Are We Talkin' or Walkin' Jazz!(?)

To Whom It May Concern:



Re: http://www.johnsussewell.com/Questionaire-GavinMartin-November13-2009.pdf

[You will need the free Reader of Portable Document Files from Adobe.com]



I only post this to say what others continually pulse me for from both the creative and business side of the music industry. I provide - and that in a timely fashion - to encourage, and not didache/Teach. My testimony in Life exceeds any man’s (or woman’s) arguments.



Heck Guys, I've had so many experiences on so many levels, and recorded my presence around the world as a drummer and speaker, that I frankly seem lost when responding to what I've done when others are still doing much better than me – or still asking questions for what they can.



Yet, at the same time I feel complete within myself and hope that my testimony today exemplifies what any of us should feel based upon facts, and not imaginations. Hey... I would have liked to have said the word "delusions;" but when a person has experienced as much as any of desire to, then there will always be detractors. The higher you get on a plane, the more you’ll realize we are not two dimensional. More often than not, others who are detractors remain under their own delusions. There’s a difference: be discerning. Just do it Right!



http://www.johnsussewell.com/DoItRight-KokomoLondomWSuss-1976.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/DaysOfOle_GeoffMcBrideTheGuild&Suss-2005.mp3



Billy Cobham always said to us: "let no one steal your dream." What I've gained from knowing Billy is that however we are associated with each other, may we ever draw from the experience where our own courage reveals ourselves. You Guys already know how my experience with Boomers and others have contributed to my musical life. Frankly, it took Christ Himself to introduce me to my Father, in concert with everyone. Make the paradigm shift and you'll understand: this is not the medium to divulge such.



In the meantime, here's a link to what a British journalist inquire of me; since I'm apparently a branch, or leaf, on a Family Tree.



I take this with humility, while being an SOB for the furtherance of other's courage to say it like it IS! Be Real Guys; and in your reality share with others - as I've come to know I can DO within this community.



I Thank you Pete for your Administrative support of the Greatest Drum site in the entire world. Percussively, Billy is my father too! I applaud Don and Nike for teching for Billy. I had that stint at Woodstock revisited back in 1970. Billy asked me to play his kit while he was at the soundboard. The difficulty for me was figuring out his drum placement, however humbled I was to just be there.



To ALL: just be kind please. You'll never know who'll you meet in the process. Provide the same for them when met. And when we've grown (and yet growing), we'll discover there's so much to learn, and so many others to share among.



Thanks Billy and Pete for this forum to express my deepest thoughts and prayer for Mankind. I'm well beyond beginning again, and Rosemarie is a blessing to my life. I only need to take care of the fragments.



To those who refuse to acknowledge the Truth in our physical space and time, be patient. Just ask the right questions: you'll get the Right Answer. I have and am ever firm, while flexible toward the benefit of others.



Sure, it takes a lot out of a person. Yet, It isn’t that difficult folks; just be as kind to others as you desire them to be toward yourself. This is a Principle you can take to the Bank where no money can EVER provide currency/fluency. And I don’t give a heck where anyone’s culture is among a globe when diversity without division is the platform.



http://www.johnsussewell.com/Kokomo7-AngelLove-wSuss75.mp3

[Kokomo; “Rise & Shine”; recorded at Criterion Studios, Miami, Florida (1975)]



Oh, one other thought: keep the one out of your life and family who has convinced most that he doesn’t exist. His name is satan/the devil/Lucifer – the light of the morning with the pain of your existence in the sight of God who loves you - and has redeemed you if, and only if, you accept his only begotten Son: Jesus Christ. Think Father… and not Son only.



Think eternally, instead of for this moment when there are more distractions to deter one from their Destiny. In other words, assure/insure your Destiny while seeking to leave no one behind. No one can steal this from you except you yourself.



I cannot even begin to explain how in the midst of my session and recording career in New York City, I heard a Call for something more alluring. Over the years, I recognized this Call to be ever upon me. It happened to be upon me when even now the woman in my life at that time continues to disparage anyone around her that she thought was impeding her. I came to Christ BEFORE she did; after twenty years of Relationship, she WALKED. Oh well… and here I thought it was death till we parted. That was my only “anxiety attack.” Her name is Candi Staton, the diva and sweetheart of “Southern Soul.”



