Year in review!!!

Dekalb Scenery !

NIU Jazz Ensemble Tour w/ John Clayton

New York, Milwaukee, & the Roots!!!

New York City

Aaaarrrggghhhh!

Don't you hate when you fuck up really bad? I can't believe as of let how I have totally disappointed teachers, professors, and colleagues. I think that form my silence they feel as though I am unfrettered but my crashing and burning regularly at jazz ensemble concerts. I have no one to blame for mistakes and then I sit at night wondering when I will become this monster lead player that everyone apparently thinks I will eventually become. I am scaried man!!! I get up on stage and start thinking too much maybe....I get the sweaty palms and I thinking man I better nto miss that note or htat phrase better swing hard. I suck...so bad. If I didn't have hard lessons learned earlier in life I would cry, but no haps here bruh! I have to...shit I don't know! If I knew that I would have made more changes as of late. I am stuck...I wish I had someone to sit and immulate this year. Dayum...

God Please help me to get better and stop sucking so bad!

Being Thankful....

First and foremost I would like to extend to you that check out my blog every now and again, a special holiday greeting! Hopefully you enjoyed the various holidays that recently culminated these last two weeks! I am christian, and I would feel totally remiss if I did not take the time now to say that we should all try a little harder to make a better connection with our saviour Jesus Christ!

I love each and everyone of you, some it is harder than others, but all the same I love you! Tis the season to be jolly! I am ....really...I am...even though most don't know what and where my sardonic, dry witted, sarcastic, and sometime painful humor means......I am just being me and observing people and the REAL them! the one which no one ever really pays attention to, and I grew up in, not part of an age though, house that kept it really real all the time! It was a loving and generous house, but real all the same though! So, that is why I talk to others...unless you are my ace in the hole.....a really good friend! You know who you are! If you gotta ask then most likely you are not among those I spoke of! No hard feelings....just the reality of being me!

I digress though! As I layed watching several movies last night I thought about many things...World Hunger, Cure for Cancer, Why do Black Women Trip so much, Who Introduced Crack-Cocaine into the Black community, and the one that really got me thinking....."Am I as Thankful as I should be?" The answer is No! Far and Away.....I feel that I am a thankless wretch! I do not thank God enough, nor my family and friends! I am so blessed! It is astounding.....and it seems that only when one is in a great position that they can truly analyze this fact! I felt great and at one point I almost lost my temper yesterday! Why you may ask...? Because the people at Popeye's-chicken...were taking to DAYUM long to serve me! They didn't even have Mardi Grad Mustard for my Chicken Strips! What kinda shit is that...right...do you hear what I was thinkning....absurd...huh?

I am thankful for all the abounding gifts I have and received ever. I think that I made a new years resolution, and here it is; I will dedicate myself more steadfastly yo my craft/art of music, and make myself a better person through reading daily other then the assignment given to me by my teachers! I will take a more active role in my community...the black community! I think that is enough for now....WHEW!!! But is it enough? That is the dichotomy that I/we face daily huh? Is it really ever enough? Do we do enough to make ourselves better there by making the world better? Serious questions that I believe most people will not ever try to face in their lifetime! Why...FEAR! Truth is painful most times.....not because of what is found out ,but rather because it takes effort, dedication, and the willingness to look at yourself in the Mirror! "Truth hurts love stinks......" these are the lyrics to a commercial I saw many times in my youth! I use d to laugh about it...dayum poor souls...feeling that way! Well suck it up! I had a good friend die the other day. R.I.P. Bobby James Jackson Jr. aka "Snacks"...this is like the 3 or fourth Friend my age that has gone to the grave in the last year or two! It really brings your mortality in the forefront and makes you thin about what is really important! LIFE!!! Bobby was I think 32 or 33 years old! I had just talked to this man before leaving south Florida again for fall semester at Northern Illinois where I am seeking my masters degree in jazz studies! He said that he was proud and I of him also! The head band director of a high school( Miami Central)....such a prodigious effort, but those who knew him would say that he really was doing the job years ago, under Johnny Tracey! I can neither confirm nor deny that comment, but what i will say is that Bobby, who was my fraternity brother, love music and teaching! Did he know what Life was really all about? Do any of us know...that is the question, and are we thankful?

