New Christmas Single

 

I released a new single last Friday. It's available on iTunes now. Check out the video about it:

 

 

A Season of Unexpected Blessings

After playing at my home church one recent Sunday, I was packing up to leave. There was a package to an old battery in my microphone bag. I left it on top of the piano backstage. Something said to me, "Go back and get that battery package." I ignored it at first, but I went back to the piano. Next to the battery package was my wireless microphone. I forgot to pack it. If I hadn't been obedient and gone back for the battery package I would've left my microphone, and probably wouldn't have seen it again.

I traveled to my hometown not long ago to support one of my best friends whose father had passed on. I called him the day before the funeral to tell him I was coming. I had told his son, my godson several days earlier but my friend had asked another saxophonist to play for the funeral. I was tempted to feel some kind of way about this, but decided that I would gladly support them with or without my sax.

I knew the saxophonist at the funeral. We got into a conversation about horns, and he told me about some horns he is endorsing, and he had some extra ones he was trying to part with. We agreed to meet at his home before I went back. Back story: I sold my tenor back in 2009 in tight times. I've been without one ever since. The other saxophonist let me have one of the tenors in his possession for a fraction of retail. This hookup wouldn't have happened if I had been the one playing at my friend's father's funeral. So as a result of yielding to Divine will, I now have a beautiful new tenor saxophone in my possession.

A note about this particular sax. It was produced by a company called CE winds. It has an engraving of a warring angel on the bell. This horn is a limited edition that was prayed over and anointed with oil to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Another unexpected blessing. And hopefully, more to come.

Sandy Hook Masssacre- The REAL Solution

I stood transfixed at the monitor in the lobby where I work. The crawl at the bottom of the screen said, "Report of a shooting at an elementary school in CT." As the day wore on, the grim details were revealed. As the father of school age children I was horrified. More so when I learned that the little school in the sleepy New England town only went up to grade four. More so when I heard that the victims were among the youngest at the school. And so on, and so on...

In the coming weeks and months we will be entreated to numerous discussions about gun control and mental health. And while these conversations need to be had, the reality is that all the gun laws and mental health advocacy in the world won't address the real problem: What we were witness to in the Sandy Point School shooting was nothing less than a manifestation of pure evil. There could be no more compelling evidence that Satan is real, and for all his attempts to appear as 'an angel of light', he can't help but let the mask slip, and expose himself in all his vileness and depravity as he did that fateful December Friday.

The GOOD news is, there is an answer. The only answer for this sin sick world. The answer is the divine power and love of G-d through Christ Jesus. This unspeakable tragedy is a tremendous opportunity for The Body of Christ to show that love to the world. Not by beating people over the head with our beliefs, but by an outpouring of love, the kind which has sprung up around the world in the wake of the atrocity. We are not promised a trouble free life, nor are we promised a tidy explanation of everything that happens, but we have the assurance that our Heavenly Father sits high and looks low, and will pour out His love and compassion on all who diligently seek Him.

G-d's Music Critics

 
I was being interviewed on the radio a while back. The host and most of the callers were probably over the age of 55, and much of the interview was spent applauding the fact that my CD Meditations: Hymns in the Key of Jazz lifted up the old hymns and spirituals. Along with that, they decried the current worship trends, and Hip-Hop Gospel was a favorite target. I opined that Hip-Hop wasn't all bad, citing some of the positive, socially conscious music my peers and I were listening to in the '80's and early '90's. The host then took the opportunity to state that she could remember all the way back to Rapper's Delight in the late '70's. I let the subtle one upsmanship go, even though I was around then, too.

The word 'anointing' is one church folk like to throw around liberally. The problem is, they use it in a way that infers they are sole arbiters of what's anointed, and what isn't, as if they had been appointed G-d's music critic.

A word for those folks: The Anointing and your personal taste are two different things.

Here's a  personal example. I have to confess that I'm not a big fan of some of the popular Praise and Worship music. The musician in me says, 'There's only three chords in the song, and they didn't even bother to make it rhyme correctly. Yet and still, a whole lot of people find great blessing in this music, despite my misgivings. It would be arrogant, haughty and just plain wrong for me to say that it's not 'anointed' just because it's not my cup of tea.

