Here are the lyrics to a song that I wrote in 1983...
They mean as much to me today as they did when they arrived in my sleep one night that year.
verse 1:
I've been fighting, just to love you,
tryin' to give you,
This love I have inside which is for you
But you don't want it,
Dodging me, at every turn,
You must think I've got time to burn...so baby,
I'm gonna give you, some very sound advice,
I hope that you'll use it for life...oh baby
chorus:
Don't postpone joy, it's that feeling,
When ecstacy's ray shine the light
Don't postpone joy,cause it can send you reelin'
When you share your love with someone
And you'll find that,
Living is an art and you can master it
With love
verse 2:
I've been watching, angry people,
Who need loving
But they don't understand it takes some work
Cause loving takes feeling,
But it's as free as breathing air,
Be smart and take the time to share...your love
And you'll find that, living is an art and you can master it...with love
chorus:
Don't postpone joy, it's that feeling,
When ecstacy's ray shine a light
Don't postpone joy,cause it can send you reeling
When you share your love with someone
And you'll find that living is an art and you can master it with love.
(composed and arranged by Charlie Tee,
Copyright 1983, on file, Library of Congress.)
One of these days, I'll get around to teaching it to my band and playing it live.Until then...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Saturday, February 25, 2006
The Day That Music Married the Radio
In the days of A.M.radio (if you have to ask, trust me, you're too young...) I used to have one glued to my ear, and we always had one on playing in our house.My parents absolutely loved music, and believe me, it rubbed off and then some.
Anyway, I used to imitate all the hip DJ's, from "Murry the K," and "Eddie O'Jay," to "Cousin Brucie," in New York. I had all of their jargon and jive down pat, and as a musician I came to learn the power that these radio folks had. I also came to realize, that for them, it wasn't about race or even gender; it was about the power to bring people together, and I really appreciated it...and I still do.
During the trying times of our lives DJ's have stood with us when we couldn't stand for ourselves.During the great periods they were also there to cheer us on and make us feel special.
I'm writing about this because I just want to say thank you to all of those people who make their living enthralling, educating,and entertaining us.Who have been on the longest of trips and kept us company with a song in their hearts, and smiles on their lips.
On Friday here in Charleston, I was moved to tears by our local DJ's on a station that has now become my home in my car, V-100 FM. They among others did a live broadcast from the Charleston Town Center Mall, to bring attention to St.Jude's Hospital and the work that those wonderful people are doing to end serious illnesses for children.
Jeanne K, one of the discjockeys began to tell a story about her cousin whose leg had to be amputated because he contracted a rare form of Cancer.She went on to say how terrible she felt at the thought of having to see him this way, and she began to cry in earnest.
It touched me so much, that I cried as if I knew him as well, and I have never been more proud to be a radio listener than I was then.
I'm ashamed that I can't afford to send a check to help out, but if there is any other way for me to do my part, I am more than willing.
I am blessed with healthy and happy children, and grandchildren, and I am more blessed to know that I live in a community such as this where we know our local radio personalities, and know that even in this hectic, myopic, whirlwind of a world that we call today that there still exists people who give a damn.
Let me tell you, the day that music married the radio was a wonderful day.
This post is dedicated to the spirits of the legendary DJ's of yesterday who have been reincarnated in people like Jeanne K, Ric Cochran, Steve and Jenny, and all of the discjockeys at V-100 FM.
For more info on this station click here V100.fm
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and keep this marriage sacred.
Anyway, I used to imitate all the hip DJ's, from "Murry the K," and "Eddie O'Jay," to "Cousin Brucie," in New York. I had all of their jargon and jive down pat, and as a musician I came to learn the power that these radio folks had. I also came to realize, that for them, it wasn't about race or even gender; it was about the power to bring people together, and I really appreciated it...and I still do.
During the trying times of our lives DJ's have stood with us when we couldn't stand for ourselves.During the great periods they were also there to cheer us on and make us feel special.
I'm writing about this because I just want to say thank you to all of those people who make their living enthralling, educating,and entertaining us.Who have been on the longest of trips and kept us company with a song in their hearts, and smiles on their lips.