After my really good friend ...at least to me Edmond Randle Jr. was killed in IRAQ...the other year! I rededicated my life to music and the pursuit of my dream. I would live up to the dreams of Edmond, my mother, grandmother, father, and all others that have been denied! This is to say the least a daunting task! Fulfilling all the unfulfilled dreams! I think the other month I gave in and realized that there is no way that I can do this, but rather find happiness in who I have turned into, and what I will accomplish in my life over the years, and the friendships and relationships I create! I can no longer look at my life with "who I can be glasses" I must realistically look at it with what i can do with what i have all ready! That is something people live with almost all their lives....wondering...and not living! Life is for the living! Something I have been hearing a lot of lately " Let the dead stay dead and let the living live..." something like that I think. In a nut shell you must take full advantage of everything when you can,because who is to say that you will get another chance! Look at my friends who have past away! I pray that they live a full and rich ...yet short life! God Bless them!

You should take time now to live your life to the fullest! Whether you are 80 or 18! I hope this little blurb helped someone! BE THANKFUL........ONE!

Sincerely,
(Signature here)
Jarritt Sheel aka "The Madd Rapper"
President, CEO, Founder

I never missed a better group of white people!

That my seem a little...politically incorect, but I trully miss the Disney Experience. I hope that one I will be able to repay the Mouse for all the good times. I am working hard to be able to do it. Some of these people will forever be my people! I gain valuable life lessons and learned alot about myself and hell,....... I had a great fucking time!

Craziness....Women

This is something that I have to get off of my chest. We as humans must get better at communicating ....communication seems to be the biggest obstacle in the overall evolution as people that each one fo us face daily! Talking....something as simple as speaking your mind, articulating what you are thinking to another human! Women are very different than men in so many ways other than the apparent physical differences. We, act, talk, think, dream, sing, romance about things the same yet different. This is very apparent in male and female literature, we even write differently! LOL!

The reason that I am writing this article is too speak on the fact that women think alot differently about relationships than men. The fact that a man can even be in a relationship minus knowing about it is hillarious to me. It is a concept that is so foreign to me, the fact that a woman has a vision or dillusion that we are in a intimate relationship w/out even telling me......I guess that they are poor telepaths....LOL! We are suppose to read their minds and figure out what they are thinking. Men on the other hand are just as jacked up and disfunctional. The difference being ....that we are usually seen as more emotionally aloof....you digg? Perfect example.....this woman comes over to your house....late and she wants to talk....halfway thru the conversation she starts to cry and .....she lloks and wonders why you are not flinching a muscle....you apologize with all sincerity and tell her that you hope that she feels better about the situation. You evern go as far to tell her that I at least I would like to be her friend....! What is comedic....is the fact that we had two different conversations. SHe heard and saw that you were insensitive due to the fac that you didn't cry along with her.....cold hearted bastard you.....! This is a dramedy...drama comedy...LOL!

The humor in all this is the only thing holding us back from better understanding is....words....combinations of words....! I have finally come to that point were I have the whole ....I get it ,but just because you are sad or depressed I am not going to be....! I feel for you like Chaka Khan said....but I am not a follower! You can jump off of the bridge,but unless I am emotionally drawn to the flame of our torrid romance that I didn't know we were having then.....hey you better understand that your highs are not my highs and your lows aren't either.

I think that after a certain time in most adults life they start limiting the amount of unimportant things that bugg them. Like I grew up in a family full of women....mother, aunt, grandmother, female cousins, grand aunts, etc....they all cried...some more than others,but they all cried! I am n longer moved byt the tears of a human.....well not those alligator tears of most women! Children, people who have lost another, parents, and the injuried/hurt/sick/infirmed. Other then those people....NOPE!