In the Jazz world a lot of energy is spent arguing about what's 'real Jazz'. The traditionalists have nothing for smooth jazz, and go to great lengths to discredit it. I love straight ahead, but I like listening to smooth jazz, while cruising in my car, for example. At any rate, there are souls to save, hearts to heal and minds to set free. The music I've devoted my life to is not about being cool, deep or impressive. In fact, it isn't about the artist at all. G-d isn't just in the music. G-d is the music. Esoteric arguments about what is or isn't 'real' jazz will have to be waged by someone else at this point. I got work to do.

Bottom line: we all have our tastes, our likes and dislikes. But anointing is much greater than that. Psalms 150 sums it up so well: All types of creative expression can and should be used to praise the name of The Creator of the universe. By the unction of the Holy Spirit, the creative act is how we connect to the Divine source that is G-d. And that is much bigger than any notion of style, or personal taste.

JC Watts, Hubris and Heritage

I read an interview of former congressman J.C. Watts on BCNN today. There were two threads in the interview I want to follow. One is the idea that praise is seductive.

It's intoxicating in the back of the church when you're shaking hands and people say "Thank you for coming" and "That was such a wonderful message" if you're not fighting that and keeping the focus where it should be--on God's word.

I have disagreed with Mr. Watts on many things, but he's right on in this case.

Praise, affirmation and approval are important, even essential. We are hard-wired to seek healthy, supportive, affirming relationships. There's no sane person that doesn't want to feel valued and appreciated. But like food and sex, two other basic needs of life, healthy approval can lead to unhealthy narcissism when taken in excess. Not too long ago I was at a gospel event, and the facilitator asked us to greet one another. As I was making the rounds, I approached a guy and said, "How you doin, brother?" He looked at me and corrected, "Minister". Really? I wanted to tell him he could be my brother and a minister, but I quickly decided it wasn't worth the effort. I've been in churches where I see 'ministers' don black robes every Sunday, sit on the front row, go out into the aisle when the preacher gives the call to discipleship...

And that's all they do. At least that's all I see them do. I would never claim to have the inside scoop on the legitimacy of anyone else's calling. I have my hands full just trying to understand my own. But IMHO it seems like there are some charlatans in the house who are motivated more by the desire for affirmation and approval than the desire and calling to do G-d's will. And we see it manifesting in the nauseating litany of church scandals that litter the headlines.

OK, J.C. I'm with you on that point. But then you kinda threw me with this:

 I often felt like the outsider looking in with Republicans. Maybe I spend too much time thinking about it, but next time you turn to Christian television, watch T.D. Jakes or Tony Evans or other black pastors: You can't get to the right of those pastors theologically, on life, on marriage, on economics, but 90 percent of their population votes for the other guy. They don't vote for the conservative Republican candidate. Why?

Well, brother (I can call you brother, can't I?) let's see... American conservatives have historically been:

• Pro-slavery
• Pro-segregation
• Anti civil rights
• Anti affirmative action
• Anti diversity

So despite some common ground on social issues, there's a mountain of historical baggage conservatives will have to wade through before Black support increases.

One other thing: Coming together is a beautiful thing, but why do some people feel that in order to 'come together' WE have to check our heritage at the door? It seems to me we should be celebrating the wonderful things G-d has done for our people, every chance we get. Every now and then it's good to sing those old songs that kept grandma gettin up, and paving the way for the opportunities we take for granted. To disavow ourselves of that rich legacy is the highest form of ingratitude. And then we wonder why our children act like they've lost their minds. We have a story the world wants to hear. Needs to hear. And yet many of us seem  ashamed of it.

Whitney Houston and the Power of the Black Church

Last Saturday I sat with my family, the nation and the world. Glued to the TV, watching Whitney Houston's funeral on CNN. Whitney's mother Sissy wisely and obediently rejected the pull to turn the occasion into another showbiz spectacle. She brought her baby girl home to the New Hope Baptist Church, Newark, NJ, where it all began.

A global audience got a taste of the divine genius of African American worship at its best. And in the process, was introduced to concepts like 'Homegoing', 'REpast', and white clad nurses, standing in the aisle, at the ready to give a hand of comfort and assistance to the bereaved. A style of worship that is at once so distinct, yet so universal. A way of praising G-d that doesn't have to water itself down to be inclusive. Entertainment luminaries like Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Kevin Costner and Clive Davis were totally comfortable sharing the dais with gospel greats Kim Burrell, Donnie McClurkin, and the Winans. More important than any of that, someone was introduced to Jesus. It was a worldwide revival meeting.

