a sigh of relief and a vote of confidence

Hi Everybody! Tonight, I tackled one of the biggest projects i've ever had to face as a sound engineer. If that isn't enough, i did it in front of a huge, highly critical audience with high expectations. (let me tell you, they've had their fair share of letdowns in the past.) THe challenge was the Temple University Big Band. This is a world class ensemble, directed by one of the most gifted and highly respected trumpeters on today's international jazz scene, Terell Stafford. The task seems simple enough, just get the band's sound out to the audience. The problem is, in the past (at least every big band show i've been to...) the sound has been mediocre at best. Ratty speakers, grainy sounding sax mics, bad balance between sections. So here I am, the next victim in a long line of sound guys doing sucky jobs at making this great band sound good...

Since we got the call to do the gig I've been going over plans and ideas, micing schemes. I was trying to do everything in my power to make the band feel good and to make the audience happy. As we got closer and closer to the concert, my self-induced pressure to succeed began to consume more of my brain than it should. I talked about it with friends, and my dad all of whom assured me that the concert would be fine and I shouldn't worry. Under almost any other circumstances that'd be enough. But the idea of a tarnished reputation hung over my head a little too heavy for me to just let it go.

Finally, Sound Check. The band feels good. The guest artist, Carla Cook get situated after a few tunes. I start to relax a little. The show begins, and goes off nearly perfectly, sounding great the whole way through. The closer we got to the end of the show, the great i could feel my sigh of relief welling up. Terell said his thank yous and the house music came up. And huge grin came over me. Safe. I had performed well. As people walked by, congratulatory remarks were uttered, handshakes were offered. I broke the bad sound guy curse!!! So this post is dedicated to all of those who offered their votes of confidence especially, my dad, molly and mikey (my partner in feedback supression). Thanks guys for trusting and believing in me. It means a heck of a lot. Thanks for reading.
-Truth, mixing the big band

Fly Eagles...

There are two things that I generally don't talk about much. Sports and Politics. The main reason is very simple. I don't consider myself to be well versed in either topic. At least not to the point where i can provide well informed, well thought out comments on either subject. (I chuckled as i wrote that last sentence thinking "Funny how many other people who don't consider that a reason to hold their tounges. ") It just seems like in both topics there are people soooo much more knowledgable. Those individual with huge in depth understanding of the topics current events, history, key players and the nobodies. (The nobodies are how you tell a real afficianado. Anybody can drop the names from the headlines.) So I usually stay out of the conversation, listening intently until the conversation switches to drum manufacturers or mixing console stats. Funny how I don't seem to talk about either at most of the parties I attend.

I'm saying all of this as a primer. Today I'm compelled to talk about the Eagles. First of all please understand that I'm all about Philly home teams. Yes, this kind of die hard love for the 215 has lead to countless "big dance" heartaches; '93 World Series. That Stanley Cup where the Flyers got killed, Sixers v. Lakers in '03 (i think) and of course last January's wardrobe malfuntion of a Super Bowl.

In recent weeks as many of you know, Wide Receiver Terell Owens has been causing quite a bit of a stir in the media. He publicly talked about another teammate in a negative way. The ensuing actions of team added fuel to the fire. And of course every fan, intelligent and ignorant alike, had a say about what went down and what should happen next.

Here's what i see: To get to the professional level of anything, you have to first wade and waddle through years of non- professional versions of that activity or training or whatever. This is absolutely true for sports like football. I can't imagine nobody telling TO at an early age, respect the other members of your team. You know the whole thing about "There's no I in team." etc... If not in pee wee or middle school, certainly, in high school or college. Somebody had to say something. I mean coaches or staff people is one thing but another player? (let's not even go there about it being the leader of the team...) Ludacris. that's your brother. You have to trust and believe in that person to ever accomplish something big. Maybe I'm being idealistic. Sorry.

Anyway. The Eagles suspend this guy for 4 games, the max they can by league regulations. The whole city is up in arms, should he be let go, should we keep him? People for keeping are saying you're messing with his livelihood. People for dumping him saying this is an ongoing problem that can only get worse...

