The 2008 Soul Track Reader’s Choice Awards Review

by Marsha Carter – Poet and Detroit Event Writer 4DaSoul   

If I could only pick two words to describe the 2008 Soul Track Reader’s Choice Awards it would be “Bigger, Better.”  The theme might have well been taken from Beyonce’s hit song “Upgrade U.”  They upgraded this year’s event to reach a bigger audience. By the end of the night, the mission was accomplished.

The architect of the event Chris Rizik, as well as key organizers MosaicThump (Detroit) and Jodine’s Corner (Atlanta) were smart to pick a venue that specifically caters to world class entertainment. The event was held at the Max M. Fisher Music Center http://www.detroitsymphony.com.  It is connected to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. This means the venue was built specifically for musicians, with better acoustics, lighting and seating. 

Soultracks made a serious effort to bring mass appeal to an event that typically caters to independent soul music. They hired syndicated music personality and the official voice announcer of the Detroit Pistons Mason to co-host the event.

With all eyes on the government to help bail us out of an economic recession/depression. The Soultrack Reader’s Choice Awards turned their attention to the future.  A portion of the proceeds from the weekend’s events was donated to the Cornerstone School.  The Cornerstone School is a private institution dedicated to providing quality education and spiritual enrichment to kids living in Detroit.

Upon entering the building you are impressed with the high-rise ceilings, size, and ushers that greet you at the door.  There is a table set up by Pearl’s Music in Detroit. The display proudly shows the paraphernalia, CDs, LPs, EPs, and marketing materials for all of the artist affiliated with the event.  The theatre style seating with reserved seating for VIP gave the feeling that I was attending a historical event.

The first person to perform was a Atlanta singer named April Hill (who tied with Algebra as the winner of the new artist of the year award). April arrived on stage in a black dress and electrified the audience with energy, personality and pizzazz. Her classic beautiful look was only the icing, as her singing capability proved that she deserved to be “front and center.” Following her performance was Portland, OR based singer Liv Warfield (nominated for new artist of the year) who gave her all on stage. Her lyrics are honest and real. Her voice felt like the theme music that plays in the background of an upscale Italian restaurant on Valentine’s Day.  She performed flawlessly and left the audience wanting more.   Atlanta based singer Heston (nominated as male vocalist of the year) certainly lived up to his debut album, “The Storyteller.” His lyrics are smooth, his performance is intense and it feels like he’s telling you a story in front of the fireplace on a cold winter night. It’s as if he wrote a personal letter and then shared it with the world. Cleveland’s own Conya Doss (Winner of the female vocalist of the year) a.k.a “female face of independent soul music” displayed flawless execution when performing .

There are some people who are singers and there are some people who are entertainers.  Sy Smith (nominated for top female vocalist) is a triple threat. She is a singer, songwriter, and entertainer. Sy was dressed in an all white dress that could have been worn by Jada Pinkett Smith in The Matrix Sequel. She commanded the audience attention with her breath taking appearance, flirty lyrics, dancing capability, voice control, and a band that catered to her every “beck and call.” Sy stole the show! Striking several poses at the end of her performance and daring the photographers to take a picture. She was the envy of any top model.  Sy made it known that she can rock a stage and had me wanting to leave my seat in the middle of the show to buy her CD.

Speaking of models, we got a math lesson from soul singer Algebra (who tied with April Hill as the winner of the new artist of the year award). She wore a black and white polka dot dress that accentuated her model-like frame. She performed shoeless, like soul singer Eric Benet. Her deep soulful voice reminded me of a modern day Nina Simone.

The climax of the night came from two heavy hitters in the music industry Gordon Chambers and Phil Perry. Both singers were there to honor “The Dramatics” with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Gordon Chambers performed first with his rendition of “Me and Mrs. Jones.”  Phil Perry performed next with his very own version of “In The Rain.” Phil Perry has a unique way of connecting with his audience. He makes you feel as if he is singing to you and your significant other. This is why he received the only standing ovation of the night from his performance. 

Finally, what better way to close out the show than with a performance from Detroit’s own Monica Blaire. Monica has established her self as the top female independent soul singer in Motown and beyond.  Her performance can be summarized as raw energy. She gives her all on stage and isn’t afraid to talk to the audience, vibe with the band, and dance.

Like a good meal, I left the Max Fisher full from a dinner fit for a queen.  The Max Fisher was packed with people ranging in age from their early 20’s to their late 50s. But each of us has one thing in common, we love great music. I definitely got an ear full in Detroit on Friday, October 3. That’s  a good luck! In my excitement to give you a play by play,

Below are the winners of the 2008 SoulTracks Readers Choice Awards. Drum roll please the winners are: