Today is a day or remembrance of that terror, that heartache, that shock known as 9/11. I lost a friend when the towers fell that day: Carl Valvo, father, husband and buddy. We all lost so much including our innocence and our naivete. We all became citizens of the world and witnesses to the deep desperation and evil that exists in the hearts of men. Funny that today I am being interviewed by Voice of America. 9/11 probably won't be a topic discussed but I will tell a story of my own and the …
Her Heart is Broken.
It's been a long time since I felt heartbreak but I am reliving it right now with someone who is dear to my heart. Talk about feeling helpless. All my wise words mean nothing, I know this because I heard them from others long ago and I don't recall them actually being a balm. Oh! To be young and in love! Oh! To feel that crushing blow of Love's hammer when it ends. I remember that pain. My heart cries out to her. I wish I had that magic pill to make it go away. I wish I could …
Reflection.
My cousin took this photo while at our family reunion in Atlanta. This photo touched me and stopped me in my tracks to reflect. It means so much more to me now. It makes me think of family and my relatives who have passed. It represents a time of community and struggle when African Americans had a leader who fought for us in a time when there was no question and no denial of the conditions of our people in America. So much history, so close to my heart. And I know that other people have such …
Blue Jasmine
I saw Woody Allen's latest: "Blue Jasmine!" Wow. It was terrific. It's as much about mental illness as anything. Cate Blanchett gives a kick ass performance that was so amazing that at one point I wanted to cheer after one of her scenes. I am amazed at how troubling it was to watch her disintegrate. She killed it!!! I am surprised at how much it affected me. I'm a big Allen fan and it did my heart good to see him deal with characters who weren't just rolling in dough. All the old stuff is there: …
The New York Chronicles: SOLD OUT Show!
Crazy, miraculous, overwhelming - call it what you will but I'm still reeling from it. My Musical Tribute to Nina simone at City winery NYC sold out!! My first NYC club gig was a sell out. No matter how I say it - it still seems like a dream - a dream in the distant past. So now what? The journey continues... …