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May 29, 2007

MY COLUMN/MAY 29th,2007 (part one)

What's up, ev'rybody!

Just got back from Birmingham, UK. There's a lot of news to report... so, let's get right to it.

LUXURY SOUL WEEKEND/ BIRMINGHAM HILTON METROPOLE (MAY 24TH THROUGH 27TH)
I couldn't have asked for a better place to premiere my new album THROWBACK/HARLEM '79-'83, surrounded by my British faithful. The whole affair was cool beyond belief! Just an around-the-clock party with some of the best and brightest DJs on the scene. Not to mention a hotel filled with some of the biggest party animals on the planet. My spirit is still reverberating from all the positive energy!
I want to thank everybody who joined me for my performance and for making it such a great time for me.
Special shout outs to Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Performing and chilling with you guys is one of my dreams come true. Everything that you do is brilliant. May God continue to bless the world with your awesome creative spirits. Thank you for every single moment.
To Ray and Vivian Chew. Sharing this weekend with two of my very best friends made it the ultimate blessing. Whether watching Ray meticulously put the band through their paces or watching Vivian keeping the business tight, I never fail to come away awestruck. The fact that you're both so firmly down-to-earth despite all your talent, always gives me something more to aspire towards in my life. Thank you so much for being there.
To Jason Thain and Amanda Bradley. Thank you for everything you both are to me. Your love and constant support provides a strong foundation for my often shaky feet. It means the world to me that you were there.... as always. God bless you, my friends. I totally love you guys.

THROWBACK/HARLEM '79-'83
Well... here it is, y'all. It took me a minute but, at last it's out. Let me give you the quick version: 12 full length songs produced by yours truly. Composed and recorded initially during the period of 1979 through 1983 and updated/remixed/remastered by me personally during most of 2006. Featured musician/vocalists include James Calloway, the late Sonny Davenport and Stan Lucas, Mike Campbell, Jocelyn Brown, Fonzie Thorton, Michael Lewis, Dorothy Terrell and Renee J.J. Burgess, Vincent Henry and a whole lot more. The general 'vibe' is boogie. It's available now on Soul Brother Records. Hope you guys really like it.

But that's not all, folks.....

OTHER NEW STUFF
1- House Music Anthem by Curfew feat/ Leroy Burgess (Rough Luxury Records)
2- Must Be The Music By Slippery People feat./ Leroy Burgess (Guide Lines/Amigo)
3- Hot Like An Oven by Robert Strauss feat./ Leroy Burgess (Earth Corp. Ent./ BBE Records)*
4- Let Me Know You're Feel'n Me by Leroy Burgess (Nite Life Collective Records)
* (there's a tour of Europe planned for October/November with Strauss and Co. ... Keep and eye out for specific dates and cities)

Still kinda fightin' off the jet lag. So, I'll hit you guys with part two tomorrow.
Peace and blessings until then.

Leroy Burgess / May 29th, 2007

May 17, 2007

Preface To My Forthcoming Column

Hi, ev'rybody

I just had to take a moment to write a 'prequel' to the full column I'll be posting in June.

On May 25th, 2007, I will be performing at the Luxury Soul Weekender at the Birmingham Hilton in Birmingham, England. This event also serves as the official launch party for my new album, THROWBACK/HARLEM '79 to '83 on Soul Brother Records. The project contains 12 previously unreleased songs written during that period and includes the musical performances of members of Convertion, Logg, Caprice, Change and many other great artists backing me up when we created the demos from which this album is derived.
It features many brand new songs such as "Midnight In The Streets", "Scandal", "Hold Up" & "All Into U", as well as covers of "Fly Girl", " Moment Of My Life" & "It's So Easy (You Can Do It)", based on the original demos I recorded before the songs went into actual production for the other artists. And a 'live' performance of Convertion and I doing Todd Rudgren's classic "Hello It's Me".
I look forward to 'partying hearty' with my UK faithful at this gala celebration. For more informationm, check out the flyer on the opening page of the website.
God bless... keep it real... and enjoy the album.
Peace.