On Friday here in Charleston, I was moved to tears by our local DJ's on a station that has now become my home in my car, V-100 FM. They among others did a live broadcast from the Charleston Town Center Mall, to bring attention to St.Jude's Hospital and the work that those wonderful people are doing to end serious illnesses for children.
Jeanne K, one of the discjockeys began to tell a story about her cousin whose leg had to be amputated because he contracted a rare form of Cancer.She went on to say how terrible she felt at the thought of having to see him this way, and she began to cry in earnest.
It touched me so much, that I cried as if I knew him as well, and I have never been more proud to be a radio listener than I was then.
I'm ashamed that I can't afford to send a check to help out, but if there is any other way for me to do my part, I am more than willing.
I am blessed with healthy and happy children, and grandchildren, and I am more blessed to know that I live in a community such as this where we know our local radio personalities, and know that even in this hectic, myopic, whirlwind of a world that we call today that there still exists people who give a damn.
Let me tell you, the day that music married the radio was a wonderful day.
This post is dedicated to the spirits of the legendary DJ's of yesterday who have been reincarnated in people like Jeanne K, Ric Cochran, Steve and Jenny, and all of the discjockeys at V-100 FM.
For more info on this station click here V100.fm
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and keep this marriage sacred.
Calm Before The Storm, or Weird Clarity...
This week was great, long but great, I got to play lotsa music, I learned some valuable things at work at the library, and I spent time with my Vickie (although would have liked a bit more of hanging out with her...).
I really feel like my life is headed in the direction that I've always wanted to go, and one truly valuable thing I'm learning is, to be patient.
Patience, although very underrated is a truly worthwhile thing. I don't why this all of sudden hit me, but I feel like for once I have a good handle on it.
Also this week, I've had the weirdest dreams that I think that I've ever had...all kinds of things have popped into my little mind, but the message that I got from them all was to be patient...Charlie, be very patient, so I'm trying to listen to that voice and slow my butt down a little, listen to my insides and focus.
I'm fairly certain that this has occured to me once before, and when it happened that time I listened also, and I was lead to some very life changing things, including meeting one of my heroes, David Sanborn in New York.
You all, I'm sure have heard the phrase, that it's darkest before the dawn, or calm before the storm.Well that seems to be the vibe that's going on with me; a sort of weird clarity, I'm seeing things coming my way that are going to change me for the better, or move me up higher on the ladder, only now, I'm really ready to receive it...I've blocked my blessings long enough.
In my last post, this very strange puzzle came to me in the form of words, and you need to know that that is something out of the norm for me, I just don't seem to operate that way, in other words, I'm a fairly straight forward person, even in my dreams. So this is all a little new for me, with these types of dreams and all.
Whatever all of this means, I hope and pray that you all are with me, because having all of your prayers for me has meant more to me than you will ever know, and I want to say that here and now.
So many people have written to me to tell me that what I've had to say has meant alot to them, and that has touched my soul deeply, and I hope that it is conveyed in my music as well...the love that I have for all of you.
Call it the calm before the storm,weird clarity, or whatever you'd like, but I'm not afraid anymore...and I like that.
This post is dedicated to everyone who reads it...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
I really feel like my life is headed in the direction that I've always wanted to go, and one truly valuable thing I'm learning is, to be patient.
Patience, although very underrated is a truly worthwhile thing. I don't why this all of sudden hit me, but I feel like for once I have a good handle on it.
Also this week, I've had the weirdest dreams that I think that I've ever had...all kinds of things have popped into my little mind, but the message that I got from them all was to be patient...Charlie, be very patient, so I'm trying to listen to that voice and slow my butt down a little, listen to my insides and focus.
I'm fairly certain that this has occured to me once before, and when it happened that time I listened also, and I was lead to some very life changing things, including meeting one of my heroes, David Sanborn in New York.
