Lifestyle & Culture

J. Brown Conjures up Classic R&B in “Forever Yours”

March 2, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Do you love R& B crooners? If you do, iconic R&B crooners like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Peabo Bryson, and Jon B come to mind. You can now add J. Brown to that list.

Though is not yet legendary, with his musical chops, it is only a matter of time that J. Brown will be in that constellation of iconic male R&B songbirds. With his new CD “Forever Yours,” J. Brown sings about love, relationships, and honesty. Something that is solely missing in the current roster of top-charting songs.

And when it comes to chart-topping, Brown has charted at #16 on Billboard and according to MEDIABASE is the 34^th top-played artist on urban radio. J. Brown graciously spoke with Fashion Reverie as he was on tour with Elle Varner’s “Evolution” tour.

Fashion Reverie: What is your musical background?

Brown: My musical background is Christian music and gospel music. I started singing in the church. From there I transitioned to singing in youth theatre and stage plays.

FR: You are from Detroit, correct?

Brown: Yes, I am.

FR: Your mother was a background singer working with Smokey Robinson. Could you talk a little about that?

Brown: My mother and my aunt had a singing group. Where my family lived there were a lot of Motown artists that lived in that vicinity. And new groups were popping up all the time and there were lots of school talents shows to hone your craft.

My mother and aunt’s singing group got signed by Smokey Robinson for Motown, but their careers were short-lived because my mother became pregnant with my oldest brother and that ended the singing group. My father was a pastor, so my mother continued to sing, mostly in church.

FR: What inspires you musically?

Brown: I would say my children and my overall love of music.

FR: Who are some of your favorite musical artists?

Brown: Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Gerald Lavert, Next, Silk, and Ted Riley. As you can tell, I love R&B crooners. I also love Sting and Bon Jovi. My taste is rather eclectic.

FR: How would you describe your sound and music styling?

Brown: My sound is rather unique because I tend to combine different music genres. And I don’t think I sound like anyone else.

FR: To prepare for this interview, I listened to several tracks from your new CD and your sound is very heartfelt.

Brown: That is an important part of my music. I want my music to really touch the soul. I want my music to be sincere and have substance.

FR: You are from Detroit so how does the musical stylings that comes out of the Motor City influence your sound and musical stylings?

Brown: Considering that a lot of R&B greats came from Detroit, I wanted to be a part of that old school sound and have that sound as a strong base of my musical style. And because that is so much of my inspiration, it is not a huge jump to understand that you find that Motown sound reflected in my music.

FR: Let’s talk about your current CD “Forever Yours.” What was the evolution behind this project?

Brown: This project was based on me wanting to put a sound I always wanted to have in my music. I wanted to talk about things that inspire me like love and relationships. Old school music is full of those musical conversations and I wanted to go back to that with love being the primary focus.

I wanted my music to detail how a woman should be treated. And the man who is not afraid to be transparent. Sometimes, the current music is all about a catchy beat with no real message. I wanted to bring back that R&B feel.

FR: Who is your audience?

Brown: I would say my demographic is early 30s to 60s.

FR: That’s what you think?

Brown: Yea, from shows that perform in that is who I see in the audience.

FR: I listened intently to three tracks on your CD and I think your demographic is much wider.

Brown: I think my listening audience and demographic should be and is much wider. But, at the end of day it is all our promotion and marketing. The music needs to be heard by a larger audience. The first track, “Allison” on the CD is for a younger audience. I have something on “Forever Yours” for everyone.

FR: You are currently on tour with Elle Varner’s “Elevation” tour. Could you talk a little about that?

Brown: The tour has been a phenomenal blessing, considering that I have always been a big fan of Elle Varner. Basically, this is a love tour. I am man, she is woman, and we are both singing about love and relationships.

The tour came about through connections and the overall respect that Elle and I have for each other. And it has gelled and here we are.

FR: How would you describe your personal fashion style?

Brown: I have a Euro style in that I like my clothes well-fitted, not too tight, but comfortably fitted. I am simple with my style, not too all over the place.

FR: Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?

Brown: I love Moschino, Lagerfeld, Gucci, and Fendi. I like some of things of Kanye West is doing.

FR: Wow, you have expensive tastes.

Brown: I do. Now, that doesn’t mean I can afford the clothes I like. However, I do have a lot of Lagerfeld shoes and boots.

FR: The music industry has changed so much with everything being digitized and consumers can download music for free or at a very low cost. That said; how are you managing to financially continue to create music and perform your art?

Brown: It can be a real financial struggle, especially when you have a family to support. What keeps me going is my love of music and my belief in my talent. You may have to grind and grind, but at the end of the day its about your belief system.

Images courtesy of 2R Entertainment & Media

FR: What’s next for you?

Brown: What’s next is getting more airplay and recognition with my new CD, “Forever Yours,” which is available on I-Tunes. I also trying to get my social media following up. I can be found at Jbrownmusiconly on Twitter and Instagram.

William S. Gooch

The All-Balanchine Program Showcases a New and Improved New York City Ballet

January 27, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Image of Maria Kowroski courtesy of danceviewtimes.com

The New York City Ballet (NYCB) of today is not the New York City Ballet of George Balanchine. And it shouldn’t be. Even George Balanchine did not expect his company, the NYCB, to have the same look, dance aesthetic or point of view of its Golden Years of the 1950s through the 1970s. In fact, Balanchine even stated that he didn’t expect his ballets to survive.

Balanchine’s ballets have survived and have remained with their structure in place with similar musicality and verve. Still, the company is not the same.

