September 29, 2025 • 51 mins
Living Your Dream explores the journeys of artists, entrepreneurs, and individuals who have pursued their passions and built fulfilling lives. We delve into their challenges, triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way, offering inspiration and practical advice to live more authentically and purposefully. Jazz is a major form of musical expression. Jazz has a language that is understood worldwide. You can hear the message without words. It speaks to the depths of the soul and brings emotion.
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ASharpe Outlook is broadcast live Mondays at 8AM PT on K4HD Radio - Hollywood Talk Radio (www.k4hd.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). ASharpe Outlook TV Show is viewed on Talk 4 TV (www.talk4tv.com).
ASharpe Outlook Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media (www.talk4media.com), Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/asharpe-outlook--6643730/support.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
This program is designed to provide general information with regards
to the subject matters covered. This information is given with
the understanding that neither the hosts, guests, sponsors, or station
are engaged in rendering any specific and personal medical, financial,
legal counseling, professional service, or any advice.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
You should seek the services.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Of competent professionals before applying or trying any suggested ideas.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Hello, and thank you for tuning in to a Sharp
Outlook on k FO HD Radio and Talk or TV.
I am Angela Sharp. Your host. Our arm chair discussions
with industry experts will give you the steps, tools and
information to be successful in business and to prepare you
to be your best self. Hello, I'm Angela Sharp, and
(00:57):
welcome to a Sharp Outlook. Thought about living your dream? Well,
that's what we're going to talk about. We're going to
be talking about exploring the journeys of artists, entrepreneurs, and
individuals who have pursued their passions and built fulfilling lives.
We delve into challenges, triumphs, and the lessons that they
(01:19):
learned along the way, offering inspiration and practical advice for
listeners seeking to live more authentically and purposefully. My guest
was involved in jazz as a music. I love jazz.
There's something about it. Listening to jazz. You don't have
to have words. You can make up your own words,
you can have your own style, you can sing your
(01:41):
own songs. So I love that. It's an African rhythmic
sound and it's heard in gospel hymns, marches, vaudeville, a
majority of all dance music. A major form of musical
expression and traditional cultural and popular music, jazz is characterized
(02:04):
by its complex chords and call and responses, vocals and
polly rhythms and improvisation. In other words, jazz has a
language that is understood worldwide, and it is a music
that is around worldwide. Most people enjoy jazz and you
(02:25):
can hear the message without words. It speaks to the
depths of your soul. Today, we will have a conversation
with the legendary jazz pianists and organist Bobby Floyd, exploring
his musical journey, influences, and perspectives on the current state
of jazz. Bobby Floyd is a masterful pianist whose journey
(02:47):
began during childhood and has led him to stages around
the world. Bobby's passion for music was ignited at a
young age and fuelled a career filled with creativity, collaboration,
and dedication. So I'd like to ask Bobby to join
us right now and we can explore his life and
(03:08):
otistry of Chew music visionary. As I read his bio,
I would love for him to join me. He has
just accomplished so much over the years. Bobby Floyd is
a highly acclaimed in jazz and blues pianist, organists, vocalists,
and composer known for his dynamic performances and soulful improvisations.
(03:32):
Born in Ohio, we were both born in the same town,
Hallo Yeah. Bobby began playing piano at a young age,
influence by gospel music and sounds of jazz legends. He
developed his skills through self taught formal training, countless hours
of practice, and eventually establishing himself as a prominent figure
(03:56):
in the Columbus music scene. Bobby's career has spanned several decades,
during which he has performed with numerous renowned artists and ensembles.
He has toured extensively, captivating on the audiences with his
energetic stage presence and ver virtuosic playing. His repertoire includes
(04:21):
a wide range of jazz standards, blues classics, original compositions,
all delivered with his signature blend of technical skill and
emotional depth. In addition to his work as a performer,
he's also dedicated time to teach others in master classes
and workshops and institutions so that others to learn to
(04:46):
have this same type of career. Also, there was a
record called All About the Basie and it was nominated
and Bobby played on just about every track on album.
It was nominated for a Grammy and the Best law
As for the Best Large Ensemble and was released in
(05:08):
twenty eighteen. Bobby played with Count Basie Orchestra for six years.
I was excited. I'm sure to be walking the red
carpet on Sunday, February tenth, twenty nineteen. That was some event,
wasn't it, Bobby?
Speaker 4 (05:24):
That was great?
Speaker 2 (05:24):
That was it was real great. I consider myself lucky
and lucky because I was in the right place at
the right time. I just happened to be playing on
the Basic Orchestra at that time, and we were recording,
and at the time I was playing with Bassie I
was also playing with Doctor John.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
I was doing multiple tours, and for two three weeks
I would play with Doctor John and catch it playing
to wherever and play with Basie.
Speaker 4 (05:57):
But it just so.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Happened I turned down the John to do the recording
with Basie. The Basic album, I still call it albums.
I'm old school.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Yes, I have a few records.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
And it was nominated for a Grammy. But actually on
one of the later albums. A lot of people don't
know about this. I happen to be in the right
place at the right time. I recorded with the Basic
Orchestra again.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
And I only played one song on it. That album
won a Grammy. Oh that album, right, And the name
of it is something like Basic plays the Blues. It's
something like that. But if you look it up, you'll
probably be able to find it. There's one one. There's
one song on there called rock Candy, and I'm the
(06:57):
organist on it and George Benson playing guitar.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Oh my goodness, you got all in your life?
Speaker 2 (07:05):
And I check a short solo on and then he
plays a solo and it's a nice sort of up
temple song. At that time, a lot of people don't
know about it, but that that song, that one song
on there I'm on that album won a Grammy.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Want a Grammy? My goodness. Oh yeah, I'm proud my
hometown guy has just reached the stars. And that is hard.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
You know, I'm proud of I'm proud of you. Also,
you know, it looks like you're doing You're doing some
real great and meaningful things and that's that's great. Some
congratulations to you.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Well, thank you so much. I'm just trying to stay
busy and and I love to talk and I love
to inspire others, you know, you know, help them maybe
not follow some of the decisions that I had taken
in my path or some of the places that I been.
You know, I work with different types of people and
(08:03):
I love music. Do you remember, Well, I'm going to
get into it. This is how you started, Bobby. Your mom,
missus dear Floyd, we call her mother Floyd. Uh played
the piano at our church and I'm sure listening to
her play, you just like I want to do that.
(08:25):
And I think it was at around six years old
you you began to start playing for the church.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Yes, uh huh do you remember that?
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Yeah? Wow, we had some great songs. So we used
to be singing. We had some great we did.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Yeah, Saint Paul Chercher died in christ.
Speaker 3 (08:45):
Yeah, we we used to sing. And remember I used
to sing a lot of solos.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
And I remember I remember that.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
I thought I would take the musical path, but I
realized I was too shy to do it.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Well, I'm sure too. Yeah, you know, the music speaks
for itself, so well.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
Yeah, we don't have to say.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
A whole lot.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Yeah, you would get in there and that head, your
feet would get to going on the organ, and your
head got to moving. I knew the spirit was moving then.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
Right.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
We were just so excited. I mean we were singing
some of those old songs. Victory, Victory shall be mine.
I'm glad Jesus lifted me. I mean all of those
good old gods ones. Yeah, yeah, they were and they
had so much, they said so much, and they lifted people.
Uh and you does lift people their spirit. And you know,
(09:42):
because there's a lot of sadness, you know, in the
in the atmosphere right now, and just just hearing a
nice chord and some songs or you know, doesn't even
have to have words, the music itself takes you to
a place where it consumed their comfort and and really
change you know, how you're feeling and things like that.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
I played, I played a gig last night. That's what
we call a gig is a performance last night at
a place I played every Sunday night. And after we played,
a lady walked up to me and said, oh, thank
you so much. You know you just made you just
helped me because I can get through my week, you know, yeah,
(10:28):
And I said, wow, you know, and that happens a lot,
but every time somebody says something like that to me,
it kind of reminds me of what you just said.
You know, music moves you like that, it affects you
in that way. You know, I don't know what. I
don't know what she was dealing with, what she was
going through or whatever it was. You know, what we
played last night is going to help her, you know,
(10:49):
get through it.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
All, you know, right, right, So that's truly that's really
really important.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
Yeah. And you know, I was looking it up and
I saw where you had quite a few other people
that you played with, you know, Chuckman, Joon Houston, Pearson, Ranford, Mouse, Salas,
Roy Hargrove, Navia Staples, Gerald Wilson, right, John Clayton, like
(11:21):
you said, Doctor John Lewis Nash right Strippling, Oh my gosh,
Doc Severnson. I mean you've got them all, Rade.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Charles, Yeah, a lot. A lot of those were one offs,
you know, just one time, but you know some of them.
I still played with some of those people. I played
with John Clayton sometimes. I just played with him about
a month ago, Yeah, I did. I played with him
(11:49):
about a month ago in Vail. I played at Vel
Jazz Festival just about every year he runs the bel
Jazz Festival.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
I played with a lot of those people, but you
named some of Roy Hargrove. It was just a week,
one week, a series of concerts and some of those
other people. But yes, I've I played with all those people.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
Well, you know, those were some of the favorite artists
out there at that time. You know, they're they're the
jazz greats. So I mean that's just that's an amazing,
amazing thing. So tell me about Errol Garner because I
think he's the one that really kind of influenced you
too to want to play jazz. Is that true?
