DAY 39 GRAMMY CHASE: BE COMMON

Posted in Grammy Chase with tags , , , , , on 2009 by edreysmusic

Day 39 of the Grammy Chase started off kind of rocky. My first duty above all is that of parent, which by far in my opinion can be the hardest, most painful and stressful yet rewarding job on the earth. I sometimes believe that I’m better at drawing and music than I am at parenting. STINKS to feel that way. There’s just no way to know whether you’re doing it right or wrong until its too late as the child soon develops into their own person based on the habits in the home. So I hope that I’m doing the right things. I’d much rather fail at everything I’ve worked hard for than to fail my children. So, this morning was a rough one but I do seek better days and moments ahead. (sigh).

The video above always touched my heart, it just came to me the other day to look for this video, not knowing that this song “Come Close” was off of his Grammy nominated album called Be.  When this song and album came out, especially this song, I KNEW that Common had arrived. Two of the best artists in the industry teaming up with the Chi-Town emcee, Mary J. and the Neptunes and I was just floored by how it all meshed together and it didn’t sound forced for either of them. The video was very creative and touching as well, as I love film that has a photography sense to it. The year was 2006 and his album BE was nominated for Best Rap Album. Best of all, I’ve been a fan of Common (formerly Common Sense) since his first album “Can I Borrow a Dollar,” so to know to that he has been in the game faithfully since 1992 and has reportedly earned nearly $12 Million in 2008…WOW!!!…Not so bad to be Common after all.

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DAY 38 GRAMMY CHASE: ART OF POISE

Posted in Grammy Chase with tags , , , , on 2009 by edreysmusic


(One of the videos I was subjected to as a kid before Hip Hop was on MTV. I LOVED it though. Great music. 1984)
Art of Noise won a Grammy in 1987 for “Peter Gunn” featuring Duane Eddy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. But song above “Close” and “Moments in Love” were my favorites.

Day 38 of the Grammy Chase and ask me how I’m feeling… Why thank you for asking, I’m feeling GREAT! GREAT!! Today is Super Bowl Day and frankly it doesn’t mean a thing to me. I have no stake or interest in things like Professional Championship games whatsoever. What I DO have an interest in are things that I’m directly involved with like my children’s sports and recreation. Yesterday, Soccer Saturday as we like to call in, both of our sons had incredible games. The youngest (5) had 3 goals and the older (8) had 3 goals in his game later that day as well. THAT’s where I spend my time and energy, encouraging my pride and joys to be their best, athletically challenge themselves and display great sportsmanship. After the game they were both very poised and graceful, as well as grateful for a great game, but more importantly they had FUN. My wife and I always make sure that they have fun, as winning is good for the moral however, losing is good for character, but having fun supercedes all else as a child. I also got a good boost of encouragement regarding my Grammy Chase yesterday as I ran into an old friend of mine from many many years ago, Chris Mahn. He asked how the Grammy Chase was going and in my head I thinking “How in the world did he know?,” but apparently he stays up with the blog or most of my posts when he has time, as he has two children and a professional life as well. But it meant alot to me that a guy who I hadn’t run into since maybe high school or college, still gave me the same warm handshake and conversation as if we just saw each other yesterday. So today, I’m great and poised for the long journey ahead.

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DAY 37 GRAMMY CHASE: DILLA DOPENESS

Posted in Grammy Chase with tags , , , , on 2009 by edreysmusic

Day 37 of the Grammy Chase is turning out beautifully! Despite a 22 degree temperature, it’s still gorgeous outside, my family is good and we’re looking forward to spending an afternoon at indoor soccer. Each day I seek inspiration and without fail I find it. Today’s source of genius and influence comes from one of the best producers to ever step into the Hip Hop arena. 
HIP HOP GOLD!! Forget everything you know about hip hop. It starts today by remembering the BRILLIANCE of James “J-Dilla” Yancey. This one of my favorite songs of all-time, and I truly and diligently play it each day when I’m creating my artwork or designing.

Tomorrow, February 7 is his birthday, he would have been 36, but he left us with a treasure chest of musical gold. 
Thanks SV and Dilla (Rest-in-Power). Get familiar.

