Jai takes a quick break from recording to sing a piece of “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson.
On 10.28.09, In Talksik, By Talksik
Last night I went to the midnight showing of Michael Jackson’s This Is It .There was a pretty big line up and touch of excitement. With my popcorn and Fruitopia in hand I made sure I had the best seat in the house…middle, dead centre.
The tears were in my eyes for a majority of the movie’s first half as Michael, his dancers, the band and background singers continuously rehearsed hits from his library. A standout for me was Human Nature. This man’s voice was as beautiful as ever. What a gift! In between numbers they interviewed the dancers, musicians and singers, which was great. Obviously everyone had great things to say about Michael, but they were still in “awe” about working along side him and loved his passion and humility.
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You is one of my top 3 Michael records all-time. He performs the duet with one of his background singers and it was beautiful. I wanted to press rewind! Thriller was hot too! The dancers were in full costume and it just sounded fresh again. They even added a crazy, funky ass beat at the end of it, so hot! They Don’t Care About Us had a great dance routine, that tune gave me goose bumps! I’m trying not to give so much away because I want y’all to experience it yourselves. lol
Since the movie is based on rehearsals of the entire show, Micheal goes at about 80-85% of his max, to preserve his voice and energy. However I did get selfish at times and just wanted him to go all out! 
Through out the movie you notice his attention to detail, his love for music and his musicianship is top notch, like no other.
This Is It captures a singer, dancer, director, visionary, creative genius with a relentless work ethic to perfect his final shows. So as the screen faded to black and the final credits began to roll, it sunk in again that Michael was not coming back. This was it. But I was thankful that I shared an hour and a half singing, laughing, crying and groovin’ with a musical hero of mine. I left with great memories, new and old.?Thanks Mike!
I hope y’all enjoy it too!
T
On 10.28.09, In Talksik, The Gifted Club, By Talksik
Michael always said he was influenced by many entertainers/musicians most notably James Brown, Fred Astaire & Bob Fosse. Watch these legends at work!
This short Musical was brilliantly put together by Abeja Mariposa Jr.
Just imagine how excited a young Michael Jackson must have been when he first saw this movie. Wardrobe (check), Choreography (check), Swagger (check). Bob Fosse’s “Snake in The Grass” character from the 1974 movie “The Little Prince”.
James Brown was Michael’s hero, mentor, friend. On numerous occasions Michael said that James Brown showed him how to “Entertain” a crowd. Watch the Godfather get down!
A young Michael & his brothers gettin’ down to James Brown’s “I Got The Feelin’”.
Mike just had “it”!
Broadway Musicals were another way for Michael to express himself. You can see the fluidity of Fred Astaire in this clip. The dude is Tapping perfectly!
PS. watch how high he gets at the end!
And of course Michael’s famous Moonwalk. Michael really studied the game, then put his stamp on it. Here’s a medley of all who inspired his most famous move. One again this clip was the brainchild of Abeja Mariposa Jr.
Rest in Peace MJ
Starring in this video: Fred Astaire, Bill Bailey, Buck and Bubbles, Cab Calloway, Clark Brothers, Sammy Davis Jr., Daniel L. Haynes, Rubberneck Holmes, Patterson and Jackson, Eleanor Powell, Bill Robinson, Three Chefs (only the feet), Tip Tap and Toe (feat. Ray Winfield), Earl Snakehips Tucker
R&B star R. Kelly has announced plans to complete the album he began recording with Michael Jackson, before the singer’s death. Kelly says he had recorded several songs with the King of Pop, which he is determined to finish and release. “Michael liked the way I would try to sing the songs just like him,” Kelly said, in a recent interview. “I recorded five joints for [him].” cont’ reading here…
On 08.29.09, In Talksik, The Gifted Club, By Talksik
Thanks for all the love & music you left us.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Loved this version... So very humble...
On 07.31.09, In Talksik, The Gifted Club, By Talksik
This is where my ear is at the moment…
Jai of The Gifted Club covering MJ’s “Butterflies”.
Rest in Peace, Michael.
On 06.25.09, In Talksik, The Gifted Club, By Talksik
Jai & I (Talksik) were in the middle of a writing session when he received a text saying Michael suffered Cardiac Arrest. I didn’t pay it much attention til I received that same text from my brother moments later. So we made our way to the TV room and checked BET, CNN & BBC. Getting the final word from a very emotional ROXY from BET’s 106 & Park that Michael had passed.
I was definitely in shock, that was followed by quiet tears. We ended up canceling the rest of the session and watching clips and vids of one of our hero’s. And that’s when it started to hit me a lot more. But for some reason I didn’t feel to be too public about how this lost was hurting me. And I still feel this way. (This Blog post was quite tough to post).
I’d rather just listen to all his amazing work and reminisce on his greatness alone. No bad/negative thoughts via the media, just a beautiful voice surrounded by timeless music. And of course we’ll all have a greater appreciation for his music now that he’s gone. That’s just how it goes.
I’ve learned so much from MJ. Commitment, sacrifice, determination, focus, humility, Love, The will to be great, true melody, passion, rhythm, confidence, swagger. And I thank him for that every time we, The Gifted Club make a great song, beat, lyric, melody. Yes, I’m sad that he is no longer here but very thankful that I can continue to have him around through his incredible music. Thanks Mike! We love you you’ll truly be missed.
Rest In Peace.
TGC
Michael J. Jackson
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009
