Episode 031 – Making Michael Special with Mike Smallcombe

Making Michael Special with Mike Smallcombe Show Art

On this special episode of The MJCast, Q and guest host Jason Garcia interview author Mike Smallcombe on his new book Making Michael. Topics include Mike’s own history, the writing and publication process, his experiences in talking with over sixty Michael Jackson collaborators and also his thoughts and opinions around many aspects of Michael’s career.

0bda52_e691823156184024973f2740ce25b857As explained on Mike’s website, “Making Michael delves deep inside the career of one of the most successful, enigmatic and controversial entertainers of all time: Michael Jackson. Side-stepping sensationalism, journalist Mike Smallcombe enters uncharted territory as he takes you behind the scenes to reveal the real Jackson, a man few people ever got to know. Interviewing over sixty of Jackson’s associates including managers, lawyers, music executives, producers, musicians and engineers – many of whom are speaking about their experiences publicly for the first time – he provides exclusive access to one of the biggest-selling recording artists in history. Featuring a foreword by Matt Forger, one of Jackson’s longest serving and most loyal collaborators, Making Michael takes readers into the studio with the King of Pop, charting the creation of record-breaking albums including Thriller, Bad, Dangerous and HIStory and the twists and turns that occurred along the way. Untold stories, revelations and secrets finally see the light of day as Jackson’s career outside the studio is also examined. Smallcombe remains objective and doesn’t shy away from exploring the fall outs, Jackson’s relentless pursuit of perfectionism and a cutthroat shrewdness and competitiveness few knew existed.”

Overall, this is a fantastic book on the breadth of Michael’s artistic career, and a brilliant achievement by Smallcombe. If you’re interested in learning more about the art that Michael gave to the world, and back story behind the art’s conception and creation, pick up a copy of Making Michael today.

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Episode 024 – They’ve Got Chalk to Sell

Episode 024 - They've Got Chalk to Sell YouTube ArtOn this premiere episode of The MJCast’s second season, we kick off 2016 with plenty of news and discussion on Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. Jamon and Q are joined by The MJCast’s regular guest and legal expert Charles Thomson and newcomer to the show Andy Healy, author of the incredible MJ101 series. Andy is a long time MJ fan, having written a number of eBooks on Michael’s audio and visual art. These are must haves for any fan, budding or of vintage…and did we mention that they’re free?! In this episode, Andy tells us about his latest Off The Wall eBook, which then leads us in into a discussion on the latest Michael Jackson release, an Off The Wall reissue which is bundled with the new Spike Lee documentary film, Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off The Wall. In other news, artist Miguel is set to perform on this years Grammy Awards as a tribute to Michael, and to promote the upcoming Off The Wall reissue. In Jacksons news, the brothers wow crowds across Switzerland in the spectacular Art On Ice touring show. The MJCast also delves into the controversy around English actor Joseph Fiennes being cast to play Michael in a fictitious comedy film set around Michael, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marlon Brando fleeing New York City after the 9/11 tragedy. Next, the boys offer their opinions on the Super Bowl 50 half-time show and Beyonce’s subtle Michael Jackson tribute.

The second half of Episode 024 begins with Charles Thomson giving an expert breakdown on the Serova V Cascio/Porte/Estate/Sony case. Make sure to access this link to read the latest documents in the case exclusively at The MJCast. And will someone call a plumber?! The leaks just won’t stop! The MJCast breaks down the recent Dangerous Tour concert and rehearsal video leaks courtesy of MJ Beats. A new book from the creators of The Dream Lives On podcast and The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies, takes a sophisticated, academic approach to understanding Jackson’s art and life, providing insights into his entire body of work from a perspective never before available outside of music/culture journals. Lastly, we delve into our main discussion topic, our thoughts on the new Spike Lee Off the Wall documentary. We look forward to hearing your thoughts also! And in Season Two, our popular Finds of the Week segment returns! Thanks so much for listening to the internet’s premiere podcast on all things Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. We hope you enjoy our first episode of Season Two!

News

Discussion Topic

Finds of the Week

Additional Links

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Episode 022 – Moonwalk Talks Simulcast

Episode 022 - Moonwalk Talks Simulcast YouTube ArtOn this first ‘simulcast’ release for The MJCast and Moonwalk Talks, Jamon and Q are joined by hip hop producer, rapper, podcast host and all ’round MJ fan extraordinaire, Jankins! The boys kick things off this week with an in depth discussion on the recently announced Spike Lee documentary Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown to Off the Wall followed by an exploration into the dozens of MJ leaks that have happened over the past week. Next, Chris Cadman’s new website, Michael Jackson Masterworks is discussed just in time for a quick ‘Skype in’ from The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent, Charles Thomson. Charles fills us in on the latest developments in the Serova Vs. Sony/Cascio/Porte/Estate lawsuit. Lastly, the recently released and controversial Greg Gorman photograph of Michael that’s on display in the Berlin Museum of Photography is analysed. We hope you enjoy this final episode before The MJCast’s first Christmas Special later in December.

