Caro Emerald returns as “The Jordan”.

Dutch singer and songwriter Caro Emerald (Caroline Esmeralda van der Leeuw) has returned to the music business scene under the ambiguous name “The Jordan”. In the summer of 2022, Total Ntertainment had revealed the Dutch singer and songwriter Caroline Van der Leeuw to be “The Jordan”. Caroline Van der Leeuw the voice behind new act The Jordan.

The reason Caroline chose this new alias is because she wanted a brand new fresh start under a different name to record her music under. She wanted a new identity that would fit her new outlook as a singer and songwriter. So through her acts of self-determination and empowerment, she decided to rename herself “The Jordan” after years of issues of identity, internal sorrow, repressed feelings, and doubt nonetheless.

Caroline says, “The freedom of starting out with a new name is huge – it immediately tells people that this is a brand new start. Taking another alias that sounded a bit like Caro Emerald would have been too confusing. But I didn’t want to ‘become’ someone else, I just wanted to be me. And that’s reflected in the choice of the name The Jordan. It’s a reference to the neighbourhood I grew up in, and where I first discovered that I had a voice.”

Her new album will be released under the name “The Jordan” on February 10, 2023 on the Cooking Vinyl label. The title of her new album will be The Jordan - Nowhere Near The Sky. The first three singles from the album were released in summer 2022. The first three singles from the album are “You Don’t Even Know Me”, “Dancing Naked in the Sun”, and “The Room”.

What happened to Caro Emerald?

Many people have been wondering has happened to Dutch singer and songwriter Caro Emerald (Caroline Esmeralda van der Leeuw). She has been out of the spot light for 2 years. Her last release was “Wake Up Romeo” which was released as a digital single in 2020. Since then, nothing else has been heard from the Dutch singer.

Here is what happened to Caro Emerald. Dutch singer and songwriter Caro Emerald (Caroline Esmeralda van der Leeuw) has returned to the music business scene under the ambiguous name “The Jordan”. In the summer of 2022, Total Ntertainment had revealed the Dutch singer and songwriter Caroline Van der Leeuw to be “The Jordan”. Caroline Van der Leeuw the voice behind new act The Jordan.

Caroline has been struggling for years dealing with identity crisis and repressed feelings. This had left her feeling doubt over the years no less. Her identity crisis was the main issue she was dealing with prior to 2022.

The reason Caroline chose the new alias “The Jordan” is because she wanted a brand new fresh start under a different name to record her music under. She wanted a new identity that would fit her new outlook as a singer and songwriter. So through her acts of self-determination and empowerment, she decided to rename herself “The Jordan” after years of issues of identity, internal sorrow, repressed feelings, and doubt nonetheless.

Mixerr Album Reviews to be canceled due to posting limits set by Blogger among other reasons.

To all my readers, followers, and subscribers, Mixerr Album Reviews is going to be canceled due to posting limits set by Blogger. Blogger only allows up to 50 posts a day until the CAPTCHA feature gets activated. As you all know, I write more than 7 album reviews a day sometimes. The album reviews I write per each day surpasses what is allowed by blogger when they activate the CAPTCHA feature. This limits my freedom to post several album reviews a day. That is why I will be discontinuing Mixerr Album Reviews.

Now that does not mean I have stopped writing album reviews or that I will stop writing album reviews. This just means that Mixerr Album Reviews has been discontinued. Album reviews are going to be still written by me.

Here is where you can read album reviews for the time being a. You can read my album reviews by clicking on the “Best of Mixerr Album Reviews” tab at the top of the page. When you’ve clicked on the  “Best of Mixerr Album Reviews” tab, the tab will take you to a link which is the “Best of Mixerr Album Reviews” page. From there, a “How To” guide will show how to navigate and access the compiled archives of nearly every album review that has been written by Michael Mixerr. Hopefully this guide is easy enough for everyone to understand and/or navigate through. My album reviews will compiled and posted there for the time being. Future album reviews will be posted here.

Also I got recruited by Fonzi to write album reviews, movie reviews, and news articles, for Bout Dat Online back in November 2021. I have been posting some of my album reviews that I have written for Mixerr Album Reviews there. Including album reviews that are non-Mixerr Album Reviews related. You can also read my album reviews on the Bout Dat Online website also.

Cl'Che aims to raise mental health awareness with her new single Positive.