Speaker 2 (12:35):
Yes, Yes, I loved as a little boy growing up,
my father, and you knew my father, he loved he
loved jazz piano and he played just a little bit,
just good enough to start me off, but he loved
you know, he played jazz records and Earl Garner actually
really caught my attention his style of clying. So he
(12:59):
he was my favorite artists growing up.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
He was my favorite artist growing up.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
And you probably know about the story where he came
to our hometown. The Marrying Concert Association brought him to
the Marrying Palace Theater and my dad took of course,
he took me out to hear and that was that
was a big inspirational moment in my life. You know,
(13:25):
they took me backstage, I met him. I actually sat
down and played the piano for him, and I played
his big hit, his big song was Misty.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
Oh really looked at me.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
So I played that for him. He was really impressed.
So that was a big That was a real big inspiration.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
Oh my gosh, I mean we're talking about someone actually
living a dream. I mean, yes, most people can't even
identify what their gift is, what their purpose is, what
they should be doing with their lives. And they's the
opportunity of doing what they love most. I try to
tell people, you know, whenever I'm on the show or
(14:06):
even when I'm meeting them, if you're trying to pick
something to do, make sure it's something you're going to
enjoy doing for the rest of your life, because you're
going to be putting that time in at least fifty
maybe sixty years, So you better love it, you know.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
And yeah, wow, yeah, it's a coincidence. I mean, you know,
it's funny that you bring it up, because I say
the same thing to young people, the exact same thing
you just said. I tell young people.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
That all the time.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
And there's so many miserable people in this world. So
they're getting up at nine in the morning and five,
leaving their jobs at five, and they don't like what
they're doing, right, right, So they're miserable. Yeah, they're miserable
for like years until they retire, like thirty years doing
the same thing every day, you know, and they.
Speaker 4 (14:59):
Don't like it.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
So I tell people to find out what you just
as long as it's a legit right, right, you know,
I mean you might find something, yeah, you're not supposed
to be doing, right, but it's legit, and you know,
if you enjoy doing it, try to make that your career,
(15:20):
your occupation, your life, and you'll be happy.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
That was one of the things.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
You know.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
My father passed, you know, when I was seventeen years old,
and one of the last things he told me to do,
he said, because my mother and father had waited. They
were waiting until I graduated so they could go and
travel and see the world and do all these things.
And they, you know, delayed doing some things they wanted
to do, and then he got with cancer and passed.
(15:49):
But the one thing he told me was, whatever you do,
do whatever you feel you can do. Don't don't apologize
for what you're doing. Don't be afraid to go after
what you want to do. Do what you want to
do and make sure it fulfills your life and it
(16:10):
makes you happy. Don't ever stop being who you want
to be and doing the things that you want to do.
So I pretty much have done everything. I mean, I've
on the restaurant, I've traveled and done my work. I've
been a foster mother. I mean, I just I mean,
the list goes on and.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
On and on.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
The prisoners and taught onto treatment centers and taught. You know,
I used to be a master of a home church
for the homeless because they don't feel comfortable going to
regular churches. And shame on churches that do not welcome
the homeless. Right, they need the same thing that you need.
(16:52):
And they shouldn't be feeling ashamed or feeling like they
don't belong, or feeling like they're not welcome. That is
not what we're about. That's not who we're supposed to be.
And so I welcomed them. Uh, And you know, we
had a pretty nice little congregation and we would feed
them after service, you know, and they would come off
(17:15):
the streets and and and we would have service, and
I would teach to them and then we'd share a meal.
And I did that for quite a few years also, So.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
That's great, that's great.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
I've just done everything that kind of like I wanted
to do. Living living your dream, Yeah, yeah, I just
have about dreaming, that is what the problem is.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
Well, we're supposed to continue dreaming. I'd say, keep dreaming
the rest of your life.
Speaker 3 (17:42):
Well, yeah, I think I think I probably will.
Speaker 4 (17:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
So has anyone else shaped your career that you can
think of? Oh?
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Uh, that's a good question there. Yeah, there are quite
a few people that have There have been like lots
of influences in my life from from the very beginning.
I mean, I can go all the way back to
uh Miss l T. Dukes, remember who she was. She
(18:15):
was the piano teacher in Maryon, Ohio. That started me off. Yeah,
And I went from her to Maury Kline, that was
another piano teacher in Maryon. So my piano teachers. I mean,
there are so many people. The pastors in our churches,
they helped shape you know, the church mothers, the missionaries,
(18:37):
the deacons. You know. I'm so glad I grew up
playing in church, because I mean I don't I don't
go to the same church that I grew up in
right now, and a lot of my beliefs are different
from what they taught us. But I feel like I'm
well grounded, you know, just from just from that experience
(18:58):
of growing up learning to do what is right and
not do what's wrong right, you know. So that that
and I don't know if you're talking about just influences
in general or music related influences. I guess I'm just
talking in general.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
Yeah, in general, Oh yeah, all of them. I mean,
I am so happy for even though a mother was strict,
I am so happy I got that foundation from her
and my grandmother's and I have a firm foundation. And
like you said, I may not have, you know, believe
(19:35):
some of the things that we were taught, because I've
had a chance to do my own research, my own study,
and I did to a Bible college, you know, so
I could get my license and everything. But I'm well rooted,
I'm well grounded. I know what's true, I know what
isn't true. I know what is right, I know what
(19:55):
is wrong. And the main thing is I was always
taught and I belie leave it to this day. You're
going to reap what you sew. And if you want
to have a good garden, you need to plant good seeds,
and if not, you're going to have weeds. It's choking
out everything. And then you're going to be saying, why
is this happening? Well, remember those people that used to
(20:17):
say ugly things about Remember those people that you thought
weren't good enough and you said ugly things about them.
Remember those You know, you're planting seeds in a garden
that as you grow older, you're going to have to
reap it, and your crop is going to be really
either wonderful, great and beautiful and flourishing, or it's going
(20:39):
to be rotten and you're going to have to remember
no one planted in your garden but you.
Speaker 4 (20:44):
You.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
That is that's truly important. Yes, So tell me, tell
me kind of what was your process when you're you know,
because you also have composed some music, So what is
your process in composing music?
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Uh? Inspiration? Mm hmm, that's the biggest thing. I don't
compose as much as I should. But I'm I'm, I'm
but I but I do it. I still do it.
Speaker 4 (21:15):
But any any.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Part of a melody that comes to me, like a motif,
we call it motifs in the period, uh, that comes
to me, and if I like it, I'll work with
it and try to develop it and make it into
something else. Uh. And for the most part, most of
the time, it's a long process because I might, I might.
(21:41):
I have like little phrases, musical phrases that I came
up with like years ago, but haven't done anything with
it because I can't have anything else to go with it.
But but then there's the opposite. I do have phrases
that I put together and I was able to make
it into a song, you know, but an initial thing,
(22:01):
the first thing that causes that. It's just like that
first phrase that comes to me that inspires men.
Speaker 4 (22:08):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (22:08):
It could be anything. It could be four notes, three notes,
and you know, you just keep hearing it in your
head and you want to do something with it. I
want to do something with it. So that's that's the
start of the process, you know. And you know it
could it could be like a lot of different avenues
that you go down or through to get to that
(22:30):
to complete it, like working with other musicians on the
same song, or getting ideas from other sources to put
into your song. But I mean there's like a lot
of different a lot of different ways you can you
can go through to develop that. Hm hmm.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
I know. I tried to play the piano, but it
didn't work out because I had to cut my fingernails
and I wasn't going to do that, so Vanity right,
So then I even got a guitar and I thought, Okay,
I don't have to cut my fingernails, so I and
then it's like, no, you're gonna have to get calluses
(23:10):
on your fingers. Oh my fingers. No, I can't do
this when either, So I had to sell my guitar.
I guess that was not before me.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
I see the piano, Your piano sitting back there.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
Yeah yeah, yeah, I come up to Seattle.
Speaker 4 (23:27):
I have to come over and play it.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (23:30):
I I tried, you know, taking lessons, and it's just
something about it. I just couldn't get to the point
where I was relaxed and not watching my hands, and
I was looking at the notes and up and down.
It just wasn't working. I just couldn't let go of
trying to control it. So I just thought, this is frustrating.
(23:52):
I'm not having fun. So it's just what kind of me.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
By surprise, because you were you were like, really a
good singer while we were growing up.
Speaker 3 (24:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
Yeah, people in your family that were musical. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (24:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
I remember Janie playing the piano.
Speaker 3 (24:11):
She was playing the piano, and we had our little
Sharp Sister singers, and you go around and it was
the Sharp Sisters and we had our little group sang
and went through the conferences in Mansfield and Detroit, and
then everybody went through separate ways, and so we never
completed that journey. I kind of missed that we didn't
(24:35):
but yeah, yeah, we used to sing quite a bit,
and but I just couldn't stand up by myself. I
just didn't have that confidence. I probably could now, but
I can't sing now. Okay, I don't have that voice anymore.
(24:56):
So if you know, use it, you kind of lose it.
But isn't that for me to give my praises that
I need to give?
Speaker 2 (25:04):
Okay?
Speaker 3 (25:05):
So that's what's important. What are some of your memorable
moments because you've done a lot of touring, or were
there any tours that you went on that were more
memorable than others.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
Or well, I tell you, one of my favorite places
to go to is Japan. I love going to Japan
because the people there they love our music, they love jazz,
and they actually, in a lot of cases know more
(25:43):
about the history of our music than we do. And
they respect you. They treat you like kings and queens.
When you go to Japan, you know, there's a nightclub,
very popular nightclub that's known throughout the whole world called
the Blue Note, right right, And there are blue Notes.