You all, I'm sure have heard the phrase, that it's darkest before the dawn, or calm before the storm.Well that seems to be the vibe that's going on with me; a sort of weird clarity, I'm seeing things coming my way that are going to change me for the better, or move me up higher on the ladder, only now, I'm really ready to receive it...I've blocked my blessings long enough.
In my last post, this very strange puzzle came to me in the form of words, and you need to know that that is something out of the norm for me, I just don't seem to operate that way, in other words, I'm a fairly straight forward person, even in my dreams. So this is all a little new for me, with these types of dreams and all.
Whatever all of this means, I hope and pray that you all are with me, because having all of your prayers for me has meant more to me than you will ever know, and I want to say that here and now.
So many people have written to me to tell me that what I've had to say has meant alot to them, and that has touched my soul deeply, and I hope that it is conveyed in my music as well...the love that I have for all of you.
Call it the calm before the storm,weird clarity, or whatever you'd like, but I'm not afraid anymore...and I like that.
This post is dedicated to everyone who reads it...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
This Puzzle Called Life
There once was a puzzle called life and it was spread all over a table.Something bumped into the table and knocked off a few pieces, and just as I reached to pick them up, a strong wind came along and blew away some of my life. Stunned, I tried to continue, but I realized that I needed those pieces, so I went in search of my life's missing pieces. That journey took me far and wide, but I needed those pieces so I ventured on.Along the way I found hope, which is a piece of my life, but I had to have the rest to complete my puzzle.
I tried to imagine life without the remaining pieces, and I couldn't see life altogether, so I moved along, hoping to complete the puzzle someday.
I met a friend who told me that she spied one of the pieces of my life but I needed to marry in order to get it back. So I married and retrieved another piece of life.During the marriage, I realized that I also needed understanding to complete my life puzzle, so I set off to find it as well when I encountered work.Work gave me part of my puzzle, but a stronger wind came and blew away the piece that I was holding, so I simply headed for home, when I got there I decided to try to finish my puzzle without those pieces only to realize that I had everything I needed all along.
The question: how is it that I didn't realize that I had what I needed ?
I have no real reason for writing this, it just came to me this way, but I hope that some of you will try to answer it,or solve it.
I've been dreaming alot lately...
Support lIve music today tomorrow and always.
I tried to imagine life without the remaining pieces, and I couldn't see life altogether, so I moved along, hoping to complete the puzzle someday.
I met a friend who told me that she spied one of the pieces of my life but I needed to marry in order to get it back. So I married and retrieved another piece of life.During the marriage, I realized that I also needed understanding to complete my life puzzle, so I set off to find it as well when I encountered work.Work gave me part of my puzzle, but a stronger wind came and blew away the piece that I was holding, so I simply headed for home, when I got there I decided to try to finish my puzzle without those pieces only to realize that I had everything I needed all along.
The question: how is it that I didn't realize that I had what I needed ?
I have no real reason for writing this, it just came to me this way, but I hope that some of you will try to answer it,or solve it.
I've been dreaming alot lately...
Support lIve music today tomorrow and always.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
It's Just Us...is it justice?
The recent events involving the dreaded cartoon depiction of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him), have got me thinking about how far do we stretch our limits when we tease people.
During the course of this time, I've heard many arguements over this, and quite a few of my friends have sort of tip toed around me not quite knowing what to say.
To ease the minds of all of my friends, I will tell you that I am angry about the depiction, but not enough to destroy property, and harm people.I would rather take my energies and educate the ill informed.
It's one thing thing to tease someone about wearing a turbin, or snake charmers as such, but it's another thing altogether to show disrespect for a leader that one fifth of the Earth's population have reverence for.
Yes, you can say that we Muslims need to learn to take a joke, and there may be truth to that, but I don't like being called a nigger either, especially if it is being said as a way to disrespect me, or de-moralize me.
In my band the Carpenter Ants, there is friend who sits in with us on percussion at our shows at the Empty Glass on Wednesdays, his name is Michael Jones. Now Mike is (I think ) six feet six, and has feet the size of small countries,and I tease him relentlessly every week. He is a good natured fella, and accepts his teasing with grace and honor, but I've never made fun of him, even though his life circumstance isn't where he'd like.
