Room for Improvement

Art of Peace / Art of War

2011-06-23T20:14:00.005-04:00

Victory is achieved through the art of war.
Victory is won through strategy.
Strategy is derived from the art of peace.

However, if evil threatens you or any other innocence (with unethical force), it is our duty to defend innocence.

I Don't Ever Pay a Percentage of the Retail

2011-06-13T23:12:00.002-04:00

Only thing I'm paying is attention to the detail.

Recordings from Buffalo indiesound Music Festival

2011-06-10T12:07:00.004-04:00

Around the end of May I was asked to participate in Buffalo, NY's first indiesound Music Festival. I performed for almost two hours outside a cool, little store. I recorded it, and I'm now planning on putting the recordings out as an EP on my birthday, July 2nd. I think I'm going to call it An Afternoon on Elmwood Ave. Word.

Take care.

Thrill is Gone

2011-06-09T23:38:00.004-04:00

I used to be eager to buy them the world
Maybe I'm confused about what I desire from girls
Either way, I'm all alone, kind of feeling this song
Nowadays, most of the thrill of just chillin' is gone

I'm Careful With My Heart, Girl

2011-06-06T23:19:00.004-04:00

Many have played me
Or maybe it's karma; they say I'm a charmer
I'm half-way to a knight so I stay in the armor
Fire on the move, attire looking smooth
I'm not perfect so I've got the desire to improve

Turn on the Lights in Here

2011-05-11T08:34:00.003-04:00

The popular definition of insanity is performing the same action expecting different results; irrationality. The first definition is more literal: a "serious" mental illness. Hypothetical question: If I continue to be myself, knowing the little success I have had with school, women, money, friends, and music, am I insane? Or does my dynamic nature cancel out any notion of being crazy? But if being dynamic is truly a part of my being, am I still, technically, crazy?

I hope so.

Jeremy De Jesús Group - After Many Years

2011-03-23T15:27:00.004-04:00

Jeremy De Jesús - flute
Andrew Burglass - electric guitar
Chad Selph - piano
Zwelakhe Duma - bass
Charles Burchell - drums

These are the people that surround me. So proud to know these cats. To know that we all are the future. Big ups to Jeremy.

2011-03-17T16:57:00.003-04:00

I wish I could walk around with a camera for one day while the weather is nice. One day to capture all of the stares and smirks and comments I gather. One day to show how many people drop their conversations to walk by me in silence. One day to show how many side walks I can clear. One day to see how many women grab their purses closer or clutch their boyfriend's arm after looking me in the eye. One day to film all the faces of the people who think I can't see them gawking because I have on sunglasses. One day to help others understand why I don't like going outside in the first place.

I would have had an amazing video today.

Freaks & Geeks

2011-02-27T17:29:00.002-05:00

Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) is someone you'll get to know sooner than later.

Freaks and Geeks from Donald Glover on Vimeo.

2011-02-27T14:16:00.001-05:00

I'm going to be the best. You can believe that.

That's What America Is

2011-02-24T11:42:00.001-05:00

The Cool Kids - Bundle Up

2011-02-24T09:45:00.002-05:00

A full album is coming this year. About damn time. They deserve it.

If You're Feeling Great Like I Am, Say This With Me

2011-02-16T07:25:00.002-05:00

I used to be scared, I used to be un-confident
I used to hate these haters, now its just the opposite
Not only have I changed, I'm becoming something better
And revenge is for the weak, so I have settled my vendettas with all of the kids who made my early life a living hell
And I hope you're doing well and feeling better 'bout yourself
Don't know if you can tell, but change is usually for the better

Word

2011-02-14T03:27:00.004-05:00

2011-02-01T17:54:00.002-05:00

In the last two years, I'd gotten (quite a few) comments about how mu eyes "glisten" or "glitter." I think it has to do with wearing my heart on my sleeve.

Love Ambition

2011-01-29T07:51:00.003-05:00

This song is very accurate to my current state of life.

Jason Weaver - Love Ambition

I Walked Here in the Rain to Leave this Letter at Your Door

2011-01-28T18:10:00.008-05:00

... To tell you that no matter what, I've never loved you more.