(26:04):
There used to be quite a few throughout Japan, Tokyo
and all the other cities in Japan, and we played
quite a few of them. They give you the red
carpet treatment there. They love your music when they come
out to hear you. You play and it's quiet, It's
totally quiet. You can hear a neat, a pin drop
(26:26):
on the floor. It's that quiet, and you think, man,
these people sitting out here going to sleep, you know,
but they're I mean, they're like just listening.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
Yeah, you know, there's just.
Speaker 2 (26:40):
On what you're playing. It's almost intimidating, you know. But
after after you play, they just go n class.
Speaker 4 (26:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
So yeah, Japan is one of my favorite places to
go to. Uh. I love just a matter where.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
I've been.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
To a lot of places. I played in South America
a couple of times in Brazil, uh and uh Limo.
And the people respecting music down there. They treat you well.
The food is the food down there is great.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
Yeah, it's great.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Been all all over the country. I love playing on
the West Coast. I was just out there about a
month ago.
Speaker 3 (27:28):
Oh wow, I wish I had known.
Speaker 4 (27:30):
Yeah, I was in San Jose. I got an award
in San Jose.
Speaker 3 (27:35):
Yeah I saw that.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
Yeah, that was in San Jose. California about a month ago.
I play in Orange County every year on Wednesday night
after Labor Day weekend.
Speaker 4 (27:46):
So I I just did that. I love playing.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
I love the weather in California and out there where
we live in Seattle.
Speaker 4 (27:53):
I played in Seattle quite a few times.
Speaker 2 (27:56):
Yeah, but I loved I loved going good weather places.
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Yeah, that's why I don't come back East, because I've
had well. I moved to South Dakota and I was
there for like nine years, and oooh those winters were brutal.
And there was one winter where it was sixty five
below and it wasn't even the wind chill, and the
(28:25):
snow was so high you couldn't open the doors. And
then the lines, the trees started the limbs were breaking
because of the heavy ice, and so it's tearing down
all the lines. I was out of power for like
twelve days. And that was during the time I had
my foster kids. So I had to drive down the
hill and drop them somewhere where they could be warmer.
(28:47):
And I was, you know, there by myself, just you know,
melting snow because the power out and I had a
well that man, you know, it wasn't pumping and so
I was out there melting snow to make things. And
that's when I said, hmmm, this is my last year here.
(29:08):
I could die here. I thought, I can't do this,
so I don't want to see anymore snow.
Speaker 2 (29:15):
You're there for nine years.
Speaker 3 (29:17):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I was there. I was working
with a tribal organization. I was a chief financial officer,
and then I was also working with some of the
tribes helping them get software systems implemented. So it was, yeah,
it was work related, but it was yeah, that was
(29:42):
quite the quite the ordea. So then I just decided,
no more snowy places. No, can't go there. You know.
I'm at the point now where I can work from home,
so I work remotely and then you go someplace when
I have to, and so that makes it nice spit.
Speaker 2 (30:01):
So you don't you don't miss the snow, not at all,
not at all.
Speaker 3 (30:07):
I don't want to read a coat.
Speaker 2 (30:11):
Some people in California tell me they like, they love
all four seasons and they miss you know, they missed
the snow, they missed the cold winners. And I think
some people just like it because of the the atmosphere
or the you know, the feel that it presents when
when it happens, you know, especially at Christmas. At Christmas time.
Speaker 3 (30:34):
Well, I can always get in the car and go
to Mount Saint Helen or Mount but you know, I
haven't gotten on the car because I don't want to
see it. I'm not interested at all. So I wanted
to ask you because you know, when you played Luien
in the church, you just always put your all into
(30:54):
it and you had just began to you know, like
you said, do your chords and make up chords in
the middle. So you know, how do you approach doing
improvising during a live performance? Has just come down naturally
or well, yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
Yeah, it comes naturally. It depends on your ear, how
good your your musical ear is, if you hear something
you like and if you're able to figure out what
it is. Uh, that's part of the process. Of course.
The feeling comes from playing in church. And you were
asking me about my influences earlier. I remember Elder John Mays.
Speaker 3 (31:42):
Oh yeah, yeah, when.
Speaker 4 (31:44):
He became the pastor of About Christ.
Speaker 2 (31:48):
He also played the piano and he was a musical director,
the choir director at the church. He came from before
coming to our right, right, and he was like adamant
about he like really believed that, you know, put all
of your soul, all your feeling, you know, when you
get up and sing, sing like you mean it, when
(32:09):
you play, play like you mean it.
Speaker 4 (32:11):
We grew up.
Speaker 2 (32:13):
Under those influences right right, you know, And that's one
thing I've carried through all my life. When I play
in nightclubs, when I play on the big stage, everywhere
I play, I put my heart.
Speaker 4 (32:25):
And that comes from.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
That comes from Elder John Mays and all the other
you know Mother's missionaries who get up the sing. You know,
a lot of that comes from. But then there's the
academic part also. You know, I studied. I told you,
I started up with Lt. Dukes and more reclined my
piano teachers. I moved here to Columbus to go to school.
I took lessons all my life, learn how to read
(32:49):
music and how to get around on the piano more.
And that comes from studying, you know. So you know,
there's the academic part, and then there's the the inspiration
of the soul.
Speaker 4 (33:04):
And the feel of music part.
Speaker 2 (33:06):
You know, you put those two together, you're you know,
you're saying something mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (33:13):
But they they at least need to have that the
disciplined right part of the music and understand how that
works and then allow, you know, but the mood to
get you to add a little dizazz okay.
Speaker 2 (33:30):
And some musicians to forget the fact that when people
come out to hear you play, they're coming out for
a reason.
Speaker 4 (33:39):
You know.
Speaker 2 (33:39):
It's almost like you know, you're going to hear a
good sermon. You want to be moved, Yes, you want
to be inspired, And some musicians forget about that. They're
so much into what they want to do and how
they want to play where they just forget about people
listening and they lose their audiences. Yeah, you know, so
you don't want I talk to young people, I always
(34:03):
bring that fact up. I always let them know. You know,
don't forget about the people you're playing. I mean, that's
that's your road to success. Actually, you know, if they
don't like you, they're not going to come out.
Speaker 3 (34:13):
And hear you, right, and not going to tell anybody either.
There's one thing about it. It's just like selling a product.
It is a product. Well, you have to you have
to bring the best each time, and you also got
to change it up sometimes to say, Okay, you know
you heard it this way, but I've got a little
something else to put in there and put a new
(34:36):
groove in it, you know, just to you know, make
them scream. Yeah, definitely, definitely.
Speaker 4 (34:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
Do you think the music industry has changed over the
years and and how do you adapt to it? I mean,
I'm sure as you started and where you are now
and as younger people are now entering, is the music
industry changed a lot?
Speaker 4 (35:06):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (35:06):
It has, it has, and I'm trying to adapt as
much as I can, although I'm not real, I'm not
I'm not so concerned to where I just get caught
up into trying to stay up with what's going on.
But you know, I mean it's so different now then
you know, Like you know, back when I was growing up,
I learned how to play by going out and buying
(35:28):
albums and listening to the radio. Well, there are not
that many people doing that these days, right, Well, you know,
I mean, you know, you have Spotify, you have Apple Music.
You don't listen to the radio as much as you
you know, you listen to Spotify and Apple Music, and
then you know, that's how you that's how you learn.
(35:50):
I learned by listening to albums. I learned by going
and sitting down with my music teachers, and they still
do that today. But you have YouTube. You know, there
are people in Japan and in Australia musicians that I
know that can play like George Benson.
Speaker 4 (36:08):
They never stepped foot into the.
Speaker 2 (36:09):
United States, you know, but they learn on a online
you know.
Speaker 4 (36:16):
The music.
Speaker 2 (36:17):
Music industry is different for that reason, and also the
business of the industry is different. You know, we can't
make money like we used to from our recordings because
it's pretty much free now. You know, you used to
have to pay go out and pay for albums, but
you can go on Spotify now.
Speaker 4 (36:38):
And just say what twelve dollars a month.
Speaker 2 (36:41):
And listen as much to anything, as much as you
as much as you want, right, you know, so where
you know, where's the money for the composer.
Speaker 3 (36:53):
It's not that.
Speaker 4 (36:56):
Yeah, it's not available like it used to.
Speaker 3 (36:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (37:00):
The only way that.
Speaker 2 (37:01):
My best way of selling c I still do CDs.
My best way of selling CDs now is like when
I go play a concert somewhere, people might want a CD,
like for a memoir, you know, because it has all
the liner notes, has your pictures.
Speaker 4 (37:16):
Has a CD in it.
Speaker 2 (37:17):
You know, you don't get all that when you go
on Spotify, right right, you know, so it's it's kind
of different. You know, it's been technology has played a
big part in changing music.
Speaker 3 (37:28):
Mm hmmm mm hmm.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
There are probably quite a few other reasons too.
Speaker 3 (37:33):
Right, yeah, yeah, I was just I know, the type
of music has changed a lot. But then, like I said,
what's all the tech that's out there? It really is
going to make it difficult for those that are that
are the musicians that h or have composed that music
when you can just go to all these different platforms
(37:55):
and just put the name in and do and they're
just download of music.
Speaker 4 (38:01):
You know.
Speaker 2 (38:03):
Now, there are ways of being successful through the technology
the way technology is right now, which I'm not real
familiar with, but you know, I mean, you know, there
are people going on YouTube on YouTube and they're becoming
big stars. You know, they're getting like millions of likes,
and then they're getting all these deals. These you might
even you probably know more about that than I do,
(38:25):
since technology, but you know, you get all these deals
and you can get recording deals just based on your popularity.
Speaker 3 (38:33):
Popularity right on these social platforms.
