Forgive me, as it's been quite awhile since I joined you last, and the last few posts have been more memorials than testaments to music (although they were equally as important, because they were about folks who mattered to me...and you)
In the last few months, I've been going through a few personal changes that I really needed to address. These things often take time to figure out, and in order to get through them, we must take that time...so I did.
I've gotten more than a few e-mails from you asking where I've been, and if I've lost interest in sharing my story. The answer is definitely NO. I'm even more committed to telling you about my journey to music than ever; so don't go away just yet. OK !!
Anyway, I'll be gone for just about another week, then I'll be back in business, so please, HANG IN THERE with me.
In the meantime, I want to tell you all that you matter to me more than you could ever realize. I still look forward to hearing from you, and I have every intention to continue standing in the shadows of music, but moving more into the light.
Thank you all for a wonderful year, I wish you every blessing, success, and heartfelt desire that you strive toward. Keep your light burning, and your head looking toward the sky.
Until I'm back with you here, have a very happy, and safe New Year.
Lovingly,Charlie Tee :-)
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Remembering James Brown
This may very well be one of the saddest days of our life...
Along with many other people who have left us throughout this year, I was stopped dead in my tracks, when I learned of the death of the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown.
There are people who come into our lives and move us, then there are people who by the very mention of their name create images of positiveness, joy and light. James was in that group.
I was in high school, and can remember vividly where I was when I heard him for the first time, while coming through a locker room in my dormitory..."say it loud, I'm Black and I'm proud."
You have to understand, Negroes (as we were referred to back then) didn't say things like that, not openly, and most assuredly not in a public forum such as music. But you see a few years before we lost Malcolm X, then we lost Bobby Kennedy, then Dr.Martin Luther King, and Black America was reaching a boiling point that may have spilled out and scorched everyone. They were killing our leaders, and trying to hold us back, they were turning us on each other, then all of a sudden, out of seemingly nowhere comes a man from poverty, who faced the same demons we did, and who looked like us, and through 8 words changed us all forever..."SAY IT LOUD, I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD.
Let me tell you, it changed everything from the ballot to the bullet. For many many years to come those 8 words caused mankind to see us as human beings, and not as chattel.
Throughout his life, James Brown would be an example to us all, good, bad ,and indifferent. We watched as his life unfolded before our eyes, and he didn't hide it from us...the pleasures of excess, and the pain of success, he showed it all, and told us the difference.
He entertained us true, but he also educated us, on so many levels...a debt that we'll be forever paying back.
When we think about how we feel good in our lives today, we must always remember to stop and say thanks to "Soul Brother Number One," the hardest working man in show business," Mr Dynamite," and because of people like him we are "living " in America.
James Brown 1933-2006
Good night Brother.
Get on the good foot... Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and when you do, remember that "this is a man's world, but it wouldn't be nothing without a woman or a girl."
Along with many other people who have left us throughout this year, I was stopped dead in my tracks, when I learned of the death of the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown.
There are people who come into our lives and move us, then there are people who by the very mention of their name create images of positiveness, joy and light. James was in that group.
I was in high school, and can remember vividly where I was when I heard him for the first time, while coming through a locker room in my dormitory..."say it loud, I'm Black and I'm proud."
You have to understand, Negroes (as we were referred to back then) didn't say things like that, not openly, and most assuredly not in a public forum such as music. But you see a few years before we lost Malcolm X, then we lost Bobby Kennedy, then Dr.Martin Luther King, and Black America was reaching a boiling point that may have spilled out and scorched everyone. They were killing our leaders, and trying to hold us back, they were turning us on each other, then all of a sudden, out of seemingly nowhere comes a man from poverty, who faced the same demons we did, and who looked like us, and through 8 words changed us all forever..."SAY IT LOUD, I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD.
Let me tell you, it changed everything from the ballot to the bullet. For many many years to come those 8 words caused mankind to see us as human beings, and not as chattel.
Throughout his life, James Brown would be an example to us all, good, bad ,and indifferent. We watched as his life unfolded before our eyes, and he didn't hide it from us...the pleasures of excess, and the pain of success, he showed it all, and told us the difference.
He entertained us true, but he also educated us, on so many levels...a debt that we'll be forever paying back.
When we think about how we feel good in our lives today, we must always remember to stop and say thanks to "Soul Brother Number One," the hardest working man in show business," Mr Dynamite," and because of people like him we are "living " in America.
James Brown 1933-2006
Good night Brother.
Get on the good foot... Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and when you do, remember that "this is a man's world, but it wouldn't be nothing without a woman or a girl."
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Remembering Ed Bradley
For many people, the mention of their name conjurs up all types of pictures. When you say Ali, you know that your dealing with the greatest, but when you say Ed Bradley, immediately you think of the cool gaze, the effortless interview, getting to the bottom of a story without really trying.
All of these things described and summed up CBS Sixty Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley. In this way he was the greatest, he was the coolest, and he was very much the consumate professional at his chosen craft, the interview. But he was much bigger than that as well.
To me he represented the style of a true friend and brother, one who will in one phase, build you up, and in another make you feel lower than low, by making you face yourself...warts and all.
It's not easy in any sense to get people to expose themselves, but somehow he made it look easy, he also made it feel easy to his viewers.
During this time since his death, they have shown countless interviews that he conducted, and I watched with tears in my eyes looking back at how he gave Black people a sense of pride, honor, and dignity. He did it with the kind of cool that is reserved for James Bond, and spies like that.
Ed Bradley just simply exuded cool. He to television was what Miles Davis was to jazz...brilliant.
My heart is very sad at his demise, but I know that somewhere in Heaven is a bearded man with an earring, and a gap between his teeth who can now sit back and enjoy all of the jazz greats that he loved, in person, and I thank him for his life and his gift to us all.
Ed Bradley 1941-2006
Good night brother.
All of these things described and summed up CBS Sixty Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley. In this way he was the greatest, he was the coolest, and he was very much the consumate professional at his chosen craft, the interview. But he was much bigger than that as well.
To me he represented the style of a true friend and brother, one who will in one phase, build you up, and in another make you feel lower than low, by making you face yourself...warts and all.
It's not easy in any sense to get people to expose themselves, but somehow he made it look easy, he also made it feel easy to his viewers.
During this time since his death, they have shown countless interviews that he conducted, and I watched with tears in my eyes looking back at how he gave Black people a sense of pride, honor, and dignity. He did it with the kind of cool that is reserved for James Bond, and spies like that.
Ed Bradley just simply exuded cool. He to television was what Miles Davis was to jazz...brilliant.
My heart is very sad at his demise, but I know that somewhere in Heaven is a bearded man with an earring, and a gap between his teeth who can now sit back and enjoy all of the jazz greats that he loved, in person, and I thank him for his life and his gift to us all.
Ed Bradley 1941-2006
Good night brother.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Byrd is the Word
What an exciting week this has been for me. I don't often get to share in history making, but on Monday and Tuesday the Carpenter Ants played for the Democratic Rally in Marmet WV, and in Charleston. Both events featured now re-elected Senator Robert C.Byrd.
I'm not dictating anyone's politics, but Senator Byrd really has made a great case for this state, and truly for the nation with his politics.
It's rare to see music and politics fit so nicely together, but for some reason, the political folks seem to have the Ants on their radar. We've been very fortunate to be asked to rally the voters on several occasions over the last few years, and for me it has been a great honor. I've gotten to voice my opinion in my own way...musically, and I've been able to help put our band on the map.
So many people spoke favorably of us during these campaigns, and marveled at our musicianship that even those who weren't necessarily in one camp or another found themselves enjoying our message... and the message is LEARNING TO WORK TOGETHER.
When I was in New York, I came to realize that there is politics in pretty much eveything, and in order to rise above it sometimes one has to resort to politicing, meaning that you have to play this game where you cater to the powers that be (whoever the heck they are...).
Making that choice is difficult, because no one wants to be seen as someone who kissed someone else's rear end to get to the top, but it does happen, and you either have to live with it and move on, or have thick skin about it. Which is why the whole notion of music and politics seem so foreign to me.
People like Senator Byrd have lived life on their own terms, they rise to the top by being real, mistakes and all. I have come to have admiration for him, because he lived through his life, and overcame, in the same way that the song " We Shall Overcome," states. By putting God on his side and walking forward hand in hand with his beautiful wife Erma who is now in Heaven.
So for me Byrd is the word, for working hard, being fair, and certainly being a rebel with a cause, to help the people of the great state of West Virginia, and the people of this country.
In my hopes, and dreams, I want to be an agent of change for people. A beacon of light in darkness, and real friend...and I want to make mine with music.
This post is dedicated to Senator Robert C.Byrd (D-WV),
This post is also dedicated to Mark Ferrell, thank you for linking us with the campaign.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and be certain to vote when you are able, it really can make a difference.
I'm not dictating anyone's politics, but Senator Byrd really has made a great case for this state, and truly for the nation with his politics.
It's rare to see music and politics fit so nicely together, but for some reason, the political folks seem to have the Ants on their radar. We've been very fortunate to be asked to rally the voters on several occasions over the last few years, and for me it has been a great honor. I've gotten to voice my opinion in my own way...musically, and I've been able to help put our band on the map.
So many people spoke favorably of us during these campaigns, and marveled at our musicianship that even those who weren't necessarily in one camp or another found themselves enjoying our message... and the message is LEARNING TO WORK TOGETHER.
When I was in New York, I came to realize that there is politics in pretty much eveything, and in order to rise above it sometimes one has to resort to politicing, meaning that you have to play this game where you cater to the powers that be (whoever the heck they are...).
Making that choice is difficult, because no one wants to be seen as someone who kissed someone else's rear end to get to the top, but it does happen, and you either have to live with it and move on, or have thick skin about it. Which is why the whole notion of music and politics seem so foreign to me.
People like Senator Byrd have lived life on their own terms, they rise to the top by being real, mistakes and all. I have come to have admiration for him, because he lived through his life, and overcame, in the same way that the song " We Shall Overcome," states. By putting God on his side and walking forward hand in hand with his beautiful wife Erma who is now in Heaven.
So for me Byrd is the word, for working hard, being fair, and certainly being a rebel with a cause, to help the people of the great state of West Virginia, and the people of this country.
In my hopes, and dreams, I want to be an agent of change for people. A beacon of light in darkness, and real friend...and I want to make mine with music.
This post is dedicated to Senator Robert C.Byrd (D-WV),
This post is also dedicated to Mark Ferrell, thank you for linking us with the campaign.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and be certain to vote when you are able, it really can make a difference.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Something About the Ditty
With this posting I want to clear up some mis-conceptions about a form of music and how negative comments about that form seem to always surface at the most inopportune times...the form of music that I'm talking about is called a "Ditty."
By definition, a ditty is a simple song, or a simple poem meant to be sung as a song.
There are a few of these that come to my mind, "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny,Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," "Alley Oop,"and " The Streak," are just a few of the hundreds, literally thousands of songs out there like them, and often times, the artists who composed them have endured ridicule, as well as being the brunt of many jokes...good bad and indifferent.
My reasons for tackling this subject is that over the weekend the Carpenter Ants played a gig in Shelby, North Carolina. It was a beautiful day for a drive, and we set out with intention to have fun and bring some good music to the nice folks of this town...and by most accounts we did.
If you have been listening to the Ants of the last several years, you know that we have fun by the barrel full. As the lead vocalist and frontman, it's sort of my job to tie our music together and set it forth to the masses. I try to do this with a combination of musicianship, interacting with the audience, and just plainly having fun with what I do.
Take it or leave it, love it or hate it, I have used our music to entertain, enthrall, enlighten, educate and edify our audiences. Sometimes I hit the mark, and sometimes, try as I may I don't get near first base with people.
One of the songs that we recently started doing is called "The Sausage Song," it's a fun romp of a song about reversal of the battle of the sexes. It also turns the tide on men thinking that we can have our way with women. The song is a ditty, although when we set the song up, we poke fun by saying that it's a "hillbilly polka." The song is not intended to offend anyone, but as stated above merely intended to poke fun.
So imagine my complete surprise when a lady at one of the gigs on Saturday told me that "God would be very mad with me for singing that song." When I told her that I understood how she felt, she then says, "you understand, but do you agree ?"
Truth is not only do I not understand, I don't agree either. The song is just a ditty, remember, a simple song. It's not meant to be the greatest story ever told.
That comment by her, and a comment that I got here on a recent blog posting got me thinking...is there something about the ditty ?
Why is it that when these songs surface, there arises such controversy ? Could we be taking ourselves so seriously that we've completely forgotten how to have a laugh ?
I'm almost afraid to know the answer to this, given the hostility with which this woman cursed me to my Lord.
I guess the only recourse that I have is to tell this lady, on one hand, that I'm sorry that she was offended, but on the other hand, madam, get a grip !! To condemn me for trying to entertain you, is like condemning me because I'm Black; it's just foolish, especially in this day and age.
Now that doesn't mean that I'm in favor everything that is un-godly, but surely you know the difference between being preached to, and following in the way of Satan. If you look inside my heart and understand my actions, you'd easily see that I'm not trying to offend anyone.
Did I arrive at your station with any hostility ? Did I not try to shake a hand and make a friend ?
Of course not, so why not try your best to see the humor in what I'm saying, and let God sort out for himself those who are saints and those who are sinners.
We all need to lighten up just a bit in the world. If we're so bent on ridding ourselves of Satan, one of the best ways that I can think of, is to learn to respect each other, and learn the difference between a simple song, and one that espouses hatred, and loathing.
So madam streak on down the alley... oops, in your itsy bitsy teeny weeny, yellow polka dot bikini.
I know, I'm so bad, dang me, ya oughta take a rope 'n' hang me, high from the highest tree...
I can't help myself, there's just something about the ditty.
signed, lovingly, A-hab, the A-rab.
With all due respect to Paul Vance, and Ray Stevens (the authors of the above mentioned songs.).
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
By definition, a ditty is a simple song, or a simple poem meant to be sung as a song.
There are a few of these that come to my mind, "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny,Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," "Alley Oop,"and " The Streak," are just a few of the hundreds, literally thousands of songs out there like them, and often times, the artists who composed them have endured ridicule, as well as being the brunt of many jokes...good bad and indifferent.
My reasons for tackling this subject is that over the weekend the Carpenter Ants played a gig in Shelby, North Carolina. It was a beautiful day for a drive, and we set out with intention to have fun and bring some good music to the nice folks of this town...and by most accounts we did.
If you have been listening to the Ants of the last several years, you know that we have fun by the barrel full. As the lead vocalist and frontman, it's sort of my job to tie our music together and set it forth to the masses. I try to do this with a combination of musicianship, interacting with the audience, and just plainly having fun with what I do.
Take it or leave it, love it or hate it, I have used our music to entertain, enthrall, enlighten, educate and edify our audiences. Sometimes I hit the mark, and sometimes, try as I may I don't get near first base with people.
One of the songs that we recently started doing is called "The Sausage Song," it's a fun romp of a song about reversal of the battle of the sexes. It also turns the tide on men thinking that we can have our way with women. The song is a ditty, although when we set the song up, we poke fun by saying that it's a "hillbilly polka." The song is not intended to offend anyone, but as stated above merely intended to poke fun.
So imagine my complete surprise when a lady at one of the gigs on Saturday told me that "God would be very mad with me for singing that song." When I told her that I understood how she felt, she then says, "you understand, but do you agree ?"
Truth is not only do I not understand, I don't agree either. The song is just a ditty, remember, a simple song. It's not meant to be the greatest story ever told.
That comment by her, and a comment that I got here on a recent blog posting got me thinking...is there something about the ditty ?
Why is it that when these songs surface, there arises such controversy ? Could we be taking ourselves so seriously that we've completely forgotten how to have a laugh ?
I'm almost afraid to know the answer to this, given the hostility with which this woman cursed me to my Lord.
I guess the only recourse that I have is to tell this lady, on one hand, that I'm sorry that she was offended, but on the other hand, madam, get a grip !! To condemn me for trying to entertain you, is like condemning me because I'm Black; it's just foolish, especially in this day and age.
Now that doesn't mean that I'm in favor everything that is un-godly, but surely you know the difference between being preached to, and following in the way of Satan. If you look inside my heart and understand my actions, you'd easily see that I'm not trying to offend anyone.
Did I arrive at your station with any hostility ? Did I not try to shake a hand and make a friend ?
Of course not, so why not try your best to see the humor in what I'm saying, and let God sort out for himself those who are saints and those who are sinners.
We all need to lighten up just a bit in the world. If we're so bent on ridding ourselves of Satan, one of the best ways that I can think of, is to learn to respect each other, and learn the difference between a simple song, and one that espouses hatred, and loathing.
So madam streak on down the alley... oops, in your itsy bitsy teeny weeny, yellow polka dot bikini.
I know, I'm so bad, dang me, ya oughta take a rope 'n' hang me, high from the highest tree...
I can't help myself, there's just something about the ditty.
signed, lovingly, A-hab, the A-rab.
With all due respect to Paul Vance, and Ray Stevens (the authors of the above mentioned songs.).
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Don't Stand In Your Way
My best friend is in serious turmoil because of a love that seems to be going South. As I talk with her and try to console her, she seems to slip away further each day, even though in reality I know that she is going to be fine. But I worry about her none the less. The fact is, that she is a good and gentle soul and this is her first true love.
All this has got me thinking about music (...I know that it is weird to even say that, but I do)
My friend is a wonderful singer who has worked with some of the big names in the music industry, but never has ventured out into her own realm with her music.
