SAY WHAT... IS?

Say What?
…about Soul n´ Funk

The musical legacy
of the legends

& the exploration of
upcoming artists

Dedicated fans and guests talking about the musical legacy of icons like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, Dángelo… and Prince in particular.

What influence does those icons have on the musicians of today?
…AND WHAT DOES THAT MUSIC SOUND LIKE?
What memories and unique experiences are there among the fans?
What was it like to work with them?
What exactly happened back then?

…AND WHATS UP NEXT?

A show packed with interviews,
analyzes and reviews.

Someone Said!

💜So VERY Proud of My NYC Funk brother Linard & Happy to be a part of this Episode Celebrating his contribution to "This...
Publicerat av Shelby J. Torsdag 11 mars 2021

QUICK ACCESS 2 OUR MAIN EPISODES

Just click the upper right corner in the video below!

WE RELEASED OUR 11:th EPISODE

LISTEN TO OUR POD VERSION

Here you have access to our pod versions on Spotify!

ERIC GADD

Interview with Eric Gadd – who embodied soul music throughout Scandinavia for 35 years!
Prince, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Kafka, Mats Nileskär and skateboards… everything fits into this sincere interview.
This vod is produced in both english and swedish, so PLEASE USE THE YOUTUBE TRANSLATION FUNKTION.

Eric Gadd is a Swedish singer and songwriter, and one of Sweden’s most successful artists of all time. He has released thirteen albums since his debut in 1987, and can rightly call himself Sweden’s soul king, when he was the first to introduce the genre in the Nordics.
Listen to the story of his upbringing, music creation and future.
There is also a partially different pod version available on Spotify, among others, where Eric talks more deeply about even more areas.

#11 INTERVIEW

CONCERT REVIEW

23 July 2021 – Eric did a concert in Helsingborg – Sweden at the outdoor venue Sofiero Gård and “SAYWHAT” attended and we got this
review published on www.jpsmedia.se
It will be translated in to English soon so if you are interested stay tuned to our channels.

Photography: Say What crew Joachim Sandberg

ELISA FIORILLO

Elisa Fiorillo Singer, musician, actor, songwritter … She won the 1985 Star Search talent show. Had several Top 20 hits during the 80s and 90s. In addition, successes with musicals on Broadway as well as in Las Vegas. Also been singing and touring the world with Prince for many years. A life that is very reminiscent of the fairy tales and motifs in the classic films and musicals. Hear the multitalented Elisa talk about successes as well as adversity, the years with Prince and about the love of music, the NPG and her daughter.

#10 INTERVIEW

AMMOYE

Interview with the Canadian-Jamaican singer whose unique mix between soul and reggae leaves no one indifferent. A deep and honest conversation about growing up, spiritual awakening, but also about what Chet Baker. Judy Black and Bob Marley meant to her. In addition, about the collaboration with Sly and Robbie, Exco Levi and much more …

#9 INTERVIEW

Li`Nards Many Moods

Interview with Mr Linard Jackson. One of the foremost bassists of our time, as well as music director at Club The Groove in NYC. Producer, songwriter and studio musician for many of our greatest artists. He tells his story about the crucial conversation in Stephanie Mill’s limousine as a teenager, about the collaboration with Kool & the Gang, Prince, O´Jays, Shelby J… and about his worldwide music project – Linards Many Moods. Also about his meetings with Larry Graham, Rick James and Curtis Mayfield …. A journey through both an educational and impressive period from the 70s until today!

#8 INTERVIEW

Review in Episode #7

The review of Jellybean Johnson´s first release of an album under his own name is found in our 7:th episode. If you listened to or watched our interview with him in episode #6 you will get even more understanding of where he is coming from and where he is going.

You can listen to and buy this album on Jellybean´s bandcamp page but if you want a physical experience you can get it on CD at RmR

Someone Said!

I was so intrigued by the Jellybean interview.
I thought it was so clever to do the
“drummers trying to play 777-9311”.
Hearing that story behind such an epic song was just great.

Rolf

Sweden

Jellybean Johnson

BONUS / Article posted on JPS Media

Jellybean Johnson - The musician who releases his own album after more than 40 years in the industry.

About the breakthrough together with Prince
"I was terrified when we went from playing in clubs to arenas"

Each artist has their own unique journey to self-realization. The personal artistic expression

does not have to overshadow or merely be the yardstick on the basis of which an artist is judged. The romantic notions that there is no audience for a truly true and genuine artist, that a true artist only creates for himself, is like seeing only Yin! Or like denying the existence of the night and slavishly falling asleep before it gets dark and waking up only when it is daylight. Or even deny death. In all cases, you might miss some opportunities, and will also get some real surprises during ”…this thing called life”.