What should we do as people to understand each other....I guess Listen better! Or We will be out in the cold!

The greats.....

Snow Day......

BGSA Holiday Party

Black Graduate Student Association...
I am the current president of the BGSA and we had a holiday party the other night...here are some pictures form the function

Sahdahtay...!

Sign my penny on the runny kind ...Pooty tang

U Jazz Band rehearsal

Professor Ron Carter,.....helping Willerm and I out w/ the All-Univeristy Jazz band rehearsal. We have a CONCERT on next Thursday 10/26/2006. Thanks Professor Carter! I appreciate it alot,...stanky wanky

Me & Stefon Harris

Me & Stefon Harris w/ Blackout

Stefon Harris & Blackout

Stefon Harris and Blackout

will be appearing this friday 12:30pm at the House Cafe off of Lincoln Highway in Dekalb, IL

Vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris is heralded as "one of the most important young artists in jazz" (The Los Angeles Times). He is unquestionably developing what will be a long and extraordinary career.

Stefon Harris' passionate artistry, energetic stage presence, and astonishing virtuosity have propelled him into the forefront of the current jazz scene. widely recognized and lauded by both his peers and jazz critics alike, the 30 year-old is committed to both exploring the rich potential of jazz composition and blazing new trails on the vibraphone.

A graduate of The Manhattan School of Music, he received a B.A. in Classical Music and an M.A. in jazz performance. Stefon is a recipient of the prestigious Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center and has earned back to back to back Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Album including The Grand Unification Theory (2003), the 2001 release of Kindred (Blue Note) and his 1999 release of Black Action Figure (Blue Note) for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo. North Sea Jazz (Netherlands) named Harris for the prestigious International 2002 Bird Award for Artist Deserving Wider Recognition. He has been voted Best Mallet player by the Jazz Journalist Association (2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000), Debut Artist of the Year by Jazztimes, Downbeat's Critics Poll Winner for Vibraphone and Rising Star, Vibraphone (2003) Newsweek's Best Jazz CD, Best New Talent and 1999-2000 Readers Poll Best Vibraphonist by Jazziz Magazine and Chicago Tribune's Debut of the Year.

"Blackout," Stefon's new project featuring a hybrid of acoustic music and progressive sounds debuted its CD, Evolution in April 2004 and also embarked on a national tour. Praised for "pursing jazz on it’s own terms" (Washington Post); the band features Casey Benjamin (alto sax), Marc Cary (keyboards), Darryl Hall (bass) and Terreon Gully, and has performed to sold out crowds at The Kennedy Center and North Sea Jazz Festival.

No More Afro

I CUT MY HAIR OFF!!!!
NO more Afro.....
Time for a change...
Pictures soon to follow!!

Wait up guys.....huff, huff,....Jazz Showcase

Willerm Delisfort and Jonathan McQuade on the corner of Grand and State

City Chicago....off of Grand Ave & State

Gotta run

Jazz Showcase featuring the Roy Hargrove Quintet

Roy w/ Justin Robinson

Me and Roy Hargrove

Where am I going?

Where are we going with this music thing man....?

Winard Harper @ NIU Monday 6:30pm

Winard Harper @ NIU
Monday
September 9/18/2006
Recital @ 6:30pm

Winard Harper Celebrates His New Piadrum Records CD

Tuesday-Wednesday, August 29-30 Winard Harper Sextet (Winard Harper - drums, balafon, Ameen Saleem - bass, Josh Evans - trumpet, Sean Higgins - piano* NIU Grad, Stacy Dillard - tenor saxophone, Alioune Faye - djembe, percussion;) with special guests will perform at the Jazz Standard, NYC to celebrate his new Piadrum Records CD.

