So here I go into my local drum shop this past weekend and bump into David “Fingers” Haynes. I met “Fingers” a few months ago when he and I shared drumming duties on a project yet to be released commercially.
We looked at each other and both recognized each other. We also recognized that drummers don’t need to be in competition these daze as much as simply supporting each other with our particular styles and approaches behind the “kit.” In fact, what David and I immediately recognized is that such support begins in “LIFE,” rather than what any do with it. Music has nothing to do with who we are. Something has happened to basic “respect” among the rampages of careers at the expense of others.
Would to the Living God that everyone thinks that way… but then I’m aware some don’t believe in a ‘living’ God. I do… and for reasons greater than “some” mindsets can even embrace.
The next thing I know is that “Fingers” (David Haynes) is showing me a magazine wherein he’s the protagonist of the Star Profile. I took the ‘mag’ in my hands and in typical fashion looked at the Editor’s comments and Masthead. I cannot begin to tell you how overjoyed I was to see my ‘son’s’ name: Marcus E. Williams, as the Editor-In-Chief.
Without all of the hoop-la or beating around the bushes, I have permission directly from the Publisher to post this. I’ve known Mr. Marcus E. Williams since he was seventeen years old (and that was almost 30 years ago… it only takes an astute person to know how I know him or glean what this post is really about. Marcus is an incredible drummer; and I’m so overjoyed to see that the vision in his heart (which he shared with me five years ago) is coming to fruition).
When I first Marcus in Alabama (~1979), he was/is an avid Cobham listener. My motivation is to applaud the accomplishments of those following anyone of note (credibility); my motivation is to support everyone’s efforts as much as is personally possible, and if (and only if) leadership qualities are present. My motivation is to congratulate both Marcus, David and everyone latching onto what “lasts” in these times and circumstances. My motivation is to leave room for everyone when they have something to “say of lasting value” beyond the din of noise so prevalent in these daze.
I’m so proud of you Marcus (et. al)… it is clear you remember a few things while maintaining your focus on the integrity of not only ‘music,’ but relationship on a global scale. My congrats also go out to David "Fingers" Haynes and Sonny Emory. Your entree' and longevity (respectively) personifies what I mean by:
Keep Stickin! (to what is true and not merely "convenient.")
Best Regards,
John M. Sussewell (aka “Suss!”)
Urban Drummer Magazine. The Magazine for People Who March To A Different Beat is published month. Copyright © 2007 by Urban Drummer Magazine Worldwide, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.
[Once again, I (John Sussewell) have direct permission from the Publisher to post and distribute this. Any further distribution or dissemination should support the Publisher’s efforts, and not merely my joy at seeing and tasting the fruit of relationships that span decades. Read it for yourselves and sow whatever seeds you have in other fields toward growth and not self aggrandizement]
We looked at each other and both recognized each other. We also recognized that drummers don’t need to be in competition these daze as much as simply supporting each other with our particular styles and approaches behind the “kit.” In fact, what David and I immediately recognized is that such support begins in “LIFE,” rather than what any do with it. Music has nothing to do with who we are. Something has happened to basic “respect” among the rampages of careers at the expense of others.
Would to the Living God that everyone thinks that way… but then I’m aware some don’t believe in a ‘living’ God. I do… and for reasons greater than “some” mindsets can even embrace.
The next thing I know is that “Fingers” (David Haynes) is showing me a magazine wherein he’s the protagonist of the Star Profile. I took the ‘mag’ in my hands and in typical fashion looked at the Editor’s comments and Masthead. I cannot begin to tell you how overjoyed I was to see my ‘son’s’ name: Marcus E. Williams, as the Editor-In-Chief.
Without all of the hoop-la or beating around the bushes, I have permission directly from the Publisher to post this. I’ve known Mr. Marcus E. Williams since he was seventeen years old (and that was almost 30 years ago… it only takes an astute person to know how I know him or glean what this post is really about. Marcus is an incredible drummer; and I’m so overjoyed to see that the vision in his heart (which he shared with me five years ago) is coming to fruition).
When I first Marcus in Alabama (~1979), he was/is an avid Cobham listener. My motivation is to applaud the accomplishments of those following anyone of note (credibility); my motivation is to support everyone’s efforts as much as is personally possible, and if (and only if) leadership qualities are present. My motivation is to congratulate both Marcus, David and everyone latching onto what “lasts” in these times and circumstances. My motivation is to leave room for everyone when they have something to “say of lasting value” beyond the din of noise so prevalent in these daze.
I’m so proud of you Marcus (et. al)… it is clear you remember a few things while maintaining your focus on the integrity of not only ‘music,’ but relationship on a global scale. My congrats also go out to David "Fingers" Haynes and Sonny Emory. Your entree' and longevity (respectively) personifies what I mean by:
Keep Stickin! (to what is true and not merely "convenient.")
Best Regards,
John M. Sussewell (aka “Suss!”)
Urban Drummer Magazine. The Magazine for People Who March To A Different Beat is published month. Copyright © 2007 by Urban Drummer Magazine Worldwide, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.
[Once again, I (John Sussewell) have direct permission from the Publisher to post and distribute this. Any further distribution or dissemination should support the Publisher’s efforts, and not merely my joy at seeing and tasting the fruit of relationships that span decades. Read it for yourselves and sow whatever seeds you have in other fields toward growth and not self aggrandizement]
Last edited by Suss on Sat Mar 29, 2008 9:54 am; edited 2 times in total (Reason for editing : Clarification)