"... when it's all said and done, understand it was my life you heard on that stage..."
Where do I even begin? I suppose I'll start with gratitude and acknowledgements. The first, and biggest, thanks I'd like to give is to the Most High. I prayed about this show for months. It was a vision that had been in the works for awhile, and with 3 albums released over a 5 month span, I was more than ready to return to the stage. I spent many nights in 1708 just sitting up and dreaming about what my first show as a solo artist would look like, what it would sound like, and how it would feel. The biggest blessing in all of this is that I was able to put it together on my terms, and that I had the resources to do so. Next, I'd like to thank Logan Schaal for the amazing photos that he took. The man is a beast behind the lens, for real. I'd also like to thank Johnny Bennett, who owns the venue that we performed in. In my first conversation with him -- he had only known me for maybe 30 seconds -- he offered his venue as a rehearsal space, and that offer became a deal for a performance space, as well. He never said "no", and made sure that my guys and I had more than everything we needed to have a successful show. Lastly, many thanks to those that came out! The weather was cold, windy, and wet, so I know it wasn't exactly easy to still leave the house after a long Friday of awkward weather.
Most acts around here have an informal, unofficial name for their backline... something catchy and lighthearted, but something that lets you know what energy you're gonna get... I think I'm gonna go with "mellosmoothe." What do y'all think? Kori Wallace (and Mellosmoothe)...
"Ight, so..." has somehow become how I start the introduction to just about every song. It's a bad habit, and the audience seemed to get a kick out of how often I say it. That was a nice moment, though. A break from the action of chronicling the journey of the lover boy. We started with an instrumental cover (that was actually supposed to be played with the track, but... know what? never mind, I won't complain) of Wale's Miami Nights. There's truly no better way to start a show than reminding everyone that this here was made in Dade. It's South Florida forever around my way.
We followed that with a rendition of Stevie Wonder's All I Do. That arrangement was made for a show I did for the Soulsville Festival weekend kickoff, but we didn't debut it until last Friday. I think it set the tone pretty well. It's a standard song in Memphis, and I got to flash my smile while saying a whole lot of sweet nothings into the mic using the song's lyrics as my base. I'm not going to describe every song, by the way. I'm leaving room for you all to come out to the next show. So all of this is really just a tease, you know what I'm saying?. A taste, if you will... (pause). Anyway, come out to the next show.
Me and my first musical love... the band and I had a moment during A House Is Not A Home where it almost felt like I made my mom smile with how strongly I played. I hope she enjoyed it.
"As live music shows begin to make a comeback, you won't find many more entertaining and engaging as the show this band put on. The smooth rhythms, the original compositions, the storytelling and the fantastic instrumentation only convey part of this listening experience. You won't want to miss their next show." ~ anonymous guest.
Let me stop... my dad wrote that (s/o to the great Mike Wallace). BUT, if we put the familial bias aside for a second, we can still agree that he hit the nail on the head with this quote. All of the musicality and artistry combined are still only part of the story. It's truly a spiritual experience. Not in a religious way, but in the way that acknowledges a gift and connects with the soul of the listener. It makes you feel aligned, full, and inspired. That's what I do this for. It's not about the flair, the money, or the talent. My contribution to society is making sure that I'm in a place where I can be a vessel to provide these experiences of connectivity.
My favorite moment of the show was probably... ehh, I can't call it. I'm very intentional with how my sets are put together. I organize shows in "moments". The LaShaun Wallace moment was very, very emotional. I almost cried while I was soloing over Luther Vandross' A House Is Not A Home. To then go into Slow Jamz to segue into my version of Kanye's unreleased Life Of The Party was special. It opened the door to speak directly to my mother through other angels in heaven. "... Miss Donda, you don't know me, but perhaps you know my momma..." man... that was a moment, really.
I also loved my tribute to the Black Woman moment. I have a song out called Orbital., and it has been a real favorite of mine since the day I produced it. The love that it speaks of is so warm, and so strong. "... bring your energy. Even if it's somber truths and a neglected inner child. What's a cloud to someone that sees you as a flower in need of some rain?..." Wow. "... I made with you a garden. You're my Eve. I ripped my seed out from my rib, and through it, we conceived Elysian Fields, artesian springs. Now that's a meadow for your lily in the valley, love..." WOW.
I'm not just saying this because I wrote it, although I am supposed to be my biggest fan. It's a special song to me, and to combine it Chaka Khan's Angel just creates a beautiful dedication to the wonder of the world that is the Black Woman.
Band, I didn't forget about y'all... Ladies and gentlemen, I'm David Ruffin, and these are the Tem... I kid, I kid
Funnily enough, that's actually what we were laughing about in that picture. T.O. is a true comedian, and kept calling me David all because I simply asked how we should stand so that it was evident that I was the artist, and also to keep me from looking awkwardly taller than everyone (you see how depth perception saved the day in that second pic? Aw.. ok. I was right. Short people always got something to say smh).
Major love goes out to the band. T.O., you came in clutch on a whim and most definitely held it down. I've only known you for a couple of years and you are an absolute joy to be around. Always plenty of laughs, and you are a masterful guitarist. Y'all be sure to check out his work with Black Cream, and you can also hear him on one of the tracks from Anthony Hamilton's new record. Kem, it's always a pleasure sharing a stage with you. You're an inspiration for real. I've always had such great respect for your mind as a musician and presence in the sound. I take no opportunity with you for granted. Kill it on the 12th with Josh Bracy 'nem (hint hint... readers, that's your cue to cop some tickets for that). Chop, man... what can I say? We go way back. If there's anyone that I've had a first, and sometimes second, cousin-like relationship with on this music scene, it's been you. It's always fun having you on the set because I know you'll go wherever I go musically, and even take me to higher heights when I get to bellowing on the horn. Readers, make sure y'all go stream all of his music so he feels pressured to drop some more. He's got some slow jams in the vault that I'm gonna need before the season of cuddling fully commences... not that I just be out here all affectionate or anything like that...
Looking back on how much of a leap of faith it was to do this show, I can't do anything but thank God for the journey. 3 albums down, 2 shows, and I only lost the little money from the cost of doing business and setting up the next 10 moves. I've gained more than what I set out to gain in the process.
Peace and Love to those that read this whole thing. I know I talked a lot. If you didn't, well, how else are you supposed to know that I've got a new song coming out on November 12th? Yes, yes, "fairytale." featuring Kengdom and Priscilla, drops everywhere next Friday. See? There are perks to reading stuff all the way through. I'll see y'all soon.
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