Jazz 101: Education For Your Ass!

Jason Davis and Candace "Mahogany" Miller kicked off Jazz 101: Jam Session at Buttons Restaurant in Addison, Texas on Sunday night to show off jazz in its purist form. The band, hosted by Candace "Mahogany" Miller, will perform and invite musicians on stage to jam.

This week, gifting us with music from Miles Davis' 1969 recording, "In a Silent Way," Jamil Byrom (drums), Jonathan Fisher (upright bass), Eric Willis (piano), Joseph Yusuf McCowan (congo drums) and bandleader, Jason Davis (alto sax), were true to form and proved, once again, what real jazz music is supposed to sound like.

Then there's vocals. Mahogany--where antithetically--raspy, raw passion and honey surrender to create the most sultry, soulful/jazz thunder on the planet. I would be remiss if I didn't note that, more than just singing, Mahogany's voice is a movement that vibrates to your very core. When she opens her mouth, her breath mists lyrics that marries the music effortlessly, and forces you to dance, sing along, groove or make love to..musical beauty. She. Can. Sang.

Early on, a vocalist and drummer joined them to jam.

The restaurant, Buttons, was the perfect venue for tonight's jam session. The ambiance was an appropriate oxymoron of sports, food and live music that blended smoothly to create an eclectic warmth. Their skillfully quirky menu offered an abundance of pound-gaining dishes. However, the eclectic ambiance did not appeal to an eclectic palate that would probably appreciate meatless dishes besides salads.

Not a deal breaker.

Join the band and Mahogany each week at Buttons where they will be schooling folk every Sunday until, hopefully, the 1st of Never.

Up next week: Jazz Divas. Friend Jason Davis and Mahogany The Artist on Facebook for updates and schedules.

Ball of Confusion!

I know I need to post more regularly than I do. It's almost the end of the year and I haven't posted since July. One reason, information is coming at me so fast, it's hard to keep up. Technology is great. I love it more than the next guru or geek, but it's becoming overwhelmingly confusing...and not how to execute it, but what to access, buy, download or trust!

Oh well.

Instead of trying to catch up, I decided to do a recap of the year in areas that grabbed and held my attention, and that I feel compelled to comment on.

With any luck, I'll be more consistent in 2012. Or not. Daily, I drain my brain to produce words that make people...move. I hope my followers keep me accountable. Blogging has just not reached the top of my, "I'm on deadline" list.

Here's my non-assuming recap of living in 2011:

Politics: The rise and fall of Herman Cain (what was that?!) was more like the rise and fall of politics. I'm sure I share my opinion with other Black . . . other people, period. It's becoming comical.

Entertainment: Sports, fashion, celebrities and their baby daddies, baby names and baby bumps seemed to be world news all over the Inet. Is our society so caught up in entertainment that we forget to report/demand other more significant news? Let's do better in 2012.

Technology: Steve Jobs died. Sad. His legacy however, brilliant. I have an iPad. Haven't used it yet. Afraid to. Scared to get addicted. But I plan to (use it and become addicted). When I do, I'll let you know how I like it.

Also, I'm starting to get irritated with the information overload that's been plaguing my Inbox, phone, Wall, feed, etc. (I meant, my brain. See?) With so much coming toward me at once, it's difficult to keep up. Where's the app for what I need?! When I figure that out, I'll create it, then blog about how rich it made me. (Unless a two-year old develops it first.) Technology is not slowing down is it?

Social Media: Ironically, I think it's causing followers, fans, friends and links to become just the opposite: anti-social. Why would I attend college, networking events, a movie, concert; go out on a date; visit a library or museum, shop with friends, etc., when I can attend tele-classes and Webinars; watch homemade instructional videos and Netflix, join a tweet-up, stream, chat; go out on a virtual date, have phone interviews, telecommute..oh my! It's all at my finger tips..at home. #signofthetimes.

Health: Two words: natural wellness. Otherwise, you're dying to get well at the hands of pharmaceutical companies. Is it just me? I seem to have noticed people connecting with nature more, opting for yoga, walking, running and tai chi instead of machines in the gym. Also, more than ever, I'm seeing vegetarians surface and foods that cater to a meatless diet. Hobby? Or here to stay?

Weather: Scary.

Living: Is anyone really living? Or are you watching reality shows engaging in wishful thinking? Define living for yourself in 2012 and make sure that you do whatever it takes to Live What You Love! I Do!™

Until next time. . .
Live What You Love! I Do!™

In 1952, Earnest Lamar Jones was born to Obie and Erma Jones, Sr.—and 11 other siblings (not in that order, but it makes it more interesting—touché). He had a daughter. On Saturday, July 16, she got married at the Civic Center in Minden, Louisiana.

