The Jazz Psalmist

Thoughts on the Stellar Awards

2012-01-25T11:22:00.000-05:00

Well, Stellar Weekend 2K12 has come and gone. We had a great time. It was interesting to make this trip at this time, because at one point I was ready to call the whole thing off because funds were that tight. We drove the 670 miles instead of flying, cut back our wardrobe budget and ate on the cheap as much as possible. As far as my thoughts on the weekend:

You don't have to spend a fortune to look good. (Unless you need to)
The right vehicle makes a 10 hour drive so much more bearable
Toilet paper in a swag bag? Really...?
It's a long stretch of wilderness between Manassas VA and Knoxville TN
I love Marriott's consistency. They'd make a great tour sponsor (Anyone at Marriott listening?)
I'm so glad fast food turkey burgers are getting easier to find. Hardee's has some of the best out, and the price is right
Shirley Murdock is a hoot
For all the talk of artistic diversity in this year's broadcast, instrumental and spoken word were left out (again). An oversight I hope will be corrected in the future
The Chicago gospel community is like the mafia
OK. I'm actually starting to look like a PREACHA. I gotta loose some weight.

Thanks to True Way Church for hosting us on Sunday with an outpouring of love and spirit. Even though I didn't win this time out, I'm thankful for all I've been allowed to see and do. Hopefully this won't be my last trip to the Stellars, but as interesting as it all was, it's still the work that matters.

2012- The Year of Purpose

2012-01-23T08:45:00.002-05:00

The new year always brings in a rush of optimism and enthusiasm. Nothing like a fresh start. A new leaf. 2012 is no exception for me. I have high hopes and big goals for the year.

The year starts out with a bang. This weekend I will be my first Stellar Award Weekend. I'd be lying if I said the nomination wasn't exciting, but the real exciting part is the opportunity to bless more people with this music. So win or loose, I claim victory.

This year I also plan to release a new project. A lot of pieces have to fall into place for this to happen, but I'm moving forward faithfully. The music we've developed so far is... I'm looking for an appropriate adjective. Anyway, I think you're really going to like, it and I can't wait to share it with you.

The year has its share of challenges. Business as usual. But I'm hopeful that things are coming together in divine order.

I'm using the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young this year. It's excellent, and it's already deepening my relationship.

Unsung

2011-09-22T02:54:00.000-04:00

"The main thing is to seek as much education as you can get"
-Donny Hathaway

I'm watching a marathon of the series, 'Unsung' on TV One. A series about the lives of under recognized Black recording artists like Phyllis Hyman, Stacy Lattisaw, Billy Preston and one of my favorites, Donny Hathaway. Two things struck me about the stories: First, the old recording industry ate artists alive. So many had their finances wrecked by corrupt labels, managers and promoters. The rigors and pressures of the industry drove many of them to self destructive lifestyles, including drug and alcohol abuse.

The second thing that jumps out at me is how many of the artists suffered with mental illness. Depression was a common theme in so many of the artists' stories. Some even suffered from psychosis. Too many died too early from substance abuse and suicide. Hits close to home. I used to feel bad about the fact that my music career has taken so long to develop. I realize now that I was, to borrow a verse from Psalms 91, abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. While I have had my own struggles with depression, I see that my blessings were held back for a time such as this.

We live in a time where the stranglehold that record labels have held over the music industry for a century is loosening. Today's recording artists have much more say over the direction of their careers. No longer is a record deal the holy grail for an artist. Many like me are happy doing what we do as independent artists, even if we have to 'keep the day job'. It may be harder to become a star, but making at least a partial living at music is more doable than ever. We're living life, and experiencing our art on our own terms. I think that makes for a richer experience for the listener. This will certainly not be the end of tragic stories of talented artists making an early exit from the stage of life, but the game has definitely changed, in favor of the ones who make the music.

True spirituality: Held Hostage by the American Dream

2011-08-05T19:42:00.001-04:00

My wife shared a story with me today that she heard at a presentation by psychologist and author Jeffrey Rubin. A certain zen master was robbed in his home. Since his possessions were few he removed all his clothes, and gave them to the robber. As the thief departed, the zen master noticed the beautiful full moon that was in the sky, and that the robber couldn't enjoy or even notice it, because he was consumed with his ill gotten game.

