Standing In the Shadows of Music

Simple Diversions

2011-10-14T00:07:00.001-04:00

My bassist Ted Harrison and I share a passion outside of our Carpenter Ants gig, we both are huge baseball fans. Teddy is a Detriot Tigers fan, and I of course am a New York Yankees fan.
I'm talking about this because as we speak the Tigers are trying to rally to win the American League Championship Series, so naturally Ted is on pins and needles hoping his boys will come through.
Although I would have wished for a different outcome with my boys, I still wish Ted the best.
Sometimes having something else to focus on helps us in our quest to go in the direction that we're intending.
A mere baseball game has taken our minds off of the hard drive of band business. We aren't of course giving up on playing (don't actually know if we could...) but simple diversions help keep us grounded.
One of the things that I have found that seems to help me while I'm playing is to imagine myself in a Yankee uniform on the field doing battle with another team (mainly the Red Sox...I can't even believe I'm mentioning them in my post, yikes...), when I need to pull off a great performance that's what usually does it for me (I'll even let you in on a secret of mine, if you see me on stage wearing a Yankee shirt expect a stellar performance, especially my NY Babe Ruth shirt, it's my lucky charm).
They're just simple diversions, but they work like magic for many performers and athletes alike.
Going at your goals full throttle is very time consuming, one could get easily stressed out trying to get somewhere, it's not that you don't need to work hard at things but you also need to relax and let other factors in once in awhile, because it helps the overall goal, and gives you a chance to step back and see it take shape.
Michael Lipton, my other bandmate loves Flea Markets, and he finds the greatest stuff ever in them. When we're on the road sometimes and he spots a yard sale, SCRREEEECH !!!, we're stopping and we must check it out, hey can't pass on a possible deal could we now?Jupiter Little, our drummer is into sneakers. I always tease and tell him that he is the Imelda Marcos of the sneaker world, he just got lots of 'em. If we ever make it big, I can see it now, a house for my sneakers.
Anyway, my point here is that everyone has their thing, outside of their thing
My other thing is that I love to fly kites. You can catch on many Sundays out in the park near where I live flying away, and I could be out there for hours on end no problem. These days during that time, I also send my thoughts and prayers up to my Vickie, it's my time to connect with my memories of her.
Although music is our ultimate goal, it's things like these simple diversions that keep it fresh in our hearts and fresh in our minds.
Take a break now and again, relax and unwind, find your true passion in life work toward it but realize it also takes time. Give yourself a reward for the work you've put in like a splurge on yourself, these simple diversions.
This post is dedicated to Ted Harrison...GO TIGERS!!!
Have and awesome weekend whatever you're doing. Thanks for stopping by. Just remember...

Support Live music today tomorrow and always
Don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter and follow the Carpenter Ants on Facebook.

Your Inner Voice

2011-10-07T21:54:00.005-04:00

With the passing of Steve Jobs, I thought this little post might be of benefit to my fellow strivers of music.

It's a safe bet to know that most of us in the world are dreamers. Some dream of peace, some good health, and the list goes exponentially on. It's also safe to know that many of us while being these dreamers don't always act upon our dreams, we merely hold them inside and they rarely see the light of day.
I know this because I was one of the latter. I held on to my dreams and my wishes like a running back trying to make it to the uprights.
The reality though is that you really don't have to hold on so tightly, it would be better if you figured out who was in your camp and who wasn't and the make your way through the mire.
So often we let everybody and their mother dictate to us what they perceive as the way for us. How can anyone possibly know what is truly best for us.
Now I'm certain that you're going now wait a minute Charlie, you're blogging about that very thing. Yes this is true, but if you read my profile statement, the very last line is my disclaimer..."this is my journey..."
What I'm actually saying is that these are the things that I have been through and things that I am going through. There is some aspects of advice, but I'm not directly saying that you should follow that advice. If you go back to when I started blogging (2005 to be exact...), what you'll see is that my story is telling you to look at your own methods of getting where you're going. Mine is working for me, you have to follow what works for you.
This is one of the reasons I don't fill you up on endless stories about being in the music business, because in my opinion it takes many facets to tell a story and in my case, all the things that I write about are the things that have made up my being a musician, and striving in the world of music.
A few years ago, I got an e-mail from a young lady who reads me regularly; she is a saxophone player and wanted to know how she could further herself in the music biz. At the time I was pretty excited to make a new fan, so I set out answering the many questions that she poured my way. Until one of those questions, had I answered, could have come back and bite me in the you know where.
I told her that I wasn't comfortable answering this particular question and said I would rather that you had your parent ask me.Well a couple of days later her father reached out to me and thanked me endlessly for not taking advantage of his child. He went on to explain that she is a good girl but that she's heard all of these stories about the producers and casting couches and really only wanted to know how to avoid them.
That's all well and good, but I felt that had I answered, no matter how truthful I would have been, it could be miscontrued, and I might have wound up in trouble.
This is where the point of this post is. Just as Steve Jobs did, you have to follow your inner voice. Call it your spirit guide, call it your muse, but whatever it may be, if it compels you, then it should propel you.
I listened to my inner voice and it lead me away from New York and everything that I knew at the time and propelled me to Charleston West Virginia. Had I listened to my family who were all telling me that "this is a completely stupid idea," "West Virginia will never be able to sustain you, their economy is worthless there," the negative list also could have grown exponentially here as well, but I stuck to my guns moved here and look at me now.Don't get me wrong, I've had more than my share of heataches and setbacks including the loss of 2 wives ( and most of you know that losing Vickie was a blow that could go on forever for me ). Still I stand before you and say that I am relatively happy, I'm trying to make sense of the rest of my life, I have my head held high and I'm plowing forward. All that because I keep listening to my insides.
Steve Jobs really did have the right idea in following his voice, if he could build the empire that he left us, there is absolutely no reason why we can't going forward.
Listening to that voice is what can take away your darkness. That is not to say that everyone is going to stand in your way, but that listening to you should help you perceive who is real from the fakes. Sometimes the people with the best of intentions could be the biggest brickwalls in our lives, but the inner voice will help you undestand the difference, it will shed light where you are darkest, and help you to know who's real and who ain't.
So my friends, it's important that we take some things from the examples of Steve and so many others who have left us, incorporate those lessons and examples into who we are, sit as quietly as we can when we can, be truthful even with ourselves and listen to your inner voice. It may take awhile, but you'll be glad you did.

Have a wonderful weekend. I love you always.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter and follow The Carpenter Ants on Facebook

Old is the new, New

2011-09-26T00:46:00.004-04:00

Was talking with a good friend of mine today, and he was relaying to me how difficult it's been for him to ply his music in his area. It seems as though availability of players is slim to none, and he can't seem to get anyone motivated enough to start a project.
All of that got me thinking as we were talking. I offered to come down to his area and lend my saxophone and vocals to him when I wasn't doing Carpenter Ants chores.
He stated that he doesn't mind doing the solo act, but he sort of had bigger dreams to do orchestral stuff. Believe me, he's got the voice and the stage presence to do it.
I on the other hand really feel that this music business is going to see a major swing back, and we'll all be in a good position to make our music.
Why do I feel this way?
Well for one thing, even though right now, the music industry is flooded by all the hip shaking no real talent ( not everyone of course...), party all night, throw up, paparazzi chased, doped out (got enough adjectives here?), crowd, all of those youngsters who are currently in our conciousness are looking backward and realizing that they need the music that we were doing first.
I heard on the radio the other day, Celine Dion singing a cover of the Aretha Franklin inspired Carol King penned version of "Natural Woman." Now don't get me wrong, Celine does have an admirable voice; in fact she can sing, but I'm sorry,and you can argue the point all you'd like, but she will NEVER (that's right...) NEVER be Aretha Franklin. The changes in the original version are perfect, especially where the strings cross over into the bridge section of the song...listen carefully, I'll spell it out. "Oh baby what you done for me, you make me feel so good inside, and I just wanna be, close to you, you make me feel so alive...If Celine would have had Yanni's orchestra, she still could not have pulled it off. The string section used in Aretha's version was unreal it was so good, yet it was simple.
Celine's version pales by comparison.
You see what I was telling my friend is that what we all need to do is just hold on because everything old is the new, new.
Let me clear here; what I'm saying is that all of the music that our younger folks are now realizing is valid is all of the music that we grew up doing first hand. You can even go so far as to say that some of that music was created by us. Certainly it is in our era. Just the Celine example alone proves my point. Many of today's top selling artists are reaching an impass and they are clamoring to find out about the music that we created, and trying to figure out how we did it so flawlessly.
I've said before and I'll say it again, to my younger friends, you must build your buildings from the ground up. It is impossible to build a building from the 23rd floor.This is the real reason so many artists don't last long, they don't have the foundation that we have...Rolliing Stones anyone?
In all, I really wish that we all could ply our trade and make music more readily available for the masses, because everybody needs it, young, old and everyone in between.
The message in the meantime though is hold on and stand up straight, the music will come back. because old is the new, new.
To Darrell and all of you my friends, thanks for stopping by, have a great week.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter and follow The Carpenter Ants on Facebook

The Randall Wray Tribute (for the love of music...)

2011-09-25T15:10:00.000-04:00

Last night in Charleston there was a tribute to fallen musician named Randall Wray.
Let me first give you a bit of some background
Randall was a blues guitarist who was not only a phenom, but also (at the time when I met him...) so much a genius that he was a little mad (as in Eistein, or mad scientist). He was completely confident, but just a bit crazy.
I still found him to be fascinating though, and I am forever grateful that I shared a stage with him before he left this world for good.
Let me tell you folks, people who knew Randall, all of the musicians that played with Randall over the years, and folks who knew the name were all in attendance. Many people flew in or came in from all over the county.
The event was hosted by one of my best friends and fellow musician, Terry Lowry.
Terry, put together an evening of music that if you weren't there, and just heard about it, you'd swear was the event of a lifetime...and it was.
First of all what he did was utilized most of the musicians who had either played with Randall at one time or another or he had people playing who would have admired Randall's status as a Charleston blues icon.
There were elements that I thoroughly enjoyed about the evening and some that I had been hard pressed to figure out. Starting with my own playing, I had a very hard time hearing myself; as I was all the way in a corner on the stage ( I ended up sitting on a piano, that is located there...), mainly due to the fact that there were so many amps on stage. It made it difficult for me to find my place, and don't feel that I played my best. Oh well, that happens, so we'll just move right along...
The thing that I loved about the night, which is the point of my post today. Randall, for all of us that knew him could be completely irreverent and off the cuff. One quick story just to give you an idea...another musician asked him once if he wanted a pick to play his guitar at a show and Randall exclaimed that "the Randall needs no plectrum..."He told me that he didn't see the need for a saxophone player at a show I did with him, but told me that he admired my playing "so I guess it's OK."
Talk about pressure...WHEW.
That is irreverence of the highest order, and last night that is exactly what happened, it was totally crazy, but damn was it ever fun.
I got to listen to many folks who I had not gotten to listen to during his heyday. I had gotten to see first hand some of the folks he influenced over the years. I got meet his brother whom I never met, and who also never heard his own brother play. That was well worth it to me.
They had a giant poster of the event and had all the musicians who were playing sign it and it was presented to Randall's brother and family, which was a nice touch. For them it was really special to know that so many people loved Randall as we did.
Some of the musicians playing were absolutely inspiring to watch. People like Tom Benson, Bill Light, and Chris Garten. It was wonderful to catch up with some of my brothers like Kai Haynes and John Chic. My bandmate Michael Lipton was amazing, it was fun to be in a different settiing than our Carpenter Ants show.
In all the evening was a huge success, because, while yes it was little rough around the edges the irreverence of it is was made it an event that you should have been here for.
I sincerely hope that we can do it again, and I sincerely hope that alot of the younger muscians in town show up to see how it is done...for the love of music.
See ya at the next show.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Don't forget you can follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Thoughts About My Journey

2011-09-20T11:54:00.001-04:00

I've been at this game of music for a long time now, and I think it's about time for some relfection.
Music has been such an integral part of me for so many years, and truly I have loved every minute of it. Of course there are times that I could live without, but overall it has been wonderful.
The best of it has been my time spent here in The Carpenter Ants. My brothers have enriched me to no end, and I'm very grateful we share this journey together.
One of the reasons that I'm talking about this today is that I feel it is important for all of you who think, "oh I'm getting to old to chase a dream, or think that one can spend too much time going nowhere, or just simply feel that what you want is unattainable,"I want to tell you not to give up or give in.
If playing music makes you happy, then by all means go for it. If you can make a couple of bucks along the way, then why not. Just be realistic about it. Savor the process by which it comes. Build your building from the ground up and not from the tenth floor as many of our youngsters seem to want to do.
I've always said, it didn't matter to me about the length of time it takes, so long as I take the time to pursue my passion.
Another reason for this writing is to say thanks to the many people who support us. It's gratifying to look out into the audience and see your faces out there waiting for us and rooting for us.
When we played on the Levee in Charleston in September, collectively, we all said "that it was one of the most fun nights we had there."
This part of the journey is important as well, connecting with people.It's just good business.
Like any voyage, it can be fraught with turbulance and sorrow, and of course, I'm no different, I've had my share, but even with those setbacks, I still feel that this has been a most worthwhile experience, to play music for you.
As long as I have breath in the old body, I will continue to try and entertain you. As long as a keyboard exists, I will still try telling you the thoughts about my journey.
I sincerely hope that all of these posts and all of my stories help those of you striving as I am in music, come to realize that this is a process; that all of these things add up to you being musicians and playing in this game.
They are important steps...and remember, the longest journey starts with a single step.
These steps are a necessity so that you remember where you came from. Always look forward, and always reflect backward. Doing so will allow you to take better stock in yourself, You'll realize your true value.
I'm always grateful to you. Take care and have a great day.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and follow The Carpenter Ants on Facebook.

A Most Disturbing Trend

2011-09-18T22:56:00.002-04:00

I want to address something that has been happening far too much in my community of late, and shed some much needed light on it...

