Hey guys. For me, it's been great getting to meet and collaborate with musicians from many different backgrounds, and I thank the Most High for allowing me the opportunity to do such. I've learned so much from people sharing their wisdom and knowledge when playing. For instance, there's a local group in St. Augustine, Florida I get a chance to perform with four piece band by the name of "Funk Shuwey"(I'm not sure on the spelling) that plays classic rock, but from diverse backgrounds. Lead vocalist and guitarist Ron Norris, I didn't know that this guy was in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame for many of the classic 60's and 70's groups he worked with. Slide guitarist and vocalist Ron Peck worked with George Jones for 17 years, and is a fill in slide player for Jimmy Buffett. Bassist Rusty Springfield worked with Lou Rawls, Cole Porter, Ringling Bros. Circus, the Chiffons, just to name a few. These guys are great musicians and people to meet and greet. It's amazing the different walks of life musicians come from, but are able to communicate in the universal langauge of music.

Yes, Bruce, you sound like a lucky guy. I am no musician but I was always amazed while growing up how bands could travel all over the world, different cultures, different languages...yet put on the same show and have almost a universal positive affect on their audience. It's a neat thing.

I wish I had applied myself more towards music as opposed to sports. I'm sure I would have had many more opportunities to play with a lot more, and better, musicians and I most likely would have traveled a lot espescially to England. I love that Neo-soul, funk-jazz movement they have going!

I'm just thankful that I'm still able to do this 'cause 20 years ago, I allowed myself to become a crack addict, and lost gigs, the whole nine. If it wasn't for the fact that I had to kick that habit(I quit cold turkey), and Uncle Sam saw what little talent I had and gave me a second chance, I wouldn't be here with you great people, sharing these experiences. I don't take what I'm doing for granted, and everyday's a new experience when playing music.

Second chances. It's a blessing some of are given them, and we make good positive use of it.

Bruce... can't reply to your PM because your inbox is full.... but thanks for sending me the message.

Bruce-
sorry so long in posting here, (been on vacation etc) but just wanted to say a big loud "yes" to what you've stated here.
You've obviously taken responsibility for your life, cleaned up your lifestyle, and turned it into something positive.
I hope you pass this on to younger guys in the same situation you were in, to give them some hope that change can happen.....so many times, they just get tossed aside and ignored, and a few kind words from someone like you can make a big difference. I know, I've been there.

You've added a lot the board, thanks for being here.
Gotta go....
TonyY

Thanks guys. Kat, I just realized that I gotta clean my inbox, been busy n'all. Tony, you're right. As a matter of fact, when I get to talk to some of the younger cats, and I tell them my story, they're amazed of the fact that I got through it, and I tell them that's why I keep the gray beard (Unless I at times mess it up when trimming and have to shave it off!). It reminds me of what I went through, the work I had to do on myself for myself (I was a patient if you know what I mean), and as Elton John said on one of his greatest hits, "Im still standin'"!

I was playing reggae in St. Augustine, Florida at the Oasis bar and grill, and I ran into this older gentleman named Glen from Augusta, Georgia, who played in James Brown's band for 20 years or more. It's just funny the musicians you meet around the world. He was telling me 'bout the old recordings sessions like "Night Train", "Try Me", and "Please, Please, Please".

Hey guys. July 5, I had the opportunity to open for this young guitarist named Trey Alexander(www.myspace.com/treyalexander), who was the 2006 Guitar Magazine guitar hero, and man, this kid can play! Trey invited Tony Smotherman on stage with him to play some Hendrix, and the manager of the venue came to me and said that we were watching history, and these two young guys will become household names, and I told her that I'm glad I'm getting to witness it. What was sad is that there weren't many people there to see this, and the manager mentioned that there was a local thrash band that's playing the same venue, and tix are already sold out.

Hey gang. I just got in an hour ago from a gospel drum clinic here in Jax at Southside C.O.G.I.C that was phenomenal! Calvin Rodgers, a drummer who's worked with Fred Hammond, Najee, Stevie Wonder, John P. Kee, put this thing on, and man, this cat can hit!! They had a jam session afterwards with him starting it off with two other great drummers. He wanted me to come up and sit in, but I declined on the fact that I was enjoying the show and listening to these cats play their everloving hearts out. He came out to where I was playing last night, and I appreciated that, and I'm glad I got to check out Calvin. In rappin' with him, we found out that we know and been around the same cats.

