"It Be's Like That Sometime."

Back in the day (which day, I'm not quite sure, or maybe I just don't remember...), there used to be a saying in the Black community that reflected the mood of most folks who felt powerless, and without much hope."It be's like that sometime."
As a striving musician at times I get that same feeling, but then I stop and realize that my destiny is in my own hands. Sink or swim, my fate is mine and only Allah can say whether or not it is for me to have.
I listen to musicians complain about how the industry just won't give any breaks, there are no agents to come see our band. we hate doing cover tunes and a myriad of other things, but the truth is you have to really be on your game when you play music; you've got to take these songs put your own flair into them and make them yours.
Yeah, I get tired of doing endless versions of "Brown Eyed Girl," but I still try to make my girl stand out from the rest.
I recently sat in with my old band here and although they are the covermasters, I found myself having a a ball, in the same way that I do when I play with the Carpenter Ants.
All of this leads me to believe wholeheartedly in what I'm saying here...you have to have fun with this, it be's like that sometime.
For years I've been going to a particular dentist's office. It's just him and his office manager. Whenever I leave there I realize how lucky I am to have found him.
What does this have to do with music, well let me tell you that first, my dentist's office is plain and unassuming, he doesn't have all the bells and whistles like some dentist offices, but he is so much into making you look good and have that perfect smile that you can easily think that you're in the office of the presidential dentist (really, is there one...?). The fact is, he thorougly enjoys his work, and clearly he is good at it.
In other words he's more into making you look like million rather than charging you a million to furnish an office and have several airhead cuties running around ( hey Mike, just a thought...)(only kidding...).
Musicians have to take that exact same attitude and bowl their audiences over with their rendition of that same brown eyed girl.
At times we all feel powerless and non existant, but you have to still keep your head to the grindstone and plow your way forward. Realize how lucky you are to have this gift of music. To get to the Rolling Stones status you've got to roll on your audience at your show. let your hair down and rock the joint even if there are only 3 people in the seats, make it seem like there are 3 thousand people out there. Just remember, you are the one with the power, it be's like that sometime.
Have a wonderful week everybody, see ya at the show.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Catchin' You Up

Hi folks, been a bit hectic last few months as I'm sure that you can inagine,but I'm slowly clawing my way back from all of the transpiring, and the madness of late.
That said, I want to let everyone know that the Carpenter Ants will be in the Charleston area for the month of October, playing at the Empty Glass on Sundays post Moutnain Stage.
Of late we've embarked on quite a number of new tunes for you to enjoy and groove to from the Psychedilic to the revrential, and it's been a fun ride for me, and I'm quite certain that you'll dig it as well.
We had an extremely busy Summer season this year, but are overjoyed to be back home for while before it starts all over again and we're on the road, and living out of our suitcases.
For me it's been especially great because I've missed  all of you sooo much.
Along with my regular blog posts I'm going to be adding show dates, schedules, and miscellaneous info and pictures. This is just a way of catchin'you up on all the fun, and to give you your own special invitation to the frivolity.
I want to add that you can also catch us on Facebook and Myspace.
See you soon, and don't forget...

Support Live music today tomorrow and always

The Wrong Guy

Recently, I've heard a story that has circulated in the music community about me, and I've decided that it's time for me to address some serious issues.
The rumor that I heard was that I "supposedly" am leaving my band the Carpenter Ants. Not only have I heard it but it's starting to take on a life of its own.
Well folks, let me set the record straight right here and right now. I AM NOT NOR DID I EVER PLAN TO LEAVE THE CARPENTER ANTS ( If you're not sure what I said repeat the last sentence...)
Right now I'm really emotional because I've lost my wife and my child, so at times I may seem out of it, but I have no intention whatsoever to leave my home in this band.
For me the band has been my security, and my blanket to keep me warm. Michael, Ted and Jupie have surrounded me with love and with care, and have helped to see me through all of this.
Slowly, I'm getting back to myself, and regaining my power.
I'm not being metaphorical here folks, I'm merely saying that being in the position that I'm in this band makes me feel stronger and stronger.
During my absences over the past year and again recently with the death of my wife, I've found that I've been feeling a bit vulnerable and insecure. All I can say to that is go through what I've gone through and maybe you get the slightest inkling of how that could happen.
But rest assured, if you think that any of you can push me aside and move me out of this spot, YOU HAVE GOT THE WRONG GUY.
Normally, I have tried my best to be of help to my fellow musicians where ever I am needed, but I won't sit back and have idiots (yeah, I said it...) try to throw my band a curve or my fans a curve.
Kissing Michael's butt won't work, trying to go through my other friends won't work either.
So in short what I am am saying to all of my detractors, if you think that you're capable of moving me out you are more than welcomed to try.
Until then...
Support :Live music today tomorrow and always