At a time when we're posting Facebook pages disavowing the term African-American and culturally ambiguous praise and worship music is holding sway, we stopped to celebrate one of our own in the fulness of our tradition, as only we can. A tradition born of the unique experience of a people, still pressing, still overcoming. So many of our young people are lost because we haven't taught them who they are and whose they are. So many young musicians are lost if you ask them to play a song that's not on the Billboard charts. There's still power and efficacy in the history and the heritage which spawned a unique manner of worship that got us through slavery, Jim Crow, segregation. We turn our back on that heritage at our peril.

British born CNN commentator Piers Morgan was clearly amazed as he got his first glimpse into a whole different world. Amazed that in the midst of such sorrow, there could be such joy. That's the Power of the Black church. A church that doesn't deny the difficulty of life, even as it attempts to rise above it. A church that, (in this case, at least), has held fast, and remained a beacon of light in a troubled community. A church where the pastor owns neither Rolls Royce or private jet. A church with hymnals in the pews. Here we saw the underpinnings of Whitney's greatness as an artist, and why she was so loved: Despite her success, despite her brokenness, she never stopped being that little girl in the choir stand.

Why You Can't Have or Keep a Quality Relationship with a GOOD Man Pt. 5

Too Available, too Soon

I know a woman we'll call Harriet. Harriet just doesn't understand men at all. Harriet wants to be married. She is quite attractive, and has never had any trouble getting a man's attention. Yet in her early forties Harriet is unmarried, with no prospects on the horizon, because she still hasn't learned the rules of the game.

Here's how it goes. She meets a guy. They go out. Have a good time. Harriet is feeling like this could be the one. By the second or third meeting Harriet has given up the goods, and then is shocked when they stop calling.

As I said in a previous post, men are about action. We are doers. It's why we climb mountains. It's why we build buildings, and businesses. It's why we strive for achievement in our chosen field of endeavor. G-d has hard wired us this way, so we could be His agents of change on the Earth.

 Cheapening Your Brand

Fair or not, men place women in categories. Potential long term mate, practice chick, kick it buddy, none of the above, etc. Because men are so achievement oriented, we tend not to value that which costs us little or nothing. A man values a woman who knows her worth. A woman who has things to do and places to go. A woman who isn't going for the okie-doke.

A GOOD man knows that a good woman is a treasure. A GOOD man doesn't go shopping for a life partner at the dollar store. If we know we can have you for the low price of a little time and attention and a few well placed compliments, you have relegated your brand to the bargain basement. And you will be treated accordingly.

If you are trying to brand yourself as a potential wife, get this: GOOD men don't marry women who make themselves too physically OR emotionally available, too soon. Corporations spend millions creating, perfecting and protecting their brands. Your brand is too valuable to throw away because you're too lazy or too scared to maintain it.

Why You Can't Have or Keep a Quality Relationship With a GOOD Man, Pt. 4

This post was written by special guest blogger, my wife, Sislena Grocer Ledbetter, Ph.D. Just a little confirmation from a woman's point of view.

Don't Let Sadie Hawkins Play You

Dr. Sis

I have a funny pastor. I mean sometimes, he doesn’t really mean to be. But, today in church, my pastor struck a chord which offered ripe material for this post. So, I changed my original thoughts and decided to share some thoughts based on today’s events. Today was Valentine’s or Love Sunday. Also, Pastor reminded us that this year is leap year; and, as the tradition goes, women can propose to men on February 29th– once every four years. So, in his typical cynical fashion, after the marriage ministry completed their Valentine’s Day tribute, Pastor asked the congregation, “How many of you want to be married?” Predictably, women’s hands began popping up like popcorn salted withechoes of giggles and squeals. I mean as if that were not enough, Pastor continued pressing, and then led an alter call for couples. But, he added, “If you want a mate (translation-man), you can come up and get prayer too.” I’m thinking, OMg!

