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.

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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