Cl'Che aims to raise mental health awareness with her new single Positive. She believes mental health awareness is something people need to hear about because we’re all dealing mental health especially in these times. She believes people need to hear something different. She aims to promote mental health awareness through conversations and singing.

You can hear and feel the artistic expression when listening to her new single. This is music which actually touches people. The song Positive is a powerful song. The song serves as inspiration to keep people motivated. She admits her mental ain’t all the way where it needs to be yet. She is trying to be a good sport about life. Her authenticity shows in this song. Cl'Che is extremely talented and always has been.

Snoop Dogg and Puff Daddy announce possible partnership.

In recent news lately, Snoop Dogg and Puff Daddy made a shocking announcement when they had  announced a possible partnership with potential for the future.

Snoop said, “Now we can do what we want to do Death Row and Bad Boy. We been doing it, Come on, Puff. I’m going to put it in the air quit playing with me. I’m going to put it in the air, nigga. We left niggas hanging.”

Fans wonder what new ideas they will both bring to both infamous labels. This is controversial given the history of tumultuous beef between both labels. Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records changed hip hop/rap forever. Snoop had been hinting at a future Bad Boy/Death Row collaboration. Possibly sometime within this year of 2022. It will be a history-making moment if Snoop Dogg and Puff Daddy manage to get an official collaboration done between the two labels

Now both labels, Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records, are experiencing a landmark year this year. Snoop Dogg has already released a new digital album for the metaverse and streaming called Bacc On Death Row. The Bacc On Death Row (BODR) has given Snoop a resurgence in popularity.

Lil Eddie plans to release new album in 2023.

A US singer living in Japan named Lil Eddie plans to release his sixth album sometime in 2023. The album has yet to be titled. His focus is aimed on releasing singles right now since we live in a time period where singles are prevalent and top-selling. Lil Eddie is mixing genres for his upcoming album such as Spanglish, R&B, pop, reggaeton and even some Bachata. You can expect to hear some heartfelt songs on this album.

TOMA was the first single off his untitled album in 2018. TOMA is a fun Spanglish uptempo reggaeton influenced song which gets people moving. Coincidentally enough, Lil Eddie has not performed or sung a song in Spanish on any of his albums yet.

Lil Eddie released the second single off his untitled album called Island in 2018. Island is a story that describes the stage of vulnerability.When you realize you want your love back. You can’t do it alone. No one is on an island alone. The song is perfect for summer and celebrates the community mindset of working together.

The third single off Lil Eddie’s untitled album called Still was released in 2020. Still has a powerful message which Lil Eddie brings with his stellar beautiful vocals. Lil Eddie's music gives you that classical feel from era of Beethoven. This is conservatory of music level of goodness and brehsiveness. Still uses a powerful stripped-down piano combination. Lil Eddie says, "In such a historic and devastating time, I wanted to remind people that in a time of stillness we must remember what matters most. People! We all need each other and together we can overcome anything!"

His vocal range has clearly improved since his last album, Emotional, was released in 2010. Since then, Lil Eddie says he has been improving his voice. Well that makes sense as he is a vocal coach for the TV show The X Factor currently. Lil Eddie also has a songwriter deal with EMI Publishing as he is a songwriter. Lil Eddie is now a Japan Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter!  Edwin "Lil Eddie" Serrano is a singer/songwriter from the streets of Spanish Harlem in Brooklyn, New York.

History behind Civic Park Bar in Flint, Michigan explored.

Civic Park Bar is one of the most forgotten beer taverns of Flint, Michigan. Not too much history or information about this beer tavern can be found online or offline. The news article will attempt to cover the history of Civic Park Bar in the best way possible.

Civic Park Bar was located at the infamous most dangerous street corner of Dayton Street & Dupont Street in the King neighborhood of Flint, Michigan. Civic Park Bar was a beer tavern and tavern.

Flint, Michigan is no stranger to beer taverns and bar taverns such as Civic Park Bar, Civic Park Tavern, Civic Park Cocktail Lounge, Civic Park Lounge, Cheezy Ice Cream, D'S CP BAR, and Da Spot once occupied Dupont Street. So that is no surprise.  


According to the Genesee County Clerk/Register internet database, Civic Park Bar occupied the same location as Civic Park Cocktail Lounge and Da Spot once occupied which was 2409 Dupont Street. These businesses used the 2409 Dupont Street location as their headquarters. John H White owned the Civic Park Bar. (Ref: Genesee County Clerk/Register internet database)

Civic Park Bar was the place to be. The staff was family oriented and people had fun together. Civic Park was rocking back in the days. Many people remember hanging out and drinking at the Civic Park Bar. People would go to the Civic Park Bar and listen to some real R&B/Soul such as Staci Lattisaw and Shanice.