Muslims in today's society aren't as accepted as we once were before all of the headlined terrorism that constantly bombards us, but there are a great many of us who are decent well meaning human beings just trying to live in life, and achieve our goals.We don't need ribbing about the Holy Prophet (pbuh) it's just not right.None of the Allah's apostles need, nor deserve that.
So if you must, joke about other aspects of Islam, but really, let's leave religion in general out of the humor. It would do us all some good to pray, and ask yourself...it's just us, but is it justice?
To learn more about the faith of Islam, and the life of Prophet Muhammad, I would like to invite you to a community meeting being held at the Islamic Center of West Virginia , Sunday February 19th from 6-8 pm.Call me or e-mail me if you need directions, or click on the link above.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
During the course of this time, I've heard many arguements over this, and quite a few of my friends have sort of tip toed around me not quite knowing what to say.
To ease the minds of all of my friends, I will tell you that I am angry about the depiction, but not enough to destroy property, and harm people.I would rather take my energies and educate the ill informed.
It's one thing thing to tease someone about wearing a turbin, or snake charmers as such, but it's another thing altogether to show disrespect for a leader that one fifth of the Earth's population have reverence for.
Yes, you can say that we Muslims need to learn to take a joke, and there may be truth to that, but I don't like being called a nigger either, especially if it is being said as a way to disrespect me, or de-moralize me.
In my band the Carpenter Ants, there is friend who sits in with us on percussion at our shows at the Empty Glass on Wednesdays, his name is Michael Jones. Now Mike is (I think ) six feet six, and has feet the size of small countries,and I tease him relentlessly every week. He is a good natured fella, and accepts his teasing with grace and honor, but I've never made fun of him, even though his life circumstance isn't where he'd like.
Muslims in today's society aren't as accepted as we once were before all of the headlined terrorism that constantly bombards us, but there are a great many of us who are decent well meaning human beings just trying to live in life, and achieve our goals.We don't need ribbing about the Holy Prophet (pbuh) it's just not right.None of the Allah's apostles need, nor deserve that.
So if you must, joke about other aspects of Islam, but really, let's leave religion in general out of the humor. It would do us all some good to pray, and ask yourself...it's just us, but is it justice?
To learn more about the faith of Islam, and the life of Prophet Muhammad, I would like to invite you to a community meeting being held at the Islamic Center of West Virginia , Sunday February 19th from 6-8 pm.Call me or e-mail me if you need directions, or click on the link above.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Some Explanation Is Required...
If you look back over many of my recent posts it may seem as though my blog has taken on a different tone,or better yet moved away from my original intentions, which is to chronicle my journey toward being in the music buisness.
There is a reason for this, but it requires a little patience and understanding. I still am very interested in playing music full time, but in order to help you (the readers) understand what this journey is comprised of you need to realize that in every story of a person trying to achieve a dream there are parts that are the makeup of that person.
In other words, all of these stories of people, places and things are the parts of the puzzle that guide me along on my path. When I relay a story about my parents for example, it's done to convey the importance of family in one's goals.
When I pay homage to a fallen star, as I did with Luther Vandross, or Richard Pryor, I need you to realize that these are people who in doing what they did had affect on what I'm doing, and am trying to do.
The reason that some explanation is required is that I want to use all of these experiences to help me, keep me grounded, keep me sane, and keep me trying until I reach my goal.By telling it in this way I want people who aren't in music to see that there is a process for some of us.
I got an e-mail from a fan of this blog, who wanted to know why I'm not telling more of the actual struggle to get into the business, hence, I wrote this in answer to them.
If any of you come away with anything else other than I truly want to make music, then please, guess again, music is my first and ONLY love.
Not to worry though, there is plenty to write about within my journey...so the trip continues.
There is a reason for this, but it requires a little patience and understanding. I still am very interested in playing music full time, but in order to help you (the readers) understand what this journey is comprised of you need to realize that in every story of a person trying to achieve a dream there are parts that are the makeup of that person.