Love always.

Corinne, Corinne, Corinne

2011-01-10T16:37:00.000-05:00

She Said

2011-01-01T17:20:00.008-05:00

Fireworks

2010-12-11T12:48:00.005-05:00

Anything is possible. I just proved that to myself.

I keep having the same dream, and think I just realized what it means.

And with my new found inspiration, it's now on to part two of this operation. Can't wait to show you the results. Take care.

Subhuman

2010-11-02T22:32:00.002-04:00

I hate the feeling of not being equal.

The City of Good Neighbors

2010-10-31T01:58:00.001-04:00

Yeah, right.

On Pain

2010-10-20T22:24:00.000-04:00

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses
your understanding.

Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its
heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.

And could you keep your heart in wonder at the
daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem
less wondrous than your joy;

And you would accept the seasons of your heart,
even as you have always accepted the seasons that
pass over your fields.

And you would watch with serenity through the
winters of your grief.

Much of your pain is self-chosen.

It is the bitter potion by which the physician within
you heals your sick self.

Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy
in silence and tranquility:

For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by
the tender hand of the Unseen,

And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has
been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has
moistened with His own sacred tears.

-- Kalil Gibran

Reflection & Appreciation

2010-09-23T00:25:00.005-04:00

I lead a very fortunate life. To be able to live the way I'm living right now, and with all the opportunities available, to have met and learned from the people I know, it's very easy to get caught up in not really dealing with reality. It's not any of my business what someone else thinks of me, but I do hope no one thinks I'm taking anything for granted.

Rhythm Changes

2010-09-18T13:21:00.003-04:00

At what point do you determine a change is for better or worse?

Dear Lord

2010-09-15T10:51:00.003-04:00

I can't explain how this song makes me feel. But I like it, and it makes me want to never stop feeling this way. That is the kind of music I want to make.

John Coltrane - Tenor Saxophone
McCoy Tyner - Piano
Jimmy Garrison - Bass
Elvin Jones - Drums

American't

2010-08-25T22:49:00.007-04:00

Last night, I read a bunch of people opinions about things they felt very emotional about and it angered me. It angered me so much I wrote a very, very long diatribe on what being an American has devolved into. Well, I just deleted all of that without hesitation. The last few months have taught me if I write out what I think I want to say, I eventually will find a way to make the point very clear without the need for metaphors in an essay-like manner. It took me three or four hours last night, but it was relieving to see something make sense. I'll keep this brief.

Americans. They go out of their way to help the world, when their own people still sleep in the streets. Some argue incorrect points and refuse others equality based on bias and ignorant opinions. For all of the good this country has done, for every one of it's people that have given parts of their lives to benefit others, there are the people that spit on any progress that could have been attributed to any positive cause. Negativity is not something to dwell on, I want to make a positive difference that effects more than myself.

But change can't happen until you acknowledge what needs to be changed. You've already lost the fight if you don't know the cost of life.

I am Sylvester James DuBenion II, a man in a country that, after over 300 years, still can't decide if it wants to hug me or hang me. A country that treats difference like a disease. Even so, I care so much about this, about there being peace, that I can't give up in my causes towards it. But in the meantime...

I don't want to call myself an American. I'm retired.

Beyoncé, I'm Happy for You & I'mma Let You Finish...

2010-08-20T00:47:00.003-04:00

... But Solange is my favorite Knowles sister of all time.

Christina Milian never answered my dreams... But Solange will...

Marry me?

Hate: An Overly Abused Word

2010-08-18T19:23:00.004-04:00

Hate - dislike intensely; feel antipathy or aversion towards; "I hate Mexican food"; "She detests politicians"

I was going to rant about this, but the thousand words this picture has speaks volumes all by itself.