Why is that ? Well, first, I think that she was smart enough to realize that it just may not have been her time to be in the Sun. Second, she has endured some real traumas in her life, starting at home that have caused her to block her blessings.
Now don't get me wrong, at times this is something that we all do, we stand in our own way, or let others stand there for us (lord knows, I've done it forever), but I think that when it causes you to lose many opportunities,or lose yourself, you just might need to do something to take back some air of control.
That something is reaching up and taking the hand of your creator ( however you view or call it), and let the entity known as your lord help you through it.
Now please don't feel as though I'm trying to preach to you, because I'm not, but sometimes in life there are bigger issues that try as we may, we just can't solve like a weekly TV crime story.
Life doesn't always afford us the where with all to fix our problems and fold them into neat little packages, but God can.
The thing is though, you have to be open to having it happen, you have to see the sunlight and the rain in the same way, as a thing of beauty or as a guide to greener pastures.
That fortress that is cylindrical, and has a silver lining, not only houses a life, but nourishment as well (I'm talking about an egg here).
When we find ourselves in the direst of straights, we must turn to one that is bigger than any problem that we have, put all of our trust in Him, and let Him fix it.
The most foolish thing that we can do is to block out the light of His wisdom and love.
In the latter part of the 60's there was a saying in the African American community that addressed this issue perfectly, we said "let go, and let God,"
Plainly said, don't stand in your way, but let the sunshine in. It will do you more good than harm.
The reason that their problem made me think of music is that a song by Stevie Wonder comes to mind..."Have A Talk With God."
Stevie says..."there are people out there, who let the problems of today, lead them to conclude that for them life is not the way, but every problem has an answer, and if yours you cannot find, you should talk it over to Him, He'll give you peace of mind, when you feel your life's too hard, just go have talk with God (It's on the CD "Songs In The Key Of Life").
It took me a long time to learn how vital and true that song is, and now along with daily prayers I've found some measures of peace in my life, and I'm offering it to my friend as a way to sort of pay it forward. So I don't stand in her way when she needs to talk, or cry, I just try to be here for her, and hope that she will turn things around in her life, and once again find her voice.
If we can accept any wisdom from music like this, we would be much better off, because it helps us to move out of the way... of us.
To my Angela, this will have a happy ending, but even if it doesn't I'm in your corner. Hang in there.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and use your music to help others find their way.
All this has got me thinking about music (...I know that it is weird to even say that, but I do)
My friend is a wonderful singer who has worked with some of the big names in the music industry, but never has ventured out into her own realm with her music.
Why is that ? Well, first, I think that she was smart enough to realize that it just may not have been her time to be in the Sun. Second, she has endured some real traumas in her life, starting at home that have caused her to block her blessings.
Now don't get me wrong, at times this is something that we all do, we stand in our own way, or let others stand there for us (lord knows, I've done it forever), but I think that when it causes you to lose many opportunities,or lose yourself, you just might need to do something to take back some air of control.
That something is reaching up and taking the hand of your creator ( however you view or call it), and let the entity known as your lord help you through it.
Now please don't feel as though I'm trying to preach to you, because I'm not, but sometimes in life there are bigger issues that try as we may, we just can't solve like a weekly TV crime story.
Life doesn't always afford us the where with all to fix our problems and fold them into neat little packages, but God can.
The thing is though, you have to be open to having it happen, you have to see the sunlight and the rain in the same way, as a thing of beauty or as a guide to greener pastures.
That fortress that is cylindrical, and has a silver lining, not only houses a life, but nourishment as well (I'm talking about an egg here).
When we find ourselves in the direst of straights, we must turn to one that is bigger than any problem that we have, put all of our trust in Him, and let Him fix it.
The most foolish thing that we can do is to block out the light of His wisdom and love.
In the latter part of the 60's there was a saying in the African American community that addressed this issue perfectly, we said "let go, and let God,"
Plainly said, don't stand in your way, but let the sunshine in. It will do you more good than harm.
The reason that their problem made me think of music is that a song by Stevie Wonder comes to mind..."Have A Talk With God."
Stevie says..."there are people out there, who let the problems of today, lead them to conclude that for them life is not the way, but every problem has an answer, and if yours you cannot find, you should talk it over to Him, He'll give you peace of mind, when you feel your life's too hard, just go have talk with God (It's on the CD "Songs In The Key Of Life").
It took me a long time to learn how vital and true that song is, and now along with daily prayers I've found some measures of peace in my life, and I'm offering it to my friend as a way to sort of pay it forward. So I don't stand in her way when she needs to talk, or cry, I just try to be here for her, and hope that she will turn things around in her life, and once again find her voice.
If we can accept any wisdom from music like this, we would be much better off, because it helps us to move out of the way... of us.
To my Angela, this will have a happy ending, but even if it doesn't I'm in your corner. Hang in there.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and use your music to help others find their way.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Hearts Need Healing...
Along with the rest of the country, I've watched in anguish the terrible shootings of the young Amish girls in Pennsylvania, and the subsequent scrutiny that has followed these kind and decent people.
It's just plain and simply sad, and I wish that I had answers to the ills that people find themselves in. Life is hard,and we make it harder by not doing our best to learn to respect each other's differences.
As a musician, I've tried my best to use my music to heal people, and bring them some respid from their everyday stresses, but alas, I know it's not enough, but still I try.
It really breaks my heart that we as human beings who were created in love can't seem to find a handle on our loathing. Dreams aren't enough, talking about it isn't enough, the only thing that will truly work is if we all just take one day at a time and try to understand.
Hearts need healing, life needs to throw us the kind of curve that allows us to just for a moment, step back and take stock in each other.Yes we're different, but we're the same... we're flesh and we're blood.
My heart goes out to the families of those young ladies, may Allah give their souls rest, may HE give the families left behind closure.
For all of the rest of us,we would do well to follow in the footsteps of peace loving people everywhere, but the way there, is to take the first step...my hand is strectched out to you.
It's just plain and simply sad, and I wish that I had answers to the ills that people find themselves in. Life is hard,and we make it harder by not doing our best to learn to respect each other's differences.
As a musician, I've tried my best to use my music to heal people, and bring them some respid from their everyday stresses, but alas, I know it's not enough, but still I try.
It really breaks my heart that we as human beings who were created in love can't seem to find a handle on our loathing. Dreams aren't enough, talking about it isn't enough, the only thing that will truly work is if we all just take one day at a time and try to understand.
Hearts need healing, life needs to throw us the kind of curve that allows us to just for a moment, step back and take stock in each other.Yes we're different, but we're the same... we're flesh and we're blood.
My heart goes out to the families of those young ladies, may Allah give their souls rest, may HE give the families left behind closure.
For all of the rest of us,we would do well to follow in the footsteps of peace loving people everywhere, but the way there, is to take the first step...my hand is strectched out to you.
It's Damn Well In Bramwell
Yesterday, the band took a trip back in time figuratively and literally...we played a gig in the remote area of Bramwell West Virginia.
Bramwell is a town once inhabited by the Barons of Coal ( for the unfamiliar, coal to West Virginia is like sports to America, an occupation and an obsession). I use the phrases occupation and obsession because like sports many people aspire to it, and equally as many people are obsessed by it, but in truth only a scant few become wealthy as a result of it. The people who sign the checks of the workers of the sport, and similarly the workers of coal are the truly wealthy ones.
Anyway you get the picture...
Well, every year around this time Bramwell plays host to a beerfest of fairly epic proportions. The organizers hire several bands, and several solo performers. On the porches,lawns and yards of all of these unbelievably magnificent homes, they place all of the performers and one after another have us play our music. It's actually really cool how they coordinate it all.
We shared a bill with a band called Billy Goat Gruff ( a jug band of sort...). They would do a set of about 45 minutes, then we would do a set of the same length, and so on.
It's not at all complicated, very laid back, and just a whole lot of fun for everybody.People walk all around town checking out all of these million dollar plus homes, listening to and enjoying all of the music being offered. It's family friendly, and music ready.
We had a ball playing, and as always I did my best to charge the crowds checking us out. On our last set of the day, Michael got the notion to invite one of the guys from Billy Goat Gruff to play along with us. His nickname is Goose and he played a really cool handmade/created percussion/ drum/ fun machine, and between he and our drummer Jupiter, they created a completely fun pile driver punch to our songs...it was just too cool.
Even though the weather was drizzly, and sort of annoying, it still was a fun relaxing day with friends.
I wore my New York Yankees sweatshirt and was teased relentlessly by people in the crowd, because my bassist Ted had on his Detroit Tigers gear, so with whole notion of the playoffs between our 2 teams looming over us, the audience fell right in on Ted and I. It was great fun (even though my Yankees lost...[imagine my sad face here...]), and I even gave Ted an extra plug and acknowledgement to boost him up.
In all it was a lovely day, and one quick aside here, one of the reasons that I love doing this particular festival is that it gives the everyman a chance to smack a Coal Baron in the face, and take back some of the dignity that they tried to erase from this great state. Showing that you can you can make us work like dogs for next to nothing, but you can't take away our spirits...
So it's damn well in Bramwell.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Bramwell is a town once inhabited by the Barons of Coal ( for the unfamiliar, coal to West Virginia is like sports to America, an occupation and an obsession). I use the phrases occupation and obsession because like sports many people aspire to it, and equally as many people are obsessed by it, but in truth only a scant few become wealthy as a result of it. The people who sign the checks of the workers of the sport, and similarly the workers of coal are the truly wealthy ones.
Anyway you get the picture...
Well, every year around this time Bramwell plays host to a beerfest of fairly epic proportions. The organizers hire several bands, and several solo performers. On the porches,lawns and yards of all of these unbelievably magnificent homes, they place all of the performers and one after another have us play our music. It's actually really cool how they coordinate it all.
We shared a bill with a band called Billy Goat Gruff ( a jug band of sort...). They would do a set of about 45 minutes, then we would do a set of the same length, and so on.
It's not at all complicated, very laid back, and just a whole lot of fun for everybody.People walk all around town checking out all of these million dollar plus homes, listening to and enjoying all of the music being offered. It's family friendly, and music ready.
We had a ball playing, and as always I did my best to charge the crowds checking us out. On our last set of the day, Michael got the notion to invite one of the guys from Billy Goat Gruff to play along with us. His nickname is Goose and he played a really cool handmade/created percussion/ drum/ fun machine, and between he and our drummer Jupiter, they created a completely fun pile driver punch to our songs...it was just too cool.
Even though the weather was drizzly, and sort of annoying, it still was a fun relaxing day with friends.
I wore my New York Yankees sweatshirt and was teased relentlessly by people in the crowd, because my bassist Ted had on his Detroit Tigers gear, so with whole notion of the playoffs between our 2 teams looming over us, the audience fell right in on Ted and I. It was great fun (even though my Yankees lost...[imagine my sad face here...]), and I even gave Ted an extra plug and acknowledgement to boost him up.
In all it was a lovely day, and one quick aside here, one of the reasons that I love doing this particular festival is that it gives the everyman a chance to smack a Coal Baron in the face, and take back some of the dignity that they tried to erase from this great state. Showing that you can you can make us work like dogs for next to nothing, but you can't take away our spirits...
So it's damn well in Bramwell.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Harry and Barbara, music in love, love and music.
The scene: the 50th loving Anniversary of Harry and Barbara Hunter.
It was a celebration of true love, it was a celebration filled with lots of music, and fun.
Our Carpenter Ants substitute guitarist Bill Hunter asked us to perform for his parents celebration which we were more than happy to do.
You see Bill for us is more than our friend, he is a brother of note to us, meaning that generally if Michael Lipton (our lead guitarist and bandleader) can't make a gig, Bill is our first line of defense.
You also need to understand that Bill is one of the nicest people you EVER want ot meet on this Earth, so doing anything for him is a labor of love.
Anyway, before we got up to play, we, and his entire family, and family of friends ate dinner together, and everyone made us feel extremely welcome and warm.
Next, Bill's sister Cheryl got up and got the tributes going, and when I tell you that these 2 people are truly loved by everyone, that is only giving you a faint picture.
People told stories of their lifelong friendship and love for this amazing couple, and I realized how much that we love Bill, and why. His Mother and Father, his Uncles and Aunt Sue, his sister Cheryl just exude love. Theirs is a life filled with spirituality, and wonder, and it comes through in every way.
After all of the tributes, Bill and his family got up and did some serious gospel music and filled the room with the spirit, which was the perfect setup for the Carpenter Ants.
I think that this was one of the first times that Bill's family got to see him play for real, in a serious situation with his peers, and we served him up well...he played his butt off ( like he always does with us !)
Little Dakota ( I'm not certain how he is related to the family), was the inspector, as he was everywhere checking things out. He became my foil, and just made me laugh all evening long, but he lovingly approved of the music, as he danced all over the place.
Harry Hunter really capped off my evening by telling us about his marriage to this wonderful woman. He said that "many people today just have a wedding, but we have a marriage." That statement defined the day for me, and even though it rained like the dickens, the sunshine of love poured through, because in Harry and Barbara Hunter there is music in love, and love and music. God bless you both, as you have blessed all of us.
This post is dedicated to the whole Hunter clan, thank you for making us a part of a wonderful celebration, and for giving us Bill.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
It was a celebration of true love, it was a celebration filled with lots of music, and fun.
Our Carpenter Ants substitute guitarist Bill Hunter asked us to perform for his parents celebration which we were more than happy to do.
You see Bill for us is more than our friend, he is a brother of note to us, meaning that generally if Michael Lipton (our lead guitarist and bandleader) can't make a gig, Bill is our first line of defense.
You also need to understand that Bill is one of the nicest people you EVER want ot meet on this Earth, so doing anything for him is a labor of love.
Anyway, before we got up to play, we, and his entire family, and family of friends ate dinner together, and everyone made us feel extremely welcome and warm.
Next, Bill's sister Cheryl got up and got the tributes going, and when I tell you that these 2 people are truly loved by everyone, that is only giving you a faint picture.
People told stories of their lifelong friendship and love for this amazing couple, and I realized how much that we love Bill, and why. His Mother and Father, his Uncles and Aunt Sue, his sister Cheryl just exude love. Theirs is a life filled with spirituality, and wonder, and it comes through in every way.
After all of the tributes, Bill and his family got up and did some serious gospel music and filled the room with the spirit, which was the perfect setup for the Carpenter Ants.
I think that this was one of the first times that Bill's family got to see him play for real, in a serious situation with his peers, and we served him up well...he played his butt off ( like he always does with us !)
Little Dakota ( I'm not certain how he is related to the family), was the inspector, as he was everywhere checking things out. He became my foil, and just made me laugh all evening long, but he lovingly approved of the music, as he danced all over the place.
Harry Hunter really capped off my evening by telling us about his marriage to this wonderful woman. He said that "many people today just have a wedding, but we have a marriage." That statement defined the day for me, and even though it rained like the dickens, the sunshine of love poured through, because in Harry and Barbara Hunter there is music in love, and love and music. God bless you both, as you have blessed all of us.
This post is dedicated to the whole Hunter clan, thank you for making us a part of a wonderful celebration, and for giving us Bill.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Seize Your Day, with Stars In Your Eyes...
You all know that periodically I like to tell you about other bloggers, and folks whom I think are just plain interesting, and have you check them out to help you expand your world... so to speak.
Well I'm happy to tell you about 2 people that I've met and whose blogs I read on a regular basis.
The really cool thing this time is that these 2 folks relate in many ways, primarily through art and science...and they don't even know each other. How cool is that ?
First up is Anathema Device, and her site is: CARPE YOU SOME DIEM ! Her site is mainly about her work as an artist, and art teacher here in the Charleston area.
Even if you only understand art a little bit, then this is a site worth seeing. A.D. is a tremendous artist (in my humble opinion...), I've just gotten very taken by her work.
One of my first times checking out her work, she did a painting of the Statue of Liberty that just knocked me off my feet. Anathema is unbelievably creative; her use of color and technique will delight your soul, and lift your spirit.
Next, you can reach for the stars by clicking on to: QUASAR9 written and maintained by Q, his site is a science wonder. If you're into star gazing and looking at the universe in amazement, here is the place to be.
As a Muslim, I have always been in awe of the world that Allah (God) created, and I'm often fascinated by the people that HE has sent to my life.
With Q, his thoughts and words about the world beyond Earth are worth the price of admission to any planetarium, or observatory. For me his site is equally fascinating, and again even if you're a little inquisative about the world around you and the stars that make up our universe, then check him out.
In all, if you want to make you day, seize your day,with stars in your eyes, Anathema and Q will rock your world. And don't forget to...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always. It too is artsy and scientific !
Well I'm happy to tell you about 2 people that I've met and whose blogs I read on a regular basis.
The really cool thing this time is that these 2 folks relate in many ways, primarily through art and science...and they don't even know each other. How cool is that ?
First up is Anathema Device, and her site is: CARPE YOU SOME DIEM ! Her site is mainly about her work as an artist, and art teacher here in the Charleston area.
Even if you only understand art a little bit, then this is a site worth seeing. A.D. is a tremendous artist (in my humble opinion...), I've just gotten very taken by her work.
One of my first times checking out her work, she did a painting of the Statue of Liberty that just knocked me off my feet. Anathema is unbelievably creative; her use of color and technique will delight your soul, and lift your spirit.