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. -Luke 6:30 NIV

The greatest obstacle to a Believer's growth in Christ in America is America itself. This is an arrogant, self absorbed, materialistic culture. As if that weren't bad enough, we have created a bastardized, counterfeit ME-ology that celebrates rampant materialism and retched excess, in marked contrast to the teachings of the Gospel.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? -Mat. 6:26

I do not believe one must take a vow of poverty to be an authentic Believer. But how many of us in America who claim Christ would be able to detatch ourselves from posessions as the zen master in the story did? As Jesus taught us? We are faced with a choice in this country: do we at last put Jesus on the throne of headship of our lives, or do we continue to submit ourselves to the sweet siren song of the false gospel of materialism and excess, and pay the mental, emotional and spiritual price?

31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Mat. 6:31-33 NIV

As hard as these days are, it's an opportunity to turn away from the false gospel of 'prosperity' (read: materialism and retched excess) and back to the true spirituality of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. The church has so cluttered the message and meaning of Jesus with so much self-serving idolatry and sensationalism that it's driven many to look to other belief systems for spiritual fulfillment, when it's all right here in the Word! So many (myself included) have compromised themselves, shortchanged their callings, driven themselves into poor emotional and physical health, even death. All for that ellusive 'American Dream'.

"...It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Mark 10:25 NIV

Hi. My name is Todd. And I'm an American dreamer. And I'm trying to wake up.

Showing Up

2011-07-23T20:50:00.002-04:00

I got in an interesting conversation on air with a radio host during an interview this week. I went off on one of my tangents about how 'Black' Gospel music is getting watered down, and while everyone coming together is great, American society hasn't come so far along that we can discard those elements of our culture which helped us survive unspeakable oppression. (look for a more in depth discussion of this topic in a future post) Anyway, she agreed and went on to observe that while fifty years ago people people were being gunned down in the streets like dogs just for the right to exercise their right to vote, today many of us don't even bother, because we believe our vote doesn't matter. Then we complain about what the almighty they are doing to us.

The point is, that if you don't at least make an attempt to show up and advocate for your interests, no matter how corrupt the mechanism, you shouldn't really be surprised when things don't go your way. This is true in politics, and it's true in the Gospel music industry. Last week I was the first recipient of the Gospel Blue MIC Achievement Award for Instrumental Artist of the Year.

I was the only nominee in the category.

In my acceptance speech, I voiced my hope that there are 5 or 6 solid nominees next year. Because if there aren't, we will eventually see the same scenario we've witnessed before: Another industry award will eliminate the instrumental category for a lack of 'qualified applicants'. The Dove awards eliminated its instrumental category in 2009. The Stellar Awards chose not to give out an instrumental award this year.

The irony is, that instrumental praise music is on the upswing, largely spurred on by airplay from a host of Internet broadcasters. Now Gospel Jazz programs are popping up on terrestrial radio across the country. I'm getting more calls from churches that want to incorporate instrumental praise into programs and events. I was in my local FYE last week, and the number one selling Jazz title in the store was the latest project from Christian saxophonist Jeff Sparks.

Yet and still, the 'industry' continues to act like we don't exist. And we aid and abet this neglect by refusing to even submit our projects for recognition by the awards. If they even have a category for us in the first place. There's a growing award in Atlanta that has no instrumental category. I reached out to them to find out why. No response to date.

Paraphrasing from my acceptance speech again: NO; statues, plaques and recognition aren't why we do what we do. And YES; i recognize that there are serious misgivings with the way some of the awards are run. Despite all that, if the exposure of our individual and collective effort exposes our ministries to someone who would not have heard us otherwise, it's worth it. There are people all around the globe who will not, cannot receive 'Gospel' music in its more familiar vocal form. But they may receive instrumental music.

There's tremendous potential for healing and deliverance in this music. I often tell people that showing up is 90% of my job, and by the power of the Holy Spirit something happens through the music that far exceeds whatever skill, knowledge talent or ability I bring to the table. Despite frustrations, financial hardships, snubs, 'slings and arrows of outrageous fortune', I keep showing up. I hope my brother and sister instrumental psalmists will adopt that same mindset. And regardless of what the industry does, I pray the listeners who enjoy the music will continue to support us, because we can't do it without you.