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DAY 36 GRAMMY CHASE: EFFORTS

Posted in Grammy Chase with tags , , , , on 2009 by edreysmusic

Day 36 of the Grammy Chase comes with wisdom from author James Allen. As a teenager, a good friend of mine passed this small, white paperback book to me and at that time I wasn’t fully aware of my potential, but I was certainly on the same positive and aspiring path that I’m on today. I was always aware of my thoughts and my actions. I knew at the time when I first read the book that it was very valuable, as in only 7 brief chapters it gave a person all the knowledge and tools necessary to lead a life of abundance and positivity with very select choice words and examples. I’ve always kept this book in my collection, and to this day it’s a regular read. Years ago I passed my copy onto another friend of mine whom I thought would benefit it from it as I did, and hadn’t seen it since, which is fine, as I’m sure he too found great use of it. I’ve since replaced that copy by purchasing another.

“The thoughtless, the ignorant and the indolent, seeing only the apparent effects of things and not the things themselves, talk of luck, of fortune and chance. Seeing a man grow rich they say, “How lucky he is.”…..They do not know the darkness and the heartaches; they only see the light and joy and call it “luck”; do not see the long and arduous journey, but only behold the pleasant goal and the call it “good fortune”; do not understand the process, but only perceive the result and call it chance.”

Best wishes to all of you who hold tight to your visions and goals despite outside factors, hurdles and obstacles. Stay focused.

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DAY 35 GRAMMY CHASE: AFTER PARTY

Posted in Grammy Chase, Video, photographs with tags , , , , , , on 2009 by edreysmusic

Photo by Terrance Jennings via okayplayer

Day 35 of the Grammy Chase, what else would I be writing about. huh? Thanks to Okayplayer.com, I stumbled across some cool video of the Roots Jam Session, an after party concert among many in Los Angeles, featuring Grammy Nominees John Legend, Mos Def and my favorites Foreign Exchange and Ledisi backed by the Legendary Roots Crew, Jimmy Fallon’s in-house band.
I like how at the beginning of the video, Phonte of Foreign Exchange shares how even though they didn’t win a grammy, they can now and forever throughout their career mention and introduce themselves as “The Grammy-Nominated Foreign Exchange.” Oh how I’ll love to hear, “Grammy-Nominated  artist, Billy Drease” right before a presentation or a performance. I’ll let you know that feels like later.

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DAY 34 GRAMMY CHASE: GET COOKIN’

Posted in Grammy Chase, photographs with tags , , , , , , , on 2009 by edreysmusic

Day 34 of the Grammy Chase and feeling GREAT! Woke up early and stayed on my feet this time, no bed-diving. Looking forward to my meeting this afternoon at Colter Bay Grille if you’d like to join, going “dutch” that is. The artwork is nearly completed for the album and I’m anxiously itching to deliver the files and get this over with so I can make more moves and implement the plans on deck.
I’ll be posting the artwork soon, but here’s a sample. Photo by Sean Harwell, location Maureen’s Flowers. Thanks to Aaron Bartley and his mom. Sup Susie!?! Peace

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DAY 33 GRAMMY CHASE: HERO AMONGST US

Posted in Grammy Chase, dope stuff with tags , , , , , on 2009 by edreysmusic

Day 33 of the Grammy Chase and today I find something else pretty hip, related to the Grammy’s and Buffalo. Sunday I found an article in the Buffalo News regarding Caroline Goulding, a first-time Grammy Nominated violinist who actually played along with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on the evening of the Grammy’s, Jan. 31. Well today, on Hero’s blog, a really cool, innovative, trendsetting graphic design and print boutique here in Buffalo, they proudly posted Beatles legend Ringo Star wearing a t-shirt that they designed. Ringo wore the tee during the Grammy’s in front of millions of pairs of eyes to their elation. Another degree closer it seems. Congrats Beth and Mark! Click the Hero link above to see and learn more about the t-shirt design.

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DAY 32 GRAMMY CHASE: CAROLINE IN THE CHILL

Posted in Grammy Chase with tags , , on 2009 by edreysmusic

The 52nd Grammy Awards Show has come and gone, “OUTTA HERE!” I made Grammy Award predictions and I guess I’m better at being an artist and a musician because I was waaaay off. Oh well. While reading the Buffalo Newspaper online, I found an interesting read.  A young musician by the name of Caroline Goulding with her self entitled debut album was nominated for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (Without Orchestra), but on the evening of the Grammy’s, she was here in Buffalo performing with the BPO. Once again, the degrees of separation are narrowing. A newly Grammy nominated artist in my hometown in the same year as I begin my Grammy Chase.

