…As for music, Ndelible’s still grinding away on this mixtape and the second album. I couldn’t ask for a better band to be in. It’s one thing to play music together…virtually anybody can do that. It’s entirely another to have people get along so well. Even when we disagree it’s not the end of the world (or the band). But I digress, point is…new music soon!
Posts Tagged ‘Ndelible’
Spooning in a garden of pillows
22
Aug
- First up, big thanks to those who made it our (Ndelible’s) performances at Liv and Jazz Under the Stars. Both were amazing shows where we met some great folk. Hope to have videos/photos up soon.
- True Blood is entirely too addictive. This is problematic because…
- School starts soon. I’m liking UMD’s School of Public Policy thus far (sans the random and unanticipated fees). It feels a little weird to be a Terp after four years of UMBC’ing. On a music note…
- Kem and Esperanza Spalding both released purchase-worthy new albums last week. Spalding’s newest work is a lot different from her last album…it’s more strings-centered than her 2008 effort, but I like it nontheless. And Kem’s CD is dope as well. He’s one of the few singers I know who can say something like “don’t you want to spoon… in a garden of pillows,” and get away with it. lol.
- Switching tracks a bit…I don’t understand this uproar over the planned NY mosque. Sensitivity concerns are legitimate, but we weren’t attacked in 2001 by Islam as a whole. We were hit by a radical contingent. That’s like saying no more churches should be built in Oklahoma because Timothy McVeigh once described himself as Catholic. Distortions of faith (and avoidance of their primary tenets) are no more representative of Islam than they are of Christianity. Besides, there’s already a mosque near the memorial.
…
Dahwell, enough random thoughts for the day. Hope everybody’s well. The Ndelible mixtape shall soon be upon you. Foe free!
Bring Your Blankets, Chairs, and Fried Chicken (for me…)
11
Aug
We’ll be playing yonder August 21st. 7-9pm. Looking forward to seeing some of ya’ll out there.
For the uninitiated, wanna hear us first to make sure we don’t sound like this? Well, check out www.ndelible.com. There’s a jam session from practice in your upper right hand corner as well. Hit me up if you have any questions! Thanks to the Beltsville Recreation Council!
Upcoming Shows (with Walter Beasley and Ndelible)
24
Jun
I know I’ve done an incredibly bad job of updating this blog on my own shows. But I’m gonna change! If only for tonight…
- I’m sitting in with Walter Beasley at Blues Alley
this Saturday June 26th at 8 and 10pm. He’s featured there through Sunday. Tickets are 35.00 and available here. For those new to the site, a brief history. I met Walt a couple years back through Sean Chase (a dope drummer from church). Walt’s kind enough to let me play with him when he comes to town. He’s a masterful artist and teacher. I always learn something by watching him play. There’s some old video of us at the Birchmere at the bottom of this post.
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- Ndelible’s playing at DC’s Bohemian Caverns
next Wednesday, June 30. Doors open at 8pm. I believe the cover’s around $10. By the dub, our (free!) mixtape’s coming along nicely! I’m really excited for ya’ll to hear it.
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- This isn’t music-related so much, but I wanted to thank everyone who sent kind words regarding my Nana. All the texts, emails, and calls were definitely appreciated. I have to admit, playing at the funeral was a struggle for me. But all in all, it was a celebratory day. A beautiful woman is at peace…and I can’t be mad (or sad) about that.
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UMBC’s Graduation…
26
May
“UMBC Stuff: 2006-2010.” I wrote that on a box the other day. Wasn’t til then that I finally realized it–my undergrad career is over. It’s a slightly sad admission to self. I fully intend to stay in touch w/ all my friends and professors, but I know that just as with high school, life and its assorted distractions, advances, and movements, will separate many of us. One thing’s for sure, though, I love my school. And I love the history I have there. The friends gained, the mistakes made…the growth. Maturity’s a continuous goal for me, but UMBC has helped so much in that pursuit.
Before this gets too mushy, I just want to thank all those who have called, emailed, and texted their congrats…as well as the assorted gifts people have so generously given. (If you get some mail with illegible doctor scrawl on it, it’s probably a thank you letter from me).
Here are a few pics from graduation. It’s been real BC.
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Ndelible Rehearsal Footage
28
Apr
So Ndelible’s drummer Ron B is a beast. He took this footage of one of our rehearsals and added a bit of video magic to it in post. I’m on the right side playing EWI/Strings. This song (Coldplay’s Rush of Blood to the Head) is gonna be on our mixtape, which will be coming out in the next few months. The mixtape will be completely gratis…free, free, free. The second album, not so much! :)
Hope you all enjoy
Personnel: Dave James (Vocals/Acoustic Guitar), Myron “Q Dot” (El. Guitar), Tommy (Bass), Ron B (drums), Sam Buck (keys), Me (EWI/Sax).
Ndelible Pics. April 25, 2010
27
Apr
Last Sunday was a busy day for Ndelible. We did a radio show in College Park and then hit Expo Lounge in DC. Great shows. Mixtape’s coming soon!
Trumpeter Christian Scott with the Roots!!
08
Apr
Anybody who knows me can attest to my addiction with the Roots. In an era of so much wackness in rap, they are pioneers, leading the way with actual music with actual instruments. Don’t get me wrong, I love the art of production and DJ’ing as well, but nothing beats a real band. Nothing.
So when I saw this clip of trumpeter Christian Scott sitting in with them I had to post it (after recovering from the waves of jealousy that washed over me). Lol, just playing. This was really dope to see.
For those unfamiliar with Scott, he’s a great trumpet player, and he recently released a new album, Yesterday You Said Tomorrow. I think Rewind That is still my favorite album of his, but this most recent joint cranks as well. YYST has some nice jams on it…I’m a big fan of Scott’s cover of Thom Yorke’s The Eraser.
Speaking of instrumental music…
There’s a new jam up from Ndelible. Nearly 10 minutes long, it features solos from all the band (me on sax, Myron “Q Dot” on guitar, Sam Buck killing on keys, and Tommy on bass). Hope you enjoy. It’s an impromptu joint from rehearsal.
The Prelude
27
Mar
Hola folks,
I know I’ve been a horrible site admin. Haven’t updated in nearly a month…I must good googly moogly at my own inaction. My apologies. Just been extremely busy between school, work, and music. I’m writing this as a prelude to a real update, lol. Got some big stuff coming up with Ndelible in the coming months. And graduation’s right around the corner! Mixed feelings on that…Dahwell. Hope all is kosher with everybody.
One of the doper moments of the past few months has been finding this gem. This joint is hilarious to me. BACK POCKETS ON THE FLOOR!
Birchmere Show Update / Sade Interview
05
Feb
Greetings folks,
Due to the impending storm the show with Walter Beasley at the Birchmere on February 6th has been RESCHEDULED for Sat. Feb 20th. Refunds are available if you can’t make the new date. All tickets for the 6th will be honored on the 20th. If you’d like to come to the show on the 20th tickets are available here via ticketmaster for just under $40.
Everybody be safe in the wonderful weather. While I’m writing, I might as well say: Ndelible has some really exciting things coming up in the next few months. Details to come.
Lastly, I found this video of one of my favorite singers, Sade. Her new album is coming out w/in the next week, methinks. The video is a little promo about her creative process. I really enjoyed watching it…can definitely relate to what she says in the later part of the video. She talks about how uncomfortable she is in public (but conversely how comfortable she is when presenting herself musically). Dope.
Oh, and she’s gorgeous. To steal a line from James Baldwin, she looks like she’s wearing sunshine. I’m sure I messed that quote up…Anywho I’m rambling. Ya’ll be safe now, ya hear?!
