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John Sussewell Male
Atlanta, GA
United States

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Marital Status
Single
Where are you located?
Atlanta, GA (USA)
Tell us a little about you....
The interesting thing about my life so far is that I'm humbled to have experienced sides of the business that I never thought possible when starting out as a drumming sideman in NYC back in the 70s. From the creative to the business side, my life has been enriched by getting to know so many jazztastic people. Now the internet with its networking?- off the wall! Go figure!

By the Grace of The Only Living God (and not a "dead" one), I've worked with Alvin Lee (of Ten Years After), Ashford & Simpson, Average White Band, Aziz Ibrahim, Ben Tankard, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan (with Eric Clapton), Bill Withers, Candi Staton, David Scott, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diana Ross, Daryl Hall & John Oates (Hall & Oats), Don Klayman, Donny Hathaway, Dori Previn (Andre Previn's wife), Esther Phillips, Eumir Deodato, Freda Payne, Freddie Hubbard, Garrett Morris (NBC’s Saturday Night Live!), Geoff McBride, Greg Mullens, THE Guild of Sound, Herbie Mann, Irene Cara (Broadway’s Fame!), Jack Turner, Joe Cocker, James Taylor (@ Milton Academy), Lloyd Price, Kokomo, Manu DiBangu, Mark Copeland, Margie Josephs, Nat Adderley, Jr. (Cannonball’s nephew), Nell Carter, Phyliss Hyman, Randy Harper, Richie Havens, Roy Ayers, Rudy Vaughn Brannon, Jerry Harrison, Sherry Winston, Steve Whitworth, Steve Freeman, Steve Winwood, Stevie Wonder, Steve Whitworth, Terrence Boylan, The Promise Keepers Band, The Voices of East Harlem, Walter Bland, etc., etc.

In 1982 I started a gospel record label at the dining room table (Beracah Records) with Candi Staton. Right out of the box, the first release was nominated for a Grammy. It was hard work establishing the distribution, but we were successful. Since then the tentacles grew to the point where I served as the VP & Gen'l Mgr of CGI Records (at that time the world's largest gospel label) with artist such as Vickie Winans, The Mightly Clouds of Joy, William Becton and a slew of choirs from around the country. Altogether it was a rewarding experience and quite frankly enhanced by creative drive. See my websites at http://www.johnsussewell.com, along with my MySpace site at http://www.myspace.com/johnsussewell.

Be Blessed!
Berachah!
How did you hear about the Jazz Network?
General buzz and by invitation.
Website:
http://www.myspace.com/johnsussewell

Remember Your Root and be replenished by It.

Re: Remember Your Root and be replenished by It.

http://www.johnsussewell.com/2Reconcile.mp3
Suss Solo on keyboards. My primary instrument is the drums, as if you had to guess.

http://www.johnsussewell,com/AllTrk3.mp3
Copyright 2008 Steve Whitworth; “To Whom, Etc.”
ALL… my most recent musical project released on a custom label that I have no input on nor having been “paid” commitant with my skill set. Yet, I have already been paid by the camaraderie of folks that I want to name here, but won’t out of respect while respecting them and their copyright. They are simply taking too long to say what is so simple in the mere expression. Hence I’ll state it with Steve Whitworth/Atlanta. I told him that my name is on his release… so be on the move and market it. Hmmm.

So many more desires to others are within boxes without recognizing that so many more are within their own fences. Friendships are more easily found than lost. What matters is our own behaviors in the process. Forget the human element – may no one rely upon them as excuses. Truth is not relative at a moment’s notice or the whims of the capricious, but chiseled in Stone for eternity. Therein is the principle. With that attitude, many more friends will be found than lost. Therein many more relationships will be reconciled than tossed to the dumpster.

In other words, be consistent at all costs and leave no one behind within your best abilities.

We are not about making “friends” as being “friends.” It is about being congenial. Our human existence is about being productive and continually producing on the level irrespective on planet Earth where we hail from. I venture to say that if such were grasped by political leaders (being hedged themselves), then there would be no terrorism today, both domestically and internationally, by the very markets that somehow persist in having established a ‘black market.’ That moniker of a “black market” is an insult to me personally, since I am an educated and astute human being among Black Americans.

