LOTL-Radio The Comfort Zone

The Legendary Omar Tyree stops bye to discuss his career and his new ebook titled "CORRUPTED" about a sinister book editor who has gone power drunk with his ability to make or break the authors who come under his circle Omar Tyree, the New York Time's bestselling       author,   2001 NAACP Image Award recipient for Outstanding Literature in Fiction, and 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award winner for Body of Work in Urban Fiction, has published sixteen novels, five anthologies, and one children's book. He launched his new brand of "CinemaStories" of visual mastery in 2007, with The Last Street Novel, to jump start an expanded career as a filmmaker. With Pecking Order, Tyree continues in his books to film transition, while solidifying himself once again as the "Godfather of contemporary urban literature."

The Sensational Gretchen Parlato Stops Bye to Debut Her New Album " The Lost and Found"      "Gretchen Parlato has been called the most important jazz singer since Cassandra Wilson, and her delicate vocals won over the judges at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2004. Since then, Parlato has appeared on more than 50 recordings, and continues to build a following with tours throughout the U.S. and overseas. Her third album, The Lost and Found,  Besides her work as a performer, Parlato is also in demand as a vocal coach. She says that in her teaching, she tries to tap into to the potential of the human voice "to transform ourselves and our world." That means focusing on staying in the moment. "You want to have a feeling when you sing that you just love singing; you love the feeling of singing, and you love this feeling of this voice coming out of your body into this world," she says. "It's about really getting that most beautiful, pure, centered tone, thinking about the story of each song and the lyrics, and connecting your own life to that story."

Ten years after her battle with cancer, Alex Nester will take the stage Saturday, June 18 at the world-famous Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The event, “#BurnItDown…To Rise Above It” (appealing to the Twitter generation), is set to feature LA area bands, including Nester, who says “I want give back the only way I know how—through music”. Nester (who has opened for such acts as Earth Wind & Fire and Chicago and currently touring with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Tito Jackson) has a goal of raising $10,000 through ticket sales, merchandise, donations, and prizes including a trip for two to the Bahamas to the highest donor at the event courtesy of Aqua Blue Travels. THE SECOND HOUR OF THE PROGRAM.   THE BEAUTIFUL SONGSTRESS CHOKLATE STOPS BYE TO DISCUSS HER ALBUM "To Whom It May Concern" AND HER COLLABORATION WITH HIP-HOP SUPERSTAR  DRAKE Choklate has  made her presence known globally ever since she released her self-titled debut album in 2006 (Kajmere). She soon hit the promotional road tour shortly after the album release making appearances at listening parties, radio, retail, and music lifestyle events in NYC, DC, Virginia, Philly,Baltimore, and some appearances overseas. Her increased visibility landed her a nomination for the SoulTracks Award (www.soultracks.com) for ‘Female Vocalist of the Year;’ and made her winner of a HoneySoul ‘Best of 2006’ Award (www.honeysoul.com).  

TIM BOWMAN  TOPS BILLBOARD'S SMOOTH JAZZ CHART!! 'Sweet Sundays' the NO. 1 single in the country!!! The Great Tim Bowman Stops Bye to to discuss His Fantastic Album                                                        "THE TIM BOWMAN COLLECTION" In 2010, Bowman released The Collection, showcasing some of his finest work and highlighting the unique depth of his ability as a talented songwriter. The Collection features three new tracks, All My Life, his Jazz radio smash Let It Shine, as well as the uplifting Gospel offering My Prayer, My Praise. His current single, Let It Shine, is already climbing the top of Smooth Jazz charts, finding a consistent flow in Billboard’s Top 10 within a few weeks of dropping on the scene. The collection featured hit songs Sweet Sundays, High Def, and Rapture featuring saxophonist Najee. Heavy hitters Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber, Randy Scott, and Darren Rahn all showed up on the record. “I am so blessed to have some of the best musicians in the world on this record”, Tim says of the collaborations. Bowman’s son, Tim Bowman Jr., is also featured on the R&B song, All I Need Is You. Mellow, pulsating tunes like For You, My Love, Sunset, and Soul Dream leave room for no other title except, Tim Bowman.

