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Page 6 — FEATURES Spelman Spotlights February 1981 Chocolate Kisses In Wax-Record Reviews By Dianne “Digi” Givens Jr. Reporter Among the many new albums that have recently been released are “Faces,” by Earth Wind & Fire, and “Hotter Than July,” by Stevie Wonder. Both are masterpieces in their own right. “Faces” is a two album set consisting of fifteen songs, all of which exemplify the incredible quality of Earth Wind & Fire. The first song that was released from the album, “Let Me Talk,” is an upbeat, danceable song that is also subtly informative. Listen to the words and you’ll see what I mean. The current single from the album entitled “You,” is a mellow love song that everyone can enjoy. Other favorite sons from the album include “Sparkle,” “You Went Away,” “Sailaway,” and “Take it to the Sky.” The entire album is exceptional, which is no great surprise since most of us have already witnessed the brilliance of Earth, Wind & Fire. Stevie’s album, “Hotter Than July,” is an attempt, in his words, to introduce people to all kinds of music. The album contains ten songs varying from the funky sounds of “Master Blaster” to the soft, soothing sound of “Lately.” His latest release from the album is entitled “Happy Birthday” and is one of the ways in which Stevie Wonder is trying to help make January 15th, Martin Luther King’s birthday, a national holiday. This song is representative of his convictions. Other favorite songs from this album include “All 1 Do,” “Cash In Your Face,” and “Rocket Love.” Stevie Wonder is, no doubt, a musical genius and his songs are always well accented by the public. In his twenty year musical career, he has been known as an artist, a writer,a producers businessman, a father and humanitarian, but above all, a “Legend.” A few months ago a friend of mine informed me that Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack were recording a live album from their concert tour this past summer. I knew then that it, too, would be classified as a masterpiece. It was recently released and what I had initially perceived was found to be true. It is a two album set with sixteen songs. Each artist sings five songs alone and then six are done together. There are two completely new songs on the album entitled “Make the World Stand Still” and “More Than Everything.” Both are love songs and since both Peabo and Roberta are famous for being professional balladeers, you can imagine the exceptionality of these songs. The other songs on the album are live versions of recent and favorite songs from previous albums. If you missed the concert tour this past summer, be sure to pick up the album. It’s definitely “Live And More.” Ann Dennard: A Spelman Woman By Sincerae B. Smith Jr. Reporter Late in the evening, lounging after another busy day at Spelman, Ann Dennard lay with covers pulled up to her neck. However tired she might have been, there was not a sign of fatigue that would have indicated that she was too tired to talk about her talent. Indeed, Ms. Dennard, a freshman here at Spelman and a native Atlantan is the owner of a gifted voice, and she has several performances to her credit, including a solo performance at Friendship Baptist Church during the traditional freshman worship service. Ms. Dennard is a member of a new breed of talented young virtuosas whose talent is not a false figurehead, but an insignia of true expertise. For someone who only became interested in the art of song at the age of fifteen, Ms. Dennard’s singing is exceptional. As she confessed, it was someone else who became conscious of her singing potential. “I had no idea there was any real potential in my singing ability. I surprised myself!” She also has the advantage of coming from a musical background. “There has always been a certain amount of musical appreciation in my family. Most members of my family have taken piano lessons, while others took ballet. My family is also very jazz oriented.” Like any artist, Ms. Dennard had a prime -source of motivation which influenced her to further her talent. Her person in charge was William G. Densmore, Director of the Northside School of the Arts, Atlanta. “Mr. Densmore is my mentor, confidant, and respected friend.” Photo by Whitney Young Ms. Dennard considers her singing to be an avocation and a serious aspect of her life. As she says, “My major is not music, but law. My minor is music. I will definitely make my decision between the two in my junior year.” With such an operatic voice it would be nearly a crime not to sing opera. However, Ms. Dennard has not overlooked her talent. She does sing opera. “I also like jazz. That’s about it. I know what my voice is capable of doing. I cannot sing the popular music which is heard on the radio.” Ms. Dennard is also a member of Spelman’s glee club. Her favorite singers personify her intense interest in fine music. “My favorites are Jene' Brown, Leontyne Price, Esther Scatterfield, and Nina Simone.” Cosmopolitan is the word for Ms. Dennard’s experience in singing. “At my high school there was a tour show. Out of a group of one hundred thirty people, twenty-four were selected. Included along with the twenty-four was a sixteen piece stagehand, and a seven member technical crew. I was a member of the twenty-four. We toured within the New York and Boston public school systems. We also traveled in Belgium and Hong Kong with the Friendship Force.” With so much disco, funk, and pop music being played these days, it is a constant threat that the music which Ms. Dennard sings might be overlooked. However, she does not feel threatened. “I am a devoted patron of classical music. Although I do respect and admire contemporary artists. I am not envious of them. I believe that everyone should have his own personal preference. So no, I don’t really feel that my music is overlooked.” In observing her room, it is obvious that Ms. Dennard’s personality is reflected in her room’s furnishings. “I like art deco. I have always had my room decorated in this manner. My room’s decoration’s express my own unique Blerid"6f personality, and my versatility.” In a world filled with so much peer pressure and identical interests, Ms. Dennard admits, “At times I am hesitant to express my interest, because people in my age group are not really into classical music. But it is what I do best.” “It would not demean me if people did not like my type of singing. People tend to respect you when they acknowledge that you are really interested in your work, that you are dedicated, and that you have devoted time and effort to your training.” It is a known fact that Spelman is an excellent launching pad for those involved in the arts. “Spelman has an excellent music faculty. Spelman also possesses many students who are dedicated to the arts. It’s like any school. You get out of it, what you put into it.” Strangely enough Ms. Dennard does not crave international fame. “I don’t necessarily want international attention. It would be nice though. I just want to be the best for me. I want to build up my strengths and conquer my weaknesses." . As in any talent, practice must be involved. , , K “For the past two years (not including this year) I’ve studied on a schedule of two hours out of every five days a week. And I also have private voice lessons on Saturday mornings.” Miss Dennard also has a good attitude about herself as a singer. “I’ve have been modest about my talent. I am r esp$c,i||}J^ oddest when I Continued on page 8