Very few understand why the outer space is black when no white is seen unless blinding a person’s eyes. I learned the science and physics decades ago, without regard for any ethnicity that is heralded upon these United States of America. It IS science, not societies or even a nation. In case you are wondering, review what refraction and reflectivity is about: perhaps the some will discover what relationship is about within the visible spectrum without reflecting frustrations onto another generation and our grand children. That is the science of society without getting into the mathematics that too many are oblivious of. Furthermore…

That is theocracy in motion and not stagnant in our painful process. May ALL make our quest for recognizing, receiving and responding to each other more efficient

This is America: the greatest country ordained by God in history, and demonstrative of the greatest hope for the title deed upon His Property, not ours.

So get the chip off our shoulders! I will NEVER lose that One carrying me on shifting sands.

May All take heed to it without infringing upon anyone’s rights and responsibilities. I am not a little drummer boy, but a grown man with both rhythm and relationship in view. Kindly exercise patience when you take the time to read (and hear) what is by my own hands; both in text and music [whether percussively or by prose (piano is a percussive and string instrument). Kindly take a breath among ourselves without ourselves acting like we are higher than what we ought to think while amongst ourselves in real time, up front and personal. None of us can fill in the gaps melodically or by ministry. The truth is everyone is waiting on the finished product. The error of our ways is that He is not a product, but a Person. I learned that decades ago… what about anyone now with the meekness (not weakness) to receive the absolute!

Yours truly with my musical mentor from days long ago but still alive and thankfully so: Mr. Billy Cobham – with whom I’ve shared the same stage when working on tour with the Average White Band in New Haven, Connecticut back in 1975. My stint with AWB was at the behest of Arif Mardin (Atlantic Records producer), now recently gone. Arif was inextricably linked to my being with Donny Hathaway only a few years before. I have a picture of them two during that period of time. The rest has yet to be released by commercially minded sycophants seeking their own profit above another’s welfare. Oh well… let me get on with what I am saying by my own hand:

Competition is the best. It hones our skills without loss of life.

Living in this day has progressed far beyond what any one person can grasp. That is a good thing.

Life among each other has become what each of us should have known well before anyone died. That is also a good thing.

Good? No! Such is not “either or,” but “both and.” Simple logic when each and everyone is trained in such considerations facing reality and contemporary times. I’m a drummer by passion, but not by Purpose. So read, as much as it might pain you to do so.

Death is not good but allowed by an Authority far greater than any man who ever walked (except One); when so many more are derelict in responsibilities seeking liberty/freedom and attesting to the Same Person. I choose to think that the liberty and freedom many seek is estranged from the Divine Intent, while humans on this globe remain apart from each other rather than with each other.

Believe your scriptures, but exercise common sense. Kindly use the mind, but be careful at being misled by the mindless that have no vision, nor mission, of what leadership is, let alone those who follow as in blindfolds. Most importantly: worship the living God you believe in – He will take care of the rest (literally) and without reinventing the wheel already seen and testified to by men and women far greater than this writer or any of us. Most certainly there will be Reconciliation and by a Hand with pure judgment when balancing the scales for which so many seek.

My question is why is ‘one’s’ liberty and freedom expressed at the expense of others who have sown their lives into reaching out to yet others with the same principles. In fact, where did what we yearn for (and from Whom) come from? Certainly not from a crowd of bantered phrases and battered ruins when “mob” mentality overruns common sense and sensibility in this present day.

Are the answers to these questions found through introspection or by Inspiration? My answer by recognition, response and activation is found by both: introspection and Inspiration. Such inspired what has yet to be completed by my own hands in His [hear Reconciliation MP3 below…]

Kindly Muse on this thought for a moment. I think we’ll find the answer found after Time is taken to consider and cooperate with the world in the 21st century as everyone living knows it to be. Though many discern we are not of this world, we still live in it. In other words, the answer is found within ourselves; without asking another person or questioning ‘why’ as a child will incessantly inquire. Therein is wisdom by knowing what Life is, in spite of the difficulties going on nowadays.

Would to the Living God whom I worship (and One who is no longer with Skin), the rest of us ‘will to” bring “Purpose” beyond our passions to the Table that Everyone can feast. That is my personal and public, among corporate and private, prayers in symphony (agreement) with the Orchestrator.

John Milton Sussewell
a/k/a “Suss!”
http://www.johnsussewell.com/2Reconcile.mp3
Written and copyrighted by John Sussewell.

