ABOUT SHALAMAR
Jody Watley, an original member of SHALAMAR has a voice and sound that remains a distinct and identifiable piece in the legacy of classic hits, millions of albums sold worldwide. Watley established herself as an early style and dance icon from her days with Shalamar and preceding that from her days as a popular dancer on the iconic show Soul Train.
In 2014 Jody Watley became the legal and registered trademark owner by way of the USPTO (United States Trademark and Patent Office #4,530, 877) and revived the brand name. Bringing the brand into the 21st century, weaving the signature sound (rich harmonies, soulful melodies) with fresh choreography and state-of-the-art musical beds composed of innovative beats and forward grooves in the live concert experience but looking far beyond that with the new group. "We're not just thinking about going out and doing shows like nostalgia acts do, we really want to build a new audience and establish our own identity separate and apart from the past. We understand that some fans will always have their favorites, but we love the fans that are open to what we're doing now."
Reloaded with Ohio native Nate Allen Smith and renowned choreographer Rosero McCoy (Usher, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Toni Braxton, Keke Palmer, America's Best Dance Crew..). In a short timespan, the new Shalamar have performed to sold out concerts around the United States (Oakland, New York, Washington D.C., Atlantic City to name a few) performing the classic hits with fervor and renewed energy, as well they've traveled abroad for concerts in Amsterdam (Melkweg), Brazil (Sao Paulo AudioClub), the UK (Let's Rock London, Happy Days Festival) add to the new mix the high profile television appearances that have followed (WGN Morning News Chicago, KTLA Morning News Los Angeles with Sam Rubin, MY Fox5 DC Morning Show), a one hour special on SIRIUSXM's The Groove with BK Kirkland for the first edition of "In The Groove", countless features from Essence, JET, Eurweb, popular music blog SingersRoom to name a few. Shalamar released the single and beautifully filmed video directed by Damien Sandoval for "SlowDance." On the heels of the building momentum and making moves for new era, with Watley's vision to build a new foundation and audience - the trio signed a deal with the #1 independent label Spectra Music Group.
“I respect my past,” says Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-fashion icon Jody Watley, “but I’m not nostalgic. I hate it when people say, ‘Oh, the good old days…’ Well, the good old days are now, what you make of the now. Some of the music may take people back, however it's about creating new moments, new memories - with fresh ingriedients.”
That attitude, which is the core of her work ethic and creative approach, recently earned Ms. Watley the distinction of being named “one of the most prominent visionaries of her era” by Wax Poetics magazine.
“Becoming owner allows me to revive the name for a new audience, to not get stuck in the safety net of nostalgia because I’m not interested in doing what I’ve already done,” says Ms. Watley. Live in concert we don't disappoint the older fan base because we deliver the hits from "A Night To Remember", "Take That To The Bank", "The Second Time Around", "I Owe You One" "Make That Move", "Right In The Socket" and more making them feel fresh because of the choreography and energy - as well it sounds like what people remember of Shalamar.
The trio’s dynamic stage show breathes new life into Shalamar classics “A Night To Remember,” “Take That To The Bank,” and “The Second Time Around” in a set that includes signature Jody Watley solo hits like “Friends,” “Looking For a New Love,” and “Don’t You Want Me,” as well as music from her 2014 smash album Paradise. That album’s first single “Nightlife” – her 19th Billboard Top 20 Dance hit; a UK Top 10 Commercial Pop and UK Top 5 soul hit – added another notch to her impressive chart history: six Top 10 Pop singles; thirteen #1 Dance Singles; seven Top 5 R&B Singles; two Top 20 pop albums; 2 Top 10 R&B albums; and a Top 5 R&B album. Paradise celebrates dance music’s classic sounds and motifs (nodding to disco, House, soulful R&B,) while looking squarely to the future. As an artistic statement, it’s a perfect encapsulation of Ms. Watley’s career thus far: This is where I’ve been / this is what I’ve done / this is where I am and what I’m doing right now / this is how I’m mapping the future.
“There’s new merchandise for fans to purchase, more music and video on the way as well other exciting projects in the pipeline. We're just getting started.”
Official Website: http://www.shalamarofficial.com
Official SHALAMAR Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShalamarOfficial
Visit the Official SHALAMAR Blog: http://www.shalamar.biz/
Shop SHALAMAR Merchandise: http://www.shalamar.bigcartel.com/
Official Jody Watley: http://www.jodywatley.net/
Booking: avidmusicinc@gmail.com
ABOUT DAVID MARTINEZ
David has been ranked top all-around independent artist in Corpus Christi, TX.
He has reached #9 in the US and #14 in the World
in independent alternative music on Reverbnation:
https://www.reverbnation.com/davidmartinezmusic
David's 'Come On And Love Me Tour' of Texas
has created quite a buzz and has been featured in:
Musical Seduction, 210 Podcast, I Saw A Show and BTD Buzz.
Information about David's tour was released and well-received with over 3K reads.
David has also done an East Coast acoustic tour 'Crazy Ride' in 2013
sponsored by the ENVISION Indie Coalition and a US Tour in 2006 sponsored by AXE.
He has put out two professional records with producer Leroy Miller (Smash Mouth, John Mayer) - David Martinez (self-titled) and One More Time
available on CD Baby and iTunes
and has a new recording coming out in 2016.
David's music is airing coast to coast across the USA and is very big on UK radio as well.
He has appeared on Radio Free Texas live at Billy's Ice.
David has been featured by Texas Music Water, in The Impaler Speaks and in Steam Magazine.
His song 'Hey Mary' is featured in the short film 'Mary'.
David's album One More Time received a wonderful review in On Stage Magazine.
He is a veteran of SXSW appearing in Texas Indie Fest, Texas RockFest, and Rock Army Records Showcases in 2015.
David provided the soundtrack for Texas Indie Fest's PR video in 2014
where he was sponsored by Xkwizit Clothing and Captain Catfish Sauces.
David has just recently played a successful show at the House Of Rock opening for VALLEJO,
as well as appeared at the Texas Indie Fest 2 at the Executive Surf Club as part of Surftober Fest in Corpus Christi.
