This Entry: August 19th, 2001

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

Email: LJacks1042@aol.com
www.leroyburgess.com

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.