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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