The more I listen to people argue the point, the more i'm torn. Orginally, I wanted nothing to do with TO. Let him go. He badmouthed his on teammate, where's the solidarity there? But now i'm thinking about how much of an asset he's been to this ball club in short time he's been here. I know that he certainly is a joy to watch especially in green and white. Maybe we should let him play. If he really wants to be here, show it. Act like it. On the field and Off. that's all i have to say about that.

Now about this Mike McMahon fellow. Nice job today. There were some nice plays especially in the second half. His job is tough. on a team that's so well known for it's star quaterback that position is a tough one to fill and even though we lost, the effort was truly valiant.

People are so worried about the playoffs and the big dance. While it's good to be focused on the end result, it's also a great idea to be focused on the reasoning behind the whole professional sports industry. It's entertainment, people. Be entertained and don't let the bells and whistles distract you. it's there to be enjoyed. As a realist/die hard fan it hurts to say that we may not see the bright lights of Super Bowl 40 but that's not to say that the rest of the season and these guys putting their necks on the line is in vain. They are working so that we can have something for which to cheer, something in which we can believe. Be there for them regardless of where the journey takes them. (yeah i know that was kind of sappy. I don't care.) Thanks for you're hard work fellas. The truth appreciates it.
-Truth, the very early monday morning place kicker...

P.S. WESTBROOK IS MY HERO!!!!

fresh music and old flames...

That title just sounds juicy, don't it? Since last i wrote, many thing have happened. I left my mark on this fall's Cape May Jazz festival, I played Jay Kratz' Senior recital and once again, i was privileged to take the stage with the Will Brock Band. I'll talk a little bit about that in a minute.

Concerning the fresh music, i picked up a few interesting titles today. There is a compilation of early Stevie stuff out on Motown. It has some of his hits ("My Cherie Amour," "For Once in My Life") and some other things, like "Blowin' in the Wind," yeah the folk song from back in the day. I'm spinning that now. There's a two disc series of The Roots greatest hits. I picked up the first one. It has tunes like The Next Movement, You Got Me, etc. The cool thing about this disc is that it has some unrelease and remixed tunes. That should be a great addition to the CD closet/Dell DJ. The last thing i picked up tonight was Alicia Keys' Latest effort, Unplugged, released in conjuction with the production of her Unplugged show on MTV. The main reason i picked it up is my boy is on it. Pablo Batista. Got to be one of the baddest percussionists out there. Period. (sings "For once in my life..." you bettah sing, Stevie!)

As for old flames, it may not be what your expecting. There are no rekindled high school or grade school romances to of which to speak. In the past few weeks i've been trying to explore other avenues of self expression and enjoyment, this blog included. When i was in high school, i spent hours upon hours, shooting pictures for the school new paper, Masterman Voices. I eventually became the photo editor and took my love of photography to a new level. I could be found in front of my computer, photoshopping pictures, adding text, captions, etc... I left the paper in my senior year to focus solely on my musical career (a wise move at that time). In an effort to regain that stifled passion, I recently purchased a new digital camera. I am really looking forward to turning out some great photos. So often i find myself self saying "that would be a great shot!" Now i have no excuse. I may publish some of my work in a photo blog. Look out for that.

This renewed passion for photography got me thinking about old flames and relationships. Lately, it seems as though, old flames are getting more limelight then usual. My friends are dealing with them. They seem to be showing up when and where you leat expect them. How does one deal with that situation? Do you embrace them with open arms? Is it an awkward vibe where silece is a pewter? Do you avoid them at all costs? What if you're currently involved? I don't have the answers to any of these questions. just things coming to my head.

I'm listening to Alicia right now. I dunno how i feel about it...
i'll weigh in with my opinion next time around.
-truth getting sleepy.

Musical Black Men and Wawa (subtitle: things that I love)

Where to begin. Let me deal with the easy stuff first. As you can see by the post date and time I'm writing this puppy pretty late and the day has been incredibly long. This includes class (that I almost missed), Ensemble with 6 upright bass players (it is indeed as crazy and bizarre as it sounds) a masterclass that went way over it's project time and tonight crowning achievement which I'll talk about soon. So after that much stimulus, driving, and stress I needed a good unwinding album. As I write this to you, Johnny Hartman and John Coletrane serenade me with lush ballads and at this moment, all is right with the world. Thanks fellas.

