http://www.jamesmaherphotography.com
Monday, March 28, 2011
Quintin Gerard W.
Before It’s Gone gets off to a seductive start with the sweet, soulfully atmospheric soprano ballads “Sweet Ladies” and “Words Can’t Explain,” then eases into a hypnotically trippy chill mode (complete with cool ambiance, spacey sound effects and clever sax- flute harmonizing) on an invitation to “Buy That Ring.”
A lovely and soothing female voice invites the listener to experience “Nighttime Pleasures” during a brief but emotional interlude that leads to the other side of the coin on the reflective and slightly melancholy beauty of “When Things Don’t Go So Well.” Dramatic film score and lush ambiance meets some of Quintin’s dynamic sax improvisations on the melodic, vocal-laden title track before the saxman eases into the upbeat, lighthearted call during these trying times to “Be Happy People.”
He was studying calculus when he wrote “The Asymptote,” a throwback to high energy 90s house music whose title refers to two lines which come together but never quite touch—a romantic metaphor! Quintin taps into his love of gospel on the uptempo “Our Day Will Come,” then adds graceful flute touches to the thought provoking, futuristic ballad “Nevada Nights”; while Quintin handles the album’s keyboards himself, the throwback track called “Like This, Like That” features a lovely Rhodes piano solo by Eric Nicholas.
After interviewing Quintin, his highly anticipated album has been intentionally held for release by his record label, OTS Music, for later this Summer 2011. This is in part due to scheduling and utilizing a specific mastering facility that uniquely establishes Quintin's trademark Fnkysax vibe. Standby! The summer will be here in no time, and you'll want to be sure to get your copy, Before It's Gone!
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Dee Lucas ~ Performing at the Blue Note!
Late Night Groove Series: M.I.H.E. Presents Dee Lucas! 2011-04-02
12:30AM
| MAKE RESERVATION | |
| BAR | TABLE |
| $15.00 | |
Presented by Make It Happen Entertainment
Dee Lucas
I LOVE this! Dee is from the ATL makin' it do what it do! He is a self-taught sax player, working his way up the charts and into the hearts of smooth jazz lovers around the world. With the help of his friend Karey Davis, the Dynamic Duo have put together some pretty hot grooves. Dee writes, records, produces his music and books his own gigs. On the grind with a full time job during the day, and making the most of taking care of and loving his wonderful family keeps this musician rippin' & runnin' most every day. He's a class act and a super nice guy! Check him out at http://www.deelucasonline.com/
You won't be disappointed!
You won't be disappointed!
Quintin Gerard ~ Hip'notized
"The Fnky Saxman” Quintin Gerard W. with his trademark mix of irrepressible rhythms and sensual romance gears up for his newest release Before It’s Gone, due out this spring. Emerging from the sidelines in 2004 to launch his solo career, the saxman hit the airwaves with his first release Fnkysax and followed with the more improvisation-focused excursion Perseverance in 2006. Quintin will be grooving it up more than ever before as he gets back to his unique blend of funky cool on his latest collection, Before It’s Gone.
Quintin Gerard W. truly understands the essential elements of Funk, R&B, Gospel, Blues, and Jazz! On this CD, Quintin Gerard W. explores various rhythmic and melodic expressions to the fullest in this overwhelmingly exhaustive effort! Sensual passages complimented by a warm and soothing tone pronounced by superb execution will satisfy your desires and tastes for Saxophone to the fullest!
Quintin Gerard W. is blazing the trail and catapulting Urban/Smooth/Contemporary Jazz music into a future of substance, strength, and popular appeal! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the new and exhilarating sounds of Quintin Gerard W.!" http://quintingerardw.com
Quintin Gerard
I'm certain it will be hot!
Bud Shank ~ All The Things You Are
If you are around me long enough you will learn that my most favorite instrument in jazz is the tenor saxophone. But, it will be but just moments into a discussion about jazz that you will find out that John Coltrane holds the key to my heart! Although there are many, MANY great tenors, so many that its like Christmas morning each time I find a new player to listen to.
To this girl, JAZZ is the heavenly language!
To this girl, JAZZ is the heavenly language!
What a difference a year makes!!
April 2010
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March 2011
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In September 2010, after watching a story on NewsChannel 36 Today about a man here in Charlotte losing 243 pounds in one year, with a starting weight of almost 600, I decided that it was time for me to make some changes. The man in the story was not able to move from his sofa, let alone do any sort of exercise. But, his doctor told him that if he did not lose weight, he would die. So, the gentleman began to move. He moved his arms, he moved his legs, while sitting on the sofa. He did what he was able to do until he could do more. He gradually progressed to the point of being able to get on the stationary bike in his living room. Slowly he worked up to 15 miles a day on his bike.
