BAAS Entertainment Podcast

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Episode 109. Join host Troy Saunders as he converses with the smooth, jazzy, multi-genre vocalist and songwriter the incredible Roderick Harper, the Keeper of the Love Song.

In this episode, Roderick and Troy take a trip through Roderick's catalog from 1999 to the present, starting with his first offering, "Beautiful Beginnings," a well-sung collection of jazz and blues classics. Roderick has a sound uniquely his own and transcends all genres. Troy chose to highlight the song "Moonlight" off this album. Roderick tell the audience about attending college in Louisiana, working with the great Ellis Marsalis, and how it led him to this recording.

Roderick also has the knack of reinterpreting a song. One example of this appeared on his next album, "The Essence of Roderick Harper," where he jazzed up Sade's "Stronger Than Pride". A total joy to listen to. Roderick explained the making of this album with the great Nicolas Payton while living in Chicago.

After a 15-year hiatus to raise a family, Roderick reemerges with "Perfect Imperfections". Recently divorced, Roderick returns to New Orleans and tells his story of reinvention and discovery. Troy and Roderick play "Never Will I Marry," a Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley classic, and a song that is dear to Roderick for many reasons.

Other gems played and discussed include: "Look What I Got" from his "Evolving" album, and "Hearts Desire," from his first R&B offering, "Back To Love". The later album spawned three top 5 hits on the UK R&B charts.

Of course they discuss Roderick's epic "2702" album, produced by the incomparable Jamison Ross. This album is truly a masterpiece and a favorite by both Roderick and Troy. To date, it's Roderick's most popular album, reaching the #4 slot on the Amazon UK chart. Troy's chose to highlight two songs off of this album: "Slice Of Life" and "Genuine".

The musical journey brought the listener to his latest project: "Back To Love Vol. 2 (Journey To Love)," a new collection of R&B gems featuring hits "Unforgettable" and "Eternal Love," with more to follow. Troy started the episode by highlighting "Love Is In the Air" and ended it with "Unforgettable," and Roderick's remarkable remake of Major Harris/Luther Vandross' "Love Won't Let Me Wait".

This is a wonderful episode of great music, stories of discovery, reinvention and wonderful conversation. If you love a good slow jam with mellow jazz and R&B infused vocals, this is one you won't want to miss!

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