Leroy Burgess May 17th 2007

August 31, 2006

Dick Scott

Dear friends and familiy,
It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the passing of Dick Scott (of Dick Scott Entertainment Inc.) yesterday morning in Los Angeles, California. He was my manager, my mentor and my dearest friend during the mid-eighties and beyond, particularly while I was working with the Aleems.
I cannot say enough about the positive impact this great man had upon my life. His love and compassion gave me the strength to overcome the drug and alcohol induced nightmare I had inflicted upon myself during the late '80s. He took time out of his life to lift mine when it was most down. I loved him with all my heart.
May the Good Lord bless his family and loved ones with comfort, consolation and peace.
Thank you and bless you, Dick, for caring enough to be such a wonderful part of my life. May you rest well in the hands of Jesus and of all the saints. Always your friend, Leroy O'neil Jackson-Burgess.

August 21, 2006

Leroy's Column (July 19th, 2006)

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.

Continue reading "Leroy's Column (July 19th, 2006)" »

March 16, 2003

Leroy's Column - No. 8

Amsterdam, Southport and news of Black Ivory:

LEEROCK PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
A DIVISION OF BURGESS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES INC.

Hi, ev’rybody….

Thought it was high time for me to hollar at y’all again as we approach the close of 2002. There’s a lot to report so, let’s get right to it.

RELEASES
As many of you already know, September and October saw the release of AU REVE by Cassius on Virgin Records (upon which I have two compositions, UNDER INFLUENCE and ‘TILL WE GOT YOU AND ME) and ANTHOLOGY II/ THE PRODUCER on Soul Brother Records. I hope you get a chance to check them out and enjoy them.

The CHICAGO project is still stalled unfortunately due to budgeting problems. DUSTTRAXX RECORDS is doing its best to get it together but it’s slow going. I really look forward to completing this project, as it contains some really cool house/garage tunes. Let’s keep our fingers (and toes) crossed.

The SHORTIE singles from the BACK AT DA DREW album on Burgess Entertainment Recordings are in the final stages of mixing and will be mastered in late December for release in mid January. The singles mark the debut of four of the members of the DREW CREW: (S. Bizzy, RP, Dre’W, and Lyfe). It will be available exclusively through www.leroyburgess.com as well as through the forthcoming www.burgessentertainment.com.

PERFORMANCES
PARADISO in Amsterdam was a very cool show. It’s a great city for inspiration. The crowd was very supportive (especially through some technical glitches). Everybody had a really good time. I hope to do an all-the-way-live show there in the near future. Also very cool was the fact that my boys Philippe and Hubert of CASSIUS were playing there the night after. We got to check out their unbelievable show. All in all, an amazing three days. Many thanks to Andreas Hellingh for putting it all together.

THE SOUTHPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL in Manchester, England went brilliantly from the moment I arrived at Newark Airport. My riding partner was none other than the great ROY AYERS. We kicked the whole trip together… same hotel… everything. I have always admired and appreciated his music. It was an honor and a blessing to share some of his space.
As always, the British audience never disappoints. You packed the house… sang along with every song… danced all the way through the show. I thank each and every one of you for your support. You make it mean something. You make it special. Shout out to my boys, Bobby and Steve and Cleveland Anderson. Chillin’ with all of you guys was beyond brilliant.

ON THE BLACK IVORY TIP
Let’s start out with my congratulating my partner, my brother and friend, STUART BASCOMBE and his wife, Alexia , on the birth of their son, Ezekiel Bascombe on December 3rd, 2002. May God bless all the days of their lives and way beyond.

Me and the boys remain real busy. That doesn’t mean we can’t use more work (if ya know what I mean). Any and all interested parties can contact us through the site. Here are some of the cities we’ll be visiting soon:

* Baltimore, Maryland
* Buffalo, New York
* Providence, Rhode Island
* Boston, Mass.
* Durham, North Carolina

Don’t worry. I’ll fill in the dates as soon as each city ‘firms’ up. Keep your eyes on the site.

I’ve been a little ‘lax’ about answering my visitors to the Guestbook. I will be writing back to all of you very, very soon. Thanks for continuing to visit.

