Smooth Artist Interviews

Actually, I was working on producing a film at the time, which I ended up having to shelve temporarily due to circumstances beyond my control. However, I had created or accumulated the rights to sixty (60) demo tracks during the process. I had all these ideas, and sounds in my head that I felt had to come out, and having been a Concert Promoter for 30 years, I decided to to test the creative side of music. So, as Executive Producer, I immediately began working on a full album with Smooth Jazz tracks that were new with a distinct smooth groove and vibe that I thought people would want to hear. Three(3) years later, Let It Flow, the album came alive. I feel really good about the finished product, and hope that not only Smooth Jazz lovers, but people who just like good music, will enjoy the album as much as I have enjoyed making it happen. The single came from a track that I had first produced as the theme song for the movie. When things changed, I took the track in a completely different direction. During the process, It evolved into something totally brand new. So I aptly named it "Evolution"...

I’ll never forget one Saturday evening, it was cold and raining outside...I was about 12 years old. and all 8 of us were in our rooms chilling and trying to keep from being bored. I heard Dad in the den listening to music as usual, so I decided to go see what was going on. I stuck my head in the door and saw Dad in his big chair, his eyes were closed, and he seemed to be in another world. I stood there for a few minutes, before saying “excuse me Dad, but what is that you’re listening to…it sounds weird”. He opened his eyes and smiled, and said “son, this is Jazz,” then laughed out loud and said “It don’t mean a thing, if it aint got that swing”. Then he said. “you have to really listen to it understand it...it will speak to you if you just listen”. So, I came in and sat down on the sofa, leaned back, closed my eyes and really listened…After 4 or 5 minutes, it hit me…Something new that I had never experienced before listening to music…I excitedly asked Dad , “who is that”? He said, “son, that’s Miles Davis, playing So What” …I was hooked on Jazz from that day to this day, and music has been in my life ever since. 

I am most proud of the fact that through sheer will and determination, I have been able to ascend from a very meager childhood,  worked extremely hard all of my life,  put myself through college, learned from failure, never quit at anything I wanted to do, and went on to have a very successful career in business and music. All in all, lets just say that I am most proud of being a kid from the hood that followed his dreams, and did good.

I would have to say that my Mother was the person that pushed and cajoled me the most. She lectured me often to find my own way in life, be the best at whatever path I chose, be the best and successful in everything I did, and build a better life for me and my family. I have passed that advice on to my own seed.

At this point in my life, what inspires me to do what I do is the love I get from my grand daughter, great grand son and great grand daughter. They are Thirteen (13) four (4) and three (3) years old... Whenever they see me, they holler "Big Poppi!!!" and run and jump up in my arms and hug me tight. They show me unconditional love, and respect. I have taught them to be respectful since they were old enough to understand. I have spoiled them to the point that they think Big Poppi can do anything, and they can get anything they want just by asking. I try to connect their wants and needs with how they act...I reward them when they are good, and will tell them calmly but sternly "NO", when they don't do well in school, be disrespectful, or pout if they don't get their way.  I always explain to them that nothing in life is promised to you, and you only get what you earn. At this point though, all they have to do is be good, mannerly, respectful kids, and continue to show me love and respect... Big Poppi will always be a positive force in their lives.

I like and listen to all genres of music, but My Go To albums are Miles Davis Kind Of Blue and Tutu, Marvin Gaye What's Going On, Fourplay Yes Please!, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly Greatest Hits, Donnie Hathaway Live. Earth Wind & Fire Greatest Hits, and anything by my friend Najee.