Right about this time, my hubby catches the eye of one of his single lady friends. She is motioning and vacillating between the decision to go up or not go. Of course, my husband the funny guy waves to her as if to say, "come on girl and get your prayer on for your husband." She does. I’m thinking, seriously? I like her. And I wanted to pop the back of his neck! Don’t pimp my sister. Now, I’m not saying that praying for a husband is out of order, because it’s not. But, after raising your hand in church indicating availability, and then proceeding to the altar, a man who might have been remotely interested in you is totally turned off (petrified). I promise. It’s not even that you are all that eager. It just comes off that way. And, here is a news flash –the hint of being ready to walk down the aisle from “jump,” is just a scary thought for most men. It’s almost as bad as mentioning kids and marriage on the first date, because you want to “be real” and not “play games.” Whatever.

That’s not being real; that's a quick trip to the “practice girl” category. And it’s not even that the man isn’t ready to settle. But, if you come off too eager, he just won’t be. As in the previous posts, remember; men like to hunt. It is instinctual; there is no way around it. Don’t contemplate, just know, it’s a fact. Don’t steal a man’s thunder and yours by being such easy bait and accessible prey. And truly, you may be a perfectly solid sister with all of the right things in place. Consider this: relax, pray in private, get out of the house more (he is not coming to your door) and mingle in places where “available brothers” hang out (and that’s not always church)… Holla! The less you give up front, the more attractive you are. Let the hunt begin.

Follow Dr. Sis on twitter @drsis, and Facebook

Why You Can't Have or Keep a Quality Relationship with a GOOD Man Pt. 3

The Secret of Successful Negotiation

Not long after our second child was born, my wife and I decided to trade in the sedan for an SUV. After doing our research and taking several test drives, we settled on the make and model we wanted. It was a just released model by a top rated manufacturer, so they were selling several thousand dollars above the sticker price.

We went to the dealer and found the one we wanted. Then came the fun part, the negotiation. I told my wife that our strategy was simple. If the dealer didn't meet OUR price for the vehicle, we were simply going to get up and walk out. So the manager wrote his price on the sales sheet. I took his pen, crossed it out, and wrote the number we were willing to pay. He said he couldn't sell the car at that price. We headed for the door. Long story short, we drove off the lot that day in our new SUV, having paid our price.

Here's the secret: you wield much power when you're willing to walk away.

Here's why the men in your life keep disrespecting you: When he does something crazy you have an emotional outburst. You scream, holler, have a fit, maybe even cut him off...for a minute. It rolls off our back, because we know that if we wait and sweet talk you enough, you'll take us back. That is, until we mess up again, and then the cycle starts all over.

 Men respond to action, not emotion. In fact, the less emotion attached to your actions, the greater the impact.

One of the reasons my wife has my love AND respect is that early on, without any histrionics, she made it very clear that if I cut the fool, she would not hesitate to act in her own best interests.

"But I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuvded him!"

There comes a time when you have to set your emotions aside, difficult and painful as it is, and take action on your behalf.

Learn to Appreciate Your Own Company

Here's a dare: Go out on a date. Have a nice dinner, then enjoy a movie or concert. Then perhaps dessert or coffee. Have a good time.

Here's the catch- you need to do it alone.

If you've one of those women who would rather die than even consider going out by yourself, you are incapable of manifesting the power I'm talking about, and men know it. Think about it... if you don't enjoy your own company, what makes you think anyone else will?

Why You Can't Have or Keep a Quality Relationship With a GOOD Man, Pt. 2

YOU Set the Standard

There's something inside us men that makes us want to test the boundaries and limits of our relationships with women. Maybe we're looking for the same unconditional love we got from our mothers. Maybe we just want to see what we can get away with. See how much rope we have. We do it early, and we do it often. We probe. We take note of the responses, and we draw a bead on what we can get away with.

This is your opportunity to set the boundaries in a place where you will ensure you will get the respect you're looking for and deserve. This is your chance to set the parameters for a relationship that's healthy for both parties.

And this is where most women totally blow it.

Respect is Commanded, not Demanded.

Think on this: In the interactions between women and men, women have home field advantage. Whether asking for the first dance at a middle school party, up the intimate act itself, we have to come to you. You have the last right of refusal. No consensual interaction can take place without your say so.

That's tremendous power, but most women don't use it effectively.  Because we have to play in your sandbox, you get to set the standard. Most of you set the bar so low, we don't have to aim very high. Remember I told you that men are motivated by action and a sense of accomplishment. Give us something to shoot for, and we will. There's nothing so attractive as a woman who knows her worth. A GOOD man will try to be accountable to a standard of treatment such a woman sets, as well as his own personal standard. The ball's in your court, boo.

