Blog
Fire in the Sky12/1/2023 I was trying to get any shot I could of what I was seeing with my eyes. You just have to stand in awe of God's creativity!
Take 6 as Andrews University12/1/2023 It was so good to see my Brothers again. I usually get to see them a couple times a year. They have been a part of my life for about 3 decades now. Time flies. They truly are family and love them all very much, in addition to being the baddest vocal group known to man!
The New Trumpet has arrived12/1/2023 Great things come to those who wait! My new trumpet has arrived and I love it. It's much heavier then my previous one so I'm going to have to work out! LOl Thankful to all the good folk at Schilke and also to Jon Faddis and my dear friends at West Michigan Band who have supported me throughout my career!
October and November friends12/1/2023 Very far behind on my blogs. So quick updates from the past couple months! I'm blessed to have such beautiful people in my life!
Till I See You - Single Release Day10/27/2023 The title track of my upcoming project is being released today as a single. It is available on streaming platforms. The most important point I can make about this tune is for me, it musically conveys such a strong sense of hope. There have been many tears shed with this tune but not tears of sorrow, but tears of hope and joy. What a blessed assurance to know I will be reunited with Talia. I truly hope that whoever listens to this beautiful composition by Peter Jonatan, will be blessed and have peace. I can't even begin to thank Peter enough for this incredible gift he has given me. Much healing has come because of this song. I want to thank all the musicians involved with this performance. I'm truly humbled. Thank you Talia for being the most beautiful and sweet person I've ever met. I trust this song and whole project honors you well! Finally, all praise to God, thank you Jesus for coming and sacrificing your life and defeating death so we all can live eternally, and thank you Holy Spirit for indwelling those that choose you. May you find favor from this offering of praise.
This is the first, as Dizzy's tune says, of "Things to Come". I will have my first podcast, that includes an interview with composer Peter Jonatan, 2 different videos, and of course the release of the whole project, Lord willing around Thanksgiving. It has had some bumps which leads me to believe the evil one doesn't want this to come out which is actually encouraging to me that God is going to use it for His glory and as the Take 6 song says, "Spread Love". So stay tuned for further updates on releases and news! So this is the only tune that will be available on all platforms. The project itself will be available for purchase on CD, maybe LP, and digital download. Because I don't stream anything, I'm not sure how this all works but will include the link to Peter's page for ways to listen to this particular tune. This tune will be on the CD. Link: Peter's page that has all the links for streaming: https://peterjonatan.com/till-i-see-you Personnel on this track ( for entire project personnel go to the discography page of this website) Composer- Peter Jonatan; Piano- Lisa Sung; Bass- Ethan Eriksen; Drums- Elijah Cosby; Trumpet- Max Colley III; Harp- Riza Printup; Strings- Budapest Scoring Orchestra; Mixed by Mark Byerly; Cover Photo by Jessica D Cowles; Cover Design by Lori Vezina It's about love10/22/2023 I feel I have lost the country I once loved. I look at America and don't recognize it at all. I'm sure many will say I'm overreacting but I always wondered how hitler was able to happen but now I know. The only thing with the nazi's was they tried to cover up what was happening, now we are celebrating Hamas and the atrocities that have occurred. So now what do I do. I have looked for places to move but there is no where else this side of Heaven. So while we become a socialist country what is my role. I know this is nothing new under the sun for God. We screwed things up from the start with Adam and Eve. The thing is, God knew it and still created. In His perfect creation evil came right away. But the thing is God is love. In order to have love, there has to be choice. If God made us love Him, there is no love. However, God chose us, and God is love. If I could have made Talia love me it wouldn't have been fulfilling at all because she didn't have a choice, but to know she chose me to be her husband with all my faults, that meant the world to me. A price had to be paid however for that first sin where we didn't love God so enter Jesus. Philippians 2:5-11; John 3:16 So now until Christ's return, our job is to have the same mind as Christ in humility, and tell everyone how much God loves them and that they are God's kids and creation and that He has purpose for every life. Jeremiah 29:11 You would think that would be easy and everyone would believe. However, there is an evil one and the fight of good vs evil is real and so much of it is in the spiritual realm. Ephesians 6:12 Too often we conduct ourselves based upon what we can see. Truth is we all exhibit faith in some way. We get on a plane and put faith that the pilot can fly it, we cross over bridges trusting the engineer who designed it knew what he was doing, even exchanging money is an act of faith because both parties are trusting the value of that piece of paper if you pay $1 for something. We do it all the time, but the evil one wants you to think that the existence of God is mythological and if you can't see Him then it isn't true. Going through my