The technical ability of the current dancers far outweighs the NYCB dancers of half a century ago—and that is a given. But the differences go beyond technical acumen. And those differences—if one is old enough to remember the NYCB of yore—are most evident in all Balanchine programs; particularly, the program—Allegro Brillante, La Source, Firebird— presented by the company at the January 25 matinee.

“Allegro Brillante” images courtesy of tumblr.com

Allegro Brillante was brilliantly danced by Tiler Peck and Tyler Angle. Developed as a star vehicle by Balanchine for Maria Tallchief in 1956, Allegro Brillante is set to an energetic, yet lyrical Tchaikovsky score.

Tiler Peck danced the main ballerina role with all the lush virtuosity and lyrical sensitivity that Balanchine intended for this work. Yet, Peck went beyond what most ballerinas in NYCB’s vast history were able to bring to this role. Peck represents the new NYCB ballerina where technical virtuosity, speed, and lyricism are expected. And maybe even stage presence. What Peck embodies in this vein of NYCB ballerinas is supreme confidence. There are no struggles, no visible technical imperfections, no easing into a role—particularly Balanchine’s abstract works. Just sit back, enjoy, marvel, and be transported!!

La Source was another matter. Created for Violette Verdy, this sweet concoction of a ballet embodies French ballet style, perhaps, more than any Balanchine ballet in the repertoire. The company demonstrated Balanchine’s version of precise, crystalline French technique expertly. There was wit, sparkle, and frothiness.

“La Source” image courtesy of pinterest.com

Erica Pereira was just the right combination of exactitude and spun sugar. Perhaps, there could have been a bit more sauciness in her performance, but that’s forgiven in that no one can bring Violette Verdy’s piquant style to this work. Harrison Ball was just fine as the Pereira’s partner, bringing a measured amount of regal gentility and technical buoyancy.

Perhaps, the most vivacious element of La Source is the second ballerina’s solo and subsequent interactions with the corps de ballet. Rachel Hutsell captured that special whimsical sauciness that is so emblematic of this Balanchine work. Additionally, Hutsell represents the direction NYCB is heading with Jonathan Stafford and Wendy Whelan at the helm.

Currently, NYCB has 10 African American dancers, a record number for any classical ballet company other than the Dance Theatre of Harlem. At this performance there were two black dancers in major roles.

That is not to say that Balanchine was against inclusion. After all, Balanchine and Lincoln Kirsten put Arthur Mitchell as lead dancer in many ballets in the 1950s and 60s in spite of death threats and bomb scares. However, Balanchine was only able to accomplish so much, and his dream of a fully integrated company is coming to fruition under Stafford and Whelan.

Balanchine’s Firebird, another star vehicle for Maria Tallchief, is based on a truncated Stravinsky score. A bonified hit for the NYCB in 1949, Balanchine’s Firebird has gone through many revisions with Jerome Robbins providing choreography for Kotchei, the monsters, and golliwogs.

This particular Balanchine version works very well, with excellent airborne choreography for the firebird, which Sara Mearns inhabited so convincingly. The challenge with this particular version is that some of the story is lost amid inadequate mime sequences. And unless you already know the story, the plot is confusing.

“Firebird” image courtesy of newyorkballet.com

Then again, Balanchine was not big on story ballets. And the joy of Firebird is Stravinsky’s rich score and Balanchine’s ability to create very athletic steps for the firebird without looking like an Olympic hurdles’ competition.

Mearns’ firebird is an example of the new kind of dancer that is filling the ranks at NYCB. Mearns’ firebird would have been anomaly at the NYCB of the past. Always, a very athletic dancer, Mearns’ firebird is all that and much more. Her firebird is powerful, determined, lyrical, but most of all free, never an enslaved creature. And Silas Farley’s Prince Igor is the epitome of a prince; respectful, gracious, and regal.

The new NYCB is perhaps what Balanchine had envisioned all along. And with the company’s new leadership, the NYCB is primed to unearth and present some new truths, new colors, and a layer of unfettered beauty.

—William S. Gooch

Exotic Arab Winter Travel Destinations

January 7, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of Hibiscus Travel

Travel is the best cure to escape chilly temperatures and travel can facilitate a new narrow about diversity and different cultures. Travel can also be a great life reboot. It can promote happiness and a more positive attitude.

If you are in a country where winter months get a bit depressing and you have already done Florida or Mexico to escape cold, Fashion Reverie has an idea!! Why not go for an exotic adventure? A mysterious place you may have heard about but seems a bit too different in customs and lifestyle? Take a leap! Fashion Reverie has come up with five destinations we are waiting your postcards from!

Image courtesy of Gulf News

Qatar

Qatar is a beautiful small country known for futuristic skyscrapers and very modern architecture surrounded by dunes and beautiful beaches off the Persian Gulf. It’s capital Doha has a gorgeous Corniche waterfront promenade with lots of Dhow traditional boats awaiting to take you for a pleasant ride. Souk Waqif is popular for evening strolls, and there is a very lively market you can visit for shopping jewelry, spices, and take in all of Doha’s beautiful energy. The kindness of Doha locals is pleasantly overwhelming.

For more information, go to www.visitqatar.qa

Image courtesy of Travel Guide Morocco

Morocco

We have all heard so much about Morocco as its influence can especially be felt in large cities in the US and Europe. If you are into good food, shopping, and fashion, you have to visit Marrakech.

This once imperial city has beautiful palaces, gardens, and the typical old town family homes riads; many of which are transformed into luxury hotels. The medina or the old town feels like a labyrinth of shops with textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Your point of orientation should be the Koutoubia Mosque, a minaret of 12th-century very close to the famous square Jemaa el-Fna.

