Jere B - sounDoctrine
Interview 25 November 2003
Interviews Menu – Interviews
Tell me about SounDoctrine, what it is, who it is and how it came together. When was it formed.
SounDoctrine was actually a Recording Project before it became a band. I tried to use the Quincy Jones model of putting together an album featuring a list of “Who’s Who” to perform a variety of material. The difference here is that the Who’s Who list happens to be Local & Regional Unsung Heroes, mostly from Youngstown, Ohio, although a few of them have moved away and are working on the West Coast and elsewhere– their roots are in Ytown.
I’ve had the Unique Blessing of being able to work with so many very talented people here while trying to do the Composer/Producer thing that when I got around to seriously putting this project together all of them came back to lend their talents to it. This brings up the second difference from the “Q” model, which was that I wanted to make sure each song on the CD would weave a common thread – and it is so, as each tune is auto-biographical – the Soundtrack to a Non Existent Movie.
SD transferred to the Band Status during the Final Mixes when Rick Willmitch (Associate Producer & Chief Engineer) began to tear into me about my Marketing Plans. Looking back on it, I think he was concerned that I wasn’t going to properly promote it and he was working on “Spec” (LOL!) But he was right. I had not thought enough about putting the project on the street – it was just music I had to get out of my system! So I began the process of assembling together a band, mostly from those who had participated on the CD. Four of us (Cliff Barnes – Keys / Phil The Beat – Bass / Jaymie Herod – Sax & I – Drums) came together to play the first official gig in January 2002 at the Northeast Ohio Gospel Music Connection and 3 weeks later we were opening for Blues Legend, Mr. Bobby “Blue” Bland!
Now the catch was that I had told these cats that I only needed them for the One Gig and after our second show, the offers started coming and with people have families, jobs & other commitments, we had to do all sort of odd configurations at rehearsal and on stage – sometimes having two bassists, vocalists, two saxes, keys, whatever – whoever showed up hit the stage! We began calling SounDoctrine The Virtual Band!
But as time went on, we have pretty much whittled it down to its present line up. Phil & Jaymie are still on point with the addition of ace Jim Couchenour in the piano chair. We still add the wonderful vocals of sisters Janis & Angela Jones, Tara Amill, Janet Write & Bea Bea Bentley when the gigs call for vocals and we are very happy with this arrangement. From time to time Cliff still sits in or Mike Austin or Sax. Our sound has become much tighter and our focus is honed to the One Vision.
And what are it's goals and philosophy.
SounDoctrine is an Alternative Christian Band with a Splash of Jazz. We thoroughly enjoy creating and listening to Music for the sake of entertainment, but we also realize the power of music and the dynamic mandate we have been given to Counter all of the Negativity and Poison that’s being spread through so sacred a medium. It is our endeavor to Counter the Negative Impact, not by Bashing Others, Condemning or Judging someone to Hell because of his or her Personal Beliefs – we like to take to the stage with a Fishing Pole instead of a Sledge Hammer!
We feel that Almighty God has called us to go into the secular clubs (rather than from Church to Church) and stink the place up with Funky Jazz Music and during our breaks try to befriend someone so that in due season we might be able to impact their lives by introducing them to Jesus Christ.
What are the musical backgrounds of the key individuals, and how do you 'gel' as a group both musically and personally and in the atainment of your goals.
All of us are pretty much Jazz Buffs. Laid Back (Couchenour) is probably closer to the Smooth Jazz than the rest of us, although Pbeat is more cosmopolitan because he’s a professional DJ. Jaymie is Straight Up Uncut Funk – and Nothing but the ‘P’ with a huge dose of Reggae thrown in! I’m a lil bit on the weird approach, like Flim & The BB’s, Bela, Pattituchi, Corea, although Kim Hines, our Production Director is Way out there with all kinds of stuff from Zawinul to McLaughlin to whoever else and enlightens our palettes often enough. I think at the end of the day we are pretty open to a lot of different forms and structures, which always seem to find their way into our songs. We do agree strongly that Popular Music – the stuff that regularly sells into the millions, whether Gospel or Secular have very little appeal to us. Not that we are prudes or elitists – we just adore music & musicians that ignore the status quo and take risks! – Go Marcus Miller!
The glue that holds the band through thick & thin is that we are Brothers First – The Blood of Jesus Christ has sealed our destiny and we are a part of His family. We are Band Mates secondly, so we can hang out, have fun with each other and trust each other and ourselves with musical experimentation. Our Wives & Children are Friends so we can fellowship above & beyond the music dynamic as well. We are Business Partners thirdly so that when disagreements arise – and they sometimes do - we can refer back to items 1 & 2 to seek resolution.