Hearing this man's story convinced me that if he could do it, I could do it. So it was on September 22, 2011 that I embarked on this journey of eating better, exercising 4-5 times a week, and drinking lots more water. I began to ride the stationary bike at my apartment community's fitness room. I worked up to 15-20 miles a day, and one day even hit 30 miles, in one session. I was proud of myself! I was so tired of being a 'thick' girl. I was ready to do what was needed to get healthy.
I initially knocked off 20 pounds and then plateaued. At that point I moved to the elliptical machine, and then added a weight lifting circuit because as I was losing weight I now needed to tone. I eventually hit the 30 pounds down mark, but have fluctuated back and forth since. I'm still working out, switching it up between the bike and the elliptical, and weights and crunches.
My ultimate goal is to lose 60 pounds. I want to wear a size 8-10. I don't remember EVER wearing that size. I know that as I remain diligent in my efforts I will reach my goal. It just takes a little inspiration to make that first step. You can do it!
~Unmasked~
poem by Carrie Ann
Contemplation and meditation,
Overanalysis leads to paralysis.
Hearts bound by invisible chords,
Protection through selection,
Requiring a collection of intentions & motivations.
Accurate representation through
Communication forces a choice
Manifested by a voice.
Sound and motion creates
Responsibility and accountability.
Acknowledgment necessitates honesty,
Birthed out of authenticity ~
The mask comes off.
Eradication of apprehension
Releases comprehension
Making way for an accommodation.
Perceptions and sensations,
Construction of a solid foundation
Nothing more
Nothing less
Nothing else...
Jesus.
~Treasure~
poem by Carrie Ann
Alone, and yet surrounded.
Crossing paths, making connections
Desiring depth and intimacy
Yet finding only deficiency.
Attention all around,
Serving only to compound,
The need which only real love can feed.
Diversions, distant illusions of gratification
Reveal incomplete satisfaction.
There has to be more.
Beneath the hum of a body awaiting complete release
Is a heart that understands
Fulfillment before the proper time
Could leave it deceased.
A priceless gift resides within
To be viewed as such
Not to be squandered.
Its value to be highly esteemed and honored
The result, true love
Affection and devotion bequeathed.
Pretty Pinkies!
These are my MOST favorite of the cherry blossoms found in the DC Metro area. These blossoms are found on the Ornamental Cherry Tree, opposed to those growing around the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, which are the Japanese Cherry Trees. The above picture was taken in Northern Silver Spring, MD in Spring 2009.
Cherry Blossom Time!!
What a beautiful time of year it is in Washington DC! The cherry blossoms are on their way to full bloom in the areas surrounding the Washington Monument and the Tidal Basin & Jefferson Memorial. If you have never experienced DC at this time of year, its a MUST SEE! Depending on the weather leading up to the first blooms, the blossoms could be visible for 1-2 weeks, so the window of opportunity is small. Spontaneity is a great asset! Don't miss out!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
COURAGE
“Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities... because it is the quality which guarantees all others.”
~Winston Churchill
“Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities... because it is the quality which guarantees all others.”~Winston Churchill
In October 2010, after succumbing to the aftermath of the financial downturn, I found myself unemployed and wondering about the next phase of my life. In all my years of being in the professional world, I never once knew the sting of unemployment, not knowing when my next paycheck would come, and if I was going to be able to keep the roof over my head. Yet at the same time, I had an overwhelming peace that I would be okay. I am a firm believer in that everything happens for a reason, so I KNEW that what I had experienced was first known by the Lord. I took that energy and blasted my resume all over the internet, sent it to 10-15 job placement agencies, talked to friends and family to brainstorm ideas...I did whatever I could to find employment. During that time, I listened to a dear friend of mine share stories of stepping out to learn new skills in an area where they had absolutely NO knowledge, just so they could expand their knowledge base and remain relevant and moving forward. They inspired me to reach for the stars and think about ways I could revolutionize myself. Also during that time, as I was visiting my church's computer lab to conduct online job searches, I spoke with one of the ministers who shared with me about Liberty University's Graduate Distance Learning Program. Graduate school, really? Me? Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could ever go to grad school. My grades were not grad-school-worthy. And yet, I was still hopeful. So, I researched Liberty's Masters of Business program, and stepped out on a limb.....and applied. No GRE, nothing but my application and my undergrad transcript...."Congratulations! You have been accepted into the M.B.A. affiliate program, the Master of Arts in Management and Leadership...which will prepare you for your ultimate goal - the Master of Business Administration degree program." Words, powerful words, that changed my life! If it had not been for strategic people speaking into my life, and my ability to listen and be open to the possibilities, I would not be in this place, embarking on an unbelievable journey.
Monday, March 21, 2011
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