D W JazzLover

Saturday, December 2, 2017

On The Down Low

Down Low Reprint.

Some Thing to think about.

This was posted a few years ago but I ran into a situation today that brought it all back!!!

Hello Jazz Lovers,
It is a beautiful day.

I have just Finished rereading J.L.Kings "On The down low" and realize he cashed in!! It is Hype for Women. I think I will Blog about my findings..He has finally admitted that he is Gay and yet does not want to be a part of the gay community! I understand that, he still has a lot of self hatred in his own life and made money on it..I offer no disrespect to the Man it is his life after all. I just see it differently that's all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJydWQ4DXr4              Nhojj     "Me and U"

I was born at the end of the 1940's and grew up in the 50's and 60's, I knew I was different very early in life and was not really like other Boys even though I like doing boy things and really enjoyed being a boy!
As I grew I began to understand what was what, I knew Fem guys and realized early that I was not "Like That". But at the time it was serious business not to be visible, the messages from Church, Family, and Society was not accepting of Same gender loving men or Women although for women they often got a pass due to men's fantasies of two women together. but for men it was totally taboo! 80% of the same gender loving men were on the DL or Closet the stakes were just too high to be visible, so a separate society was formed with in a society. There were meeting places, parks, greyhound, almost anywhere and He is right it is always eye contact.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVBg7_08n0         Macklemore and Ryan Lewis   "Same Love."

In the 20's,30's 40's and 50's there was a code for those "In The Life" Certain color ties, The color of Hankies in a suit pocket, certain code words known in the cities example The term "A friend of Dorothy's". But as a whole a complete life to hide..When the gay revolution started in the late 60's, 1968 to be exact, things began to change in the White communities in larger cities but small towns and the south stayed the same even until today! We could not allow relationships to become visible in the Black Community, so the DL became a way of life..It will take decades for that to change..But no one is free until all are free!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA          Sam Smith       "Stay With Me"

The one good thing about his book is alerting women not to live in denial about their men it really can save their lives. But until the stigma of Men loving Men is removed DL men will be around for a long time.. He climes to accept his Homosexuality but if you really listen to him it is obviously clear that he does not. I do understand his thinking, All through time you are told your natural being is wrong and that you are not suppose to exist is a very hard row to hoe! people still think it is a choice. The only choice open to men is to live your life or live a lie. It is like Bleaching Cream is still one of the biggest selling products around the world. When You question my color you are questioning God and his creation, it is the same with sexuality. The DL was created by the society in which we live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEXhZ8PwM-Y     Brian and Thomas Owens    "A Change is Gonna Come"

My Next Blog. Repercussions.. Cause and Effect.

Until next time Jazz Lovers,
Keep the beat.

D.W. Jazzlover

Monday, October 23, 2017

Kerry Rhodes Needs Someon to believe In.

Hello Jazz lover.
Kerry Rhodes in the news one more time..Kerry needs someone to believe in and they keep letting him down. Russell "Hollywood" Simpson did a serious job on Kerry's career when he attempted to Out him in 2014. Outing someone is a serious No-No in my generation. I am happy that Russell did not profit from his big mouth. Enough about him though. I am concerned about Kerry he seems a very nice Man or these things would have not happened to him. If he is Gay and that is a big IF! He breaks the stereotype of a gay man. Society is not ready to have their blinders taken off, they just can not accept that a man can be masculine, good at Sports and be Gay! Look at Jason Collins. Just by this "Hollywood's" word of mouth his career was over. Thru no fault of his own..As Long as that fool would have kept his mouth shut everyone would have kept their blinders on! I have been on this earth a long time and I know for a fact everyone always know and it is acceptable as long as it is not spoken! I call these open secrets. By No Means is he the only one in sports! That is proven by how many come out after their Playing Days are over! Good Morning! Welcome to Reality! Kerry was Out and could not get back in and then he grasped at straws instead. The age old formula, "He got Married!" The complete proving ground for Heterosexuality!! He found a woman and GOT Married!! HELLO! Using Marriage as the symbol of Masculinity has always been the biggest Joke to me, It is so funny because it is so sad. Do I believe he married this woman because he loved her? Absolutely not!

I love photos and I have written here earlier post on each steep Kerry Rhodes Journey so far. I am writing about this because for some reason he has touched my heart. The Body language with Kerry is very telling and when I got to the wedding Photo I tripped a little. All the Groomsmen are Black and all the brides maids are white all the way down to the flower girls and ring bares. Coincidence? I think not, but it got my attention. The body language in the following photos speak for themselves.

It is a V.

Comfortable.

Space

Comfortable.

That brings us up to today! After 6 months of marriage Mrs. Rhodes announced that it was over. I could speculate but I am not. This Life belongs to him and I can only wish him well. I love Kerry Rhoads just as I love Jason Collins. I hope Kerry finds himself and live for himself. I hope one day Society realizes a man can love another man and still be a Man.. That society Learn a Gay Man Can play Football, Basketball, and Baseball just as well as heterosexual men. I long for the day Love Can be Free to Love. I don't know if Kerry Rhoads is Gay or not, it will not impact my life in any way form or fashion. But I care about him and it hurts that he trusted someone and they let him fall, that is never good.

We Jazz Lovers that is my say today. I leave you with one Artist tonight. This is For You Kerry Rhodes..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcO1xx3Mu_M Someone to Believe in Randy Crawford.

