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My Personal Greetings To You!
Welcome:
John
Sussewell (a/k/a "Suss," and "Sussquatch!"):
Grammy,
Dove, & Stellar Awards nominated:
Drummer,
Producer,
Record Label Exec.,
and duly ordained Christian
minister (servant):
I'm just an up-front advocate for equity in
this world - and that with Skin!
All of
this seems like an oxymoron in today's world, doesn't it?
Well,
take heart: ... there is hope for all of us ALL, so long as you hold
onto it (us) in all truth, compassion and wisdom! Certainly
don't leave out "understanding."
In the
meantime, I choose to highlight the following track which remains
one of my favorite Gospel tunes with studio cats out of Atlanta,
New York
City and Los Angeles shortly after I moved to Atlanta, Georgia
(USA). Candi and I were pioneers on the music front back in 1982
when most gospel music was southern quartets and choirs. But
then there was contemporary Christian music which denotes the divide
back then of some reconciling their roots after using the label
"gospel." With music in flow, their was no genre termed
"gospel" until an African American dubbed it so with "Precious
Lord." Thomas Dorsey was inspired to do this, without the
sycophant subtleties which any art form metabolizes into. Now
it's "black gospel," instead of simply "gospel." Go
figure. No argument: these are the facts; while I admit, this
performance is only among my favorites:
http://www.johnsussewell.com/HaveYouTriedGod.mp3
Written by
Candi Staton, and produced by and played on by me back in 1986, this
was nominated for a Grammy Award by the National Academy of
Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS). There are no losers there -
nor are any of us losers since we all have something special to
bring to the table regardless of our color or ethnicity. If only
others would famish themselves upon themselves before coming to a
common table where everyone eats and is appreciated. Why this
woman chose to berate instead of create is a mystery to me.
Too many years (decades even) were lived being
productive.
Such
dispositions when many ought to know better, make me sick to the
stomach!
And I'm
expected to be the patient one? Please research the 19th
Century's Charles Finney to get the gist of my
depiction and disgust. Ignorance is often mistaken for
outright negligence. The man was a lwayer turned
evangelist. Go figure without arguing. And if one does
argue, then bring the evidence!
In the
meantime, we are known by our Fruit! Many are Called, but few
are Chosen. Yet too many forget
passing each other by:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1mGcxRrIzI
Thank you Tony O'Malley
Oh, I
ponder! Nevermind. With the previous song, the famed
McCrarys provided the smooth background vocals; and this tune
was acclaimed in Billboard & Cashbox magazines - as well as
other music industry trade publications and broadcast media - to say
very little about it's astronomical sales at the counters for
'gospel' music back in the '80's!
Thom Kidd
(Atlanta, GA) did the great audio engineering and there was a host
of musical peers on their instruments that performed along side:
(Randy Harper (keyboards), Norbert Sloley (bass), Phil Hamilton
(lead guitar), etc.).
Simply
said, I'm not concerned about the romance Candi and I shared for 20
years. She's in God's hand now. As for me, I'm doing
what I'm Called to do when the Jury is among those with Spirit, and
not with skin. It's called Destiny!
With Mr. O'Malley's song in remembrance of
his friend, we ALL should be reminded to pay attention without
passing each other by with a smirk or a feigned regard. Go figure
while we're still circumspect.
Hey Tony... you are
incredible! I miss working with you as I'm sure is evident through
our music.
# #
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For those who
know me personally, face to face, I wish to share that a tremendous
bass player (Rick Taylor) and I have been able to touch base
together again. It's taken since 1978 since I've spoken with this
man. we performed together on stage many times - and though he likes
to credit me with stuff, I give him more than he can ever say to me
musically. Rick... you should know as much as I do what it meant to
look for Danny Lattuca and David White (members of the "Albatross"
band out of NYC). "Bonnie's Gorilla" (which you wrote), is still on
my mind. And to think that our manager back then went on to
manage "KISS!"