Well, that’s all for now. Keep it real, my brothers and sisters and keep GOD as close to you as you can get Him. Trust me… He’ll like that too.
Much love and later.

LeRoy Burgess, December 5, 2002

April 11, 2002

Leroy's Column - No. 7

The London Trip, working with Blaze and more:

LEEROCK PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
A DIVISION OF BURGESS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES INC.


April 11, 2002

Hello again, y'all…
Yep… I'm still here.. still punchin' away. I know it's been a while since last we spoke. Sorry. Been real busy. Allow me to elaborate.

THE WORLD CHANGES….

….on September 11th, 2001 and we are rudely awakened from our collective complacency by acts we'll probably never completely understand. No need to recount the horrors of that morning. We all saw…. and are all touched by the event's significance.. to this day and beyond. We are still adjusting to its profound effects (Israel and Afghanistan being among the most current examples). It will be interesting to see if mankind will learn the right lessons from this tragedy and be better for it.

That said…..

I'M LONDON BOUND!!!
On April 24th, I'll be back in London for a 6 day mini-tour, promoting Volume One of my Anthology on Soul Brother Records. Joining me will be Russell Patterson, my partner, colleague and friend from Black Ivory. A brief itinerary follows:
" Wednesday April 24th (between 2 and 3 pm) Interview with James Anthony on Choice FM radio.
" Thursday April 25th Interviews with Bob Jones (London Live) and Greg Edwards (Jazz FM).
" Friday April 26th (Midnight) Performance and album signing at the Jazz Café.
" Saturday April 27th (2:30 pm) Album signing at the Soul Brother Shop. (6:00 pm) Interview with Ralph Tee on Thames Radio.
" Sunday April 28th (9:00 pm) Performance at Dingwalls.

I'm also being interviewed by Dez Parkes in a follow up to our August session. I'll post the date and time as soon as we figure out just where we're going to squeeze it in.

I'm really looking forward to returning to London (for the first time since 1988) and seeing all my great friends there.

ON THE RECORDING TIP
" CASSIUS is in the process of mastering the Paris project and preparing it for release.
" THE CHICAGO PROJECT is in the mixing stage. I'll be returning there later this year to record the last three tracks and finish up.
" Both the BACK AT DA DREW and the SLIPPERY PEOPLE projects have suffered through significant technical setbacks but are back in full production. I'll update you on release dates as soon as I know.
" ANTHOLOGY II is scheduled to release in mid to late summer 2002.
" The BASEMENT BOYS are readying the release of "The Best Of Me" featuring Belita Woods and myself on their own independent label.
" Will soon be working with KEVIN HEDGE and BLAZE of West End Records on a song entitled "So Thankful" for the forthcoming BEST OF BLAZE project.

If I'm to believe what I'm told, I could be returning to London before the year is out. But… shhhhh… let's not jinx it.

Before signing off for now, I'd like to 'shout out' a few of my 'peeps'…
Fam'a'lam:
Mom, Dad, Sherril, Pat, Drene, Renee, Morgan II and Mellenie, Compah, Reese, Tiffie and Bree.
RP, Dre'w, Lyfe, Etc., Ty-Stik, Liquid, Leighman, Glenn Norman (hollar back), DaveNice, Darrel Ray, All my bros. From #86, all my sisters from the Stars, Cali Sr. and Jr. and mad love to all my cousins, aunts and uncles.

I want to say I love you all dearly and thank you for all your kind expressions at the loss of my cousin, Sonny. Thanks for holding me together.

May God shine His smiling face upon all our lives.

A little later, y'all.
Peace.

LB out

April 19, 2001

Leroy's Column - No. 6

Chicago, Cassius, ASCAP Award, Basement Boys:

LEEROCK PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
A DIVISION OF BURGESS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES INC.


What's goin' on, my peeps…
There's a lot of ground to cover between now and when last I spoke with y'all… so why don't we just get to it..huh?