News
The long awaited follow up documentary to Bad 25 by Spike Lee will premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival…and it’s called Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall.
A plethora of Michael Jackson material has been made available to the public through co-ordinated leaks over the past week, including…

  • Dangerous rehearsal footage from the Dangerous World Tour.
  • The Way You Make Me Feel rehearsal footage from the Dangerous World Tour…with Michael delivering lyrics in spoken word.
  • Behind the scenes footage of the 1993 Oprah Winfrey interview.
  • You Are Not Alone (A Cappella).
  • Best of Joy (A Cappella).
  • The HIStory World Tour live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • The HIStory World Tour live in Auckland, New Zealand).
  • The Bad World Tour live in Rome, Italy.
  • The Bad World Tour live in Tokyo, Japan.
  • The Victory Tour live in Toronto, Canada.
  • Ghosts film outtakes.
  • The 1993 version of the video for Is It Scary.
  • An alternate video version of the short film, Give in to Me.
  • An extended version of the Dangerous era Pepsi ad video featuring the song Who Is It.
  • An alternate cut of the short film, They Don’t Care About Us (Prison Version).
  • Man in the Mirror (A Cappella).
  • Seeing Voices (A Cappella).
  • Jam short film (alternate cut with previously unseen footage).

Author Chris Cadman has launched a new website entitled Michael Jackson Masterworks.
UK Journalist and The MJCast Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson unpacks the latest court documents regarding the Serova Vs. Sony/Branca/Cascio/Porte/MJJ Productions/Angelikson case. The relevant court documents can be accessed as a PDF here.
A new Michael Jackson photograph is on display at the Berlin Museum of Photography courtesy of photographer, Greg Gorman.

Discussion Topic
Our favourite MJ songs

Our favourite MJ albums…

Our favourite MJ short films…

Our favourite MJ look/style…

  • Q – Napoleonic, 18th/19th century military inspired clothing (with special mention going to the gold HIStory World Tour opening costume)
  • Jamon – As above (as exemplified by Michael’s 1990 appearance at The White House with George Bush Sr.)
  • Jankins – The sequinned costumes on The Victory Tour

Our favourite MJ concert tour…

Our favourite Mj appearance/performance…

Finds of the Week
Jamon – The Jackson 5’s Christmas Album
Q – At the 1988 Bad concert…well the car park of Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
Jankins – Baby Be Mine cover by Bella

Additional Links
Charles Thomson’s official websiteTwitter and Facebook pages
Jankins’ official website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud and YouTube pages
Moonwalk Talks website and iTunes page – subscribe today!
Michael Jackson’s Suzuki ad series
I Can’t Help It [The Reflex Edit]
Damien Shields’ website
Images from the Arno Bani photoshoot
Spike Lee’s Bad 25 documentary film
J Randy Taraborelli’s Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story
Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker on Blu-ray
Michael Jackson’s Number Ones on DVD
Michael Jackson’s HIStory on Film: Vol II on DVD
Michael Jackson’s You Rock My World video clip
Roberto Cavalli’s concept art sketches and blog post on designing for Michael
Jankins feat. Michael Jackson – Cheater music video
The MJCast and Moonwalk Talks MEGA FAN Verna Gold!
MJBeats, The Bad Tour Archive and The Michael Jackson Archives

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

Episode 014 – Travelling With a King Special

Epiosde 014 - Travelling With a King Special YouTube ArtOn this special episode of The MJCast, Jamon and Q interview author of the ‘Michael Jackson travel guide’ book Travelling With a King, Christophe. Topics include the book itself, his working relationship with co-author Antoine Cardinot, his fandom of Michael Jackson and the writing process behind the book. We also talk about Christophe’s French Michael Jackson magazine, MJBackstage, some of the intriguing locations mentioned within Travelling With a King and finally we delve into a discussion around Christophe’s views of places like Neverland and Hayvenhurst being considered tourist attractions.

As mentioned on the book’s official website, “Travelling With a King is the first ever travel guide totally dedicated to Michael Jackson. This fully colored and glossy paper book contains hundreds of places linked to the King of Pop, from studios to houses, venues and statues. You’ll find everything you need to know including historical and geographic details about each location. Travelling With A King – Book 1, is the first part of this totally unique travel guide. Book one contains North, Central & South America and, as bonuses, a few selected places [in] Europe and Asia. Its A5 format and light weight will make it easy to bring it with you every time you travel.”