Next. Wawa! It's been a minute since I visited my favorite convenience/food store. Tonight I hit them hard: Lemonade Iced Tea, Kiwi Strawberry, Lemonade. and some 1% milk. Just for good measure I had to check out that new hot turkey hoagie (super good, by the way) and sumpthin' sweet. Yummy in truth's tummy.

Okay, enough formalities. Indulge me and think about this question (don't be afraid to leave comments either!!!). Have you ever gone to see a band and thought "Man, I'd love to be a part of that?" Have you ever been somewhere and been completely engulfed and immersed in something so much bigger than yourself and been uncontrollably moved? I had one of those experiences a few weeks ago. I went to go see Will Brock (singer, songwriter, pianist and all around creative arts badass.) The band was killin'. Ridiculously funky, each player pouring out heart and soul and the crowd put out cups glasses, buckets and bathtubs to catch it. If that wasn't enough, Will's heartfelt writing totally demands that one be affected by the stories he's telling. Every human being in the place was on another plane. That collective higher consciousness is a very moving thing to me.

Through a series of events, Will (uncle will, as I call him) invited me to be apart of his band for the next two shows the first of which was tonight. Leading up to this gig, I was anxious and really excited but also nervous. You see, to make music on that high a level, Will demands a lot from the band as a unit and from each player individually. Having had only one rehearsal with just will, I felt ready but not as ready as I'd like to be. PLUS he's got giants in the band. GIANTS people. Guitarist and mentor Jef Lee Johnson is the guy. I call him the wizard of oz. I remember after seeing him play with Will the first time, I was explaining his playing to Molly. Actual conversation: "Yo that guy is a the wizard of oz. You need a heart, courage, a brain or to get to Kansas? He can find it in that guitar." Hence my calling him the wizard. And on drums, a great, great player James Rouse. I didn't give him a nickname but apparently they call him biscuit. Fair enough.

The gig was incredible. Listening to what was happening on stage and trying to remember all the stuff Will and I talked about and making it all happened might of driven some people mad. I stopped at mad during the first tune and then drove straight toward euphoria. The view there is spectacular. The amount of space between this sentence and the last one is no typo. It symbolizes my pausing to reflect on tonight's events. All me to use food (yay foodies!) as an analogy. The groove sits in your chest like a big greasy cheeseburger. Will's vocals and piano are a main source of substance like the beef but it's got a little rough around the edges thing happening. Like a burger topped with 57 sauce, not ketchup. Then with all that going on, the wizard puts this guitar stuff in there that comes out of no where but totally belongs. Like a sip of your favorite drink of choice. (coke for me... perhaps bourbon for some. Grey goose for others. Holla at me uncle will!)

I digress.

People, I'm not going to keep you much longer but I sincerely hope that whatever endeavors life leads you to pursue, you have a chance to do it on the level I visited briefly tonight. The best part is I'll get to do it again! To those that came to hang and check it out thanks. To those that didn't you just read what you missed and I hope you stuck with the sudden craving for cheeseburgers and Wawa juices. Thanks for reading.
-Truth, the burger, the fries, and supersized order of funk and hot apple pie

To N or not to N...

Negro. Nigger. Nigga. Niggaz. Negra. Historically, these words are racial slurs aimed at attacking, demoralizing and degrading african american or black people. I bring up the controvesial point because it's been brought the my foreground of my attention in recent days. While nigger has been phased out (or at least diminished in wide scale use) Nigga and its other various forms are in heavy rotation, be broadcast from the mouths of Hip Hop artists, brothas chillin' on corners even students. From my perspective, it seems as though the word is used race wide, regardless of class. It's become a buzz word. "My Nigga" now a term of endearment stemming from a way to classify whose slave was whose...

Of course with this widespread use of a word with this negative a background has a stiff opposition. I was working with a spoken word artist last week who has a piece denouncing the use of the word Nigga and the phrases attached to it. He likened nigga to a negative individual where positive indivuals were called brothas or men, etc. His deal was "I've seen these many such and such niggas" and the tag was "but i've never seen a positive Nigga." I've been wanting to bring this up for a day or two now but i wasn't sure where to take this. So i thought about it and this is what i came up with...

first of all, I don't use any form of the word other than what i've written here to illustrate my point. anyway...

