Sussw/Guild of Sound 2004

My Personal Greetings To You!

Welcome:

John Sussewell (a/k/a "Suss!):

Grammy, Dove, & Stellar Awards nominated:
Drummer, Producer,
Record Label Exec.
and duly ordained Christian minister (servant):
...just an up-front advocate
for equity in this troubled world!

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! 

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 when 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.  No argument: these are the facts.

http://www.johnsussewell.com/HaveYouTriedGod.mp3 

Written by Candi Staton, and produced by (and played on with me back in 1986), it 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. If only others would famish themselves upon themselves before coming to a common table where everyone eats.

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.). 

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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.

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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 many on this planet have yet to eat a scrap of bread when all is plentiful.

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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!

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December 20, 2009

 

  1. http://www.johnsussewell.com/SussMuzzled.jpg [as in listening before speaking; or even typing for that matter… Go Figure!]

         The last seven-ten years have been most interesting for me and I’m poised for yet another marked change of Jubilee with Release!  I journal simply because I’m on a journey, as we All are.  I’m 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 taking stock in themselves.  This is why I should not be confused with narcissism.

 

This Season, I can only dwell upon the positive contributions others have made to my life. By the Grace of a God Who Lives, I’m well and expect great things for 2010.  I’ve 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 this.  In my outlook, I adhere to Faith that works by Love (Galatians 5:6), instead of pretending to be politically correct for those who don’t believe in anything or anyone beyond themselves – yet want to impose their secularism onto those who simply down-right Know Better.

 

I do Know Better – what’ 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) I’ve been afforded over my 60+ years with Evidence.  I trust in my daily Worship that I’m making the most of every singular lesson I’ve learned while alive – and that by paying forward toward the benefit of someone else I’ve benefited along the Way.  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 man’s spirit (ruach).  Then and only then did Man became a living soul (instead of just having ‘one’).

 

Whether it’s in the corporate work place or recording studios allowing musically creative performances (or simply relating with wonderful people face to face), I’ve 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!  I’ve 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 there’s a quiet time to reflect and rejuvenate.  My quench comes when those I’m 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 don’t 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), you’ll understand why I journal today.  When you do this, you just might be able to sow a seed in someone else’s 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!”)

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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.

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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.

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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 the late 70's. Yet the following three tracks were recorded "Live" at Carnegie Hall in New York City, 1973 with Donny (keyboards & vocals), Gil Silva (guitar), Bassie Saunders (bass guitar), Leslie (Chuggy) Carter (congas) and 'your's truly' on drums. It was a very fine evening with Donny & our band.

I guess this is why Rhino/Warner Bros. Records released it after so many years; entitled "These Songs For You!" Not retro, but musical reconciliation!

Overview of Suss w/Donny Hathaway (HTML Text)

Flying Easy (mp3 - 3.0MB)

Valdez In The Country (mp3 - 3.9MB)

Someday We'll All Be Free (mp3 - 5.2MB)  

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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 several 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.  

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Thanks for visiting my Web Home... 

Visit THE JAZZ NETWORK

Blogs, blurbs and babbles may also be found at my MySpace site.
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 who my Real Friends "with skin" Are.

I'm out for now... ahhh..., no: I'm In!...

Along With You!



Jazzin' Suss!

 

© 2010 John Sussewell