But by the mid-1980s, specifically 1985, the Civic Park neighborhood was plagued with crime. Burglaries were commonplace and considered the norm. Burglers used to break in and "leave" things at Civic Park Bar. The Civic Park Bar was constantly burglarized.


John H White sold the bar property to Lionel Sylvester on the date of May 18, 2001. Part of which included the property at 2411 Dupont Street. John H White shut down Civic Park Bar some time around the middle of 2002. Civic Park Bar would become a nightclub called Da Spot which was owned and operated by Lionel Sylvester from 2003 to 2008. Lionel Sylvester was the DJ at Da Spot. (Ref: https://geneseecountymi-web.tylerhost.net/web/document/DOCC10390943?search=DOCSEARCH244S1)

Da Spot was often scrutinized by the Flint Journal and city officials during their early years in the early part of the 2000s. (Ref: Flint Journal, Teen clubgoers' safety at issue, Night spot owners dispute Flint officials' claims, August 23, 2003)

However the Da Spot was shut down for a short period of time in 2003. Flint city officials claimed safety was an issue at Da Spot due to the narrow confined spaces between furniture and the dance floor along with other city ordinances that were supposedly violated. City building inspector Mike Reiter labeled Da Spot as a "fire trap waiting to happen" and a called Da Spot a "danger spot". (Ref: Flint Journal, Teen clubgoers' safety at issue, Night spot owners dispute Flint officials' claims, August 23, 2003)

According to an editorial in the Flint Journal, Da Spot got raided on August 19, 2003 after several noise complaints were filed against Lionel Sylvester for excessive loud noise. Fire hazards and an open liquor cabinet were among the findings in the raid. (Ref: Flint Journal, September 2, 2003)

Flint needs safe spots where teens can have fun,  FLINT JOURNAL EDITORIAL    

     It sounds as if Da Spot might more accurately have been called "danger spot" for the teenagers who packed it and for other living creatures. But an Aug. 19 raid that found 200 kids in the Dupont Street "nightclub" also teaches how sorely this community needs safe places for kids to gather for fun. Da Spot was filling a reasonable need, even if poorly, by holding weekly dances. Fire hazards and an open liquor cabinet were among the findings in the raid.

Promoter Ray "Big Cheese" Furlow pulled the plug on Friday teen dances at Da Spot on August 29, 2003. Promoter Ray "Big Cheese" Furlow would use Da Spot the spot for teen dances because he just wanted to give kids a safe place to go at night. (Ref: Flint Journal, Teens out at Da Spot, August 29, 2003)

Teens out at Da Spot    

     Da Spot won't be the spot for teen dances anymore. Promoter Ray "Big Cheese" Furlow said he will pull the plug on Friday teen dances at Da Spot nightclub, 2409 Dupont St., after mounting criticism from police and city Councilwoman Carolyn Sims. "Shame on them," said Furlow, who said he just wanted to give kids a safe place to go at night. Police raided the club Aug. 19 after nuisance complaints and found about 200 kids there, some as young as 11. City rules...

Many Flint residents expressed that the community needs safe places for children to gather for fun. So there was outrage over the raid of Da Spot. (Ref: Flint Journal, September 2, 2003)

Flint needs safe spots where teens can have fun    

     It sounds as if Da Spot might more accurately have been called "danger spot" for the teenagers who packed it and for other living creatures. But an Aug. 19 raid that found 200 kids in the Dupont Street "nightclub" also teaches how sorely this community needs safe places for kids to gather for fun. Da Spot was filling a reasonable need, even if poorly, by holding weekly dances. Fire hazards and an open liquor cabinet were among the findings in the raid.


However Friday teen dances at Da Spot continued in 2005 as Da Spot resolved with the city and corrected their code violations. Da Spot had received legal assumed name certificates from the Genesee County clerk's office and Da Spot would continue to operate after 2005. (Ref: Flint Journal, NEW BUSINESSES, July 17, 2005)

Interestingly enough, Lionel Sylvester sold the bar property back to John H White in 2006 for the price of $7,286.82. This included the property at 2411 Dupont Street. (Ref: https://geneseecountymi-web.tylerhost.net/web/document/DOCC11045079?search=DOCSEARCH244S1)

Sadly Civic Park Bar burned down in 2008 in an arson incident. The building was set on fire at night. In many of the arson cases in Flint, nobody had seen or heard anything. This case of arson was not unusual. Now this arson case was never solved. Nobody had seen anything or heard anything.