Speaker 2 (38:40):
So yeah, I'm not real familiar with that, but that's
that's another example of how it's changed over.
Speaker 3 (38:46):
The years, right, And I mean some of them they're
they're producing themselves. They don't have a producer or anything
like that. So it looks like that, you know, profession
is changing quite Yeah.
Speaker 2 (39:01):
Another way it's changed is the approach or the or
the way you perform. It's a lot easier now than
it was when we were growing up. We actually learned
how to play.
Speaker 3 (39:16):
Mm hmmm.
Speaker 2 (39:17):
They have keyboards and sequencers and loops now where you
just play one note and then play the groove for
you m in the background music, the rhythms and everything,
and you put a rap. You just put your own
rap on top of your wrap on top of it.
And if you if you produce it and market it right,
(39:37):
you can you can make millions of dollars. Yeah, you know,
we learned how to We had to learn how to play.
Speaker 3 (39:43):
But somewhere in there, I can tell that it's not
quite original, right, right, And you know, when you're when
you're old school like myself, I can tell the difference.
I can tell whether it's pure music or it is
something that has been know introduced with some of the
technology that's out there, I think, and even yeah, you
(40:08):
can make the money, but are you really getting the
joy out of making music itself? If it's to get
a check, then you you're not really enjoying that profession itself.
And so I think they're robbing themselves of the satisfaction
that they're getting.
Speaker 4 (40:26):
True.
Speaker 3 (40:27):
True, you know, everybody's chasing the dollar.
Speaker 4 (40:31):
So true.
Speaker 2 (40:33):
And one thing another thing I share with young people
when I talk with them, I always tell them to
you know, try your best to keep it real. Mm hmm,
keep it keep it real. I mean, learn how to
play go go practice, learn music theory, learn how to
really sing, you know, I tell them people will just
like what you said. People, there are a lot of
(40:55):
people out there that know the difference, and.
Speaker 4 (40:58):
They will appreciate.
Speaker 2 (40:59):
You more and you will have more longevity in the
business if you're like I mean, you know, look at
all the people that were like true, just like genuinely
great artists like Michael Jackson and Miles Davis.
Speaker 4 (41:14):
I'm talking about.
Speaker 3 (41:15):
Innovators, innovators.
Speaker 4 (41:16):
Yeah, yeah, I'm talking.
Speaker 2 (41:18):
To people that and just look how long they lasted.
Speaker 3 (41:21):
Yeah, you know, right, they're in the Hall of Fame
and and they're still playing their music.
Speaker 2 (41:28):
You know, they're still playing their music. You know, all
those people kept it real. They were great artists. They
worked on their skill, uh and they perfected it, and
look where they you know, there's there's still great They're
not with us anymore, but there's still great people playing
their recording.
Speaker 4 (41:48):
Earth Wind and Fire.
Speaker 3 (41:49):
Yeah, earth Wind and Fire, Oh my gosh.
Speaker 4 (41:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (41:52):
I mean, you know, you know, that's one of the
things I don't I don't do Spotify or these things
because I've already have the CDs of all the wonderful
artists that we didn't have a choice. You had to
get a CD or you had to get an album.
And so I already have that and they can just
PLoP it in my machine and enjoy great music from
(42:17):
the beginning where they actually really had notes in there.
It wasn't you know some synthesize you know, kind of
like things that and it just makes a difference. It
really makes a difference in what your product is. If
you're proud of your product, you're going to want to
do it from beginning to end. And like I said,
(42:39):
I think so many of them they just want to.
They've got the microwave theory in their lives and one
and everything right now they want to push the button.
You know, thirty seconds there I am. And if you
don't kind of like do the journey, follow the journey,
and enjoy the journey, you really miss the joy of
(43:02):
what it is that you're doing. And like you said,
there's so many miserable people out there, and you don't
understand that. Just the struggle to get that music written
or to get that song done, or whatever it is
that you're doing, that's the whole joy of it, is
that you accomplished it right, and you didn't take shortcuts.
(43:24):
You put the time in and you are in that piece.
You are in that music, you are in the words
that song, or you are in that painting or whatever
it is that you're doing. If you put all of
you in there, you are going to enjoy it because
you know the struggle to make it to the point
of perfection or yes, And that's what a lot of
(43:48):
them are missing. They're missing they don't want to do
the struggle. But the struggles not hard if you let
it flow like it should, right it. But if you're
fighting in every moment because you hate it, you're probably
doing the wrong thing in the person.
Speaker 4 (44:05):
Doing the wrong thing.
Speaker 2 (44:06):
Yeah yeah, find something else, find something else to do.
Speaker 3 (44:10):
Yeah yeah, yeah, what do you what do you hope
that audiences take away from your performances?
Speaker 2 (44:23):
Pretty much more of what they're taking away now, like
maybe on a on a broader on a bigger level.
And you know, and don't get me wrong, my goal
is not to be rich and famous mm hmm, but
I do want to broaden my uh. I want to
(44:48):
I want to get out and play more. And when
I travel, and I travel a lot, I travel backing
up other musicians. I would like to do that on
my own because I feel like I have a lot
to say. Oh yes, and I and I want I
want people to know about that. You know, like I said,
(45:09):
it's not it's not about like making millions of dollars,
you know.
Speaker 4 (45:12):
I think.
Speaker 2 (45:13):
I just think I have that spiritual responsibility, you know, God,
God gave me the gift. I got the gift from God, Yeah,
for a reason. So I'm just trying to carry out
his will mm hmmm.
Speaker 4 (45:25):
You know.
Speaker 3 (45:26):
Yeah, And that that's what we're all trying to do.
And when we do that, we enjoy it and and
we we are provided for and we do reach the goals.
And yes, I definitely am saying please do that, Bobby,
(45:47):
because your music talks when you compare it to some
of the noise. I'm sorry it's out there right now.
I can't even listen to it. But when I hear
you playing, and I was like, oh my gosh, I
can actually hear words in the in the music. I mean,
the music itself talks. It tells a story, doesn't even
(46:09):
need any words, it just talks. And you can tell
us coming. It's sending a message from from above, right,
that's important.
Speaker 4 (46:19):
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (46:21):
That's true. It all comes from above. Yeah, I'm just
a vessel here. He's flying through me.
Speaker 3 (46:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (46:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (46:31):
And and and that's what it sounds like. That's what
it sounds like. It it's like a heavenly message coming
from the throne to earth, and you are the conduit
that's bringing that to humanity.
Speaker 2 (46:46):
And that sounds like a book that should be written
writing or a song or something, you know.
Speaker 3 (46:57):
Yeah, yeah, that's so true. Yeah, is definitely definitely.
Speaker 4 (47:03):
So.
Speaker 3 (47:03):
Do you have any projects you're working on right now
or do you have any music you're getting ready to.
Speaker 2 (47:10):
Yes, I'm always I'm actually I was just telling somebody
the other day I'm doing too much. But yeah, I'm
working on a lot of things. Well, I have concerts
coming up, like over over the next two months. The concerts,
I'm being featured with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra on Rhapsody
(47:30):
in Blue.
Speaker 3 (47:31):
Okay, that should be beautiful.
Speaker 2 (47:33):
Yeah, and that is I think that's next week. This Thursday,
I'm participating in a concert with like three other top
jazz pianists here in Columbus. And then the theme of
it is a handful of Keys. That's this Thursday. I'm
(47:54):
getting ready to go to Saint Louis and play with
Saint Louis Orchestra with members of the Rolling Stones, and
we're doing a project that it's Chuck Berry's is it
his hundredth birthday, but we're doing a tribute to Chuck
(48:16):
Berry Chuck Berry.
Speaker 4 (48:18):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (48:20):
How can people find out about all of these things?
Do you have a website or I.
Speaker 2 (48:25):
Don't have a website? You know, so I'm not very
good when it comes to keeping I used to have
a website years ago. Back from websites. We're more popular.
I put stuff on Facebook every now and then. Okay,
my daughter does a lot for me.
Speaker 3 (48:41):
M hm, she does. She does jazz too. I've heard her.
She's yeah, she's outstanding. So that musical gifting.
Speaker 4 (48:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (48:54):
Oh, she's my heart. She's my sweetheart. But she you know,
she's like really good when it comes to technology. Okay,
so she kind of keeps me up on everything. She'll
put stuff, She'll put stuff on Facebook and Instagram, and.
Speaker 3 (49:09):
Well I'll have to be sure and grab it and
post it so that people know how to be able
to find you and to go somewhere to enjoy your music,
and so I can be in tune so I can
get there also, you know, because I love love great music.
Speaker 2 (49:26):
Well, we're going to have to yea get rid of
time I'm coming out.
Speaker 3 (49:32):
Yeah, yeah, definitely, Yeah, so I can show up and
just you know, enjoy that music and that time and everything.
But this has really been great, Bobby, because a lot
of people, like I said, they don't understand what it's
like to live your dream, to be doing the thing
that they enjoy most. And being able to talk with
(49:55):
you seeing that you have really you know, lived your dream.
That that has just been wonderful. I appreciate you. I
appreciate you joining me today, and for those that have
been listening, Yes you can have a dream, and yes
you can fulfill that dream. You just have to decide
(50:17):
what that dream is. You're going to put your life
into that dream, and you're going to make that dream happen.
Stop the noise from outside and all the things that
they're trying to stop you from fulfilling your dream. Fulfill
your dream a living great one.
Speaker 2 (50:33):
Amen.