Next, you can reach for the stars by clicking on to: QUASAR9 written and maintained by Q, his site is a science wonder. If you're into star gazing and looking at the universe in amazement, here is the place to be.
As a Muslim, I have always been in awe of the world that Allah (God) created, and I'm often fascinated by the people that HE has sent to my life.
With Q, his thoughts and words about the world beyond Earth are worth the price of admission to any planetarium, or observatory. For me his site is equally fascinating, and again even if you're a little inquisative about the world around you and the stars that make up our universe, then check him out.
In all, if you want to make you day, seize your day,with stars in your eyes, Anathema and Q will rock your world. And don't forget to...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always. It too is artsy and scientific !
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Who Let the Cat Out of the Bag ?
It was Saturday night, it was the Empty Glass, it was intimate and exciting, then the top exploded and the groove was on.
In and e-mail that I sent out earlier in the week, I invited everyone to a night of great music and lots of fun. In the subject area I asked (or stated...), that REM, Hootie and the Blowfish, and The Carpenter Ants all had a commom denominator. That denominator is Don Dixon.
Don, I explained is a producer, bassist, singer and songerwriter extraordinaire. I also explained that he is responsible for getting and giving all of us a kick start in the music industry.
Well I just want you to know, that if you weren't in attendance, that you truly missed out on some great music, and just a wonderful time.
Dixon is one of those musicians that comes along only far too infrequently in our lives...just a wealth of talent.
He started off the evening doing some solo works from his new CD " The Entire Combustible World In One Small Room," and let me tell you, these songs are not for the bubble gum pop crowd, or the metal or jazz heads, this music is for folks who like their music with some serious thought provoking grooves.
First of all, doing his music with a band is challenging enough, Don strings together his songs like the best Swiss watch; even the tiniest piece makes it run smoothly, and when you wear it, it looks good on you. I'm saying all that to say that his music makes for the perfect end of a football Saturday.
To me, at first, it seemed like the evening was sort of lumbering along, but then we (The Carpenter Ants) hit the stage, and Don leans over to me and said " Charlie, get the crowd going, get 'em up," and truthfully, it threw me for just a moment. I then realized that Don deliberately made this evening spectacular, by slowing down the pace of the vibe (follow me here...).
What he did was build up a momentum that was capped off by all of us playing together. It was like standing directly in front of someone and looking at their head, you don't really have an appreciation of their haircut until you step back and look at the fine details...man it was beautiful.
I learned a valuable lesson in music about how to really draw in a crowd, and make them pay attention. I noticed that as the night progressed, there was little talking throughout the room, lots of head shaking, and toe tapping, and swaying with the music.
By the end of the night, we had the crowd fixated on us, and many of them were in the same disbelief that I was, damn, it's over. We did 3 and half hours of music, and I never sweat so much in my life. It was freaking, INCREDIBLE.
On the way home, my Vickie said to me Don is amazing isn't he ? Today, I checked my e-mail, and got 4 e-mails from people who were there, and my friend Amy couldn't stop talking about how great the night was . She said that it was as laid back as you can get and still be on the planet.
One of Don's song asks, who let the cat out of the bag ? I think that I now know the answer:
Ladies and gentlemen, it's Don Dixon.
I'm really sorry if you all couldn't be here with us, because it was a truly amazing night, but just think, WOW, there will be a next time. All you have to remember is...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
This post is dedicated to Don Dixon, thank you for always believing in us, and making us believe in ourselves.
In and e-mail that I sent out earlier in the week, I invited everyone to a night of great music and lots of fun. In the subject area I asked (or stated...), that REM, Hootie and the Blowfish, and The Carpenter Ants all had a commom denominator. That denominator is Don Dixon.
Don, I explained is a producer, bassist, singer and songerwriter extraordinaire. I also explained that he is responsible for getting and giving all of us a kick start in the music industry.
Well I just want you to know, that if you weren't in attendance, that you truly missed out on some great music, and just a wonderful time.
Dixon is one of those musicians that comes along only far too infrequently in our lives...just a wealth of talent.
He started off the evening doing some solo works from his new CD " The Entire Combustible World In One Small Room," and let me tell you, these songs are not for the bubble gum pop crowd, or the metal or jazz heads, this music is for folks who like their music with some serious thought provoking grooves.
First of all, doing his music with a band is challenging enough, Don strings together his songs like the best Swiss watch; even the tiniest piece makes it run smoothly, and when you wear it, it looks good on you. I'm saying all that to say that his music makes for the perfect end of a football Saturday.
To me, at first, it seemed like the evening was sort of lumbering along, but then we (The Carpenter Ants) hit the stage, and Don leans over to me and said " Charlie, get the crowd going, get 'em up," and truthfully, it threw me for just a moment. I then realized that Don deliberately made this evening spectacular, by slowing down the pace of the vibe (follow me here...).
What he did was build up a momentum that was capped off by all of us playing together. It was like standing directly in front of someone and looking at their head, you don't really have an appreciation of their haircut until you step back and look at the fine details...man it was beautiful.
I learned a valuable lesson in music about how to really draw in a crowd, and make them pay attention. I noticed that as the night progressed, there was little talking throughout the room, lots of head shaking, and toe tapping, and swaying with the music.
By the end of the night, we had the crowd fixated on us, and many of them were in the same disbelief that I was, damn, it's over. We did 3 and half hours of music, and I never sweat so much in my life. It was freaking, INCREDIBLE.
On the way home, my Vickie said to me Don is amazing isn't he ? Today, I checked my e-mail, and got 4 e-mails from people who were there, and my friend Amy couldn't stop talking about how great the night was . She said that it was as laid back as you can get and still be on the planet.
One of Don's song asks, who let the cat out of the bag ? I think that I now know the answer:
Ladies and gentlemen, it's Don Dixon.
I'm really sorry if you all couldn't be here with us, because it was a truly amazing night, but just think, WOW, there will be a next time. All you have to remember is...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
This post is dedicated to Don Dixon, thank you for always believing in us, and making us believe in ourselves.
Harlem and The Bronx (the making of Charlie Tee) #5
In this post, I'm gonna tell you about the meaning of my family to me, and how it fuels my desire to be in music...and in life.
I'll also tell you why I'm so "hell bent"on striving toward my goals.
I've often said how lucky I feel to have had the family that I had.
In today's world where more often than not, there seem to be so many absentee Fathers, so many angry Mothers, and more than our share of siblings who grow up in so much confusion, that it's a wonder that they haven't completely wiped themselves off the map, that talking positively about one's family seems like finding a needle in a haystack.
Let me say at the onset of this post, that I am now, and have always been extremely proud of my family. We are a family of winners, even though trial and error seem to be the way that we win...in that we had to go through life for some bit to find that winning spirit in each of us.
My Dad was at once brilliant, kind, sensitive, eloquent, and strong. When he believed in something, he was not afraid to voice his opinion on it.
My Mom,was unbelievably brilliant, and like many Mothers she seemed to have a 6th sense about her family, but she came to that sense through some real trials that gave it shape.
My Sister Caroleigh, was to me, the smartest person I've ever known, and the most profound. Her trials were to come later in life, but she sensed it early on, and prepared, then meeting those challenges head on.
My parent's and my sister's love for me knew no end, and they made me know that, every single day.
My Sister and I were born 6 years and 3 days apart from each other ( she was born January 25th, and I was born on January 22nd). I've always felt that there was something significant about that, as we had so much in common aside from being Carmen and James' children.
Caroleigh was a gifted musician and singer, and whenever she did either of those things, she could hold my attention for hours on end.
It always disturbed me that Caroleigh never wanted to pursue a career in music, but in the end it turned out that she had a different life calling.It turned out that she wanted to, and became a lawyer. Years later, I found out that one of her reasons for switching careers so to speak, was that she was shy, and was not into putting up with some of the foolishness that you have to go through in the music business. She also felt that I would do better in music in the long run, because as she told me once, I had the better temperment for it. In other words, I could put up with people's bullsh** much better than she would, so she decided that she would be the lawyer to represent me.
In the Tuitt house, rarely was there a day in which no music could be heard. Music flowed constantly; all kinds of music.
I attribute my love for many diverse styles to the fact that we just absorbed so much music in my house.We even loved music in TV commercials. It would be hilarious sometimes hearing us singing stuff like "new Ajax, laundry detergent is stronger than dirt," and creating harmonies from them.
All of that love of music would serve me much throughout my life. It came in handy that I was able to read music, and that I was able to improvise.
One of the things involving my music that I am most grateful for is that my parents took me to see all kinds of music being played, from Count Basie jazz to Beverly Sills opera, and everything in between.
They felt like, if you're going to be in this business, you'd better learn as much about it as possible.
All of this entailed alot of time on the part of my parents, but they never complained, never acted as if it were an inconvenience. My Mom even told me that it benefitted her as well, she got to see how the other half lives.
One of my gifts as a musician, is my ability to remember songs. I often have to laugh because my bandmates are always astounded by the fact that I can remember so many songs, the key and the tempos.
From that standpoint I'll tell you that all of these things are attributed to my family...simply stated, they loved music so much that it is etched in me deeply, because hearing my Sister and I play, and sing brought them great joy.So in turn wanting to please them we just became our own copier machines.
The reasons today that being in the music business means so much to me, is that deep down inside my parents, it was a dream that they both had but had to give up. My Mom wanted to be an actress, and had she not been a Black woman from Harlem in the 30's and 40's, she just might have become one. My Dad was a great guitar player, but felt that being Black could be a hindrance, especially during that time.
Even though their reality was hard, as our parents, they never, ever told us not to strive for what we wanted...whatever it is.
They also told us that we would have to work doggedly hard at getting what we wanted, because nothing would be handed to us...a lesson that I've had to learn the hard way.
Getting in the music business is not necessarily as difficult as one may think, but there is a fair amount of diligence, and resilience that is needed.
One must be diligent by associating with people who are liked minded, and willing to go the extra mile to make their desire come about...in short we have to become students in our quest to the top, learning along the way the things we need to improve our luck...and our chances.
One must be resilient, by knowing that sometimes even though it seems like a novel idea, you can't push a string forward, you have to lead it where you want to go. That for some is the most bitter pill to swallow, because even though we do at times, no one wants to just spin their wheels.
My family drummed that into my head constantly, and although many times in my life I let people stand in my way, I still kept striving, and I haven't given up on my dream.
My parents, and my sister have all passed away, and at times, it's been so hard for me to be without them, but I'm so fortunate because I had their love, and I have their spirit.
Their spirit in me, and the memory of all the things that they've said to me in my life to drive my spirit is indefatigable.
More than anything, their spirit lives on in me and along with Allah (God), their love rightly guides me. I hope that I can pay it forward...ALWAYS.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
I'll also tell you why I'm so "hell bent"on striving toward my goals.
I've often said how lucky I feel to have had the family that I had.
In today's world where more often than not, there seem to be so many absentee Fathers, so many angry Mothers, and more than our share of siblings who grow up in so much confusion, that it's a wonder that they haven't completely wiped themselves off the map, that talking positively about one's family seems like finding a needle in a haystack.
Let me say at the onset of this post, that I am now, and have always been extremely proud of my family. We are a family of winners, even though trial and error seem to be the way that we win...in that we had to go through life for some bit to find that winning spirit in each of us.
My Dad was at once brilliant, kind, sensitive, eloquent, and strong. When he believed in something, he was not afraid to voice his opinion on it.
My Mom,was unbelievably brilliant, and like many Mothers she seemed to have a 6th sense about her family, but she came to that sense through some real trials that gave it shape.
My Sister Caroleigh, was to me, the smartest person I've ever known, and the most profound. Her trials were to come later in life, but she sensed it early on, and prepared, then meeting those challenges head on.
My parent's and my sister's love for me knew no end, and they made me know that, every single day.
My Sister and I were born 6 years and 3 days apart from each other ( she was born January 25th, and I was born on January 22nd). I've always felt that there was something significant about that, as we had so much in common aside from being Carmen and James' children.
Caroleigh was a gifted musician and singer, and whenever she did either of those things, she could hold my attention for hours on end.
It always disturbed me that Caroleigh never wanted to pursue a career in music, but in the end it turned out that she had a different life calling.It turned out that she wanted to, and became a lawyer. Years later, I found out that one of her reasons for switching careers so to speak, was that she was shy, and was not into putting up with some of the foolishness that you have to go through in the music business. She also felt that I would do better in music in the long run, because as she told me once, I had the better temperment for it. In other words, I could put up with people's bullsh** much better than she would, so she decided that she would be the lawyer to represent me.
In the Tuitt house, rarely was there a day in which no music could be heard. Music flowed constantly; all kinds of music.
I attribute my love for many diverse styles to the fact that we just absorbed so much music in my house.We even loved music in TV commercials. It would be hilarious sometimes hearing us singing stuff like "new Ajax, laundry detergent is stronger than dirt," and creating harmonies from them.
All of that love of music would serve me much throughout my life. It came in handy that I was able to read music, and that I was able to improvise.
One of the things involving my music that I am most grateful for is that my parents took me to see all kinds of music being played, from Count Basie jazz to Beverly Sills opera, and everything in between.
They felt like, if you're going to be in this business, you'd better learn as much about it as possible.
All of this entailed alot of time on the part of my parents, but they never complained, never acted as if it were an inconvenience. My Mom even told me that it benefitted her as well, she got to see how the other half lives.
One of my gifts as a musician, is my ability to remember songs. I often have to laugh because my bandmates are always astounded by the fact that I can remember so many songs, the key and the tempos.
From that standpoint I'll tell you that all of these things are attributed to my family...simply stated, they loved music so much that it is etched in me deeply, because hearing my Sister and I play, and sing brought them great joy.So in turn wanting to please them we just became our own copier machines.
The reasons today that being in the music business means so much to me, is that deep down inside my parents, it was a dream that they both had but had to give up. My Mom wanted to be an actress, and had she not been a Black woman from Harlem in the 30's and 40's, she just might have become one. My Dad was a great guitar player, but felt that being Black could be a hindrance, especially during that time.
Even though their reality was hard, as our parents, they never, ever told us not to strive for what we wanted...whatever it is.
They also told us that we would have to work doggedly hard at getting what we wanted, because nothing would be handed to us...a lesson that I've had to learn the hard way.
Getting in the music business is not necessarily as difficult as one may think, but there is a fair amount of diligence, and resilience that is needed.
One must be diligent by associating with people who are liked minded, and willing to go the extra mile to make their desire come about...in short we have to become students in our quest to the top, learning along the way the things we need to improve our luck...and our chances.
One must be resilient, by knowing that sometimes even though it seems like a novel idea, you can't push a string forward, you have to lead it where you want to go. That for some is the most bitter pill to swallow, because even though we do at times, no one wants to just spin their wheels.
My family drummed that into my head constantly, and although many times in my life I let people stand in my way, I still kept striving, and I haven't given up on my dream.
My parents, and my sister have all passed away, and at times, it's been so hard for me to be without them, but I'm so fortunate because I had their love, and I have their spirit.
Their spirit in me, and the memory of all the things that they've said to me in my life to drive my spirit is indefatigable.
More than anything, their spirit lives on in me and along with Allah (God), their love rightly guides me. I hope that I can pay it forward...ALWAYS.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Don't Forget To Dream.
If it's so easy to face life and think that you'll never get anywhere, then how come so many of us are well into our years and still not anywhere close to where we want to be?
I think that the answer truly lies within us if we would just do one simple thing: don't forget to dream.
I mean don't just sit in bed and think about our dreams, but really take stock in them, and try to understand their message.
Dreams are like our inner PDA's that remind us that we are somebody (...thanks to Rev. Jesse Jackson for that phrase !!).
Sure it's easy to overlook dreams as just a thing that passes in the night, and yes, dreams are a cheap road to glory, but if you understand, I mean truly understand all that dreams can offer in their truest essence, we would listen much more closely, because we'd realize that that is Allah (God) sending us a divine message, or more importantly, a road map with distinct directions to ourselves.
So many of us let fools stand in our way (fill in your own blanks here______), and short circuit what Allah has laid out for us. We get sidetracked with nonsense, instead of using our good sense and packing our spiritual bags. All we end up doing is being stuck, and further complaining that no one will listen to you.
For me, my dream has always been to play music for the masses, and little by little I'm starting to awaken to myself and realizing that I can in fact achieve my dreams, and I'm working harder at them.
So as you lull off to sleep tonight, start to think about what it is that makes you whole in your life, what will give you true fulfillment, close your eyes now, and whatever you do...don't forget to dream.
Sleep well...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
I think that the answer truly lies within us if we would just do one simple thing: don't forget to dream.
I mean don't just sit in bed and think about our dreams, but really take stock in them, and try to understand their message.
Dreams are like our inner PDA's that remind us that we are somebody (...thanks to Rev. Jesse Jackson for that phrase !!).
Sure it's easy to overlook dreams as just a thing that passes in the night, and yes, dreams are a cheap road to glory, but if you understand, I mean truly understand all that dreams can offer in their truest essence, we would listen much more closely, because we'd realize that that is Allah (God) sending us a divine message, or more importantly, a road map with distinct directions to ourselves.
So many of us let fools stand in our way (fill in your own blanks here______), and short circuit what Allah has laid out for us. We get sidetracked with nonsense, instead of using our good sense and packing our spiritual bags. All we end up doing is being stuck, and further complaining that no one will listen to you.
For me, my dream has always been to play music for the masses, and little by little I'm starting to awaken to myself and realizing that I can in fact achieve my dreams, and I'm working harder at them.
