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.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
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.
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