THE VERY TALENTED  ERIN BARRA STOPS BYE TO DISCUSS HER CAREER & DEBUT HER NEW ALBUM "ILLUSIONS" If Alicia Keys and Nelly Furtado collided with Daft Punk and Esthero in the vast circuitry of an Akai APC 40, you’d probably end up with an experience as rich and soulful as Erin Barra. Joining the likes of MNDR and Tokimonsta, Erin is part of a brave new digital audio live performance armada of female artists riding a tech savvy wave of musical and electronic innovation. Her incomparable style has been praised by Grammy award-winning legends. She has graced the stages of the most sought after venues in New York City. Her musical skill and versatility is virtually second to none. Yet and still, it’s hare to believe the world came pretty close to missing out on the full range of such an explosive talent. “I never really thought I was going to be an artist,” she concedes. “I always knew I had a passion for writing music and creating content. But I guess I always envisioned someone else singing the songs.”

Author Nancey Flowers Debuts New Book "HE WAS MY MAN FIRST" Nancey Flowers is the author of the #1 Essence bestselling novel Shattered Vessels. She also penned No String Attached and A Fool's Paradise, and contributed to Proverbs for the People and I Didn't Work This Hard Just to Get Married THE SECOND HOUR K.Michelle stops bye to discuss her Album"Pain Medicine" K. Michelle...The Total Package R&B, Blues and Soul Music breeds out of southern Tennessee and Memphis’ best kept secret is waiting for her special moment and sitting at the edge of her seat anticipating the opportunity. Ladies and Gents: Introducing the multitalented and multi-instrumentalist K.Michelle. Destined to be a musical force to be reckoned with, she isn’t your normal artist. She’s raw, blunt and rough around the edges at times yet commands respect and a true scholar of the arts indeed. K.Michelle discovered her passion for ballet, dance and piano at a young age and has transformed herself into the total package

Darlene McCoy, singer, songwriter, author, minister, and radio personality is back and reminding us all why we "fell in love" with her ministry when she was introduced to the industry in 2007. With her uniqueness and class she still is incomparable to any artist in this day. Her self-titled CD debuted back in 2007 rewarding her as a Two-Time Dove Nominee Award for Best Urban Album and Best Urban Single. She landed her hit single Fallen in Love on the soundtrack of Tyler Perry’s first hit movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman. As a leader in her community, she serves as mid-day host on Atlanta's Inspiration Station Praise 102.5 with "The Darlene McCoy Show" which lends even the radio that edgy approach to Christianity and inspiration. She consistently ranks as a trending chart-topper in the market and is gaining attention both nationally and internationally as listeners log on to www.mypraiseatl.com from 10am-3pm EST. THE SECOND HOUR THE FANTASTIC MEAGAN McNEAL Stops bye to discuss her career and Debut her Album "MINDSET" The Fantastic Vocalist From Chicago Is Ready To Take The Industry By Storm

WITH GUEST CO/HOST THE BEAUTIFUL  TONI REDD Jerry Butler was accorded the nickname "The Ice Man" by a Philadelphia DJ who once called Butler's show "the coolest thing I ever saw." That was in the early ‘60s after Butler had left the Impressions, with whom he'd scored the doo-wop hit "For Your Precious Love." More than 40 years later, he's still the Ice Man, but you can call him "Commissioner Ice Man," as he is Cook County Board Commissioner in his native Chicago. THE SECOND HOUR                                            The Sensational Kimberly Nichole stops bye to debut her  Album" THE YELLOW BRICK JOURNEY" KimberlyNichole's] music was fresh, her performance magnetic...it was as if I were watching a Meissen porcelain miniature come to life..." -Andre Leon Talley, Vogue Magazine December 2010 Issue VOGUE, MTV UK and Seventeen Magazine have all recognized KimberlyNichole for her sense of style, stage presence and captivating voice. An "avant-rock n soul, tutu-clad", singer and songwriter, Nichole hails from Seattle, Washington, the city that spawned music innovators Quincy Jones, Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. Similar to her hometown music legends, her passion for music began at a young age. KimberlyNichole grew up listening to the gospel/soul music played by her parents and the grunge/alternative music, which dominated the Seattle music scene. These musical styles have all influenced Nichole’s sound.