Until Next time Jazzlovers

Keep The beat!

D W Jazzlover.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

A 15 Year Old gets a Lesson On Love...

9 August 2017

A 15 Year Old gets a Lesson On Love...

Hello JazzLovers

A Life Lesson at 15.

The Summer of my 15th year, I worked summers at the local Juke Joint in Acers Homes in Houston. My Mom was a friend of the owner and a regular there. I stocked the beer boxes and cleaned just to listen to the juke box. Even though I was not supposed to I also served in the evenings,( My Mom was there so in those days it was Ok.) That summer a man about 50 years old would come in as sit in a corner drinking beer and playing the blues. He would drink every night and go home at midnight. I somehow started him to talking to me when I served him, he was quiet yet very nice and polite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV9oeKObJd4 Today I sing The Blues Aretha Franklin

Finally he started to tell me his story. When he was 19 he go into some trouble with some of his wilder friends and went to prison for 30 years.. An older man (27) took him under his wing as his protector, as the years went by they became lovers, he said this was the only person that had ever touched him with kindness or tenderness. As time went on he opened up more to me and one day at the end of the summer we were alone in the bar, my mom had not come in yet and the owner Martha was working in the back. When I served him his beer, he asked me to sit for a minute. I was happy to because he was always so sad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcO1xx3Mu_M Someone to believe in. Randy Crawford

He began to tell me about this love and how it developed and how lone·ly and lost he was without him and that he was not adjusting to being out of prison, he only went to work to the bar and home, he had no friends everyone he knew was gone. My heart went out to him but at 15 I didn't know what to say so I gave him his next beer on the house. It was getting close to the end of the summer and the next week I was to return to Louisiana for school. I sat with him all that week when the bar was slow and listened to his stories. I really hated to say goodbye on my last night he gave me a cross ball pint pin that I still have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBbloxAgBCc Just You Just Me Ann Peepbles

I looked forward to the next summer hoping to see him and how he was doing. Monday I went tot the U an I to get my job back and anticipated seeing him that evening but he did not show. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and the rest of the week he did not come. Saturday I asked Martha what had happened to him. She told me that the week after I left he broke into a place and waited for the police, was arrested and sent back to prison. I smiled. I understood. His Love was stronger than a freedom with no joy. I never forgot him and I never will. I do so hope his love was still there, I know they had stayed in touch through the mail.

So Many Men never know what it is Like to really be Loved.

I am so grateful for that lesson because I have known Love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zamJkPhtCJk I Just Love The Man The Jones Girls

Well Jazzloves Until next time.

Keep The beat.

DW Jazzlover

Monday, August 8, 2016

I am back at Last...

It Has been awhile...Hello Fellow Jazzlovers,

It has been a couple of years since I have been here. I have made it through a life threatening illness and I also had to learn to read and write all over again. But thanks to who ever controls this universe I made it through.. I have also written two books and I am very proud of that.. They are both on Amazon Kindle addition and I am almost finished with the third in the series.

New Cover...

The second is Out Of Bounds..

Do enjoy..

My Artist of the day is A wonderful Man that Plays for a Group Named "Playing for Change".. Here he is at Amsterdam Pride..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7eDIRYj1aU

His Name is Clarence Melton....Enjoy..

Well Jazzlovers there will be more of Clarence and new post...Oh One More..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YgTcJf_hck

One More and I second favorite Of all times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5lrc3WPuVQ

I missed you all.

Keep The Beat.
DW Jazzlover

I am back at Last...

New Cover...

The second is Out Of Bounds..

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

The Remarkable Women Who Raised me.

Well hello Jazzlovers

It has been awhile, but I could not let this month go by without giving thanks to these six remarkable women.

If you have been keeping up with me you know I had a traumatic experience when I was six years old and these are the women who healed me. My Aunt Mel {back row third from left} is the only one feft and she will be 99years old next month,She has been wanting to come home for one more visit to our church and since black history at our church is my area, I tried to make that possible. But at the last minute she changed her mind about traveling and in no way was I going to be upset about that! But thanks to technology and my 18 year old neice she was able to speak to the church Live!It was so beautiful and so well recieved! She is the most amazing woman and sounds like a 25 year old girl!!! He diction and clearity on the history of the church had every one in tears and she is funnny as hell! But that's My aunt Mel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj6VcS7gouU       "I know where I've been" Queen Latifah

I came into this family when I was six, My Father married the Woman on the left back row and although she was only 23 years old she was wise beyond her years and really became my mama!!!!! I did not speak for a year but they were so loving and caring and made no big deal the day I did start speaking..The Beautiful woman in front is my beloved Grand Mother, who I love to hang out with and I liked to cook with her and the day I started speaking she had left out an ingredient on the dish she was making and I said" Grandma you left out the salt" She rplied "You are right baby go ask you mama to send me some" It was no big deal!!
I know some times they wished I had stayed silent! Because after that day they could not shut me up!!LOL
I loved my Grandma! All 5 of her daughters were just as remarkable and I have never been a step child in this Family. My Uncl KC on the right is still my ideal man! He was my best friend and taught me to be a man even though they all knew I walked a different path, I was loved.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj3aZYvCIZU    " I know where I've been" Alex Newell

These Beautiful People standing there gave me a strong foundation that has taken me around the world and brought me back!! My Grand mother was born ony 20 years after slavery but was the most positive person I knew, and a very firm believer in the truth!! She set me on the path I follow until today...I never heard her complain about a thing in my life! I am so grateful! I could not let this month go by with out saying Thank you to this remarkable family that made me their own! My Father was a lucky man to marry here.and he knew it. I really don't think all my cousins don't remember or just don't care that I am natural born, I am very included ad as Cousin, uncle,nephew as everyone else! Aunt Mel said sundry I was her favorite nephew!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYhY3Z4QwTo    The Barrett sisters

I know what love is and it is thanks to My wonder family ! I have become the confidant to my same gender loving nieces and nephews and to their parents who are trying to understand thier children! So I am happy for my lessons on love from these remarkable people.