Living here in West Virginia and more specifically in the Kanawha Valley has been one of the best moves I could have ever made for myself. When I left New York, it wasn't because I didn't love it, it was that it was increasingly becoming far too violent for me to continue living there.
One night after working my rear end off in a studio after having worked my regular job earlier that day, I was returning home when I got robbed directly around the corner from my house. I got robbed at gunpoint (yes,you read that right...)
Well that was all that I needed to convince me that it was time to leave New York City. But where do I go? Crime, seemingly was everywhere, but I needed and wanted to live peacefully. I got no qualms about working, but I didn't want to go somewhere and have to surrender what I've worked my ass off to get.
I chose Charleston West Virginia...why? Because when I lived here during my college days I found Charleston and its people to be among the best people I had ever known. Truly, salt of the earth kind of folks. People who will give you the shirt off their backs if you need it.
I'm still not sorry that I'm here, but now I'm hearing horrible and horrific stories of my sisters getting mugged and harmed right here in Charleston, and it bothers me to no end.
Charleston you are better than this, we're not New York, we're not these other poorly governed and atrocious places. How can we let ourselves get to this? I know that the economy is bad throughout the county, but even with that looming over us, we are West Virginians, and we are better than that.
I am appalled to know that some female friends of mine had to not only endure being humiliated, but also were harmed in the process to the point of hospitalization. That is goddamned disturbing to me.
Charleston West Virginia, I want to ask in the name of everything decent, please don't do this to our sisters. Don't do it to anyone, but especially to the women. As it says in the Pointer Sisters song, "Yes We Can Can," "and do respect the women of the world, remember you all have mothers..."Before you lay hands on another person, think carefully about what this, a most disturbing trend is doing for us as a community, it's giving us a black eye, and it is comparing us to the other nastier seemier cities.
Please tell me that this is not what we want for ourselves.
To the ladies who had to endure these horrific acts ( I won't mention your names to keep your anonymity...), please know from me how sorry I am for what you have endured. If there is any way that I can help you through this please contact me.
Sincerely, Charlie Tee

Social Media: reaching for the the right notes

2011-09-17T01:22:00.003-04:00

I know that I'm getting older and the thoughts of technology scare me somewhat, but I really am trying to embrace it somewhat as well.
I've been blogging since 2005, and I have enjoyed doing this very much, but along with this I'm now trying to maintain a Twitter account and a Facebook account.
The whole social media thing has so many ups and downs, that it truly reminds me of the byline of this blog: "A journal for those trying their hardest to make a career in the music business, the ups and downs."
Part of what makes this social medium so fascinating is that you really can connect with so many folks who might not ever come your way otherwise, and you can create a loyal following.
The frustrating part of it is that you also meet many folks who should learn to leave their opinions at the door.
The bullies, who torment kids, the religious fanatics who feel theirs is the only way.Just the hate mongers in general are enough to make me gag.
Let's leave the negative folks behind for now and explore the many great ways this thing can work and see if we can create some positive energy while also seeing if I can create more of a following for myself as well as the Carpenter Ants.
First, if you haven't heard by now, The Ants have a new CD in the works called "Ants and Uncles." Look for it in stores and on http://www.cdbaby.com/ sometime around December of this year.
I really am proud of how far this band has come in our 25 years. I have learned alot from my time with them, including embracing the medium of social media.
I have been fortunate to travel as a musician and entertain many wonderful people over the years, and I've been able to stay in touch beyond the shows we've done. Connecting with people is a really good thing especially when they really dig what you do.
Now this whole notion of instant notification makes it even more intriguing, I can text from the road, with WIFI, I can e-mail in minutes as we're approaching. With blogging, I can tell you stories about what my world is like and so on.It as they say is all good.
All these things that were so difficult to do just a scant few years ago are now getting easier every minute of everyday...I've just got to bite the bullet, give up my fear and let social media help me to continue reaching for the right notes. I am going to get there, and I hope that you continue to join me.
While you're at it, send me any suggestions you have to make easier to learn these new things.
Anyway here's a start: you can follow me on Twitter: the link is on the right underneath the clock, also on Facebook. There are also some You Tube postings of The Carpenter Ants (one I really like is "Carpenter Ants at the Acoustic Coffee House 1 2 3 and 4," shot in Johnsonville Tennessee; what a fun and magical night that was...)
I will get proficient and post more pictures in all of these places so you keep up with my exploits.
In the meantime remember:
Support Live music today tomorrow and always

Have a wonderful weekend all my BFF's

Four Hours to a New Me

2011-09-12T22:42:00.001-04:00

For a few months now I've been on dialysis, and I've told you how it has been a life changer for me on a different levels.
I really needed to slow down with my life to some degree; I'm still striving with my music, and I still get up daily and go to work, but all these things have taken a decidedly different turn now that being tethered to a dialysizer has entered the picture.
If you know me at all you know that there is little in life that frightens me. People don't scare me, situations don't necessarily make me come undone; but the one true thing that horrifies me is hospitals.
Mainly because I don't understand that realm; when doctors and nurses start speaking to me in their seemingly coded language, I feel as though I have no control over my circumstance. This is one the reasons that especially now that my Vickie is gone, I really feel all alone.
She knew me inside and out. When I developed Diabetes, she studied it to the point that we made informed decisions about dealing with it (just in case you forgot, Vickie was an X-ray Tech by profession...).
The hospital world didn't seem so scary as long as she was with me.
Now I have to depend on myself (which I really needed to do anyway...), and try to make sense of the rest of my life.
Don't get me wrong, I do have help now, but mostly I've got take the bull by the horns and be my own advocate...it's a bit tricky.
My roommate and my daughter have given me great insights about how to go about all this and slowly I've made some good choices (at least I feel they are...).
The first was choosing a dialysis facility, and that first choice turned out to be the best.
I want to tell you about Fresenius Medical Care Centers http://www.fmcna.com/. They are a nationwide facility of the highest quality.If you find yourself in my situation, this is the place to go.
The nurses and tech staff truly go above and beyond to make it the most positive experience for you. I've become friends with many of the folks at my facility, they have helped me to continue to be able to do my music, go to work, and just plain and simply live.
Everyone that I've encountered here has been more than professional, they have been kind and respectful of my circumstance. In short, I could not have asked for better people to treat, and care for me.
Whenever I or anybody walks in, they always greet you with genuine warmth and smiling faces.
Dialysis can be frightening enough when you feel bad as many people do, but it helps when the staff do their best to at least take that much off your shoulders.
So I just want to give a shout out to the staff at the Dunbar facility and say thank you so much for all that you are doing to keep me on the planet, and moreover to keep me smiling.It's four hours to a new me.

This post is dedicated to Tracy, Wendy, Patti, Tasha, Jill, Betty, Crystal, and Cheryl, the best team on Earth.

Even while on dialysis...Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

My Three Words

2011-09-11T07:40:00.006-04:00

God Bless America...
This is important...
We STAND Together...
We Will Heal...
I'm So Sorry...
Love Life Always...
Remember This Day...
Remember these places...
New York City...
Washington District Columbia...
Shanksville PA, too...
It's time to...
Come together now...
Celebrate each other...
Remember the victims...
Justice for all...
Respond with truth...
Because you'll see...
Love answers everything...
GOD IS LOVE...
Today tomorrow always...

Add yours here...

Season To Taste

2011-09-06T07:22:00.006-04:00

Judging by my size one can easily see that I am a fan of food. Now that I am a dialysis patient, I can easily see that my food obsession has cost me.
All things considered, I am OK with my current status as it has begun to teach me some valuable life lessons.
One of the things that I've learned is that I need to slow down when I eat, I should savor my food thereby allowing me not eat as much (or as often...). The other thing is when I create my menu, I need to season to taste, meaning I can find things in my kitchen pantry that will enhance my flavors.
The last thing is to relax and enjoy my food, not scarf it down as though it were my last meal...you'll get the point of all of these metaphors.
Anyway, musically I've come to realize alot of the same things.
Here now, the news.
We, (The Carpenter Ants...) have been recording our new CD over the past month or so, and I've come to humorous realizations (at least in my mind...).
One of those is that my bandmates although very talented are terrified when it comes to having to sing in front of people in a studio setting. Yesterday I was at Michael Lipton's house where our producer Don Dixon has set up shop for us to do some touches to the CD, and the guys were working on parts to the vocals. I watched Michael, Ted Harrison (our bassist) and Jupiter Little (our drummer and my co lead vocalist) as they were doing some of the background parts.
It was especially poignant to watch Teddy, who rarely sings on stage with us, but has in my opinion one of best ears in my musical world. He was like a deer in the headlights. It seemed to me as though he were having a hard time trying to relax.
Now please don't get me wrong here, what we are doing in this process is very important and my guys as well as I, realize that time and money is always of the essence,so we can't play around (we don't have that luxury...), but we must season to taste.
By savoring our moments taking a tip from from our "musical chefs" as it were, the end product will be a pleaser for your mind along with your ears
I've tried to impart some of my wisdom as a singer on to my brothers such as sing from your stomach and not from your chest because it will help you one to relax and sing without too much effort.
Another is when your in front of the microphone take one part of the headphones off of your ears, thereby allowing you to hear your own voice more natually and not in conjunction with what you are recording.
In all though, I am very proud to tell you that sometime around Christmas our newest CD will be available for you and the title is "Ants and Uncles."On the new CD, you are going to find many wonderful songs as well as some of our very special guest Ants like Bill Kirchen (of Hot Rod Lincoln fame..).We have written a a few new songs too, so look for those on it.
Going back to the beginning of this post, you see the lessons I've learned from dialysis. I said in a recent post that this process is a different deal for a guy like me. One can think oh my, poor Charlie is a dialysis patient and have pity, but truly there is no need. I am really Ok with it. For one thing it has slowed me down, as I needed to do so, and 2, it is saving my life, and obviously without that there would be no music. I'm using my kithcen better and my bandmates are making out music better, because we're all learning together to season to taste.
Take care everybody, I'll keep you posted on the CD progress, and remember...

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
By the way, thank you so much to everyone who sent me e-mails after my last post. I'm healing.

Wishing For a Rainbow

2011-07-17T15:10:00.005-04:00

Before I go on, I want to say that I'm sorry that I've been away for so long...
I know that you've missed me and truth be told, I've seriously missed you all as well.
I've had alot of change happen since we last met, including now being a dialysis patient among other things.
Dialysis is a different deal for a guy like me, but I'm doing my best to be patient and go with the flow of things, and I'm trying to cope with it all.

I've been terribly sad lately, I sooo miss Vickie ( my late wife...) every day of my life, and I wonder at times how I find the strength to carry on and function. Although most folks don't see me this way, I cry alot; especially when I'm alone.
I don't try to hide myself away, but I know that this has affected everything in my life, and as a result I don't feel as strong as I used to about myself, and in fact it is affecting my performances. I feel as though I've lost my fire as well as my desire. These days performing for me is as meaningless as wishing for a rainbow.
I've heard lots of music that makes me smile, but right this minute I don't want to be a part of it.
I'm being honest about things here folks. I know this isn't what you've come to expect from me, the biggest advocate of live music, but I'm in a funk of major proportions.
Realistically, I will get back to my groove and I will find the magic that is my makeup, so I just want ask of you to be understanding, and patient with me for right now.
I still want you to support live music even if I'm not there, because everyone else is doing their best to enterain you and enthrall you, and we all still need you.
I'll be back just as soon as I can, but until then keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
With all my love,
Charlie Tee

Life Lines

2010-12-24T14:04:00.001-05:00

As I go through my life, I've come to realize that I've made it this far for a number of reasons.One is that I have a very strong belief in Allah (God), I had very strong parents and siblings. I've had very strong loves, and a host of other things. The string that attachs them all is life lines.
Life lines are those little sayings and phrases that are mostly meant as allegory, but are quite useful tidbits.
Here are a few of them, and then I'll get more into the post I'm writing...
"Every cloud has a silver lining,"my Mother used to tell us that all the time, and it has helped to lift me up when I have felt blue or sad (I've spewed that alot lately...). "The fool finds dreams the cheapest road to glory, but the wiseman knows the high price of awakening. My Father told me some variation of that, during his life. I feel that he meant that one needs to do the work necessary in life in order to live it fully; just a dream alone won't get you there. My Vickie used to tell me to "only fight worthwhile battles."
People, places, the things they do, and the times that they do them. This is a line from the hit TV series NYPD Blue as told by Andy Sipowicz (played brilliantly by Dennis Franz).That line has really stayed with me and has helped me to understand the nature of people, and how to move myself through the world.
"We must live in a world of reality and not delusion," My friend Robin told me this just last night, and it forms the basis of my post today.
Every one of us aspires to be something. From loved to respected, and everything in between. But are we being delusional or are we living in reality? Are we willing to do the work necessary to make those dreams come true or are we just holding on to a senseless dream.
The only true answer to those questions can some when we face some honest facts about ourselves.
It's one thing to be lucky and get granted a wish, but it's another thing altogether to sustain it for a long period.
I've been playing music for alot of years and I often wonder why, and how some bands and singers make it and some don't.
What I realize is that some of these folks used those life lines to shore them up when they felt as though they were going to falter.They took the love and encouragement that they were given by loved ones to help steer them to their destinations.
Many is the time when I have to call for my life lines to pick me up, but I'm thankful that as I sail on my ocean, my life lines keep me bouyant.
I also realize that there are folks who are in dire need of a life line. Those folks live by the seat of their pants and hope that someone will come along and rescue them...that's delusional, especially if you know better....one does not get on a boat without some form of protection,nor would you jump out of plane without a parachute.
So why on earth would you live so vicariously?
I think that so many of us hope for the best but don't prepare for it.
Over the years that I've been a Carpenter Ant member, I used to simply get annoyed with our direction, but I started having various revelations about it too. I realize that what we're doing is preparing. This doesn't mean that we're poised to become big stars ( that could be percieved as delusional...), but that we're open to, at this stage of our lives any greater possiblity. In short we perform more than any band around here that I know of, we've gotten some great notariety. All by living in the real world. We do what we do as a group, if we don't like a particular style, we simply try something else.
Let's face it, alot of bands and singers don't have that luxury. Most bands have to labor through the holidays away from family and friends. We have the luxury to slow down during that time. It's really cool.
So while I still dream of bigger stages, I'm not sweating the smaller ones, and I'm saving my life lines for the things that are truly necessary...living in life.
I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday season. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you.
Just remember...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

The Warmth of the Holiday (Food for Thought)

2010-11-27T20:34:00.002-05:00

Musicians like any army, travels on its stomach. Meaning we love to eat, and seeing how this is the Thanksgiving weekend, I figured now is as good a time as any to tell you just how much we like to eat.
Unless we're making thousands of dollars, which let's face it most of ain't, the best we can hope for is to get a good meal out of the deal.
For those reasons most musicians either get hooked up with someone who can cook, or we take it upon ourselves to be good cooks. For me it's kinda both...My late wife Vickie was a great cook, I love to cook ( as evidenced by my picture...), and now that Vickie is gone from my life, my friend Robin has taken over.
Tonight for dinner she made turkey and dumplings, and it knocked me out of my socks it was so good..
Usually, we try to leave some leftovers for the next few days for lunches and etc. but this meal gave its life for service to my stomach, it died a proud American meal.
In the course of my life and especially since I've been a musician, what I haven't made in dollars, I've made up for in meals.
In the band we've been fortunate enough to do some pretty aggresive travel over the years and we've eaten in some really great places along the way.
You know a meal is good when you start singing songs in your mind like.... MMM MMM MMM MMM MMMMM !!!
Don't laugh, you know I'm telling the truth here...
Anyway, during the warmth of the holiday, I wanted to give you all some food for thought.Enjoy your meals, dine well, remember that there are those less fortunate, keep them in your prayers and feed them when you can. Sharing food is like sharing music, it's an experience best shared with others.
Happy holidays everybody.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

That Rainy Day Soundtrack

2010-11-14T13:00:00.001-05:00

It's a safe bet that on a day like today (it's gloomy and rainy here in the Charleston, WV area...), you might be sitting at home anxiously waiting for the football game to start, or you might be getting that Sunday dinner prepared and ready to go, or you maybe wondering what the heck to do with your day just in general...
Me, I'm thinking about music. I'm sitting here at the computer trying to write you some sensible words to help you through your week.
Truth is, today I just got nothin', Now no one is at fault here for that, least wise, me, it's just that today is one of those days that I have to rely on that rainy day soundtrack to get me through the day.
All of us have those times when words just don't need to be spoken, but the music still to be playing.
Music does so much for our souls, just like food and water, it lifts us out of the duldrums.
As I'm writing I'm also listening to saxophonist David Sanborn's CD "Another Hand," and the song that's got my juices flowing is "Hobbies."If you could be here in my house right now, you'd get a funny sight seeing me shaking and grooving all over.
I don't feel like doing squat, but I'm jumping around like a crazy person...it's too funny. Even my cat Sarasue left the room.
Days like today are rare for me, because I try to be so focused, but really sometimes when the sun isn't shining I go into gloom mode, and since I don't think it's a good idea for me to drink or anything remotely like that I have to get through my day the best way that I can, so click on iTunes and become my own DJ, and get to feeling better.
Don't let your mood stop you from enjoying your life, just drop a CD in, or go out and catch some live music. Hum along and dance as you set yourself up to feel better, about your day and your life.
I love you all. Have a great week.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Find The Middle

2010-10-23T10:30:00.003-04:00

When I was young I was very over zealous at times; especially when I wanted something. Whether it was food or fun, didn't matter, I had to have it right there and then.
While visiting some friends of our family one Sunday, I was doing my usual ranting and whining, and as usual, it got on everyone's nerves.
At some point my Mother decided that she had had enough of it, and tried to warn me about doing this in front of company...all to no avail. It was in that moment that I crossed to a point of no return.
My Father took me outside and whipped me good. During that session he uttered the words that I'll remember til I'm no longer on this Earth; "be a guest and not a pest."
Herein lies the story of today's posting...
Find the middle.
I learned a very valid lesson that day which I hope serves me at this stage of my life.
Sometime in the quest to further oneself in their chosen field (mine of course is music...) we can become over zealous, and forget that there are many layers of work that need to be done to get where we're going.
You need a balance of belief in yourself, you need the belief of others, you need to be prepared, and you need to be a bit lucky. All of those systems have to find the middle, and when they do (as well as if they do...) you'll find that you can face so much more joy.
For musicians we could enjoy the freedom to express ourselves our way. For the fan, they can feel connected to us thereby creating a following, which falls in the category of belief from others. For the people who could possibly fund that dream, they could feel as though their monies are well spent. See, we're all coming to the same corner.
It's very sad to me when fans go out of their way to help us and we turn a blind eye toward them. Not only does it create a completely bad vibe, but it undermines and jeopardizes your efforts to have people come through those doors, and fill up those seats to hear you.
Water is a necessary element to make flowers bloom, when a drop hits a petal, that's when they have found the middle. One does not exist without the other.
So remember always what my Dad said, and don't get yourself whipped by life. Walk slowly, speak softly, but earnestly, raise your water can up and water your flower. Sit your water can down, relax and love what you helped to create.
My friends, go out and find the middle.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

