Long Time Coming!

Timecheck: 1/27/09 approx 1:30am
Status: Sifting my head for thoughts & chat~laughing with CarlBoogie on FB

It's well after the bewitching hour and I need to get to bed for at least a couple of hours of sleep before heading into the "Twilight Zone" (my 9-to-5) but these past few weeks were filled with so many treasures, ranging from musical gems to historical wonders -- that I have to put this down in black and white before I let another day go by.

I will forever reflect and bring forth a hearty deep rooted smile. On Sunday, January 18th my favorite soulful band, MINT CONDITION returned to New York and I have only one regret. I am now somewhat physically challenged and cannot stand at the foot of the stage -- where I've been able to count the number of fillings a singer has up in their top row. So, I sat with my girls (Ann Marie and Pammie) and watched this sister next to me diss the essence of real music as she slept through most of the show. I guess I can say it openly now since Pam caught on last week -- Stokley is my first love, only he doesn't know it. (grin) I've seen many a musicians in my day, but there's just something funky about this brother -- maybe it's the wiggle and the glide he's perfected on stage or it could be those monster high notes he manages to unleash or it might even be the way he chews his gum or ties his scarf up under his hat (lol) -- whatever it is, the magic has had me hooked for years. The first time I met him, I kept asking the young lady I'd hung out with (Aisha) to pinch me. It was a dream that somehow materialized into a reality. And then, year before last -- I met him again. Utter delight!


Anyway, getting back to the show last week. I can't give you a play by playlist because I'm not good at that. I just know that the New Congress and Mint Condition rocked the packed house. From the new to the old to the even older, Mint Condition is a band with an eternal flame that seemingly will never fade. With songs like "Pretty Brown Eyes" "You Don't Have To Hurt No More" "Someone To Love" and "Someone To Love" -- you would have been satisfied but still yearning for the more recent gems if they'd left the stage right then and there. Fortunate for the captivated audience, there was much more to come -- in the form of "Gratitude" "Baby Boy, Baby Girl" (my son and I made the video cut! yaaay) "Nothing Left To Say" and an impromptu acoustic version of "If You Love Me" - a request from someone in the crowd.

That was Sunday, the start of a fabulous week -- fast forward to the wee hours of Tuesday morning, before the sun came up. I was on a bus with members of my church and community, headed to Washington, D.C. for the historic inauguration ceremony for our nation's first black President. The experience was unbelievable and I will always relish in the fact that I was there! I saw nothing and heard even less, but I shared that experience with my son and we enjoyed one another. We walked for miles trying to find the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of something -- anything, to no avail. We did, however come face to face with one of my all-time favorite football players, the former New York Jets running back, Curtis Martin. Curtis was walking past us when I'd called out to him and asked him if we could take a picture with him. Did I mention how cold it was in DC? How the wind felt like it was slicing a piece of skin from you every time it blew past you?! Curtis took the pictures with us and was so much more humble and gracious than I could have ever imagined.

I also saw Donnie McClurkin in passing while we were doing all of that walking. But I truly did not get to enjoy the inaugural ceremony until I returned home to watch on tv what I'd missed in person.

May God shine his richest blessings upon President Obama and his beautiful family.

Wednesday evening -- up in Harlem, ONUTSS kicked off the 2009 season with two exceptionally gifted singers, Tim Dillinger and Monica Blaire. It was an explosive and moving night of performances. I always feel a sense of pride when artists come out to be part of what Pam and I have built. It's a tremendous honor and an overwhelming sense of pride takes me on as they get on stage and show the crowd just why they're there and let them know that their names are not to be forgotten. That night was one such night. Massive shout out and love to both Tim and Monica.

Friday evening -- down in the Village at Joe's Pub, Fiona Bloom put an event together that not only brought the spectacular soulful talent of Monica Blaire and Kameron Corvet, but the guests in the audience were amongst the underground soul movement's 'who's who' (names I won't list, but it was something) ! I'd heard about Kameron but hadn't been able to see him perform live until that evening and what an awakening I received! Kameron was just a man with his guitar -- but he made you feel as though he was performing a private event where just you and he were in the room. Wonderful! Nothing more needs to be said about Monica Blaire. She simply is...the truth and nothing but!


There was one other artist on the bill at Joe's Pub, Postman. I really didn't dig his music -- it wasn't for me. I felt bad for him because it appeared that I was not the only person to feel that way. His hip hop/song style was an awkward addition to the lineup. Overall I had a wonderful time and I hope the Bloom Effect will take heed of the reaction from the crowd and make an attempt to bring these two artists together again.

Taking it back

I mentioned in my previous blog that my mother and I were going to see The Whispers and The O'Jays in concert this evening. I'm on such a high that I don't think I'm going to step down from anytime soon. I always pay attention to two things, in addition to the featured act - the audience and the accompanying band. Both, the band for The Whispers and The O'Jays were off the hook. But The O'Jays had about ten dudes in the horn section alone, kid you not. And the venue that we were at had not one bad seat in the house and the stage rotated in the round -- I was in heaven!