LET'S START IN THE BASEMENT WITH THE BOYS…
… in Baltimore, Maryland on January 19th and 20th. Just a one day session and a one night stay. This time, I took my nephew/stepson Andrew (Dre'w of Da Drew Crew, UDG and Double AA). After a smooth Amtrak trip down, we were picked up by Teddy at around 4pm and taken to their production facility.
Belita Woods, my co-vocalist, had already recorded her verses and choruses. I had only to record those which I'd written earlier in NYC. I think it took me about two hours… start to finish. Teddy and Jay were very pleased. As was I. The track is reminiscent of Chaka Khan's " I Know You.. I Live You". Very cool indeed. Anticipate a fall release on Basement Boys Records (Warner Bros.).

CHICAGO (PART TWO)
For my second trip to the Windy City (February 9th thru 12th), I was partnered with Ron Carroll and Josh Collins. It was a two day-two song affair. The first was composed and written by me and is called "ARROGANT". The second was composed primarily by Ron and doesn't really have a title yet. Both are slamming. These will be included in the "TIMELESS" album along with the Glenn Underground/Patrick Adams collaboration as well as four other tracks which I will talk about a little later. (Treasure Records/ A division of Dusttraxx Inc.)

ASCAP RHYTHM AND SOUL AWARD
During the months of March and April, I continued my work here at home on the 'Back At Da Drew' album, adding four new tracks and a brand new artist, Chenzira Lewis. I feel confident about a late September release of the single and the subsequent release of the entire 15 song album between January/February 2002.

In April, I was informed by ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) that I was to be the recipient of the Rhythm and Soul Award for the Barbara Tucker song "STOP PLAYING WITH MY MIND". The ceremony was to take place in Atlanta, Georgia at the Hyatt Regency on June 7th. Now this is a funny story.
Flew out to Atlanta on the 7th. Arrived at the ceremony on time. When the time came for my award to be presented, it was nowhere to be found. Nuts, huh? Anyway, I have since been informed by ASCAP that the plaque got lost somewhere and they've commissioned a replacement plaque. I'm hoping to receive it this week. Yeah.. right.

CASSIUS BACK IN THE APPLE
Surprise! Philippe and Hubert of CASSIUS arrive in NYC May 26th and 27th to record female background vocals and saxophone by the legendary Ernie Watt. Roy, Dre'w and myself visited both sessions at Right Track Studios. We were amazed by the work they'd done on the tracks. The sh*t is serious.
In addition to the honor of meeting Mr. Watts, the background vocalists were Janet Wright and Connie Harvey, MY girls from back in the days of Phreek, Dazzle and a bunch more. I was on cloud nine.
The most mysterious about release dates, the best I can get out of them is between now and January. Oh… but when it does drop… y'all better hang on!

CHICAGO Part Three
My third jaunt to Chi-Town occurred between May 27th through June 1st.
This time I worked with five very cool new co-producers: Mr. Ali, DJ Quad, Nick S., E-Smoove and Chez Damier. The sessions yielded 4 new tracks for the TIMELESS album bringing the total up to 6 tracks. I'm waiting for re-mixes to be completed. Tentative October release.
Glenn was still a no-show that's getting tired fast) but I didn't really miss him. There are a lot of great producers in the Windy City. I'm cool to work with as many of them I can.

Keep an eye out, dear faithful, for part two of this column, Which details the STOCKHOLM/HULTSFRED Slippery People sessions and show. Deserves it's own column. Keep God first and your ears to the ground, y'all!

LB out.

February 19, 2001

Leroy's Column - No. 5

Lots of news from Leroy:

LEEROCK PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
A DIVISION OF BURGESS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES INC.

What's da deal, y'all...

It's been a minute since I last kicked it with you, so I thought this would be a good time to do so.

First off:
Props and respect to all the faithful. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. It makes everything all the more special knowing y'all are out there listening.

Second:
The first of the new singles is now on the market. "Sweet Thing" by Slippery People (featuring me) is on RipADip Records out of Stockholm, Sweden. It's a pretty hot house track with a lot of the elements from the 1980s... great beat, cool arrangements... the whole nine yards as we say here in the US. I had a lot of fun singing it and I think it's a great track to get this whole new thing started. Hope you guys like it.