In other words, all of these stories of people, places and things are the parts of the puzzle that guide me along on my path. When I relay a story about my parents for example, it's done to convey the importance of family in one's goals.
When I pay homage to a fallen star, as I did with Luther Vandross, or Richard Pryor, I need you to realize that these are people who in doing what they did had affect on what I'm doing, and am trying to do.
The reason that some explanation is required is that I want to use all of these experiences to help me, keep me grounded, keep me sane, and keep me trying until I reach my goal.By telling it in this way I want people who aren't in music to see that there is a process for some of us.
I got an e-mail from a fan of this blog, who wanted to know why I'm not telling more of the actual struggle to get into the business, hence, I wrote this in answer to them.
If any of you come away with anything else other than I truly want to make music, then please, guess again, music is my first and ONLY love.
Not to worry though, there is plenty to write about within my journey...so the trip continues.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Like a River Running Through It...Sara Sue Wright
One of the things that gave me endless facsination about my Mother was her eloquence, and as a result, in my life I've always been moved by people like her.
I have been very fortunate to have met such a woman in the form of my former boss and dear friend Sara Sue Wright.
When I worked at the Charleston Library, Sara Sue was the head of our Reference Dept. and on many occasions she and I worked together, and I learned volumes about the library business, as well as how to become proficient at my job.
I always loved to talk with her about being a librarian, and the many wonderful facets of this work.She has such pride in what she does that it rubbed off on me tenfold. At some point I began to consider a career in the library business, and when I expressed a desire she not only was overjoyed for me, but also began teaching me the ins and outs of the library world.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to swing going to Library school and getting a Masters degree (funds are low, debt is high...), but Sara Sue still helped to groom me for the jobs which I subsequently moved on to, including now being a Supervisor.
Through it all, she and I have remained friends and she will always be an inspiration.
Well the time has come for her to relax and enjoy her life, as she is about to retire. Her wonderful husband Zeb will have her all to himself, and I have to say that I'm almost jealous.
Truth is though, I couldn't be happier for her, she has given so much to the community in so many ways and we have all benefitted from her eloquence.
Once while giving her a ride home, she and I were talking about our lives and I asked her how she came to settle in Charleston West Virginia, and she told me that having grown up in Nashville Tennessee, "I' ve always been partial to places where there is a river, just something about it keeps me grounded she said," In the years that I've come to know her I vicariously understand why...rivers give way to oceans, rivers also are a source of strength and power, a life giving force; electricity can be generated through the use of mighty rivers, and if you know this magnificent woman, the things that that we've learned from her have given us strength and power, to create our electricity in the way of knowledge, and like a river running through it, isn't knowledge power ?
Sara Sue, I want to thank you for gracing my life, and I wish you the best that you very much deserve. You leave us, but don't forget us, keep in touch...always.
ps. just to show how much she is beloved by my family, my son Marty named our cat after her.
This post is also dedicated to her wonderful family who have stood with her; Dr. Zeb Wright and Colin Wright, and family.
This post is further dedicated to the staff of our Reference Dept, some of the greatest minds anywhere...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...retire and relax.
I have been very fortunate to have met such a woman in the form of my former boss and dear friend Sara Sue Wright.
When I worked at the Charleston Library, Sara Sue was the head of our Reference Dept. and on many occasions she and I worked together, and I learned volumes about the library business, as well as how to become proficient at my job.
I always loved to talk with her about being a librarian, and the many wonderful facets of this work.She has such pride in what she does that it rubbed off on me tenfold. At some point I began to consider a career in the library business, and when I expressed a desire she not only was overjoyed for me, but also began teaching me the ins and outs of the library world.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to swing going to Library school and getting a Masters degree (funds are low, debt is high...), but Sara Sue still helped to groom me for the jobs which I subsequently moved on to, including now being a Supervisor.
Through it all, she and I have remained friends and she will always be an inspiration.
Well the time has come for her to relax and enjoy her life, as she is about to retire. Her wonderful husband Zeb will have her all to himself, and I have to say that I'm almost jealous.