For more information, go to https://www.visitmorocco.com

Image courtesy of eturbonews.com

Saudi Arabia

For the first time, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists.

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply for a visa and this is a big step towards Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reform program Vision 2030 to boosts the country’s economy through tourism and entertainment.

There are lots of UNESCO world heritage sites to visit, including the Mada’in Saleh in Al-Ula, which is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans, south of Petra in Jordan, and At-Turaif District in Ad-Diriyah, the first capital of the Saudi state. The capital Riyadh and Jeddah on the Red Sea are two of the most popular places to visit.

For more information, go to https://www.visitsaudi.com

Image courtesy of telegraph.co.uk

Sultanate of Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is another popular Arab country. Fun fact: The Sultanate of Oman is the oldest human-inhabited country. It is also one of the safest and most secure countries in the Arab world. Its capital is Muscat.

One of the must-see places is The Al Bustan Palace, which is a Ritz-Carlton property that hosted some of the biggest celebrities including Michael Jackson and Bill Clinton. It’s a six-star property and it literally resembles a palace! There is an old and new Muscat, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and of course an amazing Souk. The flora and fauna is beautiful and there are some incredible beaches.

For more information, go to https://experienceoman.om/

Image courtesy of iexplore.com

United Arab Emirates

We are all very familiar with Dubai. Very friendly and open to Westerners. Probably least conservative of the Arab countries. Dubai is known for luxury shopping, rich nightlife, and ultra-modern architecture. If you already visited Dubai, a new reason is to visit is to stay at one of the tallest hotel in the world, the Ciel Tower, which is yet to be completed. The Ciel Tower will reach 360.4 meters upon completion, featuring 1,042 rooms and suites spread across 82 floors.

For more information, go to https://www.visitdubai.com

Tijana Ibrahimovic

For Ballet Hispanico, Human Experience Is Always the Vehicle for Brilliant Storytelling

November 24, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Ballet Hispanico in “Tiburones”. Image courtesy of Paula Lobo

What can be said of Ballet Hispanico? Since its inception in 1970 under the tutelage of Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispanico showcased the depth and brilliance of the Latin diaspora as seen through the lens of an amalgam of dance styles and idioms—be it flamenco, Graham, Horton, Limon, and Dunham techniques, ballet, lyrical jazz, hip-hop, vogue ballroom, and Latin social dances. And Ballet Hispanico has brilliantly accomplished their initial goal and motivation.

That said; we are now in another era of Ballet Hispanico. With the primary of goals of founder Tina Ramirez accomplished, one could ask, what’s next for Ballet Hispanico? With the programs assembled by current artistic director Eduardo Vilario, Ballet Hispanico has solidly placed itself in that constellation of superior dance companies that not only have a signature voice and aesthetic but are also expanding the definition of what a repertory company is. And for Ballet Hispanico that means exploring and implementing a new definition of what a Hispanic-based repertoire can include.

The program that Ballet Hispanico assembled for its performances at the famed Apollo Theater—Naci, Tiburones, and the ever-popular Con Brazos Abiertos—demonstrates how the company has evolved, but also shows where Ballet Hispanico is heading. And Ballet Hispanico now has the company members that can deftly perform with nuance its varied repertoire.

“Con Brazos Abiertos” image courtesy of arts.gov

Michelle Manzanales’ Con Brazos Abiertos has been in the repertoire for quite a few seasons now, and in each performance the company finds new nuances and meaning in this highly favored work. Manzanales explores the immigrant experience in this work—which is detailed through the Cheech and Chong vocals and the Maria Billini-Padilla poem. This work references Mexican folkloric dance as evidenced in choreography that employs the undulations of flowing skirts, as well as an injection of Spanish dance with sombreros.

It is easy to see why Con Brazos Abiertos is an audience pleaser. There is something, or several things, in this work that can appeal to everyone.

In the ballet Naci, choreographer Andrea Miller draws from her Hispanic and Jewish backgrounds, and from the sense of being a stranger in a new land. And that new land being the New World. In this New World there is a sense of homelessness, and not belonging. In this remembrance of homelands and things lost, Miller choses a song that contains lyrics that speak to having no country, no love, and no home.

Gabrielle Sprauve and Lyvan Verdecia in “Naci”. Image courtesy of Paula Lobo

Interestingly, as Naci speaks to abandonment and a sojourn to the unfamiliar, the choreographic content is very rooted in being earthbound with dancers really using the ground, or floor stage, as the source of strength and undulating and churning in and out of movement that is very terrestrial and grounded. Standout dancers in Naci are Dandara Viega and Lyvan Verdecia.

Perhaps, the most interesting work of the evening was Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Tiburones. Ochoa has several ballets in Ballet Hispanico’s repertoire, but, perhaps, Tiburones is the most moving and provocative. As a Ballet Hispanico world premiere, there was lots of expectation, and Tiburones did not disappoint.

Ochoa explores stereotypes and discrimination that Hispanics face in entertainment and media in Tiburones. The company is assembled on stage with one cast member serving as a film/media director equipped with a cut board. The director tells the dancers how to pose, move, and position themselves. Though most of the dancers go along, there is discomfort and resistance, until enough is enough.

Damdara Veiga in “Triburones.” Image courtesy of Paula Lobo

Ochoa carefully in Tiburones examines how stereotypes, particularly those around gender roles, diminish Puerto Rican voices. (There is a vocal of Rita Moreno discussing how the Hollywood film “Westside Story” will portray Puerto Ricans.) Ochoa deconstructs these contrived gender stereotypes—putting male dancers in high heel—to get to the true voices of Puerto Ricans in the diaspora.

