Big Up to OSU! I had the priviledge of hanging at The Ohio State University yesterday. I hung out with the students, answered questions, played and just cooled out. Most of these dudes and ladies had some nice ideas. One thing that I know: These young cats want the information. They love music- Jazz, Hip Hop, Blues, Rock, etc... but many can't make the connection between the two or three. They ARE all connected. The other thing I found out 2: They don't know how to get it. Well, I believe that it starts with love and innocence. Love for what you hear and from that inspiration; Now YOU want what you heard. i ain't mad at ya'll. Get it! TEACHERS hone your craft (of teaching/ educating). Tell um the real dealy YO!

There are many (I'm tired, I'll finish this thought later)  I'M BACK! Rule 1# Do for your self, BUT you have to be aware of what's going on around you. Rule #2 Help others, BUT you can't help others if you don't help yourself 1st. Big up to my gurl Amanda Ruzza. One LuV! Thank you

 Last nights gig was amzing! We had a ball my brother Jesse Fischer on piano keys, rhodes... all that stuff; James Cacey on Tenor, Jean Caze trumpet, Shawn Bank percussion, Nozomi Yamaguchi guitar, Josh David on Bass and Evan Bourgeois Lasry (out of LA) spun on the 1's and 2's in between sets. This gig (as all the Soul Cycle gigs) was such a blast. These are class A musicians with one goal: Making music! Good music. Jesse has found his sound- his voice and its a special thing. We've known each other for close to ten years now and it's great to hear and see your friends grown (musically and or otherwise. Nex gig: Digital Diaspora at Nova brooklyn NY!
   

Heavy D. (Dwight Errington Myers) was a hip hop artist (from Jamaica- he grew up in Mt Vernon NY)  who I enjoyed as a kid growing up. He was fun and very skilled. Heavy was a Big Dude but could dance and had a crew called "The Boyz." I would practice the dance moves and knew them. lol. His ryhmes were fun and clean. Well, Heavy passed away on November 8th and he was only 44 years old I believe that the reason was medical. RIP Heavy D. I'll shoot a prayer to your fam. 

RiP Didly-didly-didly-didly-didly-didly DEE! 

Check out Heavy D do'n his thing... 

Last night I performed with one of (If not THE) greatest living artists. Sonny Rollins! We performed in Wroclaw Poland. The place is gorgeous and the people compliment its beauty quite nicely. I love the people. Beautiful people. I am consistently suprised and happy to witness how many young "hip" people come out to hear Mr. Rollins. They are hearing one of the greatest art forms that the US has given the world- performed by THE best. Every endowment, award, accolade this man receives is well deserved. Several Sonny Rollins fans approached me after the show and it was like they just got out of a deep extra hyped penecostal church service. One young cat was only 16 years old. He was so enthusiastic. This is the kind of thing that keeps me motivated. Mr. Rollins can light a fire under you by a glance, gesture or two or three words. I lived that last night. Viva Sonny Rollins!

Btw: It don't hurt to play next to Sammy Figueroa, Peter Bernstein, and Bob Cranshaw.  

 I began the concept of this of this group in 2000 and re- created the idea and put it in motion this year (2011). We've just completed our first night of a 2 week run at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola in NYC. Josh Evans- Trumpet; Joe Perez- Tenor; Dion Tucker- Trombone; Oscar Perez- Piano; Chris Smith- Bass. I love all of these guys. We had a ball tonight and it's just going to get better. I feel as though if the music doesn't reach the people then it's almost pointless. The Knights want to reach the guy who has gotten off of work (hates, or loves his job) and needs to feel something- the lady who watched CNN, Fox News, read the NY Times and just as the worlds crises has her down to the point she decides to find an outlet- music, Jerome Jennings & The Jazz Knights, we hope that she forgets those worldy issues (at least for the 40 minutes or so). We will record soon! Stay tuned...

 Last nights gig at Dizzy Club (mid town NYC) with Valery Ponomarev's Big Band: Our Father Art Blakey was so much fun. One of my goals coming out to the east cost was to find as many Jazz Messengers as possible. Valery was a guy who took a genuine intrest and really looked out for me from our first meeting almost 10 years ago. Valery has not taken the opportunities he's been able to take advantage of in America for granted. He respects tradition and Love's art Blakey. I love him!

 Recently, I've rekindled the band I started in 2001 called "The Jazz Knights" we are about to embark on a two week engagement at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola  Sept 20th- Oct 1. in NYC's Midtown. The work and patience that goes into being a responsible bandleader is really involved, interesting and a challenge. Especially doing it THE RIGHT WAY... ALL challenges are welcomed at no charge. Come on in!

Add large sums of money to ANYTHING and watch the quality/value of it depreciates over time. Last night I recorded with a good friend of mine, Seth Johnson's EP (demo cd) before he leaves for Paris France.  We grew up together in Cleveland. As kids we played countless hours of music in school and in and out of basements. This is a feeling I consistently try to rekindle everyday! This wasn't about $. It was about helping my friend on his journey, his search for new and exciting things! I love you Bro!

 We hear and use phrase all the time such as, "keep it real", "be true to yourself", "stop front'n", etc..." Bottom line is there are 1 million ways to lie to yourself and others. The worst lie are the ones that hurt other people. Be true to yourself, honest to others and enjoy life. Peace...