People and Things… – Page 3 of 4 – Bill C: Soul Funkified Jazz

The question…

A friend of mine who manages a newsletter aksed me this question: How do l focus on becoming successful? The question took me back a bit but here was my reply…

That’s a tough question because I do not think I have achieved success. I do honor the journey though and realize that I have made some “wins” recently that can be put in the “things I wanted to achieve” category. I do have ambitions and would be a fraud to deny that my hope is that bigger things are yet to come. But at the end of the day I am a performing musician working for the pay, a song writer striving for recognition and a musician that understands his limitations and shortcomings enough to work on them every day.

At this point in my career I believe that having an audience to listen is success. That’s my gauge. If I walk out the door and get my band and gear to a show, the reward is that there is an audience – people listening and appreciating what I have to offer – what I say and what I play. When the audience goes away so will I and until then I will do the only thing I really know how to do – and the one thing that my soul tells me I have to do – I will perform. I will look to reach people with my music and make my attempt at touching something in their heart.

So how do I focus on becoming successful? That WAS the question, right. I try to take care of the not so simple task of reaching someone with honesty and integrity, of being true to who I am and who I am not, and shamelessly putting my entire soul on the line – for everyone to judge and consider. And on a more tangible level, I try to identify the small steps I can take every day that will help me be that person I just said I was trying to be. Like for instance, today it included sending an email to a friend and try to honestly answer the question he asked me.

I do hope you are doing great. Be well.

Bill C

Billboard liked it!

I just received notice today that one of my songs (You Know Me) has just won the honorable mention in the 2009 Billboard Song Writing Contest. I got a nice certificate and letter. It’s a nice validation so thank you to Billboard.

I was recently asked in a radio interview how I came up with the groove for this song; a hard question to answer. My writing is usually done at the keyboard and is as more sub-conscious than analytical thought process. Ideas come to me through my playing and I try to develop them.

Of course the development includes a fair amount of critical through so I think I can answer this question through a post analysis of what I did.

The song is based around the intro, which is a modal pattern (C Dorian) with that ascending bass line. I liked this sound and it reminded me of some of the Jazz coming out of the late 50’s – 60’s, and smattered about in early fusion projects.

This kind of style often creates a very laid back mood but I wanted it to groove so I added those anticipations to the bass. Once I did that, it really took on some life and gave it a hint of Latin rhythm.

That feel set up the verse with a slight Bossa groove. But I still felt that it should have a touch of r&b / soul to feel to it so the traditional IV – I pattern found in many Bossa tunes was supported by the trap set playing a more standard rock ballad style while the percussion and bass laid a little more on the Latin side.

The bass plays a big role in the feel for this song. By over emphasizing that fretless phased sound (thanks Jaco for such a lasting impression) the intro seems to surround and wash over you.

The lyrics were inspired by my wife of course. As I was writing this I thought of how Jobim would use simple imagery to tell his story. I thought of Ipanema and wanted to capture the impact meeting Michelle had on me through that technique.

This all sounds so dry for what I think of as a sweet and somewhat wet song. I hope you enjoy it. Be well.

some updates on the CD release

It has only been a couple of weeks since the first copies of “Bounce” arrived and starting making their way to the media, but I want to share with you some of the things that have been going on….

I had an interview today with the North Shore news papers for a story that should run this week.
On Friday night (actually Saturday morning) at 12:45 I will be a guest on Al Davis’ Jazz Gallery on WGBH FM (89.7).
On Saturday night (ok, Sunday morning) I will be a guest on Sherry Smith’s show ‘Round Midnight on WATD FM (95.9).
Then I might be heard on WFNX RM (101.7) Sunday morning Jazz Brunch with Jeff Turton (still being confirmed).
On Monday I will be a guest on WICN FM 90.5 with Tyra Penn at 1:00 pm.
Of course Tuesday night is the big release party (I already told you about that and if you didn’t get your tickets yet you really should) The show is at 8:00 at Scullers in Boston (the Doubletree Hotel on Storrow Drive… 400 Soldiers Field Road) … you can get your tickets now at http://web.me.com/sueauclair/Bill_Champitto_At_Scullers/May_12_09.html, www.ticketweb.com, or call Scullers directly at 617-562-4111. Tickets are $20.
Then later that week I will be a guest on WEIB FM (106.3) on their morning show. We will be announcing a performance in western MA that WEIB will be hosting.