What if we as the "Nigga" denouncing people have it all wrong. If the word is so widely accepted amongst the african american race as a term of endearment, isn't it possible that this new form of the word maybe a seperate definition and ideal from it's antiquated cousin? I mean it is possible to let this word stand on it's own legs, having morphed from a negative, derrogatory remark to one that's on par with friend and conifdant.

"Ladies and Gentleman, I'd Like to introduce tonight's master of ceremony, my friend, my brotha, my nigga, sidney portier..." Could it happen? if so, can anyone be a nigga? would it be possible for anyone of any race to reach nigga status? wierd.

Just some crazy marbles rollin' around in my head. Thanks for reading.
-truth, the positive Nigga. (just kidding)

Great quote

I was driving to Lowe's this afternoon when i heard something that struck me as very profound. There was a commercial for a "60 Minutes" interview with Neil Armstrong. He's been out of the public eye ever since leaving the space program. He said something to the effect of "I've tried hard not to be know for a small bit of fireworks but for the ledger of my daily life." Something i know I'd like to live up to. Maybe we all should. Thanks Mr. Armstrong. thanks for reading.
-truth

Fashionably Crazy...

Good blog reading people of the internet, I write you this message with the last ounces of energy in my body. I would write tomorrow but to let my night end with sufficient documentation of events while they are still fresh would be a major disservice to you.

As you know from my first post that I am in to fashion and I'm a live sound engineer. Every so often these paths collide. Tonight as one of those nights and it was painful. Allow me to set the scene. The load in time for tonight's fashion show was 12pm. The show was supposed to start at 7 with rehearsals starting at 3ish I think. No big deal this is pretty typical. The problems arise when people are unprepared and there's no go to person for big decisions and the over leadership of the event. Saying all that to say the preshow activities were all but organized. If that wasn't bad enough, the 7 o'clock show didn't start til 8 freaking 30. I have a saying for that kind of thing: WTF!

enough of that let me tell what I observed.

Now I appreciate a well put together ensemble as much as the next slightly-more-in-tune-guy but some things can just be taken to far. So this hit tonight was a fashion competition that included teams from 6 different organizations. When the event focuses on fashion, you can't dare show up looking shabby. This leads to tons of girls with their funky mohawk cuts, and wigs, and weaves and naturals done up all crazy, each one roughing it in a pair of 4"+ stilletos... Don't get me wrong, y'all was workin' them jawns up there, but it was a little cliche for my taste. This also means everyone has to have their layering technique together, some sort of gaudy metallic accessory (my favorite is the "too much fabric" handbag/trashbag ), and really really big sunglasses.

I can't leave the dudes out. There were two kinds of fellas in the house tonight. The metrosexual (ranging from intensities "I use lotion" to flaming) and the thug lookin' keepin' up appearances brotha, there to check out the grown and sexy ladies (see above paragraph.) The former share many characteristics with the ladies, (layered, semi dressy look, glasses, some for of accessory, chain, belt buckle etc.). The thug dudes are straight ballers. These cats rock the sneakers with the way oversized running suit and the 20-27XL t-shirt. It is my belief that there are a lot of really big dudes walking around with no clothes to wear. I digress. No matter what group these individuals identified with, they all took themselves super seriously. This made things very funny.

Funny and sad: the first group to take the catwalk had some super scantily clad young ladies. One of them definitely had a titty pop out...twice. What did I learn from this? If ever your nipples are covered by a very small piece of fabric that's not connected to the nipple with some industrial duct tape, you've got to be a little less gung ho on the pose striking. Just turn it down enough so the titties don't pop out. (A word about the usage of titty: In normal circumstances for print I certainly would use a more accepted synonym but in this situation titty is so much funnier.)

I'm going to cut this short by saying there was a lot of really wacky stuff happening at Temple U tonight (ie a dude in heels. Yeah... A dude! There's a saying for that: WTF!!!). Now you understand the title fashionably Crazy. Thanks for reading.

-Truth with "nothing to wear"

pancakes...

ahh the perfect end to a pretty easy day. nothing is cooler than some great tunes, being alone with my thoughts and freshly made, golden delicious buttery, pancakes with a lil syrup to keep the company. I just finished a double batch so I'll have some for a quick breakfast tomorrow. You're welcome to grab a few if you like.