An outstanding drummer, bandleader, and percussionist, Winard Harper is known throughout the world for his resolute style, tremendous touch and deep knowledge of jazz history. Born to a musical family in Baltimore, Maryland, Winard grew up surrounded by not only jazz, but the popular music of the day. When in his latter teenage years, he and brother Philip established the Harper Brothers Quintet, acclaim followed the band as they performed to adoring crowds across the globe. In the years that followed Winard dug in his heels and recorded a string of gritty albums that showed his ever expanding musical palette and perpetually hard driving style. With seven albums to his credit, Make It Happen marks a new plateau in this restless musician's career. Pairing an exceptional band with forward-thinking compositions, Winard Harper addresses the evolution of jazz on Make It Happen.

Please... come check it out!

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

Where: 154 Harrison Street, Dekalb, IL 60115

When : Saturday 9/30/2006 5:00pm

Why: For FUNN!!!

What: Please bring your personality, a bottle of wine, sense of humor, and your leggs!

The Jazz Showcase

Last Night I got to play with Ira Sullivan at the Jazz Showcase in Downtown Chicago, IL...it was the shit. I really got to sit in with a jazz legend. It means I made a good move to go to school here in Illinois. Peace!

By the way the Jazzfest is this wekend in Chicago. I will be in attendance.

Chicago...ahh....I mean Dekalb!

Going back to Chicago...! I will be returning on Sunday August 20th, 2006!

Thinking....

Hey you'll, I've been in south florida for a better part of 2 & 1/2 weeks. It has been great seeing family and talking to friends. I will miss them all so much, but it is time to pack up again to and return to the constant grind of graduate school! Graduate school is a beast, but one I can conquer!

Fort Lauderdale, FL

The weather has been seasonal,.......meaning that I all ready knew this time of year has unbearable heat. LOL! I knew that, so, I wasn't surprised when we landed and I was sweating my ass off! I liked it actually...a little bit,....I was home!

Chicago...ahh....I mean Dekalb!

I can't wait to be back in....graduate school, not dekalb though...LOL! It is a kool little city, but I never want to get settled like I think I was in Tallahassee, FL. It is cool being around young people like myself, but I need to stay focused on my goal of becoming a great musician/teacher. I am going to take this year to polish whatever talent I have and learn as much about myself, my music, and the industry as I can! Please believe..... that j-boogie will be in the studio sometime this year and watch out for your boi's production skills...WATCH OUT!

Flying...to O'Hare

I know it will all be kool, and they are waiting for me at Band Camp....LOL! Holler at you later....and best to believe that there will be many more episodes of the Madd Rapper....To be continued!

Sincerely,

(Signature here)

Jarritt Sheel aka "The Madd Rapper"

President, CEO, Founder

Yeah...! Two down(AA)...none up! LOL

I got 2 A's...enough said!

Hey God makes all things posible...!

What is amazing is that I wrote this all over again. I was typing this earlier and the power went out....south florida...so hot and everybodies got their AC on blast. I thought that my adoring audience would love to hear my tales of acadmeic glory....right...! It is more about the fact that I am so happy about getting the grades more so than wanting to tell everybody about it! I am here ,...a standing tesstimony that God is good and gracious. I worked hard for these grades,but the Lord really looked out for me! Big up to the Father!

God is Good!

This school thing,...graduate school to be exact is wonderful and full of different types and shapes. It excites me to know that no one is similar, and that everyone is on some other stuff! Music gradaute school exposes your deficiencies though and I have a lot of hardwork to accomplish in order to make it here! I will remember that in the coming months. Teaching is the junk.....!

This is the shout out section...

Thanks for being the people in my corner 24/7; Ma-Pamela Smith, Grandma-Mary Elizabeth Smith, Aunt Sophie-Sophia Smith
God the most high, ruler of the universe, infinite....tomuch to write on this internet, and not forget my friends to held me down all this time; Derrick Jackson, Sam Rowley,Avery Kenly, Akil Mason, Mike Randle, Edmond Randle, Marques Adams, Diron Holloway, Edward Williams III, Sajata Latten, Aisha Ducksworth thanks again...

I will return after this haitus in south Florida...in about two weeks....stay posted for pictures and posts!

Sincerely,

(signature here)

Jarritt A. Sheel

CEO, President, and Founder