Triburones is a powerful dance work, facilitating Ballet Hispanico’s ability to not only demonstrate their mastery of the dance lexicon, but also to showcase their acting ability. Standout dancers in Triburones are Lenai Alexis Wilkerson, Lyvan Verdecia, Gabrielle Sprauve, and Antonio Cangiano.

With its current appearance at the Apollo Theater, Ballet Hispanico is proving that it is one of the premiere dance companies in the US. Understanding that world dance is always about telling and speaking to the human experience, Ballet Hispanico has positioned itself as one of the best dance vehicles to do just that!! Ballet Hispanico, job well done!!

—William S. Gooch

Fashion Reverie’s 2019 Holiday Film Roundup

November 18, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

The holidays can mean family, friends, celebrations, and great movies! Studios release their films in late Nov and December in the hope that they will garner a major award during award season which can contribute to increased sales and viewership. That provides us with a rich opportunity to escape the hectic holiday season with a few hours of pure entertainment. These are the films Fashion Reverie recommends. Enjoy!

Image courtesy of tv.gestrs.com

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”

This has been a dark year. Forest fires, mass shootings, Venice is sinking and the less said about politics the better. Why not spend two heartwarming hours watching multiple Academy Award-winner Tom Hanks portray Fred Rogers. Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod, the film tells the story of kindness triumphing over cynicism. Bring tissues. You’ll be crying with joy.

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” opens on November 22.

Image courtesy of comingsoon.net

“Knives Out”

Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in “Knives Out.” When a rich crime novelist is found dead following his 85^th birthday party, everyone is a suspect. With a knockout cast including Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more. This exciting whodunit will have you guessing til the end.

“Knives Out” opens November 27.

Image courtesy of variety.com

“The Aeronauts”

In 1862, daredevil balloon pilot Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) teams up with pioneering meteorologist James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) to advance human knowledge of the weather and fly higher than anyone in history. While based on true events filmmakers strayed from the actual, considerably. But, in doing so delivered an exciting story with stunning cinematography. See this in IMAX if you can. The sweeping visuals will take your breath away.

“The Aeronauts” opens December 6.

Image courtesy of moviesrul.com

“In Fabric”

Who hasn’t dreamed of finding a dress that will change their life? An insecure woman looking to dip her toe into the dating scene visits a bewitching London boutique and leaves with a perfectly fitted blood red gown. This darkly humorous tale blends horror with comedy as Marianne Jean-Baptiste discovers she’s a true fashion victim after inadvertently unleashing a curse.

“In Fabric” opens December 6.

Image courtesy of consequenceofsound.net

“Jumanji: The Next Level”

Looking for a film suitable for the entire family? This third installment in the Jumanji reboot finds the gang trying to save their friend Spencer after he gets sucked back into the video game while attempting to destroy the console. This time, bouncing from jungles to deserts to frozen tundra with two new characters. Get ready for some rip-roaring adventure.

“Jumanji: The Next Level” opens December 13.

Image courtesy of comingsoon.net

“Bombshell”

“Bombshell” is based on the real scandal that would force the late Roger Aisles to resign from Fox News following accusations of sexual harassment. Featuring Academy Award-winner Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron—who looks so much like Megyn Kelly it’s disturbing—tells the explosive story of the women who stood up to Media mogul and took him down.

“Bombshell” opens December 13.

Image courtesy of reddit.com

“Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker”

Co-Written and directed by J.J Abrams this is the third installment in the sequel trilogy, the ninth and final installment in the Skywalker saga. A year after the events of The Last Jedi, the remnants of the Resistance face the First Order once again—while reckoning with the past and their own inner turmoil. It was planned that Rise of Skywalker would focus on General Leia Organa, but Carrie Fisher’s sudden death two years ago forced a script change. Fisher will appear in scenes leftover from the previous films.

“Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker” opens December 20.

Image courtesy of thekit.ca

“Cats”

Written by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, and being the longest running musical on Broadway, this “Cats” stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, and Rebel Wilson. The polarizing trailer was described by some as a “demented dream ballet.” But with this cast, you know the film will have some amazing musical numbers. You’re curious admit it.

“Cats” opens December 20.

Image courtesy of wordpress.com

“Little Women”

After writing and directing the exceptional “Ladybird,” Greta Gerwig found herself the fifth woman to be nominated for a best director Academy Award. This Christmas she will unspool an adaption of the classic Louisa May Alcott s novel Little Women starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scalen, and Timothée Chalamet. The four March sisters find themselves coming of age in America after the Civil War.

“Little Women” opens on December 25.

—Cameron Grey Rose

Day Kornegay in “Automatic” Brings Back New Jack Swing

October 24, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of 2Rs Entertainment & Media PR

If you haven’t notice, vintage is all the rage in fashion. From collections that conjure up images from the disco era—lots of glam and glitter—to collections that are find new ways to interpret 80s street style. It’s all good because in fashion, everything old can be new again.

The same applies to music. There is nothing new under the sun, as was so eloquently put in Ecclesiastes. For music, it is not always about creating something new, but how you put familiar musical elements together in ways not experienced before.

Day Kornegay is one such artist, an artist that combines the familiar together in ways that will keep music lovers humming his tune but also in ways that advance music genres. As his debut five-song forthcoming album can attest, Day’s done his homework while developing a sound that’s fresh, vibrant, and accessible. Day himself refers to it as “Urban Intellectual.” “I can be edgy, but in a subtle way,” he says.