The Powerful Toni Redd stops bye to discuss her career and  her Album "N" The Key of Redd" An internationally known powerhouse performer and entertainer. Though regarded as a smooth R&B singer, Redd is an intense vocalist whose style is infused with R&B, contemporary smooth jazz, and classical soul; these elements combined create her unique and distinct powerful ambience. Her vocal capabilities are so rich that a reviewer with the Atlanta Journal Constitution concluded that, “When Toni Redd performs it is always a musical treat.” Additional reviews state that, “Her vocals are sultry and emotional, from the heart is exactly where her vocals come from. In The Second Hour Jazz vocalist Jane Monheit Stops bye to discuss her career and Debut new Album ":HOME" A collection of standards that represents a passionate return to her roots as a jazz musician. The CD features the band she has worked with onstage and off for most of her career, as well as special guests such as John Pizzarelli, Mark O’Connor, and Larry Goldings. This is her first album for Emarcy/Universal and also marks her debut as sole producer of a recording  

Angela Blair stops bye to discuss her career and her Ministry and upcoming projects In 2002, Blair was recognized by a Statewide New Artist Showcase in Austin as Texas’ Female Vocalist of the Year. Two years later she was labeled UK’s Greatest Voice You’ve Never Heard. Even thoughshe garnered the respect of her peers and the industry, it took family members to persuade her to enter the 2005 Kraft Gospel Talent Search during the annual Essence Music Festival. Blair took home the grand prize after delivering a show stopping rendition of God is AbleAngela’s talent is unlimited and has been demonstrated from the small stage to the big screen. Breaking onto the scene with her first CD release entitled, It’s All About Love, and went on to produce and write several other chart hits. Her lyrics are highly personal relationship and life-nurturing philosophies, which frowns in the face of gloomy themes that saturate today’s airwaves. Angela Blair is also a respected actress, appropriately cast as an ?’Angel of Mercy’ singer in the motion picture film, Leap of Faith, starring Steve Martin, Debra Winger, and Liam Neeson. Most recently, she acted as Associate Producer of the official documentary short film, “Barack Obama, the Man and His Journey.”

New R&B artist Teri Tobin stops bye to dicuss her career and to Debut her new album  "LOVE INFINITY" Teri performed demos and background vocals for artists such as Joe, Chico DeBarge, Coolio, Chante Moore, Korea-based Uptown, Coco Lee and Mica Paris has prepared her for her moment to shine as a solo artist. She also appears on James Tobin's sophomore release entitled " Late Nite" and co-wrote the title track. Upon the release of the independent film Fathers of the Sport, one of the songs she co-wrote can be heard as a backdrop to this powerful film. Although most of her influences are male singers like Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Donny Hathaway, Tobin is reminiscent of the sultry sounds and richness of R&B or Jazz singers of yesterday. In the second hour of the show   The Legendary leadsinger of  R&B Group ENCHANTMENT  Mr Emanuel "EJ"Johnson stops bye to discuss his illustrious career and upcoming projects  

