The Stellar Awards and Instrumental Gospel: Forfeit or C-O-N-spiracy?

The 2011 Stellar Award nominees were announced last Saturday. Noticeably absent (at least to me) was the Instrumental Gospel category. My friend, broadcaster/artist Tony Smith confirmed that the category was omitted due to a 'lack of entries'. In an ensuing Facebook conversation with several artists, it was noted that there always seem to be enough entries in years that one of the few 'accepted' artists in our genre releases a project.



Jazz/instrumental music is the stepchild of Gospel. The industry can’t seem to get the fact that there can be more than two gospel jazz artists on the scene at once. Not too long ago hip hop gospel was relegated to a similar status; it eventually became accepted by the industry. Call me a cynic, but I believe this acceptance has more to do with profit potential then the fact that our hip hop brothers and sisters are effectively witnessing to a generation.


How do we respond? We grumble amongst ourselves, and do nothing. Next year you’ll see the same artists nominated, that is, if there are enough ‘qualified entries’. A few action items are evident:


1. The jazz/instrumental gospel community must unite and organize (Ps. 133:1)


2. Artists must do more to advocate on their own behalf, like join industry organizations, and submit projects for promotion, airplay, tracking and recognition


3. Artists must support those who support us (terrestrial/Internet broadcasters, publications, churches, etc.)


4. Fans and supporters must galvanize and throw as much support as possible behind artists AND the genre as a whole


To be clear: we consider our art to be MINISTRY, uplifting the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. As such, nothing we do will have any efficacy minus the unction of the Holy Spirit. That said, however, it should also be noted that, contrary to what some believe, the Holy Ghost is not a substitute for hard work. We believe there is tremendous potential for growth, reaching more souls with the divine healing, delivering power manifest in this music. We all want more opportunities to do what we do, and the opportunities are out there. But it’s time for us to get serious. Awards or no awards, recognition or no recognition, just think what could happen if the gospel jazz community; artists and supporters, moved together with intent, advancing the Kingdom, even as we advance this music.


I believe we stand at the threshold of a unique window of opportunity. I believe that the community of instrumental praise artists and the listeners who follow them are ready, even in the midst of a struggling economy and a music industry grappling with the effects of unprecedented change. What better time for God to show up and show out?

Time to Step up my Game

I ministered last night at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ in DC for their anniversary. They made me feel extremely welcome, serving me at the head table at the anniversary dinner, and receiving the music with great enthusiasm, COGIC style.

On my rendition of 'I Can't Give up Now' my breath was short. In another part of service I struggled with he modulations on 'O Give Thanks'. Clearly I have some work to do. I have to step up my game musically, physically and spiritually if I want to go where God is leading me. Time to exit the comfot zone. There are people to touch and help and lead, by example. I confess I've been distracted and not giving my best. That ends today.

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Random Thoughts (and I do mean...RANDOM)

My desktop died on Saturday. You know, the one with all my critical information, contacts, email archives, etc. So I've been trying to re-create and work around all week. Just as I have several engagements coming up. We've become so dependent on computers, and there are no worse offenders than independent musicians and artists. Out of necessity, we have our faces in a screen every chance we get: writing, organizing, communicating and promoting. my life has been made all the more challenging by the temporary loss of my data.

Life is no harder than it's ever been, but it is a whole lot more complicated. We're bombarded with an avalanche of information we have to sort through on a daily basis, and probably make more decisions in a week than our grandparents made in a year. All of this is pushing our beautifully and divinely engineered brains to the limit. I read an article today stating that our attention spans and cognition is being affected by being bombarded with digital data 24/7. In addition to the constant multitasking I have to do as a musician/eLearning developer/husband/father. I've heard all my life that we only use 10% of our brain capacity. Note to the goldbricking unused 90% of my brain: Time for you to come join the party, dude.

Here's the hook: I went into the Jersey Mikes up the street yesterday to get a sandwich. The guy behind the counter and I started talking football. I told him I was (and still am) a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He asked me who they had played the day before.

I couldn't remember.

Either I'm having senior moments two decades early, or I need to do something to stave off this digitally enhanced neural meltdown. Hey, I know I'm criticizing the very medium I'm using to get these thoughts to you. The last thing I want is to contribute to your mental decay. So read my blog, then turn your computer off, go out and sit under a tree and contemplate God's goodness, or something like that. How are computers like women? Can't live with them. Can't live without them.

BTW The Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday 15-9. Total recall baby.

Personal Reflections on Bishop Walter Hawkins

Jacquie Gales Webb is playing Be Grateful on WHUR 96.3. All week the tributes and accolades have been pouring through gospel media about Bishop Walter Hawkins. I have some personal encounters with the Hawkins that I would like to share.

