Local Exposure: Potential–November 11th, 1999

Local Exposure
CD Reviews of Area Musicians

Potential
Metro Arts

by Jason Timoll

So often when folks talk about doing a great thing, it stays at that, just talk. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I saw somebody do anything that takes planning and execution, all to the advantage of someAone else. From that perspective, I encourage as many people as possible to check out this CD, Potential, and try to not only tap into the musicA you will hear but ask yourself, "what can I do?" Many months ago, a brainstorm began about how to empower the youth of this area by enabling them to create, market, and develop their own product. A partnership soon began between the Bob Welsh and Dale Epperson of the Greenroom and the minds of the Metro Arts council of the capitol region headed by Beverly Portis.

The idea was rather simple in concept, but weighty in execution. Somehow, there would have to be a way to fund and facilitate a scenario where students could write, play, record, and market a product in an educational environment. The idea was that such a project would integrate the skills of vocabulary, critical thought analysis, organization, and development into the realm of positive creativity. If pulled off successfully, these students would have benefited for a lifetime and be able to have a tangible product on which to hear their own talents. Guess what, here it is —Youth Entrepreneurial Music Program (YBEMP)! I can’t assume what the effect was on those who participated, but I can tell you that the CD, as an entity of it’s own, is banging.

There are three notable styles of music on this CD. Modern R&B, straight up hip-hop, and Jazz. In more than one place on this record do this styles meet. On track one "I Watch The Rain" singer Gwendolyn Favers floats her voice through the entire song, showing amazing control and distinct versatility in being able to tackle the lead vocal and the supporting tracks. A singer must approach both challenges from different perspective and she tackles those roles with class and distinction. Gwendolyn also contributes supporting vocals on the third jam, "P.J. Keep on Rockin", on which Rapper/lyricist Doubie Raymond Bulloock has a style very similar to the flow of Gang Starr. Full usage of the pocket in the beat, his flow is heady but never rushed. He is cool and collected with something to say. His presence on the CD adds so much to the texture of the entire project. It adds an urban intellect that is exactly where hip hop is going today. Doubie, "you’ve got to be the sure shot" — much respect due.

Also contributing to this, my favorite offering, is Ashia Long, Chris Harris, supporting vocals, and Nate Kruis on bass. The second song on this CD is a jazz ballad performed by saxophonist Pierre Ritter. Smooth as ice, Pierre has already figured out the subtlety and discretion that is jazz. He is accompanied by the talents of Jacoby D. Jackson on drums, Nathan McCoy on Piano and on bass, and also the composer arranger of the song, Dave Corey. The same group performs on track four, "Toes". I was especially drawn to the interaction between the drum and piano on this piece. It is traditional jazz performed very, very tastefully. Reminiscent of the style of the legendary Gill Scott Heron, D’ani Johnson performs a spoken word piece that offers the classiest of resolutions to this album. On this offering, D’ani offers the deepest of words about the daunting experience of a child faced with her own pregnancy, amongst other struggles. One can’t help but be left thinking. Perhaps that is the greatest gift of all.

Special acknowledgment is paid in particular to the philanthropy and vision of both Bob Welsh and Paul Kruis for their dedication to seeing this project to fruition. In the liner notes of the CD, there is a mission statement that reads, "Our mission is to create and nurture a rich and diverse landscape of arts and culture in Central Pennsylvania through arts education, audience development, and assistance to artists and arts organization." To Ms. Portis, Mr. Welsh, all involved, and especially to the fascinating talents of the young musicians who performed, I say, "Job Well Done!" The excellent music is that much easier to enjoy when you understand the spirit behind it.

Contact Beverly A. Porits at 238-1887 for information on how to get your hands on this CD and how you can contribute to the work that the Metro Arts Council and other affiliated groups are doing to make this region the best that it can be.