Last night I was talking to a friend of mine named Terry Miller(another drummer/perc.)who's in L.A. touring with Pas Escevido, mentioned to me that he runs into Evan Stone(Greg Adams's drummer)every wed. to see him play. I told him to tell Evan I said hey, and I'm making plans to visit the O.C. and hang out with the crew for a week. As a matter of fact, Terry and I are making plans for the '08 NAMM Show in Jan., 'round my 45th b-day, and that way I'll get to reunite with all my buddies in one sitting in one week.

Bruce, you really need to get your web presence underway! A website or even just a myspace page! Something!!

You guys can't be anymore right. As a matter of fact, I'm collecting pics in order to get a MySpace site started. I have some music, but there's a couple of tracks I'm trying to get a hold of, and with permission, I can put it out there for people to listen. One of the tracks hasn't been released yet, but Jimmy Haslip has a guest solo slot on it. It happens to be Jon Reshard's father's project.

I have to tell you guys that it's kinda wierd for me to get these pics together with some of these cats 'cause I tend to get caught up hangin' and runnin' my mouth with these guys, and don't get me wrong, I love getting pics of these guys, but I've known some of these cats for so long, I'm trying to catch up with what's goin' on with them, I forget 'bout taking pics.

Thanks Markus. I'm working on getting it together. I've updated my bio, it's just getting pics and music together. there are a lot of pics I have to find and go through. My parents have some college photos I'll have sent to me, as well as some pics of Gyra's '84 concert I took from backstage of me w/some of the guys. I'm realizing that there's a lot of things I've seen, heard, and played.

Last night was talking to Tony Smotherman, and he's getting ready for the NAMM Show in Texas next week. He's gonna do a both and play along with tracks because Jon couldn't make those dates, and the full band couldn't be there(It would've been nice to go as a full band), and Trey Alexander will be there along with Buddy Miles.

Sorry 'bout the error. Booth.

As mentioned, I'm looking at a few photos that were sent, but many more are coming. I'm gonna try and put up a couple here for yous to see.

Sweet Blessing to you, and God Blessed you with it all for a reason.

hey guys. I was just talking to Tony Smotherman, and he's gettin' ready for Austin, Texas. He mentioned that a review just came in from the U.K. on the new disc(http:/www.musicmouth.co.uk/rock/tonysmotherman/thelightwithin). I've just picked up a myspace account, and Tony's helping me get it together. I'm collecting audio and vid clips together, and I gotta figure what audio clips to put in for now. I hope to have it ready within a week.

Hey guys. Tony just called me this morn and told me that he will be in the Sept. '07 issue of Guitar Player Magazine for a review. He mentioned that it's a good review, so we'll see.

Hey guys. Tony mentioned to me that he'll be playing at the '08 NAMM show in L.A., and it may be possible that the band will back him up. He said that Derek Sherinian and Jon Reshard will be there already, so, he's gonna try to get me there in order for the band to do the hit. I hope it works out.

Hey guys. I've been runnin' in and out of the house between playing and homelife(Honeydo's). A few days ago, I got to talk to Tony Smotherman for a few minutes, and he gave me a rundown of the Austin NAMM Show. He said one of the best things he got to do there was jam out with Buddy Miles and Vernon Reid of Living Coulor. He's gettin' ideas for the next recording.

Now how about that website??

Hey DW. We've got 4 audio clips, 2 vid clips, and 4 pics for the site, and finally this coming monday, it should be up. I've been really busy, so I'll take a few minutes of time to put stuff on the site and get it started. One of the audio clips is a track entitled "Just A Fool" of a CD by a group called Big Hammer, wich consists of these two cats Jim Jenesse(vocals, but he's a drummer also), and Wendell Anderson, guitarist with Travis Tritt. The b-3 player is Jimmy Wallace, and bassist Robbie Anderson, and these two cats were Kenny Wayne Sheperd's original rhythm section, and they're both out of Shreveport, La. I'm lookin' forward to gettin' this site going.

I forgot. This track was fun for me to play on. Memphis sound.

Hey guys. I was just talkin' to Tony a minute ago, and all I need now is an updated bio, and I meet with him tomorrow(Tues.)afternoon, and we get the myspace site runnin'.

Man, this is so cool. Oct. 6, I'll get to do a hit with Tony Smotherman and Rob Balducci here in Jax. Rob's doin' a clinic here during the day, but we hit with him that night. Lookin' forward to this. Night of the living shredders!! Gonna be fun.

Tony just talked to Rob, and he's sending his material down for Jon Reshard and I to work on. Man, I remember playing The Jemfest in Orlando two years ago with Tony, and Rob was the headliner, and my first time meeting him, and I think he was already signed to Favored Nations. Man, I've been blessed. I get to perform with two great shredders on one stage, but, I think Jon's the one who's playing all night 'cause he's playing with the first group that's opening, then Tony, then Rob. A great night for us musicians.