About 20 years ago I had the great opportunity to play a concert with Walter Hawkins and the Community College of Allegheny County Gospel Choir. I remember that in rehearsal we were starting the song I Just Can't Tell it All, and not playing it very well. Hawkins stopped us, looked at the band and said, "You're pros. You're pros!" Even though some of us really weren't, that word of affirmation snapped us into line and we played the song the right way from then on.

Walter's brother Edwin has been gracious and encouraging every time I've seen him (see blog post An Unexpected Blessing 4/19/10). At the Music and Arts Love Fellowship conference in Chicago Dr. Edwin Hawkins remained approachable and  engaged through it all, even though his heart had to be heavy with concern over his little brother and ministry partner of over 40 years. Prayers were offered up daily for Bishop Walter, yet despite well meaning proclamations of healing and deliverance, the Lord saw fit, in infinite wisdom, to call Walter home.

It's a good thing that so much Walter Hawkins music is on the airwaves and cyberspace these days, giving us an opportunity to re-discover the divinely inspired genius of his music.

A little rain, mixed with God's sunshine,
A little pain makes me appreciate the good times.

 -exerpt from Be Grateful

What strikes me is the integrity of his writing, which stands in marked contrast to some of the 'me-centric' so-called gospel music of this day. It really holds up, and stands the test of time. A ministry and a testimony for the ages.

I was little more than a toddler when 'O Happy Day' changed gospel music forever in the late '60's. But I remember the song, and that I really liked it. It wasn't until years later I would learn how controversial it was in church circles. Having dealt with my share of misunderstanding and criticism about 'Gospel Jazz', I relate to the Hawkins and Dorseys of the world, and I'm thankful for them, and the faith and courage to stay true to the vision.

The Opinions Expressed are not Necessarily Those of The Jazz Psalmist

I'm attending the first Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Conference in Chesapeake VA this week. The conference provided a wealth of industry information. It was worth the sacrifice required to attend. During a workshop on distribution I asked the speakers to critique the packaging of my CD Meditations. They panned the picture saying it was too dark and that the blinds in the background needed to go. The convener said I was courageous for submitting my product to scrutiny. I just wanted some honest feedback from some industry insiders. Watch what you wish for, LOL. One of them liked the fact that my picture paints a very clear picture of what I do. The next presenter however said he would not put the sax on the cover because of radio's tendency to pigeonhole instrumental music for production purposes. I was already planning a re-release of Meditations and I appreciate the input. But ultimately I'm accountable to God. And to the people who 'get it'. No amount of repackaging will disguise the fact that I play the saxophone. And if they don't see it on the cover, would they not hear it once they start listening?

In the past month several well meaning (I guess) people in the industry have suggested that I need to alter my course, from not using the term 'Gospel Jazz' (see previous post) to not putting the saxophone on my cover picture. While the masses may not be ready to receive what I do, there are a chosen few who are. And I would submit that chosen few is more than the industry recognizes. It underscores, though, just how important each one of my supporters are. I appreciate you in the extreme, and I hope you will stay with me as I navigate a path towards getting you more music that will touch your soul.

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No More Gospel Jazz?

OK, somebody help me out. I've gotten some negative feedback from several unrelated sources in the past few weeks about the term "Gospel Jazz". One older musician scoffed that it was unnecessary and "commercial". A prominent gospel artist remarked that the term was limiting from a marketing standpoint, because, "...it puts [an artist] in this weird, funky place where no one knows what to do with you." Tell me about it. He went on to say that I shouldn't feel so "conflicted". Anyone who knows me would've told him that I'm not conflicted at all. I still listen to and appreciate all types of music. I'm just going where I'm being led in this season.

I may be suffering from delusions of grandeur, but I believe one of the mandates of my little ministry is to help tear down the barriers to "Gospel Jazz" that exist in the church and the marketplace. Nevertheless, I am not wedded to the term "Gospel Jazz" at the expense of the TRUE calling, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that "Gospel Jazz" can reach some folks who are in a headspace where more traditional forms of Christian music cannot go. Quietly, I'm really not that concerned with how people label my music, but I had to call it something. And "Gospel Jazz" seemed to fit because it describes in a nutshell where I'm coming from, stylistically speaking.

What do you think? I'd really like to hear your opinion about the term "Gospel Jazz". Should we call it something else? Should we continue to fight for greater exposure and more recognition, or should we simply follow the path of least resistance? I'm praying on it. Meanwhile, I just do what I do.

An unexpected Blessing

My friend Nolan Williams text me on Friday evening and wanted me to call him ASAP. He's the artistic director of How Sweet the Sound-Gospel in America, a week long gospel music series at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. It turns out that he needed a sax player for the Sunday concert. I told him I would do it. The musical director sent me the song, an overture which would have me playing the melody to "My Tribute" by Andre Crouch.