I am returning to Sweden on June 11th to record another two songs with the group. I will also be performing at the Swedish Music Festival with them (and perhaps a surprise visit from a couple of members of Da Drew Crew). That ought to be way cool. Hope to see some of you there.

Third:
Did co-lead vocals on a very cool song with Belita Woods (y'all remember her from the group Brainstorm) called "The Best Of Me". It was produced by Teddy and Jay from The Basement Boys. Another hot house joint (though a very different vibe than Sweden)... reminiscent musically of Chaka Khan's "I Know You... I Live You" during the chorus. And damn.... are Belita's vocals kicking! I did it mostly just to get a chance to sing with her. She is way beyond amazing!

Fourth:
The "Back At Da Drew" Preview singles are about to be dropped on MP3.com sometime this month. The titles are "Shortie" and "My Block".
Written, produced and arranged by yours truly (with lyrical and melodic assistance from my nephew/stepson Andrew Jackson).
Total R&B/hip hop flavor like the rest of the Drew album. Something new and different. Besides me, the songs feature Andrew Jackson and Julian Rosado on the rap flows and.... a new kid named Black I. P. doing the lead vocals on "My Block". Awesome pipes on this guy... believe me!

Fifth:
Went back to Chicago last weekend (February 9th thru 12th). Originally, I was to again work with Glenn Underground... to complete the mix of "Let Me Know You're Feelin' Me" but something came up and he wasn't available. So, we did two new songs with rising star producers Ron Carroll and Josh Collins. Slated for mid-spring release on Dusttraxx Records and part of my Chicago project which includes Glenn and Patrick Adams, these are powerful house/garage joints...

...heavy on the vocal harmonies and pulsation. A pleasant surprise I'm sure!

Sixth:
The LeRoy Burgess Anthology is due out around April/May on Soul Brother Records out of London. A compilation of hits I've worked on in some capacity between the years of 1978 thru 1986. A two CD set which some of you guys might want to get your hands on.

Seventh:
The publicity campaign begins in earnest with the publication of an article on page 29 of the February 17th issue of Billboard Magazine. It's a pretty cool piece you might want to check out. (By the way... the "Back At Da Drew" album is not an Aleem project but rather my own production. I merely said that 'some of the tracks have an Aleem-like flavor. Billboard took a few liberties with the text in the editorial process.... but it's all good).

Eighth:
The entire "Back At Da Drew" album is slated for release around June/July on BE (Burgess Entertainment) Recordings through MP3.com. 12 new songs all in the R&B/ Hip Hop flavor.

That's all for now. Keep in touch with the site for further updates and news. May the Lord bless each and every one of you out there with all the things you desire. I ain't got nothing but LOVE for you guys. Hold down the fort, keep the faith and keep listening. That's what makes it all real.

Peace, y'all....


LB out.

December 03, 2000

Leroy's Column - No. 4

Leroy's thoughts on the Paris and Stockholm studio sessions:

LEEROCK PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
A DIVISION OF BURGESS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES INC.

PARISIAN IMPRESSIONS

An amazing journey from start to finish.

Making it to the aircraft at the very last second, six hours later Roy and I arrived in the City of Lights to be met by our friend Philippe Zdar at the port.

Zipping us to TIMHOTEL in MonMart, we had about two hours to prepare for the first of several grueling writing and recording sessions. Grueling in a good way though. At the studio, we are received by CASSIUS' other half, Hubert and begin the arduous task of composing the lyrics for the first song (the melodies were composed by me at home in NYC). Philippe and Hubert were very focused and meticulous with conveying their vision of what the lyrics should be. It takes a day and a half but we finally got the lyrics… for the 1st song!

The rest of the sessions went pretty much the same way. This reminds me of how working with specific artisans can be taxing and enormously rewarding at the same time. The songs came out great and, with a little tweaking here and there, should be brilliant records.

Most gracious hosts, Philippe and Hubert took extremely good care of us, taking us to the finest restaurants in Paris. Though we really didn't have a chance to sightsee (per se). our trips to the studio took us through most of central Paris, so we got to see many of its beautiful sights anyway.