Angola, LA & the 13th Amendment

2010-08-17T13:36:00.005-04:00

Christian Scott - Trumpet
Matthew Stevens - Guitar
Milton Fletcher - Piano
Kris Funn - Bass
Jamire Williams - Drums

You Already Know

2010-08-15T14:39:00.003-04:00

Time, Truth

2010-08-10T21:09:00.002-04:00

Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else. - Malcolm X, 1965

Listen to My Words, See Just What I Mean

2010-07-30T23:28:00.007-04:00

I did quite some playing in Boston over the last year. I had a lot of fun. I learned a lot At the same time, I left a lot of those sessions wondering if they'd ever want to play with me again since I felt I played so badly. I couldn't make changes, I didn't even know songs. If I hadn't so much playing in front of people and failing so much, I wouldn't have been able to grow. Before this becomes a long winded post, I'm just going to say thanks to anyone that gave me even a chorus to work with. It's all built up into something I can start to call my own.

Maybe I am being a bit hard on myself when I say I was playing bullshit. I know I've had some good nights, and by April is when this change really started coming through. But I know I've played a lot of stuff that had people looking at me funny. Like I was a joke. But it's cool, because I at least knew I had something to work towards. No matter how much it took, I knew I couldn't be where I wanted to without putting in the work. My first semester, I would bring my stuff to the practice rooms in the back of 270 and practice all night. Every Thursday night. Even when I was having problems with tendinitis, I somehow managed. Probably wasn't the best idea... I would always fall asleep for my 9AM the next morning (Sorry, Bob). But I was willing to be better than what was expected.

I was placed in the most basic core classes, but that really shouldn't have bothered me because I knew I didn't really know the material. My winter break was spent going through Harmony and Ear Training books so I could place out of classes. I requested teacher recommendations from my teachers for a scholarship. I got three letters sent. That's great, but the one that sticks out is the one I was refused. A teacher told me I hadn't shown him potential. That I wasn't didn't fit the requirements he felt his recommendations needed. I wasn't crushed, though. If he really felt that was justified, I was just willing to make sure he wouldn't be right. I'm positive he isn't, now.

I came to Berklee barely being able to read music. For my second reading lab in my second semester, I was the only student in it. That caused it to be dropped from my schedule... But since I really needed to improve, I was able to keep "attending" the class and get a credit by exam.

I'm just really happy that all this work I put in is starting to show some progress. It's hard to track day by day, but over months I can see how different things have become. And it's not that I've simply improved, I look at a lot of this very differently. I was enjoying this, now I'm starting to live it. I've been on the outside looking in for a long time and there's finally been a change. Something that I can honestly say I've earned. Don't get me wrong, I'm still getting beat up by my sax. Daily. Probably more than before. But I'm understanding more and more about what I need to do to fix my problems, and not ignore them. It's like... Once I actually started learning something, and I was able to put it to action, and that made me want to learn more.

There are many reasons as to why I see things differently now. Great friends, constant studying of both people and music, my new found practice of Buddhism... Thank you to everyone that I've been around the last year. You've helped shape me. I'm not suddenly an amazing musician, but I am definitely more comfortable with my approach towards music, and I don't feel like I'll be that guy that accidentally shits on the good vibe anymore. I'm looking forward to learning so much more.

This is a lot of talk, though. Hopefully I'll show you what I mean when I get to Boston at the end of August. Word.

Esperanza Spalding - Chamber Music Society EPK

2010-06-24T16:41:00.002-04:00

Esperanza Spalding, Chamber Music Society EPK from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

Tracks of My Tears - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles

2010-06-16T23:21:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNS6D4hSQdA

Berklee: Summary of My Second Semester

2010-06-05T02:53:00.007-04:00

- Vocabulary of the moment: Reckless - ridiculous, out of the normal shit.

- Speaking of which, played the most reckless session in the beginning of the semester. Shout out to Ben, Tom, Mark, Max, Jelani, Takeshi, and Shin.

- "Now it's time for the hang after the hang..."

- "You going back to 270, bruh? Damn, you gotta walk all the way back to Africa."

- Great moments in jazz history. 04/02/10

- "I would say peace to you, Syl, but I know I'm just gonna see you at my house later."

- For the last month in 270, I don't think my roommate slept in his bad more than twice. Word.

- "If you really think about it, there are three types of jazz songs: standards, 'modern' shit, and 'orginals.'"

- I think I met more people this semester than my first... Yeah, I met a ton of people. Wow.