Our vision is based on Ephesians 2:10 – That we are Christ’s workmanship, placed here to do good works which God has already prepared in advance for us to do!
Who are your influences both then and now.
…Whew!!!
Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, George Duke, Chick Corea, Bela Fleck, Vic Wooten, Pat Metheny, Earth, Wind & Fire, Donny Hathaway, Andrae Crouch, George Clinton, Jimmy Smith, Cassandra Wilson, McLaughlin, The Eagles, Prince, Elton John, Walter Hawkins, Chaka Khan, Bob James, Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, The Meters The O’Jays, Fleetwood Mac, BB King, Sly, Graham, Bootsy Collins, The Crusaders, Mahalia Jackson, Foley, Aretha, Brothers Johnson, David Sanborn, George Howard, James Brown, Mint Condition, The Beatles, Ahmad Jamal…
There are also some very fabulous Indie Musicians that we appreciate like Darryl Alexander, Green Theory, Beth Champion Mason, Roderick Wilson, Kingdom People, Steve Pappas,
Mc Cabe, Divine Soldiers, Warriors, Steven Lee, Identity, Calden & many others!
You banner yourselves as 'Alternative Christian Funk', how does this differ from more mainstream but modern gospel.
The biggest difference, I guess is because as Christians, we never set out to write ‘Gospel’ Songs. What we compose does, of course, have a Christian Perspective, but we don’t limit ourselves to a particular genre, topic or situation, lyrically or otherwise. We just express what Almighty God has placed inside of us – if it’s a Romantic Song, so be it, if it happens to be a witty nonsensical melody or intense funk groove or a swooning spirit filled tearjerker – amen!
We are not writing from the perspective that a particular song needs to be a big hit or ‘fit’ someplace to be recognized as “Christian Music.”
I guess the glaring reality is that we are NOT being played on ANY Major Gospel or Contemporary Christian Stations (LOL!)
There are lots of styles and nuances in there, Funk Soul Jazz, I guess give the number of people involved such a 'merger' of minds is inevitable.
Well, it’s growing into that. PERSEVERANCE was sort of one dimensional, being autobiographical. With the exception of ‘Bloodline’ & ‘Inside Out’ (Jan Jones) the lyrics were my own. What happened was with the influx of musicians, the personality of the music changed so much when we hit the stage that it was inevitable that we release SD LIVE!! to reflect the differences.
Our forthcoming CD, ENDURANCE is pretty much written, but not yet completely produced. The same approach is being taken with respect to including other musicians and vocalists even outside of the group so that the kaleidoscope I’m seeing will be pure. Last time I tried to use many different colors, because that’s who I am but it was still mostly ‘me’ playing everything. This time, others will participate a lot more.
How are the Cd's going down both locally, nationally and internationally, and both within and without the secular marketplace. Any tracks gaining particular attention. Your sax player James, Carlton Jenkins and Lisa Taylor are standout for me personally but it's difficult to single anyone out, there's some great voices in there.
‘YOYO’ seems to be gaining the most mileage with ‘Bloodline’ as a follow up, though ‘Keep Movin’ holds its own as well. The CDs are both doing great locally, stateside and internationally. Not necessarily Britney Spears great – but that ain’t the goal, right? Of course we’d love to sell thousand’s more, but are grateful to God for what He’s bringing to past. I had no idea that when I was locked away in my room 2 years ago mixing ‘STILPHIL’ in my PJ’s that I would be talking to a Mike Ashley in the UK. I am grateful that the noise God has blessed us to make is bearing such fruit!
We have been included on a lot of Compilations as well and it’s interesting how the companies pull different cuts from PERSEVERANCE, which place us in various categories on the shelves.
All of the wonderful people who participated on the CDs are true blessings, I could not talk about one of them without speaking to them all, which is what I tried to do on our site (www.soundoctrine.com), but Jaymie definitely blows his heart out and Carlton Jenkins put the “A” in SANG, Bro!!! Lisa is a Sweetheart and we are all expecting Big HUGE things to come from her Career as she is always on the road working hard!
Your website is extremely interesting in illustrating your own personal musical history, when you wrote stuff, and how you envisaged them turning out and so on. I don't want to replicate that here but what are the defining moments in your history (either, and in any perspective, writing, producing or playing).
Well I certainly wouldn’t want to deny any of your dedicated readers the opportunity to go to our site and check it all out for themselves – there is a lot of “play by play” history recorded as the entire process was very personal the story of PERSEVERANCE in its purest form.
To summarize, I’ll just say that you have the story of a man who has a pretty secure job of 10 years plus at a big radio station, a loving wife & three daughters, his oldest in college and his youngest in diapers. He’s 35 years old and awakens everyday to the fact that he’s supposed to be doing something more relevant than attending to the weather reports at: 20 &: 40 past the hour!
