Charlotte Shout Fest 2008

This past Tuesday, I got the chance to go to a Shout Fest. What is a Shout Fest? It was a meeting of great music that included shout bands (tubas, trombones, trumpets, tambourines) and various choirs.

http://www.charlottecentercity.org/nav.cfm?cat=18&subcat=102&subsub=0&id=2038

Let me tell you, after hearing them, they wanted me to go and get my tuba and mouthpiece and start marching again!! I was just amazed about their improvastional skills. I didn't see a piece of music everywhere and the crowd from age 2-82 were spiritually moved by the music. At one point, I felt like I was right in the middle of a battle of the bands because 2 Shout bands were facing each other at the front of the church and each band were respectful but going at each other full force. One band would hold their last note at triple fortismo, with the lead trombone meandering around the last note as his slide almost falls off, while the other band were itching at the chops, to take that last note, change the key, and rock it on to a brand new song. They really bought gospel music life and force fed it right to your soul. If you ever get the chance to see a Shout band, I would strongly encourage you to go, as there are several bands across the country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shout_band

Take It Easy!!

See Mom...I Didn't Forget!!

I was thinking about my mother so I had to write a post about her. Those Sunday mornings when she has the kitchen crackling with fresh bacon,eggs,and her homemade pancakes.I am upstairs in my bed, "pretending" to be sleep so I can miss the bus to go to Sunday School. But that's not going to happen today. Mom gets out of the kitchen, goes to the bottom of the stairs and screams "Get up and get ready for Sunday School because I know you are not sleep!" But hey can't a fault a brotha' for trying.

Whether it was Shirley Casear, Rev. James Cleveland, Walter Hawkins, The Clark Sisters or Dottie Peoples, I will never forget my mother having the good old-school gospel show by WHUR 96.3, hosted by Patrick Ellis. I think it was her way to thank the Lord because she always didn't get the chance to the House of The Lord, but that show was on without fail. So, as I get older, and moving to the QC, I am still looking for a new home, I find myself now listening to these same songs on a daily basis. The technology I have, (Ipod, Itunes), allows me to explore new gospel music, but sometimes search for those songs that Mom had on Sunday mornings.

http://www.wowgospelonline.com/

Thank you Mom! I love ya, you are always in my thoughts!!

Music Tag

The Soultress has tagged me so here we go:

"List seven songs that you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now, shaping your spring summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they're listening to."

1. Chuck Brown "Woody Woodpecker"--Some days I miss home, so it's good to listen to the Godfather and the rhythm instantly takes me back home.

2. "Wear It Out"--Gerald Levert--This is from the "Stroke of Genius" album. The title says it all, so there is no explanation needed.

3. "Da' Butt"--EU----Got to love this song!! For your young people, this song came off of The School Daze soundtrack.

4. "Stepped on My J'z" (Nelly/JD)--....trying to avoid the rotten tomatoes thrown my way. I know I know, before you say anything....I like the song, it's quite catchy, and I know MJ cut a nice check to Nelly for this one!!

5. "Round and Round"(LSG) This album was slept on! There are some serious tracks on this album and I am glad R Kelly didnt make the cut because I don't the group would not have the same chemistry.

6. "Soon and Very Soon" (Andre Crouch)--I have a gospel playlist on the Ipod and I try to get some gospel in before work and this songs seems to get in on many mornings.

7. "Brooklyn" (The Fuzz Band)---This is a jazzed up tune by my peeps from HU. If you don't know about the The Fuzz Band and I am going to need for you to google!!

Soulstress...now you can stop cutting your eyes at my outdated blog!! LOL