wife's transition to Heaven really brought home this point. I'm holding her hand in one moment and still holding her hand in the next moment her spirit left for Heaven. We can see our bodies but we are spirits living inside these bodies. So in that moment, despite seeing her and holding her hand she was no longer there. What God says about where are spirits go for those that love Him is so encouraging. II Corinthians 5:8 There is no doubt that my spirituality ( I hate the word religion. I don't like religion) is based on faith. However, at this juncture in time if you investigate matters, you almost don't need faith. I want to be very careful in saying that because it is only by faith to know God, but I think that God is such a lover and wants everyone to come to Him, he continues to prove his existence. Science continually is proving God's existence even as he commented to Job, "Where were you when I created the earth" Job 38:4 Archeology is constantly proving the Bible true. A few resources on this topic. To me the overwhelming proof on God's validity is the opposition to Jesus from His birth. As it has always been, it's about good vs evil. Matthew 2:13 King Herod was willing to kill all the firstborns so Jesus didn't exist. hmm sounds a little like our current situation. The very idea of Jesus Christ is enough for nations to go to war. This is a spiritual battle played out in a physical world. So once again where does that put me now. I have lived a very easy life comparatively to so many of the saints before me and around the world currently. I do think my time is coming where I will have to make sacrifices and be challenged for my belief in Christ. Right now it's mostly will be in ideology and words but I do see a time and it is here just not majority rule yet. We see Catholic priests being targeted by the weaponized DOJ for their Biblical stance that all life is precious. Pastors in Houston have been asked to submit sermons to make sure it meets city approval. the Bible is now being called hate speech. It's here. So what I will try and do is be a light in these very dark times. Matthew 5:14 I will try and do that through my music and the many relationships God has blessed me with. The ultimate example is Jesus. He lived for 33 years to show us how to live in love when so many rejected and ultimately killed Him. I have been so thankful for the show The Chosen. Please check it out if you haven't. https://thechosen.tv/en-us However, I do draw so much inspiration from contemporaries who are showing in the face of evil how to still love. I think of those who stood up for the evils of racism Ida B Wells, Dr. Martin Luther King, Fanny Lou Hamer, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, President Lincoln, William Wilberforce to just name a few. I also want to highlight some amazing modern day individuals who when confronted with evil and persecution for their faith, chose love. Here are their stories: Bob Fu, Maryam Rostampour & Marziyeh Amirizadeh, Virginia Prodan, Richard Wurmbrand, and Dietrich Bonnhoffer. Thank you Jesus for coming to wipe away my sins and provide my way to Heaven. Like Francis of Assisi, I want to tell the world about you and if I have to, use words.
Israel10/21/2023 I'm not going to say much because there isn't much to say. It is what it is. The world is so lost which I guess should be no surprise to me because the Bible speaks to everything going on. These are for sure the darkest days I've been a part of. I've been so upset by the lies, and corruption, and complete blinding of our government to do anything that represents us citizens but after watching what has taken place in Israel and the reaction by so many against Israel compared to what happened to them leaves me with so little hope. So many people protesting, if you set foot in Iran or Gaza and did this you would be killed because they don't believe you should exist. I guess hate speech is only hate speech when it's convenient. I also would ask "the squad" who they represent. If you represent hamas you should go over to Gaza and try and do your thing there. If you represent Americans, you do know that Americans were killed and are being held hostage and I thought that was who you were elected to represent. Absolutely disgraceful and continue to spread lies. I pray for Israel. I do believe that Jesus died for all people including those that have committed such evil. So from a spiritual standpoint I really never want to see death. From a political for lack of better term, I do want to see Hamas and all evil terrorists supporters wiped out. People are very misguided on this topic and I know this goes all the way back to Abraham. Israel has bent over backwards to accommodate. Israel has shown so much restraint. You do know they have the bomb? Do you think Hamas wouldn't hesitate to use it which is why in the previous administration they prevented Iran from getting it, but this administration seems to want to embolden our enemies to the worlds destruction. Anyways, I've already said more than I want. I will write another blog on martyrs next. Here are two resources I would strongly suggest. The Jerusalem book could have been written today but explains the justification for the Jewish People in Israel from a Biblical, Legal, and Archeological point of view. Case Closed. There is so much more I want to say but I will just post some pictures of my incredible time on my pilgrimage to see where Jesus lived, to meet the people of today, and to see where Jesus will return. Almost exactly a year ago.