I Dream a World

2010-10-03T15:58:00.003-04:00

I've spent alot of time in my life just getting on with it. I mean to say that I've given quite a bit of thought to looking at my life from the spectator seat. That's not necessarily a bad thing per se' it's just that I wonder at times how I got to this point.
I led a fairly normal childhood; it was full and fun and mysterious, all at the same time, but I used to lie in my yard in the Bronx and be perplexed as hell about my life, and wonder just what I'm wondering today. I'd look up at the clouds and imagine a world beyond Mulvey Avenue. I guess at heart what I really am is an explorer, and maybe even a pioneer.I actually dreamed beyond my fence and saw my life as fulfilling and spiritually fulfilled.
Most of my dreams have come true, even though a few times they've been deferred.
I'm trying really hard to stay positive, but just now and again I feel like going off.(don/t worry, that's not where I am currently...).That same sense of wonder at times makes me wonder. I'm proud that I have survived so much, but at what cost? I've lost family, friends and now a second wife and child but something deep compels me to get on with it, to keep on keepin' on as it were.
That something is music...I feel it so deeply that it keeps me here, and pushes me to carry on even when I don't want to.
Why is that ? The truth is I feel that Allah has me here to reach out to folks and tell them that it's going to be alright.
I wanna cry sometimes ( and I do...) at the thought of where I see the world heading. It saddens me to know that in this age of technlogy and closeness we can't find the one thing that would fulfill us all...peace.
It's hard to think that of all the great songs out there in the world that we still treat each other like we don't care about each other.
The really crazy thing is that we can't go anywhere else. We may explore space, but right this minute we can't live there. Earth is all we've got, yet we act as though the heck with it, I'm just gonna go to the Moon and live, or some other planet.,
The simple fact is we have to dream a world, we have to see that person right next to us as a viable life, and realize that we are all we've got; warts and all.
That poor young man at Rutgers should still be with us. My Vickie should still be with us.
In Islam we say that man plans and Allah plans, but Allah is the best of planners; but I'm sure that even Allah didn't plan on us being this divisive, and He created the world.
My heart goes out to that young man's family, please know that real people loved and cared about your son,. I hope that out of this tragedy someone somewhere will see me, and love me for me (metaphorically speaking...), and realize that I dream a world.
Please go out today and listen to live music, and just get on with it.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always, and use it to heal yourself.

"It Be's Like That Sometime."

2010-09-26T09:12:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-13T10:32:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-07T21:38:00.003-04:00

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

Vickie

2010-08-11T09:20:00.004-04:00

As I'm sure many of you know, my Vickie died on May 10, along with my stepson Marty.
To say the least, this is a terribly horrific blow in my life, and it has left me very scared, very confused and very alone.
Vickie has been my whole life, from the time that we met, and she will always be with me.
One of the reasons that I took to blogging in the first place was through her insistance, that I talk about my experiences in music in order to help others find their path, as well as my own. She has been my biggest cheerleader and my best motivator.
Facing the future without her is extremely daunting.

With thank in mind, I want to add that I am thankful and grateful to so many who have reached out to me during this time. Just as it is for everyone, it's hard to imagine that she and Marty are gone, but we all must try to live on and find our peace within.
As I've said over and over again, the hardest part of all of this for me is that I can't hold her hand any longer, That was always something that I lived for, and to have her smile at me, and tell me how much I was loved.
One thing that disturbs me is that Vickie spent so many years giving her life to medicine and the medical field, yet medicine turned its back on her, and that my friends is tragic.
In the weeks and and months to come, along with my regular writing, I want to tell you about what Vickie and I went through trying to get her help with her physical pain, and why it is direly important that the medical world listen to the concerns of humanity....Obviously, there are people who sorely need it.
Again to all of my readers, friends and fans, thank you for your continued support.
With all my love,Charlie Tee

Vickie Sutphin Tuitt 8-9-53 to 5-10-10
Martin Arthur Adams 1-25-84 to 5-10-10

Good night my love

Make the Connection

2010-05-10T10:59:00.004-04:00

Of the many lessons that I've learned as a musician and really as a human being, is that it's always important to connect with people.
For alot of folks (and even for me at times...), that is the equivalent of pushing string uphill. I think some of the reasons that performers feel that way is that deep down inside we're all just a little insecure. We may not see ourselves as worthy of this talent; but here we are.The thing we need to do though is to really see what's good for our art and to utilize those things to help us see inside ourselves and bring out and dispel our inhibitions.
My being overweight has nothing at all to do with type of performer I am, or the type that I could be.
A few mornings ago, I was watching Tavis Smiley on PBS; he was interviewing the legendary Carol Burnett. Now here is a classic example of what I'm talking about. Among the many questions he asked, he wanted to know how it was that she came to be so comfortable during her pre show Q and A period, and her interviews on and off the air.
She explained that she realized that it was best to connect with her audience,thereby allowing them to feel as though they had a hand in the show. In other words, doing those Q and A sessions off the cuff helped people to relax and have a good time.
As a musical performer, I've found that that works for me too. If you've ever been to a Carpenter Ants show, you'll see the band pumping away and cranking out some wonderful music, but you'll also see me among the audience. I'll grab someone and start dancing with them, I'll come up and sing to to them, I'll also talk to the audience about what's going on in the world (theirs and ours...), and in general just try to make them feel wanted and loved, because in truth, they are.
I cherish being on stage and playing for people, I'm grateful that people have paid to see us, and continue to do so.
It's a very lucky person who gets to stand in front of many and express themselves in their own way. It's a rare privelege to feel the love that can be generated by singing to someone.
Being a performer has allowed me into some uninque and wonderful places...physically and mentally, and it's an experience that I hope that anyone who aspires to the stage shares. Look inside yourself, gaze out into the audience, extend your hand to them, and take them along for the ride, and the best way to do that...make the connection.
Cheers everybody...
Here's a video...enjoy.
www.youtube.com/carpenterants at the acoustic coffee house 3
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Somebody's Watching You

2010-05-01T11:46:00.003-04:00

It always amazes me when someone walks up to me out of the clear blue sky and says that they've enjoyed hearing me sing or play the saxophone.
I don't know why, but it sort of stuns me at first, mainly because in the vastness of an audience, you're just never sure who's out there. I mean I see people's faces, but for one reason or another it just doesn't register to me that they've been in attendance.
Just such a thing happened this past week, when a fella came up to me and said that he really enjoyed the performance we did at Tamarak (a West Virginia tourist attraction...). He said the song that we did for the recent deaths of the coal miners was especially moving.
For all of the years that I've been playing music, there have always been songs that simply touched my heart, and "This World is not My Home," is up there with the best of them.
I feel saddened at the loss of those 29 gentleman, but that sadness made realize that although I didn't know any of them personally, I know them in my heart, and that somebody's is watching you...all the time.
In this age of nameless faceless dealing, everyday, people cross our paths.
Certainly if you're on the stage, people see you, if you're in the public eye people see you, but even when you think that no one would give a damn about you, somebody's watching you.
We can and should take a page from this tragedy and reach out to each other. We as human beings need each other, just like water and air.
I need money, but not nearly as much as I need the velocity of friendship.
The other page that we could take is to realize that we aren't as insignificant as we seem, and it shouldn't take a tramatic event for us to see that.
So what am I proposing? I'm proposing that we look around just a little bit and acknowledge that soul right next to yours, and see past the veneer of their exterior. Let their melody resonate in yours. As I always say, shake a hand make a friend, it's important folks 'cause somebody's watching you.
Gotta go y'all, have a great weekend...

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

A Perfect Fit

2010-04-17T09:10:00.002-04:00

I have this sort of weird skill...I can see angles really well, so when I have to pack things like a suitcase for example, I can usually see what's going to fit and what won't.
In the band, when we pack our equipment into Ted ( Harrison's) truck, I generally am the one who says place this amp here, or load this in like this and so on.
Recently, I came to the realization that that packing ability is alot like life in that if you don't see those angles, you'll find out in a hurry that something is gravely wrong.
When I had my band in New York, I really enjoyed playing with those folks, but had to face the fact that they just weren't motivated to do anything greater than be mediocre. It was a hard pill for me to swallow, but I had to face it; so when I did, I called them all to rehearse one Friday evening and announced that I would be moving on. To be sure there were some hurt feelings, but I had to do what was in my own interest, as this musical life is really in my heart.
In the years that I've lived here in West Virginia and have been in the Carpenter Ants, I have not only found a home, but these fellas have become my brothers ( to be cliche', we are family...yeah I had to go there!!!). So during this time that I've been away from them because of my being sick, it's been killing me.
While I've been away, we've tried to find people to take my place temporarily, and so far nothing has seemed to work. I am grateful to everyone who has tried to fill in for me, and I know that it's a really daunting task, but at the end of the day, again I had to face the fact that this is really in my heart. To the point that it's almost impossible to find someone who is as motivated as I am to make this band worthwhile, and continue to have a viable stand in our musical realm.
Much like packing that suitcase, it's a matter of finding a perfect fit. Some angles work, and some just don't .When they don't fit, then you have to make a decision to either leave the piece you need at home, and find it in your travels, or just do without it period.
It's the same way in relationships, if one part of it doesn't work, eventually none of it will. It's always hard to leave what you need (or want), but now and again at the end of the day it's what is best.
I guess what I'm really trying to say is expand your horizons large enough so that you'll always feel you have exactly what you need.
Stare at that suitcase for a good long while before you decide what to take, look at what you really need and at that point you'll find that you have a perfect fit.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Fork, Knife and Spoon

2010-03-20T14:09:00.013-04:00

Recently, I ran into a friend who was once a really good musician. As things happen, he at some point gave up his dream of playing, and began ernestly working full time at a "regular" job.
It always made me kinda sad because, I knew that given the right set of circumstances, plus a little bit of diligence on his part would have allowed him to stay in the game...but as the saying goes, some things are just not meant to be.
Anyway, the evening that I saw him last, he was at the club, and he was sitting with another gentleman and lady, whom I did not know...at first.
As we all sat there chatting, the "gentleman" began regalling me with stories of where he's from, and what he's now doing here in town. He explained that he was from another country originally, but has lived here in the U.S. for quite some time now, and that prior to this he resided in Canada.
More small talk than anything, but it was leading up to the big question."So Charlie, what do you do? When I told him that I was the lead singer in the bad that would be appearing later (...here it comes, folks), his ears perked up, and now he begins to tell me that he is a great singer, and that he knows every Motown song ever written, and that he also plays the guitar probably better than my guitar player (someone he has not only even heard before, but also doesn't even know), and that he can surely out sing me.
Now let's get one thing straight right here and now. I don't consider myself in any way shape or form to be the greateast singer who ever lived, but I will say that I have worked damn hard at being effecient with what I do have. I've worked my ass off to be the kind of entertainer overall that would try to make an audience of one or one million have a great night of music, and feel as though their time spent coming to see me and my band was well worth it. We may not always hit the mark, but doggone it we've tried.
At this point, I truly felt sorry for my friend who not only had to sit through this crap, but also got roped into a false hope of starting a band with this guy. My friend actually believed that this guy was gonna do something worthwhile with him.
Call me a skeptic, or maybe even a cynic, but if my friend was foolish enough to fall for that garbage,then he didn't need to play anymore.
I'm sorry, but there are real people out there chasing real dreams, and are doing real work at achiving those dreams. I'm not one to step on anybody's dream, but I do know the difference between that and the nightmare I saw coming my friends way.
For all of my fellow musicians and for that matter, anyone in any profession, when man speak with forked tongue, grab your knife, cut it off, and spoon it to the trash.
Watch who you deal with, your time is too valuable to waste on fools with pie in the sky. That pie is best served when you create it.
By the way, after other musicians arrived at the club that evening, "Mr.Wonderful " was seen for who he really is and left the building. No one has seen him since.
At this point, I don't need to say anything else...do I.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Diabetes and Me

2010-03-19T13:09:00.008-04:00

I've said before in this forum and I'll say many more times. If you don't take care fo your health , you won't be around to play or to sing or act or dance or anything...
With that strong message in mind, I am proud to tell you about a film and and blog that is being finished up right now by one of my closest friends, Florence Regina.
If you've seen the American Express commercial with funny lady Ellen De Generes dancing all over the place, then believe me you've seen my sister Florence. She is the African American lady on the elevator who looks at Ellen as though she's lost her mind, only to exit the space dancing right along with her.
Back in my New York days Florence, myself and our other sister Angela were like 3 peas in a pod, we'd all support each others efforts in making the arts our careers, Florence went into acting which she does best and Angie and I pursued music together.
So far Florence is the huge success story, as I've seen her everywhere; in movies TV, and now in the blogesphere.
Florence developed Daibetes at a young age and for years struggled with being accepted because of it. When you're youngster and you want to fit in it can be really difficult. Couple that with the fact the Florence was a newly arrived Haitian immigrant to this land of wonder.
Honestly though, I can't see her not fitting in anywhere that she goes, because this lady if ever there was one, has a serious winning spirit, but truthfully, I can certainly understand what she went through.
Looking at her today made me realize that no matter what you can't let things stop you from your life goals. Florence is now, along with being an accomplished actress, an accomplished producer as well.
So I now want to direct your attention to her blog, which is aptly entitled Diabetes and Me: Florence's Story.She tells us of her journey through the mire of reality to acceptance of this debilating disease, and she gives us insight on what that life is for the not only herself, but the thousands of individuals who suffer from it...and I know, because I'm one of them.For all the years that I've know her Florence has lifted my spirit through our frinedship, she along with Angie, have been 2 of my dearest friends forever, and my life is so much richer for knowing her.So please join me and get the word out about this amazing film and the wonderful lady that tells her story, and realize that it's not just daibetes and me, but diabetes and all of us.
Nuff said.
Before I go, I want to mention that you can reach Florence at info@soleilfilms.com

Support Live music and healthy lifestyles today tomorrow and always.

The Carpenter Ants

2010-03-14T13:45:00.009-04:00

These are my bandmates: from the left: Ted Harrison ( bass and vocals), Charlie Tee (lead vocals and saxophone), Michael Lipton (guitar and vocals, and James "Jupiter" Little (drums and vocals).

For 24 years now, these guys have been going at it entertaining and enthralling many with our music. I have been lucky enough to be a part of them for 18 years and counting now.
There's a saying that says sometimes bands are better than marriages ( and they last longer...). I don't know how true that statement is, but I know that I have deep love for my brothers that is almost as deep as my marriage.
When I lived in New York, for years I tried to put together similar situations with musicians that I thought were great, but the one thing that mostly all of those people lacked was a drive that kept us together.
Like most brothers, at times we've had our differences, but the respect that each of has brought to the table seems to transcend every arguement. To me the Ants are the best band that I've ever played in, and believe me, I've been in many.
Michael is just a great guitar player who has made us all step up our game. he's one of the best on the spot arrangers that I've ever known, and when his mind goes to work it's all over for me. I just start moving. Jupie can make me laugh without even trying hard and his voice is phenomenal to me. Although I get most of the credit for being the singer, Jupiter really is the better singer of the 2 of us. Generally these days, he plays using just one snare drum, but what he does with it still rocks.
Ted, as I've written and stated on other occasions reminds me of a cross between James Jamerson and Chuck Rainey ( 2 of the best studio players...). Theo as we affectionately call him, is our shy side, that is until you start talking Detroit Tigers or West Virginia University football, then you'll be greatly surprised at his vast knowledge of a great many things. Theo in reality is my little brother ( the one I always wished for at least...)

It's really hard for me to put into this forum how much these guys have meant to my life, how much they've added to my musical palatte, but what I will say is that I may not be able to put into words, but come and see us live and experience what I've been privy to for 18 years.