Just writing all of this stuff out is overwhelming. The response from this CD has been fantastic and I didn’t even mention the coolest thing of all… I am in negotiation with a publicist who has a Canadian artist that wants to record some of my music on his upcoming CD. He is a well known recording artist in Canada who has spent time in the states on Broadway and on some impressive sets in Hollywood. Wish me luck…

Well that’s the update for the past two weeks…. and I can only hope there’s more to come. In the meantime, if you are able to make it to Scullers I want to thank you for taking part in the fun. The show starts at 8:00 so you’ll be home at a reasonable time – unless you want to join us later on Newbury Street for the after party! If you can’t make it you can order a CD or download for your MP3 player at http://www.billchampitto.com/downloads.html. I hope we can catch up real soon. Be well.

Ciao’
Bill C

Bill Champitto
Soul, Funkified Jazz
cell (617) 320-4136 – land (617) 314-6503
http://www.billchampitto.com/
www.myspace.com/billchampitto

Winning the 2009 IMA Ringtone Award

I am so excited about winning this category at the Independant Music Awards. Rigamaroll is always so much fun to perform because of its high energy and open “jam” format that gives the band a chance to let it out. There’s a new studio version on my new CD with Nez and Marcus trading fours, Keith taking a solo and kicking off a doubletime swing piano solo… we had fun and did this song in one take.

I am really hoping to see everyone at the CD release party on May 12. The line up will include me on both keyboards and that beautiful grand piano, Keith on bass, Ricardo Monzon on percussion and Nez on Drums. We may have one or two surprises up our sleeves as well.

Tickets to the May 12^th show are available at http://web.me.com/sueauclair/Bill_Champitto_At_Scullers/May_12_09.html

To access the free ringtone of “Rigamaroll by Bill Champitto” from your cell phone Text “569732” to 69937 (MYXER) or on your computer go to http://www.myxer.com/tag/569732/

A quick and overdue update.

I just finished up tracking some of the songs for the new CD. I’m running out of time (and out of money) to meet the publisher’s deadline – but working hard to get done.

So far I have Silently She Calls My Name, Bounce and One Day mixed. I think we’re in good shape with just a few more tweaks. A Better Way, Can You Tell Me and A Strange Place are tracked. A Better Way has changed a lot from the first mix (the early release) with a new vocals, bass and organ.

So here’s a quick run down of some of the songs.

Silently She Calls My Name: It was written with a kind of Latin Rock groove to it featuring some incredible percussion work by Ricardo Monzon and drummer Andrew (Nez) Nesbitt, as well as some intricate B3 work. It uses imagery that reflects how you can be mesmerized and enthralled without a word being spoken.

Bounce: is jazzed funk – and the song literally bounces thanks to a simple and catchy keyboard hook lifted by a solid rhythm section performance from bassist Keith Kirkpatrick, Ricardo and Nez. The lyric speaks to the importance of being able to “bounce” when dealing with hard times, job loss, financial and other social pressures. While this does apply to my own life, I see this as a recurring theme for many people I know and meet.

One Day: Another reflection on the impact on people of the current economic situation, the song reminds you to keep focusing on what’s really important in your life – the people you love. This light 12/8 groove and modal flavor conjures up some old Steely Dan ghosts with an updated beat.

would you send an email for me?

I hope this post finds you well. Things have been heating up with the new CD in the works. I’ve recently been notified by Billboard Magazine who is considering two of my songs for recognition in their 2009 awards.

There two very simple ways for you to help me out with my career. I have been selected to participate in two competitions that require voting. Please help with the following if at all possible.

1) please send an email to VoteNCNRomp@gmail.com with “I vote for Bill Champitto” in it.
2) please download (for free) my ringtone by texting “569732” to 69937 (MYXER) or on your computer go to http://www.myxer.com/tag/569732/

The first is part of a regional competition Continue reading “would you send an email for me?”

Winning the 4th Annual Steppin’ Out with the Stars Talent Showcase

I was selected as a finalist from thousands of entries and edged out three other finalists for the opportunity to perform at Steppin’ Out with the Stars 2008 Gala. With Keith on bass and Keita on percussion, we performed live for a panel of judges and, according to the Dimock Center’s press release, “energized the audience” at Scullers Jazz Club on Monday, September 29th. “His trio edged out three other artists/ensembles for the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year’s Steppin’ Out gala Saturday, November 8th.”

We performed my new single “A Better Way” and the best selling single from “Water’s Edge”, “You Know Me”. The show lineup includes such great jazz and R&B artists as Lala Hathaway, Andre Ward, Monty Alexander, Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spaulding, Kendrick Oliver, Wannetta Jackson, Larry Watson, Julia Nixon and Samba Tremeterra.

