Tuesday, November 29, 2005

ACTION THEORY

This is a review of Thomas Bess Jr.'s cd, Action Theory. I had a chance to really listen to it over the Thanksgiving break and I feel it is definitely worth checking out. Yes, I would say this even if he wasn't my brother. **smile**

Atlanta's underground music scene has just enlisted another soldier into its ranks. Actually, he has always been a soldier in this revolution of music, but now Thomas Bess, Jr. has been promoted and is swiftly moving up in rank with his debut CD, ACTION THEORY. Thomas Bess Jr., formerly of the Atlanta based underground group, JJason Blackwell, has just released his very first solo project and he has the underground Atlanta music scene teaming and percolating. This acoustically laced creation is pumped and politically charged as Thomas takes the listener on an ontological journey through music and spoken word. Thomas is accompanied with acoustic guitar on many of the tracks by upcoming artist, Donnie "Adonis" Cantly.
Thomas has an eclectic approach which makes it difficult to box his style of music into one particular category. The CD ranges from Hip-Hop to Acoustic Soul and everything in between. “Planet Rock” has a Dirty South appeal while “Jodi” is reminiscent of 80’s style Rock-Funk. The cd begins with the track, “Happy Little Sheep” that sounds like something out of a poetry slam. There’s something for everyone on this CD! Thomas Bess Jr. is no stranger to the Atlanta underground music scene. He first got its start at clubs like The Apache Café (Formerly The Ying-Yang) performing spoken word with Jjason Blackwell. At that time, the Ying Yang was the starting point and fertile ground for talented artist like India Arie and Donnie who performed at the club quite often. JB was a popular group on the ATL club circuit through the mid to late 90’s. The group released a cd in 2000 titled, Urban Experimentalist. The group never really achieved national success, but they were a favorite on the underground Atlanta music scene up until just a couple of years ago. The year is now 2005 and Thomas Bess, Jr. is moving forward with his own urban experiment. I have a feeling that the results will have listeners chanting “Yeah, Yeah.”

If you want to find out more about the new cd, Action Theory just click on the title for more information and reviews.

12 comments:

Bougie Black Boy said...

I want a copy of that cd~ Hope your holiday went well

Stephen A. Bess said...

Good morning Stephen-
This cd can be purchased by clicking the title of my post. My holiday went well. I had a great time in the Georgia. The weather was warm and family had lots of turkey, hugs, and cranberry sauce.

M. Akamau said...

Wow...impressive! I know you are a proud brother!

Peace,
Michele

Stephen A. Bess said...

Yes, I am very proud of Thomas. He has worked so hard on this project. I really admire his focus and hard work. I was living in Atlanta when he first set out to do this and he would work for hours at a time. I need that same determination because that's the only thing (+ God) that will help you achieve your goals. Thanks Michele.

MZPEACH said...

Wow, that is great. I haven't been to the Apache Club since last January. I love the poetry slams they have up there. Congratulations to you and your brother. What an accomplishment. I know your family is so proud. I am going to check him. I don't like the fact that I have never heard of him. I don't know if you have heard of Georgiame, but I love her! Has your brother ever been featured on Joyce Littel. She features a lot of upcoming poets on her radio show. Glad that you had a wonderful Holiday.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Thanks GAPeach! I am proud of him. Yeah, the group Jason Blackwell were always featured at the Apache. They have a CD on Amazon. I like the poetry slams too. I especially liked that dude that calls himself Q-Swan or mental tattoo..he was cool. I've never heard of Georgiame, but I am certain that Thomas has. Also, if he has ever been on with Joyce Littel I didn't know about it. I'll ask him about that though. Thanks Peach!

Waddie G. said...

got some musical talent in the family, eh? send me his CD as a Christmas gift, please!

Stephen A. Bess said...

Yo Professorgq,
Do you know how many kids that I have to buy things for this Xmas? I'll tell you....a lot. :)
Nice try though.

Unconquerable Soul said...

after christmas shopping, i'm going to put my pennies together and pick it up.. it bether be good Mr. Bess! LOL!

Anonymous said...

What a supportive brother you are Stephen :) Cograts to you and your family. Will get the CD :)

Stephen A. Bess said...

I try. I'm glad to hear that you and Stephen are interested in getting this. I think that it will at least be interesting. :)
Thomas has an interesting mind. This CD is so him! I mean, his true personality comes out in every song. That's not always true for artist. Thanks for stopping in.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Unconquerable Soul-
Wow! That's heavy brother :) I hope that you like it. 1 or 2 of the songs had to grow on me, but I liked 3 of the songs instantly. I like to think of him as a potential Gil Scott. I know that no one compares to Gill, but his msg is along those lines. Thanks for stopping through.

Black Men in Life Space: A Change for the Better

Photo Source: Showtime The late great Chicago soul singer, Sam Cooke sang and announced that "A Change is Gonna Come." On season f...