.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKqn-aCL4KU       Bella Reese " Being Green"

Well Jazz lovers I leave you With

A Quote by Dr. John Henrick Clark, sums it up well

(When You lose track of your Heritage, You Lose track of your place in this world!”

The struggle is not over.

DWJazzlover

No comments:

Monday, December 30, 2013

I am a Man, I am a Black Man, I am a Same gender Loving Man and I am Blessed

The beginning.

Hello Jazzlovers

Another Beautiful Day to be On This Earth.

I had an interesting experience this week that started me to thinking, Someone asked a few weeks ago why did I choose to be Gay? My Answer was " for the same reason I chose to be black." This week I was told that I don't act Gay! and that gave birth to this FB Post that I feel I should share with my Blog readers. So here goes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V21-8iJbThU " I've Been here Before- Deja Vu " Tina Marie

I prayed and debated a long time before sitting down to write this post! But after having 3 near death experiences, I feel I need to express exactly how I feel about Life and Gods Love. I had an interesting experience the other day when a neighbor said to me " You don't act gay! "My answer was how do gay people act? But it started a process of thoughts in my mind!

So I will attempt to explain my ...thought process after the question. To start with I am Male, second I am a Black male, and I am a same gender loving male, none of which I had a choice in being! Yet each one of the labels carry a different set of rules and perceptions of what each one denotes.
The known are I am not now, nor do I desire to be a female (I love my sistas with all my heart, Women are remarkable!). Being a black man carries it's own set of issues to be dealt with, Then add same gender loving man to that adds a whole new dimension to the equation!

Same gender loving men who are not stereotypical confuses, ( down low) , Those with a strong X chromosome,( Effeminate) are more accepting, because they are more visible. Society deals a little better with this..
I support my effeminate brothers with all my soul because if not for them we would nor have the freedom we have today( Stonewall 1968), but my MENTOTRS were James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Bayard Rustin,( Father of the Civil rights Movement, Malcolm X, Hughie Newton, Men who loved men and still worked for out freedom. Their sexuality did not define their actions or their contributions to our freedom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj6VcS7gouU Queen Latafah "I know Where I've been"

Plato and Darwin were right about natural selection, we would all be a lot freer if we could love who we were destined to love. When heterosexuals ask the question when did you choose to be gay? My answer is exactly the time you chose to be straight!!

Now I know some of you are now going to throw the Bible at me! The same book they used with colorful beads and Missionaries that lured you and I out of Africa out of Africa and into slavery with! But I serve a Living, Loving God that intended me to be just who I am!! I know my time is short on this earth but I am so filled with gratitude for the gift I have been given to see the beauty and being able to create beauty and to keep a loving heart in spite of the hate I face every day of my life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46XAah-olSw "The Ways To Love a Man"

I close by saying I am A Man, I am A Black man in every since of the definition and I am a Same gender Loving man and I have Loved and been Loved . I live-in gratitude of Gods love.

Jazz lovers I leave you with my Favorite Della Song, my theme song and I have been blessed enough to live it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WVBkNez4bU "The I have been looking for"

Well Jazzlovers until next time,

Keep The beat!

D W Jazzlover

Monday, December 2, 2013

The Down Low

Hello jazz lovers

Happy Holidays.

I had an Interesting experience in Church today. I got the DL eye from a very unexpected place!!And No It will not Happen!!! I assure you of that fact. But it did start me to thinking..

I have just Finished J.L.Kings "On The down low" and realize he cashed in!! It is Hype for Women. I think I will Blog about my findings..He has finally admitted that he is Gay and yet does not want to be a part of the gay community! I understand that, he still has a lot of self hatred in his own life and made money on it..I offer no disrespect to the Man it is his life after all. I just see it differently that's all.

I was born at the end of the 1940's and grew up in the 50's and 60's, I knew I was different very early in life and was not really like other Boys even though I like doing boy things and really enjoyed being a boy!

As I grew I began to understand what was what, I knew Fem guys and realized early that I was not "Like That". But at the time it was serious business not to be visible, the messages from Church, Family, and Society was not accepting of Same gender loving men or Women although for women they often got a pass due to men's fantasies of two women together. but for men it was totally taboo! 80% of the same gender loving ...men were on the DL or Closet the stakes were just too high to be visible, so a separate society was formed with in a society. There were meeting places, parks, greyhound, almost anywhere and He is right it is always eye contact.

In the 20's,30's 40's and 50's there was a code for those "In The Life" Certain color ties, The color of Hankies in a suit pocket, certain code words known in the cities example The term "A friend of Dorothy's". But as a whole a complete life to hide..When the gay revolution started in the late 60's, 1968 to be exact, things began to change in the White communities in larger cities but small towns and the south stayed the same even until today! We could not allow relationships to become visible in the Black Community, so the DL became a way of life..It will take decades for that to change..But no one is free until all are free!