For some, imitation is a virtue, even if the journey towards becoming like ones muse contains unique elements. For others, the big commercial hit and the broad appeal may be the aspiration In its adaptive, empathetic and tactical approach goal, that journey is as enviable as the opposite. As I said, each artist has their own unique journey, and an expression that is motivated by the dynamic that is created in the meeting with a viewer – ones own view, the broad masses or recognition from one close to you.

Talent as a Gift or a Curse

In Jellybean Johnson’s upbringing, there was no denial of opposites, real or fictional – they were all highly present. As a black minority in Minneapolis – one of the American cities with the largest percentage of white residents – in the 1970s they did not have access to the clubs or resources that their white peers had.

Being talented was a gift, but also a curse, says Jellybean, whose real name is Garry George Johnson. He got his nickname as a teenager after a less successful gig. Garry was disappointed and apologised to the club owner that tonight they played as fragmented and tough as a can of jellybeans, referring to the colourful candy consisting of jelly beans that are popular in the United States.The club owner laughed at Garry’s description, and the next day he had printed Garry a T-shirt with the text ”Jellybean Johnson”. Since then, his name was obvious and forever his brand.

In the 80’s, however, he was challenged by another Jellybean
– Madonna and Whitney Houston’s producer John “Jellybean” Benitez. John contacted Prince, of whom Garry was then a part of, and demanded that he stop calling himself Jellybean. Prince refused, defending Garry and allegedly throwing the phone in John’s ear.

– Several years later I met John at the Grammys, he apologised and we both laughed about it. Of course there is room for more than one, laughs a humble Jellybean when I talk to him via link from Minneapolis.

Adapting to different circumstances created the “Minneapolis Sound”
To return to the initial reasoning about creation, Jellybean’s career is a testament to when adaptation becomes innovative. By incorporating the so-called white music, adapting his expression to the rock and country music, which apparently contrasted with his own artistic role models in the Ohio Players and James Brown, he was part of creating a whole new sound. The so-called Minneapolis Sound, is a mix between rock, new wave and funk. A kind of electrofunk with strong melodic loops from just melodic pop and tradition of white melody composition if you will, together with funk’s more rhythm-based and the soul’s colouring and bending of tones, if in this case usually thru synths.

– In our band Flyte Tyme we had a horn section, we were completely into it. We adored Tower Of Power, JB´s and all the classic bands with strong horn sections. I know it had an impact on Prince. His band was only a 4 and sometimes 5-man band, and during his teens with no room for horns. Prince, who was early with the use of synths, and not least a pioneer in the then brand new Linn drum machines, programmed his own unique horns on his Oberheim synth. It was something completely new and the bridge over to the soundscape that came to shape large parts of the 80’s had begun.

The first black artist on MTV
Adaptation due to limited resources, as in the case above, was interspersed with adaptation to the local audience. The fact that Prince 6 years later would be the first black artist to be played on the then completely white MTV, is no coincidence. The foundation for a broad multicultural approach was laid as early as the 70’s, when this young group of musicians of what later all became world musicians and responsible for over 200 million albums sold, competed and encouraged each other to refine their talent.

New artists born out of that melting pot

In addition to Prince, in the same generation and circle of friends were Alexander O´Neal, star producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, solo artist Jesse Johnson with most hits in the 80’s, collaboration with Sly Stone himself and later a member of DÁngelo’s band. Morris Day, successful solo career, before that singer in The Time and acclaimed actor for his performance in Purple Rain, and André Cymone… .to name a few.

The list of artists born out of the creative melting pot of talent is long, but one of them is Jellybean Johnson. Legendary drummer in The Time, The Family, fDeluxe and producer and songwriter for Janet Jackson, Mint Condition, Nona Hendryx, New Edition… and responsible for 20 gold and platinum albums!

– I was terrified when we went from playing at clubs to arenas in a short time. Once Prince created The Time (which consisted of parts from the various bands they grew up playing in), we quickly got hits. Our first gig was in Detroit in front of 26,000 people. It was unreal! Tours, TV appearances and 4 albums followed before the band disbanded, and Jellybean joined Jam and Lewis’ production company and hit factory Flyte Tyme.

A lot of work with major artists

– It was the same unreal feeling the first time I would produce, arrange and write for others. It was one thing to do it in a band, but sitting there with world stars who were expected to hit was sometimes sweaty. My first major job was with Nona Hendryx, who was big at the time. I had grown up listening to her and Patti Labelle, and now I was working with her.

Solo album after 40 years in the Industry

After a 40-year career as a songwriter, producer, studio musician and touring the world with Prince, fDeluxe, The Time, Zapp… and more, Jellybean has now for the first time released his own album “Get Experienced”. Like his career, the album is a concentrate of all the different and seemingly sprawling parts that made up his artistry. Together they tell the story of Jellybean. His breadth, good reputation and many collaborations over the years can be seen here through guests like Ashley Tamar Davis, Chance Howard, L * A * W, Tony T… and others.