Truth is though, I couldn't be happier for her, she has given so much to the community in so many ways and we have all benefitted from her eloquence.
Once while giving her a ride home, she and I were talking about our lives and I asked her how she came to settle in Charleston West Virginia, and she told me that having grown up in Nashville Tennessee, "I' ve always been partial to places where there is a river, just something about it keeps me grounded she said," In the years that I've come to know her I vicariously understand why...rivers give way to oceans, rivers also are a source of strength and power, a life giving force; electricity can be generated through the use of mighty rivers, and if you know this magnificent woman, the things that that we've learned from her have given us strength and power, to create our electricity in the way of knowledge, and like a river running through it, isn't knowledge power ?
Sara Sue, I want to thank you for gracing my life, and I wish you the best that you very much deserve. You leave us, but don't forget us, keep in touch...always.
ps. just to show how much she is beloved by my family, my son Marty named our cat after her.
This post is also dedicated to her wonderful family who have stood with her; Dr. Zeb Wright and Colin Wright, and family.
This post is further dedicated to the staff of our Reference Dept, some of the greatest minds anywhere...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always...retire and relax.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Not Enough Hours In the Day
I had to laugh this morning, because I got an e-mail message from my friend Joel in London, then I read my friend Jennifer's post on her blog, and I came to the conclusion that there just aren't enough hours in the day to do all that we strive to do routinely, let alone adding extracurricular activities in the mix.
It seems like everyday time just gets shorter and shorter, and we find ourselves wondering where the hell our lives have gone.
Knowing that my true aim in life is to play music and have that be my life's work, it feels like I'm doing everything but that.
The reason that this all is humorous to me is that I often have to take the Ferris Buehler approach to life.His outlook on life goes something like: "life moves pretty fast, sometimes you gotta stop and watch it or else, you miss it."
That movie changed my attitude about working and slaving everyday over a hot office.Now mind you, I'm not suggesting at all, that you (or anybody for that matter)run out and quit your livelihood, but I am saying that we all need to take some time for 'me.'
I'm also saying, that in your daily/weekly process of working, or schooling remember that Rome wasn't built in day, and because it wasn't you have divine permission to be un-organized ocassionally, it's alright.
There is time to get caught up, there is time reacquaint, and certainly if it is needed, room for all of your desires, but first and foremost remember, that time starts with one, and that one is YOU.
This post is dedicated to Joel Ison and Jennifer Wagner.
You can read their blog posts by clicking on their names above...
If you have the opportunity, rent "Ferris Buehler's Day Off," starring Matthew Broderick. It's an absolutlely hilarious movie with many allegories about our life, and how we should deal with it.
ps. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, but make sure that you have enough hours in your day.
It seems like everyday time just gets shorter and shorter, and we find ourselves wondering where the hell our lives have gone.
Knowing that my true aim in life is to play music and have that be my life's work, it feels like I'm doing everything but that.
The reason that this all is humorous to me is that I often have to take the Ferris Buehler approach to life.His outlook on life goes something like: "life moves pretty fast, sometimes you gotta stop and watch it or else, you miss it."
That movie changed my attitude about working and slaving everyday over a hot office.Now mind you, I'm not suggesting at all, that you (or anybody for that matter)run out and quit your livelihood, but I am saying that we all need to take some time for 'me.'
I'm also saying, that in your daily/weekly process of working, or schooling remember that Rome wasn't built in day, and because it wasn't you have divine permission to be un-organized ocassionally, it's alright.
There is time to get caught up, there is time reacquaint, and certainly if it is needed, room for all of your desires, but first and foremost remember, that time starts with one, and that one is YOU.
This post is dedicated to Joel Ison and Jennifer Wagner.
You can read their blog posts by clicking on their names above...
If you have the opportunity, rent "Ferris Buehler's Day Off," starring Matthew Broderick. It's an absolutlely hilarious movie with many allegories about our life, and how we should deal with it.
ps. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always, but make sure that you have enough hours in your day.
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