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December, 2006 Jo Sallins joined the team of (an African American) POINT OF VIEW community newspaper, to write a music column entitled "Music-Essential". Hope you enjoy the articles. If you would like a copy of the actual newspaper, (which is fast becoming the #1 newspaper in Western Mass & Connecticut and beyond) e-mail: josallins@comcast.net and receive your newspaper and a 8 X 11 autographed color picture of Jo Sallins and a free cd, WOW!
Send your name, address, phone, e-mail and a check made payable to:
Jo Sallins
to cover shipping and handling of $4.00
(shipping and handling may be higher outside the U.S.A
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Inhale Music: Exhale Life Part II
By Heshima Moja (Guest artist covering for Jo Sallins)
Last Month, we discussed the power of music to impact our lives either negatively or positively. We discussed the importance of understanding just what happens when one is exposed, over long periods of time to messages that portray women and people of color as less than human. We touched upon the danger of accepting the music that we inhale daily. Now, offer definitive solutions to the question of how we can create a paradigm shift in our communities through music and the arts.
First, to the issue of empowerment. To be empowered, is to use the tolls which we have at our disposal to positively affect our lives and thereby the lives of those around us through our actions. Last Month, I used the example of my own experience. I spoke of accepting that dirty air and respiratory illness was my lot in life. I had not been shown an alternative until my stepfather brought me to the Adirondack Mountains. As I opened my mind to new possibilities, I began to enjoy the benefits of a life changing experience. We have endless resources available to empower ourselves, if we simply open ourselves to them.. I have traveled the world with Patti Labelle, La India, The Roots, Avery Sharpe, and many more since those days when I first inhaled the fresh air of Jazz, classical music, and the music of the African and Asian continents. However, it was the seed planted by a few daring souls who defied the commercial music world, which started me my journey around this beautiful planet.
Those first musical experiences opened my eyes to a larger world outside of my community. As I listened to the music of India, Guinea, Mali, South Africa, Cuba, and my beloved Puerto Rico, I also studied the people which created them. My first exposure to this music was through 90.7 WTCC and 88.5 WFCR. These are tools right here in our own backyards of Springfield and Amherst. Countless radio personalities like the late Brother Rick Grant, and Kari Njeri of Afro pop World Wide showed me that the world was filled with beautiful music and beautiful, powerful people who had created it. My later study of these cultures helped me to understand who I was as a human being. So solution number one: Utilize the resources we have right in our own backyard! They are invaluable tools.
The second Tool you have available to you is the countless internationally recognized artists (I am proud to be one) who live right here in your backyard. (check me out at www.myspace.com/heshimaiam or www.cdbaby.com/heshima) Avery Sharpe, Jo Sallins and Magdalena Gomez are just a few of the artists who have roots planted in this area. Support live concerts like The Hoop City Jazz Festival and other free concerts in Forest Park. Bring your children to hear and experience live music. As you inhale live music, you will exhale life into your home as you are challenged to answer the questions your brilliant and powerful children have about what they are seeing and hearing.
I hope, that you have begun to understand just how much power music has in our lives, and in our world. "Inhale Music, Exhale LIfe"
To contact Heshima or the Inhale Music Exhale Life Program
Please go to:
www.myspace.com/heshimaiam
(413)218-6789
INHALE MUSIC:
EXHALE LIFE PART 1
By Heshima Moja (Guest Artist Covering for Jo Sallins)
Like many people, I grew up in an urban environment. I woke up every morning and left my house, inhaling deeply as I stepped out onto the street to begin my day. It was my ritual. I never stopped once to think about the quality of the air I was inhaling, what I was absorbing into my body, or how the simple act of breathing affected my life. Like so many people, I suffered from respiratory problems, including juvenile asthma, and allergies. For the first ten years of my life, I was convinced that I would suffer from these problems my whole life. I knew nothing different, so I accepted my condition. Then, one day, something incredible happened to me: my first family vacation to upstate New York, deep in the Adirondack Mountains.
I can remember waking every morning and taking in large amounts of fresh mountain air. It did not sting my nostrils like the air in the city. I was filled with energy that I had not experienced before. I would sit in silence and just breathe. Even more amazing was the effects that I saw on my breathing as the days passed by. I could breathe more freely each day, and my mental clarity improved as I spent time in a clean and healthy environment.
