My Three Words

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



Add yours here...

Season To Taste

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

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

Wishing For a Rainbow

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

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

Life Lines

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

The Warmth of the Holiday (Food for Thought)

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

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

That Rainy Day Soundtrack

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

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Find The Middle

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

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

I Dream a World

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

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

"It Be's Like That Sometime."

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

Catchin' You Up

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

Support Live music today tomorrow and always

The Wrong Guy

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

Vickie

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

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

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

Good night my love

Make the Connection

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

Somebody's Watching You

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

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

A Perfect Fit

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

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Fork, Knife and Spoon

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

Support Live music today tomorrow and always.

Diabetes and Me

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

Support Live music and healthy lifestyles today tomorrow and always.

The Carpenter Ants

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

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

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

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

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

www.myspace.com/carpenterants

www.myspace.com/carpenterantsfan

www.wvmusichalloffame.com/carpenterants

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

Support Live music today tomorrow and always

Just Chillin' Today

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

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

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

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

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