There are 12 people in a jury,12 tones to a pitch class,12 months in a year,12 Disciples with Jesus,12 Moons in our Universe,...Not!,
12 inches = 1 foot, and 12 days since Barack Obama was elected President of the U.S. A symbol for black manhood. African Kings from the past have sent the world a leader for the 21st Century. World Change has begun. He is A Power of One.

"Everything must Change, Nothing stays the same..." These are the beginning lyrics to B. Ighner's Everything Must Change. Some years ago, vocalists Byron Woods,Theresa Davis, Curtis Prince and I re-arranged this song. Find it on my CD Searchin' for the Soul. An old school Memory with new school thoughts.

48 hours. Then we will know.The Race to the White House. One man wins. One man loses. Words of Negative Past will become Words of Power Potential. "Everything must Change. Nothing stays the Same...." Music such as Jazz, Blues, and R&B will evolve for they speak to the past, present,and future. To perform and appreciate this music is to reflect a higher power within ourselves. Who will win? The Senator from Arizona? Or the Man from Africa, Hawaii, Harvard, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. All my global friends will be affected. The World Waits. Soon One Man will lead us. Into the Future.

"The FUTURE belongs to those who prepare for it TODAY" MALCOLM X

JAZZ: an African-American Creation, a Universal Connection. We have CD's to sell, music videos and photos of Chicago's finest performers, CD Giveaways, Lyrics on request, calendar updates, soundbites, links to CD BABY,Rhapsody, etc, social commentary and more! Share your thoughts on any subject, scatter-chat with like-minded friends, and enjoy McCLERKIN'S HOUSE OF JAZZ!

Last night Barack Obama, an African American, accepted the Democratic nomination to become President of the United States. His speech was inspirational and unforgettable. I only wish Ma and Dad were here to share and witness this historical event. To quote another, "I HAVE A DREAM". Will OUR dream come true?

Despite the presidential election, devastation of New Orleans three years ago by Hurricane Katrina remains a suffocating memory. Yes, the roots of jazz history have washed away but musicians across the world continue to keep the music alive. Hurricane Gustav is moving towards New  Orleans with Mapquest directions. Maybe he'll get lost.  

The Olympics represent the best in athletic achievements. Some countries hold hands with their neighbors and sing "We are the World". Unfortunately, during the next forty-eight months many of these same countries return to "unsportsmanlike conduct". The Olympics could serve as a springboard, a gateway to the possibilities of world peace.  Can't we all just get along?

According to credible sources, believe it or not, there appears to be a movement, primarily limited to some parts of Europe, dis-acknowledging the beginnings and development of Jazz within the African American community. As Richard Pryor said, "Swear fo' God!!". I see Duke, Art, Horace, McCoy and others shaking their heads. Jazz grew out of the African American experience. It has developed with the contributions of people from around the world.We have always welcomed all cultures to participate and create. And we are happy to share our creativity with all. But NO ONE should be able to take credit for creating something that was never theirs to begin with. Sorry, but it's our ball. You can't have it.

Many newsworthy items in the last 6 weeks. Oscar Peterson, a mentor and great jazz pianist died in December. Will Smith's movie, "I am Legend" has grossed over 100 million. Denzel Washington reminds us: To Debate is to Educate. Presidential Candidate Barack Obama makes history daily. Herbie Hancock, my neighbor from Chicago's 45th St. won a Grammy for Best Album of 2008. Thanks to Herbie, Jazz will once again be included and accepted by mainstream america. But when you combine these items, isn't there a greater grand and glorious reality, namely the Potential Influence of African American Men? Listen to the Talking Drums. THEY will tell the story.

As a full time musician, occasional writer and part time teacher, I researched three of my favorite subjects: African American writers, science fiction, and jazz. My results: inspiring. Explore the connections between these seemingly unconnected parts of the African American community.

"WAR is PEACE
FREEDOM is SLAVERY
IGNORANCE is STRENGTH"
George Orwell
1984 or.....?

A Serious Soul Shout to Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge, and Ethan Records for including my 1983 title song Searchin' for the Soul as part of their 2006 release, DINGWALLS. To be associated with some of the world's greatest soul and jazz performers is an honor I will sincerely cherish.