- It's almost impossible to sign up for a 'leadership seminar.'

- Hung with a lot of people from NOLA. Picked up some cool shit.

- "I didn't say CONDOMS! I said GUNDAMS..."

- The Berklee social climate is so ridiculous. People get blacklisted, overpraised, and anything in-between thanks to the opinion of even one person. I'm not naive enough to not realize this happens just as much outside of Berklee.

- And Berklee is only "high school, part II" if you treat it that way. Check the people you put around you; if your environment is destructive, you're destructive. Not only to others, but most importantly, to yourself.

- "When I'm around you I'm always drunk or high... Or both... But it's cool. That's killin', man."

- Basic Keyboard Techniques probably would have went better if I attended it regularly...
- "What's up, hipster?"

- "Man, FUCK bebop!"

- Congrats to everyone that graduated.

- Note to self: Do NOT play when you have a sore throat... It was worth it, but still.

- "The only reason I'm at this session is because I wanted the free food... And I missed it!?"

- OK. If you ask me to do a recording session at the last minute, and I tell you I'm going to be late, don't shit talk me (while I'm still there, no less) and blow me off. That wasn't cool.

- Berklee is full of people of all kinds of levels and backgrounds. Everyone deserves a chance to learn, but nobody is going to learn anything if you hold their hand through it all.

- I'm not going to miss walking to and from 150.

"Dude... We are so fucking fresh."

- I can't stand when someone thinks they are above playing with someone. You're at school, that means you still should want to improve, so let everyone else take that opportunity up.

- "OK, Syl... Be honest. Did that girl I made out with last weekend throw up?"

- I stepped out of my comfort zone this semester. My first semester, I spent most nights in 270, not really doing anything but practicing. This time around, I've been to parties, chilled with people, played gigs, and took chances.

- "Syl, you chill the hardest out of everyone I know."

- It's too bad I missed Donald Harrison's performance when he was in town. But I got to meet him, briefly, as he was packing up.

- Vibing is still an excellent form of communication.

- Unintentional vibing is dangerous.

- "Dude, I think they think I just vibed them out... Maybe I just vibed myself out..."

- Near the end of last summer, I came into contact with my two sisters. At Berklee, I gained four more sisters. I hate to see two of them leave, but I know I'll see them again.

- "[...] And that was the first time I saw a colored man turn red."

- In the last two years, I've done a lot of growing up. This first year at Berklee, especially.

- "Is that a bass clarinet?"

- Thanks a lot for the support, Christian. I hope you know really appreciate it.

- "Just turned in my last paper forever. It was supposed to be six pages, but they're gonna get three... Man, I'm outside smokin' and I'm supposed to be inside, at work. You can tell I don't give a fuuuuuuuck anymore!"

- "We're in Northeastern doupin' it so hard right now."

- There have been a few times where I realized I should have not said anything.

- Buddhism is still amazing.

- I'm glad I have that new sax, though. Even Bill Pierce couldn't play low notes on my old one. It's almost done.

- "Someone told me you sleep in the practice rooms...?"

- Played Pokemon all through spring break. Yeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

- Kept up with my no smoking / drinking policy. And no one ever gave me shit about it.

- To the rude bitch that pushed me out of the way when I was heading to your convocation: Thanks for pissing me off.

- "She said we should go to Victoria's Secret, but I don't think you'd enjoy it there..."

- The truth came back May 2nd. The third season of Boondocks was well worth the wait. Also, May 2nd just happens to be my third birthday.

- "Dude, you can't just be sayin' reckless shit like that all the time."

- "Oh, what's up, Syl? You were chillin' so hard I didn't even notice you."

- I stayed up all night practicing at least one night a week my first semester. I was able to manage my time better for my second semester and only did so once. And got way more done.

- OK, so I didn't pull any all-nighters... But I definitely had quite a few days when I could only get 2-4 hours of sleep before I had to get up and be productive.

- Graduated from 270. ... I forgot to carve my name into my desk, fuck.

- Dammit, Josh. I went to the caf with you guys, give me a break! Nah, I do wish I had the time to hang with the first floor crew more. Sometimes, I just wanted to put off the fact that we weren't gonna be around each other for much longer. First floor love.

