Episode 110 - Join Host Troy Saunders as he chats with singer, songwriter, producer, label owner and just an incredible human, James D-Train Williams!

This episode starts with both men reminiscing about their High School alma mater, Erasmus Hall. D Train tells how Will Downing got him into the school's famous Choral Club and started his music career. Both men had fond memories of their old High School and talk about their mutual friends as well as the idea of doing a documentary about the world famous school. Other legends like Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, May West, Clive Davis, Kedar Massenburg, Bernadette Stanis, Gabe Kaplan and so many more have walked their halls.

D train explains how, what seemed like overnight, he and his songwriting partner, band member, and mentor, Hubert Eaves III, were on top of the Billboard charts and on tour with George Clinton, Peabo Bryson, Midnight Star, The Deele and so many top acts of that time. He tells how legendary radio DJ, Frankie Crocker, of WBLS in NYC, loved their music and helped to get it played around the country. D Train also explains the thought process behind hits like "Keep On" and "Thank You" and the positive impacted they had on many of his listeners, Troy included. After 5 albums D Train decided not to make another album for almost 20 years. He tells of a performance that helped him in making that decision. D- Train still remained a much sort after session and jingle singer. Working on albums by many of the greats in the industry including Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight, Cher and Michael Jackson. One entertaining story he shared, comes from a session while working on the Michael Jackson "Invincible" album. Hilarious!! Wait until you hear it!

Troy and D Train not only talk about music; but they also converse about racism in America, and why many artist prefer performing over seas. D Train also stresses how artist should know their self worth, especially when negotiating their price with promoters. He also expressed his insecurities and how they kept him from releasing new music until now.

With pride and excitement D Train informs the listener on some of the great music to expect on his new album; due to be released later this month or in August. They talk about his latest single "Time Has Come Today" and how he was inspired by so many artist including Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and more.

This episode never had a dull moment. Full of love, laughter, passion and enlightenment. You will be totally entertained. Listen Now!!!

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Episode 109- Join Host Troy Saunders as he converses with the smooth, jazzy, multi genre vocalist and songwriter the incredible Roderick Harper. The Keeper Of The Love Song.

In the this episode Roderick and Troy take a trip through Roderick's catalog from 1999 to present. Starting with his first offering "Beautiful Beginnings". A well sung collection of jazz and blues classics. Roderick has a sound that uniquely his own and transcends all genres. Troy chose to highlight the song "Moonlight" off of this album. Roderick tell the audience about attending college in Louisiana, working with the great Ellis Marsalis and how it led him to this recording.

Roderick also has the knack of reinterpreting a song. One example of this appeared on his next album "The Essence of Roderick Harper" where he jazzed up Sade's "Stronger Than Pride". A total joy to listen to. Roderick explained the making of this album with the great Nicolas Payton, while living in Chicago.

After a 15 year hiatus, to raise a family, Roderick reemerges with "Perfect Imperfections". Recently divorced, Roderick returns to New Orleans. He tells his story of reinvention and discovery. Troy and Roderick play "Never Will I Marry" a Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley classic. A song that is dear to Roderick for many reasons.

Other gems played and discussed include "Look What I Got" from his "Evolving" album. "Hearts Desire" from his first R&B offering "Back To Love". The later album spawned 3 top 5 hits on the UK R&B Charts.

Of course they discuss Roderick's epic "2702" album, produced by the incomparable Jamison Ross. This album is truly a masterpiece and a favorite by both Roderick and Troy. To date its Roderick's most popular album. Reaching the #4 slot on the Amazon UK chart. Troy's chose to highlight two songs off of this album "Slice Of Life" and "Genuine".

The musical journey brought the listener to his latest project "Back To Love Vol.2 (Journey To Love)" a new collection of R&B gems featuring hits "Unforgettable" and "Eternal Love" with more to follow. Troy started the episode by highlighting "Love Is In the Air" and ended it with "Unforgettable" and Roderick's remarkable remake of Major Harris/ Luther Vandross's "Love Won't Let Me Wait"

This is a wonderful episode of great music, stories of discovery, reinvention and wonderful conversation. If you love a good slow jam with mellow Jazz and R&B infused vocals, this is one you won't want to miss.

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Episode 108- Join host Troy Saunders as he takes a look into the world of the multitalented Chester Gregory!

Troy and Chester met back in 2008 and by that time Chester had already solidified his name in the annuals as one of Broadway's finest performers; and was in the process of releasing his first independent soul album, "In Search Of High Love". Prior to this Chester taught in the Chicago public school system & performed around Chicago in several plays. This led him to the lead role in "The Jackie Wilson Story" which toured the country. The performance brought Chester and the cast to The Apollo Theater in Harlem NY, where it was met with rave reviews. Chester shorty after landed a major role on Broadway in "Hairspray" and the rest is history.

In this episode Troy and Chester discuss Chester's reverence for his home town Gary, Indiana and the role it played in his career choices. As we all know Michael Jackson (one of Chester's biggest influences) was from Gary. Chester explains how playing Jackie Wilson & Berry Gordy brought him to meeting Michael himself. It was a full circle moment. Chester also tell Troy his feelings on getting a Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater, Columbia College Chicago.

Throughout the conversation the guys play snippets from Chester's 2008 album "In Search Of High Love" and his latest offering "Retrograde". Chester tells the listening audience to be on the look out for a new album but wouldn't give a release date but explains the premise behind the project.

Chester is one of the most talented people in entertainment. Tune in to get a glimpse into what makes this incomparable genius tick. It was a wonderful conversation full of insight, history and of course music.

Listen and subscribe to the BAAS Entertainment Podcast on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podchaser, Pocket Casts and TuneIn. “Hey, Alexa. Play the BAAS Entertainment Podcast.”