Today’s R&B is typically catchy and repetitive love songs. But former American Idol 8 contestant Ju’Not Joyner brought something new with his Station 9 showcase in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, September 9. “Urbternative” a marriage between urban, alternative and acoustic soul, as Joyner calls it, is what is missing in today’s music. Joyner introduced and delivered a genre that has yet to be touched upon.

While his sound is all new, his technique may best be compared to artists such as Prince. Yes, Joyner has a more soulful and R&B voice than Prince, but I couldn’t help but gain that rocker feel through his tracks, “Electrical,” and “Rock and Soul.”

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland but residing in Prince Georges County since the age of 16, Ju’Not Joyner found his love of music through his family ties. He stated, “My father and grandfather could sing so I got my talent from them. But I wasn’t really serious about being a singer until I turned 17.”

When asked what he wishes to accomplish in his career, Joyner answered, “I just want to sing- make quality and timeless music like Marvin Gaye or Al Green. I write my own lyrics and I try to do things outside of the box.” Through his new Urbternative genre outside the box is exactly what he delivered Wednesday night. Joyner’s voice is so soulful and powerful I know that when his CD, “The Lover, The Leader, The Lunatic” drops in December, I’d be the first in line to buy it.

Sadly, the quality of his performance did not match timeliness and audience. Joyner’s performance was spectacular, and beautifully punctual but the actual event didn’t start on time, and the crowd was a little bare.

“Simply Wednesdays” is an event held every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Station 9. Majestic Vibe Live Music Promotions Company, founded by Carlos Whorley and Derrick Jackson sponsored Joyner’s showcase. As what appears to be an introduction to their feature performer Majestic Vibe offers wine tasting, which was scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.

Although Joyner says “I don’t have any expectations for an audience turnout. I just do what I do and try to do it well.” I can’t say the same. I expected to come to a packed event where the performer was feeding off of the audience’s energy and vice versa. Yes, the room was full of claps after each song. But such a great performance and good music should be heard by as many ears that you can fit into the venue. It was upsetting to only see about 20 attendees, including the band.

After being asked how this event was advertised, Whorley answered, “We have been advertising for about 3 weeks through palm cards, free blogs, and sites like Facebook and Myspace.” While these advertising tools may have seemed to be good advertising tactics, by Wednesday’s turnout above and beyond promotional efforts needs to occur.

Disregarding timeliness and audience turnout, Majestic Vibe delivered a wonderful relaxing experience. I would truly recommend experiencing “Simply Wednesdays” for yourself. There is nothing like live music, especially from someone as talented as Ju’Not Joyner.

Joyner will be performing again on September, 23 at Station 9 for “Simply Wednesdays” and Majestic Vibe is delivering a new artist named J Soul in October.

Follow Ju’Not Joyner on:
http://www.myspace.com/junotmusicpage
http://www.facebook.com/junot.joyner

http://www.twitter.com/junotjoyner

Follow Majestic Vibe Live Music Promotions Company:
http://www.majesticvibe.com

http://twitter.com/MajesticVibe