Speaker 3 (50:34):
Join us next Monday, eleven am Eastern time, eight am
Pacific time, and a Sharp Outlook and whatever you do
this week, stay informed. I want to thank you for
joining us on a Sharp Outlook. We have been informed
and energized to take the next steps. We have posted
(50:57):
links to websites and videos to learn more on today's topic.
Please join us again next week for another thought provoking
conversation right here on k for HD radio and Talk
for TV. Listen to the podcast on all the podcast apps,
and until next week, stay informed.
This program is designed to provide general information with regards
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the understanding that neither the hosts, guests, sponsors, or station
are engaged in rendering any specific and personal medical, financial,
legal counseling, professional service, or any advice.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
You should seek the services.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Of competent professionals before applying or trying any suggested ideas.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Hello, and thank you for tuning in to a Sharp
Outlook on k FO HD Radio and Talk or TV.
I am Angela Sharp. Your host. Our arm chair discussions
with industry experts will give you the steps, tools and
information to be successful in business and to prepare you
to be your best self. Hello, I'm Angela Sharp, and
(00:57):
welcome to a Sharp Outlook. Thought about living your dream? Well,
that's what we're going to talk about. We're going to
be talking about exploring the journeys of artists, entrepreneurs, and
individuals who have pursued their passions and built fulfilling lives.
We delve into challenges, triumphs, and the lessons that they
(01:19):
learned along the way, offering inspiration and practical advice for
listeners seeking to live more authentically and purposefully. My guest
was involved in jazz as a music. I love jazz.
There's something about it. Listening to jazz. You don't have
to have words. You can make up your own words,
you can have your own style, you can sing your
(01:41):
own songs. So I love that. It's an African rhythmic
sound and it's heard in gospel hymns, marches, vaudeville, a
majority of all dance music. A major form of musical
expression and traditional cultural and popular music, jazz is characterized
(02:04):
by its complex chords and call and responses, vocals and
polly rhythms and improvisation. In other words, jazz has a
language that is understood worldwide, and it is a music
that is around worldwide. Most people enjoy jazz and you
(02:25):
can hear the message without words. It speaks to the
depths of your soul. Today, we will have a conversation
with the legendary jazz pianists and organist Bobby Floyd, exploring
his musical journey, influences, and perspectives on the current state
of jazz. Bobby Floyd is a masterful pianist whose journey
(02:47):
began during childhood and has led him to stages around
the world. Bobby's passion for music was ignited at a
young age and fuelled a career filled with creativity, collaboration,
and dedication. So I'd like to ask Bobby to join
us right now and we can explore his life and
(03:08):
otistry of Chew music visionary. As I read his bio,
I would love for him to join me. He has
just accomplished so much over the years. Bobby Floyd is
a highly acclaimed in jazz and blues pianist, organists, vocalists,
and composer known for his dynamic performances and soulful improvisations.
(03:32):
Born in Ohio, we were both born in the same town,
Hallo Yeah. Bobby began playing piano at a young age,
influence by gospel music and sounds of jazz legends. He
developed his skills through self taught formal training, countless hours
of practice, and eventually establishing himself as a prominent figure
(03:56):
in the Columbus music scene. Bobby's career has spanned several decades,
during which he has performed with numerous renowned artists and ensembles.
He has toured extensively, captivating on the audiences with his
energetic stage presence and ver virtuosic playing. His repertoire includes
(04:21):
a wide range of jazz standards, blues classics, original compositions,
all delivered with his signature blend of technical skill and
emotional depth. In addition to his work as a performer,
he's also dedicated time to teach others in master classes
and workshops and institutions so that others to learn to
(04:46):
have this same type of career. Also, there was a
record called All About the Basie and it was nominated
and Bobby played on just about every track on album.
It was nominated for a Grammy and the Best law
As for the Best Large Ensemble and was released in
(05:08):
twenty eighteen. Bobby played with Count Basie Orchestra for six years.
I was excited. I'm sure to be walking the red
carpet on Sunday, February tenth, twenty nineteen. That was some event,
wasn't it, Bobby?
Speaker 4 (05:24):
That was great?
Speaker 2 (05:24):
That was it was real great. I consider myself lucky
and lucky because I was in the right place at
the right time. I just happened to be playing on
the Basic Orchestra at that time, and we were recording,
and at the time I was playing with Bassie I
was also playing with Doctor John.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
I was doing multiple tours, and for two three weeks
I would play with Doctor John and catch it playing
to wherever and play with Basie.
Speaker 4 (05:57):
But it just so.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Happened I turned down the John to do the recording
with Basie. The Basic album, I still call it albums.
I'm old school.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Yes, I have a few records.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
And it was nominated for a Grammy. But actually on
one of the later albums. A lot of people don't
know about this. I happen to be in the right
place at the right time. I recorded with the Basic
Orchestra again.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
And I only played one song on it. That album
won a Grammy. Oh that album, right, And the name
of it is something like Basic plays the Blues. It's
something like that. But if you look it up, you'll
probably be able to find it. There's one one. There's
one song on there called rock Candy, and I'm the
(06:57):
organist on it and George Benson playing guitar.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Oh my goodness, you got all in your life?
Speaker 2 (07:05):
And I check a short solo on and then he
plays a solo and it's a nice sort of up
temple song. At that time, a lot of people don't
know about it, but that that song, that one song
on there I'm on that album won a Grammy.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Want a Grammy? My goodness. Oh yeah, I'm proud my
hometown guy has just reached the stars. And that is hard.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
You know, I'm proud of I'm proud of you. Also,
you know, it looks like you're doing You're doing some
real great and meaningful things and that's that's great. Some
congratulations to you.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Well, thank you so much. I'm just trying to stay
busy and and I love to talk and I love
to inspire others, you know, you know, help them maybe
not follow some of the decisions that I had taken
in my path or some of the places that I been.
You know, I work with different types of people and
(08:03):
I love music. Do you remember, Well, I'm going to
get into it. This is how you started, Bobby. Your mom,
missus dear Floyd, we call her mother Floyd. Uh played
the piano at our church and I'm sure listening to
her play, you just like I want to do that.
(08:25):
And I think it was at around six years old
you you began to start playing for the church.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Yes, uh huh do you remember that?
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Yeah? Wow, we had some great songs. So we used
to be singing. We had some great we did.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Yeah, Saint Paul Chercher died in christ.
Speaker 3 (08:45):
Yeah, we we used to sing. And remember I used
to sing a lot of solos.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
And I remember I remember that.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
I thought I would take the musical path, but I
realized I was too shy to do it.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Well, I'm sure too. Yeah, you know, the music speaks
for itself, so well.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
Yeah, we don't have to say.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
A whole lot.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Yeah, you would get in there and that head, your
feet would get to going on the organ, and your
head got to moving. I knew the spirit was moving then.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
Right.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
We were just so excited. I mean we were singing
some of those old songs. Victory, Victory shall be mine.
I'm glad Jesus lifted me. I mean all of those
good old gods ones. Yeah, yeah, they were and they
had so much, they said so much, and they lifted people.
Uh and you does lift people their spirit. And you know,
(09:42):
because there's a lot of sadness, you know, in the
in the atmosphere right now, and just just hearing a
nice chord and some songs or you know, doesn't even
have to have words, the music itself takes you to
a place where it consumed their comfort and and really
change you know, how you're feeling and things like that.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
I played, I played a gig last night. That's what
we call a gig is a performance last night at
a place I played every Sunday night. And after we played,
a lady walked up to me and said, oh, thank
you so much. You know you just made you just
helped me because I can get through my week, you know, yeah,
(10:28):
And I said, wow, you know, and that happens a lot,
but every time somebody says something like that to me,
it kind of reminds me of what you just said.
You know, music moves you like that, it affects you
in that way. You know, I don't know what. I
don't know what she was dealing with, what she was
going through or whatever it was. You know, what we
played last night is going to help her, you know,
(10:49):
get through it.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
All, you know, right, right, So that's truly that's really
really important.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
Yeah. And you know, I was looking it up and
I saw where you had quite a few other people
that you played with, you know, Chuckman, Joon Houston, Pearson, Ranford, Mouse, Salas,
Roy Hargrove, Navia Staples, Gerald Wilson, right, John Clayton, like
(11:21):
you said, Doctor John Lewis Nash right Strippling, Oh my gosh,
Doc Severnson. I mean you've got them all, Rade.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Charles, Yeah, a lot. A lot of those were one offs,
you know, just one time, but you know some of them.
I still played with some of those people. I played
with John Clayton sometimes. I just played with him about
a month ago, Yeah, I did. I played with him
(11:49):
about a month ago in Vail. I played at Vel
Jazz Festival just about every year he runs the bel
Jazz Festival.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
I played with a lot of those people, but you
named some of Roy Hargrove. It was just a week,
one week, a series of concerts and some of those
other people. But yes, I've I played with all those people.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
Well, you know, those were some of the favorite artists
out there at that time. You know, they're they're the
jazz greats. So I mean that's just that's an amazing,
amazing thing. So tell me about Errol Garner because I
think he's the one that really kind of influenced you
too to want to play jazz. Is that true?
Speaker 2 (12:35):
Yes, Yes, I loved as a little boy growing up,
my father, and you knew my father, he loved he
loved jazz piano and he played just a little bit,
just good enough to start me off, but he loved
you know, he played jazz records and Earl Garner actually
really caught my attention his style of clying. So he
(12:59):
he was my favorite artists growing up.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
He was my favorite artist growing up.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
And you probably know about the story where he came
to our hometown. The Marrying Concert Association brought him to
the Marrying Palace Theater and my dad took of course,
he took me out to hear and that was that
was a big inspirational moment in my life. You know,
(13:25):
they took me backstage, I met him. I actually sat
down and played the piano for him, and I played
his big hit, his big song was Misty.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
Oh really looked at me.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
So I played that for him. He was really impressed.