And with the late summer release of “Automatic,” Day has scored a top 40 R&B hit and is on his way. Day Kornegay took time from his very busy schedule to speak to Fashion Reverie about “Automatic,” his love of music and how he is bringing back that late 80s/early 90s ‘New Jack Swing’ style.

Image courtesy of 2Rs Entertainment & Media PR

FR: What is your musical background?

Day Kornegay: I grew up in Brooklyn and raised in the church. My parents have decent voices and they had in my church. I got the musical bug singing in the choir. I went to high school at Music and Art or as it is better known as LaGuardia High School, the famous school from the 1980s iconic film “Fame.”

FR: What is your musical training?

Day Kornegay: At LaGuardia the curriculum is very serious. You spend half of the day training in your art. You learn orchestral composition, all the Italian, German, and French classical artist. You really get your music foundation at LaGuardia.

You literally have a full arts curriculum and that doesn’t include your academic classes. It like going to high school for music.

FR: After college, you became a backup singer/vocalist.

Day Kornegay: That’s correct. For a long time, I toured for Atlantic Records that would pair me with different artists. I graced the stage with Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Common, J.P. Taylor from Kool and the Gang, and other great artists.

Image courtesy of 2Rs Entertainment & Media PR

FR: What were the motivations behind you breaking out and becoming a solo artist?

Day Kornegay: I really love music and I believe music can change the world. Music can transform people. There are folks who cannot speak a word of English but know all the lyrics to Michael Jackson songs. It is the closest thing we have to a love emotion, and people get energy from music.

Being a vocal musician is my way of sharing love with people. I love seeing people happy. That is my gift and that is how I share love with people.

FR: What do you prefer and why, singing/performing or songwriting?

Day Kornegay: As a performer you literally get to touch people with your music. You can see from performing on stage how your music can change, transform, and bring up all kinds of emotions in the audience.

With songwriting you get to consider how your words and music can affect people. Songwriting is more long term. Hopefully, people will hear your work again and again, and get to process it. Singing is in the moment. It is hard to choose between the two. They are both equally gratifying.

“Automatic” image courtesy of vimeo.com

FR: Let’s talk about your top 40 hit, “Automatic,” that was released at the end of August. Your sound harkens back to late 1980s R&B crooners—Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, Alexander O’Neal. How did “Automatic” come to be and be infused with that 80s/90s R&B sound?

Day Kornegay: The 1990s is where I started to form by thoughts and opinions about music. That was a huge influence on me. I love all eras of music. However, the 90s was special; there were so many talented artists. There was such a creation of new sounds; sounds that we hadn’t exactly heard before.

Think about it, look where hip hop went in the 90s; it exploded. Then, there was ‘New Jack Swing’ and Teddy Riley. My mom was a huge Keith Sweat, and Guy fan. She played their music continuously. So, that sound was drummed into my head.

We now have artists that are tapping into that 90s R&B/hip hop sound. Bruno touches on; Lizzo has her take on it. Still, there is a bit of gap of that live band sound. So, I decided with “Automatic” to give a bit of that in the song.

FR: And your “Automatic” video is so much fun. It reminds me of a male version of a 90s Brandi video for 2019.

Day Kornegay: There we go again, Brandi, a huge 90s R&B artist.

Image courtesy of vimeo.com

FR: What are trying to say in “Automatic”?

Day Kornegay: “Automatic” is about having fun!! Certain people you click or connect with automatically. This song it is about that fun, flirty romance that happens between two people who like and love the same things in life. As the guy in the song travels around the world, the girl he has this connection with always pops up because she likes the same places he likes, globally.

The world is so much smaller now thanks to technology and social media. We were thinking about that and “Automatic” came to me and my producer Rick Steele.

FR: Aside from being a very fun song, “Automatic” is a very family-friendly tune; no profanity or nudity. That might not have been your intention, but it is somewhat refreshing. Did that happen organically, or did you plan for a family-friendly song?

Day Kornegay: I have young nieces and nephews and they send me little videos of them singing “Automatic,” and it is so nice that there’s no lewdness or profanity because that is not a part of the song. We did not intentionally design the song that way, and I have nothing against strong language in music; however, in “Automatic” there was no need for strong language or lots of booty shaking.

FR: Now you refer to your sound as urban intellectual, could you speak about

that?

Day Kornegay: I am from New York City which is a huge melting pot of everything from fashion, entertainment, nightlife, finance, you name it. You can literally find everything in New York City. As someone who comes from an urban city and is comfortable using my mind my musical style is defined by the urban intellectual vibe as it relates to New York City.

FR: Fashion Reverie is a fashion magazine, so some fashion questions are a must. Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?

Day Kornegay: I am a fan of local New York City-based fashion designers. I have a lot of friends who are amazing fashion designers. ME, which is a NYC-based fashion brand, is one of the menswear brands that I love. I wear a lot of the brand’s clothing. The clothing is top notch, everything down to the stitching and the fabrication. The brand is about self- expression and sometimes has messaging about love or defining oneself.

That said; I will also go shop at Zara and find some great clothes there. I try to stay with boutique brands from anywhere in my travels. I love to support indie brands.

Image courtesy of 2Rs Entertainment & Media PR

FR: How would you describe your personal style?

Day Kornegay: My personal style is urban chic, urban intellectual. I am not afraid to throw some sneakers on with some skinny jeans and a blazer. I am also comfortable with suiting it up. I love bold colors, but I also love minimalist style incorporating neutral colors and tones. Fashion for me all depends on my mood, and my mood is generally fun and adventurous.

FR: What’s next for you?