The one good thing about his book is alerting women not to live in denial about their men it really can save their lives. But until the stigma of Men loving Men is removed DL men will be around for a long time.. He climes to accept his Homosexuality but if you really listen to him it is obviously clear that he does not. I do understand his thinking, All through time you are told your natural being is wrong and that you are not suppose to exist is a very hard row to hoe! people still think it is a choice. The only choice open to men is to live your life or live a lie. It is like Bleaching Cream is still one of the biggest selling products around the world. When You question my color you are questioning God and his creation, it is the same with sexuality. The DL was created by the society in which we live.

My Next Blog will be more in-depth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46XAah-olSw Della Reese To Love A man..

Only one song this time and until next time

Keep the beat!

DW Jazzlover

Saturday, October 5, 2013

I Actually Wrote a Book!

Touchdown
Available on Amazon Kindle.

Hello Jazzlovers,

It has been a little while since I have been here. I keep my self busy all the time, since I have been away I have completed a Quilt, created a fabric, made new friends, and I actually sat down and wrote a book! This is the song I played a lot while accomplishing these things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgBe0jmJBjw Victoria Wilson James "Perseverance Works"

I am not really concerned that the book sells, the important thing is "I Did It." The accomplishment is what's important. I have been writing in a journal since 1979 and there is a book there too, but not yet, I am not ready for that. This was a book that came out of my head, it is a different kind of love story, and I know it is not for everyone. Life is happening all around us and it really could happen like I wrote it. I do believe it is possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj6VcS7gouU Queen Latifah " I know where I've Been"

I still believe in Love and I am a firm believer that the "The Lord Will Not Mind if It's Love," I read that some where when I was very young and held on to the thought all my life. Two of the characters in the current book has started to speak to me and I have started their story, "At Last Home"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwxM--iDH2c Etta James " At Last" Live

Here is what I learned while writing this book! A healthy new respect for writers, I had to ger out of the way and let the Characters speak for themselves, they will say what they want to say, I learned I have forgotten good grammar! That was the hard part. But I did it anyway!!! I learned a book does not always flow start to finish but reveals bits and pieces of where it has been and where it is going and it was my job to understand that. It was a wonderful experience. And I am feeling good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfJRX-8SXOs Nina Simone "Feeling Good"

It is a brand new day for me My Friends.

Until next time Jazzlovers

Keep the beat.

D.W. Jazzlover.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Jason Collins

Jason Collins

Hello Jazzlovers it is a beautiful day today!

It has been a minute since I have been here, I have been too busy living life. The above photo took my breath away when I saw it, and the story brought tears to my eyes. The Oprah interview just filled my heart with joy as I listened to his Family support him with so much love that I just had to write today for the future.

The Collins Family

Jason is smart, articulate, and just a Beautiful Youngman and I applaud him and will keep him in my call to the Universe for His Happiness. It took an incredible amount of courage for him to come out at this time in his life, it is never easy no matter what age. He is surrounded by
his families love which was so clear in Oprah's interview which is the only important factor in his decision to come out! My respect for him is so deep on so many levels and I will attempt to list them here.

It took an a lot of courage for him to step forward now, and I do understand why, The Man has integrity and could not live a lie any longer and was secure in his families love to finally make that step. ( Most gay people have only two choices in life! To live a Lie or live their lives..usually outside the family) Living a lie is not easy for you can never let your guard down for even a second!! His Twin Brother's response brought tears to my eyes, to Para phrase Jarran said " He is my older Brother and has always looked after me. I love him and support him and if necessary I will protect him" ,a powerful statement. I have that kind of love from my brothers too. In the Black Community that reads true love..

Why now You might ask? Why is this important now? Well for one thing this Man has lived with this secret for 34 years and it obvious he has never acted on it!! To me that is amazing strength of character and it means he must have walked around with an amazing amount of Pain!
But it became obvious to me when Opra asked him if "he lived in fear of someone Outing him?" He replied at once "No!" which means he is still a Virgin and has never acted on his desires! Integrity! Totally breaking the stereotype of what Gay People are! And it explains how huge this battle was for him! It is important to My generation because each of us know exactly hard that is! We face isolation, rejection, ridicule, and even violence and death just to be ourselves and that is just in our own communities., A lot of Gay people leave and end up in Gay Ghettos in major cities and countries that have a semblance to tolerance. That too is an illusion.

This is also Important for all of us because his is a Beautiful Soul that fits in with society vision of a man!! He breaks the stereotype of what a Gay man looks like, and acts like, he looks and acts like everyone's Idea of what a Man looks like and He is not a child of the Night!!! Which is where they think most of us are!! Jason Collins is a Man in every since of the word!! And I cannot be more proud of him is he was my brother, son, or my friend. I remember living a double life and it takes a lot of energy to maintain that. We as People of color are finally coming into our own as a free people, I for one am so grateful for this wonderful Young Man and I am so Grateful to his Parents raising him with such Love..!!! He is Worthy!!

Why once more is this so important!? He is opening a door for Young Kids fighting this battle every day all over this world that feel there is nothing to live for, that have no hope, that they can not live their dreams because they are Gay, Jason Collins has opened their world to new opportunity in the sports world, in other words they really can be anything they want to be. Jason has in stepping forward given a lot of Young People hope !!!