So that was a big That was a real big inspiration.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
Oh my gosh, I mean we're talking about someone actually
living a dream. I mean, yes, most people can't even
identify what their gift is, what their purpose is, what
they should be doing with their lives. And they's the
opportunity of doing what they love most. I try to
tell people, you know, whenever I'm on the show or
(14:06):
even when I'm meeting them, if you're trying to pick
something to do, make sure it's something you're going to
enjoy doing for the rest of your life, because you're
going to be putting that time in at least fifty
maybe sixty years, So you better love it, you know.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
And yeah, wow, yeah, it's a coincidence. I mean, you know,
it's funny that you bring it up, because I say
the same thing to young people, the exact same thing
you just said. I tell young people.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
That all the time.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
And there's so many miserable people in this world. So
they're getting up at nine in the morning and five,
leaving their jobs at five, and they don't like what
they're doing, right, right, So they're miserable. Yeah, they're miserable
for like years until they retire, like thirty years doing
the same thing every day, you know, and they.
Speaker 4 (14:59):
Don't like it.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
So I tell people to find out what you just
as long as it's a legit right, right, you know,
I mean you might find something, yeah, you're not supposed
to be doing, right, but it's legit, and you know,
if you enjoy doing it, try to make that your career,
(15:20):
your occupation, your life, and you'll be happy.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
That was one of the things.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
You know.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
My father passed, you know, when I was seventeen years old,
and one of the last things he told me to do,
he said, because my mother and father had waited. They
were waiting until I graduated so they could go and
travel and see the world and do all these things.
And they, you know, delayed doing some things they wanted
to do, and then he got with cancer and passed.
(15:49):
But the one thing he told me was, whatever you do,
do whatever you feel you can do. Don't don't apologize
for what you're doing. Don't be afraid to go after
what you want to do. Do what you want to
do and make sure it fulfills your life and it
(16:10):
makes you happy. Don't ever stop being who you want
to be and doing the things that you want to do.
So I pretty much have done everything. I mean, I've
on the restaurant, I've traveled and done my work. I've
been a foster mother. I mean, I just I mean,
the list goes on and.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
On and on.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
The prisoners and taught onto treatment centers and taught. You know,
I used to be a master of a home church
for the homeless because they don't feel comfortable going to
regular churches. And shame on churches that do not welcome
the homeless. Right, they need the same thing that you need.
(16:52):
And they shouldn't be feeling ashamed or feeling like they
don't belong, or feeling like they're not welcome. That is
not what we're about. That's not who we're supposed to be.
And so I welcomed them. Uh, And you know, we
had a pretty nice little congregation and we would feed
them after service, you know, and they would come off
(17:15):
the streets and and and we would have service, and
I would teach to them and then we'd share a meal.
And I did that for quite a few years also, So.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
That's great, that's great.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
I've just done everything that kind of like I wanted
to do. Living living your dream, Yeah, yeah, I just
have about dreaming, that is what the problem is.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
Well, we're supposed to continue dreaming. I'd say, keep dreaming
the rest of your life.
Speaker 3 (17:42):
Well, yeah, I think I think I probably will.
Speaker 4 (17:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
So has anyone else shaped your career that you can
think of? Oh?
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Uh, that's a good question there. Yeah, there are quite
a few people that have There have been like lots
of influences in my life from from the very beginning.
I mean, I can go all the way back to
uh Miss l T. Dukes, remember who she was. She
(18:15):
was the piano teacher in Maryon, Ohio. That started me off. Yeah,
And I went from her to Maury Kline, that was
another piano teacher in Maryon. So my piano teachers. I mean,
there are so many people. The pastors in our churches,
they helped shape you know, the church mothers, the missionaries,
(18:37):
the deacons. You know. I'm so glad I grew up
playing in church, because I mean I don't I don't
go to the same church that I grew up in
right now, and a lot of my beliefs are different
from what they taught us. But I feel like I'm
well grounded, you know, just from just from that experience
(18:58):
of growing up learning to do what is right and
not do what's wrong right, you know. So that that
and I don't know if you're talking about just influences
in general or music related influences. I guess I'm just
talking in general.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
Yeah, in general, Oh yeah, all of them. I mean,
I am so happy for even though a mother was strict,
I am so happy I got that foundation from her
and my grandmother's and I have a firm foundation. And
like you said, I may not have, you know, believe
(19:35):
some of the things that we were taught, because I've
had a chance to do my own research, my own study,
and I did to a Bible college, you know, so
I could get my license and everything. But I'm well rooted,
I'm well grounded. I know what's true, I know what
isn't true. I know what is right, I know what
(19:55):
is wrong. And the main thing is I was always
taught and I belie leave it to this day. You're
going to reap what you sew. And if you want
to have a good garden, you need to plant good seeds,
and if not, you're going to have weeds. It's choking
out everything. And then you're going to be saying, why
is this happening? Well, remember those people that used to
(20:17):
say ugly things about Remember those people that you thought
weren't good enough and you said ugly things about them.
Remember those You know, you're planting seeds in a garden
that as you grow older, you're going to have to
reap it, and your crop is going to be really
either wonderful, great and beautiful and flourishing, or it's going
(20:39):
to be rotten and you're going to have to remember
no one planted in your garden but you.
Speaker 4 (20:44):
You.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
That is that's truly important. Yes, So tell me, tell
me kind of what was your process when you're you know,
because you also have composed some music, So what is
your process in composing music?
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Uh? Inspiration? Mm hmm, that's the biggest thing. I don't
compose as much as I should. But I'm I'm, I'm
but I but I do it. I still do it.
Speaker 4 (21:15):
But any any.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Part of a melody that comes to me, like a motif,
we call it motifs in the period, uh, that comes
to me, and if I like it, I'll work with
it and try to develop it and make it into
something else. Uh. And for the most part, most of
the time, it's a long process because I might, I might.
(21:41):
I have like little phrases, musical phrases that I came
up with like years ago, but haven't done anything with
it because I can't have anything else to go with it.
But but then there's the opposite. I do have phrases
that I put together and I was able to make
it into a song, you know, but an initial thing,
(22:01):
the first thing that causes that. It's just like that
first phrase that comes to me that inspires men.
Speaker 4 (22:08):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (22:08):
It could be anything. It could be four notes, three notes,
and you know, you just keep hearing it in your
head and you want to do something with it. I
want to do something with it. So that's that's the
start of the process, you know. And you know it
could it could be like a lot of different avenues
that you go down or through to get to that
(22:30):
to complete it, like working with other musicians on the
same song, or getting ideas from other sources to put
into your song. But I mean there's like a lot
of different a lot of different ways you can you
can go through to develop that. Hm hmm.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
I know. I tried to play the piano, but it
didn't work out because I had to cut my fingernails
and I wasn't going to do that, so Vanity right,
So then I even got a guitar and I thought, Okay,
I don't have to cut my fingernails, so I and
then it's like, no, you're gonna have to get calluses
(23:10):
on your fingers. Oh my fingers. No, I can't do
this when either, So I had to sell my guitar.
I guess that was not before me.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
I see the piano, Your piano sitting back there.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
Yeah yeah, yeah, I come up to Seattle.
Speaker 4 (23:27):
I have to come over and play it.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (23:30):
I I tried, you know, taking lessons, and it's just
something about it. I just couldn't get to the point
where I was relaxed and not watching my hands, and
I was looking at the notes and up and down.
It just wasn't working. I just couldn't let go of
trying to control it. So I just thought, this is frustrating.
(23:52):
I'm not having fun. So it's just what kind of me.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
By surprise, because you were you were like, really a
good singer while we were growing up.
Speaker 3 (24:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
Yeah, people in your family that were musical. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (24:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
I remember Janie playing the piano.
Speaker 3 (24:11):
She was playing the piano, and we had our little
Sharp Sister singers, and you go around and it was
the Sharp Sisters and we had our little group sang
and went through the conferences in Mansfield and Detroit, and
then everybody went through separate ways, and so we never
completed that journey. I kind of missed that we didn't
(24:35):
but yeah, yeah, we used to sing quite a bit,
and but I just couldn't stand up by myself. I
just didn't have that confidence. I probably could now, but
I can't sing now. Okay, I don't have that voice anymore.
(24:56):
So if you know, use it, you kind of lose it.
But isn't that for me to give my praises that
I need to give?
Speaker 2 (25:04):
Okay?
Speaker 3 (25:05):
So that's what's important. What are some of your memorable
moments because you've done a lot of touring, or were
there any tours that you went on that were more
memorable than others.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
Or well, I tell you, one of my favorite places
to go to is Japan. I love going to Japan
because the people there they love our music, they love jazz,
and they actually, in a lot of cases know more
(25:43):
about the history of our music than we do. And
they respect you. They treat you like kings and queens.
When you go to Japan, you know, there's a nightclub,
very popular nightclub that's known throughout the whole world called
the Blue Note, right right, And there are blue Notes.
(26:04):
There used to be quite a few throughout Japan, Tokyo
and all the other cities in Japan, and we played
quite a few of them. They give you the red
carpet treatment there. They love your music when they come
out to hear you. You play and it's quiet, It's
totally quiet. You can hear a neat, a pin drop
(26:26):
on the floor. It's that quiet, and you think, man,
these people sitting out here going to sleep, you know,
but they're I mean, they're like just listening.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
Yeah, you know, there's just.
Speaker 2 (26:40):
On what you're playing. It's almost intimidating, you know. But
after after you play, they just go n class.