At this point you may be asking yourself what air and music have to do with each other. The connection is quite simple actually: Just as the quality of the air we breathe affects the quality of our physical being, the quality of our music has the power to affect our emotional/mental state. Young people "inhale" thousands of hours of music with little or no cultural or emotional value. The laws of nature tell us that what one takes into their being is what will come out eventually. It is only a matter of time. James Allen, in his book, "As A Man Thinketh," details the power of thought, discussing how the seeds of our thoughts take root and produce the lives that we live. As we "inhale" music that disseminates negative ideas about people of color, women, and our communities, we are plating the seeds that will produce the opposite of what we desire in our lives. One cannot "inhale' negativity and "exhale" positivity.
In order to heal ourselves emotionally and rebalance ourselves mentally, we must first identify the missing link between what we are experiencing, and what we wish to experience. This missing link is Knowledge. Much of the music that serves as an alternative to the current offerings is not made available to the general public. As a young boy, I accepted the polluted air I was breathing until I was exposed to something of greater quality. Much of the general public accepts what is offered because they are not aware that anything else exists. In Part II of this series, we will examine solutions to issues identified in Part I. Stay tuned... "Inhale Music, Exhale Life."
For more information on Heshima's "Inhale Music, Exhale Life Program" or concerts, please visit: Myspace.com/heshimaiam or call (413)218-6789.
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GOAL, PLAN, ACTION!
PART 1
By Jo Sallins
Congratulations to Taj Mahal, and his sister, the late chanteuse Carole Fredericks. They are being honored in the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum's latest exhibition titled, "Blues in Our Blood." (see POV March 1, 2008 www.afampointofview.com and www.thereminder.com February 20, 2008, Springfield Edition.) After reading these two wonderful articles, a thought came to me -- when was the last time Taj Mahal two-time Grammy winner, world traveler and blues legend, headlined a concert in Springfield, Chicopee, or Connecticut or was asked to share his amazing story with high school students in Springfield? When it comes to hometown talent with global appeal, there's definitely a lack of awareness of how the community can support their hometown heroes and heroines.
Say these three words out loud, Goal, Plan, Action! John Osborn, President - Artistic Director of Hoop City Jazz, Inc., presented me with "The 2007 Brother Rick Award," at the July 7th Jazz and Arts Festival, compensated me and my band to perform and partially funded two of our appearances at the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School. John used his (G.P.A.) degree Goal, Plan, Action!
The Metro Educational Council of Opportunity (METCO) coordinator, Sandy MacDonald, my cousin, has dedicated 30 years of her life happily giving back to (METCO) kids, as well as other kids in the Longmeadow School System. Sandy says, "when inner-city kids come into the suburbs and spend time with their host families, they see nice homes, cars, clean and safe neighborhoods and experience what it's like to create a two-way street of sharing knowledge with a predominately white population of students." She says, most walk away saying to themselves, "If they can go to college, so can I." For the past seven years, Sandy has made sure that when money was available, she brought my educational programs, along with others, into the elementary, middle and high schools. With shrinking budgets Sandy said, "There will be no retirement for me and no backing down when it comes to my kids and their exposure to music and art that truly matters because they are the future." (G.P.A.)
Michael Mucci, the Department Chairman for Music and Director of Instrumental Music at Longmeadow High School, will conduct the full jazz and string ensemble in a concert performing one of my compositions entitled, "Thou Shalt Not Kill." (See page 8) When I met with Michael and asked him about getting involved with this project,within seconds after my request, he said, "Don't say another word; we'll do it." He explained to me that anytime his students can play alongside a musician of my caliber, it can only augment their learning experience. "My caliber!" I'm talking to a college graduate of music education and a trumpet major that beat out 30 applicants for the position he's been holding for 30 years!
Michael Mucci instructs his students to perform with "sophisticated concentration" and that is "listening with a purpose."
Until next time inhale music, exhale life, READ the POV with a purpose and utilize your (G.P.A.)
It is essential.
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Music Essential
“Brianna Fund
Delivers”
By Jo Sallins
In case you’re not familiar with The Brianna Fund it is an
organization that assists children with physical disabilities by eliminating
barriers, solving mobility issues so they can live a full life and participate
in all aspects of community life. On Saturday January 19, 2008 at 6 PM their committees organized
and presented the 10th anniversary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Gospel Concert at the beautiful Evangelical
Covenant Church
in Springfield, MA.
The live music was tight, funky and well arranged thanks to
some really good musicians and the musical arranger Marcus Pitts. St.
Johns Praise and Worship Team opened the concert with two selections
complete with powerful background vocals, a real nice unison phrase in the
second selection that repeated several times allowing for some soulful improv
by Omar Ortiz.