Next- The Secret of Successful Negotiation

Why You Can't Have or Keep a Quality Relationship With a GOOD Man

Everywhere I go I see them. In church. Friends. Associates. Women. Smart, attractive, educated. Single. And not by choice.

Or so they think.

You may know one. You may be one. These women form the bulk of my audience demographic, so they have a special place in my heart. And I felt it was time for me to tell you why you are having so much trouble cultivating the type of relationship you desire, with a GOOD man, from a GOOD man's perspective.

What qualifies me as a GOOD man? Well, I've been happily married for over 11 years. My wife is one of you: beautiful, brilliant, and accomplished. Sometimes I wonder why she puts up with me, but I'm still here.

(I said good, not perfect).

One other thing: I love The Lord. As a music minister and Psalmist I'm doing this in a spirit of service. I won't beat anyone over the head with religion, but I will assume that if you're here, you're coming from the same place, spiritually. Do with it what you will.

So in honor of Valentine's Day, over the next week I'm going to share some things with you that I think you'll find helpful. I'm probably going to get kicked out of the boy's club for sharing these things with you, but that's OK. I haven't been a boy for some time now. A lot of what I say isn't even all that deep. Even if it doesn't apply to you, it may apply to someone you know, so share these posts with your  friends. And give me some feedback. I may be way off base here, so let me know if you find them relevant. Comments and input are greatly appreciated.

So with that said, let's get into it.


In Order to Have the Right One, Be the Right One

My wife and I preach this to our sons all the time. I've heard it said that if you want to know who a person is, look at who they hang with.  Do you find yourself repeatedly in situations you know are less than G-d's best? Do you find yourself in relationships where you are unfulfilled, disrespected, even abused? The difficult truth is, this is all a reflection of who you are, and what's going on inside you. It means there's work to be done. It may require prayer (always in order), shutting it down for a season, even counseling or therapy.

Desperation is not Cute

"What are you talking about? I AIN'T desperate!" You may have it going on on the surface. But late in the midnight hour you stare longingly at the cold sheets on the other side of the bed, wishing for a warm body to chase away the linen's chill. As the advance of time propels you on into your thirties and beyond, you wonder if you will ever have children, and if you already do, if you will ever have a man to help rear and protect them. You switch churches to find a fresh crop of eligible men. This emptyness causes you to do some things you don't want to do. And at the end of the day, you are left still alone, and even if you're not 'alone',  you're still unfulfilled.

You're always looking. Wondering. You've gotten to the point where you can 'turn it on' at the drop  of a hat. And any man that has most of his teeth, speaks in complete sentences and shows you any degree of attention gets the keys to the kingdom in short order. And when he's grown tired of playing in your garden, the phone goes silent.

And it happens over, and over, and over.

Why?

Because you're desperate.

Let me tell you something: Men can smell desperation in a women like dogs smell fear. And it elicits one of two responses: An opportunistic guy will take your desperation for all it's worth. A rooted and grounded brother will simply find it unattractive and keep you at arm's length. But even he may yield if you keep dangling the keys in his face.

"But I don't do that."

Are you calling him more than he calls you? Is everything on his terms? Are you making breakfast and picking out china patterns after the second date? I got news for you: You just played yourself.

I'll tell you something else about men: We are the hunters. The builders. The pursuers. If you give us nothing to work for, we quickly loose interest. And because you've become so desperate, you're afraid to elevate your standards. A GOOD man, one who cares about, values and respects you will step up. That's what we do. The others will step off. Either way, you win.

Tomorrow I'll tell you why you as a woman hold the power in a relationship (if you choose to use it).

Don Cornelius: Tragedy and Opportunity

Today we lost Don Cornelius. Creator of Soul Train, Cornelius was a trailblazer and a trendsetter. I remember watching the show as a child in the '70's. The music, dancing and styles defined a decade. Cornelius was the epitome of cool, with his baritone voice and laid back style. I once tweeted that I want to be Don Cornelius when I grow up.

The tragedy is that his death was an apparent suicide. The opportunity is that the Internet is humming with tributes, and discussions about depression. As one who has waged my own battle with depression I know what a destructive condition it can be. And I have long believed that there is an epidemic of unacknowledged, undiagnosed, untreated depression in African American men. The probable causes range from current economic conditions to the psychic echoes of slavery.