So as you lull off to sleep tonight, start to think about what it is that makes you whole in your life, what will give you true fulfillment, close your eyes now, and whatever you do...don't forget to dream.
Sleep well...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Musician's Etiquette
As with many things,music can sometimes get so deeply into your soul that you feel compelled to dance, or move. Sometimes the spirit moves you so much that you could jump right up on stage and start grooving with the musicians doing their job.
Well unfortunately, I have seen that aspect happen once too often, and I decided maybe I should tackle this subject a little...since in reality, it's sort of a sore spot for some musicians.
In a nightclub setting, the musicians are there for one purpose, to excite a crowd into feeling their music which in turn hopefully earns them fans, and/or fame (and all that goes with it...).
Many times there are other musicians in the audience who as fans or spectators can feel the music just like the audience members, and they get the notion to jump up on stage and join in.
I hate to be the one to break this to you...but it's not cool to do that !!
Quantifying my statement here, I need you to understand that mostly all musicians share the same dream...to make it big in this business. The thing that makes jumping up on stage a bad thing is that in fact it is better to be invited up by the musicians on stage, because it shows a respect for their show for one thing and a respect for them as artists.
There are so many musicians who I truly admire, and their music really moves me, but unless I'm invited to the stage I sit in the audience and just try to learn from them, go home after my experience and practice on my own, their music.
I always have to try and realize that so many musicians want to be with great bands that oftentimes they will do almost anything to be a part of it.
Buying drinks for certain band members (or the band...), trying to hang around them etc.Well, the reality is that some of you (myself included) need to work on being better musicians and making your presentations in your own situations viable enough to get you noticed by everyone. This in turn will hopefully lead you to getting the notice from other musicians who will then invite you happily to their stage.
It's just a bit of musician's etiquette, but it makes your desire to be in the business a more palpable one, because you're taking time to 1.make yourself a more effective musician, and 2.shows that you have some true integrity as a musician...being patient will garner you more recogniton.
Just remember the old addage...if you want to capture someone's attention, whisper.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Well unfortunately, I have seen that aspect happen once too often, and I decided maybe I should tackle this subject a little...since in reality, it's sort of a sore spot for some musicians.
In a nightclub setting, the musicians are there for one purpose, to excite a crowd into feeling their music which in turn hopefully earns them fans, and/or fame (and all that goes with it...).
Many times there are other musicians in the audience who as fans or spectators can feel the music just like the audience members, and they get the notion to jump up on stage and join in.
I hate to be the one to break this to you...but it's not cool to do that !!
Quantifying my statement here, I need you to understand that mostly all musicians share the same dream...to make it big in this business. The thing that makes jumping up on stage a bad thing is that in fact it is better to be invited up by the musicians on stage, because it shows a respect for their show for one thing and a respect for them as artists.
There are so many musicians who I truly admire, and their music really moves me, but unless I'm invited to the stage I sit in the audience and just try to learn from them, go home after my experience and practice on my own, their music.
I always have to try and realize that so many musicians want to be with great bands that oftentimes they will do almost anything to be a part of it.
Buying drinks for certain band members (or the band...), trying to hang around them etc.Well, the reality is that some of you (myself included) need to work on being better musicians and making your presentations in your own situations viable enough to get you noticed by everyone. This in turn will hopefully lead you to getting the notice from other musicians who will then invite you happily to their stage.
It's just a bit of musician's etiquette, but it makes your desire to be in the business a more palpable one, because you're taking time to 1.make yourself a more effective musician, and 2.shows that you have some true integrity as a musician...being patient will garner you more recogniton.
Just remember the old addage...if you want to capture someone's attention, whisper.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Monday, July 24, 2006
The Seventh Inning Stretch...
I love my Yankees with all my heart, and I have a particular soft spot right now for Alex Rodriguez. He is struggling to be the kind of player that he knows deep down inside he is, but like many people, sometimes it just ain't in the cards.
As Frank Sinatra said in the great song " Thats Life," you're ridin' high in April, shot down in May. In New York that statement can be a brutal reality for anyone, but fans there can be relentless, and that's a double edged sword.They're either screamng at you, when you're doing your best, or they're screaming at you when doing your worst...I don't care how thick your skin is, it's gotta hurt somewhat.
I wanted to offer A-Rod some friendly advice from a Carpenter Ant...
No matter what, keep your head up. It's difficult enough to do what you do, and like it or not, you can't answer to, nor please everyone.
But, don't worry, because tomorrow is another day, and as long as you believe it, you got another chance to bring your own magic back...and at least one of your fans knows that you will.
As I've said in many of these posts, good, bad or indifferent, I am with you, and the team no matter what. I love it when you win, but I cherish you even more when you lose.
In music, I've had many a bad night over the years; argued with some drunk, gotten asked to play Freebird just one too many times, heck, I even got compared to Al Roker once, for God sakes, it can be downright frustrating, but something in me just keeps going on...it's my true love for what I do, and that gets me outta bed the next morning.
Remember A-Rod, life is about the seventh inning stretch, and tomorrow you'll have another chance, at least in my eyes, to come out of your "slump," and whether you do or not, I am proud that you are a New York Yankee, and I want to thank for making baseball exciting for this musician, who is away from the Bronx, and missing it.
This post is dedicated to Alex Rodriguez, and to all the musicians out there who are trying their best to make it to the next base.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and stand by your favorite players no matter what.
As Frank Sinatra said in the great song " Thats Life," you're ridin' high in April, shot down in May. In New York that statement can be a brutal reality for anyone, but fans there can be relentless, and that's a double edged sword.They're either screamng at you, when you're doing your best, or they're screaming at you when doing your worst...I don't care how thick your skin is, it's gotta hurt somewhat.
I wanted to offer A-Rod some friendly advice from a Carpenter Ant...
No matter what, keep your head up. It's difficult enough to do what you do, and like it or not, you can't answer to, nor please everyone.
But, don't worry, because tomorrow is another day, and as long as you believe it, you got another chance to bring your own magic back...and at least one of your fans knows that you will.
As I've said in many of these posts, good, bad or indifferent, I am with you, and the team no matter what. I love it when you win, but I cherish you even more when you lose.
In music, I've had many a bad night over the years; argued with some drunk, gotten asked to play Freebird just one too many times, heck, I even got compared to Al Roker once, for God sakes, it can be downright frustrating, but something in me just keeps going on...it's my true love for what I do, and that gets me outta bed the next morning.
Remember A-Rod, life is about the seventh inning stretch, and tomorrow you'll have another chance, at least in my eyes, to come out of your "slump," and whether you do or not, I am proud that you are a New York Yankee, and I want to thank for making baseball exciting for this musician, who is away from the Bronx, and missing it.
This post is dedicated to Alex Rodriguez, and to all the musicians out there who are trying their best to make it to the next base.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and stand by your favorite players no matter what.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
For What Its Worth
It's about 2am, and I'm wide awake listening to the most soothing music of some people that I really admire, including the Carpenter Ants, the Spurgie Hankins band, and David Sanborn.
I'm at such a wonderful place in my life, and I wanted to tell you how much being a musician means to me.
Being a musician has given me the means to express myself, good, bad, or indifferent through song . It has allowed me to form lifelong friendships that I might not have had otherwise.
One of the reasons for that, is that I moved around quite a bit when I was younger.We lived in the North Bronx, the South Bronx, then I went to High school in Virginia.
I made friends in all of these places, but moving made it hard to maintain them.
The one thing through all of this though has been my music; as mostly everyone that I played with over the years kept in touch, and they still do. The people that I know and love here in the Charleston area are at my fingertips, and for me that is a good feeling.The people that I knew in New York and Virginia call or e-mail to see how I'm doing, and that too makes me feel good.
I know this cliche' is used alot by people, but I really do feel blessed. I think that Allah (God) has blessed me abundantly with the gift of friendship, and the gift of music.
For what its worth, I wish that everyone in the world could feel what I'm feeling right now...contentment. If we could all put on some music right now, sit back and just relax, I truly think that we would all be much more open to listening to each other.
If we could go out and catch some live music, and dance and have good time,we might just forget about trying to fight each other, and just turn to each other with love.
My little grandson called me earlier tonight and told me that he was afraid of what's going on in the world.He's afraid of the bombs, and the noise.He worries himself sick about kids his age living in the threat of war, and standing in the shadows of poverty and hunger...how the heck could I reassure him? The only thing that I could think to say to my baby boy was to turn off the TV and put on some music, and try your best not to think about it all...he did.
He called me awhile later and said "Papaw, I feel alot better, thank you."
It's all I know, but for what it's worth I do know that music, if we let it, can make us all slow down and be sane.
So for what it's worth to you, turn it on, or check it out, and let it take you elsewhere... THERE, DON'TCHA FEEL BETTER ALREADY ?
Support Live Music today tomorrow and always
I'm at such a wonderful place in my life, and I wanted to tell you how much being a musician means to me.
Being a musician has given me the means to express myself, good, bad, or indifferent through song . It has allowed me to form lifelong friendships that I might not have had otherwise.
One of the reasons for that, is that I moved around quite a bit when I was younger.We lived in the North Bronx, the South Bronx, then I went to High school in Virginia.
I made friends in all of these places, but moving made it hard to maintain them.
The one thing through all of this though has been my music; as mostly everyone that I played with over the years kept in touch, and they still do. The people that I know and love here in the Charleston area are at my fingertips, and for me that is a good feeling.The people that I knew in New York and Virginia call or e-mail to see how I'm doing, and that too makes me feel good.
I know this cliche' is used alot by people, but I really do feel blessed. I think that Allah (God) has blessed me abundantly with the gift of friendship, and the gift of music.
For what its worth, I wish that everyone in the world could feel what I'm feeling right now...contentment. If we could all put on some music right now, sit back and just relax, I truly think that we would all be much more open to listening to each other.
If we could go out and catch some live music, and dance and have good time,we might just forget about trying to fight each other, and just turn to each other with love.
My little grandson called me earlier tonight and told me that he was afraid of what's going on in the world.He's afraid of the bombs, and the noise.He worries himself sick about kids his age living in the threat of war, and standing in the shadows of poverty and hunger...how the heck could I reassure him? The only thing that I could think to say to my baby boy was to turn off the TV and put on some music, and try your best not to think about it all...he did.
He called me awhile later and said "Papaw, I feel alot better, thank you."
It's all I know, but for what it's worth I do know that music, if we let it, can make us all slow down and be sane.
So for what it's worth to you, turn it on, or check it out, and let it take you elsewhere... THERE, DON'TCHA FEEL BETTER ALREADY ?
Support Live Music today tomorrow and always
Monday, July 17, 2006
(That Nurse is ) Music to my Ears
I've always had a lot to be thankful for in my life, and for as long as I can remember, music has always been a part of that equation.
I've tried for many years to instill in my children that in order to fulfill their dreams they would have to work at them very hard.
That means that while pursuing your education, you had to work, while pursuing your dream, you had to work, and while pursuing your work, you had to work.
My daughter Kendra recently graduated from Nursing School, and while raising her 2 children, she worked, and she sacrificed, and she cried alot, spent an ungodly amount of time alone with her books, and at the library
but today it all paid off...
As of this evening at 8:30 pm, I am proud to say that my little girl was admitted to the ranks of the Nursing profession as she passed her licensing exam, and can now add RN to her name.
To say the very least, I am very proud of her, but more than anything else, I am happy (make that, overjoyed) for her, because as I said in an earlier posting, she will be able to create the life that she has long dreamed of...and believe me, she deserves it.
Kendra has always been special to me, she has a heart of gold, and I'm proud to say that she has been everything that her wonderful Mother would have dreamed as well.
My daughter has been the greatest song of my life, a melody like no other. That Nurse is music to my ears.
In a few weeks she will be leaving me to move to North Carolina to begin a new job in a hospital, and all I can say is that I hope that everyone there is ready, because the Oprah Winfrey of Nursing is about to arrive.
I won't sit here and tell you that I won't be sad to see her go, but I'm going to do my level best to be strong and not cry when she drives away.
I know that she is equally as nervous, but I also know that she, like me, is a pioneer, and she is not afraid of a challenge...and she will beat the challenge, and that too is music to my ears.
This post is dedicated with all my love to my baby girl, you did it...
Kendra Nicole Dunham (RN)
...Congratulations.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and should you get hurt in the process, I know a great Nurse who will patch you up.
I've tried for many years to instill in my children that in order to fulfill their dreams they would have to work at them very hard.
That means that while pursuing your education, you had to work, while pursuing your dream, you had to work, and while pursuing your work, you had to work.
My daughter Kendra recently graduated from Nursing School, and while raising her 2 children, she worked, and she sacrificed, and she cried alot, spent an ungodly amount of time alone with her books, and at the library
but today it all paid off...
As of this evening at 8:30 pm, I am proud to say that my little girl was admitted to the ranks of the Nursing profession as she passed her licensing exam, and can now add RN to her name.
To say the very least, I am very proud of her, but more than anything else, I am happy (make that, overjoyed) for her, because as I said in an earlier posting, she will be able to create the life that she has long dreamed of...and believe me, she deserves it.
Kendra has always been special to me, she has a heart of gold, and I'm proud to say that she has been everything that her wonderful Mother would have dreamed as well.
My daughter has been the greatest song of my life, a melody like no other. That Nurse is music to my ears.
In a few weeks she will be leaving me to move to North Carolina to begin a new job in a hospital, and all I can say is that I hope that everyone there is ready, because the Oprah Winfrey of Nursing is about to arrive.
I won't sit here and tell you that I won't be sad to see her go, but I'm going to do my level best to be strong and not cry when she drives away.
I know that she is equally as nervous, but I also know that she, like me, is a pioneer, and she is not afraid of a challenge...and she will beat the challenge, and that too is music to my ears.
This post is dedicated with all my love to my baby girl, you did it...
Kendra Nicole Dunham (RN)
...Congratulations.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and should you get hurt in the process, I know a great Nurse who will patch you up.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
American League Melody...
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a true blue New York Yankees fan (OK, maybe I'll go so far as to say fan-atic...). Simply put, the motion of a baseball game to me is like a great song.One that is filled with nuances, a hint of drama, and a surprise. It doesn't have to be in any paricular order, but I get it, and I love it.
I live for baseball season, and win lose or draw, I am with my Yankees through thick and thin. I don't know statistical info the way that I used to, but I enjoy the game anyway.
The only time that I am a New York Mets fan is when they are in the World Series against someone else (Subway Series...hint hint hint)
Beyond the scope of that, I am an American League supporter; the only time during the season that I break ranks officially with my Bronx Bombers, so you know that last night I was glued to the television watching that exciting All Star game.
Let me tell you it was a true nail biter until the very end...
I'm sure most of you have seen the paper today so you know that the American League won again 3-1.
Watching the game I noticed that all of the bigger baseball stars weren't the ones who got the job done, it was the "lesser," known players. Even Derek Jeter, my personal fav, struck out 3 times...I- yi yi !!!, made me nervous.
Anyway, I got to thinking about songs that I started out disliking for whatever reason, only to give it a thorough listening, and discovered that I really did like the song after all ( see what happens when you listen...).
I'm saying this because I want to point out that real masters of music put nuances in songs to draw you in, and if they use those nuances just right they end up with beautiful melodies.
In that game when the American League was truly down to the last out, the masters stepped up to the plate and changed the outcome of the game, then my Mariano Rivera (the best closer in baseball ) came in and got the save.The rest of course, is this year's history.
I used to like the National League many moons ago, until I went to my first Yankee game in 1962, now I sing an American League melody, and I'm here to stay.
No true story here, other than to say that if you're involved in music, take some time off to check out other things...it'll add more depth to your music.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and remember, baseball is music is baseball. Either way, catch it live.
I live for baseball season, and win lose or draw, I am with my Yankees through thick and thin. I don't know statistical info the way that I used to, but I enjoy the game anyway.
The only time that I am a New York Mets fan is when they are in the World Series against someone else (Subway Series...hint hint hint)
Beyond the scope of that, I am an American League supporter; the only time during the season that I break ranks officially with my Bronx Bombers, so you know that last night I was glued to the television watching that exciting All Star game.
Let me tell you it was a true nail biter until the very end...
I'm sure most of you have seen the paper today so you know that the American League won again 3-1.
Watching the game I noticed that all of the bigger baseball stars weren't the ones who got the job done, it was the "lesser," known players. Even Derek Jeter, my personal fav, struck out 3 times...I- yi yi !!!, made me nervous.
Anyway, I got to thinking about songs that I started out disliking for whatever reason, only to give it a thorough listening, and discovered that I really did like the song after all ( see what happens when you listen...).
I'm saying this because I want to point out that real masters of music put nuances in songs to draw you in, and if they use those nuances just right they end up with beautiful melodies.
In that game when the American League was truly down to the last out, the masters stepped up to the plate and changed the outcome of the game, then my Mariano Rivera (the best closer in baseball ) came in and got the save.The rest of course, is this year's history.
I used to like the National League many moons ago, until I went to my first Yankee game in 1962, now I sing an American League melody, and I'm here to stay.
No true story here, other than to say that if you're involved in music, take some time off to check out other things...it'll add more depth to your music.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and remember, baseball is music is baseball. Either way, catch it live.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Love Lives Forever.
I'm certain that one of the absolute hardest things for people to do is to bury a loved one, even when we know deep down inside that it's a fate that we all must face.
I watched today as my friend and co-worker Kim faced that inevitable and daunting task; she buried her Husband Steve.
