Suss' Soundscapes

Love the Freedom, Uncle! Beautiful, open drum sound, I love it! The toms sing beautifully.... I love it all.

I'm glad you had so much fun ,Unc! How do I know this?! Like the Ragu Spaghetti Sauce, "IT"S IN THERE!"

Wonderful!

Neph D.

Wow John, that was great to listen to ! I truly felt like I was there in the studio, just hangin out !

You need to be playin out ! All you need is a bass player and you and Doyen can handle the rest.

Very impressive from the precision of your playing, to the way you kept the time, and including the stamina it took to keep that up for the thirty minutes or so it lasted. And I only listened to the long version, so I don't know how it was edited. I preferred to hear the whole kit and kaboodle so to speak.

It's great to hear you play like that and I hope you will continue to do so. No reason you shouldn't !!

thanks for sharing that !

your cuz, TED

Thanks Cuzin Ted & Nephew Slam! It means a lot to me coming from both of you! Actually, Doyen mentioned a bass player he has in mind for some of his tunes coming up. Also, and I think I mentioned this to you Don the last time we spoke, I'm hooking up with Don Klayman (bass/Guild of Sound) and Randy Harper (keyboards from way back since 1982, and who appears on a number of Candi Staton gospel releases I was producing back then). The latter is the group I'm really looking forward to gigging with, while also recording a CD at Doyen's studio.

Altogether, it should be an interesting Spring heading into the Summer, 2010.

Thanks for the kind words Guys!

Re: http://www.johnsussewell.com/The_Last_Day-KenMorris.mp3

Ken is a long time friend of mine since my early days in New York City among those carving out their crafts in studios and stages. I'm so happy to be in touch with this man: Kenneth Morris. He now resides in California.

The Last Day
[Written and Spoken by Ken Morris [ 2009; Kenneth Morris: All Rights Protected]]

“Nothing about it gave me warning
Eggs and toast in the morning
I took a shower, combed my hair
The news-cast said the weather’s fair

It was the same as any other
I went to work; stopped by my brother’s
Killed some time playing cards;
I called our Mom; paid our regards
Home to TV and the stereo
I planned a trip; but would I go?

I read my mail
I wrote a letter
I asked myself: could life be better?

Judy came!
Boy, take out dinner
I guess home cooking just ain’t in her.
I had told her Dad we would wed next year
A-housing kids I said: Don’t Fear

I rocked her gently in my arms
Our brand of love sweet of love, sweet and calm;
That is, until my sudden thrust inside
Released the passion it can derive

Just then, a rapping at the door
Disturbed the flow made me implore a moment more
This is our time
Those canceled dreams of hers in mind

But the door refused to be denied
Insisting and ignored our prize
You’re wasted, sucking minutes, hours
With unkempt vows and schemes gone sour

Now no one promised you tomorrow
So curb your tears; forget the sorrow
It’s the Now
Not the was, nor ever will be
That’s the one true guide of destiny

Make Precious you’ve so what’s Provided
Life’s only full when you decide it.

Treasure even a second
Make each instant fast

Cherish this Moment,
For it’s your last.”

Re: http://www.johnsussewell.com/Nu-po-NewportJune30th1973-eveningshow.mp3

Warner Brother/France, finally released it. I don't know what the sales are, but I get emails everyday about it.

Donny Hathaway Live at Carnegie Hall. The Man gave me my start in the Business of Making Music!

I was in a Zone when playing this behind the kit. I can't explain it.

Crank it up beyond computer speakers (good headphones). The man had such Promise. May he Rest in Peace while I muse upon what still Inspires me with dr...um sticks in my hand and the horizon in vew with ALL! I'm poised for another project in 2010 with some of the same.

Stay tuned.

Sincerely Sussed.

VERY, VERY, nice, Uncle! As always, you make it taste good.

D. Slam wrote:VERY, VERY, nice, Uncle! As always, you make it taste good.

Re: http://www.johnsussewell.com/Nu-po-NewportJune30th1973-eveningshow.mp3

Hi Neph!