Day Kornegay: We are working on the release of my EP; however, we are waiting for the single “Automatic” to get more traction and sit with people. I would love to get “Automatic” in a commercial. And there is a world tour in the works, on the heels of my current national tour.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion Reverie Exclusive: Air Culinaire Worldwide CEO Cliff Smith

October 9, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Image courtesy of Fred J. DeVito

Since 2000, business and private aviation operators have relied on Air Culinaire Worldwide to serve their onboard dining experience. Celebrity chefs, as well as fourteen international aviation trained chefs gathered at 15 Hudson Yards to celebrate the arrival of Air Culinaire Worldwide’s New York Lifestyle Menu and the future opening of their largest US flight kitchen. The event was sponsored by luxury watch company A. Lange & Söhne and Gama Aviation Signature. Select VIP and media attendees had the privilege of attending a tasting of the menu.

Featured dishes included Air Culinaire Worldwide’s chef Sal Lano’s cajun scallops, chef Todd English (Plaza Hotel) shaved wagyu shabu shabu tacos, and chef John Doherty’s (Black Barn Hotel) butter-poached Maine lobster and butternut squash ravioli. For dessert Lano provided lemon tarts and Doherty provided bread pudding. Moët & Chandon served as the champagne sponsor, Sazerac served as the cocktail sponsor, and Vias Imports served as the wine sponsor for the festivities.

Image courtesy of Fred J. DeVito

The interior décor was designed by Aman & Meeks. Hampton Bishop, the owner of HK Ballons, created exquisite balloon art that was donated to the grand ballroom at 15 Hudson Yards. There was a wonderful selection of modern and post-modern artwork curated by Vanita Gallery and E.D. Enterprises.

After the celebration, Fashion Reverie got a chance to speak with Air Culinaire Worldwide’s CEO, Cliff Smith, on the future of the company, why they decided to launch a newly curated New York menu, and how to best serve A-list clients’ food needs.

Air Culinaire Worldwide CEO Cliff Smith

Fashion Reverie: What inspired you to create a newly curated New York lifestyle menu and open your largest US flight kitchen?

Cliff Smith: Our company has grown holistically through the years. We have global locations and we are continuously trying to evolve the company. We decided that it was time to evolve the food into more farm-to-table and adapt to current food trends. Basically, I handed off the idea to the chefs, then the chefs created their lifestyle menu for New York. We did this same type of event in Paris, and the response was phenomenal. We also did this in London six months ago

FR: Who are your clients?

Cliff Smith: We have a variety of clients from international businessman to celebrities, and other elite celebrities. We also service rock concerts, as well as FedEx crews throughout the world. We also service elite Middle Eastern clients, as well as heads of state. Our business is a very niche business, and we are the largest food supplier in that niche.

Image courtesy of Fred J. DeVito

FR: Why are you looking to take these airline meals to the next level?

Cliff Smith: In the private aviation business we have an open menu, so customers can have whatever they want. In the food business, it’s very hard to produce everything well. People ask for global cuisine ranging from Halal food to cuisine from Paris. We have a very diverse group of culinary workers throughout the country, but it’s hard to actually make sure we are supplying the top shelf product with all of these different recipes. What we’ve done is channel the best food we can possibly produce into this menu. This gives customers a wide variety and we get a product we source and produce ourselves in house.

FR: What was the greatest challenge in making this happen? This does not sound like an overnight endeavor.

Cliff Smith: This has been a year-and-a-half in the making.

FR: When did Air Culinaire Worldwide launch?

Cliff Smith: Air Culinaire Worldwide launched 19 years ago. I have been the CEO for 13 years. We continue to grow every year, and continue to be successful because we evolve service, quality, our product, and food presentation. Our clientele is the richest 1 percent of the world. They’ve eaten the best of the best food. We are just trying to give them elements of that kind of that quality food they are accustomed to.

FR: What’s been the biggest change in the business that you evidenced as CEO?

Cliff Smith: The growth of the private jet market has been huge. Back in 2008, during the beginning of the recession , we had a slowdown, but then there was an increase and it’s continuously grown. Private aviation is morphing into so many things, and I believe it is going to grow incrementally in the next ten years. It’s becoming more accessible to people thanks to technology and apps.

There are companies now that facilitate consumers purchasing an airline seat for $5000, which was unheard of five years ago. Previously, that same seat would’ve been $25,000.

Image courtesy of Michael Ostuni

FR: How did you come to get know with all of these chefs?

Cliff Smith: I’ve been in the food business my whole life. I was the former CEO of Balducci’s in New York City. Air Culinaire Worldwide approached me when it was still a small company. I had run markets in Dallas, Texas, Connecticut, and Washington. Air Culinaire Worldwide was going through some growing pains, and I came on board.

FR: What’s the biggest global market for Air Culinaire Worldwide?

Cliff Smith: The biggest private aviation market is right here in the United States. So, it seemed appropriate to launch this new lifestyle menu in the US, and more specially in the New York City.

FR: So, what’s next Air Culinaire?

Cliff Smith: We are continuing to look at growth areas around the world. The last three years we built a facility in Paris, France. We’re looking at a facility in Asia. We are pretty built out in the United States. We’ve got facilities in every major market in the U.S. where we need to be. We’re going worldwide.

—Kristopher Fraser

In “A White Man’s Guide to Rikers Island,” Another Man’s Shoes Is Uncomfortable

August 28, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

“The biggest deficit that we have in our society and in the world right now is an empathy deficit. We are in great need of people being able to stand in somebody else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes” — Barack Obama

It is oft said that until you have walked in another man’s shoes or traversed in his path, you can never understand the pain, the fear, the angst, and the life choices. In Richard L. Roy and Eric C. Webb’s “A White Man’s Guide to Rikers Island” race, class, privilege, and the criminal justice system is examined through the lens of a white man incarcerated among mostly African American and Latino inmates.

