In 2010, 30 of my nights were spent hopping the A Train from the corner of 44th and 8th to Nostrand Ave. in Bed-Stuy.
Every Tuesday night, from 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST (sometimes later and sometimes longer), I broadcast The Flying Perfect Parlor on WRFB Radio Free Brooklyn. The idea was to present a cross-section of music that's moved me and maybe just might pique the interest of those listening out there in the ether. I'd bring one musical guest on (sometimes two) to talk about their latest project or perform an acoustic set. It was kind of like a dream come true to have an outlet to play music, promote music, and share the experience with those in the studio and those listening.
How did the dream come true? Earlier in 2010, Dexter Taylor invited me to broadcast a show on an online radio station that he was launching in partnership with Brooklyn Movie Labs. Four of us would host our own 60-minute show every Tuesday: Dexter (who started with "YankeeZulu's Time Machine," which morphed into "The World As We Know It"), myself, Rob Fields & Sounds from the New Black Imagination, and Shelley Nicole of Shelley Nicole's blaKbüshe.
I have to say, it's been an incredible journey and an honor to share the experience of WRFB with Dexter, Rob, and Shelley. Make no mistake, WRFB is still on the air but after 30 broadcasts, I re-examined what was happening around me. You freelancers out there: you know how the work can vary day to day, week to week. Seven months later, life brought me to a destination that's different from where I was when I went on air. I'm as grateful for those changes as I am for the experience to broadcast on WRFB but in November, I decided to shutter The Flying Perfect Parlor.
Music is a profound conduit between us. It may not be tangible but it communicates thoughts and feelings. I thank Dexter for inviting me to participate in something so meaningful. I thank Rob and Shelley for being so supportive of what I do and making me think critically.
However, I'd like to take this space to extend a huge thank-you to the following artists who joined me at The Flying Perfect Parlor as a guest:
Al McKay (Earth, Wind & Fire)
Angela Johnson
Ariel Aparicio
Brandon Lacy Campos
Daniel Alexander Jones
Darien
David Pilgrim
Dionne Farris
Greta's Bakery
I Love Monsters
Jafe Paulino (Viva Mayday)
Janice-Marie Johnson (A Taste Of Honey)
Jeff Jeudy
Jeremiah
JohnnySwim
Kandia Crazy Horse
Ki Ki Hawkins
Lindsey Wilson
Maiysha
Mark Anthony Lee
Maya Azucena
Monet
Nona Hendryx
Reuben Butchart
Russell Taylor
Ruth Pointer (The Pointer Sisters)
Tai Allen
The Soulfolk Experience
Tom Jenkins (Cameo)
A special "thank you" to Corey Glover who co-DJ'd during my last broadcast and brought some Salsoul into the mix!
And to all those who listened every week? THANK YOU! I've appreciated you sharing your Tuesday night with me! The good news is that you can still share it with Dexter, Rob, and Shelley. Nobody does it like WRFB!
P.S. Feel free to e-mail WRFB directly at radiofreebrooklynonline@gmail.com for any requests and ideas on how to keep the stream alive so WRFB can keep bringing you innovative programming!
P.S. Feel free to e-mail WRFB directly at radiofreebrooklynonline@gmail.com for any requests and ideas on how to keep the stream alive so WRFB can keep bringing you innovative programming!
