Suss

Suss' SoundScapes

I wonder sometimes, since my horizons are ever expanding. Hopefully, yours are too.

Most recently, I’ve been involved in a number of recording projects. The live gigging scene here in Atlanta is problematic - much more than it needs to be. Yet with Steve Whitworth and Walter Bland, there is always a breath of fresh air . I do not have permission to upload the most recent takes/projects as they progress toward mixing, mastering and commercial release; however the groundwork has already been laid with many adjustments. I'm honored to be in the mix.

In the meantime…

… here are some of my personally selected tracks from various artists and/or projects I’m involved with over time - as far back as 1973 when in NYC many wondered where any of us came from [they certainly wondered where the heck I came from].

I think urban and rural areas today (among all in between & surburbia) wonder the same thing when diversity seems so important on the corporate level, but lost individually somehow when we should deal with each other in the marketplace.

Many sound files are recent, starting out with Billy Cobham 's Conundrum release, who as a world class drummer is my musical and drumming mentor. Please don’t ask Billy Cobham how this came about… with humility, he’ll deny it (while knowing it through one of many professional contacts we both share). The guy is just who he is, while I’m who I am too. Simply said, I respect him since he changed my musical and percussive life. To you Boomer, you are the reason why I chose drums and not the keyboards.

The rest of the Artists are in alphabetical order ... somewhat anyway!

If the term 'covers' appears, then tracks were provided to me for overdub w/acoustic drums.

If the term 'covers' does not appear, then those are just a few of the commercial label releases (or custom projects) that I performed on and felt free enough to upload... at least “free” meaning I’m the drummer without infringing anyone’s copyright for sale.

Then, there is a third category: namely ‘stuff’ that has yet to be released after being recorded in a state of the art studio with artist/players. You be the judge, while I hope you enjoy what is offered here in the mix.

Billy Cobham 's "Conundrum 2002(Warner Bros.)" covers:

Torpedo Flow

http://www.johnsussewell.com/TorpedoFlow-BCsConundrum-2003.mp3

Stratus1

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Stratus-010603-TakeC.mp3

Stratus2

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Strat041603A.mp3

Red Baron

http://www.johnsussewell.com/RedBaron0-Suss.mp3

On The Move

http://www.johnsussewell.com/OTM041703C.mp3

Eleuthera

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Elue041303.mp3

... now this is the tune in my book. I've been to the Caribbean and the Bahamas so many times I can't even tell you. Yet somehow I've never been to Eleuthera. I hope in Billy Cobham 's experience, I've captured this tune for him, rather than others who are listening here on face value only.

Conundrum

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

…written by Billy Cobham , yours truly is behind the kit. I make use of a double paradiddle when percussively expressing that rudiment’s combinations.

Ashford & Simpson: (various releases)

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

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Aint-ITaShame.mp3

Nick and Valerie are special to me. Why? ... simply because though I never attended a music school/university (per se), they embraced my creativity at that time along with theirs. Nuff said. The basic rythmn section at Sigma Sound (NYC) was Nick Ashford (pilot vocal), Valerie Simpson (ac.pno), Ray Chew (e.pno), Eric Gale (guitar), Francisco Centano (b.guitar) & J.Sussewell (drums). All other colors & production values were added after the basic tracks were laid w/charts, inlcuding Ralph MacDonald on percussion, Ray Simpson & Yolanda McCullough on BGV's and of course, the Strings, Brass & Woodwinds where heard. My favorite in out of all of my favorites with Nick & Val is Bourgie Bourgie since I had to craft this song from a chart after hearing Valerie play it on the piano and reading down through the chart. The groove came naturally to me somehow and I played it in a combination of open and closed handed. Oh, BTW, those are Remo Roto-Toms on the accents and tom colors. I guess my point is that "it's not how the music comes to us, but how we come to the music." [Wynton Marsalis]

Ben Tankard: (Keys To Life)

Ben Tankard and I (though both from the U.S.A) met in London , England while playing on the same show for a local congregation there back in '91. Upon returning to the States, he called me to overdub these drum parts on his release that was nominated for the GMA's Dove Award.