So, when the mores
of life seem mundane, then kindly exercise spiritual Faith toward
the benefit of ALL in the Name of the most loving God and our
Creator(!): "Jehovah God"
through His Son: Christ Jesus! They are preeminent above all, most
certainly ourselves. I personally respect all Faiths, yet there are
not many paths to the One! And I'm a drummer within the Arts, while
keeping and paying attention to "time."
And I'm NOT religious when relationship is Most
Important. Politics (and democratic elections) can be devisive when
left to hands of purpose and pursuits among improper contexts (such
as what media cleverly baits these daze). The right context is
dignity and respect for all who have breath. Haven't we learned
enough already? Hopefully so when too many on this planet have yet
to eat a scrap of bread when all is
plentiful.
# # #
This site is for information only - not for
e-commerce. Though only partially configured, you'll find
quite a bit of information and stuff to listen to. I update
from time to time simply to stay abreast and not sell
anything.
Such is Free, lest I be
misunderstood.
Thank you for your patience,
while you drill
through my Site in its' present state!
In fact,
just listen to my music instead of reading all of this stuff! LOL!
# # #
The last 13 years have been
carthartic for me and Im poised for yet another marked change
of Jubilee with Release! I journal simply because Im
on a journey, as we All are.
Im sure when examining self, each will take stock in the fact
that no one can do anything of benefit toward another unless each
individual acknowledges every other when synergy is in both the
heart and mind. This is
why I should not be confused with narcissism. This is why even
though I'm embarrased by the short comings of us ALL, I take a stand
with courage to remind ourselves that we are Gifts among the
Living.
This Season, I can only
dwell upon the positive contributions others have made to my life.
By the Grace of a God Who Lives, Im well and expect great things for
2011. Ive Sussed out
that it all comes down to a personal (and principled) attitude that
I repeat here because we all tend to lose track of
perspectives. In my
outlook, I adhere to Faith that works by Love (Galatians 5:6),
instead of pretending to be politically correct for those who dont
believe in anything or anyone beyond themselves yet [they] want to
impose their secularism onto those who simply down-right Know
Better.
I do Know Better. Whats
more I know my Savior: the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. I
must, and will continue to do so, because of the Goodness, Grace
and Gargantuan experiences (opportunities) Ive been afforded over my
62 years of years with Evidence. I trust in my daily Worship
that Im making the most of every singular lesson I'm learning, while
alive and that by paying (praying) forward toward the benefit of
someone else Ive benefited along the Way.
The results will be
treasured my God's hands instead of many complaining against
him. Jesus is more than
an enlightened soul (nephesh): he had the courage to declare Himself
the only Son of His Father and that by the Holy Spirit who breathed
into mans spirit (ruach).
Then and only then did Man become a living soul (instead of
just having one).
Whether its in the corporate
work place or recording studios allowing musically creative
performances (or simply relating with wonderful people face to
face), Ive come to appreciate that our steps are better gauged by
how we walk, rather than what we expect along the path. Go with what you Know and
have confidence! Ive
known this for a very long time. Even my personality lends itself
for others to borrow at times.
I see this when others takes digs at me because they know I
can absorb them, while I know they are seeking something more than
just our exchanges. As
for me, I yearn for every bit and parcel when I meet someone
new. It refreshes me:
as does a drink of water when thristy.
My quench comes as a pool
rather than a river or stream.
My quench comes when theres a quiet time to reflect and
rejuvenate. My quench
comes when those Im related to recognize, receive and respond to our
time in their own time.
The concept of eternity has been placed in the heart of
Mankind so that we might appreciate these very things. I pray that this time of
year brings us to remembrance: for there far too many who dont know
this Principle than those who claim to know.
Hence, regardless of what
you observe, and certainly regardless of what faith/belief system
you adhere to, please know that my sole motivation is to ask that
you extend yourself - even exert yourself to observe another person
somewhere who might not be able to latch onto something dear to
them. When you do this
(if and when), youll understand why I journal today. When you do this, you
just might be able to sow a seed in someone elses heart and mind
toward not only bettering themselves, but All of Us in the
process.
