Home
At once, 2009 was both a very challenging yet enjoyable year for me (certainly a quantum leap from the doldrums I was in in 2008). Thankfully, with a little help from my friends, I survived and find now that through the process I've learned more about myself and Life in general. I can honestly say, I'm actually very happy for being brought to the point of realizing this, and hope that in some way others who either have gone through, or still going through stuff, will be inspired to take stock in themselves first before casting a stone at another.
Okay... now that I've "sussed" myself out, allow me to share my New Year's Eve with you. I went to a house party among a gathering/people I met for the first time over the Thanksgiving holiday. The hosts were long time friends of my Rosemarie (that some here already know is my LOVELY Lady). We had great food, drink and fellowship.
During the evening, I met a young man here in the USA on a visa sponsored by his Aunt (a U.S. citizen/also from the island of Jamaica). Donraphael Lewis has been playing drums since he was eight years old and tours with a reggae band back home. At 24 years old, he decided that he wanted to come to the U.S. to study and broaden his horizons. Here's a pic of him with me taken at 2:00 AM, January 1, 2010:
As it turns out, this guy was familiar with some of my past stuff, but hadn't heard the most recent studio stuff I'd been involved with. Even more, when I told him about this community (and my relationship with Billy Cobham and you guys), his eyes bugged out. "You know Billy Cobham?," he asked? "What was it like meeting him back in your day?"
Needless to say, I used the opportunity to focus on his growth rather than calling names: simply because when seeing his skill with sticks I immediately recognized that Donraphael was serious about his craft and how to apply it to all of the great music that's being created these days.
Altogether, I enjoyed myself among creative folks from many areas of our society (graphic artists, musicians, and even audiophiles). I heard some VERY nice updated reggae Artists where the drummers are clearly influenced by the fusion of R&B and Rock. I'll try to acquire releases from these folks, where my memory fails me presently. But then, I have new friends from whom I can glean the fields!
Here are pics of my hosts (Mark & Lissia) and Rosemarie:
Be well and stay strong Guys. You already know I love you!
Expect the Best out of yourself - that way others will follow in kind.
Okay... now that I've "sussed" myself out, allow me to share my New Year's Eve with you. I went to a house party among a gathering/people I met for the first time over the Thanksgiving holiday. The hosts were long time friends of my Rosemarie (that some here already know is my LOVELY Lady). We had great food, drink and fellowship.
During the evening, I met a young man here in the USA on a visa sponsored by his Aunt (a U.S. citizen/also from the island of Jamaica). Donraphael Lewis has been playing drums since he was eight years old and tours with a reggae band back home. At 24 years old, he decided that he wanted to come to the U.S. to study and broaden his horizons. Here's a pic of him with me taken at 2:00 AM, January 1, 2010:
As it turns out, this guy was familiar with some of my past stuff, but hadn't heard the most recent studio stuff I'd been involved with. Even more, when I told him about this community (and my relationship with Billy Cobham and you guys), his eyes bugged out. "You know Billy Cobham?," he asked? "What was it like meeting him back in your day?"
Needless to say, I used the opportunity to focus on his growth rather than calling names: simply because when seeing his skill with sticks I immediately recognized that Donraphael was serious about his craft and how to apply it to all of the great music that's being created these days.
Altogether, I enjoyed myself among creative folks from many areas of our society (graphic artists, musicians, and even audiophiles). I heard some VERY nice updated reggae Artists where the drummers are clearly influenced by the fusion of R&B and Rock. I'll try to acquire releases from these folks, where my memory fails me presently. But then, I have new friends from whom I can glean the fields!
Here are pics of my hosts (Mark & Lissia) and Rosemarie:
Be well and stay strong Guys. You already know I love you!
Expect the Best out of yourself - that way others will follow in kind.