When I was around 7 years old my maternal Grandfather passed away, leaving my family, especially my Mother, devastated. At the time I didn't quite understand the full realm of death, and its finality, I just knew that my Grandpa was not coming back.
Nearly 7 - 8 years later my other Grandfather died, only this time I was fairly prepared, although admittedly it was still hard.
In 1997 my Mother passed away, and it rocked my foundation, not just because she was gone, but because I wanted her to know that I was better prepared for the whole experience. The thing that got me through it were 2 simple words: be strong...these words were spoken to me by my Uncle, and at the point when he said it to me I really wanted to smack him, because what I wanted was to lay down and die myself, but something inside of me held me back.
What I came to learn is that love lives forever, and the relevance here is that I may not be able to see them in their physical form, but I feel them constantly, I can also hear their voices guiding me along my path of life, and I feel them giving me strength...2 years later, I would really need that strength as I buried my Sister. My Uncle again spoke the words be strong. This time the reason that it helped was that I found the thing inside of me that spurred me on...it was memory, and it was love.
Today as I watched Kim go through this very moving ritual, I heard her utter to Steve "that I don't know how I'll make it without you, but I'll find a way." I was never so proud to call this woman a friend, and I was glad that I came to pay my respects.
See, even in her hour of darkness she too found that love lives forever. She will have days when the life seems drained out of her, but she will weather it because she too came to realize as I did that she still has her family... and her family of friends.
Our arms are open wide to you Kim, be strong...be strong, and remember, love lives forever.
This post is dedicated to Steve Jay Ruby, may God bless his soul, and welcome him home.
Good night brother.
May God watch over Kim and her son Dustin, and always give them strength.
I watched today as my friend and co-worker Kim faced that inevitable and daunting task; she buried her Husband Steve.
When I was around 7 years old my maternal Grandfather passed away, leaving my family, especially my Mother, devastated. At the time I didn't quite understand the full realm of death, and its finality, I just knew that my Grandpa was not coming back.
Nearly 7 - 8 years later my other Grandfather died, only this time I was fairly prepared, although admittedly it was still hard.
In 1997 my Mother passed away, and it rocked my foundation, not just because she was gone, but because I wanted her to know that I was better prepared for the whole experience. The thing that got me through it were 2 simple words: be strong...these words were spoken to me by my Uncle, and at the point when he said it to me I really wanted to smack him, because what I wanted was to lay down and die myself, but something inside of me held me back.
What I came to learn is that love lives forever, and the relevance here is that I may not be able to see them in their physical form, but I feel them constantly, I can also hear their voices guiding me along my path of life, and I feel them giving me strength...2 years later, I would really need that strength as I buried my Sister. My Uncle again spoke the words be strong. This time the reason that it helped was that I found the thing inside of me that spurred me on...it was memory, and it was love.
Today as I watched Kim go through this very moving ritual, I heard her utter to Steve "that I don't know how I'll make it without you, but I'll find a way." I was never so proud to call this woman a friend, and I was glad that I came to pay my respects.
See, even in her hour of darkness she too found that love lives forever. She will have days when the life seems drained out of her, but she will weather it because she too came to realize as I did that she still has her family... and her family of friends.
Our arms are open wide to you Kim, be strong...be strong, and remember, love lives forever.
This post is dedicated to Steve Jay Ruby, may God bless his soul, and welcome him home.
Good night brother.
May God watch over Kim and her son Dustin, and always give them strength.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Words as Music
This is a post to honor my good friend, and sister, Sherry Pasquarello who is a poet, and fellow blogger; on the upcoming anniversary of her blog After The Bridge.
Sherry's work by her own account is ecclectic, and consists of a me'lange of things, but to me the way she looks at life is the same way that I see and hear music.
There are so many artists who paint vivid pictures to me of how they see life, and her words do the same, they paint vivid pictures showing many sides and slices of life.
When I read her words, many artists come to mind, but probably the most significant one is Elton John. Over the earlier years he and Bernie Taupin would collaborate and using Bernie's words, Elton would make some unforgettable music.
To my knowledge none of Sherry's words have been set to music, but on their own her words are as music. She has found that balance between our 2 worlds; rhythm and writing, harmony and texture, canvas and a paintbrush.
If you're reading my words here, please let me encourage you to visit this wonderful lady, and be moved as I am by her visions which double as words.Her words as music will excite you, and make you dance in the same way that I try to with the Carpenter Ants music, and my own music.
And as I'm fond of telling my wife, there is something in it for everyone, and although we don't always hit the mark, we keep trying. Sometimes we have to walk on many paths before we find the one that fits us, and I have found mine...happy anniversary Sherry, thank you for allowing us to share in your world. Thank you for being part of mine, and thank you most of all for your friendship.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always... and you'll find that some of the best music is poetic, and metaphoric.
Sherry's work by her own account is ecclectic, and consists of a me'lange of things, but to me the way she looks at life is the same way that I see and hear music.
There are so many artists who paint vivid pictures to me of how they see life, and her words do the same, they paint vivid pictures showing many sides and slices of life.
When I read her words, many artists come to mind, but probably the most significant one is Elton John. Over the earlier years he and Bernie Taupin would collaborate and using Bernie's words, Elton would make some unforgettable music.
To my knowledge none of Sherry's words have been set to music, but on their own her words are as music. She has found that balance between our 2 worlds; rhythm and writing, harmony and texture, canvas and a paintbrush.
If you're reading my words here, please let me encourage you to visit this wonderful lady, and be moved as I am by her visions which double as words.Her words as music will excite you, and make you dance in the same way that I try to with the Carpenter Ants music, and my own music.
And as I'm fond of telling my wife, there is something in it for everyone, and although we don't always hit the mark, we keep trying. Sometimes we have to walk on many paths before we find the one that fits us, and I have found mine...happy anniversary Sherry, thank you for allowing us to share in your world. Thank you for being part of mine, and thank you most of all for your friendship.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always... and you'll find that some of the best music is poetic, and metaphoric.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Bit by Bit
This weekend sees my full return to the stage, while still recovering from my illness. It's been a slow process, but I'm feeling better bit by bit. I'm even trying to be patient with myself (now that's a first...).
On Friday, the Carpenter Ants had gigs galore. We participated in Blues Brews and BBQ as part of the 2nd annual FestiVall (another rousing success for the city of Charleston). We were seen at the University of Charleston and at Haddad Riverfront Park. I survived both things, and by most accounts I did pretty well.
Saturday, we did our annual party for the Charleston Area Shag Society. We made alot of new fans/ friends, sold a boat load of CD's and even got to end earlier...it was a daytime gig. That gig is always a whole lot of fun.
Bit by bit I'm still holding up, and we haven't even gotten to Sunday yet, and that promises to be the icing on the cake.This Sunday will be my return to my beloved Empty Glass for our post Mountain Stage Jam.
Thoughout my ordeal with this illness you all have been here for me, keeping my spirits up with all of your calls, e-mails and wonderful comments. I'm not a Rock star, but you all have made me feel like one. I can't thank you enough for all of the encouragement.
Friendships and fans grow little by little; bands and singers labor hard to build their fan base, it takes lots of trial and error, and it takes open mindedness on the part of everyone, but when the love happens between us, it just gets better... bit by bit.
I hope that our love will last a lifetime.
This post is dedicated to the following...
Vickie Tuitt
Amy Bowe
Larry Groce, and the FestiVall commitee
The Carpenter Ants, and Steve Ferguson
John and Karen Fitzgerald
Kevin and Dee Twohig
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and save the last dance for me.
On Friday, the Carpenter Ants had gigs galore. We participated in Blues Brews and BBQ as part of the 2nd annual FestiVall (another rousing success for the city of Charleston). We were seen at the University of Charleston and at Haddad Riverfront Park. I survived both things, and by most accounts I did pretty well.
Saturday, we did our annual party for the Charleston Area Shag Society. We made alot of new fans/ friends, sold a boat load of CD's and even got to end earlier...it was a daytime gig. That gig is always a whole lot of fun.
Bit by bit I'm still holding up, and we haven't even gotten to Sunday yet, and that promises to be the icing on the cake.This Sunday will be my return to my beloved Empty Glass for our post Mountain Stage Jam.
Thoughout my ordeal with this illness you all have been here for me, keeping my spirits up with all of your calls, e-mails and wonderful comments. I'm not a Rock star, but you all have made me feel like one. I can't thank you enough for all of the encouragement.
Friendships and fans grow little by little; bands and singers labor hard to build their fan base, it takes lots of trial and error, and it takes open mindedness on the part of everyone, but when the love happens between us, it just gets better... bit by bit.
I hope that our love will last a lifetime.
This post is dedicated to the following...
Vickie Tuitt
Amy Bowe
Larry Groce, and the FestiVall commitee
The Carpenter Ants, and Steve Ferguson
John and Karen Fitzgerald
Kevin and Dee Twohig
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and save the last dance for me.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Old, New, Borrowed and the Blues...
Don't let the title fool ya...
I want to tell you about 2 new sites to help you support live music today tomorrow and always...mainly Carpenter Ants music.
Two of our fans who now work for us have created websites on My Space.com.
First up is Kathy Clark's page (www.myspace.com/carpenterants).
On Kathy's site, she is helping us with our booking needs and creating places for us to tap into to play.She has been very dilligent in helping us find new places to play.It has taken some of the burden off of us because Kathy is also a radio personality in Winston-Salem NC, and from that aspect alone, she has played our music on the air, and that has helped to build us a fan base in that area.Plus she makes tons of calls for us everywhere.
Her belief in us has begun to put us over the top...booking wise.
Next is Amy Bowe, who is one of our biggest fans, and who has worked tirelessly to help build us a fan base.
Amy's aspect of this is equally as important as Kathy's because building a fan base takes an unbelievable amount of time, and an unwaivering amount of loyalty to get to know us as people and be able to turn that into fans.
You can check out Amy's page at www.myspace.com/carpenterantsfan.
Amy and Kathy both are also singers, so they know how much work goes into putting together shows, and what they do for us clears the way for us to be able to walk in and concentrate on just doing our show.
So if you want to check out something old, visit Amy's spot (filled with some old pictures of us (...and soon some of our old newspaper clippings). For something new, check out Kathy's spot, it has all our new bookings, and new info about us.The borrowed part is where the band has given them things to work with to help us.And all of this is to tell you that if you don't catch the Carpenter Ants live, or on CD you'll miss out and that can cause the Blues.
To Amy and Kathy, thank you for your belief in us.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
I want to tell you about 2 new sites to help you support live music today tomorrow and always...mainly Carpenter Ants music.
Two of our fans who now work for us have created websites on My Space.com.
First up is Kathy Clark's page (www.myspace.com/carpenterants).
On Kathy's site, she is helping us with our booking needs and creating places for us to tap into to play.She has been very dilligent in helping us find new places to play.It has taken some of the burden off of us because Kathy is also a radio personality in Winston-Salem NC, and from that aspect alone, she has played our music on the air, and that has helped to build us a fan base in that area.Plus she makes tons of calls for us everywhere.
Her belief in us has begun to put us over the top...booking wise.
Next is Amy Bowe, who is one of our biggest fans, and who has worked tirelessly to help build us a fan base.
Amy's aspect of this is equally as important as Kathy's because building a fan base takes an unbelievable amount of time, and an unwaivering amount of loyalty to get to know us as people and be able to turn that into fans.
You can check out Amy's page at www.myspace.com/carpenterantsfan.
Amy and Kathy both are also singers, so they know how much work goes into putting together shows, and what they do for us clears the way for us to be able to walk in and concentrate on just doing our show.
So if you want to check out something old, visit Amy's spot (filled with some old pictures of us (...and soon some of our old newspaper clippings). For something new, check out Kathy's spot, it has all our new bookings, and new info about us.The borrowed part is where the band has given them things to work with to help us.And all of this is to tell you that if you don't catch the Carpenter Ants live, or on CD you'll miss out and that can cause the Blues.
To Amy and Kathy, thank you for your belief in us.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Lonely Suite.
It's always a little strange when you talk about past relationships, but I need to do this because it's just time to...
I've often wondered why it is that people in Hollywood, and in the music industry seem to have one day relationships.By that I mean they get married, have lavish weddings, huge receptions, papparazzi stalking them, the whole works, then tomorrow, the marriage goes south.Scandal ridden, anger, papparazzi stalking them to capture the anger and the hurt, and etc.
Then, I answered my own question, by following the same pattern myself.It's because of a little thing that I like to call the "big head," also known as ego.
Ego can do to you what Crack cocaine does to the drug addict, or serious alcoholism does for the drunk, it can make you think that you are bigger than life, and that you can do no wrong.
For people in the music industry, being in the public eye can fuel that ego, like gasoline in an automobile.For us, we aren't just on the screen, we're in concert, and up close and personal with our audience, so it gives being on display a whole new meaning.
I had a relationship with a woman that I really cherished, valued and wanted to keep, but my ego got in the way and lead me down a dangerous path.It told me that I can have her, and another woman at the same time. So instead of seeing that relationship through to the light, it ended abruptly leaving me to go through life alone for awhile, something that I really didn't want to do, but as I've said many times in these posts, I seem to always have to learn my lessons the hard way.
Now I see this woman, and I realize how completely stupid I was.
I'm happily married now, and so is she and despite my stupidity, I am happy for her because she got what she deserved, someone faithful.
I almost lost my Vickie for the same stupidity, and now that we've weathered that storm, I finally have grown up and realized what I didn't in the first relationship, I've learned to be happy, and work at my love... together.
I know that for some people, especially in the music biz, it's all about the momentary pleasure, the instant gratification, or putting it bluntly, the little head taking over the big head.
For those of you in this business who are just starting out, I want to tell you that it's a great business, but only when you take care of it correctly.
Don't let your egos tell you that you're invinsible, because if you're like me and really want to be in love, giving your ego control will earn you the Lonely Suite at the Heartbreak Hotel.
This post is dedicated to April. Thank you for standing your ground.
Cherish your love, and Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
I've often wondered why it is that people in Hollywood, and in the music industry seem to have one day relationships.By that I mean they get married, have lavish weddings, huge receptions, papparazzi stalking them, the whole works, then tomorrow, the marriage goes south.Scandal ridden, anger, papparazzi stalking them to capture the anger and the hurt, and etc.
Then, I answered my own question, by following the same pattern myself.It's because of a little thing that I like to call the "big head," also known as ego.
Ego can do to you what Crack cocaine does to the drug addict, or serious alcoholism does for the drunk, it can make you think that you are bigger than life, and that you can do no wrong.
For people in the music industry, being in the public eye can fuel that ego, like gasoline in an automobile.For us, we aren't just on the screen, we're in concert, and up close and personal with our audience, so it gives being on display a whole new meaning.
I had a relationship with a woman that I really cherished, valued and wanted to keep, but my ego got in the way and lead me down a dangerous path.It told me that I can have her, and another woman at the same time. So instead of seeing that relationship through to the light, it ended abruptly leaving me to go through life alone for awhile, something that I really didn't want to do, but as I've said many times in these posts, I seem to always have to learn my lessons the hard way.
Now I see this woman, and I realize how completely stupid I was.
I'm happily married now, and so is she and despite my stupidity, I am happy for her because she got what she deserved, someone faithful.
I almost lost my Vickie for the same stupidity, and now that we've weathered that storm, I finally have grown up and realized what I didn't in the first relationship, I've learned to be happy, and work at my love... together.
I know that for some people, especially in the music biz, it's all about the momentary pleasure, the instant gratification, or putting it bluntly, the little head taking over the big head.
For those of you in this business who are just starting out, I want to tell you that it's a great business, but only when you take care of it correctly.
Don't let your egos tell you that you're invinsible, because if you're like me and really want to be in love, giving your ego control will earn you the Lonely Suite at the Heartbreak Hotel.
This post is dedicated to April. Thank you for standing your ground.
Cherish your love, and Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Standing Off the Stage
Well I'm recovering nicely, so far so good. I'm making progress one day at a time, and slowly but surely regaining my strength
This is a weird state for me, I haven't been off a stage like this in a really long time. I think the last time that I had been away from a stage this long might have been in 1973 when I wasn't playing music with anyone, and I was in college.
I have to tell you that I miss the excitement of playing with the Carpenter Ants, but I'm glad that they are still plowing forward even without me. It has to be difficult for them as well, I'm sure, especially when Ted (Harrison, our bassist) calls me to see how I'm doing.I can hear in his voice that they miss me being there, but believe me not half as much as I miss them.
When you're standing off the stage like this and you want to be in the game it's hard to watch your teammates (or bandmates in this case...) sort of struggle along.
Alot of good I must admit though, will come of this respid; for one,while I'm off from work for these couple of months I have been in touch with my inner self, and have been doing alot of soul searching. One thing that jumped out at me is that I haven't found myself in prayer for a long time, and as a Muslim that is not good.
I hate to admit it but I've been away from the Mosque for far too long, and as a result I find myself in a strange circumstance.
I have firmly believed that as a direct result of my taqwa (oneness) with Allah, He blessed me to have many of my desires.I asked for a wife, he granted my wish, I asked for a group of like minded individuals to play music with, He granted my desire, I asked to find a Mosque, and a Muslim community, He filled my need.I've been given virtually all that I've asked for, but I haven't given Allah anything in return, and that is shameful.
Now when my health is in jeopardy, here I am begging for forgiveness, and to be spared my life, and not only did He do it, but reinvigorated my life as well, and the least I can do is to pray and thank Him for his blessing.