P.S. There are so many musical genres and lyrics which inspire me among those with skin that all I can say within my means. Yet for this writing is to remind (% Suss w/Eddie Palmeiri – a cover – I wish I could have performed with Senor Palmeiri: http://www.johnsussewell.com/LaLibertad-Freedom!031303AFull.mp3. I was not afforded that privilege but am sensitive to afro-cuban influences. What you hear is simply an overdub in my studio to the track. Anyone who thinks fusion is reprobate needs to think again. Therein is one’s growth as many before us have already grown and now accepting without compromising. So how many more have to die to the reality of mankind’s mistakes and misgivings?

P.P.S. To Billy Cobham and his original tune “Conundrum.” Yours Truly, Suss on drums alongside (literally) that I’m honoring here from decades past and Now: Yes, I’m playing the drums on Conundrum (“riddle”). Can you figure this riddle out for yourself without thinking of either of either Billy Cobham or John Sussewell? I pray so. I have kept the faith with integrity and desire the same for anyone else seeking the same heights. Just do it! Thanks Billy (a/k/a Boomer)… even after all of our decades.

http://www.johnsussewell.com/ConundrumWithSuss.mp3
http://www.johnsussewell.com/OTM041703C.mp3
“Conundrum” and “On The Move” – written and copyrighted by Billy Cobham
Kindly read and put in context why I chose to begin what you will hopefully take the time to read and not second guess. Is this my own musings or the mission of mankind? Solve the riddle for yourself and be prepared to face another with confidence and self assurance for everyone’s good beyond your own. Learn something from whomever you meet. Eat the watermelon, but spit out the seeds. Most certainly, be on the move and never let the grass grow either beneath or above your feet. My thanks to one without skin among those who still have it.

With Much Love,

Suss!

John Sussewell's Blog

John Sussewell

A Conundrum In Real Time...

Though many seem muffled, we still have a voice and the means to express it in any forum. Do not be intimidated. Do not muzzle the oxe that treads out the corn! In a global economy (efficiency) without the Arts, I revisit what “efficacy” is about. From basic physics comes the definition of “work:” Work is defined as being done when a certain power is applied to an object in a certain vector (direction) duri… Continue

Posted on December 2, 2008 at 12:30am —

John Sussewell

Love Is... But Beautiful

ButBeautiful.MP3 [8.26 MB] My apologies to anyone who may be offended by my testimony today. This is my ultimate web log (blog) to date: without regard toward commercial gain nor the subjugation of personal responsibility which reflects upon no one I’m associated with nor controlled or programmed by. I will make note, however, of those folks whom I have the highest respect and regards for… I only ask that before anyone listens to the… Continue

Posted on April 14, 2008 at 9:46am —

Comment Wall (37 comments)

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At 7:57pm on December 3, 2008, John Sussewell said…
Have a Blessed Life, instead of a holiday season!
At 8:54pm on October 1, 2008, Uros Markovic said…

At 9:36am on September 29, 2008, KOFI MCDONALD said…
Hey John,
Nice to know ya, I'm here in the ATL now but sure can relate to your experiences..... keep doing it John.
Look foward to working with you in the future
Stay Blessed Brother,
Kofi
At 12:43pm on September 28, 2008, Sydney Ellis said…
Hi John,

You have my permission to use my photo on your website and displaying my web address.

Sydney
At 3:58pm on September 22, 2008, Bill Cobham said…
Thanks John

BC
At 2:52am on September 22, 2008, Bill Cobham said…
John please send me the correct address for Pete's forum, thanks.

BC
At 8:01am on August 23, 2008, Bill Cobham said…
That's all good news John. Just got out of the studio as I continue to get through the next batch of compositions for "Fruit". So far, so good though. I'll be recording some more in the USA this fall so that I can get this stuff out by early Spring 09'. Then I have to jump into the symphony project that is set to make up some of the third volume of 'Fruit'. So, there is "much to do about somethin" as I shake a spear and eat a peach. 80)
At 6:08am on August 23, 2008, John Sussewell said…
Bill, Thanks for your comment and our conversation while biting into that pizza! I heard you munching! LOL! ... and very cool! I just wanted to reach out to you across the Pond and say hello. Things are moving forward - finally: I'm somewhere in the third ending heading toward the "vamp"! You know, that's where the real stuff happens! I see, hear it and expect it man! (smile)
At 2:53pm on August 16, 2008, Bill Cobham said…
thanks for the phone call, John. It was a nice surprise. I was just about to bite into a pizza and discuss the new material we are rehearsing when the call came through. You sound like you have good focus and that is not a bad thing. Stay that way and the path you need to take will there for you to see. Boomer
At 12:31pm on August 14, 2008, Bill Cobham said…
Hope all is going better now, John?
Regards,

Bill C.
 