Benjamin Smith director of
D.R.E.A.M. studios introduced his dancers to a very polite applause. Great recorded music, solid performances,
confident faces. They earned that
Standing Ovation! A.J. Bayman The Soft Spoken Prophet, performed two
originals with his usual smooth vocal and effective stage delivery backed up by
a rapper and backup singers so tight I thought they were singing against a
track, another standing “O.” Helen Caulton Harris performed spoken
word. She was good! Her readings were presented under a theme of three
words, “Gifts, Hopes and Dreams.” The
performance was fun, uplifting, thought provoking and she got the crowd
involved, another standing “O”.
Up next, Jevon Modeste (vocal) and Gina
Emmanuel (dance). Jevon gave warning
that his vocals may not be in top condition.
Well, in my opinion, he sounded good other than abruptly walking off
stage when problems occurred with the track at the end of the song. His performance was solid. Gina, obviously the more seasoned of the two
danced with clear purpose, intensity, style and a lot of grace. J.P. Morgan Jr., was the high point Not enough space to say what I feel about
this mans’ vocal ability. From Memphis, TN., the comedian
Eugene Rosebud Johnson clearly the low point of the evening. That’s all I should say about his
performance. Celebration through Mime, the recorded track, was stronger than the
performance; however, I applaud the effort by these brave performers.
The Western Mass
Chapter Gospel Music Workshop, came to the stage started the first song and
as long as that song lasted I was completely blown away, perfect performance by
the lead vocalist and choir. Second song
fell way short. It was a great night,
Kudos to all the staff behind the scenes.
Just a short note on J.P. Morgan Jr.'s “in His own Time” CD After the Brianna Fund Concert I went home and
played from beginning to end, “in His own Time”. This is the work of a serious professional
from the packaging, song sequencing, lyrical content, vocal and musical performances,
writing and arranging. H. Doobie Powell
and J.P. Morgan Jr. are indeed a great compliment to each other. Get this CD!!! Contact: 413-732-0883 J.P. Morgan Jr. TV.
Until next time
“Inhale music, exhale life, it is essential.”
Music Essential “Organix Celebrates”/ “Badia Dazzles” by Jo Sallins
Organix Soul
Local promoters James Lewis and
Darryl Moss, aka D-Moss, celebrated their one year anniversary of “Organix
Soul” a musical showcase that features local artists and international artists
from as far as Toronto, Canada. Saturday night December 22nd at
the Springfield Holiday Inn was highly anticipated because I talked with
promoter/poet/entrepreneur D-Moss and he was pleased to announce all advance
tickets were sold.
Two committed promoters, a great
venue, the return of Leon Timbo and the seven piece band Marcel and the Truth
with special guest percussionist Springfield
native Gerry Victory spells SELLOUT!
I’ve seen Leon Timbo perform before
at the very first Organix Soul and I was blown away. So I made it my business to arrive early, get
a seat and witness this amazing performer.
Unfortunately I never got to see the two main acts because the show
started late for which James Lewis issued an apology to the audience and then
brought on four opening acts. Honestly
speaking the only person that deserved to be on that stage was a young lady by
the name of “Mind Evolution”, that’s all that needs to be said about the
openers. On a more positive note I want
to give kudos’ to James and D-Moss for keeping music alive in the Springfield
area for over 15 years, but next time around keep the opening acts to 20 minutes
total, pro’s only, 10 minute intermission with some music and then “BRING ON
THE MAIN ACT”.
BADIA FARAH
After leaving the Holiday
Inn I went to the Ribbery Sports Bar and Grill in Indian Orchard, MA., so I
could see Newark, NJ native Badia Farah (Badia means “original
creation”). After receiving the royal
treatment upon entering the Ribbery I got some really good food, sat down, and
within 10 minutes of eating the band took to the stage.
Vocalist Badia Farah and “The Instrumentalz” treated the capacity
crowd to a non-stop set of nine songs complete with great vocals, energetic
musical solos, up-tempo grooves and ballads in many genres, two covers, and
seven originals.
Badia is indeed “original”,
captivating and knows how to entertain.
She and the band delivered an almost flawless performance, which brings
me to mention a few flaws. There were
some vocal pitch issues. I think the
band was too loud for her to hear herself, and more attention needs to be paid
to the seating so everyone can enjoy the show.
As I was listening to Badia I kept
saying to myself I feel like I’m listening to an improved version of Randy
Crawford and to my surprise for her last song, a very cool version of “Street
Life”. Oh! And the word on the street is
Leon Timbo, Marcel and the Truth was outstanding.
Until next time,
“Inhale music, exhale life,” it is essential.
