Very Grateful for This Time
Today is July 6th, 2023. Tomorrow evening, my extended band and I perform at a huge block party called Oakland First Fridays, and this week leading up to it has felt particularly special.
One reason it has felt very special is that twice before, I almost played Oakland First Fridays with two of my previous bands. Both times, we got booked, but it didn’t quite work out. And even this time, it has been a fight to even get to this point. Not a fight with any person, thankfully. In fact, one of the things I am most grateful for are the hearts of my team. I have an amazing band and crew for this show, and they all have amazing hearts. Their willingness to share their gifts and help me in the process is something I do not take lightly, nor do I ever take for granted.
Another element to this special week was that my father and I embarked on an old/new album project of his. I say old/new because there are some new songs in the mix for sure, but there are many songs that he has written as far back as 30 years ago that never made it to the studio or the big stage; songs that have deeply blessed people throughout the years, and songs that I used to listen to as a kid while he was writing or rehearsing them. Being a co-producer and orchestral arranger on a project with my dad, and to be working on songs that helped shape my musical taste as a little boy is definitely a full circle moment.
Don’t let anyone ever try and downplay the impact of a father in their son’s life. And I don’t just mean in terms of teaching skills. My dad spent way less time teaching me music in comparison to teaching me what it means to have integrity, use wisdom, treat people with kindness, pray, honor my commitments, work hard, and much more. I think the easiest part was the music part. Anyone can impart knowledge of their craft to someone else. Taking the time and energy needed to walk with, disciple, be patient with, clash with, and raise someone is something else entirely. I’m grateful that my father and I have the relationship that we have now, and I’m grateful he did the work in raising me so that we can work together in the capacity that we do now.
In my preparation for tomorrow evening, I could not finish this week without voicing how thankful I am for the opportunity to do music for this long and at this level. I thank G-d for my family and community who love and supports me.
Onward and upward.
Photos by Elle Jaye aka @drumphotos