Here are hints of Jimi Hendrix, early 90s gangster hip-hop, JB´s and Tower Of Power inspired “She can get it” and “Put Some Jelly On It”, as well as the hypnotic “What is this feeling”, which reminds of another cross-border innovator – Mike Oldfield.

All songs and guests contribute to the puzzle building of a colourful palette, which now in a positive sense, can be likened to a hefty bag of tasty jellybeans!

/Michael Hogberg

Original in Swedish on JPS MEDIA link here

Pick Of the Month

We are so excited over the fact that this artist grew up in our country. She has a fantastic voice and a very solid sense for great melodies. Her new album is out and has already been praised by both the fans and reviewers all over the world. Her YouTube channel is getting close to 100 000 000 views and she has almost 4 000 000 listeners each month on her Spotify so you could say… She has made a name for herself!

Some of us already know the story about Prince calling her after he heard her lovely voice and you can watch her talking about them connecting several times after that initial phone call in this interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gWNywaCSEc

SNOH AALEGRA

The Say What Crew

Michael Högberg

Michael with George Clinton, Ida Nielsen, Bilal, The Revolution.

Founder and host Michael Högberg has, in addition to being a follower of Prince’s career, worked as a journalist for over 15 years. He has written for several Swedish newspapers as well as for JPS Media.
Over the years, Michael has interviewed and written about artists such as Geroge Clinton, James Brown, Tower Of Power, Mavis Staples, Rafael Sadiq, Nenneh Cherry, Bilal, Maceo Parker, The Revolution, Nils Landgren, Ida Nielsen, Victoria Tolstoy,…among many others. As a long time follower of Prince, and with about 40 concerts under his belt, Michael has during trips to concerts in Europe as well as during visits to Minneapolis and Paisley Park, come in contact and had the opportunity to talk with several of the artists and musicians who Prince worked with over the years. Stories and contacts that we through this podcast hope to be able to share and provide the opportunity to follow up with new conversations.

Douglas Arkliden

Douglas & George Clinton

Co-host and founder Douglas Arkliden is the DJ with a past in the restaurant, nightclub and entertainment industry. Nowadays, the love for music (and Prince and P-Funk in particular) is interspersed with work as a chef and health coach. Douglas will be primarily responsible for monitoring and analyzing contemporary music, new artists and cultural phenomena appropriate to the spirit of the SAY WHAT pod/vod.

Joachim Sandberg

Joachim, Wendy & Lisa

Co-host and founder Joachim Sandberg is a former professional dancer and choreographer, who besides beeing a devoted fan of Prince since the 80’s, nowdays works as a graphic designer and photographer. Along with recurring elements in the podcast such as historical flashbacks, analyzes (not least of Prince’s visual production aspects), Joachim is responsible for all the graphic and technical aspects of the SAY WHAT pod/vod.

Tim Borgqvist

Tim & Bootsy

Co-host and artist consultant Tim Borgqvist has worked with marketing and sales in the United States since the late 80’s. Over the years Tim has had the opportunity to meet many of his favourite artists; Prince, Stephen Marley, Nils Landgren, Wendy and Lisa, James Brown, Third World and others.

Travelling in the USA and Europe Tim have seen an incredible 111 shows with Prince, and other favourites like Tower of Power, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, Nile Rodgers / CHIC, and the list of funky nights goes on.

A favourite from the early 90’s is Dan Reed Network. Opening for acts like The Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi, Dan Reed got great reviews for mixing groovy funk into his rock songs. 2012 Tim met with Dan and a music relationship grew, thus leading to arranging several gigs for Dan as a solo act, and with his Network over the years. In addition to Dan, Tim arranged TV appearances and gigs Terence Trent D’arby aka Sananda Maitreya, and club shows Glam Slam, Gershie, Brion James and many more.

Working in the Say What Team gives him the opportunity to reach out to musicians around the world and on top of wonderful interviews, plans are growing to build concerts shows and gigs as soon as the pandemic problems are resolved.

SAY WHAT... IS?

Someone Said!

ERIC GADD

#11 INTERVIEW

CONCERT REVIEW

ELISA FIORILLO

#10 INTERVIEW

AMMOYE

#9 INTERVIEW

Li`Nards Many Moods

#8 INTERVIEW

Review in Episode #7

Someone Said!

Jellybean Johnson

BONUS / Article posted on JPS Media

Jellybean Johnson - The musician who releases his own album after more than 40 years in the industry.

About the breakthrough together with Prince "I was terrified when we went from playing in clubs to arenas"

Pick Of the Month

SNOH AALEGRA

The Say What Crew

Michael Högberg

Douglas Arkliden

Joachim Sandberg

Tim Borgqvist

Contact

About the breakthrough together with Prince
"I was terrified when we went from playing in clubs to arenas"