I have to say, age has been exceptionally kind to all of those brothers. The Whispers rocked in and then rocked on out -- touching on just about every major hit that I could recall. Scotty talked about the Christmas dvd that they'd just worked on, which was on sale in the lobby. Naturally, by the time I got out there -- they where all out. So he mentioned (http://www.thewhispers.com/) and I guess I'll have to check out the site to see what other goodies I can add to my library. They sang this newer song, "Butta" and it was a 'grown-folks' song, so you know what it was really all about. That's when the first red flag went up about our love songs today and what they lack. The passion, the intimacy, the illusion and mystery are all gone for the most part. I give these dudes a load of credit because they danced, sang, talked, cracked jokes and didn't pass out. I loved it and really enjoyed seeing them. When they sang a bit of "This Christmas" -- I had a Donny Hathaway moment. I have to do some serious research to find out how many people have legitimately recorded that song and then must put as many versions as I can find on a disc.

But I was there for The O'Jays and won't bs anyone who asks. They came out singing, "Give The People What They Want" and sang some songs that I'd forgotten they'd even recorded. I enjoyed watching my mother leap from her seat to dance along with them as they sang something that moved her in such a way, but at some point my thoughts went to my father. We used to have 'red light' parties in my livingroom when I was growing up in the Bronx. I'd peek in to see what the adults were doing. My father was king of "The Bump" (remember that dance?) and would bump my little boney hips until they were sore -- going down the Soul Train Line. Songs like Backstabbers, Money Money Money, Used To Be My Girl and so many more of the O'Jays hits, including Stairway To Heaven bring a flood of memories flashing back of good times, troubled times and family moments we shared.

You could have covered your eyes and not imagined that neither The Whispers or The O'Jays have been in the music making business for more than 40 years. They entertained and delighted the audience, were on-point with their vocals and showmanship. Tonight was a perfect evening.

Gratitude

I promised myself that when I put this blog spot together that music would be my mainstay but not my all. It's the morning after Thanksgiving 2008 and I think I may have slept for about four hours -- half an hour longer than usual. So much on my mind -- so very much. Thanksgiving is a time when someone like me who prefers to avoid the telephone, can send a wad of text messages to friends and family to wish them the best. I received a phone call that shocked me beyond belief -- a call from an old friend whose music I loved and friendship I cherished. You know how life distances you from people you care about unexpectedly? Well the circumstances that reconnected us were unfortunate, but I was grateful to speak with him again and I will keep in contact this time around!

[I find it surprising that the family upstairs slept later than usual and their three small children aren't running marathons over my head (just yet).]

It's bright and early and if I were a shopper, I would be out in the madness going on at the local mall. But, I'm an oddity to women -- so I've been told. I hate shopping. I cringe when I think of going to department stores. I run in and run the hell on back out. Target used to be one of my favorite spots because it was an in-house dream...clothes, food and MUSIC. Now their prices are so beyond belief and the pickings are slimmer than slim. So, I'm shopping more online than ever before.

Hanging with my family is always an experience. I watched my mother huff and puff, while exclaiming that she was thoroughly exhausted but absolutely refusing to turn the reins over to anyone else. My sister is a comedian without a title. She's what you'd call "nice/nasty" -- she's got this outter packaging that she tries her best to make appear as though she's shatterproof, but she's cookie dough. Mushy and sweet! And my niece is a piece of work. I'll leave it at that!

I'm so blessed to have my family to turn to. We've all suffered through some serious health challenges this year, but we're still holding on. God kept us.

My son decided late in the day to hang out with his other relatives on the paternal side of his bloodline. I felt some sort of way but didn't want to hold him back or drop the guilt-trip on his shoulders. I was more concerned than usual because the terror threat in NY is up for all forms of mass transit. We are living in a wicked time, if you didn't know. So he trekked up to the North Bronx and then down to Harlem and who knows where he ended up with his father.

With my son being gone, I had some time to really feel 'all alone in this big space and not much to do with myself' in a great way. An overtly blatant reminder that he will be going off to college in a couple of months (if he stops procrastinating) and then it will be just me. I've got to start establishing firmer ties in my community so that I'll have even more to occupy my time. I need something to prevent me from going stir crazy.

I'm excited about tonight because I've treated myself and my mom to The Whispers and O'Jays concert. I can't say that I remember being in a situation to do something like this in quite some time. I also have not seen Eddie Levert live since the passing of Gerald and Sean. I hope he doesn't bring me to tears but I am so looking forward to rocking out with them tonight.

The Rugrats upstairs are awake -- guess I'll pop my earphones in close my eyes for a while.

Peace, blessings and cherish your family while you can!

The O'Jays: Flashback

The Whispers - Walter & Scottie (The Mustache Men)

Still thankful..but sleep deprived - on the musical haunt

Thankful for life and the love of family & friends -- sending thankful love to you all!