Mostly a one-man show, Richard L. Roy tells his real-life story of killing a young Hispanic man in a car accident while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine in the mid-1980s. Sentenced for involuntary manslaughter to the infamous Rikers Island, Roy must navigate the criminal justice system, as well as the particular culture of prison life at Rikers.

Roy tells an incredibly poignant tale of what it is like to be a white man imprisoned at Rikers where the inmates are overwhelming of color, poor, and uneducated. This incredible tale of self-discovery and insight gives a bird’s eye perspective on a broken criminal justice system that victimizes folks with no money, no education, and no white privilege.

Along the way, Richard L. Roy, portrayed exquisitely by Connor Chase White as the incarcerated Roy, comes up with a white man’s guide to survival at Rikers punctuated by prison lingo and slang that is key to making it behind bars. Roy not only distills incredible information about prison culture, but also examines historical and empirical evidence of race bias and class distinctions that establish who ends up doing time in the US prison industrial complex. (Note: African Americans make up roughly 12 percent of the US population, while making up 92 percent of inmates at Rikers Island.)

Though Roy’s stint at Rikers is short—only six months—his insight into white privilege, race and class is worth more than many academicians who’ve spent a lifetime of study on the subject. Perhaps, the most intriguing aspect of this show is Roy’s interaction with his fellow inmates and guards. Roy does a deep psychology plunge into the characters of the inmates he conjures up, particularly, the pre-op transsexual who is kicking a heroin habit but has the wisdom and compassion of great sages.

Images courtesy of Spin Cycle

Sadly, very little has changed at Rikers since Roy’s incarceration in the 80s. And with the recent death of transsexual Layleen Cubilette-Polanco in June of this year highlights that much needs to change at Rikers and with the criminal justice system as a whole.

“A White Man’s Guide to Rikers Island” was originally intended to run for seven weeks starting on July 17. But due to popular demand has been extended to September 26. “A White Man’s Guide to Rikers Island” is at the Producer’s Club. For more information, go to awhitemansguidetorikersisland.com.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion Reverie’s Fall 2019 Movie Roundup

August 27, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

After seeing a drop in their average movie attendance during the summer, the studios are focusing their attention on award season and the crop of films they hope Academy members will take into consideration when filling out their ballots in January. And why wouldn’t they? Some of the fall films are amazing and Fashion Reverie is prepped and primed to keep you informed.

Image courtesy of imbd.com

“The Goldfinch”

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartlett, won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, but many were intimidated by the novel’s 700-page length. This hefty tome has been concentrated into an easily digestible two-and-half hour tale of a young boy who loses his mother during a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the continued impact of that tragedy on the course of his life. “The Goldfinch,” directed by John Crowley, is in theaters beginning September 13, and stars Nicole Kidman, Finn Wolfhard, Jeffrey Wright, Luke Wilson, and Sarah Paulson.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyfPb8otVNY

Image courtesy of radiotimes.com

“Ad Astra”

Brad Pitt recently announced his plans to step back from acting, despite raves for his performances in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and now for “Ad Astra,” the story of an astronaut on a quest to save the Earth and solve the mystery of his father doomed space expedition that took place 30 years earlier.

“Ad Astra” is directed by James Gray and stars Brad Pitt, Liv Tyler, and Tommy Lee Jones. “Ad Astra’ opens in theaters on September 20.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsCNKuB93BA&gclsrc=aw.ds&

Image courtesy of imdb.com

“Downton Abbey”

Fans of the PBS series can rejoice in a return to the grounds when “Downton Abbey” debuts on the big screen. While navigating a slow slide into a more modern world, Abbey is thrown into a tizzy when it’s announced the King and Queen will be visiting the grounds. Get ready for some savage takedowns by the Dowager!

“Downton Abbey” was directed by Michael Engler, stars Matthew Goode, Maggie Smith, and Michelle Dockery. “Downton Abbey” opens in theaters on September 20.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu3mP0c51hE

Image courtesy of imdb.com

“Judy”

There is already talk that this will bring Renee Zellweger a second Oscar. After having been mercilessly exploited by MGM, her own mother, husbands, and incompetent managers, Judy Garland found herself nearly bankrupt at age 47. Attempting a comeback, the beloved entertainer spent her final days performing in London. Zellweger actually performs the songs in “Judy.” Those who were lucky enough to see Judy Garland perform in London detail that while Garland’s sparkling wit remained, her voice was nearly shot due to decades of hard living. Make sure you bring some tissues.

“Judy” is directed by Rupert Goold and stars Renee Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, and Gaia Weiss. “Judy” opens in theaters on September 27.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lekmh2KLvM4

Image courtesy of tom+lorenzo.com

“The Laundromat”

With a roster of A-list stars and the crowd-pleasing director of Ocean’s 11, “The Laundromat” is guaranteed to be rollicking good time. When her idyllic vacation takes a horrifyingly tragic turn, Ellen Martin starts investigating her husband’s fake life insurance policy only to find a cesspool of fraud and money laundering, leading all way to Panama City. Inspired by true events and other illicit absurdities that the super-wealthy indulge in to support the world’s corrupt financial system, “The Laundromat” will not disappoint.