- I went from nine months ago watching these guys on the stage to gaining respect and being right there with them. Even so, I've got a LONG way to go.

- The semester was so killin'. Shit is about to get reckless. I'll see you in September.

New Shit

2010-05-22T14:29:00.003-04:00

http://www.myspace.com/syldubenion

Couple songs uploaded in the last few days. Beatrice, Night Dreamer, & Solar. Special thanks to Jonathan Pinson and Jack Pombriant.

And some more special thanks to anyone that was willing to help me out. Even if it didn't end up being, I appreciate you even considering to lend your talent. And to everyone that gave advice or feedback, it's much appreciated.

The Billie's Bounce solo is from the beginning of April, while Blues' Theme is from a few days before that. That night in April was crazy. Truly a great moment in jazz history. Hahahaha.

Room for improvement. The room is daunting, but it's only going to be useful if I'm willing to fill the space.

9AM in Dallas Freestyle

2010-05-21T00:37:00.004-04:00

Glad to see you again, Drake. It's been a while. Hopefully I'll be seeing you again on June 15th.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGeP_LdGPjM

http://www.zshare.net/download/763113759186a902/

People say 'that old Drake... We started to miss it'
But they need to be a little more specific
Man, is this what y'all want?

Yup.

Just Begun

2010-05-20T00:47:00.004-04:00

I heard this earlier today and bugged out. It's amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI-Pv3ZBUaU

http://usershare.net/2DopeBoyz/mwm3pn87jv19

From the intro you know I'm so influential, 'cause I'm glowin' like a candle
The focus is so essential, dawg, what you tryna get into?
I steady the flow, ready to blow like snotty tissue
They snitchin' like Donnie Brisco and countin' like Monte Cristo
The ghetto full of betrayal like Iago and Othello
Your fellow neighbor will slay you, they'll smoke you like cigarellos
Police, want that info, they'll grill 'em like portabellos
I'm murderin' instrumentals cause I rap with the conscience
Of felons, killers, and monsters, so revealing and honest
We're still feelin' the promise, some nights I kill 'em with kindness
Hittin' like Muhammad Ali, you more like Tatyana
All this is probably karma: You dishonored the father
Whether it's God Almighty, or the almighty dollar
We follow the prophets like Islamics or the Dalai Lama
Your bullet points so hollow they could probably pierce body armor
Look in the scope, my people still a target

Smile on my face, tears of a sad clown
Feelin' out of place as I whistle a cab down
If I tip extra, can I huff a cig?
Blow my smoke out the window, droppin' ashes on the bridge?
I'm in New York now, like Akeem and Semi was
Tryna get the lobby door open from a semi buzz
I just wanna go to the slum
And throw my money on the floor like the Notorious B.U.M.
Build a home, teach a class, start a revolution
Free the mind, heal the body, talkin' evolution
This that black Elohim Anunnaki rap
That Farrakhan Akeem Olajuwon Qaddafi rap
I dedicate this to my niggas in New Orleans
Rockin' black and gold stocking caps and fleur-de-lis Shockey hats
I'm in the coatroom, screamin' 'Who Dat!' on the double
Servin' gumbo wit a shovel, dawg, I'm on another level
Me and Kweli come together like two pieces of metal
We magnetizin' the ghetto

Yeah, now here's the memo
I'm a rebel without a cause, a bezel without no flaws
And shawty, you straight, but you look way better without no drawers
Let's sweat out this alcohol, bet I'm about to ball
And never let up, look how I just crept up without applause
Fed up with all the frauds and left y'all without a job
The center of attention, this is clever, I'm Pau Gasol
Really though, I'm LeBron, really don't got my mind
On this new school of rappers, I will really go Columbine
And throw up the diamond sign, boy you know I'ma shine
Flow is in Ramadan
Cause couple years ago, the game had they pajamas on
But now they on my dick, man, I should throw a condom on
Ay, cause a nigga comin' raw like I ain't got one on
And I ain't stoppin' or coppin' no pleas, I just lock and load, squeeze
Dawg, I'm on a higher level, I'm on top of nosebleeds
Niggas say they sick, but when they write, they don't sneeze
Like the nigga on the block wavin' his Glock but wont squeeze
Please