May “political” and “societal” correctness never mask the Truth of who we really are. May we ever be humane toward each other. It is my Faith that one’s religion will NEVER impose “religion” upon each other. While others bask in the political and societal realms, I choose to operate a few planes higher.



http://www.johnsussewell.com/ItsNotEasy-SingASong1986.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/DifferentIsNotBetter-JustDifferent_GarrettMorrisSNL&Suss-1978.mp3



Otherwise, just be among the proletariat: http://www.johnsussewell.com/BourgieBourgie-Ashford&Simpson-SendItLPWB-1977.mp3



This is why I perform music and ministry the way I do. It’s both a Gift and a Talent, and the Spirit of God has applauded my sharing of this reality. As a Christian, I do so willingly, having already forgiven the sins of earthly fathers in this faith, and seeming to walk with what they claimed to know. They frankly either didn’t know enough, or were unwilling to submit to the knowledge that surpasses all understanding in weak vessels, while my progenitors were kept in the worst slavery ever known to mankind.



Respectfully, and with affection, join me among a Community of the World’s most sensitive drumming musicians: https://bcwtj.forumotion.com/index.htm.



As for me? I’m with you with All Respect, as long as you respect the Sovereign. His spirit, and not a third person apart from him, is the basis of my life:



http://www.johnsussewell.com/WeAdoreYouHolySpirit-CandiStatonWSuss-1985.mp3



http://www.johnsussewell.com/TheAnointing-CandiStatonWithSuss-1985.mp3



Go figure YOUR “riddle” out: http://www.johnsussewell.com/ConundrumWithBillyCobham&Suss!-2003.mp3



Go figure!

Really nice work on the Conundrum track, Uncle.... Some of the nicest work I've ever heard you do. Very tasty besides being highly technically proficient.

This to me equates to REALLY GOOD MUSIC to listen to.... Billy DOES NOT write easy charts! VERY nice job! I'm really inspired to try a couple of these when I can find the time.

Many kudos, Unc..... I give up!!!!! UNCLE, UNCLE!!!!

How ya' doing Nephew Don!? No need for you to cry Uncle with me. I know how well YOU play the kit.

But thanks man... its nice to be appreciated by my peers. We've spoken so many times on the phone, etc., that you already know how much I love the musical opportunities when they arise. In all honesty, I really can't explain why I spend so much time sharing my experiences other than I guess I feel a sense of community with those I've come to know over the years. Great memories for sure - and when I get a chance to records stuff these days, it's a pure joy.

Thanks again Don! I've been really busy lately - what else is new! Just thankful to have a meaningful position with a vibrant agency. It leaves little time for anything else.

I really can't explain why I spend so much time sharing my experiences other than I guess I feel a sense of community with those I've come to know over the years.

That's why I do it.

D. Slam wrote:

I really can't explain why I spend so much time sharing my experiences other than I guess I feel a sense of community with those I've come to know over the years.

That's why I do it.

And I reciprocate with you and Audrey! That's why I do it too, because of Christ (first in my life, and who I have exercised faith in and her me). I would have posted this under a seperate topic Don, but I sense its best posted here. It's my latest blog and heart-rendering (given that some here don't even want to know the Godhead if the sovereignty showed up at their door).



Re: http://www.johnsussewell.com/SeguedSuss-atAudioHipster-July18-2009.mp3.



Only a day after my birthday, when recording this at a local studio, I mused if any would honestly take the time to plumb depths, we’d find not only ourselves, with Someone in the Wings. When asked to improvise God’s Gift on drums relationally among “times & circumstances” confronting us ALL, I persist in doing so.



“To do” is a double infinitive that has many conjugations, yet never ending. Hence, in the Greek, its dubbed “aorist:” meaning “ongoing and without ceasing” [much like agape love]. “Segued” is an abstract of a much Greater Work for ANY with ears and heart to hear. It means to survive beyond “generational curses.”



As for me and my household, we’re on the Rock, and our names are on the Roll [Josuah 24:15]. There is NO semblance between the Son of Promise and son of the slave woman. Hence there is NO REASON for those serving the god they know to take innocent lives in terrorist acts. There’s simply no reason – and I pray for the “white throne” judgment, while not seeking to “escape” at the expense of others whose eternity has been covered by the Blood of Christ.



“ Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” [Galatians 4:28-5:6… in the context of those written to when many at that time were perplexed with the ‘old’ versus the ‘new and refreshed’ gospel – as human-kind is NOW.]



Hence, Why is America trying to be “politically correct” when human kind is as stake among those who misapply and misappropriate the Name of YWHW? Please, never leave anyone behind while seeking our happiness and Purpose among Living – His Spirit does not allow the senseless slaughter of innocents. Jesus Christ, a Jew, gave his life for those who praise His Father [YWHW]. Anyone who seeks to approach the Father by any other means, except through His Son Jesus, is a Thief among thieves. Likewise, happiness is selfish without God’s continual impartation to our societal efforts by His Spirit toward His Kingdom. The Principle is “to sow” [and grow] more than you can EVER expect to reap [and repay]. I pray no one makes the mistake of mistaking meekness for weakness in the 21^st Century. Therein is still THE fault. Your’s Truly: ScissorhandsSuss! - and me with much evidence, pain and Purpose – fulfills his ministry by taking courage to remind what has been said millennia ago. It is not with whom we perform that matters; but who we Are in cognitive exercise that we are All children in God’s Sight. Hence, I beg the question to anyone: “Who on God’s Earth would want to kill a Child – by whatever name you call God, “Father?”