One day two planes hit two towers and many lives are lost. The man surmises that the end has come for many who may have, like himself dreamed of a better life, not necessarily more money of fame, but certainly a more potent, relevant existence, but now their time is no more. He decides then and there that either he is a hobbyist or he’s going to pursue that which has always eluded him.
So he goes into the attic and begins to unpack his hopes and dreams to try them on yet again. With no money or business plan, he leaves his place of employ to pursue the one thing he was called to do. PERSEVERANCE is conceived.
Now along the way the man experiences a lot of doubt and ridicule by others, some who even try to block the progress – sometimes to the extent that the man begins to doubt whether or not he can succeed. But throughout the process Almighty God shows His Faithfulness and Blesses the man’s efforts. PERSEVERANCE is born…and she grows.
And tell me a bit about the songs as they are very pesonal to you.
INCIPIENCE – I began to take myself seriously as a composer, not just someone who could hack out beats and grooves. Incipience is the first definition of Alternative Christian Funk
POWER – The first song I had ever written, recorded and produced to completion.
A Motivational Speech to my own soul. CJ sings his heart out!
KOLORZ – A contrast between the Beauty of Nature and the Ugliness of Racism. Angela Harris convincingly suggests something is wrong with the picture
YOYO – Basic Funk Jam with the emphasis on the One! A Snazzy Jaymie Herod Sax just to upset the apple cart. The second definition of Alternative Christian Funk!
(IN MY) MIRROR – More motivation. How I’ve always seen it – Dreams were meant to come true – that’s why we have them… Gail Harris cradles the vision in her heart and through her voice!
NOHOOUR – Just Be You – The first song I wrote after abandoning my drug addiction. This song was a keynote in “In Search of An African Queen” It speaks to me still…be who You Are…Bea Bea takes you to church!
KEEP MOVIN – Ode to a relationship gone awry! What to do when it doesn’t work out!
Lisa Taylor shows you the exit!
BLOODLINE – Ultimate Old School – Let em’ have MTV – I remember when we actually talked TO each Other!! – Jan Jones wrote and sang the lyrics – took us all back…
STILPHIL – Phil The Beat is my brother in law of 16 years – For Better or Worse!!
Cliff Barnes (organ) & Jaymie play Tag! This is the third definition of ACF with a Splash of Jazz. The LIVE Version is Jazz with a Splash of ACF, just because!
LOVINUONLY – I thought I knew what love was – Until I married Lori…Tracee sets the tone!
EVERY KNEE – There is a Day, There is a Book, There is a God… Lisa carefully explains
INSIDE OUT – What happens when you truly surrender. Jan Jones also pens these great lyrics and sings like the basement is on fire! A lil Parliament/Funkadelic on the chorus is thrown in for good measure.
UNDER THE SHADOW – Protection, Guidance, Peace, Hidden Away – Jan Write, Tara Amill & Jan Jones take us there
Do you have aspirations outside of your ministry.
To be the best Husband & Father I can be. The Lord has blessed me with a Wonderful Wife who loves & supports me and we are true friends. My daughters spoil the heck out me. They are presently 20, 6 & 3 and I’m ridiculously in love with all of them. I want to be a faithful friend, brother, son, etc. and a man of integrity in all I do. Though I often fall short in all of these areas, they are my true aspirations and I’m grateful that I am continually given additional chances to improve.
You also 'play out' and do some shows, what are they like.
We just hang out, have fun and let the muse take over. We like to interact with the crowd a lot. We give them instruments to play, cowbells, tambourines, etc. We just want our audiences to feel ‘us’ – not how great (or poorly) we may play, not our light show, clothing or any of that – just our presence. If we’ve accomplished that, then The Holy Spirit takes over and then it’s all about unity – the music takes care of itself!
We mostly play Original Music, but have been known to throw some Joe Sample, Stevie, Sonny Rollins, Boney James, whatever into the mix.
How did the thing go in Lexington on 15 November, was that the biggest thing you have done.
Lexington was GREAT, the crowd was great, the club was great and we had a lot of fun. Cincy was also a fabulous experience for us. Back in the summer, we played Cleveland’s Famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with some of the R& B legends, Freddy Jackson, Atlantic Starr and Ready For The World, which was real cool and we also played P-Diddy’s restaurant, ‘Justin’s in New York. These were all kinda BIG to us as we are able to move out of our comfort zone and into other situations where people may be expecting something totally different. It’s cool to see their reactions.