Despite being my uncle, this story is newsworthy because of the family dynamic of the bride. Rarely, in a large family do you find every sibling alive, well and doing fine. In my family, the Jones family, that’s exactly what you’ll find.

And we were all there. There are eight girls and four boys in the Jones family. All of them are still alive, in great health and doing well in spite of our grueling economy. Now, here’s the kicker. So are all of their spouses, children and grandchildren—except for two. My grandfather, the PINNACLE of our family, and tragically, one cousin is gone. But in the words of his two-year old daughter, he was there in our hearts.

So Uncle Earnest, Aunt Estelle and newly crowned Mrs. Taylor, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of THE most beautiful wedding I’ve attended in my life!

They say fairytales don’t come true. But on July 16, 2011, one most certainly did. The aesthetics were dynamic! I had never attended a wedding where lemons were the centerpiece, lemon-heads candy replaced mints and a candy bar was just as significant as the beverage bar. However, it so appropriately fit Amber’s personality: unique and refreshing, like lemonade on a lazy summer day.

The yellow made the atmosphere electric! It was lemony-fresh brought to life. But even more spectacular, you could actually feel the magic breezing through the air! Like a roller coaster ride, it was breathless!

My uncle was proud (looking off as the groom saluted his bride) and my aunt was moved. But Amber’s energy was powerful! At most weddings, brides are visibly nervous, but she was breathtaking! So much so, her future husband, Mark Taylor, was profoundly moved. She was simply, stunning! Mark was emotionally overwhelmed when he saw her; awed that the Queen that stood before him was about to matrimonially belong to him.

Amber, you took command of your day in the most “grown-woman” way possible. But your childlike innocence was in tact right up until you whispered, “I do.” Your day was flawless!

Aunt Estelle, you have an amazing daughter. Amber, you have extraordinary parents whose love clearly shows every time they look at you! A miracle happened that day at your wedding: not ONE Jones complained about ANYTHING!! EVERY regurgitation was pleasing. The only complaint I have is that the moments you walked down the aisle and danced with your dad didn’t last forever!

A wedding does not a marriage make. But Amber, I know your mom has equipped you with all the wife stuff it takes to make your marriage last. Add your personality and your dad’s shotgun to the mixture and I guarantee you have the recipe to keep your marriage as magical as your wedding day—until death do you part.

*Note: That's not a very good image of the couple and I don't yet have one of the entire Jones family. As soon as they are available, I will edit this post.

Steve Harvey’s Prescription for Healing: Mentoring Weekend for At-Risk Teen Boys | Rolling Out - Black News, Celebrity Videos, Entertainment, Business & Politics

Please click on the title above or link below to read my latest story. Enjoy, then go mentor someone!

It doesn't have to be a young man. There are just as many young women in the world that need guidance too. And any color: black, white, Asian, Hispanic - kids are kids. And definitely any sexual preference. There are so many gay teens that need help these days against bullying, ridicule, low self-esteem and just plain rejection.

Steve Harvey’s Prescription for Healing: Mentoring Weekend for At-Risk Teen Boys | Rolling Out - Black News, Celebrity Videos, Entertainment, Business & Politics

HAPPY 18th B(EARTH) DAY DEVIN LORENZO "YUNG SPITTA" MILLENER

Being a mother has been the best experience of my life. My children are my world..the reason for my very being, happiness and yes, sometimes, my strife.

But the day you were born was more spectacular than most. It was the year Jordan faced Barkley and sad for them, the Suns lost.

My uncle "Mutt" had died and my parents were in Louisiana. In labor I waited three hours for their return, perming my hair and eating several bananas.

Mrs. Walters was with me and so were your god mom and dad. They kept me calm, made me laugh..easiest labor pains I ever had.

On the way to the hospital, I focused on the game. I loved my first son so much how could I possibly love you the same?

But when you freed yourself from my womb, immediately your smile at me, let me know I could love you too.

And since that day, you've never disappointed. I love all my children, but you're the one anointed: with artistry and dare, with humbleness and care. Your smile is contagious, your energy amazing and definitely your thoughts are outrageous!

I hope I've lived up to your standards. I hope you don't regret choosing me as your parent. I've given you my heart, your heart bears my soul. You're 18 now, I hope I've taught you enough life lessons to last until you're old.

Enjoy this day. You're now a grown man. Keep moving forward. I love you and if you ever need me, reach back, you'll feel my hand.

HAPPY B(EARTH) DAY! MAMA...

The Time Is Now!

The Dallas Mavericks didn't let the Miami Heat beat them and their fans didn't let the Dallas heat beat them. I don't need to mention the details about the celebratory parade. The broadcast, radio and Internet news and sports stations have probably done that to death and will continue to do so for weeks to come.