I write with humility, my associates and friends. I write because I’m living this balance. May you do so also - and come out of the fire without even the smell of it.

You know what Neph!? I'mma gonna post it anyway elsewhere! But not to confuse the issue(s), its already posted here in concert with you my friend. No I cry UNCLE to my NEPHEW!

It's my latest blog and heart-rendering (given that some here don't even want to know the Godhead if the sovereignty showed up at their door).

What can we do, uncle except after brushing the dust from our feet and moving on while continuing to pray for these?!

Hey Unc,

My eyes ain't what they used to be.... Can you stop using that teeny, tiny print ( Ray Charles)?

Okay Nephew... I'd never want my text to be confused with anything else!

D. Slam wrote:Really nice work on the Conundrum track, Uncle.... Some of the nicest work I've ever heard you do. Very tasty besides being highly technically proficient. This to me equates to REALLY GOOD MUSIC to listen to.... Billy DOES NOT write easy charts! VERY nice job! I'm really inspired to try a couple of these when I can find the time. Many kudos, Unc..... I give up!!!!! UNCLE, UNCLE!!!!

Thanks again Nephew - and don't give up. You bring your own flava to the mix!

Your comment about Boomer's charts prompts my response today. I recall in the past forums, and this Community, where the subject of sight reading came up. I'm revisiting that again today.

Sight reading can either be easy or difficult depending upon both how the chart is written and what the performer gleans from it. Without belaboring the point, my key to the subject rests in understanding the notation as heard, and not seen. In other words, one must recognize written patterns without necessarily counting them out. Its much like reading the written word - i.e. one who reads doesn't have to audibly pronounce each word when the sentence and paragraph is already in view. Just recognize the phonetics in the process of understanding the context (musical genre) being displayed. Of course, it is assumed here that one has a vocabulary to draw from.

With the above in mind, Boomer's charts are quite easy (and not just easy for me to say). Namely, you already hear the music and understand the musical flow. Just apply your technique/approach to the vocabulary you have in your musical hands and feet. Other than that, we'd only make it harder by falling asleep with the sounds we already hear.

Just recognize the basic patterns within the time signature and meter (Pulse) that's notated. When that is accomplished, then the fluency comes naturally. Therein is my key to being able to read and apply what seems difficult for those not trained in the process.

Thank Neph! I'd like to revisit some of Boomer's Conundrum tunes again too! However my circumstances now don't even allow me to set up my kit and just practice, let alone play. Even though I still work out with sticks, pad, etc... my only opportunity to perform is when I get called for the occasional recording session from time to time.

Oh! On that note!: On December 5th, God willing, I will be going to AudioHipster Studios for a reunion with some the Guild of Sound members and Kamaal Malik (Arrested Development). I look forward to outtings like this - simply because the creative energy in the room is OFF THE HOOK. Especially when Steve Freeman is around (the guitarist who wrote "Conception" when the Guild was out working around town! I miss these guys - and look forward to seeing them again in the same space and time!

As for reading charts, and performing creatively - just let it flow!

And with Conundrum in mind, your very nice E.C. Scott drum solo incorporating the double paradiddle reminds me of how two drummers can approach the same applications and sound so different. I love what you did with that Don!... and hope those who take the time to listen, will understand the similarities! Great job man!

Subject: Drum solo - Too short, too conservative Fri Aug 28, 2009 5:10 pm
I really need to stop being so scared... I need to learn to just let it fly and let whatever happens, happen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-WVszMr-ng

D-Slam said on the Byte Side: "I really need to stop being so scared... I need to learn to just let it fly and let whatever happens, happen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-WVszMr-ng "

Notice the wonderful similarities with what I was trying to figure out within the riddle of Billy's Conundrum:

http://www.johnsussewell.com/ConundrumWithBillyCobham&Suss!-2003.mp3

It's an open canvass Guys!

Go for it with the colors and sensitivity only you can bring! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WHAT YOU DID DON! FOR REAL BRO!

Thanks TO YOU ALSO Billy! You're both a Gifted and Inspiring Man!

Well I'm glad you find Billy's charts "easy" in that regard, uncle... Those such as Patrice Rushen, Lou Soloff, Donald Harrison, Essiet O. Essiet and guitarist Dean Brown all speak of how challenging Billy's charts are. Yet, experience has taught me that there's a big difference in preparing to perform music in a setting where you only get one shot to pull it off as opposed to having the luxury of working it till you get it right....


Whatever the case, you did a fantastic job!

Neph.