For purchasing Travelling With a King at a discounted price, make sure to visit this special website which Christophe has created specifically for listeners of The MJCast!

Lastly, stay tuned at the end of this show to hear about various celebrations around the world for Michael’s 2015 birthday on August 29th!

Links
Travelling With a King’s official website, Facebook and Twitter pages
MJBackstage’s official website, Facebook and Twitter pages
Visit this page of Travelling With a King’s website to purchase the book at a discounted price!
Michael Jackson performing Who Is It acapella for Oprah Winfrey
Michael Jackson’s HIStory statue in Best, Netherlands
The house featured in the Michael Jackson short film Thriller.
Michael Jackson shopping at The Regis Galerie in The Venetian, Las Vegas.
LMJ Magazine’s interview with the Christophe and Antoine, authors of Travelling With a King.
The 1980’s unauthorised interview with Michael and La Toya Jackson at Hayvenhurst.
Enola Lee’s website devoted to Neverland, titled Neverland – For Michael, For Love, Forever.
Remember the Time – Protecting Michael Jackson in his Final Days, a book by bodyguards Bill Whitfield, Javon Beard and Tanner Colby
You Are Not Alone – Michael: Through a Brother’s Eyes, a book by Jermaine Jackson.
Information on Michael Jackson’s birthday weekend in Sydney, courtesy of MJ Book Club and the MJ Fans of Melbourne Facebook pages.
The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Sydney is set to celebrate Michael’s birthday with a special screening of Moonwalker!
Walk the World for Michael, an annual charity event on Michael’s birthday which contributes funds by initiatives by the charity organisation, Michael Jackson’s Legacy.
Cirque Du Soleil and Michael Jackson One are set to celebrate Michael’s 2015 birthday in style!
Michael’s birthday celebration in Perth, Western Australia.
Katherine Jackson’s August 21 – 22 I Just Can’t Stop Loving You charity weekend in Gary, Indiana
Footage of Michael Jackson visiting China during the late 1980’s.

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Competition – Win a Free Copy of Michael Jackson: Innocent!

michael-jackson-innocent

Here at The MJCast we love supporting quality books on Michael Jackson, whether they’re texts that explore and analyse his genius, or even ones that delve into the complexities of his life such as his tumultuous legal battles. Michael Jackson: Innocent – 28 February 2005 Book 1 by author and legal expert D Francis is one such book, and since its release on May 5th, 2013 it has gone on to garner critical acclaim from other authors who have written on Michael Jackson such as Lynton Guest. Francis’ book offers a rich, detailed and complex discussion around the ‘trial of the century’, Michael Jackson’s penultimate court battle against child molestation allegations in the mid 2000’s.

As part of our recognition of the 10th Anniversary of Michael’s acquittal against these heinous child molestation allegations on June 13th, 2005,  The MJCast is proud to announce a special competition in partnership with D Francis in which we will give away three physical copies of Francis’ fantastic book.

To enter, all you need to do is like, retweet or reblog our original post about this competition from our Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or Instagram accounts respectively. Doing this on any of our social networks will gain you one entry. If you would like an additional two entries for an even greater chance of winning, you can comment on this blog post on themjcast.com with your thoughts around what Michael’s vindication has meant for his legacy. On the very next regular podcast episode of The MJCast, we will randomly draw the three winning names and will contact the winners to find out a suitable address the books can be mailed to. We are truly honoured to do our part in spreading the truth around what happened in Michael’s mid 2000’s trial in the form of this great book.

11009113_1071728012842803_723059763011261697_n

D Francis’ book ‘Michael Jackson: Innocent’

Lynton Guest, author of The Trials of Michael Jackson states that “D Francis has produced a book about Michael Jackson like no other. It is based on the premise that because the trial of the artist on numerous child abuse charges in 2005 was not televised, the only facts in the public domain have been filtered through the sieve of incomplete and prejudiced reporting in the media.

D Francis has gone to great lengths to acquire the actual trial transcripts, a volume running to over 14,000 pages to write a series of books straight from source.

In Michael Jackson: Innocent she concentrates on the trial testimony and adds her commentary; in the process revealing exactly why Michael Jackson was acquitted on all charges.

The Author believes that international media coverage at the time focused far too heavily and uncritically on the prosecution case, which is why so many believed the Michael Jackson was guilty, despite the verdict. So, centring mainly on the defence case and the various legal arguments, she shows precisely how we were all misinformed by a media whose main interest was always in boosting the titillation count rather than giving us a true picture of events.