Overall, the trip was amazing and will yield wonderful memories for years to come. Can't wait for the release!

SWEDISH IMPRESSIONS

Well… getting to the airport was less hectic, accompanied by my nephew/stepson Andrew as I would be traveling alone this time (Roy couldn't make it). The uneventful journey concluded with my being picked up by Micke and the rest of SLIPPERY PEOPLE.

Although this trip was more capsulated than Paris (only 3 days), it was more restful and easier to take than the 8 days in Paris.

The session on Saturday went very well and quickly, mostly due to Peo the engineer's competence and the fact that the lyrics were already written.

What I was most impressed by was the receptiveness of the Swedish people at my performance at a club called JACK. A couple of hundred people packed in (average ages of the crowd was between 20 and 30 years old). From the time I arrived until ShowTime, they played my music, packing the dance floor. Then I came on stage.

I performed "Let Me Know You're Feelin' Me", the song I did with Glenn Underground and Patrick Adams in Chicago. It was extremely well received.

Then, I did "Sweet Thing" (the new song with SLIPPERY PEOPLE) and the crowd went CRAZY! Dancin', whoopin', hootin' and hollarin', we bumped our way through it. I jumped off the stage with mic in hand and danced with some of the most beautiful women I'd ever seen in my life. The ovation when I left the stage lasted a good three or four minutes. I came out to take a bow and decided to sing "Mainline" as an encore. It was magic! It was nuts! It was wonderful! I didn't have any voice left but it was nice to know that I'd put it to good use. All in all, the trip was phenomenal. If you want to check some of it out, log into DISCOSTHLM.COM.

Up next, with God's good grace are Baltimore, Maryland and London, England. The beat goes on, troops.

Hopefully, I'll be able to keep up with it.

Peace and love,

LB.

August 22, 2000

Leroy's Column - No. 3

More details on the Drew Crew et al:

LEEROCK PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
A DIVISION OF BURGESS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES INC.


What's up, my people…

Today is August 20, 2000… my birthday.

My present to myself is to give as much more music to the world as I can create. To share the precious blessing of my creative life with everybody.

For today, I'd like to tell you a little about my new co-writers and collaborators.

1- ANDREW K.L. JACKSON (Mr. Andromonous {for now})

This is my nephew and stepson. His musical training began when he was born and continues now at 20. He plays keyboard and programs drums and such. He has worked with me on many of the songs included on the forthcoming 'Back At Da Drew' album. He is also the closest person to understanding my musical style in the world (but please don't tell HIM that!) The love of my life and the pain in my butt simultaneously, I expect that great things are to come from him in the days to come.

2- P.L. (SWEETS) THOMPSON

My first and finest student, P.L. is a member of the Drew Crew and my chief engineer and drum programmer. His collaborations include the Glenn Underground project and the 'Drew' album. A genius of sound and creativity, he is one of the integral people that make what I'm doing now work so well.

3- ROY PARHAM (RP INCOGNITO)

My executive assistant and my best friend, I have been fortunate to work with him for the past ten years. He is the one who looks out for me. He is also an innovative and unique rapper in his own right and as such, a contributor to a number of the new projects including 'Drew' and the Cassius projects. He's the one who keeps things going when they become to crazy for me to handle on my own.

4- JULIAN E. ROSADO (J LYFE)

One of the newer members of the Drew Crew, Jay is my link to the wonders of Hispanica and another of my dearest friends. We first started working together in 1997 and haven't looked back since. He has 3 songs on the 'Drew' project and we're working on a couple of solo things for him as well. A talented rapper with a fresh new flavor, Jay is a welcome addition to those sharing in my vision and letting me share in theirs. Mad love for this kid.

5- STEPHEN ALLEYNE (no nickname)

Steve is a longtime friend (about 20 years) and one of my financial advisors. As he also models and acts, he brings to the Drew organization all the things we need to know about fashion and presentation. What surprised me most, I think, was when he decided he would like to try his hand at composing lyrics. On his first project (a song entitled "Better" for the Chicago project), Steve showed me a talent he had hidden for years… his ability to be effective and innovative in creating lyrics and melodies. We both look forward to his continuing to share his intense vision with us.

