Sorry, I took forever to blog about this, but it is now that I am coming down from the natural high created by this experience. Last weekend, I sang backup in a choir for the one and only Mariah Carey at an MLB All*Star Charity Concert benefitting Sandy victims, held in the Great Lawn at Central Park. This opportunity was presented to me by ways of a dear friend and amazing singer Lena Soul. With one day of rehearsing for two hours, we were all on board with the overall message and performance parts. Her background singer, Maryann, kept advising us of the event's magnitude. However, all she had to say was Mariah, and I knew it would be a larger than life production.
Larger than life... it WAS.... Accompanied by the New York City Philharmonic orchestra, a 40 piece choir, 50K #lambily, coordinated Fireworks (and not to mention the backstage crew and Mariah entourage) Central Park was PACKED as the 20+ year diva reminded us all of the importance to never give up on our dreams while whaling together, "Lord knows, dreams are hard to follow, but don't let anyone... TARE THEM AWAYYYYY.... Hold on, there will be tomorrow, and any time you'll find the wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy." Such a positive song and important message. Definitely in my top 10 most memorable life experiences.
From singing with Mariah, to obtaining knowledge and skill from her background singer Maryann, kicking it with Trey Lorenz backstage, catching up with my long lost buddy "Brown" and celebrating with my friends and family afterwards, I must say this was a #BLESSED weekend. God is GOOD. Check out #mymariahmoments below:
"I'll be THEEEREEE!!" - Trey Lorenz
I live vicariously through this woman's voice, Lena Soul
Follow her +Lena Soul
Mr. Browwwwwn... My good friend
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Just 3 weeks ago, I contacted musician Steff Reed, also good friend of mine, because I was in urgent need of an acoustic player. I was scheduled to appear on "Open" for Rhina LIVE on Bronxnet and I had an intimate vision for it. Initially, I wanted to do my set with Steff but he was busy finalizing stuff for a music video he is working on and some other things (typical lifestyle of any hungry musician in NY), so he referred me to a dope guitar player by the name of JT Maple. We rehearsed once before the show and KNOCKED it out. Great vibe, dope musician... AMAZING experience for my first TV show appearance. Check below...
Prior to this show, my friend told me, what are you waiting for to get your own band? JUST DO IT. His words spoke life into me, and I could feel the negativity in my push back... I heard myself saying, "But... I don't have a budget for a band... But, I don't know any musicians in NY.. BUT, BUT, BUT..." and I stepped outside of myself and replayed all the things I said. My friends statement, "JUST DO IT..." was so much louder and powerful. So, I prayed about it and let the universe align things up. A week after I performed on Rhina Live, a gentlemen by the name of Mike Fisher contacted me on facebook. He asked if I was looking for a band and sent me a link to recent work. I explained to him my vision and all the finer details and he suggested I send him my single so he can vibe with it. TWO DAYS LATER... This guy puts together the dopest arrangement to a four piece band.
So we met up at a coffee shop in the city, and as I make my purchase, I see a picture of a CD and on the cover it says, "The Band" and "Cloud Nine"... I'm all about signs and foreshadowing, Lol.... We began talking and sharing our goals. Figuring out how we can benefit/support one another in getting these accomplished. And afterwards headed over to Ultra Sound Studios.
I had no idea what I was about to step into, the fiery Aries in me was ALL ready for the leap of faith. With social media nowadays, people say they are a bunch of things and when you finally meet them, their statuses don't match up... lol, but Mike Fisher was the REAL DEAL, very professional and eager to work. He mentioned wanting to be a music director like Omar Edwards who puts together live arrangements for artist like Rihanna. Man, when they started playing, I felt like I was at a Janet Jackson concert. I caught chills, the hairs in the back of my neck stood up and I got emotional. In my mind I said, "ISH* just got REAL!!" This was "The Band" and I was definitely on "Cloud Nine." If you don't believe me, check the band out in the link below, playing their rendition of "Runway" live for the VERY FIRST TIME.
The band are not exclusively mine... YET! lol They are open to working with other artists as long as the scheduling and budget is right for everyone. If you are interested in working with Mike Fisher he can be contacted at m.fisher1022@yahoo.com