It has been life changing for me, and one show is all you need to convince you the same way.
Come see us soon, won't you.

You can check us out on the web at the following places:

www.myspace.com/carpenterants

www.myspace.com/carpenterantsfan

www.wvmusichalloffame.com/carpenterants

http://www.youtube.com/carpenterants: Carpenter Ants at the Acoustic Coffee House

Support Live music today tomorrow and always

Just Chillin' Today

2010-03-13T10:18:00.000-05:00

Ahhh Saturday, it's rainy and a little gloomy out but it is a day off, and I'm gonna make the most of it.
I was telling my wife this morning that when I was a kid, rainy days never stopped my enthusiasm. I enjoyed myself none the less.
I had such a great imagination that I always found something fun to do. Whether drawing pictures, playing my saxophone, terrorizing my sister ( or getting terrorized back...), I had something worthwhile to do.
Today, I'm sorry to say that many youngsters seemed to be lost without the sun, or their cell phones or their computer screens or TV, and I feel just a hint of sadness for them. I did things with my parents to be sure, but mostly I depended on my own imagination to dictate the course of the day.
Which brings me to the point of the this post...
Right now at least since I'm unable to hit the stage with my band mates, I can't let too much grass grow under my feet and fret about what I can't do. I don't happen to think that my time on the stage has completely come to an end ,but because of my vocal cord problem it seriously limits what I can do as a singer.
So, just like on those rainy days, I'm letting my imagination take the helm a little and move me into something useful.
Last weekend thanks to friend and fellow blogger Scarlet Tanager, I've finally learned how to place pictures and videos on my blog. So the first thing that I'm gonna attemp today is to post a few pictures of the Carpenter Ants and me, so you can begin to know some of the folks that I've been telling you about lo these many years now.
Also, I'm gonna add a few new links to my sidebar and start to zero in on a theme here.
Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that although it's kinda nasty out, I'm keeping my sunny attitude and plow through the day, and make the most of it. But along the way there'll be breakfast, a little TV (Food Network, NYPD Blue...) a couple of books that I started, and most importantly, hanging out with Mrs Tee.
I do hope that everyone has a wonderful fun filled weekend, and that it's sunny where you are (even if it's just sunny in your mind...), and that your time is filled with love. Have a good one y'all, and eat an extra pancake for me.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Harlem and the Bronx ( the making of Charlie Tee) #8

2010-03-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

In this post I'm going to tell you a story about punctuation and why its important...

When I was in the seventh grade and in junior high school, like many youngsters I wanted to be with the "in crowd," the hip and cool guys, you know what I mean. Anyway, hanging with my buddies we would be notoriusly late for school almost routinely.
All of that came to a screeching halt when unbeknownst to me I got a letter at home telling my Mother that I was being very tardy and could be suspended.
What did my Mom do? She told my Dad. Now let me explain something that will help you to see the point of all this. Although my Mom and Dad were divorced when I was 7 years old, they remained best friends until my Dad passed away at 77 in the 1991. I mean the best of friends, they hung out together, we did family functions of all kinds, my Dad even gave my sister away at her wedding, so you get the picture.
Getting back to the letter from school, so Daddy gets this notice and decides to see just what young Charlie is up to.
My Dad was a New York city fire fighter, and that status allowed him to have shield ( a shield is a badge that city workers of that nature, such as policeman wear, which allows access to places such as the subway etc.).
At the time, Mom and I lived in the south Bronx, and through her connections at the District Attorney's office she fanagled a way for me to go to school out of my district, and go to the school near where we used to live (in the north Bronx...), so I had to take the subway to school each day. The distance in fact was roughly 10 miles, and a trip that should have taken me all of 20 minutes turned into and hour or so (you see where I'm going with this ?).What I didn't know as I boarded the train one day was that Dad had followed me down the stairs to be sure I was actually on the train. He then would drive to the stop where I exited, and would surveil my activity. This went on for about a week every day. Then he made his move, as I got off the train this particular day with my friends, all of us yelling and being completely stupid, we go to a diner to get food although most of us had already eaten breakfast, mostly junk. I come out and I hear HONK HONK HONK !!! Imagine my total surprise...It's my Pop, and he don't look none to happy. I get in the car and he says "so how long have been being late for school? " PANIC***I say oh Dad, this just happened today, I was running late...SWEATING*** He says, I've been following you for a week!!! Surely I knew at that point death was imminent. Dad says "if you're late one more time, I'm going to come to school, come to your classroom, put you in front of the class, pull down your pants and whip you good. " I'VE NEVER BEEN LATE AGAIN TO THIS DAY.
You can ask anyone my wife, my bandmates, my boss, anyone. I learned a valuable lesson that day about being punctual.
Nowadays when I'm going to play music somewhere, or I'm going to work, I make it my business to be on time, Why go to this trouble, because I've found that people will take you much more seriously when you don't waste their time. Even if you fail at something, it's more likely that you'll be given a second chance, because you made the effort.
I've seen many musicians and bands who make that mistake thinking that it's no big deal,only to find that the people that hire them start to take an indifferent attitude about dealing with them, thereby at times costing them gigs.
Now that's the shorter version of that story...
So my fellow travelers, take heed of the words here, it's not just the early bird who gets the worm, it's the bird who is the hungriest, and most timely, who makes the 20 minute trip in 20 minutes.

Be on time...Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

That Yankee Drive

2010-03-02T22:46:00.004-05:00

Probably before the ink dries on this post, I'm gonna catch hell for what I'm about to say...
I am a New York Yankee fan(atic).
What makes me this way you ask, well, a couple of things:
I of course for many who may not already know, grew up in the Bronx (born and raised...), I lived 2 blocks east of the old Yankee Stadium, close enough to smell the hot dogs mustard and relish (did I mention the sauerkraut...).
Beside music the only other thing that completely kept my attention was the Yankees. As I grew into manhood, one of the things that stood out to me was that Yankee drive.
Now don't get me wrong, I've heard every argument there is about them..."they're best team money can buy, it's easy to be champs when you have a trillion dollar payroll," and so on and so on.
Yeah, I've heard it all, but even you naysayers can't deny that my team will fight you to the death to win.Even when they lose.
Herein lies the subject of my post for today.
As a musician, I have learned to fight tooth and nail for my band. Although I consider myself overweight, when I'm in the company of the Carpenter Ants, something just changes me, or better yet, something transforms me. At times I feel like I'm coming from a Miles Davis bag where I want a performance to be cool and sexy, and groovin', other times I come from a Hang "em High slick standpoint, and still other times I come to blow the room away ( in the same way that Paul Simon says in the song "Late in the Evening...")
I wonder myself now and again what's the purpose of me doing that. I tend to think that if people are nice enough to venture out in all types of weather, with all types of problems (economy as well as personal), the very least I can do is entertain the hell out of 'em.
Every band, just like every team has days when they're not at their best, but I still want you to walk away and say, DAMN, those guys really tried it tonight man, or even better, that band slayed 'em tonight.
Musicians sometimes get frustrated because they look out and only see a sparse amount of people sitting out there in the audience, and I have to admit that it can be very discouraging ( in baseball terms, think of what it must be like for some teams to look in the bleachers and not see fans...), but I'm sorry you gotta work through it. You have to push forward, change direction if necessary, you've got to bite the bullet and do Mustang Sally for the umpteenth time, but most of all you have to keep playing like your life depended on it.
Then one day you'll be able to look up, and that same audience who wasn't there yesterday, is there today telling you how great you are and hanging on your every note.
People are funny, they like to see us with drive, they like to know that we feel them, it's crazy how that works, but it can be even crazier if you don't try. I know first hand how it can be, but believe whether there are 2 or 2, 000 I'm coming to play.
So when you start watching your favorite team this season, remember, that in your own professions, and in your own performance you gotta grab that Yankee drive.
I'll be rootin' for ya...

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Slowly but Surely

2010-02-28T16:43:00.000-05:00

Taking a little break today...
I wanted to tell you though, that in the next few weeks please expect to see a few changes here in my blogging world, as I am about to make a few subtle, but necessary changes to the look and feel of both my blogs (Standing In The Shadows Of Music and Standing In The Shadows of Music Too)
The content will of course remain the same but the look and feel may be slightly different.
Some of the reasons why I'm making these changes are designed to put me in better touch with you. I think that by adding pictures and sound to this would enhance some of the things that I've been talking about as a blogger.
Music is very important to me as well as the things that I want to convey to me readers (and there are alot of you now....).I sincerely hope that in the weeks to come that you will still follow me along my journey, and that I'll continue to try an inspire you to achieve your own goals.
I'm gonna run for now, but stop back often and by all means say hello.
Remember...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

"Oh! What A Beautiful Day..."

2010-02-23T12:12:00.001-05:00

Here's the scene...
It's been a pretty brutal winter, with snow, ice, power outtages, stuck in the house with nothing to do but watch endless television ( "57 channels and nothing on..." thanks to Bruce Springsteen for that line.).
This Sunday was just different. It was a sunny day, yes the actual sun folks; not the TV version, it was warm out, and people were smiling uncontrollably, even the kids were orderly.
That night after a great Mountain Stage show, the Empty Glass held their usual post MS jam hosted by yours truly, the Carpenter Ants. Now keep in mind 2 things here: I haven't played with the band in almost four months where I've been so ill last year, and the Glass hasn't had too much of a crowd of late (it's the ecomomy folks...).
So I made my semi return to the stage and when the band finally kicked in to a packed house everybody, and I mean everybody got in the spirit. I haven't seen this much dancing since the disco era. It was hot, it was sweaty, and eveyone lost their winter inhibitions, and sundanced, moonwalked and grooved the night away.
My bandmates were on fire. My boys played like their very lives depended on it, and I felt better than I had in ages.
Not only did we get in the zone, but we changed the zip code to 25301-GROOVIN.
I watched from the stage as people just had a great night, laughing and joking and digging each other.
To me that is the true power of music, it brings out the best spirit in people. It was really cool to watch even those who weren't dancing, just standing or sitting there enjoying the evening. One lady in particular was especially moving to me. She was standing at the front near the stage against a speaker deck and she was swaying back and forth and having what seemed like the time of her life. She, as well as Friends of Mountain Stage photog Chris Morris were clicking away with their cameras. It felt like a rock concert event.
I always get a big charge out of playing for my hometown crowd, and even though I'm in the band part of that experience, I feel in the same way that everyone else did that night, WOWWED !!!
At the end of our performance I was pretty tired so I packed up and headed for home.
I want to say that I really miss everybody, I miss connecting with you and helping you to have a great musical experience, but hopefully soon, I'll return and continue to try and show you just how much playing for you means to me.
All in all the only thing that I can say that brings us to a close here is "oh what a beautiful mornin' (or evening, as it were...) oh, what a beautiful day."
I look forward to many more. Take care everybody, have a great week.

PS. If you'd like to see some perspective on the night go to: www.myspace.com/mountainstage to check out Chris' photo works

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

"From the Beginning."

2010-02-20T10:56:00.010-05:00

"You see it's all clear, you were meant to be here...from the beginning..."

That of course is a line from the great Emerson Lake and Palmer song of the same name.

I was at work yesterday and got 2 different compliments about the same thing: being helpful.
The first came from a gentleman who I've seen at places where I've played around town, but I'm afraid I don't actually know his name. I do know that he is involved with the Alban theater ( a new venue here where I live that's doing quite well in the community). He's on the board of directors.
Anyway, he knew that I've been fighting being ill and asked how I was doing and if I were back to playing music yet. When I said that I'm making little stabs at it, he then asked if I wrote music, to which I replied that I do. He told me that there is a project being put together, and the people involved are doing music about the Coal River (also located here in St Albans...). I told him that I had received an e-mail from another friend about this very project. He then said that "it's a shame that you're not playing, as I think that you're one of the most tasteful saxophone players around..."
He said this right in front of my co-workers and my boss, and I turned 2 shades of white with embarrassment.
The second compliment came from a lady whose husband is an artist and painter. A few years back he did a display of his artwork at my library. It was the first time he had ever done a public viewing of any sort. I didn't quite rememebr this part of it, but his wife said that he did this showing at my insistance. Now as it turns out, he been asked to do his work in a number of other places and for a number of people and he's getting some residuals to boot. That's wonderful.
I have have a hard time receiving compliments, from anyone. I help people because I just feel like it's the right thing sometimes to encourage people with a dream, especially when against all odds they're trying their best to put it out there. I don't want anything from it but to see folks achieve what they strive for. It's just that simple.
One lesson that I've learned in life is that everyone has to have a starting point, a spark that sets off their fires. Oftentimes even from our own families it's hard to get encouragement. Now I'm not saying that we shouldn't be real with folks, because that's a part of the reality...sometimes it just ain't that good. At that point maybe the encouragement should come along the lines of some training or etc. then that would be real and encouraging at the same time.
In the ELP song it says " there might have been things I missed, but don't be unkind, it don't mean I'm blind, perhaps there's a thing or two..."
My wife is always after me to learn to accept compliments from people because "you do alot of things for people Charlie." I don't hate getting a compliment, I'm just not comfortable per se' with them.
I've been fortunate all of my life that my family and my friends have believed in me and pushed me to be this person, and I take that job seriously. I hope that I always pay it forward.
My true desire in life is to see the day when we all motivate, respect and envigorate one enother.
And, as in the song, "maybe we might have changed, and not been so cruel, not been such a fool..."
Believe in yourself my friends, work hard at your talents, develop them to perfection, and present them to a world that needs them. "You see it's all clear, you were meant to be here...from the beginning."

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

We Deserve It

2010-02-18T19:02:00.003-05:00

Let me say at the onset of this post, that I'm sorry if I offended anyone at my doctors' office today. The staff at my kidney doctor work very dilligently to insure that every patient is well taken care of. They are thoughtful and compassionate individuals who go about their duties with love and care for all who come through their doors...
That being said...
I went today to the aforementioned after having been called at the last minute to cancel my appointment because my Nephrologist went to New York. I was told that the office had indeed called, but could not leave a message with anyone at my house. ONLY ONE CALL !!!
I do have other ways that they could have contacted me, but this never materialized, so after much anger on my part, I was seen by the doctor's assistant (who I happen to wish were my doctor...), only to be told that we now have major health issues with me AGAIN.
Not only will I now have to endure another surgery, but because I was misinformed by a number of other professionals (disguised as doctors...), I'm going to have to have a second surgery to correct a prior one ( I hope you're following me here).
When I went into a complete tirade, everyone tried in vain to calm me down wanting me to understand their positions about all of this. We had alot of "well Mr. Tuitt, I completely understand your frustration, and we're sorry about that and so on..." Someone please tell me that they did not just tell me that.
My point of contention is not the fact of the surgery, but the simple fact that at no time during the process of the prior surgeries did anyone have their acts together enough to get the damn thing right in the first place. Playing with my life to these people has become a ping pong match of the highest order. They can't seem to get all the ducks in a row at the same time.
Because the so called professionals didn't do what they were and are charging to do, people like me become frustrated and take out their anger on well meaning people who ARE doing their jobs correctly.
I feel right now like all of my joy in life has been stripped away. I feel so terrible in fact that I don't even know if Allah (God) can help me. It makes me begin to understand how good people can suddenly become angry and brooding, and I refuse to.
I've always liked to feel that I am a positive person who takes life as it comes, but even for me this is a bit much. When I have to rob Peter to pay Paul, and the doctor sees me for all of 5 seconds in the hospital and I have to pay them tens of thousands of dollars just to say hello. Something has got to give...something. My life is in the balance. Even my optomism is in check here.
All I ask of these professionals is that they quit jerking us around and do what you set out to do, HEAL PEOPLE; don't conceal from people. Put yourselves if you can in our very freightened and worn out shoes. We deserve at least that much.