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/LovewTake6-BenTankard&Suss.mp3

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

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

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

Candi Staton: (various releases)

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Mama-CandiStatoninthecountrytradition.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/HighwayToHeaven.mp3 ... Our "Pete" particularly likes this tune because of the double bass sound and half-time treatment of the ubiquitous "shuffle." I only used one bass drum pedal for the foot while driving with the left hand on the snare and accenting open handed with other colors. One of those colors is the delicate use of the high-hat. Treat this instrument like you would the most prized possession on your kit, because it does so many things (which is why I've never doubled bassed yet). In this particular song, I was plugged into what the basic rhythm section was doing live back in '85 under Candi Staton's vocals... it was our responsibility (and mine as a producer) to make sure every note was the right note, regardless of what instrument was being played. From a drummer's perspective (and not that of a producer), I wanted to lock into Canid's lyrics of this standard church tune. All of the R.Section was in Atlanta at one time ( Norbert Sloley on bass, Randy Harper on piano, Phil Hamilton on guitar and yours truly on drums, while Candi did her master vocal after her pilot vocal.)

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/WhenISeeTheBlood-CandiStaton.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/NoNotOne-CandiStaton.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/GloryToHisName-CandiStaton.mp3

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Looking4Love.mp3

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

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

Dave Weckl covers:

http://www.johnsussewell.com/IslandMagi042303B.mp3

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

I’ve never met Dave Weckl, though very familiar with his music. When hearing what was offered as play-alongs, I just had to put my hand to it with my own personality.

Donny Hathaway:

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Someday-Free.mp3

These three tracks were recorded LIVE at Carnegie Hall in 1973 w/me on the drums. Sadly, Rhino/Warner failed to accurately reflect my participation in these performances. They've been notified and acknowledged the error. I miss Donny, but expect to see him again... Go Figure! As for the corporate concerns, they move too slow and get in the way when the flow of royalties are concerned… As for Donny? … he is merely asleep for now. I expect to see him again since my personal experience with him revealed much more about his dreams and desires than the frustrations and pressures he somehow succumbed to – or any of us still with skin are going through now.

Eumir Deodato: (just a few selected tracks off of the Knights of Fantasy release)

http://www.johnsussewell.com/WhistleBump-Knights-of-FantasyLP.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/SpaceDust-Knights-of-Fantasy.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Shazam!-Knights-of-Fantasy.mp3

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/JesuJoyOfMansDesiringBach-Deodato1979.mp3

Diana Ross: (just a few selected tracks off of "The Boss" release)

http://www.johnsussewell.com/It'sMyHouse-DianaRoss.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/TheBoss-DianaRoss.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Sparkle-DianaRossTheBoss.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/IAin'tBeenLickedYet-DianaRoss.mp3

Eddie Palmeiri covers: (by way of a great man and friend of mine!)

http://www.johnsussewell.com/YouDig021903Free.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Sugar-Azukar-021703A.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Shuga!-AzukarPalmeiri0201803A.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Palmas021303NoCDSkip.mp3

This was the first tune among the latin/culture mix that a dear friend sent me back in 2003. I was always hungry for latin music, only having played it while still wanting more in public performances. I played this tune like I grew up in the neighborhood! Thanks Corona - you are my Ambassador of Kwan and the halo during any eclispe! Simply said, everyone should have among their friends such as you!

http://www.johnsussewell.com/MareNostrum(Money)021803A.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/LaLibertad-Freedom!FirstTake.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/LaLibertad-Freedom!031303AFull.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/DrDuck022503B.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Covagarde031003Stage.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Bouncer022703BTake.mp3

Garrett Morris (comedic actor)

http://www.johnsussewell.com/DifferentNotBetter-JustDifferent.mp3

Guild of Sound (along w/other notable musicians):

Geoff McBride (lead vocals); Mark Copeland (guitar); Steve Freeman (guitar); David Scott (keyboards); Rudy Brannon (sax); Don Klayman (bass guitar); John Sussewell (drums)

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Solitude-MarkCopeland.mp3

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

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Conception-GuildofSound-ATL-GA.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Charleston-LIVEATL-Jan2005.mp3

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

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/AhShugaNow0-MarkCopeland.mp3

My Work In Progress (by Suss!)