Civic Park Bar was demolished by Genesee County Land Bank in July 2009. Nothing remained of Civic Park Bar and surrounding businesses by the fall of 2009. Genesee County Land Bank currently owns the Civic Park Bar property. (Ref: http://www.thelandbank.org/downloads/Articles/LBA-Newsletter-Fall-2009.pdf)

Civic Park Bar was located at 2409 Dupont Street, Flint, Michigan, US 48504 and 2407 Dupont Street, Flint, Michigan, US 48504.

An overview of The Glenn Miller Story discussed.

The Glenn Miller Story is easily told in just 8 compositional songs. Every song is unique by popular music standards and jazz standards. His success story is truly unique. Glenn Miller created the "Miller standards" in jazz music that are still currently used to this day. These tunes have been wisely chosen by RCA. Glenn Miller had considered these tunes special indeed. The film discusses how he, Glenn Miller, created the "Miller standards". The setting and place of audio recording for this film is performed in a musical hall given the fact that these were recorded and performed live. He impresses audiences with his performances.

The most well known Jazz hit songs composed, orchestrated, and performed by Glenn Miller used in this movie are Moonlight Serenade, American Patrol, Tuxedo Junction, St. Louis Blues, a String of Pearls, Little Brown Jug, and In The Mood.

Moonlight Serenade is a special jazz composition piece for couples to waltz to slowly to at night during Cotillion ball or a ballroom dance. Moonlight Serenade is the best-remembered theme of modern vintage jazz. The jazz song Moonlight Serenade is an extremely splendid single. Moonlight Serenade a Top 10 hit on the U.S. pop charts in 1939 while reaching onto the BillBoard charts. String of Pearls uses a small ensemble of violas backed by jazzy instrumentation orchestrated by jazz virtuoso Glenn Miller. He impresses audiences with his performance of String of Pearls.

An in-depth look into Master P’s upcoming movie Ice Cream Man King Of The South.

Following the success of the 5-part docu-series “No Limit Chronicles” which aired on BET in 2020, Master P has been in the process of filming and directing a movie called Ice Cream Man King Of The South which will retell story of Master P’s career as a businessman, rapper, actor, professional sports player, and fashion designer. The movie is going to be a biopic explaining and showcasing the life of Master P. Master P calls Ice Cream Man King Of The South the best rags to riches story ever told.

Master P wanted everyone to know his story about his journey from humble beginnings to rap pioneer to businessman. The biography of Master P in other words. He has expanded persona into various business endeavors such as fashion, food, sports, movies, real estate, electronics, and more.

A release date has not been set yet. The movie Ice Cream Man King Of The South will be shown in theaters worldwide soon. There is no official confirmation if the movie will be available for streaming or not. Lionsgate will be backing and financing the movie Ice Cream Man King Of The South. This is another No Limit Films movie.

 

Surviving Compton: Michel'le’s life in a biopic.

Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le is the autobiography/biopic movie based on R&B songstress Michel'le Toussaint. The movie is based on the life of a woman who held on to her dream through poverty, domestic violence, and drugs. In with it came the fame and betrayal from men she loved, dated, “married”, and trusted.

Michel’le did a great job performing on all of the songs which were used in the movie of hers. Her vocals are still on point. Her voice is just as powerful as ever.

Michel'le was truly in love with Dre. She had no limit to the love for him. Her love for him during that time was unconditional. Dr. Dre knew that he had all of her love. However this all was not true he had constantly abused her. So did Suge Knight.

There were times Michel’le remembered where she had to fight just to hold her head up. There were times when her friends tried to make a fool of her. Things her heart attack that people just couldn’t see. Some said she was hopeless. Strong willed she was. That’s why she is still standing here today. Michel'le is finally at a happy point in her life. Her past life is nothing like the one she knows. She hopes for a bright future. Michel’le is just trying to make something out of her life. There is no easy answer for that. She has to keep moving on in life.

These days Michel’le encourages people to come together and raise up their voices.

History behind the Terrell Wells Swimming Pool in San Antonio, Texas explored.

This news article will explain the history behind Terrell Wells Swimming Pool also known as the Terrible Smells Swimming Pool. Yes that Terrible Smells Swimming Pool.

Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was constructed and dug west of Pleasanton Road at the intersection of Ansley Road and Commercial Drive (now West Ansley Street and Commercial Avenue). Terrell Wells Swimming Pool first opened on May 6, 1941. Terrell Wells Inc was the company that owned and operated Terrell Wells Swimming Pool. (Ref: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tx/0008157100)

H E Strumberg leased the land out to Terrell Wells Swimming Pool for several years on a lease agreement. H E Strumberg incorporated Terrell Wells Swimming Pool as a business with a capital stock of $11,000. (Ref: Bexar County Land Records, Volume 1819, Page 280)

Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was owned by The San Jose Artesian Hot Wells Co. for many years. The pool was constructed out of concrete and had a concrete pool. This was a sulphur spring fed pool walled in all sides. An artesian well also provided water for the pool.

A big rock structure across the street from Hutchins Boulevard served as the changing room and bathing facility. The big rock structure was two-story rock building with palm trees in front. That building was also a bath house at one time.

They had a diving board, a slide, and swings out over the water and a pavilion that had a jukebox. There was also a sandy beach area on one side, a covered swing portico, and deep diving pool. You could rent bathing suits at the pool. Can you imagine renting a bathing suit to go swimming these days? Every person said what they remembered most was the awful smell. Many people referred to Terrell Wells Swimming Pool as “Terrible Smells Swimming Pool”. Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was a place infamously known to locals as Terrible Smells Swimming Pool due to the smell of sulfur in the water. You know that rotten egg smell when you got close to/in the water. There was no mistaking the odor. (Ref: http://www.authorsden.com/categories/story_top.asp?catid=25&id=61088)

The privately owned pool advertised itself to the general public for white people only, claiming to be "San Antonio’s only restricted swimming pool". The owner’s policy was primarily directed at restricting access to Mexican Americans (Hispanics). (Ref: https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/artifacts/brochure-for-terrell-wells-swimming-pool-spotlight-02-28-18)

In the early 20th century, Mexican Americans were officially considered "white" and legally not subject to Jim Crow laws. Discrimination and segregation were common occurrences, but they were difficult to fight through the courts because there were no actual laws being violated. To organize resistance, George I. Sanchez founded the Texas Civil Rights Fund to advance Mexican American civil rights, helping to bring the 1943 law case, Terrell Wells Swimming Pool vs Jacob Rodriguez, before the courts. To test the resolution’s weight, Sanchez, working with attorney M.C. Gonzales, encouraged Jacob I. Rodriguez, M. J. Gonzalez, and Albert Trevino — three Mexican American citizens in San Antonio — to seek admission to the Terrell Wells swimming pool. The privately owned pool advertised itself to the general public as white only, claiming to be "San Antonio’s only restricted swimming pool." On July 10, 1943, the three Mexican American men paid their admission to the pool but were then denied entry. Giving testimony in court, Albert Trevino stated that they were told explicitly that they could not swim there because they were of Mexican descent. (Ref: https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/artifacts/brochure-for-terrell-wells-swimming-pool-spotlight-02-28-18)

M.C. Gonzales filed a case against the Terrell Wells Swimming Pool on the grounds that by excluding the men from the pool they violated HCR 105 and the governor’s "Good Neighbor Policy." After a non-jury trial, the judge agreed and issued an order requiring the pool to admit Mexican Americans. The Court of Civil Appeals could no longer allow the swimming pool to continue to restrict access. (Ref: Cynthia A. Morales, "Good Neighbors, but not all: Rodriguez v. Terrell Wells Swimming Pool")

Terrell Wells Swimming Pool had sold their land to Harlandale ISD (Harlandale Independent School District) in 1957 on a warranty deed. All other surrounding land was sold and deeded Harlandale ISD  during that time. Terrell Wells Inc was responsible for selling their land to Harlandale ISD. (Ref: Bexar County Land Records, Volume 3991, Page 396)

 

Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was shut down on the date of July 30, 1959 and later filled. The pool was no longer in operation by 1960. (Ref: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tx/0008157100)

The polio scare of the 1950s is what led to the closure and decline of Terrell Wells Swimming Pool. Not so much the Rodriguez v. Terrell Wells Swimming Pool lawsuit. The artesian well was later capped. The once-popular Terrell Wells Swimming Pool is now the site of McCollum High School and Terrell Wells Middle School. (Ref: https://www.mysanantonio.com/sa-obituaries/amp/Career-woman-devoted-to-raising-son-5618971.php)

Terrell Wells Swimming Pool was located at 422 West Hutchins Avenue, San Antonio, Texas, US.