It Takes Courage

2010-02-13T14:53:00.006-05:00

Talking with a friend of mine this morning who I hadn't spoken with in quite awhile, and she told something that I think that she thought might shock me. She told me that she's become increasing more of a conservative.
She just sort of blurted it out, but out it came. We didn't get a chance for me to delve into that, because she was actually on her way out of the house when I phoned. When we finally do catch up, I want to let her know that I support her change.
I'm not a conservative, nor do I consider myself a true essence liberal, what I am is many things at once.
In an era where one's lifestyle or viewpoint is met with hell-fire resistance, I find that what I am is me. I'm Muslim, I'm African-West Indian-Bronxite-Mountain State-American; so that gives me my sort of worldview.
I get upset by what I hear on the news just like many of you. I find myself at odds with things in government just as many of you, but I also realize that it takes courage to walk around in one's skin.
People have fought and died (from all walks of life...) because they simply wanted better, and that want has cost many of them their lives. Such a shame.
As a musician and in music I look for the harmonic standpoint to make up the soundtrack of my life, and I think that if many more people would adapt to that we'd all fair better in the long run.
Courage is a very broad spectrum term, but, it can also be very pinpointed as well. At its widest angle, courage can be the the defining moment where you look beyond your current circumstance, and just fight back. That's where a statement like the one from the movie "Network" comes into play..." I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it."
When courage is at its narrowest it can be something as simple as helping a sight challenged person navigate a street corner...you just don't know if you're needed at that particular point until you step up to help.
You may be asking yourself right this minute why am I reading this...? Truth is that I wrote it because I'm trying to keep the courage to tell you that my journey in music requires that same courage. My plan is to continue to try and move forward with my music, but I'm still getting older and chasing a dream. Doesn't that take courage?
Right now, I'm in the fight of my career with my voice, trying to gain back what I lost because I didn't take care of my health when I had every opportunity to. I'm fighting tooth and nail to get to a place that may or may not exist for me, but I'm willing to fight because its what drives me.
I'm holding out my hand in friendship and peace to anyone who wants to give me theirs, and I'm leaving no stone unturned. I'm asking for guidance from my Lord above, and from my family in Heaven. I'm saying all of these things publicly with my heart on my virtual sleeve.
So as you read this piece and decide whether or not you want to share in my fight (or my plight...) just remember, it takes courage.
Enjoy your day, and make it count.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Harlem and the Bronx, (the making of Charlie Tee ) #7

2010-02-09T20:46:00.005-05:00

Every now and then I get glimpses into my past when something in my present just strikes me.
Today was one of those days...
It started out great, but progressively slid downhill. I have one of those jobs that somedays it all just clicks and then there are days when ya just can't make any sense of anything, and let's just say that 5 times at bat and I struck out every time.
When my Mom was alive, once in awhile she'd come home from work (in case you'd forgotten, she worked for the Bronx District Attorney's office...), and after having dealt with the criminal element all day she would be just beat. I'd say Ma, how was your day? To which she'd reply, "sometimes murder and larceny just ain't enough.
We always got a chuckle out of that, but understood that dealing with people can be stressful at times, and although you would just love to give it back to em now and again, you have to always do your best to see the other side of your fence.
I've come to realize that music is just like that. There are times when it just fits like a glove and then there are times when no matter what you do, you can switch the light on a hundred times, but the room is still empty.
The lesson here is that no matter what, keep going, keep being positive, keep smiling, and by all means learn to laugh occasionally. it'll make your tomorrow brighter.
Thanks Ma...

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

The Glue

2010-02-06T11:55:00.010-05:00

Strange title huh...read on my friends.
I may have touched on this subject once before, but I think that it bears repeating often.
In every family there are always people who are the glue of the family; they're the ones that make families special and worthwhile. They are at once, tough and tender, heartfelt and harsh, and any number of other contrasting comparatives ( did I actually say that !, WOW!!).
I've been lucky enough in my life to witness the glue in my family (past and present), and gain some real wisdom from them.
For me in my past it was people like my Aunts Jeri, Marion, and Mirty. My cousin Mickey was another. In my present life it's my wife Vickie, and my sister in law Diane, and of course my children.
In the band, my bandmates all have their days when they are the glue, the things that each bring to the table keeps us holding on to each other and connected.
One of the most encouraging things that a person can experience is the love and respect of friends. It nice when a persons' reputation is like the sky...looked up to. In the music business it seems that alot of that has fallen by the wayside these days, and as a result many younger musicians find that they only want to be stars at their convenience. What I mean is that many people who aspire to make their living playing music only want to play in the best venues, they want to play only for an audience of thousands, they only want to have the biggest deals and on and on. I could fill up this blog and the New York Times weblog with all the things that these people want.
But what happened to just plain ol' hard work, and doing it so that it comes naturally.
If you go back in your life to the glue of your family, you might just realize that those folks who I compared and contrasted earlier had the right idea. You'd find that what many of us need, is to be encouraged, and prodded at the same time. We need to be told how great we could become, yet shown how the real world works, so that you know the difference. You can't tell little Sally or Jimmy that the bad notes they are playing or singing are great when they really aren't. Doing so will only hurt them in the long run. Being honest with them and caring about them will insure that they will be the stars that they were meant to be.
If you're not following me here, just grab some crazy glue and put it between your fingers. Did it stick? That's the real world. If you use scotch tape between your fingers it will hold for only a moment...That's the fantasy world.
Which world would you rather live in. For me...pass me the glue.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

A View From the Stage

2010-02-05T11:25:00.004-05:00

First of all...
Happy new year everybody. I know that this year I'm late to the party, but 2009 left me in a serious fog for most of the year.
For those of you who wrote, wondering where I am, let me calm your fears.
Throughout most of the year I was gravely ill, culminating in November with surgery being performed to remove my thyroid . During the course of the procedure a mass was discovered, and upon trying to remove it I bled out so profusely that the doctor had to actually stop my heart.
Normally more anesthesia is given to a patient, but in my case my kidney function which was already low prevented that, so in effect the doctor had to end me (I'm trying to be delicate here...).
As you can imagine, my wife Vickie had to endure all of this (I'll never stop being grateful to her...), and pray for a different outcome. We made it through, and a few months later here I am.
From this part of the stage, I feel eternally blessed, and thankful for my very life.
Now...
One of the side effects so far that we've been faced with is that I've seeming lost my voice. I'm having some trouble rendering any type of pitch. In plain english that means that I can't rise to certain notes like I did before, and it hurts a little when I try to sing or play the saxophone; but I'm seeing a speech pathologist who is fighting with me to help gain it back, and so far it's working pretty well.
So a view from this stage is saying that I have to continue to work hard to get back what I lost.
When you lose something so dear to you that it scares you, that's the time when you have to lean on faith the most. I'm learning a valuable lesson about patience and perserverence right now, and it's a hard lesson to learn; believe me.
This all sounds tragic and crazy at the same time, but I really am going through it and I'll get through it.

PART 2
A few weeks ago, Vickie and I decided to go and listen to some music, as I was becoming restless just sitting around the house recuperating. While we were enjoying the evening with some friends a fight broke out just at the end of the billiards area of this place, and in the resulting melee the police were called ( everyone has been to one of these places commonly known as a dive...).
All of that got me thinking...one of the hardest parts of being a musician on the rise is staying out of the middle of scenes just like this, and many musicians and singers often find themselves on the short end of that stick for a couple of reasons. 1:many times the band gets associated wrongly with what goes on in a place. When something like that happens many people just connect the band to the trouble. Now that's not to say that now and again it's not deserved, but for the most part it tends to be unfavorable...for the band. 2. alot of musicians sticking their necks out for people find that doing so can create enemies who may have been fans...if everyone just would step back for a moment.
I'm saying all this to say that musicians should always try to use their music to create fun and warmth and harmony.The saying that applies here is of course "music soothes the savage breast." So a view from the stage should always be how can we make some negativity quiet down.
One way is to use your music to make people face forward toward you as opposed to trying to hone in on the negative action. To capture someones attention...whisper.
Finally a view from the audiences' stage is that they are there to hear you, whether they paid or not for that doesn't matter, they're out there for you so give them the best, and leave 'em thirsty for more, so that they will...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

See ya soon.

Changes

2009-01-19T08:54:00.005-05:00

Well, here it is a new year, with new chances, new hope, and a brand new spirit of togetherness.
It's hard to believe ( but do believe...) in mere hours American will begin to turn the page and give a new man of the people a try.
I can't get over that finally in my lifetime we will have the first African American President of the good ol' US.
In my senior year in school (many many moons ago...), the dean of students sat all of us down and began to explain why we should strive to be the best that we could. He told us that in our lifetime we would see a person who looks just like us become President.
The very first thought that came to my head was, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING,THAT WILL NEVER EVER HAPPEN!!!
Glad to say now that I can eat those words.
The truth is though, that I feel optomistic for alot of reasons. My life seems to be going in the direction that I've always sought.
This year, I am finally going to work on my first solo CD. It took me a really long time to realize that I was worth the effort, and that I had just as good a chance as anyone else...why not try.
I have spent so many years going through changes that I felt like giving up and in fact I gave in.

Last year I spent an overabundance of time being sick. Instead I got sick and tired because I wasn't reaching my potential.
With the election of Obama, yes it is real...came a sense that I too could make a difference; and this year I am going to set out to change my life.
I heard this song on the radio not too long ago, and it also helped me to realize that my potential has been in me all along:
David Bowie Changes:

I still don't know what I was waiting for

And my time was running wild A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-ChangesDon't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-ChangesJust gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time

It's time for me, it's right for me, so folks watch out for me, and keep me in your prayers.

Happy New Year.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always

I'll Be Back

2008-11-27T13:15:00.002-05:00

Hi gang, I know that everyone has been wondering where I am and where I've been.
All I can tell you is that I've been sick and that I had to take this time off for now. I am getting better though, slowly but surely.
For the rest of the year I will be in hiatus, but starting in January I will be returning to you...
For now please enjoy the rest of '08, and I'll be back in '09.
I've got loads of things to share with you, new stories, new experiences,and new dreams.
So...stay tuned.
Until then...

Support Live music today tomorrow and always...

Finding Me Again

2008-07-13T12:29:00.006-04:00

If I've learned nothing else in life, I've learned that it is vastly important to find out who you are.

As an artist, as a soul, and and as a human being, knowing the person inside of you is necessary to help the person on the outside of you function in your chosen way of life.

It can be something small and miniscule, or it can be large and grandiose, but labor hard and long to find that entity that is you.
I know that most of you who read me have been wondering where I've been. All I can say to that is that I've missed you as much as you've missed me, and although I've been around, I haven't been able to find me for a little while.
My health has been pretty good, but my mental health has been a bit shaky of late. It's been a combination of a few things. Mostly missing my parents and my sister (they're deseceased, for those of you that didn't know...). My younger sister is in the US Navy, and right now, she's stationed in Japan, and I worry constantly about her (although she is doing quite well in fact...)
The crux of my troubles have been that I've been feeling rather insignificant as a musician, and couldn't seem to find my groove.
The last 4 months or so, I've been showing up to play, but my soul wasn't along for the ride. I actually felt that maybe my time was up as a musician, and that it was time to put away my mic, and my sax for good.
On Friday I had a gig with one of my dearest friends, bluesman Terry Lowry, and I just agonized about my playing, and although most in attendance said to my face, how great I sounded, it was as if I didn't hear a sound...from me, or them.
Last night I had a gig with the Carpenter Ants, and I intitially thought that I would be an absolute flop, but a little, subtle change made all the difference... I CHANGED REEDS !!!

Charlie Tee, what in the world are you talking about?
For the last 5 months, I've used the same reed on my saxophone, and the truth is, that it died ages ago, and I should have realized right away that the reason that I wasn't getting my sound was that I should have broken out a new reed awhile ago. Instead, I've felt terribly about myself thinking erroneously that I've lost my ability to play.
Another thing is that I have trouble relaxing and going with the flow. If you know baseball at all, you can relate... I was in a slump.
Your mind can play terrible tricks on you if you're not careful, it can cause you see things that aren' t there. I'm not especially good at sitting around and waiting to play. I feel as though I lose my edge to entertain when I have to sit around and wait. I prefer to be as spontaneous as possible when I have to perform, the less sleep, or waiting that I have causes me to think
inside and outside of the box, and I've always felt that that has made me the person I am as an entertainer, I seem to think better on my feet when I go in seemingly without rest, and just able to come off the cuff.
If you're following this sequence so far, I'm sure that you're laughing at me out loud. I get so silly with this, that at times I feel as though I could run and hide from everyone, and I actually cower away from folks.
I know that this is in fact crazy, but hey, that's me and how I operate...warts and all.
Sometimes finding me again takes some work, but at least I'm honest about it, and I hope that when you or "Stella" need to find your groove again, its something as simple as making a needed change within yourself. You'll be much happier that you did.
See ya soon.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always. Let it help you find your essence.

Great Minds

2008-04-28T13:25:00.003-04:00

I ran into an ex- in law early this morning, and was quite suprised to see that he had fallen on some fairly hard times. His health has become very poor in fact.
While I had the strong urge to rub in his face how he used to treat me, I decided that it would be more civil of me to leave things as they are, and also offer him my help to his vehicle after our respective appointments.
During the days when we were relatives, quite often I had heard how much he bad-mouthed me behind my back (...and at some point, even to my face). Although this angered me often, I told those who would tell me these things that I would be bigger than that, and not stoop to his level by countering his attacks.
Often I would say that "I'll let God take care of it," and he would get his one day. "
It was quite sad, I never measured up to him or his family, and even though he never once sat down and talked to me to determine the type of person I am, he judged me anyway.
A phrase came to my mind when I saw him today: Life is designed to teach you what you should have learned in life.
You see, I could have easily let him get me down all those years ago,yet, I kept my head held high, I continued playing music ( I now have 4 CD's to my credit) I still have a wonderful job (in which I'm a supervisor...), I'm married 10 years (...and counting) I still have the love and respect of my true friends (counting there too !!!), and most of all, I'm still keeping my eyes on the prize.
Now I look at him and realize that I can sleep at night because I'm not haunted by how viciously I've treated people.
More importantly I have come to truly realize that great minds have aims,while little minds have wishes.
None the less I wish him good health.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

The Sum of My Parts

2008-04-26T12:16:00.006-04:00

Every musician has people who they look up to for inspiration (devine, or otherwise), that gives their music some substance with which to build a career (my gosh that was a mouthful...).
Most folks who know me know that among mine are people like saxophonist David Sanborn, and the late Michael Brecker (Tenor saxophone).
I want to talk about some of my other influences, because it's important that you understand the core and soul of my music. Moreover, the thoughts that I put together when I sing, or play my own saxophone is a direct result of the influences that these people have in my life.
Vonda Shepard is a vocalist, pianist and writer of some incredible music. When she sings, it give me chills. The way that she uses her voice just excites me like Christmas, and my birthday all in one.
Patrice Rushen is another, and a forerunner to people like Vonda who grooves so hard that you'd be considered dead if you didn't get moved by her music.
The late great Richard Tee was a brilliant session musician and arranger who graced countless recordings, and he to me was the Fender Rhodes "Jedi Master."
These are just a scant few of the folks who have made the music in me come alive, and I speak about them because more often than not everyone needs inspiration.
Having something to aspire to is always a good thing because it keeps you focused, and more inportantly, it keeps you in check.
I remember the very first time that I met Richard Tee in person was on the subway in Manhattan. I spotted him on Columbus Circle and 66th street. I just walked up to him and told him how much I admired his playing. I just happened to have my sax with me that day (lucky me...), and he was so nice in fact that he invited me to hear him do a commercial that he was on his way to do.
At the studio, we talked for awhile while the engineers were setting up, and I told him that I was going to Manhattan School of Music, and he thought that that was a great idea. He said that "back in the day alot of folks thought that only the stuffed shirts went to music schools, you either got educated on the bandstand or you listened in the audience, and truly many "brothers" never saw the inside of a school let alone one for music." None the less that feeling started to change when people like Wynton (Marsalis) came along. Now we realize how useful schools really are for us.
In truth though, I still feel that the sum of my parts have equalled out because I've been educated in 2 realms; Manhattan School of Music and also "Bandstand University," and my professors have really given me that benefit of the finest education.
I hope that I continue to make them proud.
Life offers many opportunities to further oneself in every field, take advantage of possibilities whenever you can, and make the sum of your parts equal one great person...you.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Caroleigh, Jill and Lauren, the rhythm of my Sisters

2008-02-26T16:08:00.004-05:00

Caroleigh Cheryl- January 25th
Janus Ingrid- January 11th
Lauren Patrice- March 30th

Those are dates that are forever etched on my mind because those are the days that the rhythm of my life always beats strongest...with love.
My 3 Sisters have made my life worthwhile, let me tell you about how they each have affected my life and my music.
Caroleigh (pronounced,carol-lay)
My oldest Sister, was a gifted musician and singer, she played the flute and the violin, and she had a voice like an angel. Caroleigh loved all types of music, but 50's rock and roll just moved her to no end. James Brown and Jackie Wilson would just send her into orbit. Years later when Motown emerged as a force in music she was a fanatic for the Temptations.
They did a song called "Don't Look Back," and Caroleigh would be the female backup singer to Paul Williams vocal...it still moves me to tears when I hear, because it makes me think about my Sis.
Jill the other older Sister is also a gifted pianist, and just a brilliant woman who has always been ahead of her time. She was the first person to graduate from Columbia University with a degree in African American studies. Also, she is the founder and CEO of Backpax, a company which teaches cultural diversity to youngters.
Lauren, the youngest of us is also a musician, she played the clarinet. In High school she was in the concert orchestra and the jazz band, and was first chair in both.
She has now made a career in the United States Navy, recently deployed to Bahrain (north of Saudi Arabia), where she just became a Chief Petty Officer.
My 3 Sisters are among the most beautiful woman that I've ever known, but our lives have taken us to many different stations in life, and it has taken losing one of them to make me realize just how much they all have meant to me.
If you ever listen to a really good drummer, you realize right away that they capture alot of different rhythms at once, yet drummers are the foundation upon which great music is made. All of the beats that they create add to or blend the other instruments and vocals together into a harmony that can move the even the steadfast of folks, so it is with my Sisters.
Their lives are entertwined with mine and it has made me a better person. Each of what they have given me in love has shaped my life in ways that is just like listening to music.
I love songs, singing them, as well as playing them, because the textures that they create with words offer you a glimpse into the soul of the writer.
Musicians bring about the effect of the songs, but the the writer created it to set a mood. So it is with my Sisters, when we talk it's really uplifting and passionate. Sometimes, even without alot of words being expressed, they set a tone for me that reaches deep inside of me.
When I was little, I used to watch Caroleigh play the flute for hours at a time, ask a million questions, and be generally in awe of her. When I'd listen to Jill (Janus's nickname), she just epitomized grace and charm...she still does.
When I went to see Lauren in concert in her senior year in school. I was awestruck by how much I didn't know about music, she did some things on the clarinet that I'm still trying to figure out with my saxophone.
The point here is that within the rhythm of my sisters beats a strength that gives me strength, it's also given me the clarity to be a good musician, and vocalist. They've taught me to take chances with my music, set it free, but tame it all at once.
In short, the love they've given me, I've passed it forward to my audience, and if you play music that's how you should operate too.

This post is dedicated to eveyone who has the pleasure of having a lovingly family,who supports, and believes in them.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Remembering Winston Walls

2008-02-05T10:48:00.001-05:00

There aren't too many people that I can honestly say are larger than life, but Winston was truly among those that I could. He is up there with my Parents.
It's with a sad heart that I must relay that the great Winston Walls has left our lives. I'm told that he passed away in his sleep at his home in Florida with his wife Lucille at his side.

Winston for most of the musicians in the Kanawha valley was like our Dad. He was tough, but ever encouraging. He could make you feel your music like no one else, he just had that thing in him that set him apart from everyone else.
I can still remember vividly the day that I met him back in 1971, he just moved my soul with his playing. He was confident and he knew how to GRAB your attention. When he played that Hammond B3, he could not only bend his notes, he could break them like twigs, or make them and you, stand at attention.
He has shown me and my bandmates in the Carpenter Ants how to capture an audience, with real musicianship and not with gimmicks.
Once when we were recording our 2nd CD "Picnic With Lord," he cleared up a discrepency with us that completely changed our direction. His help with our CD became invaluable for me especially, because he made sing from my soul.
There will never be another like "Dad" for me, but I can say with distinction that we are all his sons and daughters, and in his memory we will raise West Virginia music to new heights.Winston, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you taught me. I will never forget you. Heaven will really rock now!! Rest in peace.

Be certain to pick up his CD "Boss of the B3," which features another great, his best friend Brother Jack Mc Duff, where ever you find great music. Also Winston is our special guest the Carpenter Ants CD "Picnic With the Lord."

Good night Brother
Winston Walls 2008.

Just Say No

2008-01-20T12:57:00.000-05:00

It's embarrassing for me to tell you this, but I got my head handed to me the other evening, and rightfully so, I was just plain wrong about my actions, and I deserved to be reprimanded.
The scene: Friday night at the former Blues BBQ Restaurant and nightclub. The event, a combination of 2 birthday celebrations. Mine and a good friend. Also, the Carpenter Ants were performing.
Prior to starting we had to wait and start playing a little bit later than usual because Michael Lipton (fearless leader...) had a prior performance with the Mountain Stage Band.
Anyway, I was sitting with my friends, and there was a gentleman seated at the table near ours, and he was not your average looking fella (now putting it nicely...), sort of non-descript, but he also had on some very thick glasses.
Now, I should have known better, but one of my friends started to comment among us about the gentleman, and we in turn started laughing uncontrollably, to the point that I'm certain that it must have made this guy seriously uncomfortable. Well, he ups and leaves and never returned. The sad part about it is that I know he was there exclusively to see the band, and here we were making fun.
It didn't matter that it wasn't to his face, but I know he must have sensed it.
My dear friend Amy, who planned this party down to the letter, was greatly insensed. She held back her comments that evening and thereby not spoiling my day, but in true fact, she have every right to. When she called me the next night, she was still angry, and after she read me the riot act, I felt 2 inches tall...She was as right as right could be. HOW FREAKIN' DARE US. What in the Hell makes us God's gift.
I of all people should have known how hurtful that must have been, because I'm overweight, and have been teased one way or another about it all of my life, and although I've developed thicker skin about it, it still hurts none the less when people are so blatant about pointing it out.
Thank God Amy had the presence of mind to just say no. She and many other people have gone out of their way to help not only me, but my band as well to further ourselves in the public eyes, and doing the things that we did Friday causes that wall to be built higher...and believe me, that ain't good.
I want to say publicly that I'm deeply sorry for offending that young man, intended, or not.
I also want to say thank you to Amy for being a true friend, and pointing out my shortcomings, she is the kind of people that everyone needs in their life...SOMEONE REAL.

Just say no to abuse of any kind, but support live music today tomorrow and always.

Harlem and The Bronx (the making of Charlie Tee) #6

2007-12-16T13:33:00.000-05:00

In this post I'm going to tell you about a phrase that my Mother used to say to me throughout my life, and why it's still relevant to me today.

"Every cloud has a silver lining..."
If I heard that one hundred times, I heard it once. My Mother was always fond of telling my Sister and I that because she wanted us to know that when you least expect it a dark cloud can become bright and fluffy, and full of life giving light.
Every now and again in my quest to be in the music industry full time, I get sidetracked by my negative emotions. In reality I know that the Carpenter Ants are doing just fine, we play alot through the year, and we've existed for over 20 years ( the fellas have been together for that long; I've been with them going on 17 years...), but I just dream so big sometimes that it gets the better of me.
In truth, although I would give almost anything to be on a greater stage, it's really unrealistic. By this I mean that at least 2 of my bandmates, although very talented, have day jobs in which they've served for going on 28, and 29 years respectively. So asking them to up and leave without gaining their pensions would absolutely not be fair of me. It's like asking them to walk out on a building ledge and just dangle off the side.
If I needed to be rescued that might be one thing, some consideration might be in order, but this is asking too much...even for me.
They have families and significant others that they must attend to, and so do I for that matter. So I sit to myself and muse about where I'd be if I were younger and single
Now here's where that phrase comes roaring into my head and into my life: with the exeption of me being really sick over the course of the Summer, we've played more than most bands that I know of, here and in New York.
While I gripe about what could be, I have to realize what is...this music may be a young person's game but I'm in it as well, I've gained some notariety, I have 4 CD's on the market, and more than anything, I have 3 of the best friends that I've ever had...all of this without a lawyer too.
I thank Allah (God) everyday for Michael, Ted and Jupiter, and our music, and the patience that they've taught me.
See..., now I'm looking up and the sky is beautiful...and the sky's the limit.
The black has turned to silver.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Patron's Etiquette

2007-12-15T07:54:00.000-05:00

Back in August of 2006, I wrote a piece called "Musician's Etiquette." It mainly talked about the way that musicians should treat other musicians when they're on stage performing.
This is the mirror to that post, in that now I'm talking about the folks who come to listen to music.
Let me say at the onset that I have had my days of falling down in inebriation, I've had my days of being boisterous, I've even had those days when I should probably have kept my mouth shut.But never, never have I ever gone to a gig, mine or anyone else's and been so disruptive that I've been asked to leave.
Here now is the patron's etiquette...
Let's start by understanding what it takes for musicians to do a show.
Most musicians not in the music industry have day jobs. They labor through the day to pay bills, have health insurance, and to simply put food on a table.
The pursuit of music may be a passion. For many of us, it's what we live for. None the less, we get off at 5pm (mostly), grab a bite to eat, then out the door we go to chase that passion.
Some of us first rehearse, then hit the stage, and do our level best to help you forget the day that you've had, and let's face it many of you have had a rough day at best.
Now the musician's are poised to entertain, and from out of nowhere comes some loud (make that screeching...) voice hollering "keep your day job," "you suck," or any number of other insults.
Now imagine trying to do a show with that in your ear...I'm not talking about just being heckled here. A fair amount of heckling is necessary, it does believe it or not, help musicians to grow. They begin to learn audiences, and how to treat them.
I'm talking about people who get so wrapped up in making you look bad that it makes everyone uncomfortable.
People, it's time that you realize that most musicians do want your money, but not at the expense of losing the other potential dollar. What do I mean by that? Some patrons get so frightened by the disruptive people that even if they thoroughly enjoyed the music, they quite frankly won't return.
So who loses out here? EVERYONE. The musician loses because they've now lost a valuble asset, an audience. The audience loses because they get stuck at home only being able to listen to recorded music. That trade off isn't necessarily a good one.

The point here is that people need to realize that alot goes into creating a vibe that helps you to feel good. Music is one of the best ways to make that come about.
So don't let your horrible day get the better of everyone, use the music to help heal the bad part of your day.
Look at it this way, if you don't go to your office and scream at your boss to play Freebird, then it's a safe bet to know that your local musicians don't need that headache either.
Just some patron's etiquette, but the bottom line is, just go and enjoy.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Home Again

2007-12-08T19:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I've finally made it back to my computer, my blog , my music, and to you.
First off before I begin, I have to seriously thank all of you who e-mailed, or called during my time away; and that is virtually hundreds of you.
I got so many forms of expression of well wishes that it would take another blog to say thank you alone.
With that aside, let this post be the beginning of my thank you's .
Just in case you had no idea what was going on during my time away, let me refresh your memory.
Back in July, my kidneys began to fail, and my body began to fail with it. To say the least, it was mortifying to me and to my family. My music suffered, my work suffered, and I suffered. During that time though I got back in touch with me, and although I missed alot of gigs, I felt it was necessary so I put everything on hold.
We all know that Allah (God) perfoms miracles, and I found mine, it was in the form of my medical team, my wife, my children, and my family, my family of friends.
I'm not all the way out the woods just yet, but I'm getting there...and I will get there.
I got an interesting letter from a fan of this blog. They asked if I were still interested in telling my story about journeying in to the music industry? My answer: HELL YES!!!
You have to remember that in order to tell one's story, you need to have all of your thoughts aligned, your ducks in a row as it were.
My thoughts are always at the ready to share, but I just had to feel better first, so on that note I'll say that I'm home again, just look for me.

This post is dedicated to everyone who cared enough about me to be concerned ( you know who you are).
Even when you're home again, Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

A Change is Gonna Come

2007-07-27T20:31:00.001-04:00

Just a quick note to tell you about some changes for the Carpenter Ants, with regard to our main Myspace page...
Until recently, that chore had been handled by our own Kathy Clark who is based in Winston Salem NC. Kathy had worked for us tirelessly, until she became unable to continue due to her own work restraints. So she had to move on from the nest.
In her place, we've decided to go with Amy Bowe who heads up our fan based Myspace page under www.myspace.com/carpenterantsfan.
Look for Amy to take it to the next level for us.
I'm told that she will begin to incorporate our shows with the myspace pages, so that those of you who look for us on the web can easily find us along with our main website http://www.carpenterants.wvmusichalloffame.com/, as well as right here in Standing In The Shadows Of Music.
First and foremost I want to say thank you very much to Kathy Clark, the work that you've done for us over the past year was exemplary. Thank you for getting us to the consciousness of the great folks in North Carolina. Well will miss you more than you know.
Next, I want to thank Amy for taking the ball and helping us to continue on our path.
When I'm given the signal, I will write in detail how you can catch the Carpenter Ants today tomorrow and always.
For now you can still check us out via www.myspace.com/carpenterants
Until then...
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Remembering Beverly Sills

2007-07-03T19:05:00.000-04:00

"You can take the girl outta Brooklyn, but you can't take Brooklyn outta the girl..."
Those words that she said so many years ago still stick with me on a daily basis.and I have found that to be absolutely true.
I remember vividly the first time I saw her. It was at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and it was The Siege of Corinth at La Scala in 1975, and it moved my soul.
Miss Sills though would come to make me love Opera in different way though, she did it by being just a cool girl from Brooklyn and not some stuffy, stuck up died in the wool snob.
Opera, and classical music in general was losing favor in young people during the 70's because so many if it's artists quite frankly thought that they were better than us. Many of the musicians thumbed their noses at regular people, and in many of us who may have aspired to that life simply turned in another direction.
During those days, you had to wear a tuxedo, or a good suit to see the Opera, and so many if us just couldn't afford to even though we loved the music, and the pagentry. It was just beautiful music and we were turned away at the door.
All of that changed when a girl from the hood stood up and showed us the entrance, and taught us how to enjoy her style of music.
Beverly made it fashionable to see the Opera in any fashion. She bridged the gap between the stuffed stodgy superelative speaking Mink coats and suits. When Miss Sills arrived we began to come as we were; jeans, sneakers, ballcaps.
I had the pleasure to enjoy her performances some 30 times, before she gave it up to become President of the Met, and when she did become its head I went to the Met even more.
I was very sad to learn of her passing because to me she was a true gem...an American gem. She was our Diva, and she was a girl from the hood.

Belle Miriam Silverman ( Beverly Sills ) 1929- 2007
Good night Sister.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Today,Tomorrow and Always

2007-07-01T23:35:00.000-04:00

If you've read my blog for some time now, you know that I normally sign off by telling you to support live music today, tomorrow and always. It's my tag line, but truly there is a deeper meaning to it.

This past Friday I was put in a position to put my money where my mouth is, and I came to realize, that at least in my mind I think that I've failed on some levels. Let me explain...

Earlier in the evening, I left home a bit early, before my gig at Blues BBQ in Charleston to eat. At the restaurant I ran into an old friend who a few months earlier I had noticed was down on his luck, he had become an alcoholic and just generally a nusense to folks. It was pretty disappointing to see. Now, here we are, and I found out not only had he become "saved," he completely cleaned himself up, and was now employed gainfully at the restaurant.

Ike thanked me profusely for not giving up on him, even though I had been disappointed...he "understood." We talked for a long time, and I told him several times how proud I was of him.
I left the restaurant and was pretty much on cloud nine.
Driving down the street, I ran into another good friend, saxophonist Dugan Carter ( one of my musical heroes...), and with him were David Loyd a great keyboardist, Michael " Stoney" Burks, a phenom trumpeter, and Warren Pope, a great drummer, all former bandmates of mine when I was the lead vocalist of their band Stratus.
Without too much prodding they invited me into the Cafe de Paris, where they hold court every Friday during Happy hour as the jazz combo "Full Flavor." It's one of the newer spots in town.
As I was preparing, I noticed that during the entire time that they were playing, no one was paying attention to them at all, but none the less Dugan introduces me, and when he mentioned that I was with the Carpenter Ants, everyone stopped cold and paid close atttention to me, and when I finished a huge applaud came my way. Then the owners of the club, a wonderful Frenchman , and his co-owner Shelly stepped up to not only sing, but do so in French, something that should have been a real treat for these folks was met with continued talking. How utterly embarrasing !!
I've been at my craft of music for far too long and have been treated by club owners and patrons alike with the utmost respect, and those patrons acted as if they were at home on the phone. They talked right over this beautiful music as if it weren't even there.
Of course this got me thinking, what could I do to make the efforts of these musicians and others worthwhile. I'm great for telling everyone thay they need to support live music, but where have I been ? By not going to some of my fellow musicians gigs when I'm off, I'm being just as bad as those people were... I'm not being supportive. So, after scolding that audience, I left for my own gig, but not before I made the vow to Dugan and the boys that I would be back at least once a month to support them, because truthfully, if not for them and the other musicians in my life who have supported me, I would always be standing in the shadows of music.

To my brothers in Full Flavor, I will put my money where my big mouth is and you'll see me in your audience occasionally.
To the owners of Cafe de Paris, continued success, and thank you for supporting live music.
I know this story was a bit long, but truly it needed to be told. The point here is that by supporting live music it will be here for us to enjoy today, tomorrow and always

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

The Moon, the Stars and the Distant Drum.

2007-06-16T09:24:00.000-04:00

Isn't it great when everything is in accordance. When the Sun and the stars line up just right?
Last night was one of those nights when it all fell in place.
The Carpenter Ants did our annual show in Charleston, Live at the Levee. It's a series that the city has to showcase some of Charleston's top bands.
But this night was just a bit different. It seemed, to me at least. that everyone in the crowd was really into us and they were unusually responsive to all that we threw at them.
I saw alot of our old friends in attendance, and it was like homecoming and the Senior prom all rolled up in one.
Normally, the Ants will have fun no matter what, but sometime when we think the audience isn't with us it makes it a little harder to do what we do. My job as frontman of the band is to try to tie the audience to the music, and I do so by a little combination of being in the audinece and working them from the inside. It makes me and them feel really good because we're listening to the music together, only it's me singing to them...you get the picture?
My bandmates always do me proud, they'll work the audience with me, and it becomes one big show that is truly interactive.
Anyway, as I said, everything was lined up just right; as the Sun was setting we hit the folks with some Gospel, teased the ladies with some of our Ditties, rocked the joint with some hard driving grooves, and wowed everyone with some Soul ballads. It all made for a perfect evening of fun, love, and watching Allah (God) create nighttime.
Yeah, I love it when a plan comes together, I love it when this band is together, for me it just makes me feel good to be alive.
I hope wherever you are this Summer you'll make time to catch some live music. Sit back and enjoy the Moon the stars and the distant drum.

A big shout out to the the City of Charleston, thanks for a wonderful evening.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Life is Sweeter (Wherever You Are)

2007-05-18T16:18:00.000-04:00

If you’ve been following my postings, you’ll know that I’m here in my hometown of The Bronx…So far being in New York has proven one thing…that life is sweeter wherever you are. By that I mean I haven’t been home in 7 years, and believe me when I tell you that a helluva lot has changed in my city.
Uncharacteristic of me, I was in Manhattan and had a panic attack. I actually had to move to the side of the street and hang out against a wall.Now I know that this is all due to the fact that I haven’t been here in so long, but really I’m comfortable anywhere I wander, but being around a trillion people at once kinda threw me for just a minute.
Anyway, I really am having a ball, hanging out with my best 2 friends Angela and Stacey…these 2 ladies are a riot together, and Angie and I hope to work on some music as well.
If you remember the TV show Mc Cloud ( with Dennis Weaver) where he was the country Sheriff in New York , well that’s about how I’m feeling now…just out of place.
None the less being home has put a song in my heart, it’s allowing me to re-charge my battery, and when I go back to Charleston I’ll be ready to deal with some serious Carpenter Ants music.I’ve come up with a plan to start moving us forward, and getting us here to New York, And subsequently to the masses.
Now the purpose of this title…I’ve been bitching and moaning about wanting to return home as a big star, but I’ve come to realize that I have some serious work to do, and I need to accept that I live in West Virginia now, and that getting what I want out of life requires me to be happy…no matter where I am.. Why, because life is sweeter…wherever you are

Support Live music today tomorrow and always

Life With Vickie

2007-04-04T06:08:00.000-04:00

They say that when one door closes another door opens, and that has been true throughout most of my life. Although in 1998, when door number 3713 opened I got the grand prize.
Let me go back a little to a time before then...
On the dating scene there had been doors closing, one after another, then one day in April of 1993 during a regular Wednesday night gig at the Empty Glass,the door opened and in walked the most beautiful woman I think that I had ever seen.
The band had literally just gone back to the stage after a break, when I announced that we'd be taking another break, and to the amazement of everyone (including my bandmates...) we did. Sorry folks, but I had to meet this woman.
She was brash, bold and utterly beautiful, with the bluest eyes I had ever seen, and flaming red hair...I was a goner.
Her name, Vickie Sutphin.
Now don't ask me why, but I got seriously tongue tied, I went to her table and introduced myself (in my ultra cool suave voice, I might add...). Her girlfriend must have thought I was a lunatic, because she gave me a look that could have melted a glacier.
None the less, I just felt like I had to know this woman... the one time in my life that being bold paid off.
Now let me go back to that door opening and closing analogy...
Fast forward to 1997, some major doors were about to close. First, my Mother got pretty sick with Cancer, and Vickie and I went to New York to be with her to help her prepare for the ultimate journey. Vickie had just come out of the hospital prior to our leaving. When we arrived in New York, my Mother's home was in disarray. As sick as Vickie was at the time, she still put her health aside, and began to organize my Mother's house including getting on her hands and knees and scrubbing her floors. We left New York to return to Charleston, but before leaving my Mother sat me down and said the following: "Charlie, in this woman, you have all that you told me that you ever dreamed of, she's decent, and kind, and she is not afraid. She is one of the boys, but she is all woman in every way. You could never have asked for a better partner. Whatever you do, stand by this woman. Two weeks later my Mother died.
On Saturday April 4th 1998 Vickie became my Wife, and the door of my life swung open for good.
Now I won't tell you that our life together has been all smooth around the edges (let's just say that I was a typical idiot...'nuff said !!), but I will say that I've finally grown up and realized the good fortune that I've had being Vickie's Husband.
In this woman I have the best friend I've ever had, she is someone who I can cry to without feeling less than a man, she is someone who is my biggest cheerleader, and best motivator.
Today is our anniversary, I wanted to tell the world how happy I truly am, and how grateful to the universe I am for opening the door and allowing me to step up to the table and to the best feast of all, life with Vickie.
Happy Anniversary honey, thank you for the the gift of our life.

When you support live music today tomorrow and always, this is the prize that you can get...love times love.

The Secret...no, the real one.

2007-03-25T12:58:00.000-04:00

For the last few weeks, all I've heard from virtually everywhere is about the new book "The Secret." It has been a part of our daily vocabulary for weeks now.
Seemingly this buzz started when Oprah Winfrey commented about the book twice on her show, and of course when she talks it up, it becomes a great success.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm very proud of my sister Oprah, but really, haven't we gone just a little over the edge with the need to feel fulfilled, especially when we're told to dream it and we'll attrack it. I do believe that things come our way when we envision them, but I don't need to spend my hard earned cash for that to come about.
Everyone who really knows me (and that's a whole lotta folks...) knows that the only true dream that I've ever had is to play music for a living. Tell me, where did I go wrong. I'm not necessarily any closer to that goal than I've ever been. I'm not complaining though, because I know the real secret.
What is it you ask ? Well, first of all I'm gonna tell you that when I tell you what this secret is you'll kick yourself for not realizing this sooner (although, I think you know already), and I won't be asking for a fee for this disclosure, it comes free of charge solely because I like you.
OK enough BS, the secret, here is the simple formula: P + O = L.
That formula is preparation and opportunity equal luck
How is this the secret? Well if you think about it our whole life is the search for the perfect opportunity to make things better for ourselves. There are some things that inherently come our way when we set our belief toward it.
In truth I am pretty close to getting what I want out of life, but it didn't come because I attracked it, it's coming because I've worked my butt off toward it. I have spent countless hours in pursuit of it. I've met endless people who have helped me even a little bit, and I've never discounted their help. I saw the little amount or great amount as the same...helpful. It made me walk toward it or shy away from it. So the choice has been mine all along.
So the secret, no, the real one, don't stop believing in yourself, use any and all opportunities to further your goals. Don't spend your hard earned money on a book that tells you what you already know. Go to your local library, the place where real dreams are made, the one true place where a poor person and a rich person are on equal footing. Listen to the music , and relax. Not giving into stress will take it away long enough for you to think clearly and realistically about changing your circumstance.
Another way to see this: if you have to rob a bank in order to attend the seminars of the authors of the secret, then the secret is that they won't get you out of jail, nor go your bond, Then the secret would be that you're a fool, and we just can't have that now, can we?

Support live music today tomorrow and always...oh wait! here's another secret, music really does help us and heal us. Listen to it earnestly, and openly, and it will unlock your deepest secret...passion.

My Beloved Bronx

2007-03-24T11:52:00.000-04:00

YAAAAAAYYYY !!!! I'm finally getting to go home to my beloved Bronx...
I haven't been home in 7 years, and it is all I can think about. This is such an irony for me, because for so long I felt so out of place in New York. In a city that never sleeps, I felt restless and very useless.
I'm sure to a large degree this was of my own doing, because I didn't always try to find the joy in my being there. Sure I was striving like everyone else, but to me it was a big deal trying to make it in music. With all of the people I know, I never really found my place. I did make lots of friends though, but more often than not those friendships turned out to be more superfical than anything else. My closest friends though did everything to push me forward, and put me into peoples' conciousness. My 3 best friends Abdul Rashid, Charisse Campbell, and Angela Sabarese all gave me the best advice, and a shoulder to cry on whenever I needed it (and they did so without conditions).
Each of them played very different roles from each other in trying to see me through.
Abdul Rashid taught me about sprituality, and the true meaning of letting go and letting God. Charisse taught me the real meaning of friendship, and the purpose of seeing women as women and not little girls.
Angela, was just my musical muse, the female version of me. she taught me about being Bronx tough, and seeing that connection in my music, and using it to set myself above the pack.
Most of the people that I now deal with here in West Virginia see my energy and my drive, and constantly spur me on in the public eye. The Carpenter Ants, Amy Bowe, and Yvonne Brown all have played the exact same role here, as my friends in New York did.
If you're striving in anything, any area of life, music or otherwise, surround yourself with the kind of people that will give you love or swift kick in the pants when you need it.
The lesson that I learned is,that you can not run away from your past, but you need to embrace it as an experience that will help you in your life. It will as they say, make you or break you.
I now see the good fortune in being from the Bronx, and I don't cower away from it anymore. I don't think that I'm better than anyone else, but being from my beloved Bronx has placed me a cut above the rest when it comes to my goals. Hopefully for you, you'll embrace your home, and realize that it's more than just a comfort zone...it's a place to give shape to your dreams.
Badda bing, badda boom, from the Bronx baby to you.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Happy Birthday

2007-03-17T11:07:00.000-04:00

I think that it's a blessing when you're young and beautiful and smart. It's sort of like the triple whammy of good fortune. When you're a pre teenager, and you have all of those characteristics, it shows that your parents have done a great job in raising you.
My next door neighbors the Lloyds are just that type of family. Charles and Tammy are two of the most down to Earth people I think that I have ever met; and they have the triple whammy of having three of the greatest children that Allah (God) could have ever blessed anyone with.
Today is their eldest child Kelci's birhtday, and I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge a sweet young lady who is just great soul.
It seems that in life these days it's hard to find well meaning and respectful kids, but Miss Kelci is just a different breed, she is sweet, loving and kind.
Kelci is the kind of girl that will always do her parents proud, because she genuinely loves them. Don't get me wrong she's also the typical young lady who loves the Mall, and loves her girlfriends, but family is always first for her, and that's what makes her so special.
We could never have asked for a greater gift of friendship than having the Lloyds live next door to us, and Vickie and I both want to say, Miss Kelci have the happiest of birthdays...stay as sweet as you are.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always...and take a minute of everyday to hug a great child, and tell them how precious they are. It will put music in your heart.

Don't Quit

2007-03-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

Normally I start off my postings with some semi anecdotal standpoint, but this time I'm going to start where I normally end, by telling you to support live music today tomorrow and always.
I know that its been a few weeks since I posted last, but the truth is I have been just a little busy, on a couple of fronts, and I had to take some time off to get it done. Also, we haven't been doing too much band work, nor have I done much solo work, so as the saying goes...no news is good news.

Anyway, I've been thinking alot lately about what it would be like for me if I gave up playing music, or just retired from it (...this is not to say that it's going to happen). I wondered if I could be happy, and fulfilled, could I go and just be a casual listener.
I also wondered what that reality is like for people who retire after working hard for years and years, why so many of them seem to pass away after just finally getting to do what the want with the rest of their lives, and why so many folks simply work 'til they drop.
Where is the balance in all of this ? Are we afraid to prepare for the end ? Is the end of work, the end of life ?
When I was young(er), I used to look at the world with such fascination, and tried to see my place in it, as a working professional musician. I used ot watch my Godfather practice his saxophone for hours, but never saw him go to a gig. One day I simply asked him why does he do that, spend so much time practicing to go nowhere ? His response was "because I can't quit it." When pressed for the meaning of that statement, he said that the music was in him so deeply that he could not give it up, so even though he was not involved in the business of music any longer, he still felt compelled to make his horn sing, if for no one else but his own pleasure.
The fact that he stayed so diligent about it lead him to be my first formal teacher, and he instilled a love so deeply in me for music that I know that I won't quit it...and believe me I've tried.
There's a poem that I'm certain most of you have heard, but it truly fits here, and you can substitute whatever you're passionate about here...

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you're trudging seems all up hill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns, and many a failure turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out; don't give up, though the pace seems slow, you might succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man, often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor's cup. And he learned too late, when the night slipped down, how close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out, the silver tint of the clouds of doubt, and you never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, it's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

Indeed, these are words to live by...
I truly admire people who "keep on trying 'til they reach their higher ground (thanks to Stevie Wonder for that line...).
So why then did I begin this post with my tag line ? Because as much as we need air to breathe, we need music to be a source to soothe our savage souls...so, remember that life may throw you into fits, but music can move and shake you , so don't quit.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

My Grammy Speech

2007-02-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

Last night as most of you know was the 49th annual Grammy Awards, which honor best and brightest of the music industry.
In a rare evening at home I got to watch and enjoy the entire festivity.
First of all let me say Mary J.Blige was the absolute best, as well as Christina Aguilera, and so were many of the other performers.
As I watched, I thought about the fact that I've always wished to be there as a nominee, or a performer, and I thought about my acceptance speech had I won a statue...
It would go along these lines:

I want to thank Allah (God) for the many gifts that He has bestowed on me, but mainly I want to thank him for creating my Mother and Father, and my Sisters because without them there would be no me.
I want to secondly thank my wife Vickie, and our family for all that they have had to contend with in the chasing of my dreams...in the words of the great Paul Simon, "God bless the absentee." I love you with all my heart honey.
The list of people that I've had in my life who have inspired, and believed in me is far too great to name in this short period.
I want to say that dreams can and do come true, but you must first and foremost believe that you are greater than your circumstances and work hard everyday to see those dreams bear fruit. Thank you so much, good night and good luck.