SD is still trying to overcome the “Catch 22” in that when the club owner sees that word ‘Christian,’ he/she thinks that they are automatically going to lose bar sales or we are going to break open The Word and start slamming their customers (lol) – the few churches we have appeared at think that we are going to do the traditional Gospel or even Holy Hop Thing and then we break into Incipience or Yoyo and they immediately turn to each other with ‘that look’ like what have we done?!
What's on the agenda for the future for you and the unit.
Over the Holidays we have minimal gigs scheduled so that we can dive into the production of ENDURANCE. Also, Phil and Jim are beginning separate projects which will be entirely different, but beautiful animals. Jaymie & I will wait until Summer or Fall ’04 before venturing out. I am currently busy writing and developing music for two separate soundtracks for Indie Filmmakers. Art Byrd, a good friend of the band and filmmaker has completed a documentary on SD and submitted it to the Hollywood Black Film Festival. We found out what happens in December. We are also developing a Variety Show for a Cleveland, Ohio Cable System. We’re calling it SOUNDOCTRINE TV.
What other things have you done musically and who have you worked with, and what succeses have you had
I play drums for my church choir, New Bethel Church in Youngstown. I’ve pretty much played for various church choirs during my formative years and toured for a time with an ‘Old Style Gospel’ Quartet. We were touring the country in my late teens. I was fortunate enough to write music for Pray Productions, Score Film Shorts for Art Byrd, produced an album for Spirit of Truth Choir and create theme music for a Multimedia Company here in Youngstown. Now with our work for AATV (Channel 56) in Cleveland, I am beginning to see all sorts of possibilities open for various projects to challenge me. I don’t like being pigeonholed, which is why we created SounDoctrine Multimedia Entertainment Group to handle all of the various items coming down the pike. My greatest success is being able to make a little bit of sense out of this ever changing music industry, being able to make enough money to reinvest into the company and still keep my sanity!
You've also work in radio, tell me about that.
I worked as a Gospel DJ for WGFT-AM 1500 for about two years before going on to WKBN 570-AM where I began to produce Talk Shows finally ending up on The Dan Ryan Show. Mr. Ryan, who’s now deceased, took me under his wing and really taught me a lot about taking risks and even making the mundane (which radio really is) infectious so that the audience would want to keep tuning in daily. Later he allowed me to sorta co-host and even challenge some of his guests. It was a great experience. I did learn a lot about production, timing and efficiency, especially as the technology kept changing. Soon after we had released PERSEVERANCE and as I was planning my departure, Mr. Ryan became ill and eventually passed away. It was an end of a chapter in my life that I will never forget.
The other side of my experience was that when I began in radio, I was ‘master’ of my own playlist; you had two CD players and a mixer and could mix your own show. Even when I switched to KBN, things were simpler – A family who actually cared about the employees owned the corporation, then around my sixth or seven year, the corporate mergers and acquisitions began to arrive. Everything changed. By the time the big CC came and ate everything in town, personal choice (production) was taken off the table and we were pretty much akin to a McDonalds or GM, just making widgets and not really engaging the community. That’s when that creative part in me began to look for something more relevant.
I guess you do a lot in the community, does being a musician asist.
Yeah, being a musician ALWAYS helps (LOL!) You definitely must know the language when you’re working with Young People, even when your goal is to influence them away from what the current culture is speaking to them. You gotta know what Eminem said and who 50 Cent is or you won’t even get passed first base with them. Secondly, you have to make the Bible Completely Relevant – It has to be Right Now – So What if Moses said this or Abraham did that or even if Jesus said or did thus and so, if you cannot answer their #1 question, “So what does this have to do with Me?!?!” you’d better just sit down.
What do you think of the 'bling bling' world of modern hip hop. Personally I think some of the wrong 'positives' are accentuated but there's a whole heap of talent out there.
I agree and trust me your server doesn’t have the space to include my diatribe on the state of modern music and all of the trappings associated with it. I’m a child of the seventies – born in ’65 and always steeped in music, Sacred & Secular. The changes have been astronomical with respect to content, lifestyle and the business as a whole on both sides of the fence. I understand that there has always been a ‘downside’ on all of the fronts, but what’s happening with respect to who’s put out front - and why - is a travesty! I’ll leave well enough alone. Suffice to say, there are some major blessings in being independent. You don’t necessarily make the money, but you don’t lose much sleep!
Anything else you would like to add.
Stay far away from Religion and get into a Relationship with Jesus Christ. Know Him for yourself, through His Word. Seek Him sincerely and watch Him literally change your life! Email me at jereb@soundoctrine.com and I’ll gladly share my testimony – of course I do so on our site, but we can get into a one on one if you’d like – and oh yeah, make sure you buy or CDs!
Good luck and thanks for your time.
Thanks Mike. We appreciate the opportunity!
See you in the UK?
We’re awaiting your invitation!
Mike
Visitors: