Mixtape is asking DJs, producers, and musicians coming to town, in their opinions, what are the five best songs ever and forever and ever. Or just five songs that are somewhat interesting for some reason. Or six songs. We're easy鈥�
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The mix-maker: Like many of us, singer Cherry Brown arrived in Shanghai with a plan to stay for a few months. That was in 2010. Originally she came to sing backup vocals, then the band leader realized Cherry was better than the lead singer, who soon found another job. Doors kept opening, and she's still here. Along with Apphia Campbell and Denise, she's one of Shanghai's soul queens, and often performs at , , and , amongst other venues.
This Friday and Saturday night, Cherry moves out of the smokey lounges and into for her debut concert -- a tribute to the world's Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin. If you don't know Aretha, shame on you. But you probably do know her number one singles, like her cover of "Respect", "Chain Of Fools", "I Say A Little Prayer", and dozens more. She sang at Dr. Martin Luther King's funeral, and at Barack Obama's inauguration. Without a doubt, she is one of the most important singers ever. Like Aretha, Cherry grew up in the gospel industry, but in LA instead of Detroit.
After seeing Apphia Campbell's 2013 tribute to Nina Simone, , Cherry pitched the idea for a tribute to Aretha, and it's finally happening this Friday and Saturday. Ahead of that, I asked Cherry about her five favorite Aretha Franklin tunes鈥�
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1. "Precious Lord"
"When asked what is a FAVORITE song of mine from Ms. Aretha I usually tell people "Precious Lord" from her 1956 album Songs of Faith. My mother loved singing this song during testimony service at our church which musically excited me. Through the years I've grown to appreciate the lyrics. 'Through the storm, through the rain, take my hand through the light...precious Lord take my hand and please lead me on'. This song reassures me that I'm never alone."
2. "Day Dreaming"
"'Daydreamin' is another timeless tune I enjoy. I'm a bass player at heart lol so I was amazed at the simply yet groovy bass line from the beginning to end. This is an amazing song I will forever love."
3. "Rock Steady"
"I was 12 or 13 when I saw Aretha perform Rock Steady on the television show Soul Train. Don Cornelius introduced her and after that it was like he unleashed a beast. The way Ms. Aretha belted out every note sent chills through me. The funky beat had me moving in my seat bobbing my head and clapping my hands. I remember telling my father I wanted to move others just as Aretha moved me, and he said "'Baby Boo' one day you will".
4. "Call Me"
"Listening to this song still sparks many memories of my childhood. It reminds me of the great female giants of the 60's & 70's in Gospel. I truly enjoy the background harmonies and modulation. This song never ceases to amaze me."
5. "Rose is Still a Rose"
"The song 'A Rose is Still a Rose' to me is relatable in so many ways. We've all been through heartbreaks, pain and abuse which are referred to as THORNS in this song. I believe that at the end of the day what does not harm you strengthens you, and should encourage you to move on to your destiny."
Why do a tribute to Aretha instead of another classic diva?
"I've admired Aretha's powerhouse voice ever since I was a little girl. As I grew into my own, however, I began to realize that it was not just her amazing voice that garnered my admiration for her. It was the way she moved with grace, the elegance in her style, and the poise and strength that she used to be not just an amazing woman, but herself". - Cherry Brown
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Cherry Brown's Aretha Franklin Tribute happens this Friday and Saturday night at The Mixing Room, with shows at 8.30pm both nights. Apphia Campbell will also perform, plus some music by DJ B.O. We still have some tickets available for .
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