Worship is a lifestyle; not
a day of the week.
Have Blessed
Relationships, regardless of seasons or winds!
Respectfully,
John M.
Sussewell
(a/k/a
Suss!)
# # #
For
now, here is a link to some
Biographical
info on myself:
Suss!'s
Biography
Browse at your
leisure. This is incomplete since it does not include a number of
other activities, including my spiritual journey as a Christian
Believer, Minister and Pastor of a local church in Atlanta. I will
update this when I get closer to a design and layout to the site. If
not, then what you see is what you get, while seeking to fulfill
your own Destiny.
# # #
Suss!'s
SoundScapes!
My
soundscape/discography offers a listing of various projects and
Artists that I've been involved or worked on since the early
70's. Many are recent. I've converted these files into mp3
format. This list is by no means exhaustive, but only shows some of
my favorites, whether for commercial release or the friends at
Billy Cobham's
website.
I hope you
enjoy my selections while you pursue being creative
yourself.
# # #
Suss!'s
Snaps
Just a few
pictures over the years! This is more of a collage of experiences
than following any particular logic, since all pics are related in
some way ... well beyond me. I've been blessed and readily
acknowledge so.
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By certain &
special requests, here is info on Suss! with the Artist,
"Donny
Hathaway!"
Donny
Hathaway was my entree' into the mainstream industry back in
1973. Unfortunately, Donny is asleep now, having passed in
1978 behind an alleged suicide. Though there are many tracks that I
was blessed to have recorded with this man, I choose to include
only one here and now. Just search the rest your own
means.
http://www.johnsussewell.com/NuPoIntro-DonnyHathaway&SussCarnegieHall1973.mp3
Sometimes
the proof is better than the pudding.
...
me along with this man while so many others hide behind the ENTER
key...
I
only know of two surviving members of this ensemble into 2011
(Chuggy (congas) and Basie Saunders (bass). I trust that Gil
Silva (guitar) is out there. Time has a way of keepiing each other
in thought, if not in touch.
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Then
also check out the The
Guild of Sound (recorded
Live on January 16th, 2005) This is special! My overview and
relationship with musicians in the Guild can be found in the
appropriate link.
Sadly, the
Guild is in hiatus right now due the changing life circumstances
of members. One moved out of state, and others to regroup, has
resulted in what I hope to be a temporary departure from our
inception some years ago...
Overview of
The Guild of Sound (HTML Text)
Conception (mp3 - 6.04
MB)
The Best of Me (mp3 - 6.18 MB)
Fresh Idea! (mp3 - 6.08 MB)
Drifter (mp3 - 3.53
MBs)
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You
may email me directly from this page by clicking the following
link.
Your
email comments are welcome: do so on my MySpace website referenced
below.
# # #
Now to my dear friend and musical creator: Tony
O'Malley!
This man (Tony O'Malley) composed a tune and
video in honor of 'his' friend some years later after I worked with
and so many others in England and KOKOMO. Tony and I are still
in touch these days. The reason why is what you'll see for
yourself. The reason is that too much judge hearts
and hide behind their church congregations instead of maintaining
integrity. Tony has released me to publish what he already
did:
Search his name on You Tube, entitled "Nothing But a
Man!" Just see and listen! Oh what the heck!? I'll
include the link right here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1mGcxRrIzI
Make your heart open when you both see and hear
this. It will change your life; again! Tony and his
compatriots did a marvelous WORK with this song. Rather than
view, think of the work that goes into creating the music, the guts,
blood, sweat and TEARS for the benefit of EVERYONE - most
especially YOU!
In the meantime...
Blogs, blurbs and babbles can be found be found
anywhere. But are they real
with evidence?
My Friends on MySpace, The Jazz Network or within
any networked community are simply that. Nothing more than
cyberspace in the context of reaching out and sharing some
beneficial experiences.
I
know with skin who my real friends are.
I'm out for now... ahhh..., no: I'm In!...
Along With You!
suss@johnsussewell.com
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