Well, I want to say publicly that I am grateful to Allah for His mercy, and I am truly grateful to Him for the gift of friendship that I have gotten from all of you.All of your prayers and kind words have gone to my pain and removed it, and now I'm well on my way to making my way back to the stage that I love dearly, to my bandmates whom I love dearly, and to you.
Many people have sacrificed of themselves on my behalf, and I hope Insha-Allah (if it be the will of Allah ), that I will continue to be a catalyst for mankind to come to their Lord, and to come together as loving human beings.
Alhamdu-llilah (all praise is due to Allah), Allahu akbar (God is great).
I realize now that sometimes standing off the stage gives you a better perspective of what's on it, it allows you to see more clearly the things you need to make your show that much better...please pray that I do.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...but put God first.
This is a weird state for me, I haven't been off a stage like this in a really long time. I think the last time that I had been away from a stage this long might have been in 1973 when I wasn't playing music with anyone, and I was in college.
I have to tell you that I miss the excitement of playing with the Carpenter Ants, but I'm glad that they are still plowing forward even without me. It has to be difficult for them as well, I'm sure, especially when Ted (Harrison, our bassist) calls me to see how I'm doing.I can hear in his voice that they miss me being there, but believe me not half as much as I miss them.
When you're standing off the stage like this and you want to be in the game it's hard to watch your teammates (or bandmates in this case...) sort of struggle along.
Alot of good I must admit though, will come of this respid; for one,while I'm off from work for these couple of months I have been in touch with my inner self, and have been doing alot of soul searching. One thing that jumped out at me is that I haven't found myself in prayer for a long time, and as a Muslim that is not good.
I hate to admit it but I've been away from the Mosque for far too long, and as a result I find myself in a strange circumstance.
I have firmly believed that as a direct result of my taqwa (oneness) with Allah, He blessed me to have many of my desires.I asked for a wife, he granted my wish, I asked for a group of like minded individuals to play music with, He granted my desire, I asked to find a Mosque, and a Muslim community, He filled my need.I've been given virtually all that I've asked for, but I haven't given Allah anything in return, and that is shameful.
Now when my health is in jeopardy, here I am begging for forgiveness, and to be spared my life, and not only did He do it, but reinvigorated my life as well, and the least I can do is to pray and thank Him for his blessing.
Well, I want to say publicly that I am grateful to Allah for His mercy, and I am truly grateful to Him for the gift of friendship that I have gotten from all of you.All of your prayers and kind words have gone to my pain and removed it, and now I'm well on my way to making my way back to the stage that I love dearly, to my bandmates whom I love dearly, and to you.
Many people have sacrificed of themselves on my behalf, and I hope Insha-Allah (if it be the will of Allah ), that I will continue to be a catalyst for mankind to come to their Lord, and to come together as loving human beings.
Alhamdu-llilah (all praise is due to Allah), Allahu akbar (God is great).
I realize now that sometimes standing off the stage gives you a better perspective of what's on it, it allows you to see more clearly the things you need to make your show that much better...please pray that I do.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...but put God first.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Thank You for Everything
As you may or may not know, I was recently in the hospital. My Doctor decided that we needed to try to figure out what is wrong with me, and why I had lost among other things my energy, also to see if my kidney functioning is in fact going down, or if there are other factors that were contributing to my failing health.
Well, I was released on Friday night with a fairly clean bill of health. My kidney function isn’t as bad as we thought, but we also narrowed down my energy loss, thanks mainly in part to hunch that my wife Vickie had. She noticed that when got to hospital that I was extremely cold, to the point of severely shivering, and on a day when the temperature was in the 80’s that just wasn’t natural.
I was shaking so badly that I couldn’t hold a glass of water steadily in my hand. Vickie said “I think that you have fever,” and had the Nursing staff take my temperature. Sure enough my temp was really high. From there between Vickie (who by the way, is a Radiologic Technologist by profession, though gladly retired) ( that’s an X-ray Tech, if you’re not certain), my Doctor, the staff at the hospital, and my new Nurse daughter Kendra (who by the way had worked on the very floor I was on while in Nursing school, so she knew personally most of the people treating me), they figured out how to treat me.
All that being said, I am at home now and trying to fight my way back to optimal health.
Needless to say, I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm ready, willing and able.
I feel as though I owe everyone my life. There were/ are, sooo many who didn’t bat an eye to help me.
I will never be able to repay all of the kindness of phone calls to me during my time in the hospital, and e-mails when I returned home, as well as all of the visitors I had in the hospital (honestly, it was almost party central !! ).
I said in my last piece, that I feel like Lou Gehrig of the Yankees,who said, “I feel like the luckiest man on Earth,” though I’ll go a step further to say that I feel like the most blessed man on Earth.
What you all have done for me will be in my heart forever, so much so, that I also feel like actress Sally Field when she said “ you like me, you really like me!!”
I will always be honored to be the friend of all of you.
I’m gonna be home for a couple of months recovering, and I sincerely hope to continue to hear from you all, as well as see you.
In the meantime don’t stop the music, just know that I’ll be back on the scene shortly, and that I just might be a little stronger.
Thank you for everything.
This post is dedicated to my Vickie, thank you for always being there for me, without question.
Ps. One more favor: Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Well, I was released on Friday night with a fairly clean bill of health. My kidney function isn’t as bad as we thought, but we also narrowed down my energy loss, thanks mainly in part to hunch that my wife Vickie had. She noticed that when got to hospital that I was extremely cold, to the point of severely shivering, and on a day when the temperature was in the 80’s that just wasn’t natural.
I was shaking so badly that I couldn’t hold a glass of water steadily in my hand. Vickie said “I think that you have fever,” and had the Nursing staff take my temperature. Sure enough my temp was really high. From there between Vickie (who by the way, is a Radiologic Technologist by profession, though gladly retired) ( that’s an X-ray Tech, if you’re not certain), my Doctor, the staff at the hospital, and my new Nurse daughter Kendra (who by the way had worked on the very floor I was on while in Nursing school, so she knew personally most of the people treating me), they figured out how to treat me.
All that being said, I am at home now and trying to fight my way back to optimal health.
Needless to say, I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm ready, willing and able.
I feel as though I owe everyone my life. There were/ are, sooo many who didn’t bat an eye to help me.
I will never be able to repay all of the kindness of phone calls to me during my time in the hospital, and e-mails when I returned home, as well as all of the visitors I had in the hospital (honestly, it was almost party central !! ).
I said in my last piece, that I feel like Lou Gehrig of the Yankees,who said, “I feel like the luckiest man on Earth,” though I’ll go a step further to say that I feel like the most blessed man on Earth.
What you all have done for me will be in my heart forever, so much so, that I also feel like actress Sally Field when she said “ you like me, you really like me!!”
I will always be honored to be the friend of all of you.
I’m gonna be home for a couple of months recovering, and I sincerely hope to continue to hear from you all, as well as see you.
In the meantime don’t stop the music, just know that I’ll be back on the scene shortly, and that I just might be a little stronger.
Thank you for everything.
This post is dedicated to my Vickie, thank you for always being there for me, without question.
Ps. One more favor: Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Finding Strength, Gaining Peace
Once when I was kid I had a dream that I got transported to some island and there was no music of any kind, and when I opened my mouth nothing came out at least in terms of music.When I would try to sing there would be nothing, and forget about trying to play an instrument, it just was not possible...Now to me, that ain't no dream, but a nightmare !!
Right now I'm so sick that I'm feeling like that dream might come true, and I'm very scared, because I don't know what I'd do without my music.
If you've been reading my blog since the beginning, you'll know that my only true dream has been to be a musician. I found the home that I want to be in with the Carpenter Ants, but I now have to be truly realistic and realize that my health is failing, and I just might not be around to get to finish line with them...a frightening thought which I try to push out of my mind, but it keeps creeping back.
I talked with my family Doctor, and she advised me to take 2 months off from work, and maybe we can figure this thing out, so I'm finding strength, and gaining peace with whatever befalls me.
I feel like Lou Gehrig (of the Yankees ) felt when he said "today I consider myself the luckiest man on Earth."
You all know that I'm a fighter, and that I'll find out what's ailing me, and do what I need to do to make myself better, but sometimes it's hard to find that strength, and I have to gain peace with that...take it a day at a time.
I will say this though, if in fact I have to give up being a musician, I am happy because I have had my day in the Sun, and I'm grateful for what time I had, so I'm finding strength, and gaining peace with that.
None-the less, support live music today tomorrow and always.
Right now I'm so sick that I'm feeling like that dream might come true, and I'm very scared, because I don't know what I'd do without my music.
If you've been reading my blog since the beginning, you'll know that my only true dream has been to be a musician. I found the home that I want to be in with the Carpenter Ants, but I now have to be truly realistic and realize that my health is failing, and I just might not be around to get to finish line with them...a frightening thought which I try to push out of my mind, but it keeps creeping back.
I talked with my family Doctor, and she advised me to take 2 months off from work, and maybe we can figure this thing out, so I'm finding strength, and gaining peace with whatever befalls me.
I feel like Lou Gehrig (of the Yankees ) felt when he said "today I consider myself the luckiest man on Earth."
You all know that I'm a fighter, and that I'll find out what's ailing me, and do what I need to do to make myself better, but sometimes it's hard to find that strength, and I have to gain peace with that...take it a day at a time.
I will say this though, if in fact I have to give up being a musician, I am happy because I have had my day in the Sun, and I'm grateful for what time I had, so I'm finding strength, and gaining peace with that.
None-the less, support live music today tomorrow and always.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Here There and Everywhere
I had to laugh at this e-mail that I received recently from a fan of this blog.It read something similar to, 'Charlie Tee, where the hell have you been? The masses can't move without you, oh guru of home spun wisdom.'...All I can say to that is, if you're taking advice from me, then you really need a shrink.
Don't get me wrong friends, I mean the things that I say here, but really this is my life, my story, and just me dreaming of being...
I deeply appreciate all of your comments and e-mails since I've been away, but truth is I have been really busy on alot of fronts, so I've been here, there and everywhere since you heard from me last, so sit back at your desktop and I'll tell you what's been happening.
Starting off on a slightly somber note, I've been pretty sick. My kidney function has gone down to 29%, and life has been just a bit difficult. I get tired very easily, and I get extremely dehydrated, so I seem to be parched all the time. All the dehydration has caused me to get psoriasis over a good portion of my body (and I'm scratching like a freaking maniac, with no relief).
This has caused my music to suffer a bit, as my bandmates have to watch over me to make sure I'm OK (that's a very uncomfortable, though appreciated stance for me). I just don't feel that I'm giving my all like I normally do, but I press on.
Turning slightly, my daughter Kendra graduated from Nursing School, now here's something to make you proud even if she ain't your kid. She did this while raising 2 small children, and working a full time job.
To say the least I'm extremely proud of her and happy for her, because she gets to choose her life direction. Watch what I'm telling you, she'll be the Oprah Winfrey of Nursing.
The Carpenter Ants just returned from a weeklong road trip, which saw us get our truck robbed and Michael's guitar, Ted's bass, and my gig bag with my saxophone stand and tambourine, and some defunct credit cards, and the words to all of our songs that I've catologued for 13 years get stolen.
It was a hard thing to deal with, but we did and we too pressed on and marched forward.
I guess what this little respid did for me was get me in touch with some things in my life,and like life itself, things have a way of showing their hand here, there, and everywhere.
I'm going to capsulize a good deal of time into this posting, so bear with me here...
Earlier this year (or, the latter part of last year) I told you to stay tuned to the Carpenter Ants, because I felt that we were on the verge of getting someplace with this music, and as things stand right now, I still believe that. Among the reasons that I feel the way that I do is that if you look around you, right now, you'll notice that things in the world are (or at least seem to be) slightly off-center. The war is still looming large in everybody's view, and not just in Iraq, and not just terroism per se' but folks everywhere are starting to feel a great need to have spirituality, mainly because they are feeling their mortality.
It's become so prevalent that even the big rock stars are adding some gospel to their shows (check out Bruce Springsteen's latest CD) in the hopes of getting people to turn to each other, instead of away from each other.
For all of you who can't afford those big rock star prices and you've gone to smaller venues to hear your music, if you think back really hard and long, you'll remember that the Carpenter Ants have played all kinds of music including gospel, and you've been entertained as well as been preached to, all without leaving the comforts of your local barstools.
We've told you for a few years now that "often, there is far less distance between the saints and the sinners, than the sanctimonius would have you believe."
Now that all sounds harsh, but believe me, we're in this alphabet soup together, and the letters are spread out here, there and everywhere.
Fast forward to Saturday May 20th (the date that I started writing this post is above, so you'll get an idea of long I've been away)
Today we were a part of a 10th anniversary celebration, at Toyota of West Virginia.The scarse number of people in attendance spoke volumes to me of how much we are in dire need of spirit.
I'm saying that to say that yes we all are in need of spirituality, but we need to walk this path together, so if you can't afford Rolling Stone prices, start with the Carpenter Ants, you'll still have loads of fun, and a dollar in your pocket.
Get out, here there and everywhere and check out some music. With the stresses of the world, it will be the best drug you can give yourself.
PS. April, I didn't forget you...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and thanks for all of your kind comments and e-mails to me during this time. I am a fighter and hopefully I will bounce back from my illness.
Don't get me wrong friends, I mean the things that I say here, but really this is my life, my story, and just me dreaming of being...
I deeply appreciate all of your comments and e-mails since I've been away, but truth is I have been really busy on alot of fronts, so I've been here, there and everywhere since you heard from me last, so sit back at your desktop and I'll tell you what's been happening.
Starting off on a slightly somber note, I've been pretty sick. My kidney function has gone down to 29%, and life has been just a bit difficult. I get tired very easily, and I get extremely dehydrated, so I seem to be parched all the time. All the dehydration has caused me to get psoriasis over a good portion of my body (and I'm scratching like a freaking maniac, with no relief).
This has caused my music to suffer a bit, as my bandmates have to watch over me to make sure I'm OK (that's a very uncomfortable, though appreciated stance for me). I just don't feel that I'm giving my all like I normally do, but I press on.
Turning slightly, my daughter Kendra graduated from Nursing School, now here's something to make you proud even if she ain't your kid. She did this while raising 2 small children, and working a full time job.
To say the least I'm extremely proud of her and happy for her, because she gets to choose her life direction. Watch what I'm telling you, she'll be the Oprah Winfrey of Nursing.
The Carpenter Ants just returned from a weeklong road trip, which saw us get our truck robbed and Michael's guitar, Ted's bass, and my gig bag with my saxophone stand and tambourine, and some defunct credit cards, and the words to all of our songs that I've catologued for 13 years get stolen.
It was a hard thing to deal with, but we did and we too pressed on and marched forward.
I guess what this little respid did for me was get me in touch with some things in my life,and like life itself, things have a way of showing their hand here, there, and everywhere.
I'm going to capsulize a good deal of time into this posting, so bear with me here...
Earlier this year (or, the latter part of last year) I told you to stay tuned to the Carpenter Ants, because I felt that we were on the verge of getting someplace with this music, and as things stand right now, I still believe that. Among the reasons that I feel the way that I do is that if you look around you, right now, you'll notice that things in the world are (or at least seem to be) slightly off-center. The war is still looming large in everybody's view, and not just in Iraq, and not just terroism per se' but folks everywhere are starting to feel a great need to have spirituality, mainly because they are feeling their mortality.
It's become so prevalent that even the big rock stars are adding some gospel to their shows (check out Bruce Springsteen's latest CD) in the hopes of getting people to turn to each other, instead of away from each other.
For all of you who can't afford those big rock star prices and you've gone to smaller venues to hear your music, if you think back really hard and long, you'll remember that the Carpenter Ants have played all kinds of music including gospel, and you've been entertained as well as been preached to, all without leaving the comforts of your local barstools.
We've told you for a few years now that "often, there is far less distance between the saints and the sinners, than the sanctimonius would have you believe."
Now that all sounds harsh, but believe me, we're in this alphabet soup together, and the letters are spread out here, there and everywhere.
Fast forward to Saturday May 20th (the date that I started writing this post is above, so you'll get an idea of long I've been away)
Today we were a part of a 10th anniversary celebration, at Toyota of West Virginia.The scarse number of people in attendance spoke volumes to me of how much we are in dire need of spirit.
I'm saying that to say that yes we all are in need of spirituality, but we need to walk this path together, so if you can't afford Rolling Stone prices, start with the Carpenter Ants, you'll still have loads of fun, and a dollar in your pocket.
Get out, here there and everywhere and check out some music. With the stresses of the world, it will be the best drug you can give yourself.
PS. April, I didn't forget you...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and thanks for all of your kind comments and e-mails to me during this time. I am a fighter and hopefully I will bounce back from my illness.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Slowly, Out of the Starting Gate
Wednesday saw the Carpenter Ants back in action after a rare almost 2 weeks off.
It was great to be back with my boys, although admittedly, I did have fun on my little vacation. Playing music with the other folks that I gigged with during that time definetely had merits, but as the saying goes: "there's no place like home."
It's always a trip when you've been off for a while because it's like being a racehorse who hasn't run in good amount of time, he's just a bit sluggish, and cumbersome.
With that in mind, let me tell you about how we struggled just a bit on Wednesday. We always have fun, and even when all seems worthless, we make the best of it and come slowly out of the starting gate.
