ adorable. Must pick up presents before I leave.

Enough with the travelogue for now. Let’s talk about music for a bit shall we? So the new record is, I would say, over half done. Thing is, I’ve been dragging my feet on it because I really want to do some things differently this time around so I’ve been spending time researching and doing my homework. Also, might be moving to LA next year so that might take a little time. In the meantime, for all of you who have been asking when is the record coming out, I’m going to preview some new tracks and pics from the new record in February, so stay tuned for that.
You can also look forward to a few unreleased tracks from the last record even sooner and of course, I’ll keep you posted on all that good stuff.

On another note, we got a very nice album review from our friends over at SoulTalk/BlogTalk Radio (thanks Duane ;-)), which you can read below. Duane has invited me to be a guest DJ on the show over the next few weeks. When I get the dates I’ll let you guys know so you can tune in. Usually at this time of year I do a list of my favorite albums for the year but this year I will count it down on the show so make sure to tune in.
I’m giving shout outs to a real eclectic mix of albums and artists this year as a nod to my changing genres with this next record.. I’m feeling something very different musically these days which I just can’t wait to share with you all.

I’m planning to do a show in February and I’ll be promoting a couple shows this spring as well so check the site for those dates.

Last but not least, I wanna’ give a heartfelt thanks to everyone for all the lovely birthday wishes. I got calls, and emails and messages on fb and every other mode of communication I can think of but it was awesome! Totally awesome!! So thank you to everyone for remembering me on my birthday. In return, I’d like to wish you all lots of love and joy this holiday season. May you be fruitful and prosperous in the New Year.
And remember, music can change the world..

Vivian


Reviewed by DAS aka Soul Talk 12/02/09
Albright - Sunny One Day

The talented duo of Vivian Sessoms & Chris Parks brings a very unique kind of soul sound to your ears; the smooth production with Vivian’s beautiful voice is very refreshing. Vivian takes you on a lyrical and vocal journey that speaks directly to your soul; she has a voice that seems to travel from jazz to soft R&B. The melodies and chord arrangements of the tracks are nicely done, just right for relaxed listening. On this CD entitled “Sunny One Day” it is difficult to pick a particular favorite because each has its own element.

“Oh Baby” gives you the sexy, crooning side of Vivian’s voice, where the title track “Sunny One Day” has a warm inviting feeling. “Its Alright” is a very soothing song with an upbeat tempo. The writing style of these two artists is sure to continue getting attention and garnering fans. Of the many female vocalists out there I would say that Vivian is definitely among the best of them.

www.blogtalkradio.com/expressionloveandpassion
http://www.onixlink.com/black-music/album-sunny-one-day-albright-feat-vivian-sessoms/