6- DARRYL SCOTT (ETC.)

Skeeter (as he is called) is kind of the ghost of the Drew. By that I mean he is the most sought after and least easy to find. A singer/rapper with extraordinary qualities, he's the mentor of the rap faction in the Drew Crew. When we can pin him down, his contributions are nothing short of amazing. The great things this man is capable of will become all too evident in the very near future.

Well, that's all for now except to say keep looking for the date of the live on line chat, which will be very soon indeed. We tested the chat line and it's working perfectly. As soon as we can set up publicity and press releases, it will be on. So, keep looking out for it, my friends. Should be a lot of fun.

Peace and love to you all always.

LeRoy Burgess/Burgess Entertainment

August 06, 2000

Leroy's Column - No. 2

Leroy introduces his current collaborators:

LEEROCK PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
A DIVISION OF BURGESS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES INC.


What's up, people…. How y'all doin'?

Just thought I'd take a moment to introduce you to my newest collaborators who have been working with me on some of the new stuff.

They are:

Roy Parham
Andrew Jackson
Jay Reed
Julian Rosado
P.L. Thompson
Stephen Alleyne
Russell Patterson
Tyrell Williams
Darryl Scott
Russell Patterson
Patrick Adams
Glenn Underground
CASSIUS

These are some of the people I've been blessed to share in their vision and to have them share in mine.

Credit where credit's due and props where props are properly earned… I always say.

Stay tuned for info on shortly forthcoming LIVE worldwide chat with me at the website.

Meanwhile, if you run outta love… you can always use some of mine.

Peace out.

LeRoy Burgess

Burgess Entertainment

August 01, 2000

Leroy's Column - No. 1

Leroy explains where he's been:

LEEROCK PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
A DIVISION OF BURGESS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES INC.


What’s up… Thought it might be a good time for me to say hello finally.
So….hello.
Yes.. it’s actually me. Doubters and believers alike need but read on.

First, I’d like to thank everybody who’s been kind enough to visit my site. It’s way cool to know that you’re appreciated… especially by so many cool people. So…thanks a lot, y’all.

Second, I thought I’d explain where I been for the last 8 years. To put it simply… I’ve been studying. Figuring out the changes and evolution in today’s music. The addition of Rap/Hip Hop to the typical African American music equation of R&B, Jazz, Gospel and Blues during the late eighties and throughout the nineties was something I needed to understand… and, if possible, assimilate into my own music. Although all the forms are essentially Black music, it took me a minute to get all the formulas to work together in a way that they could compliment each other without one form overwhelming the other. I arrived at a successful mixture sometime in 1996 with the help of my assistants, Roy Parham, Andrew Jackson, James Reed and P.L. Thompson (you’ll be hearing a lot more about them in the very near future I think).
Anyway, the results are contained in my first solo project in 8 years, a project called ‘BACK AT DA DREW’, which I hope to be released in early 2001. The project itself is an aesthetic explanation of where I’ve been and what I’m about now, starting, logically, with where I came from. Enough about that for now.

Third, I’d like to say that this is the time for new music. So, I’ve been actively working with as many people as I could to get some new things out there. CASSIUS, GLENN UNDERGROUND, SLIPPERY PEOPLE are among those allowing me to share in their visions. I thank all for these special opportunities on so many different levels. The actual music should start coming out around the fall of 2000 or thereabouts.

Lastly, the sabbatical, hiatus, vacation from music… whatever you wanna call it, is over. For better or worse.. I’m back. I’ve still got a few things to share with you, my beloved friends. Hope I can kick ‘em to you and hope you can feel ‘em. Trust that I intend to be in touch with my site on the regular from now on. The above information in the letterhead is how I may be contacted directly should the need arise. Maybe I’ll hear from some of you guys out there, which would be extremely cool.

Peace and the Lord’s blessing go with you all.. wherever you go.
Love, y’all. I’m out.

LeRoy Burgess