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Throw Back Thursday January 21st

My First Bass March 1978This picture was taken on March 30th 1978. It is the very first picture I ever took holding my very first bass guitar. I was 15yrs old.

My First Bass March 1978

I begged my grand parents to buy me a bass. My parents refused because they had spent enough money buying me instruments and paying for music lessons that I never took serious.

Thank God for grand parents!! Cause parents can be tuff!!

At the time this picture was taken. I was playing in my first band. A local band in Hollis Queens NY. A 10min bike ride from my home in Springfield Gardens.

We called ourselves M-U-1 (Multiple Unit as 1)

I would strap my guitar around my neck, grab my little bass amplifier grab one of my dads conga drums get on my bike with all of that and ride with no hands to band practice in the cold winter months. (for real, totally true)

I must have been out of my mind. And yes I did fall a few times..ugh!

Little did I know that the keyboard player in MU1, Clayton Gittens would end up working with me almost 40yrs later as a writer and producer with 41Records!!

Had you told me the day my sister took this picture that I would end up launching a record company. I would have laughed and said, yeah right!!

In 1978, I just wanted to write songs like Lionel Richie and play bass like Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson.

I now see. Everything that I did in between the time that this picture was take, to present day, was just preparing me!

Even putting great musicians like Clayton in my life at the age of 15!

WOW!!

Now that’s a throw back!!!

Oh! and this picture was taken 12yrs to the date of my son Kyle’s birth. March 30th 1990.

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Getting Ready for the Sounds of Latin

I spent yesterday evening with percussionist Tony Rodriguez! A total of three hours listening to Latin Jazz, Salsa and what I call, Latin funk. As we become inspired to write and record Latin music for 41Records. Exciting!!!

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Introducing Kyle Knight

Today we have another artist introduction! “Visual Lyricist” and recording artist Kyle Knight.

One of the creative qualifications (standard) we up hold when writing songs is lyrical content.

Lyrics must have meaning, they have to tell a story. Lyrics to inspire you, make you think, feel, sing along with or maybe even fall in love to.

Kyle has something a bit more unique! His “visual lyrics,” flash images into your mind. You “visually” watch the story unfold in your head as he’s performing it!

Clear and sharp pictures you’re able to visualize because of how he writes and structures the song, it’s story and the words he chooses.

He fits right into the songwriting landscape of 41Records. Yes, my oldest son. Equally a talented artist.

CHECK OUT THIS QUICK SNIPET. And look for more from him in the coming months.

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She Loves the Song

I can’t get the smile off of my face. Gilleyan J. Loves the song!!! Today’s session was so great!

I think the part I liked the best was when Gilleyan began learn the lyrics and singing along with me. She kept asking me to play it over and over.

As a composer. One of the most gratifying experiences is when an artist says, “I love your song”. I want to record it!

That was my experience today. I can’t wait until all of you hear it.Time to practice it and record it.

The first song she will record for 41Records is called: “Thank You”

“THANK YOU” Gilleyan for loving this song!!

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Introducing Gilleyan J

Meet Gilleyan J

I am over joyed to introduce the first lady of 41Records. You’ll be hearing and seeing a lot more of her in the near future. Gospel and R&B from the heart and soul!

 

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