It just seemed as if everyone of us was just too tired to move, but when we did, it was sort of at a snails pace.
I never know, nor can I explain when or why this happens, but some force seems to take us over and get our juices flowing, because at some point after we took a break, and came back, it was an entirely different scene, everyone got focused, and we came out of our bag.
Slowly, out of the starting gate, we moved, got into a serious groove and pounced on the rest of the evening...it was great.
It always a bit of fun for an audience if they see a band stumble to gain its feet, and even greater fun if they hang on for the ride. Sort of like a jockey who knows his horse, and knows that the horse has it in him to win a race.When he does win, it's truly gratifying for the jockey as well as the horse.
There's not alot of story, or allegory here, but just understand that when you listen to music and the folks that proport it, take your time and enjoy the ride.Even if it's a fast ride, the view to your mind will show you how beautiful it is.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
It was great to be back with my boys, although admittedly, I did have fun on my little vacation. Playing music with the other folks that I gigged with during that time definetely had merits, but as the saying goes: "there's no place like home."
It's always a trip when you've been off for a while because it's like being a racehorse who hasn't run in good amount of time, he's just a bit sluggish, and cumbersome.
With that in mind, let me tell you about how we struggled just a bit on Wednesday. We always have fun, and even when all seems worthless, we make the best of it and come slowly out of the starting gate.
It just seemed as if everyone of us was just too tired to move, but when we did, it was sort of at a snails pace.
I never know, nor can I explain when or why this happens, but some force seems to take us over and get our juices flowing, because at some point after we took a break, and came back, it was an entirely different scene, everyone got focused, and we came out of our bag.
Slowly, out of the starting gate, we moved, got into a serious groove and pounced on the rest of the evening...it was great.
It always a bit of fun for an audience if they see a band stumble to gain its feet, and even greater fun if they hang on for the ride. Sort of like a jockey who knows his horse, and knows that the horse has it in him to win a race.When he does win, it's truly gratifying for the jockey as well as the horse.
There's not alot of story, or allegory here, but just understand that when you listen to music and the folks that proport it, take your time and enjoy the ride.Even if it's a fast ride, the view to your mind will show you how beautiful it is.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
It's Flowing at the Rivers Edge
It's been a few months since I started showing up for Jim Snyders Thursday Night Music Club at the River's Edge Cafe here in St.Albans, and the fun has not stopped, and tonight was no exception.
Hanging out with Jupie Little, Phil Ruby and Marcel Lazare has been a good thing for me.The stuff that we play really keeps me on my toes, because quite a bit of it was not originally done with saxophone solos, so I have to treat the music very differently, but Jim and the guys are always telling me how pleased they are to have me there, or glad that I came.
It's a really great feeling for other musicians to acknowledge your contributions, and it's even more of a compliment when they convey that to the audience, and get them to like you as well...I don't take that very lightly.
St Albans is a really nurturing community, they really come out support us, and that too is a good feeling, it's almost like being stars, but your own home, and I'm proud to call myself a resident.
I'm gonna let you in on a little secret (well, actually you'll probably already know...), Jupie Little is crazy crazy crazy. He is just a wonderful, and full of life man. Between he and the rest of these guys they have forged themselves a great river to partake from,every week. It gives you all, water to drink and food to eat, and it's always flowing at the River's Edge.
Jim Snyder and Friends, Thursday Night Music Club: at the River's Edge Cafe
212 Main St.
St Albans,WV 25177
(304) 722-6320
call for schedule or e-mail Jim at: jimsnydermusic@netscape.net)
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Hanging out with Jupie Little, Phil Ruby and Marcel Lazare has been a good thing for me.The stuff that we play really keeps me on my toes, because quite a bit of it was not originally done with saxophone solos, so I have to treat the music very differently, but Jim and the guys are always telling me how pleased they are to have me there, or glad that I came.
It's a really great feeling for other musicians to acknowledge your contributions, and it's even more of a compliment when they convey that to the audience, and get them to like you as well...I don't take that very lightly.
St Albans is a really nurturing community, they really come out support us, and that too is a good feeling, it's almost like being stars, but your own home, and I'm proud to call myself a resident.
I'm gonna let you in on a little secret (well, actually you'll probably already know...), Jupie Little is crazy crazy crazy. He is just a wonderful, and full of life man. Between he and the rest of these guys they have forged themselves a great river to partake from,every week. It gives you all, water to drink and food to eat, and it's always flowing at the River's Edge.
Jim Snyder and Friends, Thursday Night Music Club: at the River's Edge Cafe
212 Main St.
St Albans,WV 25177
(304) 722-6320
call for schedule or e-mail Jim at: jimsnydermusic@netscape.net)
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Shout Out 3-31-06
The Shout Out award this week goes to...
Jennifer Wagner, and Sherry Pasquarello.
These are 2 of my Blogging buddies, and our friendship has taken me a step further in life.
It's really great when you meet people and you all click as humans. By that I mean that it's nice when you immediately feel that you can be yourself and know that they will be themselves, all without pretense.
I've never actually met Sherry, but we communicate with each other very regularly now...I met her by responding to her on her blog "After The Bridge," I read her wonderful poetry and found that I had to respond because it moved me so much.She graciously responded back, and now here we are, almost a year later and through her words I find much comfort...like a warm bath.
Jennifer and I met virtually the same way, only she came to realize that we live in the same town.She came to my library which she uses regularly, and one day just up and introduced herself and told me how much she enjoyed reading my blog...now that is definitely the way to start a friendship with me,direct and to the point.
I feel blessed to have her as a friend, she too is a comforting soul, her very presence makes me feel at ease.
Both of these ladies are the type of people that I want to surround myself with at all times.
If you get a notion, drop by and sit "On The Porchswing," Jennifer's wonderful blog and be enthralled by the soul of a great woman.
In all, as the saying goes, keep your friends close (I'm not adding the next part, because it doesn't apply here...), well my wish is for our friendship to last until eternity.
Both of their blogs can be accessed on the right...
Jennifer Wagner, and Sherry Pasquarello.
These are 2 of my Blogging buddies, and our friendship has taken me a step further in life.
It's really great when you meet people and you all click as humans. By that I mean that it's nice when you immediately feel that you can be yourself and know that they will be themselves, all without pretense.
I've never actually met Sherry, but we communicate with each other very regularly now...I met her by responding to her on her blog "After The Bridge," I read her wonderful poetry and found that I had to respond because it moved me so much.She graciously responded back, and now here we are, almost a year later and through her words I find much comfort...like a warm bath.
Jennifer and I met virtually the same way, only she came to realize that we live in the same town.She came to my library which she uses regularly, and one day just up and introduced herself and told me how much she enjoyed reading my blog...now that is definitely the way to start a friendship with me,direct and to the point.
I feel blessed to have her as a friend, she too is a comforting soul, her very presence makes me feel at ease.
Both of these ladies are the type of people that I want to surround myself with at all times.
If you get a notion, drop by and sit "On The Porchswing," Jennifer's wonderful blog and be enthralled by the soul of a great woman.
In all, as the saying goes, keep your friends close (I'm not adding the next part, because it doesn't apply here...), well my wish is for our friendship to last until eternity.
Both of their blogs can be accessed on the right...
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Lifting Up Spirits
So far my vacation has been wonderful, restful, and enlightening, but tonight I went to the Empty Glass and the bar was raised, it was truly spiritual.
On the stage was Spurgie Hankins and friends, and believe me it was like church (...and I'm not even Christian).Anticipation was very high as people in the audience waited for good while for the show to start, but baby when it did that place came to life in a big way.I've never seen so many people spinning around in Dervish like trances, the whole floor just swayed with the pulsations similar to my heart beat.
The one thing that I absolutely adore about playing with Spurgie's band is that I feel so free, he just lets you figure it out for yourself, which is really good for me sometimes, although admittedly, I love the way Michael Lipton pushes me as well in the Carpenter Ants. Either way, I'm in Heaven playing music with these people, it's especially challenging and fun at the same time.
Spurgie has a way with music that is truly unique, he writes from the view of the 3rd person, but with a point of view of the person actually going through the things he talks about (I know how weird that sounds...). In other words, he has the ability to leave himself out of a situation. It's almost as if he were sitting in a window watching a situation transpire, then giving a statement about it from his vantage point (see what I mean ?).
It makes for some very interesting music, and I love it because it really makes you think hard trying to interpret it when you accompany him.
I also want to mention that his band is really great, they've all figured it out as a group and are taking their music to the heights. Kevin Kidd (the bassist) is one my best friends and he already knows how much I dig him, but I'm now getting to know their percussionist TJ King as well, and that young man just moves my soul.He, as they say, got it going on...
This week guitarist Eric Dye subbed for John Compton (Spurgie's regular guitar player), and Eric and I played well together not stepping on each other ( which I can tend to do easily), and it was nice to play with him again.
My drummer Jupiter Little sits in with Spurgie on most Tuesday's and he brings a great dimension to them as well. Jupie is it for me as far as drummers. He just makes situations fun ...PERIOD.
I had promised Vickie that I wouldn't be home too late, but I am on vacation, and it is Spurgie, so I thought, I'll forgo my promise this once, and I hung out til 3am. When I awakened the next morning, Vickie took one look at the joy on my face and didn't even fuss...she loves Spurgie too, so she knows what it's like from my standpoint.
In all the gig was wonderful, and I really miss playing with them on a regular basis, but I don't feel too bad, because somewhere in this town, I know that Spurgie and his band are doing what I dream of; using their music and lifting up spirits from the dramas of the world.
By the way, how is your spirit, are you feeling down, or even happy for that matter ? Well, whatever you're feeling...
.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
On the stage was Spurgie Hankins and friends, and believe me it was like church (...and I'm not even Christian).Anticipation was very high as people in the audience waited for good while for the show to start, but baby when it did that place came to life in a big way.I've never seen so many people spinning around in Dervish like trances, the whole floor just swayed with the pulsations similar to my heart beat.
The one thing that I absolutely adore about playing with Spurgie's band is that I feel so free, he just lets you figure it out for yourself, which is really good for me sometimes, although admittedly, I love the way Michael Lipton pushes me as well in the Carpenter Ants. Either way, I'm in Heaven playing music with these people, it's especially challenging and fun at the same time.
Spurgie has a way with music that is truly unique, he writes from the view of the 3rd person, but with a point of view of the person actually going through the things he talks about (I know how weird that sounds...). In other words, he has the ability to leave himself out of a situation. It's almost as if he were sitting in a window watching a situation transpire, then giving a statement about it from his vantage point (see what I mean ?).
It makes for some very interesting music, and I love it because it really makes you think hard trying to interpret it when you accompany him.
I also want to mention that his band is really great, they've all figured it out as a group and are taking their music to the heights. Kevin Kidd (the bassist) is one my best friends and he already knows how much I dig him, but I'm now getting to know their percussionist TJ King as well, and that young man just moves my soul.He, as they say, got it going on...
This week guitarist Eric Dye subbed for John Compton (Spurgie's regular guitar player), and Eric and I played well together not stepping on each other ( which I can tend to do easily), and it was nice to play with him again.
My drummer Jupiter Little sits in with Spurgie on most Tuesday's and he brings a great dimension to them as well. Jupie is it for me as far as drummers. He just makes situations fun ...PERIOD.
I had promised Vickie that I wouldn't be home too late, but I am on vacation, and it is Spurgie, so I thought, I'll forgo my promise this once, and I hung out til 3am. When I awakened the next morning, Vickie took one look at the joy on my face and didn't even fuss...she loves Spurgie too, so she knows what it's like from my standpoint.
In all the gig was wonderful, and I really miss playing with them on a regular basis, but I don't feel too bad, because somewhere in this town, I know that Spurgie and his band are doing what I dream of; using their music and lifting up spirits from the dramas of the world.
By the way, how is your spirit, are you feeling down, or even happy for that matter ? Well, whatever you're feeling...
.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
The Perfect Balance
During the latter part of the 80's while living in New York, I met some characters the likes of which could make for great television drama, or comedy, depending on your point of view...(more about them in a minute).
My reason for writing about this, is that last night I had an experience, that I've actually had before, and I didn't like it then, and it brought back a host of bad memories for me of that period in the 80's.
I got a phone call from my drummer Jupiter Little to come and hang out and play some music with some friends of ours at a spot here in St Albans.
First problem: when I arrived there Jupie wasn't playing the drums, he was playing percussion, and this situation needed a drummer in the worst way.Next, it was so loud that you couldn't hear yourself think, let alone try to think of something credible to play to contribute. I couldn't quite believe that Jupie was subjecting himself to this, but to his credit Jupie is the kind of person normally, that can make a bad situation better, but even he couldn't salvage this.
What these guys needed was an objective lesson in creating a band...perfect balance, rather than abject noisiness. The sad part for me is that I like these guys a whole lot...individually, and would pretty much play music with any of them on their own merits, so it makes what I'm saying hard.
I am in no way an authority on music, but I can say that I've played in all kinds of situations that lead me to feel strongly about knowing what works and what doesn't...but remember, this is my opinion, and it's just that , an opinion. It certainly doesn't mean that I'm right about it.
The problem that I had in New York was that the young lady who was the band leader was a poor choice at best to lead a band or for that matter even play music.The truth was, she was terrible at it, and the fact that she was pretty wealthy didn't help her become any better. She had the money to go out buy the most expensive guitars (and she had alot of them...) stacks of amps and equipment, but no understanding of people enough to front a band.The guys that played with her liked her as a person, but hated playing with her, yet they agreed to it.
At some point when I got in the band we went into a recording studio to make a record. I went later that day because I had to work.When I arrived, the poor guy engineering the thing was at his wits end dealing with her. An example of what went on, was her wanting to add animal sounds to the mix...you read it first !
Needless to say, playing with Rakatan (there, I said it...) was definitely not the experience that was going to put me in the big time, so politely, I bowed out vowing to never let myself get that wrapped up again.
Fast forward to last night, it was that experience all over again, as I searched my soul for a way out, but I left finally and was quite crushed about the way that I was feeling, enough so, that I cried about it for awhile.
If you've seen the recent commercial on TV for this Insurance company,Geico, you'll relate to my next statement.In this commercial we find a group of fellas trying to establish a band, when the lead singer suddenly stops and says...ah this just isn't gonna work out, referring to the young man who just finishes ripping of some blazing solo on the guitar.Next you hear some guitar off in the distance...it's the Zorro-like guitar player,Esteban (you know, from the Home Shopping Network).
Esteban says," many young people long to express themselves with the gift of music." Next the guys are asking if he is going to give Duane ( the flashy guitarist) some lessons, and of course Esteban says "no, but I just saved a bundle on car insurance.
If that were me, I would pulled out a gun and killed myself on the spot.That would have crushed me more.
The reality is, that like it or not the music business is just not for everyone, but the only advice I would truly give to these guys is that if you're really really passionate about being in this game, learn about the perfect balance.
I am in no way better than any of them, but I won't play music just for the hell of it. I take my time on any stage that you see me perform on very seriously. I'd rather play to one drunken person in the audience than to play in front of thousands and sound bad. The perfect balance comes when you get to know your band mates, and you can anticipate their play, when you can read each other and fuel each other.
I'm proud of that fact with the Carpenter Ants, with Spurgie Hankins, Jim Snyder, Stratus, Darrell Ramsey and County Line, and just about every other situation that I've been involved in. I got to know the people in those situations as people, and I've understood my role in each of these circumstances.
To my friends, I will say, don't give up, but be honest about where you are in the scheme of things and redefine yourself as a group, and hire a soundman that knows you and can give the necessary tools to start off with...a good sound.That is part of the perfect balance, grasshopper.
I don't want you to think that I'm kidding about the bad experience with the band in New York.If you do a Google search under "Charles Tuitt + Rakatan," you should be able to find one of the records that I did with them. The Young lady who fronted the band is Melanie Ray. It's really horrible, but it's out there somewhere gathering a whole lot of dust...I hope, I hope, I hope.
She even coerced Noel Redding, and Mick Taylor (of Jimi Hendrix fame) to record with us...yikes !!
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
My reason for writing about this, is that last night I had an experience, that I've actually had before, and I didn't like it then, and it brought back a host of bad memories for me of that period in the 80's.
I got a phone call from my drummer Jupiter Little to come and hang out and play some music with some friends of ours at a spot here in St Albans.
First problem: when I arrived there Jupie wasn't playing the drums, he was playing percussion, and this situation needed a drummer in the worst way.Next, it was so loud that you couldn't hear yourself think, let alone try to think of something credible to play to contribute. I couldn't quite believe that Jupie was subjecting himself to this, but to his credit Jupie is the kind of person normally, that can make a bad situation better, but even he couldn't salvage this.
What these guys needed was an objective lesson in creating a band...perfect balance, rather than abject noisiness. The sad part for me is that I like these guys a whole lot...individually, and would pretty much play music with any of them on their own merits, so it makes what I'm saying hard.
I am in no way an authority on music, but I can say that I've played in all kinds of situations that lead me to feel strongly about knowing what works and what doesn't...but remember, this is my opinion, and it's just that , an opinion. It certainly doesn't mean that I'm right about it.
The problem that I had in New York was that the young lady who was the band leader was a poor choice at best to lead a band or for that matter even play music.The truth was, she was terrible at it, and the fact that she was pretty wealthy didn't help her become any better. She had the money to go out buy the most expensive guitars (and she had alot of them...) stacks of amps and equipment, but no understanding of people enough to front a band.The guys that played with her liked her as a person, but hated playing with her, yet they agreed to it.
