Don’t kill me, guys…
I know it’s been too long since the last time I hollered at you. My fault… my bad. Just trying to get some new things going.. ( and finish those I was already doing..). The time sort of got away from me (kinda like it always does). But, as a result, there’s a whole lot of new stuff to share with you.
Let’s start with my group…Black Ivory
We’re about fourteen songs in on the new album… some really nice stuff, I think. Including (we hope.. with his final okay) a previously unreleased song by Stevie Wonder. The principle genre is up-tempo R & B overall. Don’t worry.. we seriously cover a good number of ballads too. We’re taking our time with it… making very sure it’s the best album we’ve done yet. When it’s all said and done, I think you’ll be very pleased (finger’s crossed). Shootin’ for some time in 2007.
I’m compelled to add an observation of the music marketplace at large. A lot has changed. The contributions of the brilliant new generation of artists and musicians has been and continues to make its presence known throughout the world. This is as it should be. It is also wonderful that many legendary artists from past eras continue to enrich our lives with their newest contributions. Stevie, Ron Isley, Earth Wind & Fire, Charlie Wilson, Burt Bacharach and the like. It is encouraging to see that there are still those enlightened enough to support the music of living legacies such as these. And younger ears and minds which can still be inspired by the offerings of their predecessors.
The group is doing performances pretty regularly now (and always lookin’ for more). It helps that we’ve finally got our own kickin’ new band. I always have such a good time out there with you guys. Keep an eye on the site… we could be in your ‘hood very soon. Nothing would please us more.
We are honored to have had “Don’t Turn Around” sampled for the re-mix single of the artist Omarion. Check it out… sounds pretty cool.
On the personal tip, it feels really amazing to be working with Stuart and Russell again. Really good friendships stand the test of time.. often despite difficult differences. I consider it my blessing that such is the case here. Nothing really beats traveling the world with your best friends… making people happy with your music. You carry these moments in your spirit forever. It’s way beyond awesome.
Moving on to LB stuff
MORGAN LORENZO BURGESS SR. (SEPTEMBER 7TH, 1936-SEPTEMBER 2ND , 2005)
My dad has made his transition from the terrestrial to the celestial. He was my hero in more ways than I can begin to mention. I consider him the savior of our entire family. And the strongest man I’ll ever know. This is a great loss for my family and myself.
Greater still is the love, the support and the legacy of strength he left upon all our hearts. I carry his memory as a torch.. a beacon to light my darkness.. pointing out a path that my spirit may follow.
Dad, I will love you way beyond forever. I am whole because you were there.
To Momi, my brother Morgan II, my sisters Mellenie, Sherril, Patricia, Andrina and Renee: I love you all with all my heart and thank God every day for the blessing of sharing life with you.
To all of my extended family who shared in the celebration of my father’s life: Thank you and bless you for your support, love and encouragement … through the years and through our bereavement. May the good Lord bless you all.
I am honored to have two other great artists incorporating my music into theirs: Missy Elliot and Charlie Wilson. On her album, Missy and her producers have created a new song called “Partytime”, which is partially inspired by my song “Weekend”. Charlie Wilson (who has already given us so much amazing music with his group the Gap Band) and master composer/producer R. Kelly have collaborated to create a song called “Floatin”, which uses elements of the song “Over Like A Fat Rat”, on Mr. Wilson’s new album. Both new songs are really cool sounding. I know you’ll enjoy them.
At last…at last… the first 12 inch single from the long (I mean really, really long) awaited Chicago album project is about to be released. It’s called “Let Me Know You’re Feelin’ Me”. Composed by Glenn Underground, Patrick Adams and myself. Three versions: Original mix, Dub mix and Accapella mix. It’ll be available on the West Eddy Street label (a subsidiary of the Dusttraxx Records label) in early December. Pre-orders available via www.soleunlimited.com (catalogue number: wes001). Subsequent singles and the entire TIMELESS album will be following shortly. Some of my partners on the other cuts include Maurice Joshua, Ron Carroll, Harrison Crump, E. Smoove and Mr. Ali.
In January, I had the pleasure of being asked to Toronto, Canada to do lead and background vocals for a brilliant young producer named Robert Strauss. It was an amazing experience. The first resulting song is called “Hot Like An Oven” and, quite honestly, I think it is. So pleased was Robert with the song, he sent me a second composition to work on. This one is called “Love And Self Respect”, a smooth, mellow, uplifting song and a bit of a departure from what you’re used to hearing form me. Both songs should see release before year’s end.
Before closing, I’d like to shout out to a few people: RP (thank you for holding me together, y’all.),Dre’W, J. Lyfe, Liquid, our kickin’ new band (Austin Applegate/guitar, Greg McRay/1st keyboards, Sean Kelly/drums, James Calloway/bass, Mike Lewis, conga & percussion and Wayne Walker/2nd keyboards), my managers Jim McDermott and Jason Thain, photo-journalist Amanda Bradley, Vaughn Harper, Lenny Green, Dr. Bob Lee and all the great DJs everywhere on the planet.
Finally, I want to thank all of you for your continued support and for keeping the vibe alive. Hope you enjoyed the Anthologies, the Au Reve album by Cassius, and the wonderful single by the Basement Boys, Belita Woods and I. We got a whole lotta mo’ good music on the way. Be on the lookout for it. And may the blessings of the Highest Power follow you all always.
Be writing again soon (promise!)
Your friend,
LeRoy Burgess (July 19, 2006)
