Everyone is in a hurry. That is the problem.

It's not because we want to be, It's because we have to. Our jobs demand it. Our families demand it. Our lives demand that we keep on the move. The pace of that movement is faster than at any other time in our musical history. That means we no longer have time (not the proper time) to give music the attention it deserves. As a teen/pre-teen, I recall going thru the liner notes on the latest Isley Brothers album, or feeling that it would somehow desecrate the product if I cut out the cardboard sunglasses from my Bootsy, Player of the year album. Who is the bass player for Earth, Wind, & Fire, and what is that sound he's making? There seemed to be no end time's availability, back then.

Time, my friends. That is the problem.

Much of today's music is manufactured. Not only the sound, but the superstar status of those who make it. The album doesn't even have to sound good. People will buy it because of whose name appears on the front. That's kind of sad, because I can name at least half a dozen mega-stars whose most recent recordings were awful. When I say, awful, that's not a play on words. I mean "awful". Go ahead. Look it up. The music industry is taking advantage of us, and we, because of our preoccupation with our various responsibilities are putting up less and less resistance. We simply accept whatever is handed to us. As a result, we may fail to recognize true quality when it does come along.

Good music takes time. That's one of the position statements on our station, but I don't know if people really understand what that means or what we mean when we say it. You have to take the time to create and develop a concept. Which comes first, the melody or the lyrics? What will the tempo be? To create original music, somebody has to stay up late and probably not sleep at all for months at a time. To create original music that sounds good, you have to do that and be blessed with great talent.

Soundoctrine has taken a step beyond just talent and sound.

To create original music that sounds good and inspires...that's awesome. I know everyone says awesome to describe anything from a cheeseburger to an orgasm, from their favorite TV program to a new piece of clothing. It's one of those words that gets thrown around so much that the meaning can become diluted. This is a result of hyperbole, or "hype". The same thing happens with "love" and "great".

As someone who works with music every day, I come across anywhere from 10 to 50 new CDs every week. And, I'm considered a "small" station. No staff. No budget. Just tons of the world's greatest music (hey, there's that word!). At a larger station, those numbers can easily double or triple. Each CD that comes in is by someone who is trying to make a name for themselves (or keep their name going) by getting as much airplay as possible. Now, for whatever reason (and we're primarily talking about jazz and R&B), recording artists seem reluctant to push the envelope. No one seems willing to go out and make a unique, original statement. I know there are multiple reasons and explanations for this. People won't understand it. The radio station won't be able to sell ads and make money. The album will be a failure.

Sounds like fear.

Fear, indeed.

Do you know when it is that people find the strength to overcome their fear(s)? When they are inspired. This new album by Soundoctrine, "Inspire", lives up to its name, and then some. If you listen to this and do not come away feeling like you've had some kind of out-of-body experience, you should put the CD back in, press "play", and make sure your speakers are turned up this time. Listen again. Jereb B and company should be on the Letterman show, and you know it. They should be doing the halftime show at the superbowl. They should sell a million copies of this album, and doing soundtracks for Spike Lee and Denzel. They should be, and if they continue making music like this, maybe they will. I certainly hope so.

They deserve it. I found the time to listen to this entire CD, from start to finish. Here are my impressions:

Soundoctrine defies category. If you try to describe what they do, take your time and plan to be at it all day. That's what happened to me.

1. Just Think: Marlon Saunders(vocals), Cliff Barnes (synth), Jereb B (all other Instruments)

I love syncopation, especially in a jazzy/fusion/funk/soul setting. I also like it when music has something to say. This song asks us to take a moment to imagine our potential, and to recall a time not so long ago when love was on everyone's lips. If you were around back in the 70's, this song takes you back, but not in a nostalgic way. It simply reminds me of what was good about those times. Everyone seemed to be closer, somehow. Sure, there was turmoil and problems. There will always bay, but love and peace was on people's lips. We used to greet each other that way. We considered each other brothers and sisters. The only thing standing in the way of our returning to that kind of consciousness as a people is ourselves., and the way we have allowed TV, movies, and the media to divert us from our true nature. Smooth Soul plays this song in our workday mix, and also on our Sunday Morning show, which is smooth for the inner-soul.

2. Brothers Keeper: Larry Johnson (lead vocals),  Stefano NuSoul (followup vocals) , Jereb B (all other)

This is a great tune. Musically, everything is there: innovative rhythm section (not settling for the beat we've all heard before) , vocals, harmony, horns, chord progressions (I'm a sucker for chord progressions). The kind of song that if you were listening to it in a club, you'd find yourself nodding your head and dancing right where you stand, whether on the dance floor or not. That's even if the club was so loud and noisy that you can't hear the words. If you happen to be an a more relaxed atmosphere, and can hear the words, you might find yourself staring off into space, hypnotized by the words, which covers lots of ground. I wish there was a video for this. It's a snapshot of where we (as in all people) are today.

3. Marriage. Keith McKelley (sax), Regan Whiteside (flute), Cliff Barnes (piano), Jereb B (all other).

Interesting name for an instrumental track, but it works, and it makes me think about my marriage as the song transitions; which is what marriage is. It's an ongoing series of transitions, as you and your mate move through your lives together.  Without the ability to change, adapt, and modify the plan, marriage will be a disaster. Go ahead. Quote me.  This song is a complete departure from the first two tracks. It almost sounds like we've changed channels. Here's where the word, versatility first struck me. Smooth Soul  considers this song appropriate for all playlists: the workday mix, the Jazz Dimension, after midnight, Sunday morning, and even old school Saturday. This was added to our rotation about 30 seconds into hearing it for the first time, and became the number song on our station about a week later.