Funny thing about taste... we can't live on yesterday's Bread. You know this Sir.

So for others who might listen, know that I offered it merely because I'm a man now and have put aside childish thing back when I was in school and sensing (but not knowing) God.

Donny is asleep, while two others that I know of are still Alive and breathing among us. Chuggy Carter (congas) and Basie Saunders (bass).

Don... I say again: more than any other on this website or elsewhere, you and I are knit and play alike. We've both earned our Friendship... for Real.

Thanks Neph for your patience with me. I wish Donny were alive to contribute what was in HIS HEART! For Real.

Since he's not, I move on with the Vision in my heatt.

Love to All in the very Special Comminity,.

Hello uncle Suss, I commented on your Facebook saying some of these music files are difficult to get into. Probably some techy problems? Love your music.

Racman wrote:Hello uncle Suss, I commented on your Facebook saying some of these music files are difficult to get into. Probably some techy problems? Love your music.

Thank you Racman. while you should know that the tech stuff is not as seamless as it purports to be.

In the meantime, please know that I can access all of my files seamlessly as posted on my servers.

Also know that I pray for your pastoral work everyday. It's not routine for me, since I know by experience what such work demands. The Father simply released me from the platform to other fields.

You already know the Scripture where His Son will leave the 99 to search after the one. If you don't, then exert more. You will discover the Treasure. And when you find such... just be patient with yourself when other accuse you of not being patient with them.

Selah.

Some say I need to be playing "out." Others say "i've lost it.

Naah!

I'm on the Rock and in the Roll among so many who have kept a thread of integrity.

Whether it's musical or otherwise, I'm not predictable; cannot be categorized or blocked. In fact, by the Grace of God Whom i Serve, I'm destined for a trip and reunion in 2011. Stay tuned with sticks in hand and a n emotion that makes my words here pale in comparison. Yet I wrote them by Inspiration; not isolation.

In the meantime, kindly read my writing of this evening before I turn into bed for yet another tomorrow:

While I muse, I write and share what I’ve both taught and learned:

We muse and amuse ourselves; being entertained without “thinking” that our pastimes invigorated us to push on. Mistake.

We think that our “jobs” define us; being deceived in the moments we’re not at our desk or deployed/employed with a vision and mission departing from the Written. We think that being “unemployed” speaks more “blues” than a “blessing.” Mistake.

We think that because we were born in rural area, we cannot function in an urban one; or among those of different cultures born by the color of our skin or life experience. Mistake.

We think that “seniority” and “affiliation” to a group qualifies those in that clique to have “authority” over those not having true “vetting.” Mistake.

We think that our roots are unique to “us” [races and ethnicities” when questioning that the Planting came well before us. Yet we are forged to appear as flowers plucked from the vine to adorn someone’s dining room table? Mistake.

We think too much and contrive appliances to achieve for applause and accolades – as if nothing was ever achieved before we know now. Mistake.

I don’t think this way. For the record: I think for humanity while honoring where I was born and what (by the Grace of God I serve) I will continue in Life.

All we ought to Think is to contribute to the (societal) Concert in Agreement. This is the meaning of the term “concert:” to agree in performance and not promises – hence “symphony.”

All others should just sit quiet; and that Side-Stage, Listen and Learn. This may appear arrogant coming from me – yet the world scene today is evidence to me that unless we listen first, the consequences of societal/global deafness/errors is imminent. Such does not speak well.

Too many lives have been lost on the grounds of fruitlessness. Humankind is better than this today – we have more avenues to communicate and virtues to be shared than being self-righteous or over-stepping with ignorance not stupid.

I choose the medium of Music to convey global thoughts, rather than forum over the arguments (forensics) of personal concerns. The evidence is already here. So why continue the debate (?).

Our thoughts are the torpedoes – not the weapons we envision toward annihilating each other.

May these expressions from me with skin encourage many to conform to Reality without thoughts of eros (sexual) relationships. Don’t leave the phileo and agapeo Love out [brotherly/sisterly and unconditional Love, respectively).