There's nothing new I can report about the heat, the number of fans, the activities or the excitement of the parade. Today was an emotional, memorable day that will last for decades in the minds of the players, fans, coaches and powers that be. Even the "haters" didn't disappoint. On Facebook, I saw a post of a rising rapper who posted that he's tired of "seeing Mavs shirts." What if those were shirts promoting the release of his CD . . . I'm just saying.

Nevertheless, the confetti has fallen, the streets have been cleared, the lights in the American Airlines Center have been dimmed. It was simply a pleasure being a part of it all.

A funny thing though: whether you're a Mavericks fan or not, it appears that everyone on the Planet is elated for the Dallas Mavericks franchise. They are especially ecstatic for Kidd, the Jet and Dirk - the "old guys" by athletics standards - for finally making it to the top, and not only validating their skill as a team, but solidifying their place among champions.

Well done and Happy B(earth) Day Dirk. The Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy...what a great present!

PS-Where were the Mavs dancers?! Did I miss them? Didn't see them much at all.

Beyonce' Runs the World, Girls

Since she began her career, there has been much debate about Beyonce's talent. I won't even touch on that because anyone that questions her innate skill is clearly doing their job. Hatin'.

What I want to address is a conversation I had recently with another writer who questioned her integrity as a role model for girls with her new cut and vid, "Run the World (Girls)." My writer-friend believes that Beyonce is lowering her standards by performing rather angrily in scantily-clad outfits and influencing "divaness" as the key to success.

On the contrary. Brilliantly, Beyonce is meeting young girls where they are. Today, young girls are aggressive, overly sexy and they curse like sailors. This song is a movement that speaks directly to Gen X girls and a lot of grown women today. Her message is a definitive challenge for girls to change their perception of what diva or tough means and go out and get degrees, have successful careers and let men be an accessory to you, not crutches to lean on for finances or to define their very being.

On their level, where they are, Beyonce tells girls that they have power, and to use that power in a way that it uplifts and glorifies them rather than diminishes them. When Beyonce says, "Make your check come at they neck," she's encouraging girls and women to break through glass ceilings and be on equal playing fields with men in their careers.

When she sings, "Boy you know you love it/How we're smart enough to make these millions/Strong enough to bare the children/Then get back to business," her energy is just as symbolic as her message to girls and women that men are more attracted to women who show strength and capability instead of those who show neediness and weakness and lose site of their identity.

For ages, women have been pillars of strength. Today, however, girls and grown women are allowing themselves to be defined by societal standards, or limitations, and have all but lost their sense of self. Uniquely, Beyonce has found a way to decipher the mindsets of most young girls and women today and translate encouragement in a language that is relevant to them, now. The girl is fierce!

In-Yo-Face Beyonce Billboard Awards Performance 2011

I've been so busy with writing projects that I have not been updating my blog regularly like I should. But soon. Later this week, Beyonce is next. I am so sick and tired of people discounting this woman's brilliance and innate talent! I need to make a point!

Stay tuned...


In the meantime, enjoy this dynamic in-yo-face performance by the multi-skilled Beyonce!

YouTube, Others Ban Rihanna Video

Eleven countries join YouTube in Rihanna’s “S&M”video ban, yet some fans, including Perez Hilton, do not understand why people are getting in a tizzy about sex.

“It’s something that everyone does and yet people are embarrassed about it. You’d think she was showing her crotch in the video or something the way people are reacting.”

Her fans—or at least that one—is confused about what the real issue is. The problem is not sex at all, but Rihanna’s hypocrisy.

Last year, in a live interview with Diane Sawyer, Rihanna went on national television to set the record straight.

“I just didn’t realize how much of an impact I had on these girls’ lives until that happened.”

In 2006, Rihanna founded The BELIEVE Foundation. A foundation purportedly developed to inspire and protect children in need all over the world.

“Rihanna recognized the only way to secure the future of our world is to ensure the health and well-being of our future leaders.”

So, exactly what kind of an impact and security does she BELIEVE posing half naked on the cover of magazines and simulating sex on videos will have on the well-being of “these girls,” “our future leaders?”

To be clear, Rihanna does not want little girls to be victims of domestic violence, but she would rather have little girls all over the world, imitating you, throwing sex all over the place like candy from a float in a parade?

I’m guessing if that’s okay, in their impressionable minds, domestic violence would be okay as well. Just glamour it up . . . with someone else’s work, which by the way, is the topic of a lawsuit against Rihanna by famous fashion and celebrity photographer, David LaChapelle.

LaChapelle claims that images the pop star used in the S&M video are copies of his works. Sexting, banned videos, sexual innuendos, half-naked magazine covers. Piracy. Why not Rihanna?

delmetria millener is a freelance writer based in Texas. People keep hiring her so she must be "aight." Contact delmetria at thawriter@thawriter.biz.