4. Sacred Place. Paul Douds (guitars), Cliff Barnes (piano/vibes), Darrell Looney (violin), Jereb B (all other).

On the group's second instrumental track, we're introduced to some pretty substantial vibraphone work by Cliff Barnes. This is an instrument that is rarely seen these days. Made popular by Lionel Hampton, & Bobby Hutcherson, carried on by Roy Ayers and Dave Samuels (Spyro-Gyra), it's good to see someone in contemporary music showing some real proficiency with it. If Jereb B is the Joe Montana of this recording, Cliff is starting to look a lot like Jerry Rice. For non football fans, that just means he's the very talented and capable partner in time. Every Batman needs a Robin, every Sherlock Holmes, a Watson, and (for the ladies) every Salt needs a Peppa. Smooth Soul selects this song for the Jazz Dimension playlist.

5. Meant to Be. Stefano NuSoul & Jasmine.

What a gorgeous love song.  Stefano and Jasmine absolutely nail this song. I am utterly impressed. I just wrote a sweeper (position statement for the station) the other day. I start out by naming some all-time greats we know by first name, like Stevie, Chaka, Aretha, and Luther, and I end by saying that they do still make music like that. You just have to know where to look..better yet, where to listen. Thanks for proving me right.

6. Relax - The Freedom Mix. Jasmine Thompson, Errin Thompson, Jereb B.

Wow! Thanks for giving us some hip hop and dance music that actually contains music!! This song is a major hit waiting to happen. Push this to Top 40, Urban, Urban AC, and even AC.  It makes you want to...need to dance, even if you can't dance. Jasmine & Errin are so-bleeping-cool! You remind me of TLC, only without all the negative drama.  That line about being outside of the normal time signature clocks has completely floored me. Right now, our station is playing track 2, Marriage. We will probably add this song next to the workday mix.

7. Originalalternativefunkjazzfusion.  Jereb B.

This guy has me at a loss for words, this Jereb B.  I'm glad there's a song on the album that allows him to showcase his talents alone. All I can say about this song is: I'm going to play the _____ out of it. Probably the next to be added to rotation along with The Freedom Mix. Appropriate for the workday mix and the Jazz Dimension.

8. War No More. Cliff Barnes, Jereb B.

Traces of Parliament Funkadelic, and I also detect a little Hendrix attitude. I don't mean copying the styles, but I mean the kind of emotional content that I haven't experienced since. Scorching solos. Cliff, I need your autograph and Jereb's on a copy of the CD. I feel the anger, passion, and pain as Cliff and JB make their musical plea to end war. I can hear bombs exploding, airplane engines, gunfire...and none of that is present in the music. Another song that would be great if it could be turned into a video. Add some footage of our soldiers in action, marching, young, impressionable, often not even old enough to drink a beer legally.Whew! I don't know where to play it, but I feel like it has to be introduced. There needs to be some sort of lead-in explaining the significance to my listeners. Transition, baby. Before I knew it, I was listening to:

9.  Inspire. Regina Perry (piano/vocals), Jereb B.

Once again, I'm at a loss for words. I just hope people get it & haven't become so desensitized and sarcastic, that this message doesn't fly over their heads. Smooth Soul considers this song appropriate for our Sunday Morning Show.

10.  Love Wins Again. Carlton J. Smith (lead vocals), the legendary Edsels (background vocals) , Jereb B

Traditional old-school/blues at its finest, but not centering around scandal and heartbreak, but with an encouraging and uplifting message. I love the doo-wop, harmony of the Edsels. Smooth Soul considers this song appropriate for Old School Saturday, Sunday morning, and maybe even the workday mix.

11. Surrender. Keith McKelly (sax), Cliff Barnes (piano/keys), Paul Douds (acoustic guitar), Jereb B (all other).

On the group's third instrumental track, we get to hear Keith, Cliff, and Paul "stretch it out". It's a very straight-forward tune with solos by all. Great music for the road. It's also a song I'd enjoy watching the group perform this one live.  Smooth Soul considers this song appropriate for the Jazz Dimension.

12. Resurrection. Keith McKelley (sax), Paul Douds (guitar), Alton Merrell (piano & solo), Jereb B

If you're a fan of Vince Guaraldi, or Paul Desmond, this song has that sort of feel. A very light, cool jazz tune that the group pulls off expertly. Again, I'm out of my seat, because the music is alive. When this is the case, you cannot sit still. Alton Merrell joins the ensemble with a breath-taking piano solo that sets the pace for everyone to demonstrate one of the things I enjoy most about Jazz. Spontaneous Interaction. It sounds like this song was recorded live, with everyone at the same location. you can hear them playing off of each other. Jazz Dimension material.

13. Ellen's Arrival. Jereb B.

Who is Ellen? Daughter? Wife? Whoever it is, she's going to love this song for a lifetime.

14. That's Why It's Called Love.  Kent "Blue" Wallace (lead vocals), Nadir Omawale (guitars), Janis Jones & Janet White (background vocals) , Jereb B.

Self-explanatory. Kind of puts  a period, or a "The End" right there where it belongs. This songs feels like the summary at the end of a lecture or lesson. Just in case you didn't get it, here's what this is all about. Smooth Soul considers this song appropriate for our Sunday morning show.

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