Speaker 4 (26:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
So yeah, Japan is one of my favorite places to
go to. Uh. I love just a matter where.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
I've been.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
To a lot of places. I played in South America
a couple of times in Brazil, uh and uh Limo.
And the people respecting music down there. They treat you well.
The food is the food down there is great.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
Yeah, it's great.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Been all all over the country. I love playing on
the West Coast. I was just out there about a
month ago.
Speaker 3 (27:28):
Oh wow, I wish I had known.
Speaker 4 (27:30):
Yeah, I was in San Jose. I got an award
in San Jose.
Speaker 3 (27:35):
Yeah I saw that.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
Yeah, that was in San Jose. California about a month ago.
I play in Orange County every year on Wednesday night
after Labor Day weekend.
Speaker 4 (27:46):
So I I just did that. I love playing.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
I love the weather in California and out there where
we live in Seattle.
Speaker 4 (27:53):
I played in Seattle quite a few times.
Speaker 2 (27:56):
Yeah, but I loved I loved going good weather places.
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Yeah, that's why I don't come back East, because I've
had well. I moved to South Dakota and I was
there for like nine years, and oooh those winters were brutal.
And there was one winter where it was sixty five
below and it wasn't even the wind chill, and the
(28:25):
snow was so high you couldn't open the doors. And
then the lines, the trees started the limbs were breaking
because of the heavy ice, and so it's tearing down
all the lines. I was out of power for like
twelve days. And that was during the time I had
my foster kids. So I had to drive down the
hill and drop them somewhere where they could be warmer.
(28:47):
And I was, you know, there by myself, just you know,
melting snow because the power out and I had a
well that man, you know, it wasn't pumping and so
I was out there melting snow to make things. And
that's when I said, hmmm, this is my last year here.
(29:08):
I could die here. I thought, I can't do this,
so I don't want to see anymore snow.
Speaker 2 (29:15):
You're there for nine years.
Speaker 3 (29:17):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I was there. I was working
with a tribal organization. I was a chief financial officer,
and then I was also working with some of the
tribes helping them get software systems implemented. So it was, yeah,
it was work related, but it was yeah, that was
(29:42):
quite the quite the ordea. So then I just decided,
no more snowy places. No, can't go there. You know.
I'm at the point now where I can work from home,
so I work remotely and then you go someplace when
I have to, and so that makes it nice spit.
Speaker 2 (30:01):
So you don't you don't miss the snow, not at all,
not at all.
Speaker 3 (30:07):
I don't want to read a coat.
Speaker 2 (30:11):
Some people in California tell me they like, they love
all four seasons and they miss you know, they missed
the snow, they missed the cold winners. And I think
some people just like it because of the the atmosphere
or the you know, the feel that it presents when
when it happens, you know, especially at Christmas. At Christmas time.
Speaker 3 (30:34):
Well, I can always get in the car and go
to Mount Saint Helen or Mount but you know, I
haven't gotten on the car because I don't want to
see it. I'm not interested at all. So I wanted
to ask you because you know, when you played Luien
in the church, you just always put your all into
(30:54):
it and you had just began to you know, like
you said, do your chords and make up chords in
the middle. So you know, how do you approach doing
improvising during a live performance? Has just come down naturally
or well, yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
Yeah, it comes naturally. It depends on your ear, how
good your your musical ear is, if you hear something
you like and if you're able to figure out what
it is. Uh, that's part of the process. Of course.
The feeling comes from playing in church. And you were
asking me about my influences earlier. I remember Elder John Mays.
Speaker 3 (31:42):
Oh yeah, yeah, when.
Speaker 4 (31:44):
He became the pastor of About Christ.
Speaker 2 (31:48):
He also played the piano and he was a musical director,
the choir director at the church. He came from before
coming to our right, right, and he was like adamant
about he like really believed that, you know, put all
of your soul, all your feeling, you know, when you
get up and sing, sing like you mean it, when
(32:09):
you play, play like you mean it.
Speaker 4 (32:11):
We grew up.
Speaker 2 (32:13):
Under those influences right right, you know, And that's one
thing I've carried through all my life. When I play
in nightclubs, when I play on the big stage, everywhere
I play, I put my heart.
Speaker 4 (32:25):
And that comes from.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
That comes from Elder John Mays and all the other
you know Mother's missionaries who get up the sing. You know,
a lot of that comes from. But then there's the
academic part also. You know, I studied. I told you,
I started up with Lt. Dukes and more reclined my
piano teachers. I moved here to Columbus to go to school.
I took lessons all my life, learn how to read
(32:49):
music and how to get around on the piano more.
And that comes from studying, you know. So you know,
there's the academic part, and then there's the the inspiration
of the soul.
Speaker 4 (33:04):
And the feel of music part.
Speaker 2 (33:06):
You know, you put those two together, you're you know,
you're saying something mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (33:13):
But they they at least need to have that the
disciplined right part of the music and understand how that
works and then allow, you know, but the mood to
get you to add a little dizazz okay.
Speaker 2 (33:30):
And some musicians to forget the fact that when people
come out to hear you play, they're coming out for
a reason.
Speaker 4 (33:39):
You know.
Speaker 2 (33:39):
It's almost like you know, you're going to hear a
good sermon. You want to be moved, Yes, you want
to be inspired, And some musicians forget about that. They're
so much into what they want to do and how
they want to play where they just forget about people
listening and they lose their audiences. Yeah, you know, so
you don't want I talk to young people, I always
(34:03):
bring that fact up. I always let them know. You know,
don't forget about the people you're playing. I mean, that's
that's your road to success. Actually, you know, if they
don't like you, they're not going to come out.
Speaker 3 (34:13):
And hear you, right, and not going to tell anybody either.
There's one thing about it. It's just like selling a product.
It is a product. Well, you have to you have
to bring the best each time, and you also got
to change it up sometimes to say, Okay, you know
you heard it this way, but I've got a little
something else to put in there and put a new
(34:36):
groove in it, you know, just to you know, make
them scream. Yeah, definitely, definitely.
Speaker 4 (34:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
Do you think the music industry has changed over the
years and and how do you adapt to it? I mean,
I'm sure as you started and where you are now
and as younger people are now entering, is the music
industry changed a lot?
Speaker 4 (35:06):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (35:06):
It has, it has, and I'm trying to adapt as
much as I can, although I'm not real, I'm not
I'm not so concerned to where I just get caught
up into trying to stay up with what's going on.
But you know, I mean it's so different now then
you know, Like you know, back when I was growing up,
I learned how to play by going out and buying
(35:28):
albums and listening to the radio. Well, there are not
that many people doing that these days, right, Well, you know,
I mean, you know, you have Spotify, you have Apple Music.
You don't listen to the radio as much as you
you know, you listen to Spotify and Apple Music, and
then you know, that's how you that's how you learn.
(35:50):
I learned by listening to albums. I learned by going
and sitting down with my music teachers, and they still
do that today. But you have YouTube. You know, there
are people in Japan and in Australia musicians that I
know that can play like George Benson.
Speaker 4 (36:08):
They never stepped foot into the.
Speaker 2 (36:09):
United States, you know, but they learn on a online
you know.
Speaker 4 (36:16):
The music.
Speaker 2 (36:17):
Music industry is different for that reason, and also the
business of the industry is different. You know, we can't
make money like we used to from our recordings because
it's pretty much free now. You know, you used to
have to pay go out and pay for albums, but
you can go on Spotify now.
Speaker 4 (36:38):
And just say what twelve dollars a month.
Speaker 2 (36:41):
And listen as much to anything, as much as you
as much as you want, right, you know, so where
you know, where's the money for the composer.
Speaker 3 (36:53):
It's not that.
Speaker 4 (36:56):
Yeah, it's not available like it used to.
Speaker 3 (36:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (37:00):
The only way that.
Speaker 2 (37:01):
My best way of selling c I still do CDs.
My best way of selling CDs now is like when
I go play a concert somewhere, people might want a CD,
like for a memoir, you know, because it has all
the liner notes, has your pictures.
Speaker 4 (37:16):
Has a CD in it.
Speaker 2 (37:17):
You know, you don't get all that when you go
on Spotify, right right, you know, so it's it's kind
of different. You know, it's been technology has played a
big part in changing music.
Speaker 3 (37:28):
Mm hmmm mm hmm.
Speaker 2 (37:30):
There are probably quite a few other reasons too.
Speaker 3 (37:33):
Right, yeah, yeah, I was just I know, the type
of music has changed a lot. But then, like I said,
what's all the tech that's out there? It really is
going to make it difficult for those that are that
are the musicians that h or have composed that music
when you can just go to all these different platforms
(37:55):
and just put the name in and do and they're
just download of music.
Speaker 4 (38:01):
You know.
Speaker 2 (38:03):
Now, there are ways of being successful through the technology
the way technology is right now, which I'm not real
familiar with, but you know, I mean, you know, there
are people going on YouTube on YouTube and they're becoming
big stars. You know, they're getting like millions of likes,
and then they're getting all these deals. These you might
even you probably know more about that than I do,
(38:25):
since technology, but you know, you get all these deals
and you can get recording deals just based on your popularity.
Speaker 3 (38:33):
Popularity right on these social platforms.
Speaker 2 (38:40):
So yeah, I'm not real familiar with that, but that's
that's another example of how it's changed over.
Speaker 3 (38:46):
The years, right, And I mean some of them they're
they're producing themselves. They don't have a producer or anything
like that. So it looks like that, you know, profession
is changing quite Yeah.