Whatever the case, this condition has been shrouded in a veil of silence and shame, amplifying its destructive influence. Perhaps the silver lining in the cloud of Cornelius' passing is that we will take the opportunity to get real about conditions like depression, and lift the veil of denial. I realize that my ministry is about more than playing music. Everywhere I have told my story I get brothers who say to me, usually in private, that they have suffered with depression themselves, and it was good to know that they weren't alone. The silence and shame is a form of spiritual bondage. It is a little scary to talk about a condition that is still so misunderstood, but shining the light of truth on my history of depression is part of my healing journey. And hopefully someone else will get a little healing in the process.

Thoughts on the Stellar Awards

Well, Stellar Weekend 2K12 has come and gone. We had a great time. It was interesting to make this trip at this time, because at one point I was ready to call the whole thing off because funds were that tight. We drove the 670 miles instead of flying, cut back our wardrobe budget and ate on the cheap as much as possible. As far as my thoughts on the weekend:

• You don't have to spend a fortune to look good. (Unless you need to)
• The right vehicle makes a 10 hour drive so much more bearable
• Toilet paper in a swag bag? Really...?
• It's a long stretch of wilderness between Manassas VA and Knoxville TN
• I love Marriott's consistency. They'd make a great tour sponsor (Anyone at Marriott listening?)
• I'm so glad fast food turkey burgers are getting easier to find. Hardee's has some of the best out, and the price is right
• Shirley Murdock is a hoot
• For all the talk of artistic diversity in this year's broadcast, instrumental and spoken word were left out (again). An oversight I hope will be corrected in the future
• The Chicago gospel community is like the mafia
• OK. I'm actually starting to look like a PREACHA. I gotta loose some weight.

Thanks to True Way Church for hosting us on Sunday with an outpouring of love and spirit. Even though I didn't win this time out, I'm thankful for all I've been allowed to see and do. Hopefully this won't be my last trip to the Stellars, but as interesting as it all was, it's still the work that matters.

2012- The Year of Purpose

The new year always brings in a rush of optimism and enthusiasm. Nothing like a fresh start. A new leaf. 2012 is no exception for me. I have high hopes and big goals for the year.

The year starts out with a bang. This weekend I will be my first Stellar Award Weekend. I'd be lying if I said the nomination wasn't exciting, but the real exciting part is the opportunity to bless more people with this music. So win or loose, I claim victory.

This year I also plan to release a new project. A lot of pieces have to fall into place for this to happen, but I'm moving forward faithfully. The music we've developed so far is... I'm looking for an appropriate adjective. Anyway, I think you're really going to like, it and I can't wait to share it with you.

The year has its share of challenges. Business as usual. But I'm hopeful that things are coming together in divine order.

I'm using the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young this year. It's excellent, and it's already deepening my relationship.

Unsung

"The main thing is to seek as much education as you can get"
-Donny Hathaway

I'm watching a marathon of the series, 'Unsung' on TV One. A series about the lives of under recognized Black recording artists like Phyllis Hyman, Stacy Lattisaw, Billy Preston and one of my favorites, Donny Hathaway. Two things struck me about the stories: First, the old recording industry ate artists alive. So many had their finances wrecked by corrupt labels, managers and promoters. The rigors and pressures of the industry drove many of them to self destructive lifestyles, including drug and alcohol abuse.

The second thing that jumps out at me is how many of the artists suffered with mental illness. Depression was a common theme in so many of the artists' stories. Some even suffered from psychosis. Too many died too early from substance abuse and suicide. Hits close to home. I used to feel bad about the fact that my music career has taken so long to develop. I realize now that I was, to borrow a verse from Psalms 91, abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. While I have had my own struggles with depression, I see that my blessings were held back for a time such as this.

We live in a time where the stranglehold that record labels have held over the music industry for a century is loosening. Today's recording artists have much more say over the direction of their careers. No longer is a record deal the holy grail for an artist. Many like me are happy doing what we do as independent artists, even if we have to 'keep the day job'. It may be harder to become a star, but making at least a partial living at music is more doable than ever. We're living life, and experiencing our art on our own terms. I think that makes for a richer experience for the listener. This will certainly not be the end of tragic stories of talented artists making an early exit from the stage of life, but the game has definitely changed, in favor of the ones who make the music.

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?