God Does not make Mistakes Jason and You are living proof. I am so grateful for you and support you with all my heart, I fell in love with your Family you are truly Blessed and I am so grateful to have lived to experience your moment in the Sun. You will always be remembered and celebrated.

Thank You!!

God is Love!!

Now Jazz Lovers You Know Della has one song that fits!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4EsZ84Q08g Della Reese!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iujQ8_S6A4 "I've got to be me" Della Reese

Until Next Time
Keep the Beat..

DW Jazzlover

Saturday, December 1, 2012

I love Old Photo's

Hello JazzLovers,

A very beautiful Fall Day!!

Today Frankie!!

I have been away for a while out getting me Some Live!!

It has been a wonderful coupe of months..But today is so special..I just feel good!! Now what started me to thinking was just how good the day felt it is a progress feeling!! I am progressing into adult hood..I am growing UP! And it is wonderful..Life is a Fascinating Journey..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6DFEOFHl0w   "Joy and Pain"

I love old Photographs, I like the faces and try to figure out the emotions of the moment..WHO is comfortable with who? Who is on Stage? Who is really having a Blast!?Who would rather be anyplace else bit there!!( They are the funny!) Who has real love for the others in the photo? Who is in love with who? Who is in Lust? I have been in everyone of those Photographs at one time or another in my life!! And I am so happy to say I am happy in most of the photos that have survived... but I know what I looked like in the one's that did not survive and But all of them are Me!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1HGLnfzamw           "Feel That You are Feeling"

I spent the after noon with an old classmate and we took up the conversation where we left high school!! It was wonderful to know that my friend was still my friend..It is great being among people who knew you before you were you!!! And take into consideration that we have all experienced different things but the core is still the same!! It means you can let down your guard!!
It means that out paths might have been different.Our core was the same..We can speak truths to each other....We remember out innocence( Stupidity! In the eyes of the world!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_6VaCG3tUE   " I Wanna Thank You!!"

To live in gratitude is a long way into who you are...It is so funny to laugh at ourselves...I am so grateful for getting home before it was toooooo Late..

Today I am a Very Happy Man...My friends are still my friends,what more can I ask for!!! I love old Photos because we are thanking Old Photos every time we take a Picture!!  This post is really about the Music though !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YqzJgqG8xQ    " We Are One"!!!

Well Jazzlovers

Until Next time,

Keep The beat..

DWJazzlover

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Facinating Journey!!

I miss my Beautiful Father, I wish I had known him then!!

Hello Jazzlovers,

Featuring George Micheal today..Love This Man!!

What a wonderful day!!

I played hooky today from the total daily routine and did something different!! Back in my old community,I went visiting..And I walked the whole way,it was soooo nice..
The weather was sooo nice and the trees were putting on their Fall Clothes. I had forgotten how beautiful that could be!! I felt like a child once more, I did not need a water bottle because there ale little oasis all along the way..Thankfully there is enough wooded areas that are the same and as beautiful as ever..Joy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfMpNMfliBw George Michael " It doesn't really Matter"

I think this is all I need to say today..Check out the music... Every body's got a story..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulhoKujT2G8&feature=fvst Love this cut..

I am on this quest to know My Father at the above place in his life..I know he worked at the place he is standing, I know that is where he met MY Mom..But I don't know what he was like then. I had no contact with my father ontil I was 6 years old..I knew who he was and I often saw him around town but we had no contact..but even then he was very importantto my life.And from 6years old til adult hood he was verymuch in my life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2GZo0PzqY4 And My Fave!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3mO6DSY4gU My Cuz's Fave...

I wanted to say more but I did not want to leave the wonderful place I am right now..

Until Next time..

Keep the beat.

DW Jazzlover

Friday, September 7, 2012

It's A Lovers Question..

Hello Jazzlovers,

I had a wonderful Weekend..

Hello Jazzlovers.

I am going to feature some of my favorite Jazz Ladies , Just cuz I like them..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQChYKutawk   Randy Crawford " Feeling Good"

I have had the best week!! I had planned to write about something I learned on Divorce Court"about relationships and Pain!! But I will not write about it today because I need to think about it a little longer..I wrote the thought down so I will not forget!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFh8pvfok6w&feature=related    Randy Crawford " Purple Rain"

There was an interesting Development this weekend ! And that is what I am going to write about...Growth is an amazing thing..and once I let go! I have grown a lot..And I realize I started letting go a long time ago... A Dear Cousin was in town last weekend and we had not seen each other in a very long time, it was delightful..Well through her I found some other grade school friends.So I am getting some nice phone calls...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se_8ekDR_5s    My Cuz sent me the original years ago and it is still my favorite piece...