Hold your applause until the ceremony end
Yours truly, truly blessed, yet again a noble pla-anted
Super magic, Abracadabra Kid
Mysterious Master Jim, blacker pen, arrowhead
With the long-barrel stem, and his apparel fresh
Harbor lights shinin' out the black power grid
With the Black Power grip
And pure power don't power trip
Push the cellar ceiling up and make the tower tip
Your Gladwell point, and Babylon polish
All about nothin' where its all about the dollar
And mansions on the fort line of a shaky market
The devil at the dance hall, thirsty for a partner
Get off 'em
There is not a parcel or a portion
Or a measure of a fortune more awesome
Gorgeous
The funky Four Horsemen and one more
With Hi-Tek on the score, once more, of course

You're welcome, thanks
Appreciation for your participation
Special dedication
Celebration, bitches

Nextbop

2010-05-15T23:44:00.003-04:00

The Ghost of Christopher Wallace

2010-05-06T00:46:00.005-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfdwCooBpUg

The game ain't been the same since B.I.G. died

And Wu swarmed on New York from out that bee hive
Don't talk to me 'bout 'MCs got skill'
Don't talk to me 'bout who's the king of the hill
Don't talk to me 'bout who's the best alive
Or who's in your top 5, cause he's not ill
Real recognize real, stick to your deal
Try to make a cool mil off the sing-le
With that ringtone appeal, in 3 years you'll be nil
Nil by mouth, my appeal down south
Is like the Nation of Islam when Ali knocked Liston out
Universal change from what appeared is just about
All aboard, it's the last train, Soul Train
A bottle of Ciroc can change a private jet to Soul Plane
Put yo seats back, yo trays down and feet up
'Cause we about to heat up

From Baton Rouge to Jerusalem
Wack crews we bruisin' em
Crooked mouth, flat footed cops, man we losin' em
'Let me see some ID,' nigga fuck a ID!
You be gettin' head from crackheads in the lobby
Mr. Officer - please observe my skin tone
Please observe the prophecies of hurricanes and brimstone
The flow so Tolstoy, Theodore Tolstoy
Half oyster, half shrimp fully dressed po boy
Lyrically, I'm
Unfuckwitable
Unforgettable
One tough miracle
Competition's none I leave em dumb struck, critical
That's some luck, pitiful
Better luck next time
Young Black, and Restless
Hung, Black, and Reckless
My name's on every guest list
Bang on every set list
Went to London town, tore it down and threw my necklace
Even Twitter said that Jay Elect be on that next shit
I should be arrested...

Weak

2010-04-29T01:30:00.002-04:00

Gretchen Parlato - Voice
Kenneth T. Whalum III - Tenor Sax
Robert Glasper - Piano
Ben Williams - Bass
Chris Dave - Drums

Adjustments

2010-04-27T18:32:00.002-04:00

They may take a while.

Word

2010-04-12T00:15:00.005-04:00

Jealously is something I haven't felt for years. There's nobody around for me to jealous of.

There's nobody around for me to be jealous of because I'm proud of what my friends accomplish and achieve. And I just happen to have a ton of friends killin' friends.

Pistola

2010-03-03T22:43:00.003-05:00

Criminal-minded, gangster of love
Charms in your arms, your gun is wild warm
Worn, bang bang, shoot 'em up
Tips in your clip, click-clack, use 'em up
Bad intentions and a very good shot
X marks the spot where you cross the heart
Candlelight vigil on my memory block
Commemorate the date where the bomb got dropped

Love, steady war no more
Put your weapon away, quit collecting the slain
She said "You're right, I don't wanna fight...
I just like the fire and the flashing lights"

If you are to fall in love
Then where should you stand to begin with?
And when the falling is done
How bad should you plan to get injured?
And if you land on your feet
Does it count as a fall or a jump?
And does it feel like a fall
When the hands that pushed you were holding you up?

Close encounter, got you wide open
Heartache has got your boombox going
Music and vocals, lonely and soulful
You're back in the scene where your sweet dreams sold you

Well...