Guard your heart (as deceiving as it is), for out of your heart are the issues of Life. Whatever position you find yourself in, be there with content and with Purpose.
Be targeting, but not taken over. This mission is of those true their Faith and fidelity. Others are only martyrs failing their mission to the God they claim to serve.

This is yours truly on drums to punctuate every theme I write here - far short, to some, of exhausting the lexicon.

There’s more where this comes from All of us. I’m not promoting myself.

Rather, I’m publicizing the Mission I’ve been called to accentuate, enhance and punctuate. I cannot; will not, neither should do it alone.

Just listen and take heed to what I’ve learned in nearly 62 years with skin. As with you, there’s more beneath the surface.

http://www.johnsussewell.com/ItAintYourSignItsYourMind-RoyAyers&Suss1978.mp3

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/LittleGirlWishes-NancyStoneWithSussKlayViaAudioHipster-2005.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/R-U-Ready-ChuckRobinsonWithSuss-Fall2009.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/DrDuck-EddiePalmeiriWithSuss-2003.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/ALL_SteveWhitworth&Suss-ToWhomEtc.mp3-2008.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/ImTired-NancyStone&DonKlaymanWithSuss-2004.mp3

This song by Nancy is a corrected link - now playable via download. Along with you, I'm tired of things we All seem to overlook when this Nation is not of men, but of Law! All I missed was the apostrophe in another link. This is the corrected Link. OH! Don't think that I'm ready to go to some place or any other place than you. I'm here along with more than I can number. If one tries to count the numbers: they become KNUMB. As for those not techy, then be patient with the technology You can finally HEAR this tune with Nancy Stone.

http://www.johnsussewell.com/TorpedoFlow-BillyCobhamWithSuss-2003.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Gemini-LiveWithMiltonAcademyStudents-BobSinicrope&Suss-2003.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/ToReconcile-BySussHands&Feet-2008-into2009.mp3

I personally thank each of you that I know via phone calls the beauty of being in relationship. Whereas some will accuse me of repeating what is already known, others are simply listening without coming back with a rebuts [sp?].

Just Listen and glean within yourselves the wheat from the tares. Sift out the garbage and discard it.

That's my point - along with The Music that is not mine alone.

May others follow suit in personal pursuits. It's a global issue now.

Nuff said.

It's the wee hours of the morning, and I'm musing. Actually, after prayer, I'm thinking that we all have something to contribute when we take the TIME to listen. I've been in an open ocean and wonder if I would dive in like I used to.

After thinking about it, I said I wouldn't; because there are people who depend upon the integrity of a person and not that person's wrecklessness. And I can swim.

We live a different world now... while we ALL explore different environments from that which is familiar.

Please take the courage to explore without being wreckless.

I just celebrated my Mother's 81st Birthday. Her name is Marion. I will admit that she and I cut tooth and nail in our development among human kind. She still call's me her "baby," while I will always SPEAK "Ma!" Wow! It brought tears to my eyes.

She's a happy Lady now living in California with my younger brother. She loves it there with new friends and relationships. I'm planning on coming out there both to see her and another dear friend of mine in 2011. He knows who he is.

As I posted on FaceBook this past weekend, here's "What's On My Mind:"

Just getting off the phone with my Mother: the one person and incredible woman who birthed me. Today is her 81st birthday. I expressed very intimate feelings to her as her first born son and her nurturing when I was a child growing into manhood. Needless to say, I love my Mother, and think about others who can only think of their mothers. I will not cross a line here. I’ll just continue to bestow Birthday Greetings, when knowing “who We Are among human kind” is what we do in character, not charisma. Happy Birthday Mother, and by your son’s hands on the drums with a British group decades ago I dedicate this:

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Kokomo8-HappyBirthday-wSuss75.mp3"

For me now? Just working with a great team and hoping that whatever happens with anyone, we'll stay connected with love and brotherly kindness.

Please do this.

A very happy birthday to Marion. And that's a very nice birthday song.

With love and brotherly kindness,

Keith

woofus wrote:A very happy birthday to Marion. And that's a very nice birthday song.