You probably remember John Witherspoon as Ice Cube's (Craig's) outrageously funny, dog-catching dad in New Line Cinema's smash urban trilogy Friday, Next Friday & Friday After Next, or as "Pops" on the long-running syndicated sitcom The Wayans Brothers?or as Spoon on NBC's The Tracy Morgan Show. One thing's for sure... once you've seen Witherspoon you completely understand why he has earned the reputation as one of America's fun...niest dads Witherspoon has brought to life some of the most hilarious, unforgettable characters ever including, David Allen Grier's fashionably challenged, mushroom-wearing father in the romantic comedy Boomerang, and the quirky, diner-owning father "Pops" on The WB's The Wayans Brothers. His scene-stealing roles in Boomerang, Little Nicky, House Party, Vampire in Brooklyn, and I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, made him one of the most memorable funny men in America. IN THE SECOND HOUR OF THE SHOW R&B  ARTIST Nikkole stops by the to Discuss her career and Debut her selftitled album "NIKKOLE"

K. Michelle stops bye to discuss her new Album" PAIN MEDICINE" Michelle signed to Jive Records December 2008. Shortly after signing she was brought to the attention of labelmate R. Kelly who is K Michelle's male mentor. K Michelle is the only artist featured on R. Kelly's latest album "Love Letter". K.michelle is a single mother to a seven year old son Chase Bowman.Beginnings K. Michelle has stated that artists who have influenced her musical style include Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, and Tammi Terrell. K Michelle's first Mixtape What's The 901? , tributed to Mary J Blige. K Michelle also released another mixtape on Christmas Eve 2010 entitled For Colored Girls (Pre-Pain Medicine). K Michelle has an upcoming album called Pain Medicine. K Michelle's Pain Medicine was one of the top anticipated albums of 2011. K Michelle has two singles "Fallin" and "I Just Cant Do This" which was voted on 106 and Park for over 8wks, another one called "How Many Times" is being released in February 2011. K Michelle has worked with many artists such as R. Kelly, Trina, Gucci Mane,Rick Ross,Meek Mills, and many others. K.michelle has recently earned her first gold plaque for her contribution to R.Kelly's "Love Letter" album where she was featured on the track "Love Is".

Beautiful Jazz Vocalist Jane Monheit stops bye to discuss her career and debut her new Album" HOME' In the Second hour The Songstress KeKe Wyatt stops bye to debut her Fantastic new Album "Unbelievable " Which is slated for a May 31 release. The first release from the album was a strong duet with Ruben Studdard, a cover of the 80s soul hit "Saturday Love."First I have to thank all my fans for their love and support throughout the years - it has meant the world to me. It has been a long journey since my Gold selling debut back in 2001. I believe that R&B is a way of telling a story. If I've been through something and tell my story through song then I can help somebody dealing with a similar situation. I love to give people something in my music that will affect their lives. This album is to let the world know that I'm back and I thank God that I still have the gift of song that he gave me. If you want to cry to the album, do that; if it makes you want to dance, do that; if you want to clean house to it, do that! I just want to make people happy and bring back the true meaning of R&B. Thanks for being a part of my journey and I look forward to many more miles together. I would also like to extend my thanks to SoulTracks.com for their kind support of my new project as well.  

The legendary Russell Thompkins Jr stops bye to discuss his career While perhaps not a household name, as the lead singer of the Stylistics, Russell Thompkins, Jr. displayed arguably the sweetest falsetto voice of his generation, creating one beautiful love song after another under the production of the legendary Thom Bell and leading the act to supergroup status. Formed in the late 60s in Philadelphia , the Stylistics first achieved some regional attention in 1971 with the simplistic "You're A Big Girl Now," most notable for its contrast to the luscious work they would record a year later with Bell .  Their Avco Records eponymous debut was a Philly Soul masterpiece, containing a basketful of marvelous compositions by Bell and co-writer Linda Creed that would become soul standards covered by other artists for the next 30 years.  "You Are Everything," "Betcha By Golly Wow," "Stop Look Listen" and "People Make the World Go Round" all rocketed up the Pop and Soul charts, and immediately made the Stylistics the most sought after Soul balladeers.  The group's seamless harmonies and Thompkins silky falsetto blended magically with Bell's lush production.  Their next album, Round Two, was just as memorable, and included the instant classics "Break Up To Make Up.