Professor B and the Army of Love !
Where did you grow up?
I was born in New Haven Ct U.S.A. northeast between Boston and New York City.
What inspired you to get into music?
Ha..music got into me since I was 4 yrs old, then life came along. I’ve been down many roads in life since, many influences of different genres. Looking back being seasoned in years, music has been my best friend.... I encourage readers to visit my website as I share more of my journey.
How did you and the band get together?
Well, I have the privilege of knowing many musicians through the years that step up to the plate when available. I stay pretty busy creating, recording, and as opportunities open up, I piece it all together under proper conditions.
What is a songwriting session like for you?
Intense. I have my own ground rules about it, music is in charge, I’m just a middleman, It’s all a process and a power greater than myself. While jamming on a few cords, I may come across an idea, build up from there. I play a lot of instruments which allows me to move pretty quickly. I reference it in storage so I don’t lose it, with a lot of multitasking, It’s easy to do. Once I have something that clicks, I begin to put lyrics to it. I identify words with notes, what flows good with the message of the song. Sometimes it comes together very fast, sometimes it don’t, so storage is a great idea. You can get distracted or get fatigue pretty easy. The focus is on self consciousness, so the message is to everyone every where, worldwide, not just a particular group of listener or genre so I choose my words wisely, that basically teaches me language, texturing words.
Music has giving me so much, it heals me, it educates me, music is life.
What inspires you to create?
I have a gift, what better way to return the compliment of life with using that gift as a tool for the goodness of all mankind. Maybe change the world for the better, it all starts with us from within our own consciousness, it’s what makes us human ... our message is a reminder.
What is your local reggae scene like?
Excellent, I live in a great location which within an hour drive, you can hear some great music.
Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport, New Haven....holds host to a large Jamaican/West Indian population where you’ll find some great authentic musicians whom many are friends, and some I consider family, it’s all one love.
Do you work with other artists?
Yes, through the years in back up bands with many dancehall artist to name a few: Major Christy, Chicken Chest, Papa Biggie, Brigadier Jerry, Lushy Banton. Most use sound system but use a live band sometimes. I enjoy playing roots most of all and work with Don Minott when called. Check him out, he’s the real deal. All are great opportunities and I’ve learned much about performance.
I’ve tone down a lot to focus on my own stuff, which is a bit of different flavors with a reggae vibe infusion to it. I have my own sound, and love to collaborate with others.
I feature Bill Holloman (horn player with Nile Rogers) on the song “Skank” off my first album Tough Times, and again as I finish up the second which I also feature Denise Renee of Stout and the Revolution. She also sings back up with Alicia Keys, Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles and many top artist.
Do you perform live often?
It’s always good to grab some musicians that are available, hit up a venue, play covers, and rock the house a bit, it helps to keep your chops up and discover new talent. A bit different as an artist working to lift your vibe. Tough decisions are always around the corner, it’s very challenging.
I cover production cost and it’s sure not easy when funding is scarce, building up a brand is hard work and it’s serious business that you are responsible for. We’ve had some great times these past years. 2014 was our first show, the Boston Freedom Fest 25th Anniversary with 20,000 attendance. We’ve performed for pipeline protest at the State Capital in Albany New York, and some of the biggest reggae shows in Ct, International Peace Festivals around the state, which I feel very dear to. Each is an opportunity to build up and move forward. With this worldwide lock down, it gives me a chance to concentrate on our second album which would help build a two hour show once things open up. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality, and that requires a whole lot of patience. You owe that to the people who worked hard in support to help you along the way, and most of all your audience.
Tell us about your latest project.
Working on our new album. A lot of work and patience, and I’m very fortunate man.
This Is our second album, it’s on point with the same message of self consciousness, the music pumps up a bit, more featured artist in a few spots, it takes on more energy through the process and we even made a video which features the title track during the lock down that was fun to do.
What can we expect from you this year?
The release of Message to the World album. Visit our website for updates.
http://Professorb1.org
Originally published:
June 8, 2020