Two of the phone calls were very interesting to say the least..One of the beautiful things about a small town is people have loooong memories!! And Legend's abound!! Now when something happens and everyone knows something happened but no one has first hand knowledge except those involved!! And if one or both of them becomes infamous a legend is born..Oddly enough the incident became funny to me all these years later, and I was telling a New Friend that I knew in school but we ran in different circles and was way ahead of me in school but we knew the same people...The Other Persons name came up and I told here about the scandal and we had a good laugh!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bftD3IV8Mnk   Randy Crawford " Love Town"

I was Young,Fresh,and ready!! Just Toooo Cute!! ( Good Thing I did not know it!!) And just as dumb! snatched up real fast!! Flattered to no end!!! It did not take long to learn that all that glitters is not gold!!(About 2 and a half years) But when You become a habit to someone and they will not let go it gets crazy!!! Well it seems I am Legend !! The two phone calls were from Friends I had not seen since high school and it was really nice to hear from them, we have a lot to talk about!! Bur half way through the conversation it came up!! I have never laughed so hard..We are talking 50 years ago!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h65azRDIg4Q   Rochell Farrell " Till You Come Back To Me"

Thank this Universe that I am very OK with it all, it was a part of my life and I learned from it, sometimes slow and sometimes very fast but that's how life goes.. I will never regret that time in my life, I learned some very valuable lessons in that relationship..A very good thing came out of that relationship, I walked away from it with an understanding of Passion !  50 years later and people are still interested..Must have been HOT!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WNkoABY63w     Esther Phillips

Well Jazzlovers

Until next time..

Keep The Beat..

DW Jazzlover

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Drinking Again

My Space.

Hello Jazzlovers,

I am in a wine drinking kind of mood!!!

So I am going to write about Wine!! And I am going to use Drinking songs to add to the mood..In Bahrain finding places that had a good wine was sometimes difficult and very expensive!! There was one Italian Place that had a great French wine that we all liked and it had a good price about 30 dollars a bottle, but you can only eat so much Italian food weekly..And when left and went to the Bar the wine was boxed and tasted terrible ,,But when in Rome!! What are you going to do?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut3LTPDoIvU     Aretha Franklin "Drinking Again" 1964, some of her best work was done around this time..

Looking at the photo above it was the perfect Wine drinking space..LOL.. Wine is very special to a great evening...In Bahrain the liqueur stores had delivery service so it was easy to keep a well stocked wine collection..I have a very good friend that would drop by and we shared a bottle of red wind with good music and great conversations by candle light..( Candles were also hard to find) Those moments I will treasure for ever!!It is impossible to be sad with a good friend and a great bottle of wine..I also collected good wine glasses it is essential to really enjoying a good wine..( A paper cup or water glasses are not the thing!!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVqDa1Tk1sI   Nancy Wilson " Drinking Again"

There is a bar in the Intercontinental Hotel named Down Town, that is a great Jazz Bar Idea!! A lovely place!! Well a good friend offered us a great wine!! A wine that I am madly in love with now..."Pinot Grigio""""I give it 5 Stars!!! This is now my wine of choice..It is mellow and nice and great with fruit and cheese..Thanks E.One of the Pinot Grigio's we had was a California Wine by Beringer and it is ambrosia!! Well since I have been home I had been drinking various makers of Pinot Grigio and a couple of days ago while heading for an old friends house I stopped to buy wine and there it was!! Beringer!!!Found IT!!!!And my friends had wonderful wine glasses!!!We had a smashing time .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4skuhqj07s        Esther Phillips " Don't Put No Headstone On My Grave" Think about it!!

After we left my friends about 12:30 My Dear Cousin took me to visit some people I had know a long time ago!! And they had a very good Red Wine that I need to find out the name of! But after 2 bottles of White Wine, those 2 glasses of Red knocked my on my ever loving Butt!!!LOL I was feeling no pain when I got home at 3;30 in the Morning!! But it was a Great Day....Nothing like good friends and good Wine!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x16__7n_-Ts    Esther Phillips " Aged and Mello) I just had to throw this one in LOL!!!

Now Jazzlovers don't take it to this level!!!!LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHadxa094Rk Esther Phillips " Cherry Wine" Think about it...

Well Jazzlovers until next time,

Keep the beat!

DW Jazzlover...

Monday, July 9, 2012

The Tapestry of Innocence

The Tapestry of Innocence
Hello JazzLovers,
A Beautiful rainy day and I am tripping down happy memories lane..Listening to Aretha...Featuring Miss Franklin today..

We weave an interesting tapestry in our innocence of youth!! I am thinking of my first trip to The Bahamas, and how innocent I was and how fast I learned a lot of things!! Travel is a wonderful teacher...(Scene) It was the middle 70s, I had just graduated school, had a good job, newel single.living in The City...a wonderful time to be young!(and I almost missed it) There were a 4 of us that were all at the same place in life and wanted to see more. These 2 women were friends that will live forever in my heart..I was the youngest in years and experience..We Liked each other! And we liked nice things and worked hard to get there...Worked hard.played hard..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJaLOGzBaXg        Aretha " Sparkle"

The movie" Sparkle" was spreed by word of mouth...Aretha had released the album Sparkle,and dance clubs were Hot and some the hottest were in the center of town..There was Jazz and bluess Clubs all over town where you could find some fantastic musicians,,,and still make it downtown for the after hours dance clubs so our friends were very varied because we all liked different things at the time. So therefore we did a lot of different things together and apart, We invited each other to different types of entertainment so when you got an invitation you know it was the best..some we all liked some we didn't and that was OK too.   They were Angels!! We in our Innocence decided on an adventure! One of the airlines had an amazing deal to the Bahamas an we decided to go!!What a fantastic learning curve it was and we had a blast!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvVF5pKv8JE        'Look into Your Heart" One of my favarite cuts...

