STONE' SOUL PICNIC

At a time when morale is low and spirits are down, J Records' Clive Davis and Ron Gillyard put together an incredible showcase Monday evening at the Schomburg in Harlem, launching Angie Stone's J debut, Mahogany Soul, due Nov. 6. The event was just what New York City's record community needed.

The venue was teeming with key industry folks and press—setting up the right vibe for a breathtaking performance. The festivities began with the premiere of Stone's "Brotha" video, which has just been added at BET. It's too early to call at radio, but along with the very powerful video, this track is sure to be a big record at Urban.

Stone's stage presence was commanding. Her words were uplifting. Her spirit was light. Her band was tight. Her backup vocalists were precise. She captured the room with her abundance of soul, and like powerful artists who came before, she defined the word diva.

She performed most of the singles from the forthcoming album, but my favorites included "Pissed Off," "Makings of You" (an insightful poetic interlude), "Easier Said Than Done" and "More Than a Woman," a duet with new artist Calvin (who not only blew every one away with his vocal delivery but practically gave every woman in the audience a heart attack with his biceps—you do U, Angie!)

If the crowd's reaction to Stone's performance is any indication of consumer reception when the album streets next month, J Records, which has scored big with newcomer Alicia Keys, will definitely have another home run on its hands.