R&B / Soul: Spring 2024

Monarch R&B/Soul Recommendations

KELLIE LODER
Transitions

Kellie Loder’s Transitions encapsulates a journey of emotional evolution with sincerity and musical finesse. The album effortlessly weaves through diverse sounds, ranging from introspective ballads to anthemic pop-rock melodies, showcasing Loder’s versatility as an artist. Her poignant lyrics delve into themes of growth, resilience, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with listeners. Tracks like “Fearless” and “Magnetic” exude empowering energy, while “Boxes” and “Honey” offer intimate reflections on vulnerability and love. Loder’s emotive vocals, coupled with polished production, create a captivating sonic experience that lingers long after the last note fades. Transitions is not just an album; it’s a testament to Loder’s artistry and ability to connect on a profound level. With its rich sonic tapestry and heartfelt storytelling, this album solidifies Loder’s place as a compelling voice in the contemporary music scene.

CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON
Cyan Blue

Charlotte Day Wilson’s Cyan Blue is a mesmerizing blend of soul, R&B, and electronic elements that showcases her exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, and producer. The EP’s five tracks form a cohesive journey through themes of love, longing, and self-discovery, with Wilson’s velvety vocals effortlessly carrying each song’s emotional weight. From the hypnotic grooves of “If I Could” to the introspective vulnerability of “Take Care of You,” each track is a testament to Wilson’s artistry and ability to craft music that resonates deeply with listeners. Cyan Blue is a standout release that solidifies Wilson’s position as a rising star in the music industry.

KALLITECHNIS
Mood Ring

Kallitechnis’s Mood Ring is a captivating exploration of emotions and sounds that demonstrates the artist’s exceptional talent and creative vision. Across the EP’s five tracks, Kallitechnis masterfully blends elements of R&B, soul, and electronic music, creating a rich sonic tapestry that feels both intimate and expansive. From the opening track, “Mood,” with its ethereal production and hypnotic rhythms, to the closing notes of “Dreaming,” which leaves listeners with a sense of longing and introspection, each song on the EP offers a unique sonic experience. Kallitechnis’s velvety vocals effortlessly glide over the intricate arrangements, drawing listeners in with their emotive depth and vulnerability. Tracks like “Body & Soul” and “Runaway” showcase Kallitechnis’s ability to seamlessly blend soulful melodies with infectious grooves, while “I Don’t Need You” highlights her skill as a lyricist as she explores themes of independence and self-discovery. Throughout Mood Ring, Kallitechnis demonstrates a remarkable versatility as an artist, effortlessly transitioning between genres and moods while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity. Whether she’s delivering sultry R&B jams or introspective ballads, Kallitechnis’s authenticity and passion shine through in every note.

BEYONCÉ
Cowboy Carter

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter is a refreshing departure from her usual R&B pop sound and embraces a Western aesthetic with confidence and flair. The track showcases her versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending country twang with her signature powerhouse vocals. The lyrics are evocative, painting vivid imagery of a modern-day cowgirl navigating life’s challenges. Beyoncé’s delivery is captivating, drawing listeners into the narrative with every note. The production is polished yet retains an authentic country feel, incorporating acoustic guitars and subtle nods to classic Western motifs. Cowboy Carter is a bold exploration of genre fusion that solidifies Beyoncé’s status as a boundary-pushing icon.

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO
Red Hot &Amp; Ra: The Magic City

Red Hot & Ra: The Magic City by Meshell Ndegeocello is a captivating blend of soul, jazz, and Afrobeat. Ndegeocello’s signature basslines anchor each track, while her sultry vocals infuse the album with emotion and depth. The album pays homage to Fela Kuti, exploring themes of social justice and political activism. Tracks like “Water No Get Enemy” and “Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am” showcase Ndegeocello’s ability to reinterpret classic Afrobeat tunes with a modern twist. The collaboration with the Red Hot Organization and various guest artists adds layers of complexity and richness to this thought-provoking and sonically adventurous album.

LENNY KRAVITZ
Blue Electric Light

Lenny Kravitz’s Blue Electric Light pulses with electrifying energy, blending rock, funk, and blues effortlessly. Kravitz’s gritty vocals soar over groovy guitar riffs and infectious rhythms, creating an irresistible sonic landscape. The track’s production is polished yet maintains a raw edge, capturing the essence of Kravitz’s rock and roll spirit. Lyrically, Blue Electric Light explores themes of liberation and self-discovery, inviting listeners on a journey of empowerment and freedom. With its catchy hooks and infectious energy, the song showcases Kravitz’s musical prowess and timeless appeal, making it a standout addition to his impressive discography.

SEPTEMBER GRAY
Proprietor of September Gray Fine Art Gallery

BIO 

Gray’s life’s work is a reflection of her enduring passion for the arts. Following a noteworthy career in the performing arts, Gray launched a successful fine art consultancy practice wherein she was celebrated for her ability to assist corporate and private collectors with articulating and executing single acquisition and long–term collecting strategies. Gray’s career in the arts and decade as an art consultant inform her role as gallerist. An avid collector, Gray has a talent for “speaking the language” of both artist and collector and a knack for connecting the gallery’s clients to works by artists whose vision and methodologies resonate with their individual tastes, complement their existing collections and honor their overall investment strategy and appetite for risk. Gray holds a B.A. in Art History from DePaul University. A committed art education advocate, Gray serves on a number of non-profit boards and is co-founder of The Gray Foundation, an organization committed to building a world of enriched life options for youth through the promotion of art and education. Gray shares art news and collection strategies in her electronic quarterly journal, The Gray Book.

https://septembergrayart.com/

JUSTIN SULIVAN, CFP
Senior Vice President Market Leader

BIO 

Justin oversees a team of professionals striving to achieve the highest level of client satisfaction. His top priority is that the team not only meets, but also exceeds the client’s expectations. Through Justin’s leadership and commitment, he helps ensure that the client benefits form a full complement of investment, trust, financial planning and private banking services to help them achieve their financial goals.