Yeah, I fantasize alot about things like that, but I don't obsess about it; mainly because in truth I am a working musician, and I am happy building the small roads that I build to people like me.
I am comfortable in my skin (warts and all...), I feel gratified that many people have heard me do what I do and are pleased with it.
To me, it's the people of middle America, the ones that go to work every day, and get nothing for their troubles that I most want to thank, because with little or no money they come out to hear us, and support our dreams, and make us feel like we're worth the same effort that the big stars get. They dance to our music, and dream right along with us, and that is something that no night on the red carpet could ever compete with, and I sincerely hope and pray that I'll never forget that my dreams came true because of people like you.
Thanks so much. I love you dearly...everyone.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always

By Any Means Necessary

2007-02-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

When Malcolm X was alive, he was very fond of saying that we need to achieve equality by any means necessary, over the years though , those necessities have cost us some valuable things, including lives. So I decided that for myself I would choose another path.
The path that I've chosen is music...
Don't get me wrong, even music has cost some their lives (think John Lennon, etc...), but I still feel as though I can help people positively in my musical guise.
None the less I still am as careful as possible when trying to edify people...after all it's only my opinion, and everyone is not entitled to it, meaning that just because I have an opinion doesn't make me right about how I feel on certain subjects, so I have to choose my opinion forums carefully.
Musicians are social critics, good bad or indifferent. We live in this world and like you we too must exist in it.
In a perfect world we would have music, but it would be someone's own definition of what that music would be...for all of us. So imagine my happiness to know that I have a choice as to what moves me, and that I'm not limited to the choices of the powers that be. Being here in America means that as an African American I can listen to and enjoy Country music, as a male I can curl up with a great song sung by a female and have myself a good cry (and believe me, I often do...)
I'm saying all of this to say that I'm glad that there is music in my life. All kinds of music. I'm lucky to be able to play it as well as hear it, and proport it as I feel it.
Although I enjoy sports (mainly baseball), it was never an aspiration that I had. Over the years, I've heard all kind of analogies trying to explain why we have such reverence for sports figures, but think about it for just a moment, even those sports figures need and listen to music. Who fares better ?
I think that right now while the world is in such a chaotic state, we would all do well to just sit back grab some sounds, relax and let the music take us.
We should take any song that moves us, and make it our mantra, our catalysts, and our beacons to leading the world toward being positive. Be a Redneck with roses, or a gangsta of love, but use your music to fuel the fire of brotherhood and sisterhood. Use any and all kinds of music to help liberate, educate, and accentuate by any means necessary.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Remembering Michael Brecker

2007-01-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

All musicians have heroes whom we emulate, imitate, and admire. For any singer or instrumentalist there is always a path that we can trace to see our musical lineage.
Most everyone who knows me, knows that I have the greatest admiration for saxophonist David Sanborn, and just about everyone in his lineage, but prior to my discovery, and subsequent friendship with the altoist, I was extremely moved by the sound of tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker...one half of the one of the most famous horn sections in the world, The Brecker Brothers.
Along with his equally talented brother Randy, Michael paved a way for people like me to enjoy our chosen instruments, not only by looking and sounding cool, but also being very New York hip...by being just damn good musicians.
During the rise of Disco music in the 70's, when instrumental music like jazz was losing favor among the so called "ultra chic," Michael and the the rest of the Brecker Brothers band were churning out some sounds that were a force to be reckoned with, and as a great result, Disco made its final bow, and we got back to music...with seasoned musicians.
I had the very good fortune to meet Mike in the early 80's at home in New York, and we became good friends, and through him I met and became close to a small cadre of musicians who were my heroes. Mike was an ever encouraging pat on the back when he'd see you in the street, a great cheerleader of musicians, much like Oprah Winfrey is for rest of the world, Michael Brecker was for us in the music world.
In recent years he battled serious illness, but still kept going, still kept playing, which for me has been a clear signal to keep reaching up from the shadows of music to the light.
I will always be grateful to Allah (God) for allowing me the privilege to befriend this wonderful, and ultra talented man, and in his spirit I will never cease trying.
When you hear the sound of the beautiful tenor saxophone, please think fondly of Michael Brecker.

Here is just a short list of CD's, and songs where you can get the essence of Michael:
1.The Brecker Brothers- "Back to Back," "I Love Wastin' Time With You."
2.Phoebe Snow- "Never Letting Go," "We're Children."
3.Steely Dan- "Gaucho," " Babylon Sisters."
4.James Brown- "Living In America," Living In America."
5.Horace Silver- "Song For My Father,"

Michael Brecker 1949-2007
Good night Brother.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Tomorrow, the World...

2007-01-03T08:45:00.001-05:00

When I was a teenager, I went to the only all Black Military School in the world. It was called St.Emma Military Academy. Located along the beautiful James River in Powhatan Virginia, St Emma was a school originally created for runaway slaves in 1863. By the time that I went there, it was a school for kids in crisis.
From everywhere in the United States, and from U.S. territories we came; because for us, our Parents wanted a better life than many of us were being given. Some were victims of crime, some of us created those crimes, and some still, just needed a break from the vagaries of life.
In my case, my Mom was employed at the Bronx District Attorney's Office, and had seen first hand what life could be for little Black boys in New York. She'd seen her fair share of these boys in hand cuffs, arrested for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. For choosing the wrong crowd to hang out with, for not being treated the same as some of our racially different counterparts in school.
The straw that broke the camels back for my Mother came when I was in the 7th grade, and there was transit strike in New York City. During that time I had to live with my Aunt and Uncle for a short period,because I lived too far to be driven with enough time for her to be at work on time.
Anyway, I had a teacher in my last period class who was pretty mean (she will remain nameless...), and one afternoon I had to go to the bathroom badly, but this teacher would not let me leave the room.Subsequently, on the way home I had an accident, and my aunt Jeri was furious with me at first, but when she realized what had truly happened she got even angrier. When talking with my Mother later that night, my Mom just cried and cried, and said that she was going to do something about that.So later on near the end of the year she started looking around for boarding schools.
One afternoon, she was feeling pretty down, and was speaking to one of the elevator operators in the building where she worked, Rosie Brown told her "Carmen, you gotta send that child to St.Emma." When my Mom found out the history of that school, and the success that it had in changing the lives of Black boys to positive ones, off I went.
I didn't fight it, because I believed more in my family than I did in the streets.
Fast forward 4 years...
As each year passed along I noticed more and more changes in me.Yes, it was a serious struggle, but I stuck it out, and I graduated.
On the day of graduation, I was one of the last people to climb aboard the bus bound for New York City, and my words as I entered were...today St.Emma, tomorrow, the world.Fast forward again, this time many, many years, to 2007. My life is supremely blessed, I have the gift of a Wife and home life, I have the cherished gift of tremendous friendships from all walks of life, and all manner of people. One of the things that I cherish the most is that I have the gift of music, and that gift has taken me all over the world, figuratively, and literally.
So, as we pass through into the beginning stages of this new year, I want to wish each of you good luck in your endeavors. With a song in your hearts, step over your threshold, and proclaim...today (fill in your own blank here____________), St Emma, tomorrow, the world.

This post is dedicated to the following: Vickie S.Tuitt, Kendra N.Dunham RN, Marty Adams, The Carpenter Ants,Jimmy and Patsy Julius and family, Angela Sabarese, Amy Bowe, Yvonne Brown, Ahmed Solomon,and Brianne Barton,Tracy Herz, Robbin Thompson, Sherry Pasquarello, Don Dixon, Steve Ferguson, Larry Groce, Kathy Clark, Jennifer Wagner, Joel Ison, Charles and Tammy Loyd, Peggy Triplett, Pam Hacker, Garnett Clark, Rebecca Van der Meer, Mary Savage, Lora Ward, Amy Arey,Terry Lowry, Spurgie and Marty Hankins, Susan L.Cavender MD, Michael Romeo DDS, Kevin and Jennifer Kidd, Rebecca Burch, Quasar, Imam Jamal Daoudi, Samuel Majied, the Islamic Center of West Virginia, Jim Snyder, Tina Coll, Darrell "Homie"Ramsey, April Ritter, Rebecca Burch, Oprah Winfrey, and the New York Yankees.
Each of these people have given my life meaning beyond measure, and love without conditions, and you've enriched the lives of others as well. May Allah continue to bless you, as you grace our world...always
(if you don't see your names here, it doesn't mean that you weren't thought of...)

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Happy New Year

2006-12-30T23:01:00.000-05:00

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.

Remembering James Brown

2006-12-25T22:37:00.000-05:00

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."

Remembering Ed Bradley

2006-11-12T20:10:00.000-05:00

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.

Byrd is the Word

2006-11-10T07:07:00.000-05:00

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.

Something About the Ditty

2006-10-24T08:01:00.000-04:00

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.

Don't Stand In Your Way

2006-10-16T21:06:00.000-04:00

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.

Hearts Need Healing...

2006-10-08T15:06:00.001-04:00

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 Damn Well In Bramwell

2006-10-08T11:05:00.000-04:00

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.

Harry and Barbara, music in love, love and music.

2006-10-01T07:11:00.000-04:00

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.

Seize Your Day, with Stars In Your Eyes...

2006-09-30T08:36:00.000-04:00

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 !

Who Let the Cat Out of the Bag ?

2006-09-24T23:48:00.000-04:00

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.

Harlem and The Bronx (the making of Charlie Tee) #5

2006-09-24T16:35:00.000-04:00

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.

Don't Forget To Dream.

2006-08-19T23:39:00.000-04:00

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.

Musician's Etiquette

2006-08-10T18:25:00.000-04:00

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.

The Seventh Inning Stretch...

2006-07-24T23:14:00.000-04:00

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.

For What Its Worth

2006-07-22T01:42:00.000-04:00

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

(That Nurse is ) Music to my Ears

2006-07-17T22:24:00.000-04:00

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.

American League Melody...

2006-07-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

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.

Love Lives Forever.

2006-07-02T18:58:00.000-04:00

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.

Words as Music

2006-06-28T07:55:00.000-04:00

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.

Bit by Bit

2006-06-25T04:49:00.000-04:00

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.

Old, New, Borrowed and the Blues...

2006-06-16T11:25:00.000-04:00

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.

The Lonely Suite.

2006-06-13T21:04:00.000-04:00

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.

Standing Off the Stage

2006-06-09T21:20:00.000-04:00

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.

Thank You for Everything

2006-06-04T12:22:00.000-04:00

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.

Finding Strength, Gaining Peace

2006-05-29T14:24:00.000-04:00

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.

Here There and Everywhere

2006-05-13T20:17:00.000-04:00

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.

Slowly, Out of the Starting Gate

2006-04-08T11:08:00.000-04:00

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's Flowing at the Rivers Edge

2006-04-01T22:48:00.000-05:00

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.

Shout Out 3-31-06

2006-03-31T13:13:00.000-05:00

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...

Lifting Up Spirits

2006-03-29T03:57:00.000-05:00

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.

The Perfect Balance

2006-03-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

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.

Shout Out 3-24-06

2006-03-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

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...

Sunday Groovin', or groove is in the heart...

2006-03-20T17:36:00.000-05:00

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.

Whew, what a week...

2006-03-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

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.

Festina Lente

2006-03-13T23:27:00.000-05:00

Today my wife Vickie learned a valuable lesson about time and energy.
For years she always moved at the speed of light, taking care of our family as a part of her daily routine, but at break neck speed.
It's taken me quite a few years to get her to relax and take time for her, the way she wants it. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for all of the attention, but nothing is more important than yourself, first.
I always hope that I'm not the kind of husband that feels he's got to have his wife at his beck and call 24/7. I can cook, I'm capable of keeping our home tidy and neat, and I do help out, so at times it would be aggravating because I want Vickie to pamper herself . If anyone on this Earth ever deserved it, she does. She has worked her butt off all of her life.
This morning prior to reading her daily devotionals, she was doing 10 things at once, getting me ready for work, getting my breakfast ready, doing a load of laundry, and just meeting her day head on at untold speeds.Finally, at some point she sat down to read her daily devotionals, and in there was a passage about slowing down and taking time....and much to her amazement, whatever she read made all kind of sense.She realized that yes, I do need to take my time, there's just no need to rush.With this in mind she set out and changed her pattern, she still got all that she needed to do accomplished, but with this new attitude, she enjoyed her day so much more.
The term festina lente is a Latin term meaning to "make haste slowly." When I lived in New York, there was a gentleman named Ed Ramsey who had that phrase on a plaque on his desk.He told me after 2 heart attacks that that became his reality, and his creed.
Most people are working toward some goal, or goals, and they are moving so fast that even if the goals are met they can't truly enjoy it, and that to me is criminal.I want to be in music, but I really try to take it slowly.I never concern myself too much with the length of time that this has taken me rather than taking it a day at a time and enjoying the process.
To many people who know me it would seem as if I'm everywhere at once, but even though omniscience is a lofty goal at best it's simply not true in my case.Rather, my thing is is that I work pretty hard in my daily life, and I've made my schedule with this music just that, a schedule. In other words I've worked out a strategy for the way that I strive for it...and for me it works.It gives me some time for me, as well as gives the necessary devotion to the other part of my life...my work life.
Be passionate about your life, but be more passionate about your time, for it's the only thing that we give away freely that we can't get back.
As the saying goes: take time to smell the roses, but make your haste slowly...Festina Lente.

This post is dedicated to my rose, Vickie.enjoy your life sweetie, you earned it.

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Shout Out...3-10-06

2006-03-10T20:05:00.000-05:00

This week the shout out goes to...Peggy Triplett, Bridget Herndon, Pam Hacker, and Garnett Clark.

These ladies are some of my co-workers at the library.
This has been a very trying week for me personally, but they proved to me the power of working together in love and respect.
They stood up for me during a bad situation. I'll never be able to thank them enough.

Harlem and The Bronx (the making of Charlie Tee) #4

2006-03-10T19:58:00.000-05:00

In this installment, I want to tell you about fears that plagued me and how I slowly learned to overcome them thanks to some sound advice from my Father. It's also a story of how real friendship can save your life.

Growing up I was overweight, but that didn't stop me from doing all those childhood and teenage things. I played hours of basketball, stickball, and played baseball fervently. Of course there was also music music and more music.My sister Caroleigh and I even competed there (although in truth, she was a far better musician than I would ever be...), but we loved each other deeply, and my parents loved that we had something that kept us close.
My friends were always close at hand to cheer me on doing something with my saxophone. flute , or at that time, the piano.At school when I was in the 7th grade I made all city as a saxophonist and flutist. When I went to High School though, all that changed.
My Mom got frustrated with schools in New York and made a decision to send me to military school. I wasn't thrilled about it, but I went because she felt so strongly about it. So I went to the only all Black military school in the world, St .Emma Military Academy in Powhatan Virginia.
Talk about being in the sticks, there isn't place in West Virginia that even comes close to that place, but it was OK, or so I thought...when I went to audition for the band, I got turned down. The band was it's own company, that lived in a separate dorm, took trips off campus, and performed just about everywhere. I found out that my company commander didn't like me so he spoke to the band's company commander and that was that, no band for me. That was my first hurt...
I came home during the Summer my freshman year, and resumed my music playing, even getting into my friend Butch's rock band. All was going well. At some point there was a girl that I really liked named Sonia Delgado who was the sister of my friend Jolanda. I really had a serious crush on her, and found out that she liked me as well, until a very ugly rumor started...and to boot, I walked in on the beginning of that rumor.
I chanced upon two guys who were supposed to be my friends talking badly about me.The rumor went something like this..."you know Charlie doesn't bathe, he smells like an old sock." I know that they never suspected that I was standing right beside a vending machine and heard ever word. I was absolutely crushed.That was bad enough, but one of the guys involved really did have an odor, and everybody knew it about him, yet I was the only one who always treated him nicely.I never ever ever talked about him, and once at a party I even left the room because folks were talking about him so badly...I was embarrased for him.Yet here he was talking about me like freakin' dog. I was hurt beyond measure.
Before long it got so bad that Sonia didn't want to have anything to do with me; and that truly hurt more than anything.
Somewhere along the way, my Father got wind of all this, and caught me crying about it in my room, and he came in and sat down and gave me a pep talk that not only lifted me up, but made me gain confidence in myself.Daddy said something along the lines of: " You are a wonderful person, you're talented, you're beautiful, and most of all, you're a gentleman.You've got more talent and verve in one finger, than those boys will have in their entire lives. You know the type of person that you are, and your real friends all know that as well. Watch what I'm telling you, before long Charlie you'll see, your true friends will rise up for you."
And that they did, they all stood up for me and were very adamant about their loyalty to our friendship.Although it didn't help with the Sonia situation, she never did give me a chance, and we in fact didn't talk again until she came to my Mother's funeral in 1997...some 30 years later.
She was nice, but hurts as they say, run deep. I spoke to her and was cordial but it just wasn't the same.
I learned a really hard lesson about people that Summer.I take my friendships very seriously, and if I call you my friend, you can count on me to be a loyal one.
It's important to surround yourself with "your kind of folks," whether they be on the bandstand or at work, or wherever.
I consider myself a fortunate man in that I have the love, and respect of alot of people from many walks of life.
The sound advice that my Dad gave me was this: let your reputation be like the sky, looked up to.
Have a wonderful weekend everybody, and remember...

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.