"We're working on the record."
"Almost done now!"
"Just waiting on __________ (You fill in the blank)"


If you ran into me during the past year or so you might have had a conversation with me where these were my typical responses.

It's frustrating......... being an independent artist and having so many speed bumps and roadblocks in your path. I kept feeling like I had to give excuses (though they were the truth) as to why the record was taking so long.

We made a decision......

I wasn't going to do my own set until we had a record to sell.
It's rough when all people can leave your show with is a memory. Memories fade.
(Not to mention -- real talk -- it is expensive to gig with a band in NYC)

Well it had been a really loooong time since my last show, but with the record complete, we could get back in swing.

My first show coming back???
(cue trumpets) the legendary Blue Note in NYC!! -- Late Night Series --

Let's just say I was amped.

I had almost forgotten the days of hitting Ultrasound in NYC (a rehearsal space we usually use), and trying to find parking. I hadn't seen my band together in a really long time, but that's family -- you just pick right back up. We wanted to go big, so we put together a band complete with a 3 piece horn section!

The 90+ minute set was definitely a challenge especially with all the new elements. Half of the songs I had never performed live before.

As they say, this is where "the rubber meets the road."

Recording is an amazing process, but how does it all translate? and .... Does anybody care?

Well from the standing room only crowd, my second question was immediately answered. :)
A lot of familiar faces and a lot of new ones.

I broke the show into 3 parts. The first and third "acts" were selections from my album "If These Wals Could Talk." The second act was an ode to songs that inspired me. I let the horn section get off in there, and rounded it out with special guests -- 2 killer MC's -- Phase One and LuQuantumleap (who is featured on Love Revolution on my album).
I am not sure if the Blue Note is used to hip hop, but we brought it anyway. :)

I closed the show bringing on another powerhouse talent -- Angela Johnson. I have been blessed to have shared the stage with her before. In fact, my first time performing at the Blue Note was when Angie brought me into her set to do a duet with her called "Let's Get Together " and accompanied me on my song "Sail Thru." She brought it to church (CHUCH) as I knew she would.

The Late Night Series is just that -- late. :)
I think we started the set at around 1am, so big thanks to all who made it.

Special thanks to Christian Ver Halenfor giving us the opportunity.

It was really an honor to play at the Blue Note, and was the perfect bottle of champagne to break against the bow of the new album.

Be blessed all -- 'till next time


The band
Singers: Keisha Gumbs, Darius Booker, Tyzelle
Keyboards/MD: Robert Stephens III
Drums: Larry Peoples
Bass: Dwayne "DW" Wright
Guitar: Sheldon Goode
Trombone: Robert Edwards
Trumpet: Justin Hernandez
Saxophone: Jeremy Fratti