Music Essential ...be careful what you practice By Jo Sallins
When I first started taking drum lessons at the age of nine, my mother said to me, “If you want a drum set, you’ll have to earn it by taking lessons for one year. You will have to keep your grades up in school and practice daily without me having to tell you.” Mission accomplished! Six months later I came home one day to find a brand new bright red drum set in the living room. Almost everyday for several years, my family and neighbors in Reed Village were forced to listen to me whack the snare drum, step on the hi-hat, crash the cymbals and kick that bass drum. During my 3 to 4 hours daily practice sessions, you would hear James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, Kool and the Gang funk beats and some pretty good impressions of Buddy Rich. From the reactions of my friends, my parents and their friends and some very cute girls, I actually believed I was the best drummer in the world…….then came my rude awakening. Billy Arnold, Aaron Williams, Rick Marshall, Warren Meyers and Emmett Spencer then entered on the scene. All of these incredible drummers directly and indirectly taught me some valuable lessons. One, you are not even close to being the best drummer in the world. Two, spend less time on your strengths and more time on your weaknesses to create balance. Three, there’s no such thing as the best drummer in the world. So with that in mind the first change I made to my practice routine was to take that drum pad out and get back to the basics of conditioning and properly warming up my shoulders, arms, wrists and hands -- using the drum set only for practicing new beats, independent exercises, timing, reading and tricks for my live performances. Whether I’m out playing with great musicians or at home watching them on dvd’s, I’m not just in awe of their abilities, I’m impressed with how much time they spend practicing on the little things we the audience do not see. I once read that after a full day of dance rehearsal for “THRILLER,” Michael Jackson continued into the night practicing the more difficult dance steps at least One Thousand Times! Now, whether that’s true or false is irrelevant. What I know is that “THRILLER” the video was “mind blowing” and flawlessly executed. An epic example of time well spent in rehearsal. If I told you how much time I practiced, not knowing me, you probably wouldn’t believe me either. I shamelessly suggest going to www.cdbaby.com/cd/josallins and pick up my “MR. COOL” cd-dvd and my latest effort “ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS” cd-dvd. A picture is worth a thousand words, if you take the time to watch. In closing, musicians and non-musicians remember that in all aspects of life, practice does indeed make perfect, so be real careful what you practice. Until next time, “Inhale music, exhale life, it is essential.” I can be contacted by phone at: 413-262-2950 and by e-mail: josallins@comcast.net and on the web at: www.josallins.com
Music – Essential By Jo Sallins For 38 years I’ve been teaching and performing music on a professional level touring in the U.S.A. and abroad with a variety of musicians. For
the past 15 years I’ve been collaborating and performing in Arts and
Education Programs with Tony Vacca, Ines Arrubla, Jacqui Parker and my
own program entitled, “The Music Appreciation Program” (M.A.P.). I’m a member of The Massachusetts Cultural Council and The New England Foundation for the Arts Touring Rosters. At
the age of 9 I began my 17 year study of marching drum techniques with
Jim Calapaletis, 10 years of jazz drumming with Billy Arnold, 9 years
of ensemble African drumming under the direction of Marshall Small and
Alvin Carter and accompanying The Frank Hatchett Dance Ensemble.
From 9-10AM every Saturday morning my mother would bring me to my drum lesson in downtown Springfield. Drive
me up the hill to the Dunbar Community Center on Oak Street were I
would teach, practice, study and play African influenced music from
10:30AM until 6:00PM. Whew!! Wait there’s more! One
day during the week I would have my lesson with Billy Arnold and two
nights a week and some Sundays I would do gigs with Bill and various
groups that he was part of. Billy on the drums, me on the congas, playing the blues, jazz, Latin jazz and swing we made a great team. Ensemble
playing helped me understand how to be an effective percussionist
supporting the vocalist, the instrumentalist and when it was
appropriate, taking the spotlight and doing my solo, anybody that knows
me knows I love to solo! From working, watching and
listening to Bill I learned a lot about music but more importantly I
learned how to survive as a full time musician. Bill’s motto, “Get the gig, be early.” Because of his words, I’ am what I am today, “Thank you, Bill.”
Because
of the foundation that was set by my elders, my community, school and
music teachers I was well prepared to benefit from the many
opportunities that were and are to this day constantly being offered to
me. Because so much has been given to me it only makes sense to create ways in which to give back. I’m
blessed and honored to have been asked by Rick Hurst to contribute a
monthly column to the P.O.V. that will focus on the music scene. As an avid reader of the POV I must say that what I admire most about this paper is the in-depth stories on people of color that are making things happen. My goal for this column is to continue and expand on that example. So
as I make my rounds in and around the Springfield Community developing
stories for my column I encourage readers to e-mail ideas, suggestions,
comments, criticism and praise.
Until next time, “Inhale music, exhale life,” it is essential.
I can be contacted by phone at: 413-262-2950 and by e-mail:
josallins@comcast.net and on the web at:
www.josallins.com
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