In the very early morning hours of May 28, 2011 a group of super musicians descended on the Kessler Theatre in Dallas, Texas. Geno Young’s “Camp Wisdom Concert Series” hosted Shaun Martin’s Go-Go Party. The atmosphere was electric and Shaun Martin was at his best. His charisma was so intense that even when he stepped off the stage for a song, you never felt his absence, which also says a lot about his band. Tight and disciplined this group of super musicians followed Shaun Martin’s every cue. Even when the groove slowed down, it never felt drawn out. The Go-Go Party is usually hosted at another venue in town but I think the Kessler Theatre as of May 28th has secured themselves as the new venue. I hope we don’t have to wait for the annual Christmas Go-Go to experience another “Camp Wisdom Concert Series” performance like this one.

Listen, and the rest speaks for itself.

This is what the Camp Wisdom Crew is all about.

Timbaland knows…HE IS THE MAN! Charting in the top 10 in almost every popular musical genre, Timbaland knows he is the producer to respect and now add performing tour artist.

Timbaland’s (Producer: Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River,” “Sexyback,” Nelly Furtdao’s “Promiscuous”) ”Shock Value 2″ tour was an all around sensory sensation. I seriously do not even know where to begin. The audio was spectacular because the band was made up of some serious session and touring players. Yes, I said “band.” An eight member band to be exact, playing some intense arrangements. The video and lighting were synced to the beats that Timbaland created. This gave the illusion that the artist presented on the video screen was actually on stage with the band. It was a wild and very fun ride for your eyes and ears. This was only a promotional run. I can’t wait to see what he does for the real tour.

I should have the behind the scenes pics and videos up soon. Let me just tell you, “his band is crazy.”

The MAESTRO:

Toronto should be proud, “Down with Webster” is a really fun band. When I say band, I mean seven members deep; three vocalist, guitarist, keys/bass player, drummer, and a DJ. DWW is a highly energetic band with a mission. That mission is to take their fusion of rock, hip hop and pop and have a great time. Their pulsating loops, deep bass sounds and loud distorted guitars have you either dancing or jumping up and down to songs about partying or about love lost with no regrets. Down in Houston, Tx where I caught these guys they were the opening act. Before they were done though the crowd was engaged and participating; singing the hooks back to the band. Toronto, thanks for sending some of your talent down(pun intended) south for a good time.

Music for some is a life force. When you get to meet people like RC Williams it is a blessing and a curse. The curse is that all you want to do is sit back for the rest of your life and listen to him play. You don’t want eat, sleep or…You just want to inhale all that he is as a musician. The blessing is the fact that you get to sit back once a week and listen to RC and his trio perform. Blessing you with the talents that the “Great Almighty” has bestowed upon him.

RC’s trio made up of a RC on keys, Braylon Lacy on bass and Cleon Edwards on drums. They performed original tunes and some covers by some of R&B’s most famous acts, past and present. The audience which was slim till about midnight took in the melodies and started dancing. Occasionally RC would allow extra musicians on the stage and invite some singers up to belt out a tune.The atmosphere set from the stage was reminiscent of the ever so cool 1950’s jazz scene.

You might be interested to know that some bands out there are still trying to make good music.  Now I am not a fan of pop rock, never have been, but I know quality music when I hear it. I just met the band Pistolita on the night of their concert. Coner, Christopher, Colin and Anique. I didn’t get to meet the bass player, I think his name starts with the letter “C” too. This quintet is made up of a drummer, two electric players both doubling as background vocalists, a bass guitarist and a keys player who is also the lead singer. These guys are the real deal. Excellent lyrics, accessible melodies, tight vocal harmonies and an exceptional live show performance to make them the all around package. If record labels were still the cool thing I was suggest they get signed. I am so glad “Pistolita” takes an interest in their own music to write valuable songs for the masses.

Its fun to go out and just hope you catch something unique and fun. Early in the month of January I captured a couple of guys playing an acoustic set at Roots Coffee House in North Richland Hills, Tx a small suburb of Ft. Worth, Texas. Fronting this duet was Adam Roye a skillfull guitarist and Anique Fazaldin on drums. Adam’s pedal set up was really cool as he had all the pedals running to one switchboard. Anique’s setup was a kick bass, hi hat and three snares, one being a vintage Civil War snare. Adam used his pedal board to create a loop and set the groove. Anique would jump in and lay down the rhythmic foundation and Adam would follow with leads on top of the looping groove. During the set Adam explained that some of the music was being written as they were playing. I thought that was really impressive and skillful. It was a sound for sore ears and very fun to watch.

Sometimes musicians have a moment of collaboration between them and the audience. Its perfect when the crowd correctly interprets the music and lyrics and respond positively. That feeling is so overwhelming and beautiful that as an artist you want that glimpse of adoration to become a lifestyle. If you ever want to experience that collective appreciation have Timothy “Mace” Macon play drums for you. He brings an emotional and skillful approach to drumming that begs to be heard over and over. Need a moment as an artist to be exhorted and remind yourself why you do, what you do? Ask Timothy Macon to play drums for you.

Bob of illphoto.com and I collaborated on this shoot. He should be posting some pics of this session on his blog pretty soon. Until then check out some of his other work which is both amazing and hilarious.