Musician's RealTalk

In part-two of my conversation with Michael Friend, we cover the expansion of the Soul-in-Motion Players from being a group performing poetry to including African dance, world renown percussionist Dr. Gibbs influence on his development as a percussionist, and his thoughts on the African dance and drumming community, as it relates to Soul-in-Motion. Enjoy part-two of my conversation with Michael Friend. Musician's RealTalk...real talk it's real good!!!

This episode features my conversation with percussionist Michael Friend, who is the Artistic Director of the African Dance and Performance group, Soul in Motion Players. Soul in Motion will be celebrating their 36th year of performance excellence in 2019. In Part 1 of my conversation with Michael Friend, we cover his introduction to the drum, the creation of Soul in Motion, the synergy between African drumming and poetry, and how different cultures have embraced the concept of "We Are Africa". Enjoy my conversation with Michael Friend.

The jazz group Collaboration has been performing in and around the DMV area for over 35+ years. Join me in my conversation with Tracey Cutler and Dr. Kenneth Dickerson, as they tell the story of Collaboration's start, how the group has evolved over the years, and how the concept of shared leadership is the cornerstone of the group's success.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. For two childhood friends, it took the pursuit to become musicians and solid mentoring from the music community to guide them through the tough neighborhoods of Shaw and Columbia Heights in Washington DC. I hope you enjoy Part 1 of my conversation with Tracey Cutler and Dr. Kenneth Dickerson, as they tell the story of their friendship, but also how the magnetic pull of music kept them out harms way and on the right path to become solid men in their community.

In part 2 of my conversation with Deginal Boykin, we talk about the Luther Re-Lives project, how it began, the many roles Deginal has had to take on, and importance of how understanding your audience contributes to the success of your brand. Enjoy the podcast, wihich features the music of saxophonist Rob Maletick..

Please enjoy my conversation with Deginal Boykin. He's a Washington DC native, who's father was the only African American to own a music store/instrument repair shop in downtown Washington DC during the 60's and 70's. Listen how his experiences working in his father's shop prepared him for a long lasting career at IBM. But more importantly, molded and shaped him into being a solid musician, as well as giving him a compassionate approach to the business of music.

Please enjoy part 2 of my conversation with jazz upright and electric bassist Wes "Sugar" Biles, as we talk about his time at Boston University and MIT, to his unexpected move to Washington DC, his experience with the late former Mayor Marion Barry, to his concepts on professionalism. Wes is a wonderful storyteller, and his professional approach to music is the reason he is a highly sought after bassist in the DMV area.

Here is an excerpt of part 2 of my conversation with upright and electric bassist Wes "Sugar" Biles. The entire podcast will be published in a couple of days. Please feel free to listen to the excerpt and check out the other podcasts in the Musicians Realtalk library. Enjoy!!

Earl Carter describes himself as a chameleon when it comes playing guitar. His "smooth" jazz sounds have shared the stage with Alyson Williams, Regina Belle, Angela Bofill, Bobby Lyle and Marcus Johnson - to name a few. Earl's career has taken him from management in "corporate" America, to being a successful full-time musician/entrepreneur. Enjoy this conversation with one of Washington DC's hardest working musicians.

This episode of Musician's Realtalk features a conversation with Grammy nominee Chris Barnes. Chris is a piano virtuoso, singer, songwriter, and educator located in the DMV area. Listen to how the music of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Donny Hathaway had a profound influence on his life and music. We also tackle the advantages and disadvantages of being a "studied" musician. Enjoy the podcast.