Michael Jackson: Innocent 28 February 2005 is in fact the first in a series of mini-books, each of which narrates a day in the trial. It is a mammoth project. When it is complete, it will comprise a must-have archive both for the general interest reader, students of journalism and the US criminal justice system.

Michael Jackson: Innocent will thus be a unique series of books, which will stand as a legitimate and factual account of Michael Jackson’s vindication.

This book highlights the cracks in the prosecution case, the shifting timeline of allegations, and inconsistencies in the prosecution Opening Statement. You will be left wondering how this case ever made it to trial.

The first book in the series, Michael Jackson: Innocent 28 February 2005, has been on the Amazon Best Seller’s Kindle list, frequently reaching #1 or within the top #100 in the book category of Biographies & Memoirs for Michael Jackson.

Between 2003 to 2005 the media misrepresented what actually happened at court. It is time that those myths, and mistruths are addressed and the truth is made visible and available. By purchasing a new book you support this project.

Ultimately, this project seeks to look behind the media misrepresentations that has cast doubt on Michael Jackson’s reputation for over 20 years”.

Along with releasing this series of books on Michael’s innocence, D Francis is also releasing a series of podcast like audio snippets on her YouTube channel which serve to introduce Michael’s fan community to her work. Below you will find the first episode, which features Francis herself reading an excerpt from the book.

Francis has also explored other avenues in promoting Michael’s innocence and the truth behind the trial, going as far as commissioning an artist to create a line of hand painted t-shirts that can be bought through her website, www.13june2005.com.  If you’d like to support D Francis in her work, then make sure to take a look at these great shirts. From all accounts, they also serve as a fantastic conversation starter around Michael, his trial and what his acquittal has meant for his legacy. D Francis does not receive any money from the sale of the hand painted t-shirts, this is purely fashion to inspire discussion.

We hope you participate in this great competition. It’s a wonderful chance to win a free copy of ‘Michael Jackson: Innocent’ and to also assist D Francis in her quest to promote the truth around Michael’s trials and tribulations. Francis is currently researching her second book which is to focus on Martin Bashir and the media’s impact on the trial. She is aiming to release the book late in 2015 or 2016.

Update: The competition is now closed. Thank-you for your participation. Winners will be announced on Episode 12 of The MJCast.

D Francis’ official website for the book series ‘Michael Jackson: Innocent’
Michael Jackson: Innocent – 28 February 2005 Book 1 on Amazon
An excerpt of ‘Michael Jackson: Innocent’ as read by Lynton Guest
D Francis’ Facebook and Twitter pages

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Episode 008 – Xscape Origins Special

Epiosde 008 - Xscape Origins Special YouTube ArtOn this special episode of The MJCast, Jamon and Q interview acclaimed author Damien Shields on his new book Xscape Origins. Topics include Damien’s writing process, his collaborative partner James Alay’s contributions to the project, Damien’s experiences talking with Michael’s collaborators, a never before heard story about Damien’s ill fated interview with Michael Jackson himself. We also take the opportunity to capture some of Damien’s fascinating opinions on a range of Jackson related topics. As a special treat for listeners of The MJCast, you will also hear an exclusive audio snippet of an interview Damien conducted with C. J. DeVillar (Michael’s bassist and recording engineer during the early Invincible sessions) and a never before released version of the song She Was Lovin’ Me which was co-produced by Cory Rooney and Taryll Jackson.

As explained on Damien’s website, “Xscape Origins pieces together stories about the real Michael Jackson; the musical genius at work. As told by the songwriters, producers, musicians, and technicians who worked intimately with him in the studio, and featuring a touching foreword written by his longtime engineer Matt Forger, the book takes you inside the recording studio, delivering captivating fly-on-the-wall insights into the creative process of the greatest artistic visionary the world has ever known”. At its heart, Xscape Origins delves into the history of the eight original Michael Jackson songs which were remixed for the 2014 album Xscape, released in partnership between Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson. Reading Damien’s work will give you a level of knowledge that will allow you to appreciate the songs in a much deeper way. If it’s Michael’s artistic process you love learning about, look no further than this fantastic book. It’s undoubtedly the best book on Michael’s art that I’ve ever read.

Links
Get your physical copy of Xscape Origins today at xscapeorigins.com.
Xscape Origins is also on Amazon, iBooks and Google Play as eBooks.
Read Damien’s latest Michael Jackson related articles at damienshields.com.
Joseph Vogel’s book on Michael’s artistry, Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson
Chris Cadman’s book series ‘The Maestro’ Volume’s I and II, excellent reference books on Michael’s creative work.
Keith Murphy’s fantastic Vibe article on Michael’s final (and still mostly unreleased) musical work. Read ‘Redemption Songs’.
Damien’s FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages

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