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DAY 31 GRAMMY CHASE: GRAMMY DAY PREDICTIONS

Posted in Grammy Chase with tags , , , , , , , on 2009 by edreysmusic


Grammy Day! The anticipation of the 52nd Grammy Awards show all cracks open this evening at 8pm on CBS. Unfortunately we won’t be in attendance this year as we have other obligations…excuse me as I grab a handful of Kleenex!….(sigh)

So here’s what’s happening for this entry, I’m making my predictions 9 hours early, so here gooooes it!!
Record of the Year goes to: Taylor Swift, beating out Beyonce and Gaga by  2 wig lengths.

Album of the Year goes to: BEP The E.N.D….Against my associates votes for Lady Gaga.

Song of the Year goes to: Single Ladies by Beyonce. * I really feel that I may go to Taylor, but I just can’t imagine Beyonce not getting a Grammy in 1 of the top 4 categories.

Best New Artist: MGMT Good Grief!! Keri Hilson? Ehh..not sure. The Ting Tings?..(sigh)…geesh!…This is tough. MGMT! I had to close my eyes, point and pick. I really think that one is up in the air.

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Taylor Swift.  Between Beyonce, Adele, Taylor, Katy Perry and Pink…WHoooa!!!…I’ll have to go with Taylor. I think is gonna have a monster evening.

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: Maxwell. John Legend and Seal, even Stevie Wonder couldn’t touch a fiery comeback like Max’s.

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: Jazmine Sullivan. As much as I’d like to see Melanie Fiona or more so Ledisi or Lalah walk away with this, I think Jaz killed this song, despite how corny the hook is, she STILL made it work.

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: Maxwell. Many great contenders, Anthony Hamilton, Musiq, Charlie Wilson even…but.

Best Urban/Alternative Performance: The Foreign Exchange. This one is wishful thinking, as I LOVED their album…but lets see.

Best Rap Solo Performance: Kid Cudi – Day N Nite. Why not! Drake is red hot right now. Hov is Hov. Eminem is ehhh…but send that Grammy to Ohio!

Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: Kid Cudi, Kanye, Common – Make Her Say The chemistry on the song was outstanding. period.

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: T.I. – Dead and Gone.  Probably not the BEST of the BEST considering Run this Town, Knock You Down and Ego, but it was a sincere record from T.I. so we’ll see.

Best Rap Song: Best I Ever Had – Drake. No explanation needed, however, if we’re truly talking about Rap, I should be considering Jay-Z (D.O.A)

Best Rap Album: The Renaissance – Q-Tip. Why? Because he’s the guy who said “Black is Blaaack!”…LOL…Really though, I salute that album.

There are my 15 votes, although in a real situation I would only be allowed 8, but we’ll do it the right way next year. I’m cheering for the Indies tonight.
 

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DAY 30 GRAMMY CHASE: GIFTS

Posted in Grammy Chase with tags , , , on 2009 by edreysmusic


Day 30 of the Grammy Chase isn’t so Grammy related, which I guess it should be, considering the big event is tomorrow evening, but we must never lose focus of the things that are most important. Without the person in the picture above, there would be no blog, grammy chase, music, art, wonderful wife and kids…nothing. People often ask, “So, did you got to school for art? How’d you get so good at drawing and so interested in the arts?” What people need to understand is that I was raised in a house of artisans. My mother sewed our clothes, my dad made our furniture; a very self-reliant household where repairs were not outsourced; regular meals as opposed to eating out; pencils, paper and paints in easy access; music and other art forms of expression; involvement in the arts community etc. So, independence, knowledge of self, the arts were always a part of my upbringing.

So today, I salute my mother proudly in this picture, as she adorns her own handmade knitted hat. She’s been successfully delivering custom hat orders to for the past year to friends, family and colleagues. I’m happy that she is back to using her gifts and sharing her special talents again to enrich other  peoples lives through her craft. It’s said that “A child is a gift to a parent,” but I’m thankful for my mother being a gift to me.
Inquire for hat order @716.867.4377. While you’re ordering your hat, ask her about some homes for sale, she does real estate as well.

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