THURSDAY THOUGHTS: MAKING MUSIC

It's Thursday.

For almost two and a half years, I've been learning how to sing in Hebrew.

 

("Hooked on Phonics worked for me!"

Why DID Phonics disappear from schools? 

I recall that EVERYONE in my first grade class could READ!...but I digress.)

It all began with a studio session for local Jewish artist, 

poet, 

liturgist, 

and co-founder of Shalshelet, 

Dr. Norma Rhea Brooks. 

The place was the studio of genius tech wizard, piano virtuoso, producer, composer, arranger, chef, magician, mentor, roller skater, ping pong enthusiast, and all around nice guy, Vince Evans. 

I went to Lanham in March of 2012 to record background vocals on ONE song. 

Since then, we've brainstormed, written, studied, laughed, fussed, agreed, gone off on tangents, questioned, scrapped, started over, listened, learned, prayed, cried, paused, found a second wind, sat, waited, critiqued, sipped wonderful coffees and teas, and enjoyed wonderful meals. 

The project will include the talents of The Blind Boys of Alabama, Greg Boyer, Jay Williams, Bryan Fox, Herman Burney, Andre "Blues" Webb, Byron Nichols, Raymond Reeder, Rhonda Chapman, Sharon Williams, Mark Walker, Ramon Tasat, David Dyson, Lena Seikaly, Alfredo Mojica, Natasha Hirschhorn, Desmond Lowe, (I know I'm forgetting someone...there will be credits...lol) and today cellist Tanya Anisimova will add her part before another tune is off to mastering engineer, Bill Wolf. 

"Psalm Full of Soul" is coming soon.
We have Washington Post photographer, Marvin Joseph to thank for the photo.

What a delightful guy!

P.S. 

AGAIN, Boys and girls. Don't sleep on your church choir. Who knew when we were playing musical chairs and switching parts because there weren't enough people in one section or another, that we were prepping for something called "vocal arranging"? 

It's FUN, I tell ya!

Lord knows. I could LIVE in a studio...but someone else will have to write the charts...lol

One more thing. The people who will genuinely support and appreciate what you do--verbally AND tangibly-- may not LOOK like you. 

Ditch the box. Don't allow anyone to put you into one, and always endeavor on any job, to be teachable and do your best.