Societal value of the movie Ben not accepted.

The rat in the movie Ben isn’t welcome or accepted by many as he is constantly searching for a place to find acceptance and approval in society. People don’t understand the value of Ben though. Yet the rat that is loved by an abused child and the rat returns his love. The movie captures all of those deep emotions. There is something about the beauty of a boy and his rat that gets people emotional. Sadly society has not valued or accepted the movie Ben as a whole.

Ben was a reflection of Danny Garrison. Ben was his only friend since Danny Garrison was a social outcast who did not have any friends. Now Ben protecting him from bullying inflicted by his own peers. Not to mention heart condition.

The film's theme song "Ben" is performed by Michael Jackson during the final scene and ending credits. This was also a song mainstream society did not accept despite being a No. 1 pop hit.  

Ben is the best song written about a rat in the history of music. No one can sing a song about a rat the way Michael Jackson can and could. Even at such a young age, Michael had such an amazing voice. Michael was a prodigy. Michael Jackson captured deep emotions at a young age where most child singers don’t until they’re adults.

The song Ben is about a rat that is loved by an abused child, which is Michael Jackson, and the rat returns his love. The rat, Ben, isn’t welcome or accepted by many as he is constantly searching for a place to find acceptance and approval. People don’t understand the value of Ben though.

Ben was a reflection of himself. Ben was his only friend since he didn’t get to have a childhood. The song captures all of those deep emotions of a mature singer. That is the beauty of this song. There is something about the beauty of a boy and his rat that gets people emotional. You’ll start to cry whenever you hear this song.

The song Ben was the theme song for the 1972 movie Ben. Michael Jackson wrote the song for the 1972 movie Ben. The movie and single helped Ben become Michael Jackson’s first No. 1 hit which in turn became a pop hit single.

Here is an interesting fact about this song. “You've got a friend in me" were the lyrics later used in Randy Newman's song You've Got A Friend In Me that was used in the Toy Story movies series. Randy Newman gave Michael Jackson credit of course.

Lady Wray explains to everyone how she’s been through it all with her new single Through It All / Under The Sun.

Lady Wray explains what she has been through in the life with her new single Lady Wray – Through It All / Under The Sun in 2022. The basis of this single revolves around romance and entertainment. Her new single is available to purchase and stream. The single has that sultry and soulful sound which Big Crown Records is renown for.

Big Crown Records has repressed Lady Wray’s single Through It All / Under The Sun on 7” vinyl single (45” vinyl single to be exact). Her single is available to purchase in stores and online.

The song Through It All is about dedication through better or worse. Nicole hates when people only pretend to love each other. She wants real love. She can’t believe people supported her even when she was wrong. At times when Nicole kept getting pushed back down. She was pushed back down several times throughout her career in music.

Through It All uses more upbeat soulful bounce with the beats and vocals. Its percussion selection is fairly balanced with not too many drums used. The sound is smoother than sandpaper. A pitch-shifted soul sample seems to have been used looped throughout various parts of this song.

Under The Sun is a beautiful feel-good song with that upbeat laid back summer vibe. Lady Wray blends the past, present, and future as she, along with the Big Crown Records production team (El Michels Affair), mixes 70s retro soul with a touch of modern production. Their production makes Under The Sun sound like a 70s throwback song. Just feel the vibes and sound.

Nicole just wants to have a carefree life under the sun. Life for her has just begun. The sun is out shining and the wind is free. The music's loud and all the kids are running around. So pass the joint and take a hit. Light up this spliff. The wind is free under the sun. Nicole just wants to have fun with her friends. She feels like living, loving, and laughing under the sun. To sum it all up, she feels like living under the sun.

Have a drink and close your eyes. Let yourself be hypnotized. There are purple clouds and purple dreams. All while laying back under a tree.

Lady Wray explains to us how she’s been through it all with her new single Through It All / Under The Sun.

Lady Wray explains what she has been through in the life with her new single Lady Wray – Through It All / Under The Sun in 2022. The basis of this single revolves around romance and entertainment. Her new single is available to purchase and stream. The single has that sultry and soulful sound which Big Crown Records is renown for.

The song Through It All is about dedication through better or worse. Nicole hates when people only pretend to love each other. She wants real love. She can’t believe people supported her even when she was wrong. At times when Nicole kept getting pushed back down. She was pushed back down several times throughout her career in music.