With love and brotherly kindness,

Keith

Thanks Woofus. Love ya!

http://www.johnsussewell.com/R-U-Ready-ChuckRobinsonWithSuss-Fall2009.mp3 A young man in Christ yet devoting his talent into evolving Gifts. [I’m not the judge… only a witness in the Mix]

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Ready.mp3 [Oliver Scott; formerly of The Gap Band recorded in around 1989 on my record label].

Big difference between the two selections and time frames, while things are in common with me on drums and personalities.

One lyrical performance asks a question, while the other presents the answer. Whatever perspective, it’s a marvelous thought to consider in the Balance.

Ponder with Promise and be Prepared (not surprised) in the words and sensitivity of my dear friend and lyricist Ken Morris. He’s written lyrics on songs you’ve heard and legacy depictions so artfully presented; and you didn’t know the heck who Ken is (!):

http://www.johnsussewell.com/The_Last_Day-KenMorris.mp3. No milk toast here– only meat and Veggies [maybe with a bit a gravy with potatoes].



Agape!

Suss

My dear friend Kenneth Augustus Morris scripted lyrics to my tune "To Reconcile." He lives in California while I'm here in Georgia.

Ken A. M. admonished me not to reveal the final recording until he's finished with these depictions of lyrical genius. My tune at the keyboards only provides the back drop to what needs to said.

When Ken Morris gives me permission, I will reveal the collaboratiion.

To Reconcile is to be Ready for Reality. Nuff said from me at this point in Time.

In the meantime, May We ALL muse with Mission in Vision.

Love,

So many listen... think about those who convey the Message. Suss in, not out.

Re: http://www.johnsussewell.com/SolarisReconciled-Sussewellian2010.mp3

Kenneth Augustus Morris has given permission for me to upload our collaboration this Day. The composition is a depiction of what occurred with me at the keyboards/organ back in 1978 and what I segue into the keyboards of 2009. Each stands with its own merit. The business side is being taken care of with copyrights, co-writer credits and the publishing.

Ken A. Morris wrote and narrates the lyrics of his poem to my piano muse. It works together. We spoke TODAY.

Enjoy the collaboration; much in the same way as I'm enjoying You and our REAL relationship.

God Bless.

Happy Holidays!

Re: http://www.johnsussewell.com/ToReconcile-SussWrittenAtKeyboards&AugustusMorrisWithTheLyrics.mp3

The uncanny thing about Ken's voice and poem on this tune of mine is that during the reverbs, the echoes sound like my voice.

Please don't confuse the two voices - it's a collaboration with cooperation. Altogether a wonderful piece of music.

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Tennesee-NancyStoneWithSussKlayViaAudioHipster-2003.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/The_Last_Day-KenMorris.mp3

Ken is a long time friend of mine since my early days in New York City among those carving out their crafts in studios and stages. I'm so happy to be in touch with this man: Kenneth Morris. He now resides in California.

The Last Day
[Written and Spoken by Ken Morris [© 2009; Kenneth Morris: All Rights Protected]]

“Nothing about it gave me warning
Eggs and toast in the morning
I took a shower, combed my hair
The news-cast said the weather’s fair

It was the same as any other
I went to work; stopped by my brother’s
Killed some time playing cards;
I called our Mom; paid our regards
Home to TV and the stereo
I planned a trip; but would I go?

I read my mail
I wrote a letter
I asked myself: could life be better?

Judy came!
Boy, take out dinner
I guess home cooking just ain’t in her.
I had told her Dad we would wed next year
A-housing kids I said: Don’t Fear

I rocked her gently in my arms
Our brand of love sweet of love, sweet and calm;
That is, until my sudden thrust inside
Released the passion it can derive

Just then, a rapping at the door
Disturbed the flow made me implore a moment more
This is our time
Those canceled dreams of hers in mind

But the door refused to be denied
Insisting and ignored our prize
You’re wasted, sucking minutes, hours
With unkempt vows and schemes gone sour

Now no one promised you tomorrow
So curb your tears; forget the sorrow
It’s the Now
Not the was, nor ever will be
That’s the one true guide of destiny

Make Precious you’ve so what’s Provided
Life’s only full when you decide it.