Peter Bernstein10/21/2023 It was so great to see and hear Peter again. Peter has always been so kind to me and it's an honor to know him! One of the great guitarist of our time!
Eric Metaxas10/6/2023 It was first nice to unplanned sit next to Tim and Cherie Beals and get caught up. Two very kind individuals. Then sometimes God just gives you gifts when you exactly need them. It was so good to hear Eric and the panel and really focus me on where my mindset should be and actually walk away with some hope! I was happy to get to meet Eric after and he could not have been more genuine and nice! Great evening!
Heidi Baker8/29/2023 Today is Heidi Baker's birthday. Her and her husband Rolland have been one of my biggest spiritual inspirations from afar. I'm so thankful for so many that have lived out what love looks like and have set the bar high. I hope to meet them some day. I got close here. LOL They are the founders of Iris Ministries. Her motto is "Stop for the One"
https://www.irisglobal.org Charlie Royce8/29/2023 On the heels of learning of Jessica's passing I learned that my friend Charlie Royce passed this weekend also. Charlie and Angie are such kind warm hearted people, wonderful musicians, and support the arts in a big way. Charlie helped sponsor a concert series that I was so honored to be asked to be a part of it which ended up being my CD release party for my last CD "Jubilee". They also were so kind to come out and support me when I received the 2014 West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year Award, and remember their daughter sitting in during the evening. The bottom picture was when I went to see Hark Up play and that's my brother Mike in the back. The memory that sticks out to me however was the first picture of Charlie and Angie that I took. It was New Year's Eve at the Air Museum in Battle Creek, and we had a gig but it was a wedding not a NYE Party. 2nd one I've played like that. I remember I was really sick and it was too late to get a sub. I remember having a fever and just feeling awful so I tried to keep my distance from everyone, but Charlie was like man, pull up a chair, you can't be alone all night. He was so kind and looking out for me and really always supporting me in my career. Much love and prayers to Angie and family.
Drums8/29/2023 One of my sisters just sent me this. People ask me what was my first love, trumpet or drums. No question drums! As you can see here. Also not sure why the hi-hat is 100 ft away from me! LOL I played drums any chance I got and the concert that really set everything in motion for me was when I saw Buddy Rich for the first time in 3rd grade. I often think about what my life would look like had I been able to pursue drums through school! It's all turned out ok! LOL
Barbie8/29/2023 With all the barbie craze because of the movie, I thought I'd get involved too! No I didn't go to the movie and don't plan to. I can't remember the last time I've been to a movie, many years. I got my first barbie doll when I was I think 50 years old. Birthday gift from my friend Marc Townley. It was on my list because I thought Pops wanted to maybe recreate the great duo albums he did with Ella!
Jessica Cowles8/29/2023 Jessica was the official photographer for the jazz studies department at MSU. She really boosted morale as the kids would be so excited to see her documentation of the concerts. In 2017 Jessica and I spent a day together doing a photoshoot in 3 cities in one day! LOL Whew! We first headed to Grand Rapids, then headed to Chicago. What I didn't know was it was going to be a Monday night football game at Solider Field that night. We did it quick and got out before a traffic nightmare. We rushed back to East Lansing to catch the sunrise. We literarily had minutes before the sun went down and I remember frantically trying to get my trumpet and cymbal set up and tie my tie. She was like, " You have 30 seconds!" LOL The last picture here she caught a candid of me working sound at one of the shows. The next set were a few of the thousands she took for us at MSU. You will be missed!
August Gigs8/29/2023 Have had a great month of gigs with some beautiful people in some beautiful places. Various gigs around the state of MI with the Blue Water Kings, Big Band Nouveau, and Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra! #blessed
The Little Green Barn8/29/2023 I got my next bouquet of flowers from worker Ess :) She did great. I was also surprised by my sister that she has made a little area for Talia and planted some of her favorite flowers there. It was a very special gesture and look forward to spending time there. Thanks Sarah!
Ralston8/29/2023 My friend Ralston Bowles invited me to come out to hear his music series he produces at the Meijer Gardens. I had a great time it was a beautiful night and also got to see my friends who play in the band Grupo Aye!
Chicken8/29/2023 I have struggled to cook chicken forever, but I have always bought chicken breasts but I have discovered chicken thighs! You almost can't mess these up! Sometimes its the little things! LOL A frivolous post but hey, it's my blog! Ha!
Max Colley IIISpirit Filled Jazz Musician Archives
April 2024
Categories |