Through It All uses more upbeat soulful bounce with the beats and vocals. Its percussion selection is fairly balanced with not too many drums used. The sound is smoother than sandpaper. A pitch-shifted soul sample seems to have been used looped throughout various parts of this song.

Under The Sun is a beautiful feel-good song with that upbeat laid back summer vibe. Lady Wray blends the past, present, and future as she, along with the Big Crown Records production team (El Michels Affair), mixes 70s retro soul with a touch of modern production. Their production makes Under The Sun sound like a 70s throwback song. Just feel the vibes and sound.

Nicole just wants to have a carefree life under the sun. Life for her has just begun. The sun is out shining and the wind is free. The music's loud and all the kids are running around. So pass the joint and take a hit. Light up this spliff. The wind is free under the sun. Nicole just wants to have fun with her friends. She feels like living, loving, and laughing under the sun. To sum it all up, she feels like living under the sun.

Have a drink and close your eyes. Let yourself be hypnotized. There are purple clouds and purple dreams. All while laying back under a tree.

Lady Wray tells us to Come On In. Her new album is now available for purchase.

Lady Wray’s sophomore album Piece of Me is now available for purchase. Piece of Me is Lady Wray’s comeback album that marks her maturity and growth in the music industry as a lady. You will love her soulful voice and harmony as she sings. She gets better with every single album she releases. Her voice gets deeper, darker, and smoother as the years progress forward. That is evident on songs Piece of Me, Come On In, and Storms. Songs such as Through It All and Under The Sun brighten up the album due to their upbeat nature and rhythms. 

For those who don’t know, Lady Wray is Nicole Wray. The album “Piece of Me” serves as a testament to the trials and tribulations in her life both good and bad. The songs on this album represent the few milestones she has encountered in life. She has grown and matured as a person.  

Soul fans and Nicole Wray fans will not be disappointed as this album follows the same old school soul formula of Queen Alone will staying relevant with a modern audience and her contemporaries. This is perfect deep Southern soul. Big Crown Records is doing something right by bringing back soul music everyone used to listen to. They put in soulful beats and soulful voices that speak to everyone’s heart and soul.

That is no coincidence as Leon Michels produced her entire album. Leon Michels does no wrong when it comes to production, songwriting, or singing. The recording process of this album took place from 2018 to 2021. The album took as long as 3 years to records. Leon Michels of Truth & Soul fame produced a majority/bulk of the songs on this album which is why you can hear his production all over the place.


Nicole talks about being committed to a long term relationship throughout the song Come On In. She will move forward in life and progress if she has a man in her life. The beginning starts off with a couple of heavy piano notes which quickly turn into a piano solo. The percussion selection is fairly balanced with not too many drums used.

Come On In is a Lady Wray composition full of heat! Not to mention deep. The song sounds very similar to Lean On Me by Bill Withers. The instrumentation gives Come On In a throwback sound which is smoother than sandpaper. The soulful beats give this song a soulful bounce hence the soulful sound. Leon Michels produced the song Come On In. Now the song Come On In only uses three instruments and her voice.

Nicole has been waiting for a man to come into her life. She is accepting towards a man coming into her life. She is willing to be in a long term relationship. She says she’ll be waiting. Waiting to be in a long term relationship with him. She will move forward in life and progress if she has a man in her life. Nicole talks about being committed to a long term relationship.

Nicole tells her man to set the bar and his standards high. They’ve come too far by faith to give up now at this point in the relationship. Nicole Wray took it to church with these lyrics “We come too far by faith".

Lady Wray lets her man know that she is not playing games with her man’s heart and they can both overcome everything as a couple in a relationship even through storms. She asks her man to take all her love which she has given to him freely. There are so many reasons she believes in him. He is all hers.

She will be waiting patiently as he takes his own sweet time. So Lady Wray tells him take all the time he needs. Lady Wray lets her man know that she is not playing games with her man’s heart and they can both overcome everything as a couple.


Piece of Me is a sad heartbreaking love song that is filled with uncertainty and emotional attachment. The song is a perspective of her world. Throughout the song, she sings about sacrificing for her family even if they don’t always help, contribute, or give back. She broke us off a piece of her with this song soulfully speaking as this song represents the few milestones she has encountered in life. She broke herself off a piece of herself with this song.

