A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

I got a call from Publicist Win Wilford, asking me to come out to the Village Underground ( www.thevillageunderground.com/ ) to check out his new artist Charlotte Doreen Small ( www.myspace.com/charlottedoreensmall ). Additionally, my friend Terrance Russ called to see if I could make it as well. Terrance brought Win to me earlier this year when I edited the “We Are Luther (Vandross)” article for UNeQ Magazine ( www.uneqmagazine.com/ ). Win, who was an entertainment manager & Vice President of Press Information and Artist Affairs at Epic Records, worked with Luther in the early ‘80s. He said: ““I AM LUTHER” because I was able to establish a connection with him in the way in which I was able to help launch his career. When you play a part in someone’s life - especially someone as special as he, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him and I will never forget that. I enjoyed working with Luther because a lot of artist can be difficult and Luther was not. The things you asked him to do he didn’t have a problem doing them. Once it was explained to him, we tried to achieve it and - at that time - it was exposure. “WE ARE LUTHER””. He added that “There are so many songs, I can’t choose one. But I liked his first track “NEVER TOO MUCH” because it paved the way for everything. It was a great song and a great production, but there were so many others that I really loved. I also enjoyed him covering other singers’ songs because a lot of people can do that, but a lot people can’t cover songs and make it there own.” Now, what you may not remember about Win Wilford is he is the ex-husband of Debbie Allen, who is currently directing an all-star cast of African American actors in the all-black revival of Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". It will make its Broadway debut on March 7 with stars James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Terrence Howard and Anika Noni Rose. The Broadhurst Theatre will house the classic piece, which originally featured Burl Ives (“Frosty the Snowman”), Barbara Bel Geddes, and a host of others. Preview performances are set to begin Feb. 12.

BUT I DIGRESS: I didn’t get a chance to attend the Village Underground event to see Charlotte Doreen Small. But Anthony and I popped open her CD and enjoyed the mix of pop, jazz, R&B, and Gospel that is infused throughout the CD “More” written by 30-time Gold-record recipients V. Jeffrey Smith and Peter Lord. The collection is inspired by the events of September 11, 2001. Please check her out. It’s a perfect stocking stuffer ( www.myspace.com/charlottedoreensmall ). Another stocking stuffer that I rented for Ant and me to view from Hollywood Video ( www.hollywoodvideo.com/ ) was “Redrum”, a dark comedy featuring Jill Marie Jones (“Girlfriends”), Jennifer Lewis, and Terri J. Vaughn. In Kenny Young’s directorial and co-writing debut, he explores the dynamics of a timid, overly reserved couple which, after all conventional attempts at “cutting loose” stumbles upon the rush of murder after a fatal, accidental incident. Lured by the thrill, the husband and wife enter into a hilarious killing spree. “Redrum” is the latest offering from production-company-on-the-rise, Griot Filmworks. Helmed by Phil James, the company sprang into existence with its first project “One Week” which won Best Film as well as the Lincoln Filmmaker Trophy Award. at the Acapulco Black Film Festival (2000). As Chair of the National Association of Black Journalists, I got to preview “One Week” at our convention in Orlando, Florida. Anthony and I enjoyed the quirky film, but would really enjoy seeing Jill Marie Jones return to “Girlfriends” before all is said and done. ARE YOU LISTENING, MY DEAR ‘GIRLFRIEND’ MARA BROCK-AKIL? Meanwhile, keep doing the best you can with our Monday night treasures “Girlfriends” ( www.cwtv.com/shows/girlfriends ) and “The Game” ( www.cwtv.com/shows/the-game )!!!