Today I got to do one of my most favorite things ever: play in the Sandbox. no this one doesn't involve a pail and a shovel or a tonka truck. Sandbox is the name of my band. It's a funk, reggae, dub, rock experience that everyone should have. I call it sand box because that's what I reminds me of. You get together with some friend and just play around building and destroying grooves (or sandcastles). Today was a little slow to get going because we haven't played together in months. But all of a sudden the lights came on and the groove showed up in full force. (thanks guys, I really needed that).

So right now I'm listening to Joss Stone's first record, The Soul Sessions. If you haven't checked it out and you're in to authentic, easy going soul music, it's definitely a winner. That's really my next really big project, I need to get inside that 60s and 70s soul music. Cats like Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, early Aretha, etc. You know what i'm talking about. back with people used to make records with strings, and real horns and songs lasted a good 6-12 minutes and nobody cared. for you youngn's this is the music that the producers sample (if they even put in that much work) to get tracks for artists to spit over. I think that's going to take my playing and comprehension to the next level. If you have any records I should check out, please let me know. Leave a comment or an email or yell it from the mountain top.
peace
-truth happy after a late night breakfast.

P.S. Yesterday, in my introductory post I neglected to mention my unbelievably awesome roommate, Molly. Let me tell you about this chick. We've been tighter than tight since freshmen year at temple. Throughout a rollercoaster's worth of turns throughout our lives, one's always been there for the other. She's got the third floor of the mansion here on powelton ave and it lucky to have someone so great. That's all for now. Peace

at 4112. it doesn't get much better than the couch at home. this was taken by Folami. 

i can still fit those sandals i think...  

This is my office... 

How did I get here?

Wow... Hi. thanks for coming. If you don't know me, I'm Lucien also know affectionately as the truth (as you can see by the title of this ol' thing). How I to creating and posting stuff on a blog (I really hate that word) at 1:09am I will never know.
a few housekeeping things to get out of the way. If you're into proper grammar and capitalization rules, sorry. this isn't that kind of party. I'll try to be good but there will come a point in time when I will not care. second I'm super busy these days which is a very good thing but it may affect the frequency with which I can keep this bad boy up to date.

now that that stuff is up to date let me tell you about me. I'm in school at temple university studying jazz performance. I also spend a great deal of time working with musicians of a higher caliber where I'm really learning the art of performance. My weapons of mass production are the drum set and electric bass. In addition to that, I'm a live sound engineer. (for the lightweight non industry folk, that's fancy talk for soundguy. ) as you can see music is a rather large part of my existence and will most likely continue to be until I leave this planet.

My interests don't stop in stage and studio. I'm a lover of great food doesn't matter if I'm cooking, eating or watch emeril do it on tv. I'm a total foodie. I'm toying with the idea of going back to do my undergrad again in culinary stuff. I think that'd be pretty sweet.

I'm also in to sensible fashion. By that I mean things that people could wear on the street and not get crazy looks. All you crazy goons getting ready for fashion week Milan or NYC, that ish is ugly!!! I love to see a well put together outfit and I'm constantly striving to put at least two together for myself. heh. trying...

now something else really really important. I'm a super family man. I have a core of six family members that I'm in constant contact with all the time. My folks, my little sister, my cousin and my grandparents (on my mom's side. my dad's parents passed away way before I was even thought of. ) Each one of these individuals has strengths and weaknesses but collectively they've been nothing but supportive of me during this life journey so far.

man this is a long post. sorry if this is boring I feel like the background stuff is important. gotta have that foundation.

Now we get to the real driving force behind this whole blog thing... I just let go of someone really special. really special. it was a mutual decision (I can here people going "mmhmm" already). She was and still is a big deal to me and I wish her nothing but the best in her quest to get her stuff together. love you much, sweet tea.

I've been toying with this idea of the whole weblog thing for a few days now but today I couldn't help but be compelled to write (see the paragraph above). So here I'm just going to check in from time to time and say what I have say from this virtual soapbox hoping that I don't scream in vain. I doubt all of the posts won't be quite this long.

thanks for reading,
truth