XAVIER DANIELS

BIO  

Paintings are influenced by his experiences with brotherhood at both Morehouse and as a firefighter. In creating his art, he is actively thinking about the perception of black men and attempting to be a catalyst for a different view on the black male experience. According to Daniels, the conversations happening in popular culture about black males leave them invisible in discussions about themselves. The portraits of black men Daniels creates are large in an effort to symbolically assert black male presence into those conversations. His work has been shown around the world through Almine Rech and Richard Beavers Gallery. Xavier lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia.

https://xavierdaniels.com/

MARRYAM MOMA

BIO

A Tanzanian-Nigerian visual artist based in Atlanta, GA, is renowned for her prolific exhibition history. Moma’s dedication to her art has earned her prestigious residencies at The Migration Artist Residency, Atlanta, GA, and a blended residency and teaching opportunity at The Swimming HoleFoundation in Upstate NY. The Hambidge Center for the Arts awarded her a Distinguished Artist Fellowship, enriching her narrative-driven solo exhibitions like “ICONoclasts.” This showing intertwines paper cut elements to celebrate and empower revolutionary Black figures. Moma continues to innovate within her practice, expanding her presence through murals, public art installations and exhibitions including an indoor mural for Clark Atlanta universities student innovation lounge sponsored by Dell Technologies and Home depot, ICONoclasts Atlanta building-wide public installation sponsored by Dashboard and If Not Us then Who public digital art mural sponsored by A&E Atlanta. 

https://www.marryammoma.com/

DL WARFIELD

BIO

Atlanta-based artist DL Warfield, a veteran artist who has consistently proven himself a talent of the highest caliber – one who has delivered at the highest levels repeatedly throughout his life and career. Yes, many artists are talented; DL Warfield is prolific.

Warfield’s body of work proves his instinctive knowledge and understanding of pop culture and has given him a permanent place at the cutting edge of the new and next. From St. Louis to New York City, Atlanta and worldwide, his talent, skill and endless creativity have taken him to the top of his field again and again, and he intends to push forward wherever a path to artistic excellence can be forged.

The following is a snapshot of his works and clientele. 

Nike, Sprite, Heineken, Anheuser-Busch, Geffen Records, Sony Entertainment, DreamWorks, Sony Music, OutKast Inc., Universal Records, Boys & Girls Clubs, HBO, Virgin Records, Coca-Cola, Adidas, Vibe Magazine, automotive giant Ford Motor Company. He designed the branding for the City of Atlanta’s Film and Entertainment office and at the same time, His fine art has been featured at national landmarks, including the Time-Life Building in New York City, and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY, which he loaned two original pieces for three years.

https://dlwarfield.com/

EDDIE FONTNO

BIO

A native of the Bronx, New York, is most inspired by the brilliance and uniqueness of excellence within the African American culture. The subjects of his work have all possessed a transformative greatness, which paved the way and changed the lives of many, providing a guiding light for the world around them. Fontno takes a subtle approach and focuses on that “light” to capture the detailed nuances through his usage of graphite and oil paint (black and white) that enhances the contrast between light and dark. Fontno’s never-ending quest to find truth and beauty in its most natural form is reflective in the choice of figures in his pieces; paying homage to those who have in some way shaped his view of the world and positively affected his evolution as an artist, father and man. Fontno attended the High School of Art & Design in New York, New York and Howard University in Washington, DC. His work has been displayed in the White House (Madam Vice President Kamala Harris’ private office) and the much-acclaimed October Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa. He has also been commissioned for portraits throughout the Northeast region. 

www.eddiefontno.com

RSVP

We are no longer accepting RSVPs for the Art of Luxury Lifestyle Dinner, but you are welcome to RSVP Here for the Portrait Reveal Event from
9:30PM to 11:30 PM!

ROBERT KOOL BELL| LE KOOL CHAMPAGNE

BIO

For many years, Robert Kool Bell, Leader and Co-founder of Kool & The Gang, sought out Grand Cru Vineyards from owners that have been selling for generations and decided to work with Paul Berthelot a Multi-Vintage producer since 1884. Voila The Celebration Champagne was born! 

https://lekoolchampagne.com

EDDIE FONTNO

BIO

A native of the Bronx, New York, is most inspired by the brilliance and uniqueness of excellence within the African American culture. The subjects of his work have all possessed a transformative greatness, which paved the way and changed the lives of many, providing a guiding light for the world around them. Fontno takes a subtle approach and focuses on that “light” to capture the detailed nuances through his usage of graphite and oil paint (black and white) that enhances the contrast between light and dark. Fontno’s never-ending quest to find truth and beauty in its most natural form is reflective in the choice of figures in his pieces; paying homage to those who have in some way shaped his view of the world and positively affected his evolution as an artist, father and man. Fontno attended the High School of Art & Design in New York, New York and Howard University in Washington, DC. His work has been displayed in the White House (Madam Vice President Kamala Harris’ private office) and the much-acclaimed October Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa. He has also been commissioned for portraits throughout the Northeast region.

Website: www.eddiefontno.com