There is a lot of talk about love today for some reason! LOL 

I have learned a lot about the different types of love over the years and to this day, I continue  to grow deeper in understanding for which I'm thankful. I'm very focused right now on the difference between selfish vs selfless. Parallels can also be drawn to like a jazz group, those that play for self or those that play for the good of the group. When one plays for self, I promise you the group does not sound good. Only people who understand their function and how to serve it selflessly will ensure a successful band or vice versa in a romantic relationship. 

The most selfless act of love ever demonstrated to human kind, was that of Jesus coming to earth, dying on a cross, taking the place of what I deserved, and overcoming that death, so we all may live eternally in Heaven if we choose to embrace this act of love. Love is never forced. It may have dire consequences to not choose this, but it wouldn't be love if God made you believe this. That's why there were two trees in the garden. You couldn't choose if there was only one. He's provided everything you need to have relationship with Him. I also believe opposition only exists if there is real truth. The devil is a deceiver  and does not want you to believer this. 

So with all this being said, I am thinking in a round about way, about my Father's celebration service. It was supposed to be a celebration of his life, but everything Dad wanted for this day, was to point to the goodness and love of Jesus. I have included it here. The picture above, was driving home from my Dad's celebration. It was just kind of a little wink if you will from God, giving me comfort that Pops made it to Heaven!

I also find it ironic that the tune most associated with me, (because it's always my go to when I have the choice to call the tune)  Is "No Greater Love". In the old days, there was romance in the songs written about love. (not so much anymore) Lyrics were poetry put to song. Any love song that presented such creative ways to discuss ones romantic feelings between a man and a woman, one could substitute your personal relationship with Jesus and instantly be in a moment of worship. 

So when I perform "No Greater Love", it is always in tribute to Jesus's incredible love for me. It was included one of the first LP's I ever bought and has sentimental memories and really developed my love for Sweets Edison. One more sidenote, I have a very important and sentimental performance coming up soon of this tune, which I will write more about in the future. I also was honored to play it with my friend the late Frank Mantooth and will always be thankful for that memory. I've also included one of my favorite, there are many, Fred Hammond tunes also entitled No Greater Love. 

Much love to you all! 
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Nature always for me, is a direct worship response. I'm left with an only You God! When you start diving in on what you are seeing, that is only enhanced!  Thank you Lord for always letting me see such beauty and leaving me amazed! 

Check out my dear friend Alvin Chea and his narrations of all these videos in the John 10:10 project!

Just off the announcement of Wynton stepping down at Jazz at Lincoln Center, his creation,  in two years, the band will be on tour for the next week and a half here in MI. When The NY Times did the article, Lugi, who does Wynton's website, asked for stories to be sent in about Wynton. (As a side note, I believe Lugi has the greatest artist website ever for any artist. It is very detailed and I can get lost for hours on it.) So here on this particular blog , I'll update the week. I think I'm going to start another division of this website devoted to Wynton and all the concerts and experiences I've had for the last  40 years.  It will for sure be a work in progress! Stay tuned! 

The tour in MI started off with a concert yesterday at the Chenery Auditorium in Kalamazoo. My friend, Rev. Millard Southern , was responsible for not only bringing the band in but also for the discussion that happened today at Kalamazoo College. Millard is not only a Reverend but plays trumpet, but also is writing a book on Roy Hargrove, and doing a dissertation on Wynton. He's a busy guy! The band sounded great as always and the theme was Duke in Africa. It was nice to meet Jessica Williams, who student taught with my Father. It was also nice to see the Floreska family, Nigel just bought a flugelhorn from me and WMBI last week. I was going to get a lot more pictures but everyone came at once. I always feel bad in situations like that because I can't give the attention to everyone I want. I'll just say it was fun to see so many loved ones! 

First the day started cool sun moments. Then did road runs for West Michigan Band. Some of these country roads, I'm telling ya! LOL Then headed to my gig for the evening which was at the BOB. It was a benefit called soups on I think. LOL Every floor had events and bands and I was happy to play with two old buds Dave Collee who I call cuz even though we are not related and he spells his name different and my dear friend Eric Thorne who I lived with for a minute. My favorite drum group to play in is big bands but I have really been having fun with a trio in settings where I can take some chances and work some stuff out. I apologize to the band if it doesn't work out and nobody's listening in the audience  so I've been having fun and Eric has fun arrangements which I haven't  played in years. I included one from way back here that we played. I loaded in with my friend Paul Lesinski who was playing on another floor. They had a few sports items for auction. It was also very cool to see a classmate from high school I haven't seen probably since high school Jody Gray-Boucher. It was also nice to see Catherine Behrendt again. Her Father was one of my chaperones on my McDonalds Bands trips in high school. Lastly, met a new friend. I think his name is Kim Denton. Very rarely, venues will have people help you bring in your stuff to the gig. Kim did this for me, but he also stopped to listen to us and compliment us. Found out he used to do sound for Frank Sinatra. Thank you so much and pleasure to meet you Kim!