 

INSPIRATIONAL CORNER


"THE NEW JAZZ FAMILY"

Uncle Hugh 'Peanuts' Whalum is my 80 year-old uncle who has FORGOTTEN more about jazz than I've even learned yet! He released his CD "Introducing Hugh 'Peanuts' Whalum" after gigging in the St. Louis scene for over 55 years! Needless to say his voice, his saxophone, his piano... like a fine, aged Merlot. His energy?! I dare not try and keep up. I'm on stage falling asleep by the time he gets going good – cut from a different cloth. Arnette, Coleman, Hamp, Hank... fine cloth.

Why do I bring them up? Because they represent something really important that we now get to enjoy, like they did back then, but now through technology on sites like this, that we've been missing.

The good news, since family – in this case JAZZ FAMILY – and relationships are much more important, more fulfilling... is that I feel RICHER knowing and following you guys music on THE JAZZ NETWORK!

Sincerely,
Kirk WHALUM
www.kirkwhalum.com


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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS: Photobucket

Famous quotes by Jaijai's Dad ~ "Chubby" Jackson...

"No negatives, we're creating" ~


"When it comes to giggin' ~ it's either Carnegie Hall or Carnegie Deli" :-)

"Be an originator NOT an imitator"

Original inventor of the five-string bass

LOVE is the answer...


Woody Herman & Chubby enjoying a moment together

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Milt, Bob, Jay & Chubby :-)


Chubby Jackson on his TV show "Little Rascals" on ABC in NY

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The Jazz Network is dedicated to the musical contribution my father poured into the jazz world and my love for who he is in my life. I love and miss you Dad,

Jaijai

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Jaijai,

"Congratulations on your creativity, energy and dedication to Jazz, knowing and have worked with your Dad ~ its all in the genes".

~Clem De Rosa
Professional Musician, Educator, Arranger, Composer and Band Leader

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Give the gift of some of The Jazz Network Members music for the Holidays!!

Just click your favorite artist, its as easy as 1-2-1-2-3-4!! :-)

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Ron Kearns and Friends

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"A Song For You"
Janine Gilbert-Carter

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Susan Krebs
"Jazz Aviary"

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Available on iTunes and www.fredricklevore.com
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"South Side Christmas" Mambo Zombies

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Ginger & Scott
"Dreamsville"
Ginger Berglund/Scott Whitfield

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"Diamond In The Riff" Terry Silverlight

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<"
"Wild"
Terry Silverlight

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"Circle Completing"
Nora McCarthy

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"Sabor"
Arnold McCuller

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"Spirit Moves"
Tony Bunn

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"It's About Time"
Andy Kotz

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The Jazz Network Holiday Promotion offers its members a spot on the front page to display your CD cover for immediate click-thru for purchase for holiday gifting! Feel free to contact Jaijai for details for now is a good time to start promoting Holiday sales!

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If you have interest in having a featured spot, want to be spotlighted, promote a 'gig' or CD release party with a flyer or banner, stream your gigs live from a venue worldwide, give a shout-out for any reason ~ post a press release...have a business we should know about?... or even a "sneak peek" of your upcoming release? How about managers looking for artists, or indie labels looking for submissions...This is the place to do it!

Jaijai is also making herself available to help you promote your artistry with marketing tips that will take you to the next level.

If you are interested in becoming a client, please let her know.

If you want your page designed with your CD cover and special slideshows, or that 'extra special touch' Jaijai will also lend her design skills to those that want that 'extra splash' to their pages.

Contact her here on the site to discuss your creative thoughts!

Happy Networking!
:-)

Artwork courtesy of Jeff Laibson

SPOTLIGHTED ARTISTS


Finding THE JAZZ NETWORK has been an amazing experience for Musique Noire. The opportunity to not only gain exposure among the jazz community, but to also learn and network with others in the jazz world has been invaluable. It is a place where we are all treated equally, whether one is a major label act or an indie artist, whether one plays traditional jazz or any of the "branches" of the jazz Family "tree".

Musique Noire is honored to be spotlighted here and are deeply grateful to Jaijai for creating this wonderful world. We're here to stay!

