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.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Slowly but Surely
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"Oh! What A Beautiful Day..."
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.
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.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
"From the Beginning."
"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.
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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
We Deserve It
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.
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.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
It Takes Courage
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Harlem and the Bronx, (the making of Charlie Tee ) #7
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.
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.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
The Glue
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.
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.
Friday, February 05, 2010
A View From the Stage
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.
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.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Changes
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.
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:
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
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
Thursday, November 27, 2008
I'll Be Back
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...
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...
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Finding Me Again
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.
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.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Great Minds
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.
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.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Sum of My Parts
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Caroleigh, Jill and Lauren, the rhythm of my Sisters
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Remembering Winston Walls
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.
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.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Just Say No
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.
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.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Harlem and The Bronx (the making of Charlie Tee) #6
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.
"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.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Patron's Etiquette
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.
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.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Home Again
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.
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.
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