At some point when I got in the band we went into a recording studio to make a record. I went later that day because I had to work.When I arrived, the poor guy engineering the thing was at his wits end dealing with her. An example of what went on, was her wanting to add animal sounds to the mix...you read it first !
Needless to say, playing with Rakatan (there, I said it...) was definitely not the experience that was going to put me in the big time, so politely, I bowed out vowing to never let myself get that wrapped up again.
Fast forward to last night, it was that experience all over again, as I searched my soul for a way out, but I left finally and was quite crushed about the way that I was feeling, enough so, that I cried about it for awhile.
If you've seen the recent commercial on TV for this Insurance company,Geico, you'll relate to my next statement.In this commercial we find a group of fellas trying to establish a band, when the lead singer suddenly stops and says...ah this just isn't gonna work out, referring to the young man who just finishes ripping of some blazing solo on the guitar.Next you hear some guitar off in the distance...it's the Zorro-like guitar player,Esteban (you know, from the Home Shopping Network).
Esteban says," many young people long to express themselves with the gift of music." Next the guys are asking if he is going to give Duane ( the flashy guitarist) some lessons, and of course Esteban says "no, but I just saved a bundle on car insurance.
If that were me, I would pulled out a gun and killed myself on the spot.That would have crushed me more.
The reality is, that like it or not the music business is just not for everyone, but the only advice I would truly give to these guys is that if you're really really passionate about being in this game, learn about the perfect balance.
I am in no way better than any of them, but I won't play music just for the hell of it. I take my time on any stage that you see me perform on very seriously. I'd rather play to one drunken person in the audience than to play in front of thousands and sound bad. The perfect balance comes when you get to know your band mates, and you can anticipate their play, when you can read each other and fuel each other.
I'm proud of that fact with the Carpenter Ants, with Spurgie Hankins, Jim Snyder, Stratus, Darrell Ramsey and County Line, and just about every other situation that I've been involved in. I got to know the people in those situations as people, and I've understood my role in each of these circumstances.
To my friends, I will say, don't give up, but be honest about where you are in the scheme of things and redefine yourself as a group, and hire a soundman that knows you and can give the necessary tools to start off with...a good sound.That is part of the perfect balance, grasshopper.
I don't want you to think that I'm kidding about the bad experience with the band in New York.If you do a Google search under "Charles Tuitt + Rakatan," you should be able to find one of the records that I did with them. The Young lady who fronted the band is Melanie Ray. It's really horrible, but it's out there somewhere gathering a whole lot of dust...I hope, I hope, I hope.
She even coerced Noel Redding, and Mick Taylor (of Jimi Hendrix fame) to record with us...yikes !!
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Shout Out 3-24-06
This week the Shout Out award goes to my best friend on the face of the Earth. Charisse Campbell.
If you're reading my blog, and enjoying it or hating it, either way the person that is in part respnsible for me telling my story is Charisse.
I had known her since the 7th grade, and I have no idea why she chose me as her buddy, but she did and my life is better for it.
Did you ever have someone that no matter what they stuck by you.Through thick or thin, good times, the hardest of times Charisse was my biggest and best cheerleader. Every situation with girlfriends, with hurts, disappointments, she made her presence in my life felt.
We never were inclined toward each other, but I loved her like no one else.The only person who shares this many facets of my life, is the woman that I'm married to, but when Charisse was alive she knew pretty much everything about me...A to Z.
One of the worst years of my life came in 1997, when my Mother died. Charisse and Vickie got me through it.
Vickie gave me strength, and Charisse gave me humor, 2 valuable gifts.
The next year, while I was away at a gig,Charisse died of a heart attack, and I don't know who cried more, me or Vickie. I truly don't know if I've ever gotten over losing her.
Right now though, I feel her closeness to me because I followed her advice (for once) and started writing about my life in music...and it's because of her.
Charisse would have been 53 today, and her life still matters to me, so I want to say that I miss you more than you'll ever know, but thank you for looking out for me still, from Heaven.
I will always love you...
If you're reading my blog, and enjoying it or hating it, either way the person that is in part respnsible for me telling my story is Charisse.
I had known her since the 7th grade, and I have no idea why she chose me as her buddy, but she did and my life is better for it.
Did you ever have someone that no matter what they stuck by you.Through thick or thin, good times, the hardest of times Charisse was my biggest and best cheerleader. Every situation with girlfriends, with hurts, disappointments, she made her presence in my life felt.
We never were inclined toward each other, but I loved her like no one else.The only person who shares this many facets of my life, is the woman that I'm married to, but when Charisse was alive she knew pretty much everything about me...A to Z.
One of the worst years of my life came in 1997, when my Mother died. Charisse and Vickie got me through it.
Vickie gave me strength, and Charisse gave me humor, 2 valuable gifts.
The next year, while I was away at a gig,Charisse died of a heart attack, and I don't know who cried more, me or Vickie. I truly don't know if I've ever gotten over losing her.
Right now though, I feel her closeness to me because I followed her advice (for once) and started writing about my life in music...and it's because of her.
Charisse would have been 53 today, and her life still matters to me, so I want to say that I miss you more than you'll ever know, but thank you for looking out for me still, from Heaven.
I will always love you...
Monday, March 20, 2006
Sunday Groovin', or groove is in the heart...
If you read my last post, you'll know that I had a wonderful week, filled with lotsa music and fun, and a great surprise, but the crown of the week was definitely Sunday.
First, the Carpenter Ants sans Michael Lipton played a benefit for the family of our former band mate and brother Robert Shafer.
Rob's Sister, and Brother in law lost their home to a horrific fire, and if that wasn't bad enough, first, they had only lived there for 1 month, and in the fire they lost a puppy that the children had just received for Christmas when their prior one had died...that's a blow.
I have to say that when disaster strikes, West Virginians step up to the plate without giving it a second thought. Big or small, it doesn't matter, if they're needed they respond and this was no exeption.The music community showed up to play and to lift spirits, we hopefully raised a lot of money to help their family,and someone even donated a new puppy to fill the hearts of the kids.
In all it was just beautiful, the music and the vibe, and I was proud to be a part of it all. Robert Shafer is a stellar/ standup guy, and I'm glad that I could help bring a momentary smile to his family's faces, short of robbing a bank.
Next, it was time for our post Mountain Stage Jam at the Empty Glass, and 3 of the people who were on the show stopped by to hang out and join in the fun.
Teddy Thomas, Steve Shillings, and Gus Black, met today during the taping of Mountain Stage's radio broadast, but came over to the club afterward and had a blast hanging out here in Charleston.
The Carpenter Ants host this post M.S. Jam and it always fun, because it's not the same time trappings that they have to deal with at the show. It's just an intimate thing that we do, and for some of the folks who may not have made it to Mountain Stage, or some who were there it gives a club friendly vibe to some of the artists who were on the show. They get to meet some of their fans up close and personal.
The Empty Glass is the perfect spot for this sort of thing because of it's propensity toward music and merriment.
It seemed as though everyone was ready for an exciting night, and no one was disappointed.
Steve Ferguson simply astounded the crowd with his incredible guitar playing. Michael as always was on fire,as were Jupie and Ted.
Speaking of Jupie and Ted, they are this weeks choice for my "Shout Out" award.These 2 guys have been buddies since High school, and their playing reflects just that, their love for their instruments and each other...so playing music with them from my standpoint is a pure joy.
Our new Mountain Stage guests also felt the vibe and joined in the fun, as all 3 of them could not stop smiling.
I've said this before and it bears repeating...you know that you're in this game the right way when other musicians begin to remember what having fun is like.It's OK to strive for something, but don't lose sight of the fact that it can also be fun getting there. In other words, don't get so corporate that you forget how to have fun.
Groovin' Sunday is all well and good but definitely remember, that groove is in the heart.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
First, the Carpenter Ants sans Michael Lipton played a benefit for the family of our former band mate and brother Robert Shafer.
Rob's Sister, and Brother in law lost their home to a horrific fire, and if that wasn't bad enough, first, they had only lived there for 1 month, and in the fire they lost a puppy that the children had just received for Christmas when their prior one had died...that's a blow.
I have to say that when disaster strikes, West Virginians step up to the plate without giving it a second thought. Big or small, it doesn't matter, if they're needed they respond and this was no exeption.The music community showed up to play and to lift spirits, we hopefully raised a lot of money to help their family,and someone even donated a new puppy to fill the hearts of the kids.
In all it was just beautiful, the music and the vibe, and I was proud to be a part of it all. Robert Shafer is a stellar/ standup guy, and I'm glad that I could help bring a momentary smile to his family's faces, short of robbing a bank.
Next, it was time for our post Mountain Stage Jam at the Empty Glass, and 3 of the people who were on the show stopped by to hang out and join in the fun.
Teddy Thomas, Steve Shillings, and Gus Black, met today during the taping of Mountain Stage's radio broadast, but came over to the club afterward and had a blast hanging out here in Charleston.
The Carpenter Ants host this post M.S. Jam and it always fun, because it's not the same time trappings that they have to deal with at the show. It's just an intimate thing that we do, and for some of the folks who may not have made it to Mountain Stage, or some who were there it gives a club friendly vibe to some of the artists who were on the show. They get to meet some of their fans up close and personal.
The Empty Glass is the perfect spot for this sort of thing because of it's propensity toward music and merriment.
It seemed as though everyone was ready for an exciting night, and no one was disappointed.
Steve Ferguson simply astounded the crowd with his incredible guitar playing. Michael as always was on fire,as were Jupie and Ted.
Speaking of Jupie and Ted, they are this weeks choice for my "Shout Out" award.These 2 guys have been buddies since High school, and their playing reflects just that, their love for their instruments and each other...so playing music with them from my standpoint is a pure joy.
Our new Mountain Stage guests also felt the vibe and joined in the fun, as all 3 of them could not stop smiling.
I've said this before and it bears repeating...you know that you're in this game the right way when other musicians begin to remember what having fun is like.It's OK to strive for something, but don't lose sight of the fact that it can also be fun getting there. In other words, don't get so corporate that you forget how to have fun.
Groovin' Sunday is all well and good but definitely remember, that groove is in the heart.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Whew, what a week...
Well, I made it, rest and relaxation at last...no I'm not hanging out with Elmer Fudd, but my vacation started at 5pm yesterday, and it was the culmination of a grueling but great week.
This week I had a huge surprise, and from there everyday got endlessly better.
First, let me tell you of something sort of negative that happened a short time ago, but was rectified this week. In the latter part of October last year my Uncle John passed away unexpectedly, and my cousin Patricia called to inform me of it, then she was going to Barbados to receive my Uncle's remains and bring him home to Brooklyn to be buried.She was supposed to inform me of the date and time when she returned to New York, but instead, she had the funeral and reception without even calling me, so I missed it. To say the very least I was angry about this, he was my Father's brother and I should have been there.
Admittedly, I didn't always understand my Uncle Johnny, but none the less I loved him dearly, so I was pretty hurt by all of that .
Anyway, fast forward to this week...Tuesday evening my wife calls me at work and says that there is an envelope addressed to me from Brooklyn
( I knew that it was from Patricia). When I get home and open it, out pops a picture taken in 1963 of my Father, Grandfather ( the original Charlie T)(notice the spelling there ?), and my Uncle John.
I just sat there and cried uncontrollably; three of the 6 men that I admire most in this world (aside from my other Grandfather, and my other 2 Uncles).
My week was about to get worlds better...
Wednesday night, show up for rehearsal at Michael's house and who's sitting there, none other than Steve Ferguson. He'd just arrived in town from Boston (I won't hold that against him) after recording with his buddy the great keyboardist Terry Anderson (of NRBQ fame). Steve was just as excited to see us as we were him, so later that night at the Empty Glass it was a great show, and everybody played really well.
Now Friday comes and it was St Patrick's Day, and we were invited to play a party at our good friend Fmr State Senator John Mitchell's home.
Here is a man who is as down to earth as one can be and be in the public eye.John and his beautiful wife Lee don't just throw a party...people, these folks throw a PARTY !!! There was enough food at this thing to feed a small army, and the frivolity was on high.
We've never done anything quite like this before, so it was a wonderful experience for us all.
Today we were up early to play a concert / Chili Cook Off, which was in part, a fundraiser for the Susan B.Comen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, and that is something that is close to my heart, as I lost my Mother to breast cancer, so my day was spent in thoughts of her.It was freezing cold outside, and normally, those that know me, know how much I can't stand the cold (I tend to become very cranky), but today was just different, and through all that cold we played really well, had loads of laughs, and I just further bonded with my band mates, as hour after hour during our show people kept coming to us offering us their business cards and wanting us to play for their upcoming functions.
I could not have been more proud today.
Then, finally arrive home and my son Marty is here, and I'm soooo glad to see him, he is doing very well in college, and I am proud of him for never giving up and plugging away.Then my daughter calls and tells me that she saved a woman's life today by performing CPR on her when she stop breathing.Kendra is studying Nursing and will be graduating in a month, and Dad is proud beyond belief !!
Tomorrow, starting around 4pm the Carpenter Ants will be doing a benefit to help out fellow musician Robert Shafer's family whose home was destroyed by fire less than a month after moving in there.
It's good to be of help to those in need and it's even greater to know that what we do as musicians can be of service to people in need.
Tomorrow night our post Mountain Stage jam at the Empty Glass, and it's anyones guess who will show up for that...I'm pumped.
All I can say is whew, what a week this has been, and after all of that, I'm now officially on 2 weeks vacation...it does not get any better than this.
I've been kinda on the whiny side lately, but truly, I'm happy, I'm content, and I'm grateful to be where I am.Allah has blessed me abundantly, and all praise is due to Him.
This post is dedicated to my son Marty Adams, and my daughter Kendra Dunham, 2 of Allah's brightest lights and people who put music in my life. Their love makes my heart hear a symphony.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and always tell your family that you love them.
This week I had a huge surprise, and from there everyday got endlessly better.
First, let me tell you of something sort of negative that happened a short time ago, but was rectified this week. In the latter part of October last year my Uncle John passed away unexpectedly, and my cousin Patricia called to inform me of it, then she was going to Barbados to receive my Uncle's remains and bring him home to Brooklyn to be buried.She was supposed to inform me of the date and time when she returned to New York, but instead, she had the funeral and reception without even calling me, so I missed it. To say the very least I was angry about this, he was my Father's brother and I should have been there.
Admittedly, I didn't always understand my Uncle Johnny, but none the less I loved him dearly, so I was pretty hurt by all of that .
Anyway, fast forward to this week...Tuesday evening my wife calls me at work and says that there is an envelope addressed to me from Brooklyn
( I knew that it was from Patricia). When I get home and open it, out pops a picture taken in 1963 of my Father, Grandfather ( the original Charlie T)(notice the spelling there ?), and my Uncle John.
I just sat there and cried uncontrollably; three of the 6 men that I admire most in this world (aside from my other Grandfather, and my other 2 Uncles).
My week was about to get worlds better...
Wednesday night, show up for rehearsal at Michael's house and who's sitting there, none other than Steve Ferguson. He'd just arrived in town from Boston (I won't hold that against him) after recording with his buddy the great keyboardist Terry Anderson (of NRBQ fame). Steve was just as excited to see us as we were him, so later that night at the Empty Glass it was a great show, and everybody played really well.
Now Friday comes and it was St Patrick's Day, and we were invited to play a party at our good friend Fmr State Senator John Mitchell's home.
Here is a man who is as down to earth as one can be and be in the public eye.John and his beautiful wife Lee don't just throw a party...people, these folks throw a PARTY !!! There was enough food at this thing to feed a small army, and the frivolity was on high.
We've never done anything quite like this before, so it was a wonderful experience for us all.
Today we were up early to play a concert / Chili Cook Off, which was in part, a fundraiser for the Susan B.Comen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, and that is something that is close to my heart, as I lost my Mother to breast cancer, so my day was spent in thoughts of her.It was freezing cold outside, and normally, those that know me, know how much I can't stand the cold (I tend to become very cranky), but today was just different, and through all that cold we played really well, had loads of laughs, and I just further bonded with my band mates, as hour after hour during our show people kept coming to us offering us their business cards and wanting us to play for their upcoming functions.
I could not have been more proud today.
Then, finally arrive home and my son Marty is here, and I'm soooo glad to see him, he is doing very well in college, and I am proud of him for never giving up and plugging away.Then my daughter calls and tells me that she saved a woman's life today by performing CPR on her when she stop breathing.Kendra is studying Nursing and will be graduating in a month, and Dad is proud beyond belief !!
Tomorrow, starting around 4pm the Carpenter Ants will be doing a benefit to help out fellow musician Robert Shafer's family whose home was destroyed by fire less than a month after moving in there.
It's good to be of help to those in need and it's even greater to know that what we do as musicians can be of service to people in need.
Tomorrow night our post Mountain Stage jam at the Empty Glass, and it's anyones guess who will show up for that...I'm pumped.
All I can say is whew, what a week this has been, and after all of that, I'm now officially on 2 weeks vacation...it does not get any better than this.
I've been kinda on the whiny side lately, but truly, I'm happy, I'm content, and I'm grateful to be where I am.Allah has blessed me abundantly, and all praise is due to Him.
This post is dedicated to my son Marty Adams, and my daughter Kendra Dunham, 2 of Allah's brightest lights and people who put music in my life. Their love makes my heart hear a symphony.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and always tell your family that you love them.
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