Up front and personal? Well, I’m a frustrated keyboard player without excuse. Yet like riding a bicycle, you never forget how to keep your balance on those wheels once learned. This tune has the pulse and tension that I've played to often on the keyboards as well as on the drums...

http://www.johnsussewell.com/SolarisJMS-July1979-Suss-written.mp3

This is slower w/me on the organ

http://www.johnsussewell.com/SolarisJMS2-July1979-Suss-written.mp3

Just a drum demo on the clave

http://www.johnsussewell.com/ClaveTimbao-Suss021803-KISSPrple.mp3

Most recently (for those interested), I’m writing a book geared for those who are discerning in life and not just musically speaking. Among the tunes that I have composed, here is my reconciliation to myself; written over ten years ago with chords, but only refined with fire in the last six months – it is kind of a “merger” (amalgamation) of the many approaches in life (versus "the logos and the rhema" or “life and death.”). What would this reality appear like if there were only black and white??? You be the judge.

[insert url]

Kokomo (London Live in Leiceister Square/Piccadilly!, 1976):

http://www.johnsussewell.com/DoItRigh-Kokomo1976.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/PercysRoots-Kokomo.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/LittleGirl-KokomoLive-1976wSuss!.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/FeelingGood-KokomoLondon1976.mp3

In 1975-76, KOKOMO consisted of:

Tony O'Malley (keyboards, vocals) - http://www.tonyomalley.com

Alan Spenner (bass, vocals - deceased)

Jim Mullens (sp?)... guitar, who quit the group shortly after the Stateside tour with me on board

Neil Hubbard (guitar)

Mel Collins (woodwinds - w/many EC artists back then, but out of the UK )

Frank Collins, Dyan Birch and Pad.McHugh (lead and BGVs)

John Sussewell (drums, after the departure of Terry Stanard during the Stateside tour in '75. Alan Gorie of the Average White Band referred me to this band during their stellar cover hit of Bobby Womack's tune "I Can Understand It.". I can remember that I was getting stale in the New York scene and needed another vista at that time. None of us are “stale” when being “proactive.” AWB & Kokomo was a refreshing for me back then, yet imperfection pollutes our progress. So stop making excuses and be accountable. Otherwise there is no balance to be stricken.

Latin Connection covers:

http://www.johnsussewell.com/MamboNights051903BwBongoSolo.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Zapata1-050803.mp3

Mega (a/k/a "Megadiddle):

http://www.johnsussewell.com/SpaceInvaders0a.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/SpaceInvaders-wSussOnDrums-RegMarshall-Megadiddle-UK-2003.wav

Michael Tomlinson : http://www.michaeltomlinson.com...

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/WildHorses-021806.htm

I’ve never met you Michael, but your music moves me simply by the lyrics alone. The sonorous progressions even make more sense with a unit/team involved.

Milton Academy ( Milton , MA - 30th Anniv. Of Milton 's Jazz Program - 2003):

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Gemini-Suss-Adderly.mp3

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

My gratitude, prayers and respect go to the students, faculty and Board of Directors in these times of change - in that order. Unless you know me personally, there is no way for me to explain what Milton Academy meant to me both then and now. Believe me... it's all positive.

Nancy Stone :

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Time-Jamago.mp3

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/SavannahNights2.mp3

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

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

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Matter-of-Time.mp3.mp3

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Legacy-Middle.mp3.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Keys3_060205.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Keys2MyCar-I'mTired.mp3.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/ADifferentWay-withBass.mp3.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/A-Different-Way.mp3.mp3

Neil Loughran ("Spin"):

http://www.johnsussewell.com/SpaceSpin031303D.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/Space032803wperc.mp3

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/BrazilianHaze-012103.mp3

http://www.johnsussewell.com/BHaze032603A.mp3

Neil ("Spin") and I hooked up via Billy Cobham ’s website and collaborated on a number of tunes noted above. Regrettably, time and circumstances change for everyone and the following tune is what I still hope to provide my input on via acoustic drums. Neil wrote this and sent it to me for the very same. Hopefully the sensitivity of this will reflect my motivation to record it:

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

Steve Winwood: (@ Chipping Norton Studios/ UK , '76!)

http://www.johnsussewell.com/VacantChair-Suss&SteveWinwood-ChippingNortonStudioUK-1976.mp3

Oliver Scott:

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.johnsussewell.com/HeIsLord-ErnieWatts-onSax.mp3

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