2010-02-16T00:26:00.006-05:00

I'm not saying I'm requesting anyone that's perfect. I just need a woman that will make the time worth it.

We Fight / We Love

2010-01-18T23:53:00.004-05:00

And it begins
He walks outside for a cigarette break
And thinks "How many cigarettes does it take?"
He takes a long drag with the sun in his eye
He squints, he thinks, he starts to sigh
Sometimes he cries
When he thinks about his girlfriend on his side
She held him down, she made him better
Fought the love through the fucked up weather
And she's thinkin' about her life
With no more work, just being a wife
But instead her love, she gave it to a man
Who fought against her lovely plans
So when she goes to work, plus goes to school
Plus fights the love, she must feel like a fool
She want the ease that come after pain
She fights for love, that's her campaign

And it begins
He's off the Wall
He left his friends, he ain't home no more
He's in a place that's far away
Where he can't understand what they say
They say "Salaam," they carry bombs
Into crowded places and cause alarm
You're the infidel who's uninvited
But really an American boy who's slighted
It ain't your fault, you want identity
So you join this big fraternity
You get to travel the world, its cheaper than college
And you get guns and you get knowledge
Lookin' for your soul, and WMDs
You can't find nothing 'cause it's empty
You got your gun, and he's your friend
And he's your man, until the end

We fight and love so much, sometimes I get confused with who we are
Maybe if we just stop and chat a bit we'll find out who we are

History

2009-12-22T17:15:00.003-05:00

I'm in search of Victory, she keeps eluding me
If only we can be together momentarily
We can make love and make History
Why won't you visit me? Why won't she visit me?
I’ll be stuck with a sister, her name is Defeat
She gives me agony, so much agony
She brings me so much pain
So much misery
Like missing your last shot and falling to your knees
As the crowd screams for the team
I practiced so hard for this moment
Victory, don’t leave
I know what this means: I'm stuck in this routine
Whole new different day, same old thing
All I've got are dreams no body else can see
Nobody else will believe until I believe in me
Where are you, Victory?
I need you desperately
Not just for the moment, to make History

So now I'm flirting with Death
Hustling like a G
When Victory wasn’t watching
Took chance repeatedly
I met Success
We lived together shortly
Now, Success was like lust, shes good to the touch
She's good for the moment, but shes never enough
Everybody's had her... Shes nothing like V
But Success is all I've got, unfortunately
But now I'm going all around the globe
Looking up and down for V
But something tells me that there's much more to see
Before I get killed or die, because I can't get robbed
So before me success and death ménage
I'm so lost, I gotta find V
We gotta be together to make History

Now, When Victory is mine, She'll taste so sweet
She'll be my trophy wife, she'll be with me
We’ll have a baby who stutters repeatedly
We’ll name him History, he’ll repeat after me
He'll my legacy, son of my hard work, future of my past
Can explain who I be, rate me amongst the greats, either 1, 2, or 3
If I ain't number one then I've failed you, Victory
Ain't in it for the fame, that dies within weeks
Ain't in it for the money, can't take it when you leave
I want to be remembered long after you breathe
Long after I'm gone, long after I breathe
I' leave all I am in the hands of History
That’s my last will, testimony
This is much more than a song, it's a baby shower
I'll be waiting for this hour, when History is ours

Berklee: Summary of My First Semester

2009-12-09T14:07:00.008-05:00

- First and foremost, everything at Berklee is 'killin'.' There are no exceptions to this rule. If something is not killin', you wait until someone informs you that it is, indeed, killin'. You are usually obligated to agree. I mean, unless that shit is out.

- Using 'out' depends on the context. You'll know when to use it.

- Nothing ever starts or finishes on time. Except the caf.

- The caf food messes with everyone's digestive tract.

- Yeah, you have to call the cafeteria the 'caf,' the lunch room, and definitely not the cafe. That's what Cafe 939 is for.

- The convocation concert was the only place where I have experienced a near perfect audience clap.

- If I plan to go to sleep before 11PM, I'm most likely are going to sleep around 1AM or 2AM.