Speaker 2 (39:01):
Another way it's changed is the approach or the or
the way you perform. It's a lot easier now than
it was when we were growing up. We actually learned
how to play.
Speaker 3 (39:16):
Mm hmmm.
Speaker 2 (39:17):
They have keyboards and sequencers and loops now where you
just play one note and then play the groove for
you m in the background music, the rhythms and everything,
and you put a rap. You just put your own
rap on top of your wrap on top of it.
And if you if you produce it and market it right,
(39:37):
you can you can make millions of dollars. Yeah, you know,
we learned how to We had to learn how to play.
Speaker 3 (39:43):
But somewhere in there, I can tell that it's not
quite original, right, right, And you know, when you're when
you're old school like myself, I can tell the difference.
I can tell whether it's pure music or it is
something that has been know introduced with some of the
technology that's out there, I think, and even yeah, you
(40:08):
can make the money, but are you really getting the
joy out of making music itself? If it's to get
a check, then you you're not really enjoying that profession itself.
And so I think they're robbing themselves of the satisfaction
that they're getting.
Speaker 4 (40:26):
True.
Speaker 3 (40:27):
True, you know, everybody's chasing the dollar.
Speaker 4 (40:31):
So true.
Speaker 2 (40:33):
And one thing another thing I share with young people
when I talk with them, I always tell them to
you know, try your best to keep it real. Mm hmm,
keep it keep it real. I mean, learn how to
play go go practice, learn music theory, learn how to
really sing, you know, I tell them people will just
like what you said. People, there are a lot of
(40:55):
people out there that know the difference, and.
Speaker 4 (40:58):
They will appreciate.
Speaker 2 (40:59):
You more and you will have more longevity in the
business if you're like I mean, you know, look at
all the people that were like true, just like genuinely
great artists like Michael Jackson and Miles Davis.
Speaker 4 (41:14):
I'm talking about.
Speaker 3 (41:15):
Innovators, innovators.
Speaker 4 (41:16):
Yeah, yeah, I'm talking.
Speaker 2 (41:18):
To people that and just look how long they lasted.
Speaker 3 (41:21):
Yeah, you know, right, they're in the Hall of Fame
and and they're still playing their music.
Speaker 2 (41:28):
You know, they're still playing their music. You know, all
those people kept it real. They were great artists. They
worked on their skill, uh and they perfected it, and
look where they you know, there's there's still great They're
not with us anymore, but there's still great people playing
their recording.
Speaker 4 (41:48):
Earth Wind and Fire.
Speaker 3 (41:49):
Yeah, earth Wind and Fire, Oh my gosh.
Speaker 4 (41:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (41:52):
I mean, you know, you know, that's one of the
things I don't I don't do Spotify or these things
because I've already have the CDs of all the wonderful
artists that we didn't have a choice. You had to
get a CD or you had to get an album.
And so I already have that and they can just
PLoP it in my machine and enjoy great music from
(42:17):
the beginning where they actually really had notes in there.
It wasn't you know some synthesize you know, kind of
like things that and it just makes a difference. It
really makes a difference in what your product is. If
you're proud of your product, you're going to want to
do it from beginning to end. And like I said,
(42:39):
I think so many of them they just want to.
They've got the microwave theory in their lives and one
and everything right now they want to push the button.
You know, thirty seconds there I am. And if you
don't kind of like do the journey, follow the journey,
and enjoy the journey, you really miss the joy of
(43:02):
what it is that you're doing. And like you said,
there's so many miserable people out there, and you don't
understand that. Just the struggle to get that music written
or to get that song done, or whatever it is
that you're doing, that's the whole joy of it, is
that you accomplished it right, and you didn't take shortcuts.
(43:24):
You put the time in and you are in that piece.
You are in that music, you are in the words
that song, or you are in that painting or whatever
it is that you're doing. If you put all of
you in there, you are going to enjoy it because
you know the struggle to make it to the point
of perfection or yes, And that's what a lot of
(43:48):
them are missing. They're missing they don't want to do
the struggle. But the struggles not hard if you let
it flow like it should, right it. But if you're
fighting in every moment because you hate it, you're probably
doing the wrong thing in the person.
Speaker 4 (44:05):
Doing the wrong thing.
Speaker 2 (44:06):
Yeah yeah, find something else, find something else to do.
Speaker 3 (44:10):
Yeah yeah, yeah, what do you what do you hope
that audiences take away from your performances?
Speaker 2 (44:23):
Pretty much more of what they're taking away now, like
maybe on a on a broader on a bigger level.
And you know, and don't get me wrong, my goal
is not to be rich and famous mm hmm, but
I do want to broaden my uh. I want to
(44:48):
I want to get out and play more. And when
I travel, and I travel a lot, I travel backing
up other musicians. I would like to do that on
my own because I feel like I have a lot
to say. Oh yes, and I and I want I
want people to know about that. You know, like I said,
(45:09):
it's not it's not about like making millions of dollars,
you know.
Speaker 4 (45:12):
I think.
Speaker 2 (45:13):
I just think I have that spiritual responsibility, you know, God,
God gave me the gift. I got the gift from God, Yeah,
for a reason. So I'm just trying to carry out
his will mm hmmm.
Speaker 4 (45:25):
You know.
Speaker 3 (45:26):
Yeah, And that that's what we're all trying to do.
And when we do that, we enjoy it and and
we we are provided for and we do reach the goals.
And yes, I definitely am saying please do that, Bobby,
(45:47):
because your music talks when you compare it to some
of the noise. I'm sorry it's out there right now.
I can't even listen to it. But when I hear
you playing, and I was like, oh my gosh, I
can actually hear words in the in the music. I mean,
the music itself talks. It tells a story, doesn't even
(46:09):
need any words, it just talks. And you can tell
us coming. It's sending a message from from above, right,
that's important.
Speaker 4 (46:19):
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (46:21):
That's true. It all comes from above. Yeah, I'm just
a vessel here. He's flying through me.
Speaker 3 (46:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (46:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (46:31):
And and and that's what it sounds like. That's what
it sounds like. It it's like a heavenly message coming
from the throne to earth, and you are the conduit
that's bringing that to humanity.
Speaker 2 (46:46):
And that sounds like a book that should be written
writing or a song or something, you know.
Speaker 3 (46:57):
Yeah, yeah, that's so true. Yeah, is definitely definitely.
Speaker 4 (47:03):
So.
Speaker 3 (47:03):
Do you have any projects you're working on right now
or do you have any music you're getting ready to.
Speaker 2 (47:10):
Yes, I'm always I'm actually I was just telling somebody
the other day I'm doing too much. But yeah, I'm
working on a lot of things. Well, I have concerts
coming up, like over over the next two months. The concerts,
I'm being featured with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra on Rhapsody
(47:30):
in Blue.
Speaker 3 (47:31):
Okay, that should be beautiful.
Speaker 2 (47:33):
Yeah, and that is I think that's next week. This Thursday,
I'm participating in a concert with like three other top
jazz pianists here in Columbus. And then the theme of
it is a handful of Keys. That's this Thursday. I'm
(47:54):
getting ready to go to Saint Louis and play with
Saint Louis Orchestra with members of the Rolling Stones, and
we're doing a project that it's Chuck Berry's is it
his hundredth birthday, but we're doing a tribute to Chuck
(48:16):
Berry Chuck Berry.
Speaker 4 (48:18):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (48:20):
How can people find out about all of these things?
Do you have a website or I.
Speaker 2 (48:25):
Don't have a website? You know, so I'm not very
good when it comes to keeping I used to have
a website years ago. Back from websites. We're more popular.
I put stuff on Facebook every now and then. Okay,
my daughter does a lot for me.
Speaker 3 (48:41):
M hm, she does. She does jazz too. I've heard her.
She's yeah, she's outstanding. So that musical gifting.
Speaker 4 (48:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (48:54):
Oh, she's my heart. She's my sweetheart. But she you know,
she's like really good when it comes to technology. Okay,
so she kind of keeps me up on everything. She'll
put stuff, She'll put stuff on Facebook and Instagram, and.
Speaker 3 (49:09):
Well I'll have to be sure and grab it and
post it so that people know how to be able
to find you and to go somewhere to enjoy your music,
and so I can be in tune so I can
get there also, you know, because I love love great music.
Speaker 2 (49:26):
Well, we're going to have to yea get rid of
time I'm coming out.
Speaker 3 (49:32):
Yeah, yeah, definitely, Yeah, so I can show up and
just you know, enjoy that music and that time and everything.
But this has really been great, Bobby, because a lot
of people, like I said, they don't understand what it's
like to live your dream, to be doing the thing
that they enjoy most. And being able to talk with
(49:55):
you seeing that you have really you know, lived your dream.
That that has just been wonderful. I appreciate you. I
appreciate you joining me today, and for those that have
been listening, Yes you can have a dream, and yes
you can fulfill that dream. You just have to decide
(50:17):
what that dream is. You're going to put your life
into that dream, and you're going to make that dream happen.
Stop the noise from outside and all the things that
they're trying to stop you from fulfilling your dream. Fulfill
your dream a living great one.
Speaker 2 (50:33):
Amen.
Speaker 3 (50:34):
Join us next Monday, eleven am Eastern time, eight am
Pacific time, and a Sharp Outlook and whatever you do
this week, stay informed. I want to thank you for
joining us on a Sharp Outlook. We have been informed
and energized to take the next steps. We have posted
(50:57):
links to websites and videos to learn more on today's topic.
Please join us again next week for another thought provoking
conversation right here on k for HD radio and Talk
for TV. Listen to the podcast on all the podcast apps,
and until next week, stay informed.
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