“The Laundromat” is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, and Sharon Stone. “The Laundromat is in theaters on September 27.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuBRcfe4bSo

Image courtesy of twitter.com

“Lucy in the Sky”

Natalie Portman plays Astronaut Lucy Cola. After an extended time in space, Cola returns to Earth only to find herself unraveling after beginning an extra-marital affair with a NASA colleague played by Jon Hamm. “Lucy in the Sky” is loosely based on the incredible tale of Lisa Nowak who was once charged with attempting to kidnap a fellow astronaut.

“Lucy in the Sky” is directed by Noah Hawley and stars Natalie Portman, Zazie Beetz, and Jon Hamm. “Lucy in the Sky” opens in theaters on October 4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQP-L2pJzmk

Image courtesy of reddit.com

“The Lighthouse”

Ready for some good old-fashioned horror? In December 1900, the lighthouse keepers of Eilean Mor (an uninhabited island off the coast of Scotland) vanished, leaving few clues. Though many theories abound, the most popular is the extreme solitude resulted from something deeply unfortunate. Director Robert Eggers filmed this unsolved mystery in black and white, highlighting its creepy themes. Hmm, is that Sea Monster?

“The Lighthouse” stars Robert Pattison and Willem Dafoe and is directed by Robert Eggers. “The Lighthouse” opens in theaters on October 18.

Image coutesy of twitter.com

“Dolemite Is My Name”

Eddie Murphy plays the comedian and singer Rudy Ray Moore, who was inspired to branch out and develop an alter-ego he could use on stage, a foul-mouthed pimp named Dolemite. When the character’s direction couldn’t take off on stage or in a comedy album, he took Dolemite to the screen and made a series of Blaxploitation movies starring his alternate persona. Look for some great 70s Blaxploitation fashion in this film.

“Dolemite Is My Name” is set for the release date of October 25 and is directed by Craig Brewer, “Dolemite Is My Name” stars Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Wesley Snipes, Mike Epps, Titus Burgess, TI, and Craig Robinson..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws1YIKsuTjQ

Image courtesy of 1stnews.com

“Harriet”

Based on the story of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity.

“Harriet” is directed by Kasi Lemons and stars Cynthia Enrivo, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Zackary Momoh, Deborah Ayorinde, and Vondie Curtis-Hall. “Harriet” opens in theaters on November 1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqoEs4cG6Uw

Cameron Grey Rose

Fashion Reverie’s Fall 2019 TV Preview Roundup

August 10, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Images courtesy of tvguide.com

When Hulu and Netflix began dipping their toes into the world of scripted television many predicted the end of the fall television season. Years later, fall TV is still going strong! These are the shows that has Fashion Reverie throwing the popcorn in the microwave and getting excited for quiet night at home in front of the tube!!

Image courtesy of cwtv.com

Katy Keene (The CW)

This Riverdale spinoff features Lucy Hale as the titular Katy and three other creatives as they pursue their dreams in New York City. Katy dreams of becoming a legendary fashion designer, so expect some fantastic clothes. It’s the CW so expect amazing production values and fun soapy twists.

Image courtesy of Alan Markfield / FOX.

Filthy Rich (Fox)

While Sarah Jessica Parker was hailed as the style icon of “Sex and the City,” eagle-eyed viewers knew it was Kim Cattrell’s Samantha who had style and attitude to make insane outfits work. She returns to TV as the widow of high-powered TV preacher, shocked to discover he has three children outside their marriage. Set in the Texas church community, the budget for hats alone will be through the roof.

Image courtesy of tvline.com

Bluff City Law (NBC)

It has been decades since he appeared on “LA Law,” but Jimmy Smits is back as a Memphis lawyer fighting alongside his daughter to hold big business and corrupt institutions accountable. The fall 2019 season sees a glut of legal show, but this one stands out.

Image courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

Tommy (CBS)

Four-time Emmy-winner Edie Falco returns as Tommy the first female police chief of Los Angeles when the city is forced by a federal judge to hire a woman. Equal parts political, procedural, and family drama, this show was created by Paul Attanasio, the mind behind “Bull” and “House MD.”

Image courtesy of ABC/Kelsey McNeal

Mixedish (ABC)

The producers of “Blackish” and “Grownish” are back with “Mixedish.” “Mixedish” tells the story of Bo, the matriarch of the “Blackish” clan, and her life growing up in the 80’s. After the government breaks up the commune she lives on with her family, a tweener Bo heads to the suburbs and a mainstream school with her two siblings. Set in the 80’s, this will feature a lot of neon, giant hair, and new wave music.

Image courtesy of tvline.com

Nancy Drew (The CW)

“Veronica Mars’” fans, disappointed with the recent reboot on Hulu, will be thrilled to learn a new “Nancy Drew” will be coming to the CW this fall. Played by Kennedy McMann, the teen swears off detective life until she finds herself accused of murder. Still reeling from the death of her mother, she’s forced, along with several other teens, to find the real killer and clear their names.

Image courtesy of tvguide.com

Sunnyside (NBC)

Ready for a break from the tragedy of current immigrant life in America? Check out this bright, lively comedy from the creators of “Brooklyn 99.” Kal Penn stars as a former New York City councilman who after losing career, finds a new job helping some residents of Sunnyside, Queens become US citizens.

Image courtesy of monsterandcritics.com

The Good Place (NBC)

OK, Fashion Reverie is cheating a bit. This is a returning show, but it’s a favorite. Coming back for its fourth and final season, this fantasy tells the hilarious story of four humans navigating the afterlife. It also features clotheshorse Tahani Al Jamil (played by Jameela Jamil )who upon dying on earth and being plunged into a void, screams for help when she realizes she’s wearing a VEST!

—Cameron Grey Rose