It is a very interesting place, (The whole Culture is a business,for real!!) There is much to offer in meeting tourist needs...They will offer you your vision of island life..and they do it very well and there is a serious code of conduct..in the Culture..it is a very pleasant job..."Multiply "How Stella got her Groove Back, and you get the picture) meets "BAPs) in Old Black Hollywood. What a sight we must have been! They In The Latest in Hollywood Beach Resort Wear ! and me looking like I just stepped out of "International Male @) They did not know what hit'em Sugah! They either we were the funniest thing that had ever seen or we were looking as good as we thought!!LOL !
But we were the only ones who left the airport in private car and did not have a potential escort...carrying our bags....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRjIqE_rw60           "Jump"

The driver kept talking and staring at me in the mirror, now I must understand as to why he was staring,the women were answering his questions and I was staring out the window at the beauty of the Island which was breathtaking...My hair was shoulder length and red/gold in color!! I must have been a sight...He informed us to enjoy the resort that day and skip the hotel festivities for the day and enjoy the pool and the bar and he would pick us up at the front entrance at midnight... After checking in and changed into our "Sex in the City" outfits we hit the pool area in all our glory!!With our umbrellas set just right, we set back to enjoy the bar and the people...The waiters were so much fun!!I have never laughter so much in my life...Feeling very good and very happy we went in to shower and nap about 5 pm..to be ready for midnight...

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx4q1Qq3MUE        " In The Dark"

True to his word the driver was there to take us to the village and he was right about the hotel also all their festivities were over at midnight and most new attachment's had been made and retired to do what most grownups on vacation do!!! It was a local night club and it was jumping!!! (The DJ's name was Sparkle!!) I earned the name "Little slim boy that night,I danced my ass off!! Rum and coconut milk!!Is a lethal combination,I walked back to the resort with a group of guys climbing coconut trees getting fresh coconuts and mixing it with rum!!I walked in in to a Olympic size swimming pool!! Think about that for a moment!!I am walking down a deserted beach with a group of men I did not know feeling good and having a blast..How innocent can one get?? I was in one on the most homophobic countries in the word and felt safe..This Universe is amazing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBrBBFUzpDs    "The dark side of the Strreet"

It turned out to be one of the best vacations I have ever had!! I even won the limbo contest ..18 inches...I got to visit homes and villages, ate home cooking everyday and danced every night away..There are things I need to leave out now..But let you imagination run wild but all I can say is I really felt appreciated and left the Bahamas a very happy Man!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZTMBbsH0XQ "Amazing Grace"

Well Jazzlovers I will leave it here...

Until Next time.

Keep the beat

DW Jazzlover..

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Now is a Wonderful Place to be

Comfort Levels He is free..

Featuring Randy Crawford

Hello Jazzlovers,

There have been a lot of things running through my head lately!!(as always).
I have been thinking about this journey called life and all it intails. One of the wonderful things about ageing is how clearly you can see things as they are..having cleaned out all the old truncks and files and old tapes in my head..and removed all the future tapes in from my mind, I am left with now!! I can now take joy in small things and enjoy all that is happening around me right now. My head and heart are open and aware of beauty....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QylzShXgzRY    Randy Crawford and Joe Sample, "Rio de Janiero Blues'

Did you know that Jazz and Blues are the only trully Born in America ? Right now I am into and Featuring Ms. Randy Crawford only in this post..Randy Crawford is one of my most favored Artist and has been since one of my Dear Cousins (We have to find our way back to each other) sent me the Original album with Her first Version of Rio de Janiero Blues and I was hooked..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74L8h1g4ixA        " People Alone"

There is no us in the verb 'To be". It takes a lifetime to understand what Love really is!! Love is constantly Evolving...Everyone has a bifferent definition of love.. The ability to love and the need for love controles a lot of our actions whether right or wrong in actions.. One of the amazing things about travel is you have to challange all you have been taught to belive! Travel is a journey into yourself..and a lot of people don't get it even when they do travel...I learned that traveling alone or wih like minded people and sometimes traveling with none like minded people...It is very interesting to meet indiginous people and other people while traveing with someone and when traveling alone..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZguZw7Wagg     " Street Life" Live

Travel has taught me to be much more excepting of things I don't know or understand,it frees me to learn and grow as a person..There are some wonderful people out there...Love is real!! To be taught at an early age that no matter what, The Creator of The Universe Loves me..and it is true!!!(See I was paying attention!) Love is so real and it is right there in front of us at all times if we choose..How often have you heard someone say they cone The Creator and in the next breath they hate soneone,country'color,etc? That does not compute with me, How can anyone hate The Creators beautiful Variations of people? It is like a crystal Vase filled with wonderous flowers,all different all beautiful..Thats Love...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-lvsS_RT2c       " When I Get Over You'

Well Jazzlovers,

Untill Next time

Keep the beat..

DWJazzlover..

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Trouble in Mind

A place of Refuge

Hello Jazzlovers,

It is a beautiful day today..

To Beautiful to be troubled!!

But I am troubled so I must write it out..I am giving it to the Universe and letting it go...

