Zo's Tofu Chitlins...

What a great name for a band. Good thing I know the guy that came up with it, and I'm glad I do. Lorenzo Sands is the frontman for this jazz group out of the Baltimore, MD area...but we'll just go ahead and claim him for the DMV (that's the abbreviation for the DC/MD/VA area for those that don't know...and don't hate because it took me awhile to figure it out...but I digress). Lorenzo has been around for more than a minute and has a storied musical career of people that he has played with...but that's not my story to tell. Me? Well, I've had the privilege of getting to know him and learn from him while playing next to him (and Reginald Reid and CV Dashiell) at RPC, and let me tell you, it is an awesome experience. Right now, I just wanted to share some thoughts I had after catching one of his performances with his group.

Quite simply...the boy is BAD! Whether they were performing original songs or covers of classic tunes, the groove they found was something...inspiring. I couldn't help but have my head nod and doing a little dance in my seat while listening. And all I could think about was "don't stop playing...or at least let me know where you'll be playing next because I am NOT ready for this to be over."

Anyways...I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to Zo's Tofu Chitlins and say "Lorenzo...quit messing around and put out the CD man!" LOL ;)

One last thing, for those of you that want a sample of Lorenzo's skills, check out this clip from a tribute concert: http://youtu.be/x2CtqH5YiAI

(No, I don't have a video of his band...I'm still getting the hang of this newfangled technology)

The Release...

Wow, it really has been a minute since I updated this blog...and for that, I need to apologize. My bad...work and life got in the way...but I guess I shouldn't be surprised should I? I mean, life happens...we're supposed to learn from it and grow from it and pass on the lessons we learn. Now, whether that happens in THIS particular post remains to be seen, LOL...but we'll see, won't we?

There are so many things I want to share...but I think I'll start with the easy one and then come back and fill in the blanks. And the easy one is this (drumroll please)...

I released my first song on iTunes!!! After almost a year in the works, going from a rough idea of a tune...development of a background track...the approval and encouragement of my friend and producer (Reggie...check him out at http://www.rreidproductions.com) ...studio time...creative financial management...mixing...and a whole lot of prayer...a song has been born. The song is called Hear Me Calling and is available on iTunes (you can search by my name: Ekwenzi), and it's a pretty smooth little ditty if I may say so. (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hear-me-calling-single/id438316108)

Not that I'm trying to be conceited...and this is where I'm going to say some things because this is MY blog and I can say what I want to (LOL)...because I'm not. Not when it comes to my playing. I consider myself an average player due to a lot of factors...time away from my instrument, a disrespect for the foundations of music during my formative years, honestly listening to other really talented musicians...and I get lost in my head. I know there are guys and girls that could play circles around me...but then I remind myself that it's not a competition. It's about doing what we love and doing the best we can at it...and growing more and more each day so that every time we play, we're better than before. SO, that being said, I have to get out of my own way when it comes to my song, which is a GOOD song. If it weren't, Reggie would have never suggested that we try and record it...and he's a person I trust. 

Okay, I've been rambling for a minute, so I guess I should finish up with this thought about the song because I'm sure some of you are dying to know what the song is about. Quite simply, it's a song about prayer. It came out of a time in my life when I was searching for answers and asking God questions and wondering if He heard me? He did, I just wasn't always perceptive enough to understand His answers. (Oy...the rough lessons I learned...yeesh!) And now, well I still pray for a spirit of discernment and all the wisdom I can muster...and I never stop praying. Even when it doesn't feel like anyone is listening, even when the frustration is setting in, I continue to lift my voice (or my instrument) in prayer and praise because I believe someone is listening and someone will understand.

So...if the spirit moves you, check out the song...and if you like it, tell a friend. And of course, let me know what you think. ;)

Peace be the journey...