~ Musique Noire


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Jaijai, what a wonderful mission you've undertaken to create such a place for artistic minds to meet and share their hearts. A place to renew faded determinations, and revive lessened momentums. A place to display our wares and reconfirm to one another that we actually are on the right track.

I commend you, Jaijai, for caring so much that you created this castle of the heart for all of us. I want to share my praise for all of the new friends as well as old friends that I've met and will meet here in our castle. Here we can garnish the where-with-all, the strength, the conviction, and the selflessness through our symbiosis, to share our gift to the world with an unbiased agenda.

My mentor, Daisaku Ikeda says of art: "A beautiful flower delights and refreshes the hearts of all people equally, no matter what soil it grows in. That is the power of beauty. The same is true of great art. It is this spirit that the German poet Heinrich Heine sang of when he wrote that once the peapod bursts open, the sugar peas inside are for everyone to enjoy."

Let's be audacious, my friends!

Buster Williams


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"It was a pleasure to be featured on the Jazz Network Main Page. This Network is a unique forward step for independence, contact and conversation between artist, promoters/agents and fans.

Thank you Jaijai for offering a professional meeting place. I've met new musicians and rediscovered old friends I haven't seen or heard from in years. May we all continue to expand this network.

~ Will Calhoun


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"I think that what Jaijai Jackson has done with the Jazz Network shows how the eternal love for this music is passed down from generation to generation. The fire her father lit in her has burned brightly and has inspired her to pass this torch on to future generations. I'm very proud to be featured and I'm very happy that Jazz has a voice and spirit like Jaijai looking after it."

~ Ron Kearns

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I am so honored to be on The Jazz Network with so many wonderful and dedicated musicians. Jazz is the truly American art form and as I travel to other countries I find that their appreciation for jazz is really uplifting. There are so many excellent jazz musicians around the world now and The Jazz Network is helping us to find each other. Thank goodness for people like Jaijai who have dedicated so much time and effort to keep the jazz community together and for opening doors to us that we may never have found.

Regarding education in jazz, having done Master Classes in many places I find students need to take time and learn from the Masters and LISTEN. They should go back in history to appreciate ALL styles of jazz and its development. They need to learn melodies and lyrics (yes, even instrumentalists need to know lyrics) and that jazz is not just a series of modes and riffs. I think The Jazz Network can be an excellent tool for that also.

Thank you Jaijai...you are awesome!

~ Lenore Raphael


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"Thank you Jaijai for creating a space for the likes of me! I truly enjoy being featured here and really hope it can give me new contacts and opportunities.

Keep up the good work!"

~ Patrick Rydman
Sweden


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"The Jazz Network has come into being at just the right time. I believe that we are forever in need of spiritual and artistic enrichment and the way I see it, music, particularly jazz music, is all about the spirit. The Jazz Network allows us to reach out to our fellow artists across the world, in a way that has not been seen before, enlightening us as to who's out there making hip and happening music and helping to shape the culture. Whether artists approach this music from traditional perspectives or attempt to create new and radical sub-genres of jazz, the Jazz Network
is providing exposure, performance and recording opportunities that we might never have found on our own.

The Jazz Network is an amazing resource for the Jazz community. I'm
honored and happy to be a part of it.

Jaijai, thanks for your faith and what you're doing for the jazz community"

Best,
Nicolas


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It’s a rare occasion when you meet someone who you feel a real connection to … Someone who possesses a kind spirit, unyielding generosity and a dedication to the jazz community beyond expectations.

Jaijai, thank you so much for creating such a fantastic website for the jazz community. You’ve helped artists connect with each other around the world.

I’m proud to have The Jazz Network be the first site to promote my latest recording. Words cannot express my gratitude to you for your dedication to the music and the artists.

With much love and gratitude,
Denise Donatelli

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Hi Jaijai,

Stopping by to show you some love and tell you just how much I appreciate all you've been doing here, not just for me but for this incredible community of jazz musicians. I see that The Jazz Network is growing in leaps and bounds daily and want you to know that I recognize the importance of what's going on here, musicians having a place to connect with each other, young musicians having a place to meet and be mentored by musicians who have been around the block. You've created a beautiful space here and it's obvious that folks are feeling very much at home. Thanks for sharing your time, your heart, your soul. This is a huge commitment and you've taken it on with such determination. I wish you and The Jazz Network continued success and support you in all you're doing.

~ Marcus

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