I arrived at the rehearsal expecting to be in a band pit. The band was onstage. They pointed to a microphone front center stage and said, "you'll be here." I expected, and was perfectly content to be in the background, but God fixed it so I played my melody on center stage. The concert featured Pastor Shirley Caesar, Take6, Kirk Franklin and Edwin Hawkins. I had met Mr. Hawkins twelve years ago and told him I was doing a CD. He gave me his address and told me to send him one. He couldn't have remembered that exchange, but as I walked past he spoke and complemented my playing. I told him that we had met years earlier, and put a CD in his hand, which he graciously accepted.

"Be ye also ready", because you just never know. Your next blessing could be right around the corner.

Kirk Whalum and I Finally Meet

Last night the reigning 'king' of Gospel Jazz saxophone, Mr. Kirk Whalum was in DC to promote his latest release, The Gospel According to Jazz, Part III. They played the DVD on big screen, Kirk played several a'capella selections on tenor and soprano, and took a few questions. I missed him when he recorded the project at Reid Temple. He was also at my home church, Metropolitan Baptist a while back, but I was in New York that weekend.

Kirk and I have much in common: he shared how he has wrestled with the call on his life, and that it wasn't a traditional calling. Real familiar. He also shared his love for the Word, John Coltrane, and the fact that Gospel Jazz may reach people that more traditional forms of church music can't. Even our affiliation with John Stoddart, who played and produced on my first project.

I was struck by the heartfelt simplicity of his words, and the warmth and expressiveness in his playing. Also in attendance were several other Gospel Jazz saxophonists, including my friend Merlon Devine. We agree that we as Gospel Jazz artists and supporters must come together to advance this music, to the glory of the Most High, and to show the industry that there can be more than one or two Gospel Jazz artists getting airplay and pub at one time! Kirk has definitely inspired me to keep pressing on, despite financial challenges, personal issues, and all of the other stumbling blocks the Enemy puts in our path.

I'm looking forward to my engagement at Gospel Rescue Ministries tonight. I was there several weeks ago and they've invited me back. What a blessing! I'm excited about forging a solid relationship with this powerful ministry, and getting some things done!

Handle Your Business

I woke up early today, meditated and left home at first light to drop off a key for a property we're trying to sell. My sons' schools have been delayed all week because of the snow. My youngest has been out of school for two weeks, and has become quite proficient on thomasandfriends.com. I've enjoyed the break, but I'll be glad to get back to the normal routine.

At my church the theme for Lent is, '40 Days of Healing'. The congregation is in a season of transition. Plans for a new sanctuary have stalled due to the economy, and we're worshipping in a temporary location. Individually many are feeling the effects of the economy. Financial pressures have place added strain on many marriages and families. I'd be lying if I denied the impact that challenging times have had even in my own household. But we know that God blesses struggle. It's in vogue to come off so hyperspiritual that the realities of the world we have to live in have no impact on the life of a 'true' beliver. A 'King's Kid' should have everything fall into her lap with a shout and a dance. A product of the biblically unsustainable prosperity 'theology'. All i have to say to that is, 'Get real!' Even if you're not being impacted personally, where's your sense of compassion for those who are going through?

Anyway, the theme is '40 Days of Healing.' We're studying the book Life's Healing Choices by John Baker. Truly there is a need for healing in the Body. I certainly see the need in my life. As I go through the daily devotions, there's a theme of 'we are powerless over our lives'. It leads me to think about the balance between the call to submission and the call to personal agency. In other words, God wants us to surrender and rely on Him, but God also wants us to handle our business! Even while we look to God to meet our every need, we also ask for strength to be productive, to His ultimate glory.

That said, if you're seeking healing, deliverance, growth, etc, you have to be an active participant in the process. What's going on in your inner being that YOU need to address? How do you respond to God's invitation to be a co-laborer as you 'work out your soul salvation...'? Self reliance can be (and often is) taken to an ungodly extreme, but you've still got to be willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty if you want God to work a change in your life. Pray for discernment to know what is your responsibility, and what is God's.

The Song of Songs

I played a Valentine's Day dinner at a local church. After dinner the pastor delivered a sermonette from Song of Solomon. While I'm familiar with the book and have even studied it a bit, he broke the text down in a way I've never experienced before. He pointedly illustrated the raw sensuality and power in the text, and kept it light enough to encourage some laughter. By his own admission it was not a 'Sunday morning sermon'. He very effectively made the point that this was an illustration of God's design for marital intimacy. Despite puritanical efforts to recast the Song of Solomon as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the church, this poem was originally written about a man and his bride, gettin it on! In ancient times, Hebrew scholars weren't even allowed to read it until they had reached a certain level of maturity.

So often in this culture we get the message that sex in marriage is boring, mundane, even a chore. If you're keeping your vows, you're missing out on something. In reality, the way God designed it, married folks should be getting the best of it. The physical as well as a deep emotional and spiritual bonding that can't be replicated elsewhere. That stayed with me. Even though it seems so obvious, it's good to get a reminder now and then. I will never look at Song of Solomon the same. Happy belated Valentines Day.