MIHE Show Review: ROGIERS Live at The Iridium, Feb. 4th by Mama Soul

I must admit that I had fallen victim to the winter blahs opting more times than not to play the hermit; to remain home tucked ever so snuggly under the covers. What lured me out from under? Another quality entertainment experience promoted by Make It Happen Entertainment, the event Midnight Music series at Iridium on the bill Rogiérs (pronounced Ro-Ghe-ay). I was already familiar with Rogiérs as a featured vocalist on records by other artists, Platinum Pied Pipers “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” (“Triple P”, 2005) and Soul Cycle “Simply Beautiful” (“Mosaic”, 2009). My first onstage exposure to Rogiérs came via a Marvin Gaye tribute show courtesy of InJoy Enterprises and Make It Happen Entertainment. Rogiérs tackled and impressively delivered Gaye’s “Save the Children”. That evening’s musical experience was beyond entertaining so I was excited to attend his Iridium set.

Fast forward to a wintery day in New York, Rogiérs performance at Iridium marks his return to a New York City stage after touring the globe as keyboardist and singer with Alicia Keys. Rogiérs development as an artist is quite evident the moment he takes the stage, poised, quietly confident, rich vocals. Accompanied by a four piece band and two supporting vocalists we the audience was treated to a seven song set showcasing work from his first full album “Life And Music: All of It” (2008) with a few extra treats thrown in. Starting out with the declarative ode “My Gift” and closing with the mellow sophisticated “Come Into My World”. Rogiérs also debuted new track “The Handler” from his forthcoming release. “The Handler” has a thick lush bass-line it made me think of cheesecake. Not limiting himself solely to the mic Rogiérs tickled the ivories for the song “You’ll Live”.

At show’s end I couldn’t help but purchase some music and I’m not mad at all. Rogiérs “Life And Music: All of It” is a well-produced first effort, I mean the intro “Opening Explanation” will get your head bopping. Another treat is the appearance of two of my favorite artists Bilal and Robert Glasper both lending their talents as supporting vocalist and as producer. Standout cuts are: “Hollywood Story” both versions, “Come Into My World”, “Dust”, “My Gift” both versions, “The Walls”. Take the time and explore the life and music of Rogiérs.

What's Your Favorite Summer Tunes?

It's winter now, but summer will be here before you know it and in anticipation of summer coming, we'd like to know what your favorite summer songs are. It can be songs that remind you of summer or tunes that have come out during summers past that were so impactful, they defined that summer. Also let us know the story behind the songs you've chosen.

The songs that are mentioned will be included in our "Summer Grooves" mixtape that will be available at the start of the summer.

Vote For Amped-4-A-Cure In The Pepsi Refresh Project Competition!

Amped 4-A-Cure, Inc. (A4AC) is an organization dedicated to raising funds to support cancer research through the universal language of music.

A4AC started off the new year with an exciting announcement-Amped 4-A-Cure, Inc.'s Briana Watts Scholarship Fund has been selected to compete in the Pepsi Refresh Project for a grant of $250,000. Online and text voting began on Monday January 3 and will continue through January 31. The Pepsi Refresh Project awards grant money to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations with innovative ideas to better the community. Only 1000 applications are accepted each month, and winners are based on the number of votes received.

The Briana Watts Scholarship Fund is named after Briana Watts who lost her battle with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, on Feb. 11, 2010 at the tender age of fifteen. This scholarship fund will provide financial support to students fighting the war on cancer who choose Oncology as their field of study. Amped 4-A-Cure, Inc. plans to award ten deserving students each with a $20,000 Scholarship for their dedication to cancer patient care and research in finding a cure. One of the scholarships will always be awarded to a resident of North Carolina, Briana's home state. We want to encourage students to specialize in cancer research to help rid the world of this disease once and for all. Winning the $250,000 grant will allow A4AC to assist individuals who are dedicating their lives to helping those in need both now and for generations to come.

To vote for Amped 4-A-Cure in The Pepsi Refresh Project, Text 105563 to PEPSI (73774), or go to www.refresheverything.com/amped4acure. Everyone is encouraged to vote daily during the entire month of January. For more information about Amped 4-A-Cure, Inc. visit www.amped4acure.org or email getamped@amped4acure.org.