Nicole and her man have been thru the best of times even through her darkest days. They’ve been through the best of times and the worst of times. Why must it turn around? She asks herself. Life has its uncertainties. Life is not fair. So many questions with so many answers. She’s not sure these days. He has been good to Nicole. That’s why it’s hard for her to walk away.


Where Were You uses more upbeat soulful bounce with the beats and vocals. Its percussion selection is fairly balanced with not too many drums used. The sound is smoother than sandpaper.

Here Nicole sits all alone in her room after a long night of drinking all by herself. She wakes in the morning wondering what in the hell she did wrong. She asks herself, “What in the hell did I do wrong?” At this point things start getting heartbreaking with uncertainty. That is because she spent the whole night getting drunk. So things don’t end on a high note for her. Her lyrics tell all.


The queen marks her beautiful piano-laced comeback with the song Storms. Her vocals are amazing as always. Lady Wray can’t go wrong with the Big Crown sound. This song has Lady Wray tapping into her early years singing in church harmony. She goes straight to the point with Storms. Even through storms Lady Wray manages to overcome all odds. Leon Michels produced Storms using his own style of production and arrangements of course.

Lady Wray lets her man know that she is not playing games with her man’s heart and they can both overcome everything as a couple in a relationship even through storms. She asks her man to take all her love which she has given to him freely. There are so many reasons she believes in him. He is all hers. She will be waiting patiently as he takes his own sweet time. So Lady Wray tells him take all the time he needs.


Under the Sun is a beautiful feel-good song with that upbeat laid back summer vibe. Nicole just wants to have fun with her friends. The sun is shining and all the kids are running around. So pass the joint and take a hit. The wind is free under the sun. Nicole just wants to have a carefree life under the sun.

The song Through It All is about dedication through better or worse. Through It All uses more upbeat soulful bounce with the beats and vocals. Its percussion selection is fairly balanced with not too many drums used. The sound is smoother than sandpaper. A pitch-shifted soul sample seems to have been used looped throughout various parts of this song.

A discourse of the Alcove Lounge. An eyesore of Corpus Christi which is highly remembered.

The Alcove Lounge is a lounge and bar that highly remembered by many longtime Corpus Christi residents. This news article will explain what happened to the Alcove Lounge.

The Alcove Lounge aka Alcove Bar first opened at 4213 Timon Boulevard around 1947 during the 1947-1948 fiscal year. Alcove Lounge was actually a lounge before becoming a bar. The lounge was still in operation during the 1960s. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/corpus-christi-times-jul-21-1969-p-27/)

According to Corpus Christi Caller Times, the Alcove Lounge had reopened under same management of Curtis "Red" McGee aka Red McRae as before. Donald Sablatura had been leasing the business.  Alcove Lounge had been through several ownerships by different people over the years. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/corpus-christi-caller-times-may-04-1969-p-29/)

Alcove Lounge still existed during the 1990's. By that point Alcove Lounge was a pool hall and beer joint. So Alcove Lounge was actually a bar at that point. The building had been painted red. Alcove Lounge closed sometime around 1999. The exact date as to exactly when Alcove Lounge had closed down and dissolved is unknown. 

The property was put for sale at a price of $25,000 dollars in the Corpus Christi Times Caller back in the year 2000. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/760038341/)

The Alcove Lounge was home to Birds Nest Ice Cream & Parlor which operated at this location from 2000 to 2002. Their phone number was 361-883-5559. (Ref: https://www.directionus.com/tx/corpus-christi/birds-nest-ice-cream-parlor-shop.html)

The Alcove Lounge building had been abandoned around 2003. Alcove Lounge has been sitting vacant for several years now since then. The Alcove Lounge property had been sold several times during the mid-2000s to several owners.

The Alcove Lounge property was sold to Andres Bribiesca on a general warranty deed for a price of $58,500 by AGB TIMON LLC on the date April 27, 2015. Andres Bribiesca is the current owner of the Alcove Lounge property. (Nueces County Public Records, Document Number #2015016639)

Andres Bribiesca is the current owner of the Alcove Lounge property. He has renovated the property several times. (Ref: https://propaccess.trueautomation.com/clientdb/Property.aspx?cid=75&prop_id=202123)

The owners that have bought and sold the property several times over the years. Alcove Lounge is now a blighted eyesore and a shell of its former self. The building has major issues with plumbing and the owners have not been able to repair the plumbing to be up to current code standards. The building is home to transients. 

 

Alcove Lounge was located at 4213 Timon Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas, US 78402.