The Grammys

2011-02-17T20:43:00.001-05:00

I'm still feelin good about Kirk Whalum's Grammy nod last Sunday. I'm in a question asking mood, so do you think Kirk's Grammy will lead to greater exposure for Gospel Jazz, or will the attention be wiped out by the question falling off the lips of seemingly everyone in Gospel: "Who is Patty Griffin?" Not to mention all the Bieber heads hating on Esperanza Spalding.

BTW- Kirk is also up for a Dove Award in the Contemporary Gospel Album category. Let's see if lightning strikes again for Kirk.

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The More things Change...

2011-02-09T21:42:00.006-05:00

I've been doing a lot of research online about 'The New Music Business'. That's a popular term for the shift in the recording industry from major labels to independent labels and artists, spurred on by the Internet, and low-cost digital recording technology. Blogs, websites, podcasts and e-letters assure independent artists that we can be successful with a do-it-yourself approach, and the labels are little more than irrelevant anachronisms collapsing under the weight of their own excess.

I share that view, and I'm excited that the playing field is leveling, with the balance of control tipping toward the artist, after a century of exploitation by the Industry. This especially benefits 'niche' artists like me. But as I read, I'm finding that as good as some of the information is, most of it is geared to one type of artist. Case in point: I've read several places that advise musicians not to manufacture CD's because they're not necessary. That may be true if your audience consists of 19 year old college students. My average supporter is African-American, female, 35-44, church going, college educated. And they're still buying CD's, ya'll! Many of them have collections going back to Anita Baker that they still cherish.

Makes me wonder how much of this stuff really applies to me? Will the new music industry treat my people any better than the old one did? I like Facebook, Twitter (and blogging) as much as anyone, but I also know that my listeners need relationship. (exchanging streams of consciousness in 140 characters or less is not a relationship.) Music is still about an artist connecting with an audience through the music. And when your music is all about honoring God, and service, that takes it to another level. Unfortunately gospel music got a little beside itself, and started holding concerts in arenas (with arena type ticket prices to match), and turned away from the intimacy of the church.

The "Father of Gospel" Thomas A. Dorsey got it right 80 years ago. He had a business model and a blueprint for music ministry that I want to learn more about. He went from church to church, around the country, holding concerts of his music sung by artists like Mahalia Jackson and Sallie Martin. He charged a nominal admission (if any) and sold sheet music for the choirs to learn. As a result, his music, once rejected by mainline churches became popular, and Dorsey's enterprise grew to a very successful music publishing concern.

The economy has created a tremendous opportunity to replicate that model, 21st century style. What if we went from church to church, city to city, up close and personal, low admission (or even free!). Now that's what's up! I'm glad you're reading my blog. I enjoy tweeting with you. But I hope the ultimate outcome of all of that is...we'll see each other face to face.

The Stellar Awards and Instrumental Gospel: Forfeit or C-O-N-spiracy?

2010-10-28T07:46:00.000-04:00

The 2011 Stellar Award nominees were announced last Saturday. Noticeably absent (at least to me) was the Instrumental Gospel category. My friend, broadcaster/artist Tony Smith confirmed that the category was omitted due to a 'lack of entries'. In an ensuing Facebook conversation with several artists, it was noted that there always seem to be enough entries in years that one of the few 'accepted' artists in our genre releases a project.

Jazz/instrumental music is the stepchild of Gospel. The industry can’t seem to get the fact that there can be more than two gospel jazz artists on the scene at once. Not too long ago hip hop gospel was relegated to a similar status; it eventually became accepted by the industry. Call me a cynic, but I believe this acceptance has more to do with profit potential then the fact that our hip hop brothers and sisters are effectively witnessing to a generation.

How do we respond? We grumble amongst ourselves, and do nothing. Next year you’ll see the same artists nominated, that is, if there are enough ‘qualified entries’. A few action items are evident:

1. The jazz/instrumental gospel community must unite and organize (Ps. 133:1)

2. Artists must do more to advocate on their own behalf, like join industry organizations, and submit projects for promotion, airplay, tracking and recognition

3. Artists must support those who support us (terrestrial/Internet broadcasters, publications, churches, etc.)

4. Fans and supporters must galvanize and throw as much support as possible behind artists AND the genre as a whole

To be clear: we consider our art to be MINISTRY, uplifting the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. As such, nothing we do will have any efficacy minus the unction of the Holy Spirit. That said, however, it should also be noted that, contrary to what some believe, the Holy Ghost is not a substitute for hard work. We believe there is tremendous potential for growth, reaching more souls with the divine healing, delivering power manifest in this music. We all want more opportunities to do what we do, and the opportunities are out there. But it’s time for us to get serious. Awards or no awards, recognition or no recognition, just think what could happen if the gospel jazz community; artists and supporters, moved together with intent, advancing the Kingdom, even as we advance this music.

I believe we stand at the threshold of a unique window of opportunity. I believe that the community of instrumental praise artists and the listeners who follow them are ready, even in the midst of a struggling economy and a music industry grappling with the effects of unprecedented change. What better time for God to show up and show out?

Time to Step up my Game

2010-09-27T08:58:00.001-04:00

I ministered last night at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ in DC for their anniversary. They made me feel extremely welcome, serving me at the head table at the anniversary dinner, and receiving the music with great enthusiasm, COGIC style.

On my rendition of 'I Can't Give up Now' my breath was short. In another part of service I struggled with he modulations on 'O Give Thanks'. Clearly I have some work to do. I have to step up my game musically, physically and spiritually if I want to go where God is leading me. Time to exit the comfot zone. There are people to touch and help and lead, by example. I confess I've been distracted and not giving my best. That ends today.

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Random Thoughts (and I do mean...RANDOM)

2010-09-14T21:28:00.002-04:00

My desktop died on Saturday. You know, the one with all my critical information, contacts, email archives, etc. So I've been trying to re-create and work around all week. Just as I have several engagements coming up. We've become so dependent on computers, and there are no worse offenders than independent musicians and artists. Out of necessity, we have our faces in a screen every chance we get: writing, organizing, communicating and promoting. my life has been made all the more challenging by the temporary loss of my data.

Life is no harder than it's ever been, but it is a whole lot more complicated. We're bombarded with an avalanche of information we have to sort through on a daily basis, and probably make more decisions in a week than our grandparents made in a year. All of this is pushing our beautifully and divinely engineered brains to the limit. I read an article today stating that our attention spans and cognition is being affected by being bombarded with digital data 24/7. In addition to the constant multitasking I have to do as a musician/eLearning developer/husband/father. I've heard all my life that we only use 10% of our brain capacity. Note to the goldbricking unused 90% of my brain: Time for you to come join the party, dude.

Here's the hook: I went into the Jersey Mikes up the street yesterday to get a sandwich. The guy behind the counter and I started talking football. I told him I was (and still am) a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He asked me who they had played the day before.

I couldn't remember.

Either I'm having senior moments two decades early, or I need to do something to stave off this digitally enhanced neural meltdown. Hey, I know I'm criticizing the very medium I'm using to get these thoughts to you. The last thing I want is to contribute to your mental decay. So read my blog, then turn your computer off, go out and sit under a tree and contemplate God's goodness, or something like that. How are computers like women? Can't live with them. Can't live without them.

BTW The Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday 15-9. Total recall baby.

Personal Reflections on Bishop Walter Hawkins

2010-07-18T16:53:00.002-04:00

Jacquie Gales Webb is playing Be Grateful on WHUR 96.3. All week the tributes and accolades have been pouring through gospel media about Bishop Walter Hawkins. I have some personal encounters with the Hawkins that I would like to share.

About 20 years ago I had the great opportunity to play a concert with Walter Hawkins and the Community College of Allegheny County Gospel Choir. I remember that in rehearsal we were starting the song I Just Can't Tell it All, and not playing it very well. Hawkins stopped us, looked at the band and said, "You're pros. You're pros!" Even though some of us really weren't, that word of affirmation snapped us into line and we played the song the right way from then on.

Walter's brother Edwin has been gracious and encouraging every time I've seen him (see blog post An Unexpected Blessing 4/19/10). At the Music and Arts Love Fellowship conference in Chicago Dr. Edwin Hawkins remained approachable and engaged through it all, even though his heart had to be heavy with concern over his little brother and ministry partner of over 40 years. Prayers were offered up daily for Bishop Walter, yet despite well meaning proclamations of healing and deliverance, the Lord saw fit, in infinite wisdom, to call Walter home.

It's a good thing that so much Walter Hawkins music is on the airwaves and cyberspace these days, giving us an opportunity to re-discover the divinely inspired genius of his music.

A little rain, mixed with God's sunshine,
A little pain makes me appreciate the good times.

-exerpt from Be Grateful

What strikes me is the integrity of his writing, which stands in marked contrast to some of the 'me-centric' so-called gospel music of this day. It really holds up, and stands the test of time. A ministry and a testimony for the ages.

I was little more than a toddler when 'O Happy Day' changed gospel music forever in the late '60's. But I remember the song, and that I really liked it. It wasn't until years later I would learn how controversial it was in church circles. Having dealt with my share of misunderstanding and criticism about 'Gospel Jazz', I relate to the Hawkins and Dorseys of the world, and I'm thankful for them, and the faith and courage to stay true to the vision.

The Opinions Expressed are not Necessarily Those of The Jazz Psalmist

2010-07-09T14:51:00.006-04:00

I'm attending the first Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Conference in Chesapeake VA this week. The conference provided a wealth of industry information. It was worth the sacrifice required to attend. During a workshop on distribution I asked the speakers to critique the packaging of my CD Meditations. They panned the picture saying it was too dark and that the blinds in the background needed to go. The convener said I was courageous for submitting my product to scrutiny. I just wanted some honest feedback from some industry insiders. Watch what you wish for, LOL. One of them liked the fact that my picture paints a very clear picture of what I do. The next presenter however said he would not put the sax on the cover because of radio's tendency to pigeonhole instrumental music for production purposes. I was already planning a re-release of Meditations and I appreciate the input. But ultimately I'm accountable to God. And to the people who 'get it'. No amount of repackaging will disguise the fact that I play the saxophone. And if they don't see it on the cover, would they not hear it once they start listening?

In the past month several well meaning (I guess) people in the industry have suggested that I need to alter my course, from not using the term 'Gospel Jazz' (see previous post) to not putting the saxophone on my cover picture. While the masses may not be ready to receive what I do, there are a chosen few who are. And I would submit that chosen few is more than the industry recognizes. It underscores, though, just how important each one of my supporters are. I appreciate you in the extreme, and I hope you will stay with me as I navigate a path towards getting you more music that will touch your soul.

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No More Gospel Jazz?

2010-06-29T08:14:00.006-04:00

OK, somebody help me out. I've gotten some negative feedback from several unrelated sources in the past few weeks about the term "Gospel Jazz". One older musician scoffed that it was unnecessary and "commercial". A prominent gospel artist remarked that the term was limiting from a marketing standpoint, because, "...it puts [an artist] in this weird, funky place where no one knows what to do with you." Tell me about it. He went on to say that I shouldn't feel so "conflicted". Anyone who knows me would've told him that I'm not conflicted at all. I still listen to and appreciate all types of music. I'm just going where I'm being led in this season.

I may be suffering from delusions of grandeur, but I believe one of the mandates of my little ministry is to help tear down the barriers to "Gospel Jazz" that exist in the church and the marketplace. Nevertheless, I am not wedded to the term "Gospel Jazz" at the expense of the TRUE calling, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that "Gospel Jazz" can reach some folks who are in a headspace where more traditional forms of Christian music cannot go. Quietly, I'm really not that concerned with how people label my music, but I had to call it something. And "Gospel Jazz" seemed to fit because it describes in a nutshell where I'm coming from, stylistically speaking.

What do you think? I'd really like to hear your opinion about the term "Gospel Jazz". Should we call it something else? Should we continue to fight for greater exposure and more recognition, or should we simply follow the path of least resistance? I'm praying on it. Meanwhile, I just do what I do.

An unexpected Blessing

2010-04-19T20:10:00.002-04:00

My friend Nolan Williams text me on Friday evening and wanted me to call him ASAP. He's the artistic director of How Sweet the Sound-Gospel in America, a week long gospel music series at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. It turns out that he needed a sax player for the Sunday concert. I told him I would do it. The musical director sent me the song, an overture which would have me playing the melody to "My Tribute" by Andre Crouch.

I arrived at the rehearsal expecting to be in a band pit. The band was onstage. They pointed to a microphone front center stage and said, "you'll be here." I expected, and was perfectly content to be in the background, but God fixed it so I played my melody on center stage. The concert featured Pastor Shirley Caesar, Take6, Kirk Franklin and Edwin Hawkins. I had met Mr. Hawkins twelve years ago and told him I was doing a CD. He gave me his address and told me to send him one. He couldn't have remembered that exchange, but as I walked past he spoke and complemented my playing. I told him that we had met years earlier, and put a CD in his hand, which he graciously accepted.

"Be ye also ready", because you just never know. Your next blessing could be right around the corner.

Kirk Whalum and I Finally Meet

2010-03-19T11:15:00.005-04:00

Last night the reigning 'king' of Gospel Jazz saxophone, Mr. Kirk Whalum was in DC to promote his latest release, The Gospel According to Jazz, Part III. They played the DVD on big screen, Kirk played several a'capella selections on tenor and soprano, and took a few questions. I missed him when he recorded the project at Reid Temple. He was also at my home church, Metropolitan Baptist a while back, but I was in New York that weekend.

Kirk and I have much in common: he shared how he has wrestled with the call on his life, and that it wasn't a traditional calling. Real familiar. He also shared his love for the Word, John Coltrane, and the fact that Gospel Jazz may reach people that more traditional forms of church music can't. Even our affiliation with John Stoddart, who played and produced on my first project.

I was struck by the heartfelt simplicity of his words, and the warmth and expressiveness in his playing. Also in attendance were several other Gospel Jazz saxophonists, including my friend Merlon Devine. We agree that we as Gospel Jazz artists and supporters must come together to advance this music, to the glory of the Most High, and to show the industry that there can be more than one or two Gospel Jazz artists getting airplay and pub at one time! Kirk has definitely inspired me to keep pressing on, despite financial challenges, personal issues, and all of the other stumbling blocks the Enemy puts in our path.

I'm looking forward to my engagement at Gospel Rescue Ministries tonight. I was there several weeks ago and they've invited me back. What a blessing! I'm excited about forging a solid relationship with this powerful ministry, and getting some things done!

Handle Your Business

2010-02-19T09:47:00.002-05:00

I woke up early today, meditated and left home at first light to drop off a key for a property we're trying to sell. My sons' schools have been delayed all week because of the snow. My youngest has been out of school for two weeks, and has become quite proficient on thomasandfriends.com. I've enjoyed the break, but I'll be glad to get back to the normal routine.

At my church the theme for Lent is, '40 Days of Healing'. The congregation is in a season of transition. Plans for a new sanctuary have stalled due to the economy, and we're worshipping in a temporary location. Individually many are feeling the effects of the economy. Financial pressures have place added strain on many marriages and families. I'd be lying if I denied the impact that challenging times have had even in my own household. But we know that God blesses struggle. It's in vogue to come off so hyperspiritual that the realities of the world we have to live in have no impact on the life of a 'true' beliver. A 'King's Kid' should have everything fall into her lap with a shout and a dance. A product of the biblically unsustainable prosperity 'theology'. All i have to say to that is, 'Get real!' Even if you're not being impacted personally, where's your sense of compassion for those who are going through?

Anyway, the theme is '40 Days of Healing.' We're studying the book Life's Healing Choices by John Baker. Truly there is a need for healing in the Body. I certainly see the need in my life. As I go through the daily devotions, there's a theme of 'we are powerless over our lives'. It leads me to think about the balance between the call to submission and the call to personal agency. In other words, God wants us to surrender and rely on Him, but God also wants us to handle our business! Even while we look to God to meet our every need, we also ask for strength to be productive, to His ultimate glory.

That said, if you're seeking healing, deliverance, growth, etc, you have to be an active participant in the process. What's going on in your inner being that YOU need to address? How do you respond to God's invitation to be a co-laborer as you 'work out your soul salvation...'? Self reliance can be (and often is) taken to an ungodly extreme, but you've still got to be willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty if you want God to work a change in your life. Pray for discernment to know what is your responsibility, and what is God's.

The Song of Songs

2010-02-17T00:44:00.002-05:00

I played a Valentine's Day dinner at a local church. After dinner the pastor delivered a sermonette from Song of Solomon. While I'm familiar with the book and have even studied it a bit, he broke the text down in a way I've never experienced before. He pointedly illustrated the raw sensuality and power in the text, and kept it light enough to encourage some laughter. By his own admission it was not a 'Sunday morning sermon'. He very effectively made the point that this was an illustration of God's design for marital intimacy. Despite puritanical efforts to recast the Song of Solomon as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the church, this poem was originally written about a man and his bride, gettin it on! In ancient times, Hebrew scholars weren't even allowed to read it until they had reached a certain level of maturity.

So often in this culture we get the message that sex in marriage is boring, mundane, even a chore. If you're keeping your vows, you're missing out on something. In reality, the way God designed it, married folks should be getting the best of it. The physical as well as a deep emotional and spiritual bonding that can't be replicated elsewhere. That stayed with me. Even though it seems so obvious, it's good to get a reminder now and then. I will never look at Song of Solomon the same. Happy belated Valentines Day.

Back from LA

2009-07-28T19:20:00.002-04:00

I spent the weekend celebrating the installation of my First Cousin, Rev. Seth W. Pickens, as Pastor of the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Los Angeles CA. It's a warm congregation that's excited about Seth's fresh leadership. The church building has lots of classrooms, a large fellowship hall/gymnasium/auditorium. There's a lot he can do with the facility he now oversees.

I played two selections at the morning worship, and the Spirit moved. Everytime I do what I do I reconnect with my purpose. Actually I wasn't too excited about making this trip. I was happy to support my cousin but I had the feeling I wouldn't like LA, based on things I'd heard. Not to mention the expenditure of time, mental energy and capital required to make the trip. It's a challenge getting there sometimes, as my uncle, cousin (Seth's brother, also a pastor and speaker for the morning) and I looped around West LA and Englewood looking for the church on Sunday morning. But once I arrive I'm free to do what I do. And it's the greatest feeling in the world. The trip also gave me some time to reflect, as I continue to grow in my thinking about music from 'career' to ministry. I'm glad I made the sacrifice.

For the record LA wasn't bad, and I look forward to sharing with the Zion Hill family again. But I didn't see anything to make me leave the East Coast.

Purpose

2009-07-24T10:17:00.000-04:00

I've wondered lately whether my "muse" has departed. I'm just not as focused on music as I should be. My wife an I have started a home-based business that has nothing to do with music. It's doing well, and I'm really enjoying it. Working from home, helping people create healthier homes and lifestyles. Partnering with others to create additional income streams in these rocky times. It's all good.

I've put music on the backburner for the remainder of this calendar year to get the business up to speed. For years I struggled with the unfulfilled desire to be a "full time" musician, working in corporate and government contracting. It all hit a wall some years ago. I couldn't keep faking like I was the corporate type anymore. But music wasn't coming anywhere close to paying the bills either.

For a long time I viewed it as a failure. I thought I was a failure. I had to go into treatment for depression over it. It was as if every aspect of my life had been pushed to the edge of a cliff, and it was all about to go over the brink.

I am finally finding a place of peace and balance with it all. We are given multi-fold ministries in life. The care and rearing of children paramount among these. The vision is for our business to get to the point that it covers my family's financial needs, freeing my wife and me to pursue our purpose (Mat. 6:33). The reason we were given the gift of life, and the reason we were brought together: to make a difference. To make an impact. I've been watching Black in America 2 on CNN. It reminds us that there is so much work to be done, and there are people who are getting out an doing it. So I'm moving forward in this season of preparation, thankful for provision and purpose.

These Days and Times

2009-05-06T09:43:00.000-04:00

I was talking to a neighbor this morning. She was telling me of the cares of the day: unemployment, home depreciation, loan modifications. We're going through all of those things in the Ledbetter household as well. We concluded the conversation by agreeing that we needed to focus on what was good: We still had roofs over our heads, our children are healthy and thriving, we have health and strength. In the words of the old hymn, "We're blessed, we're blessed, we're blessed. We don't deserve it but yet we're blessed."

There is an African proverb that says, "Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." God takes us through seasons of challenge to grow and mature us. Like many, I've had more than my share of money concerns in recent days. But I'm just grateful that I have the opportunity to continue doing what I do in Gospel Jazz ministry.

Now more than ever I believe this world needs this music. More specifically we need what The Holy Spirit seeks to do through our gifts. Just a few weeks ago a member of my church told me how the music on my CD Meditations: Hymns in the Key of Jazz helped him get through difficult days on his job. I've had other testimonies of how the music has helped people usher in a spirit of peace in their homes, eased the pain of childbirth, and even cancer. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you on this blog, and getting your feedback.