I am normally a very happy person and don't let things I have no control over get to me..but I think I am a little venerable right now..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6eg2ppX2tU    Nina Simone "Trouble in Mind"

I am back in my home town after being gone for most of my adult life, I have visited and have stayed a while, but I always knew I would be leaving so it was OK.. I knew what it would be like coming back and I really don't have a problem with it...I am actually happy to be back, I need to be clear on that front..My family is absolutely wonderful!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKqn-aCL4KU       Della Reese   "Being Green"

One of the things I have always had a problem with is hypocrisy!!I have lived my life openly and honestly..So I was very surprised at something that happened last sunday!!( To be honest I expected it) Yet it did surprise me..LOL. For some reason last Sunday I decided not to go to church,It is a community event so I do enjoy going and being amoung people I have known all my life..So My decision not to go was unsual...When my Family returned they were a little vague as to how it went...Until a little later in the evening when they let it drop that the sermon was on Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve...(They can not get pass that one!!Can They?)!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1mdrQpNnHk&feature=relmfu       Della Reese " Fire and Rain"

I felt betrayed because before I started going back to church I had the conversation with the Minister, and asked if they had a problem with it I would not return,,and I was very comfortable with that decision...I was assured that it would not be a problem..I think the Universe for keeping me home last Sunday..I don't think I would have kept quiet...You see I am a Child of this Universe and I did not ask for this GIFT of being me...I am going to live this life and play the hand I have been given until the end...I have a strong loving and giving heart,that I am so grateful for..I see and work at creating Beauty!! If there were no Adams and Steve's there would be very little Beauty on this earth and what a dull place it would be...I really believe this..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRu1xAu5NxY Della Reese " The Games People Play"

The Controller of this Universe is amazing and does not make mistakes and I am a true Child of This Universe...I celebrate that!!! I can only answer to The Universe for me no one can answer for me and I can answer for no one else..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXMTsQBZeYI       Della Reese " I've Got to be me..."

One More..... To say thanks for listening Jazzlovers I feel much Better..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GNg5nyeeD4      Loving Spoonful    " Daydream"

Ok One more!!

See I amfeeling better....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajwnmkEqYpo      Mama Cass   " Dream a little Dream"

Well Jazz Lovers

Until Next time Keep the Beat...

Dw Jazzlover

Saturday, April 21, 2012

I've Come This Far By Faith

Faith Is Personal...

Hello Jazzlovers,

It is a rainy Day Here today...

I have never written about Religion or Faith because I feel like it is personal.... Sitting out on the front porch having a fag,this post started running through my head...So that I am clear I am only writing about my personal faith..no one Else's, only mine...I feel like we are all trying to get to the same place, it is just that we are taking different highways...My route is different now than it was when I was a child...I am becoming disillusioned with Church and Religion..Don't get me wrong,I do belive that there is something in this Universe Bigger than me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXTi1UCzWuI              James Clevland " I don't believe he brought this far"

I am very grateful that I had the Church,and the Masjied in my life as a child, it taught me many lessons on goodness and discipline in my life..Those early days have been my Rock and my Faith runs deep!! But Not like everyone Else's...I am having much trouble with Church and with religion right now..I grew up between three religions and realize that the messages are almost the same..But I cannot live my life looking at the end of my life!! I was put down here to Live, to Learn to be free..I can not believe I was not meant to make mistake's , to enjoy pleasure, to love someone,That is what forgiveness is all about! Isn't it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYhY3Z4QwTo       The Barrett Sisters " I don't beieve He brought me this far"

I have been a "Child of the Night" and loved every moment! But I have never done anyone any wrong,Langston Hughes once wrote " Children of the night will give a snake a break" and that is the truth...I loved the Night Life,I enjoyed the people and I have had much fun,and I have met some wonderful people and made friends that will last a life time..I also still have friends from my child hood..But the discipline I learned at My Very religious Grandmother stayed with me and kept me safe!So I have to believe that there is a Creator of this Universe..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxwSP38hRi0    Aretha Franklin   " Going down Slow"

When I was out there loving the Night Life, People were real!I loved the music and the dancing better than eating...Mater of fact I saved lunch money to have the price of a ticket and a couple of drinks,LOL before I could afford it.. I wanted to experience it all and I did,but it does not mean I lost my faith or my belief in A Creator of This Universe..I just found the People of the Night more honest if!!If they were a Thief,You Knew they were a thief!!They did not hide it..You Knew a Lier when you met them!!They too did not hide,,A Loose man or woman admitted the were fast..A Nice Guy or a Lady was respected and left an alone or/and Procter!! Langston was right...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCGsPWv1nKk         Cassandra Wilson " Children of the Night"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wqHOXXe_QM       The Jones Girls " Children of The Night."

I have always been honest and open with my life, even when I did not know I was, it is hell tryi,ng to live a double life..and for safety there are times you have to try...You must allow other people to fool themselves at you expense..Don't get me wrong I have made mistakes in my life lots of them,but I have learned from most of them and tried not to repeat them...But that's like!!I have Loved and I have been Loved,and I can find no wrong in that..I found a book in a junk shop when I was just a kid,The title was "The Lord won't Mind if it is Love" I am so happy I found that book, It saved my life in many ways..It came along when I was having a serious Identity cries,it helped me to decide to life my life as I was,,,To play the hand I was dealt,and I have no regrets..and I think that is what the Creator of This Universe want of us !! My God does Not make mistakes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzQkX-IZDbQ          Nina Simone " My Way"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3rvos6CRCM           Shirley Bassey " My Way..

Well Jazzlovers Until next time.

Keep the Peat...

A prewiew of the next post....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx227986hc8&feature=related    Shirley Bassey " I am what I  am"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rXzaKJDfu8     Gloria Gaynor " I am what I am...
Love Always
DW Jazzlover