Treasure even a second
Make each instant fast

Cherish this Moment,
For it’s your last.”

http://www.johnsussewell.com/The_Last_Day-KenMorris.mp3
By Permission from Kenneth Morris & transcribed by John Sussewell

My alias is SussQuatch: a play on my real last name.

I will not be caged by willful ignorance; neither am I restrained by willing hearts.

Therein is the battle - best portrayed by "Rattle!"

http://www.johnsussewell.com/RattleYourBiscuitCutter-SussWithToWhomForever-SteveWhitworth2008.mp3

More to come.

Whose idea was it to put a loon calling at the end of the song???
Sounds good, John.

Woody wrote:Whose idea was it to put a loon calling at the end of the song???
Sounds good, John.

Kind of a mutual decision, given the scope of the project.

Here's the seque that might make more sense (when knowing how those birds survive):

http://www.johnsussewell.com/InTheBeginning_SteveWhitworth&Suss.mp3-2008.mp3

You're a hunter and you should know.

An old and dear peer/friend & fellow musician of mine out of New York City, contacted me via Facebook within the past month. His Name is Dennis Bell. He actually asked my permission to release these songs on a project to honor the late Nick Brignola (wind & read instruments). The personnel is:

Patricia Wyndham: vocals on “Midnight Interlude”
Dennis Bell: keyboards
Nick Brignola: saxophones (tenor/baritone, etc. with flute/wind instrument)
Norbert Sloley: bass
John Sussewell: drums/percussion

http://www.johnsussewell.com/SidrasDream-NickBrignolaDennisBellSuss&Sloley1980.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/MidnightInterlude-NickBrignolaDennisBellSuss&Sloley1980.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/MarsAflame-NickBrignolaDennisBellSuss&Sloley1980.mp3

http://www.Johnsussewell.com/AprilMeansGoodbye-NickBrignolaDennisBellSuss&Sloley1980.mp3

These tracks were recorded at a studio in Brooklyn (NY - 1980). After hearing this now, I wonder why I ever left that city when Candi Staton should have moved there instead of me moving to Alabama! Yet she had five kids in Alabama, which I grew to love as well.

In retrospect, I’ve come to know that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. What does that mean anyhow (?) – practically speaking? Please allow me to share from my experience: there is a balance – the very terra forma we walk upon: Planet Earth among those with skin. True relationships are better than any religion supposing to supplant the proper Intent. I've not failed in that quest for the Balance. I'm simply caught up in the Mix!

Hey Norbert… you should hear this and phone Dennis. He wants to release this stuff with integrity & on his own label. Dennis is waiting to hear from you.

Dennis: you have made my day with this material done during a period of time in my life when God was moving me from NYC and the instrumental side of music into just being an Instrument personally toward the benefits of others as a minister. I’ve been played more times than I can tell anyone; but the good news is that it all makes Music! I thank you Dennis for reminding me of why I’m alive among those with skin.

My drummer friends will enjoy “Mars Aflame.” It’s funny how we all are better today than what we thought we were then. http://www.johnsussewell.com/MarsAflame-NickBrignolaDennisBellSuss&Sloley1980.mp3

I love you guys! Take care... my thoughts and prayers are with you.

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Emmanuel-11thHour&Redeemer-UKnowWhoWeAre.mp3



Be Well my friends and keep stickin.' There are so many incredible people on here; and great musicians both learning and honing their crafts. Do so with integrity my friends, brothers and otherwise. Play your heart IN instead of out - regardless of the culture mix you find yourself in. It may seem safe to be incognito, but your abilites will bring you to attention. Please don't attenuate your Gifts. Just be patient with Love - and make that Music unique to you. I just had to share this amalgamation of musing.

Great job on Mars Aflame, John.

Thanks Woody. Glad you enjoyed it. I notice you didn't mention the less agressive tracks. Is there a reason for that? Just asking: