je-music.com

It’s time…

…for BET to go off the air. Seriously.

I know I’m a day late, but I made the grave mistake of watching the BET awards in their entirety last night. After a day of rehearsals and studying, I just wanted to unwind. And unwind my brain did…to a level even the dumbest of the dumb may not have reached. It was the most coonish and insulting blend of acts I’d ever seen. With the exception of Jay-Z’s DOA, Maxwell’s new single, and the O-Jay’s set, I was blown away by how that network shreds our media image. In addition, the joint was the most disorganized fiasco I’ve ever seen.

Now, I’ve tried to make my feelings have some sort of context…to try and understand the mind of BET’s owner Debra Lee. I’ve also tried to compare other races’ embarrassing networks (only to find there aren’t really any). We’re the only race with a channel that purports to represent us, purports to be our “entertainment” network…the only ones!! And we use that opportunity not to spread uplifting images of black progress (the three black doctors that were supposed to be honored had approximately 2 seconds on stage), but rather to have Lil Wayne’s ignorant behind talking about “I wanna f**k every girl in the world,” while actual little girls were dancing on stage. Does he not see whats wrong with this picture? Does he see anything beyond “cash money?” Does the network for that matter?

I do appreciate their efforts to honor Michael (Ne-Yo’s tributes were actually pretty good)…but to do so in such a disorganized, self-agrandizing way does more harm than good.

I know I’ve blogged on this issue before…I know. But I wanted to write on this again b/c I need to understand a few things (if you’re reading this on my website, you might have to register to comment…if you’re on facebook, you can just respond regularly).

• Am I being too serious about all of this? Is it just “entertainment?”
• If I am in fact right…if BET is a network bent on decimating the black image…how did it happen? Why would a network for black people be so against them?
• What can be done about it? How can all our talk be transformed into meaningful action?

Lastly, gotta end this w/ a plug

I’m playing with Ndelible in Bmore this Thursday, July 2 for a Free Show with legends Fertile Ground. It’s a part of the Jazzy Summer Nights series and is at Hopkins Plaza in the city. The show goes from 6pm-10pm. I think Spur of the Moment is gonna be there next month. There’s a story on last year’s series here.

Oh, and last last thought…I know about TV One. They’re dope for the most part, but they have no where near the pull or reach as BET.I also realize BET does occasionally have good, thoughtful programming…but far too often they don’t.

Hope everybody’s well…

Free Show in Bmore this Thursday!!

Speechless…

Sitting here listening to “Human Nature,” words are kinda difficult to come by. Don’t know if I’ve ever had such a mix of emotions. As you all know, Ndelible played at the 930 Club tonight w/ Fertile Ground. The show was phenomenal…couldn’t really have asked for a better set. Arguably this was one of the most important shows the group has had thus far. Not to mention the utter perfection of Fertile Ground.

In the midst of this excitement, though, there was a certain sadness looming over all of us. We covered a Michael Jackson song (Butterflies) and the DJ played a set dedicated to him…Fertile Ground also said some powerful words about him…but through it all I don’t think the news really settled in for me. But now, sitting at home, thinking of his indelible impact on music…I’m at a loss.

The man was certainly a mixed bag at times…we all know that. But honestly, I think his remembrance should be more than caricature, more than an opportunity to gawk at what we find weird. It should be a reminder of the good and bad inherent in all of us. More than anything else, it should be a celebration of a man who near single-handedly changed the global perception of black people, a man whose music had the world grooving.

He’ll certainly be missed.

Balance…

What’s up, folks…

I’m up so late looking at Master’s programs for year after next. Applications are due come February. GRE’s are due ASAP. It all equals a bunch of deadlines…and a bunch of stress. Not to mention, my car broke down yesterday. In short, I’m a little more on edge than I’d like to be.  Just wanted to take a quick break from researching these programs to write a bit on here.

It’s interesting…in the midst of said anxiety I’m grateful for the clarity that comes from knowing I’m in the hands of a God greater than I. Even as I go through a period in my life plagued with doubt, I can’t help but have hope. I may not have all the answers, but I do have the ability to woosah…to do my best to achieve balance, taking it one day at a time. I’m not normally a fan of cliches, but those one often hears when going through stress (everything will work out, God’s in control, etc), are often very much true. I say this despite the fact that many times things are not “OK” for everyone (take for example the six tragically killed on Metro’s red line today…or anyone else going through a hardship of any kind). But even with all that’s going on…even with the myriad times I’ve begged God “why” He allows certain things, I find myself with a certain degree of peace. I find peace in hope…and in that hope I find rest. Speaking of which, I’m going to bed. Just wanted to write a quick update.

Also, I wanted to do a quick write up on a lesson I had with saxophonist Walter Beasley. I’ll write more on this later, but he’s a master of breaking down the value of patience in music, an artform that is just as much about silence as it is noise. Thanks to Walt for the lesson, and the motivation to keep pressing.

For anyone interested, I’m thinking about Georgetown University’s Master’s in Public Policy program…

Tambien, gotta insert a plug in (as usual)…

Ndelible’s playing at the 930 Club on Thursday w/ Fertile Ground. Tickets are selling quickly.

The link for the show is yonder. Certain people think I should stop saying “yonder,” but I think it’s what’s cool in the streets.

Oh, and lastly, I want to say Happy Father’s Day to my Pops…a day late. I told him in person, but I want to express it in a more public forum…Dad, you’re a true inspiration to me. Though we’ve been known to occasionally disagree (and though I might have hurt your feelings with certain whippings in a certain game known as basketball) I have nothing but respect for you. You stand as an example of what a man (and a father) should be. I hope to one day have kids that look to me as I’ve looked to you. Note that the “one day” ain’t in the near future. a ha. ha…

Peace, Yall…

–Joe

Coonery!

I plan to utilize the blog on here far more than on my previous site. Speaking of which, thanks to all for the response to the update. People seem to like it, which makes me quite happy. I put a lot of work into the site and it’s good to see it pay off.

In other news, I just wanted to vent for 1.5 seconds. I’m absolutely tired of the radio. I tried listening to it this morning…I really did. I used to be able to stand 93.9 and 95.5…but I’m absolutely sick of all this coonery (for lack of a better word) that’s played on there. There might be a few good songs sprinkled in, but most of it is either R&B that’s been autotuned to infinity or rap that’s in the “look at my rims, watch me denigrate women, get money money money” vein. That said, I do like listening to Donnie Simpson, Russ Parr, and Steve Harvey in the morning…their playlists are just whack (for the most part).

Also, it’s unfortunate that there’s no jazz stations w/ reliably clear signals. Even Smooth Jazz 105.9 (which I practically grew up on, lol. Smoooothhhhh Jazzzzzz one oh five point nineeeeee) has been knocked out.

• So what’s one to do? For all those tired of the radio, I recommend two options, both of which I’m fans of. Pandora.com. One of the best sites out. If you haven’t heard of it, it basically allows you to create a radio station based off of your favorites. Personally, I stay on Curtis Mayfield radio. Lauryn Hill, Lupe Fiasco, and Roy Hargrove also produce really good mixes. Best of all, it’s free. Also, for those of you with blackberrys or iPhones, there’s a relatively new app you can download that lets you play pandora anywhere. I like to hook mine up to my car speakers. There’s like one commercial every hour, but it’s well worth it for the sounds.

• Also, another option for the road is to buy an adaptor that hooks up to your iPod, zune, mp3 player. That way you bypass radio completely. The adaptor I have is yonder. You just hook it up to your cigarette lighter, hook up your mp3 player, and decide which station you want to broadcast to. The device then takes over whatever radio station you choose, broadcasting your music over the radio so you can hear it in the car.

• I should also say WHUR 96.3 can be pretty dope at times, so all hope is not lost.

And now for my daily plug

As I said in my last entry, I joined Ndelible recently.

We’re playing at the 9:30 Club with Fertile Ground on June 25th, 2009. Tickets are 18.00. I’d love to see ya’ll there.

The link for the show is yonder.

Check out Ndelible when you get a chance…
Some music samples are online

Testing, testing, one, two, three

Welcome to the newly redesigned je-music.com. I’ve been designing this update for about a week now…glad it’s finally done! I’m still figuring out how to work this thingamajig, but I like the new application. What do you all think?

Just a quick update…

Life’s been good. God’s been good. And I can’t really figure out why. He’s blessed me tremendously despite my numerous flaws. All I can do is say thanks…

In other news, I’m playing with one of the nicest bands in the DMV right now, Ndelible.

We’re playing at the 9:30 Club with Fertile Ground on June 25th, 2009. Tickets are 18.00. I’d love to see ya’ll there.

The link for the show is yonder.

I’m going to hopefully be blogging pretty frequently on here, updating you all on my plans, music, and thoughts. Hope everybody’s doing well.

Ohhhhhh…and lastly. If you’ve signed up for the email list in the past, please sign up again! This new site unfortunately deleted my old list. You can sign up in the upper left hand corner of this site.

Check out Ndelible when you get a chance…
Some music samples are online

I hope you all enjoy the new site. As always, I appreciate the love and support.

–Joe