http://www.soultracks.com/bashiri-asad-living-the-dream-review

Bashiri Asad was living the life of a cover artist when he heard the words that changed the direction of his career.  The Indianapolis based singer was between sets when a fan suggested that he sing original songs because listeners would take him more seriously.

Asad could have ignored that advice because there’s a line of thinking that vocalists performing anything from the Motown catalog will always have work. Asad, bless his soul, decided to take that bit of unsolicited advice and write original tunes. He has since released three projects, including last year’s EP The Space Between and his latest, Living the Dream.

We know that mainstream artists have tools available to them that can make the life of a recording artist somewhat less challenging than that faced by the indie artist. However, Asad wanted the creative and topical autonomy that comes with not being under contract with a label. And he puts that autonomy to good use onLiving the Dream.

Asad takes his music to places where mainstream R&B artists rarely tread these days.  “Monster” serves up a sociological evaluation of pain and deprivation that leads many young men to lives of violent crime. The upshot is that everything from parental mistakes to economic displacement to a poor educational system plays a hand in “creating another monster.” There are some who will not agree with the musical conclusion Asad makes on “Monster.” However, art at some point should compel us to seek answers to difficult questions.

Asad showplaces his storytelling abilities on “Longest Moment,” which tells the tale of the instant that spotting a lady in a club transforms a routine night on the town into something far more consequential. The next track “Dance With You,” a duet with Shinda Ewell, is a sequel moving the couple from the bar where they exchanged glances and hellos to the dance floor.  Asad noted in several interviews that he grew up on the music of 1970s and 80s era artists such as Donny Hathaway and Luther Vandross. “Dance With You” captures the sweet vocals, catchy melodies and romance that listeners of that time took for granted. The track has the feel of a Spinners tune.

Asad takes his listeners from the dance floor to the church house on the gospel influenced “Looking Back,” a high spirited track in which the vocalist longs for a time when the community seemed more connected. He also manages to reach back with a sense of nostalgia and regret for a totally different reason on “Broken,” a torch song in which the vocalist expresses his sole desire to reset the clock and repair a damaged relationship.

Bashiri Asad states that he wants to make you think and have some fun. He gets a truth in advertising star because Living The Dream makes you think and gets you on the dance floor for a little hip shaking some belly rubbing. And if Asad gets an A for effort, Living The Dream is a well-rounded project that deserves an A+ for results. Highly Recommended.

By Howard Dukes

In case you missed it, check out the fantastic interview with Bashiri on ”LOTL-RADIO The Rebirth Of The Quiet Storm” in Houston, TX. As it stands, LOTL Radio has approximately 500,000 listeners worldwide. Hosted by “Teddy Bear,” Bashiri offered an insightful interview discussing his latest album, Living The Dream (L.T.D.), career and next moves. Take a listen and enjoy!

Guest who have appeared on the show are:

Charming, engaging, positive, and mellow…there’s nothing typical about Bashiri Asad. His name meaning the prophet of good tidings, Bashiri has but only one clear goal when it comes to music, to make it good and make it legendary. With a rich soulful voice and lyrics filled with so much positivity and love, Bashiri is taking his message and latest project on the road soon. He credits his latest album, Living the Dream (Sound Thought Recordings), with being his most personal album to date. I felt honored to get a bit of his ear to ask him about life, his music, and where he expects this journey to take him. Get to know: Bashiri Asad.

It was a Friday night… Through a small window of time between recording sessions, I was allowed a few moments with Bashiri. His greeting was so proper with a hint of flirtation. It felt like old friends catching up. After a lengthy game of phone tag, we were both eager to get the interview under way and share points – him about his music and me about what I thought about his music. He began to tell me about his latest project “Living the Dream,” which is slated for an August release and how he is looking forward to getting on the road in the fall to promote it. He was flirting with the idea of doing either an acoustic tour or a live band with a possible stop in Memphis. And in Jane fashion, I immediately got excited. Any chance to hear good music is always worth a jump or a shout.

“Of course, of course. It’s happening baby! Say it with me…Bashiri’s coming to Memphis…Bashiri’s coming to Memphis. The pebble has been put in the pond and now they’re ripples…”

We talked about his style of music which in my opinion is incredible. The messages are submerged in positive and uplifting cords and that voice…oh it is absolutely amazing. But staying humble, he graciously says thank you and that he is honored that his work is appreciated. As far as whether he likes being an independent artist…

“I love being an independent artist. It allows me a certain creative freedom you would not necessarily have with a major label.”

Between being an artist and father, the task of maintaining balance comes into the picture. With a subtle pause in thought, he begins to relay how he is continually learning the lesson of prioritizing. While understanding there are obstacles, Bashiri takes the journey all in stride appreciating the uniqueness of his.

“When it’s family time…it’s family time. When it’s time to work, then it’s time to work. Not perfect with it, but there’s no manual for this.” 
Asad has a true admiration for some of the great soul singers of this generation. Some of his musical influences include Anthony David, John Legend, and D’Angelo. Their music was bodies of works that can be considered legendary and that’s where he wants to be one day.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of someone’s life soundtrack.”

When asked what is a quote or mantra that motivates him to continue this journey, he says without hesitation…

“Defy gravity. No matter what your calling is, no matter what your passion is. We will have obstacles and naysayers… Transcend that.”

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bashiri.asad
Bandcamp: http://bashiriasad.bandcamp.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bashiri08

BASHIRI ASAD “Looking Back”

Publiziert am 14. August 2012 von jms

Gerade erst kam dieser Mann mit dem Versuch um´s Eck uns ein X für ein U vormachen zu wollen – und fast wäre es ihm gar gelungen die Machenschaften eine Phil Collins als Soul-kompatibel erscheinen zu lassen. Damit dürfte schon einiges darüber gesagt sein, welche Talente der junge Mann in sich birgt. “Looking Back” ist seine neue Musik und hier schwurbelt er sich mit flottem Rhythmus, großflächig eingesetzter Jammer-Orgel und feinem Retro-Touch direkt in die Sympathie-Ablage.

Translation:

This man just came around the corner trying to sell us an X as a U – and he almost succeeded doing so, by making the schemings of a Phil Collins appear soul compatible.

This should already tell you a lot about the talents this young man has.

“Looking Back” is his new music and he convolutes with a snazzy rhythm, broadly used jammer-organs and a fine retro touch directly onto the sympathy shelf.

The lyrics, written by Bashiri, are framed by an up-tempo, soul-stirring groove that was composed, largely, by guitarist/bassist, Deus X Christian and completed by Angelo Bridges (Keys), Duane Dawkins (Drums), Shinda Ewell (Backing Vocals), and myself, Inohs Sivad (Arrangement, Percussion, and Backing Vocals).