True spirituality: Held Hostage by the American Dream

My wife shared a story with me today that she heard at a presentation by psychologist and author Jeffrey Rubin. A certain zen master was robbed in his home. Since his possessions were few he removed all his clothes, and gave them to the robber. As the thief departed, the zen master noticed the beautiful full moon that was in the sky, and that the robber couldn't enjoy or even notice it, because he was consumed with his ill gotten game.

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. -Luke 6:30 NIV

The greatest obstacle to a Believer's growth in Christ in America is America itself. This is an arrogant, self absorbed, materialistic culture. As if that weren't bad enough, we have created a bastardized, counterfeit ME-ology that celebrates rampant materialism and retched excess, in marked contrast to the teachings of the Gospel.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? -Mat. 6:26

I do not believe one must take a vow of poverty to be an authentic Believer. But how many of us in America who claim Christ would be able to detatch ourselves from posessions as the zen master in the story did? As Jesus taught us? We are faced with a choice in this country: do we at last put Jesus on the throne of headship of our lives, or do we continue to submit ourselves to the sweet siren song of the false gospel of materialism and excess, and pay the mental, emotional and spiritual price?

31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Mat. 6:31-33 NIV

As hard as these days are, it's an opportunity to turn away from the false gospel of 'prosperity' (read: materialism and retched excess) and back to the true spirituality of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. The church has so cluttered the message and meaning of Jesus with so much self-serving idolatry and sensationalism that it's driven many to look to other belief systems for spiritual fulfillment, when it's all right here in the Word! So many (myself included) have compromised themselves, shortchanged their callings, driven themselves into poor emotional and physical health, even death. All for that ellusive 'American Dream'.

"...It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Mark 10:25 NIV

Hi. My name is Todd. And I'm an American dreamer. And I'm trying to wake up.

Showing Up

I got in an interesting conversation on air with a radio host during an interview this week. I went off on one of my tangents about how 'Black' Gospel music is getting watered down, and while everyone coming together is great, American society hasn't come so far along that we can discard those elements of our culture which helped us survive unspeakable oppression. (look for a more in depth discussion of this topic in a future post) Anyway, she agreed and went on to observe that while fifty years ago people people were being gunned down in the streets like dogs just for the right to exercise their right to vote, today many of us don't even bother, because we believe our vote doesn't matter. Then we complain about what the almighty they are doing to us.

The point is, that if you don't at least make an attempt to show up and advocate for your interests, no matter how corrupt the mechanism, you shouldn't really be surprised when things don't go your way. This is true in politics, and it's true in the Gospel music industry. Last week I was the first recipient of the Gospel Blue MIC Achievement Award for Instrumental Artist of the Year.

I was the only nominee in the category.

In my acceptance speech, I voiced my hope that there are 5 or 6 solid nominees next year. Because if there aren't, we will eventually see the same scenario we've witnessed before: Another industry award will eliminate the instrumental category for a lack of 'qualified applicants'. The Dove awards eliminated its instrumental category in 2009. The Stellar Awards chose not to give out an instrumental award this year.

The irony is, that instrumental praise music is on the upswing, largely spurred on by airplay from a host of Internet broadcasters. Now Gospel Jazz programs are popping up on terrestrial radio across the country. I'm getting more calls from churches that want to incorporate instrumental praise into programs and events. I was in my local FYE last week, and the number one selling Jazz title in the store was the latest project from Christian saxophonist Jeff Sparks.

Yet and still, the 'industry' continues to act like we don't exist. And we aid and abet this neglect by refusing to even submit our projects for recognition by the awards. If they even have a category for us in the first place. There's a growing award in Atlanta that has no instrumental category. I reached out to them to find out why. No response to date.

Paraphrasing from my acceptance speech again: NO; statues, plaques and recognition aren't why we do what we do. And YES; i recognize that there are serious misgivings with the way some of the awards are run. Despite all that, if the exposure of our individual and collective effort exposes our ministries to someone who would not have heard us otherwise, it's worth it. There are people all around the globe who will not, cannot receive 'Gospel' music in its more familiar vocal form. But they may receive instrumental music. 

There's tremendous potential for healing and deliverance in this music. I often tell people that showing up is 90% of my job, and by the power of the Holy Spirit something happens through the music that far exceeds whatever skill, knowledge talent or ability I bring to the table. Despite frustrations, financial hardships, snubs, 'slings and arrows of outrageous fortune', I keep showing up. I hope my brother and sister instrumental psalmists will adopt that same mindset. And regardless of what the industry does, I pray the listeners who enjoy the music will continue to support us, because we can't do it without you.

The Grammys

I'm still feelin good about Kirk Whalum's Grammy nod last Sunday. I'm in a question asking mood, so do you think Kirk's Grammy will lead to greater exposure for Gospel Jazz, or will the attention be wiped out by the question falling off the lips of seemingly everyone in Gospel: "Who is Patty Griffin?" Not to mention all the Bieber heads hating on Esperanza Spalding.

BTW- Kirk is also up for a Dove Award in the Contemporary Gospel Album category. Let's see if lightning strikes again for Kirk.

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The More things Change...

I've been doing a lot of research online about 'The New Music Business'. That's a popular term for the shift in the recording industry from major labels to independent labels and artists, spurred on by the Internet, and low-cost digital recording technology. Blogs, websites, podcasts and e-letters assure independent artists that we can be successful with a do-it-yourself approach, and the labels are little more than irrelevant anachronisms collapsing under the weight of their own excess.



I share that view, and I'm excited that the playing field is leveling, with the balance of control tipping toward the artist, after a century of exploitation by the Industry. This especially benefits 'niche' artists like me. But as I read, I'm finding that as good as some of the information is, most of it is geared to one type of artist. Case in point: I've read several places that advise musicians not to manufacture CD's because they're not necessary. That may be true if your audience consists of 19 year old college students. My average supporter is African-American, female, 35-44, church going, college educated. And they're still buying CD's, ya'll! Many of them have collections going back to Anita Baker that they still cherish.



Makes me wonder how much of this stuff really applies to me? Will the new music industry treat my people any better than the old one did? I like Facebook, Twitter (and blogging) as much as anyone, but I also know that my listeners need relationship. (exchanging streams of consciousness in 140 characters or less is not a relationship.) Music is still about an artist connecting with an audience through the music. And when your music is all about honoring God, and service, that takes it to another level. Unfortunately gospel music got a little beside itself, and started holding concerts in arenas (with arena type ticket prices to match), and turned away from the intimacy of the church.



The "Father of Gospel" Thomas A. Dorsey got it right 80 years ago. He had a business model and a blueprint for music ministry that I want to learn more about. He went from church to church, around the country, holding concerts of his music sung by artists like Mahalia Jackson and Sallie Martin. He charged a nominal admission (if any) and sold sheet music for the choirs to learn. As a result, his music, once rejected by mainline churches became popular, and Dorsey's enterprise grew to a very successful music publishing concern.



The economy has created a tremendous opportunity to replicate that model, 21st century style. What if we went from church to church, city to city, up close and personal, low admission (or even free!). Now that's what's up! I'm glad you're reading my blog. I enjoy tweeting with you. But I hope the ultimate outcome of all of that is...we'll see each other face to face.

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.