Thanks to all of you who showed up in support. This was fun and the show in front of an aduience of 3,000 will be very exciting.

About Dimock, in case you don’t know… (from their website)

The Dimock Center, founded on July 1, 1862 as the New England Hospital for Women and Children, was the first hospital in New England opened and operated by women for women, and only the second in the country. Noted prominently for its role in the history of women in medicine, Dimock strives to continue in the innovative spirit of trailblazers like Dr. Marie Zakrzewska, who established the hospital, and Mary Eliza Mahoney, the country’s first black nurse who studied here in 1879. Our nine-acre campus was designated as a National Historic Site in 1985 and a National Historic Landmark in 1991. Today, as the largest community based agency in Roxbury, Dimock serves thousands upon thousands of children, adults and families each year.
Dimock is a local and national model for the delivery of comprehensive health and human services. Our Health Care programs provide health maintenance, screening, immunizations, and prevention for adults and children with specialized clinics, including Women’s Health and OB/GYN, HIV/AIDs, eye care, and dental care. Our Child and Family Development programs offer group fitness activities, academic support and computer training, as well as a safe environment for children and adolescents. Our Behavioral Health program assists those struggling with mental illness, developmental delay substance abuse or violence issues. For many individuals and families, participation in Dimock’s programs and services literally saves lives.

http://www.dimock.org
http://dimock.org/display.asp?node_id=11673

The results of the April Newport Jazz Fest contest are in… Thanks.

I am sorry it took a couple of days to post this… I have been swamped. But I want to thank you for all of your support over the last two months. We placed 3^rd for April’s JVC Newport Jazz Festival contest at OurStage. I don’t know what it’s going to take to get the Festival Board to notice us, but a 1^st place in March and a 3^rd in April is a pretty good start.

I can’t tell you how much your support means to me. It’s uplifting and encouraging in an industry with too many knocks and disappointments. It just re-enforces for me that I am performing for you, not the festival boards or media companies. I hope you make it to a show some time soon and I get a chance to thank you in person.

The JVC contest continues into July. Then the board picks two of the top bands from the OurStage contests to perform at the festival. This year’s line-up is amazing and the festival just keeps getting bigger and better every year. So hopefully 2008 is the year we debut. Peace to you and yours… and be well.

Ciao’

Bill C

I owe you!!! I didn’t know what I was asking….

First let me say Thank You for your support as we won First Place in March’s competition for the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, and I will now be considered for a performance slot at the festival this summer. I am so grateful and totally blessed to have the kind of friends that will step up in this way, and now it is in the hands of the Festival board. OurStage is holding 3 or 4 more monthly competitions and the contest rules state only that OurStage and the Festival Board will choose 2 of the top bands to perform. I will keep you posted of any updates I get.

Also, I have received a few messages from the faithful friends who helped me out by voting for my music in OurStage competition, and I have learned of the time and trouble involved in voting at the site. My good friend Christopher spent four hours ranking music. I am incredibly blessed and humbled that you would make this effort. I had no idea how long or complicated this was going to be when I asked you to get involved, and I am actually upset at the OurStage people that they would put people through this kind of thing. I never would have asked if I had any idea how frustrating and time consuming this would be for you. As a small gesture to begin to thank you for your support, I am offering Circles free for my friends at a special page on my website. Go to http://billchampitto.com/SpecialThanks.html and you will receive a Download of Circles for your computer, iPod or mp3 player. I have also created a ring tone which you can get for you cell phone, again at no charge. I know this only begins to repay you for your support and effort, but please accept this small gift. Be well.

Why do you?

In my last post I responded to a challenge posed to me by a fellow artist claiming their soul was not for sale and the ensuing idealistic rant on the evils of commercialization and money for art. I’m ok with where I stand on this (its good to make money with your art – if you can) and really don’t worry much about what others have to say. Someone is always willing to play armchair quarterback when you are the one in the game. I will say though that every once in a while, a solid dose of “Why am I doing this?” is a good thing. If you can be honest with yourself and the answer bothers you, its time to make a change… if it doesn’t bother you then you will be forever inspired in your art.

I do this because it is in me and I no longer know how not to do it. I love creating music… and live for that point in time when you walk onto a stage and create a magical moment from dust, using only my fingers, my unique voice, and pour my heart into it. It is a naked adventure where talent and creative energy make a connection with an audience… without loops, lasers, dancers and backing tracks… that is what I’ve sold out to, and I’m good with that.