- If I plan to wake up at 7:30AM for a 9AM class, I'm most likely getting out of bed around 8:55AM.

- 70 degrees in December? Crazy shit.

- I don't think I ever NEEDED a cell phone, but it is an amazing convenience.

- Most of my phone calls consist of me talking to my mother, anyway.

- "Dubstep is probably the closest thing to jazz our generation has" is the dumbest thing I have heard in my entire life.

- Actually, I take that back. This is: Perfect pitch is a form of autism.

- Speaking of perfect pitch, a lot of first semester student here claims to have it. Oh, and there's one guy that "kind of" has it.

- I thought that 3 to 1 ratio of males to females was wrong after seeing so many women walking around... Until I got into one of my classes. 18 students, only two girls.

- Buddhism is amazing.

- Tendinitis is not.

- Staying up to practice all night is a great feeling. Until you get to that 9AM Ear Training class. On one hand I'm actually on time, but on the other I'm nodding off every 30 seconds.

- Bodega was hard to find.

- The best way to meet people is to go to student concerts and jam sessions. I've met tons of great PEOPLE (not just great musicians) by checking them out in action and then talking afterwards.

- Nah, man. Seriously. Tendinitis is some bullshit.

- Everything happens for a reason. It's up to you to put the pieces together.

- Daddy Yankee, man.

- I don't know, man. He said I wasn't going to make it one semester...

- I've had three home cooked meals in the past four months. And they were, hands down, the best meals I've had here.

- Wally's is a great place to play. And to learn. And to grow. And to get kicked out of.

- My definition of networking isn't taking numbers and emails down, it's friendships. I think they should be one in the same.

- If a guard watches you walk out of 270 and you come back in less than a minute later, they will still ask to see your ID. What the fuck, you just SAW me leave. CHILL.

- Taxi drivers also need to chill. Yeah, man. I know it's after 10PM and there aren't a lot of people out, but there's a stop sign there. Damn.

- I feel bad when I see people in passing and after we say hi they ask "How are you doing?" I almost never get to ask them the same because we're always moving.

- Night Dreamer is one of the dopest songs I have ever heard. Especially in 4.

- You can spend HOURS in the caf.

- Everybody should learn how to vibe. One of the best forms of communication.

- You get so much more done when you don't sleep.

- I really hate being denied a practice room with a piano because people want to practice Ear Training they've been putting off ALL week.

- I'm really going to miss convenient practice rooms with pianos when I move out of these 270 Commonwealth dorms.

- SO MUCH MONEY! I'VE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY HERE! FUUUUUUUUUCK

- I've improved.

- The rating ensemble group I played with last week didn't think so. But it's all good.

- This next semester is about to be so killin'.

Can't Quit...

2009-11-06T04:37:00.003-05:00

In the last week my tendinitis has gotten so bad that I can't even practice. I almost feel useless. Almost. And because of that almost, I'm obligated to myself to find a way to make this work. I've got dreams to reach, goals to accomplish, and shit to prove. This is crippling, but it's not a dead end.

Everything happens for a reason.

Time Well Spent

2009-10-20T17:10:00.003-04:00

Haven't written anything in a while. But I do want to say: I love ~~college~~ Berklee. A lot. It doesn't even feel like school sometimes. I've been here half a semester and I've picked up on so much already. It's almost embarrassing to think of where I was at musically a few months ago...

The one thing I dig more than anything is how this is all helping me become, in my opinion, a better person. Someone who can help others and not just make a difference, but a positive difference. Word.

Afro-Fresh Impressions

2009-08-21T00:10:00.004-04:00

Afro-Fresh Impressions
Released: 08/21/09
Personnel: Syl DuBenion - alto saxophone (all tracks except For My Mother), electric guitar (Format, Run This Town); Aaron DuBenion - trumpet (Rumor)

Afro-Fresh Impressions is my first full length release. I've worked very hard on this, and I decided I wanted people to get a chance to listen to it, so I'm giving it away for free. I'm not concerned with making money right now. I'd rather get to know your opinions.

DOWNLOAD HERE

01 Format
This is the track that I spent the most time with on this release... After a gig at the Buffalo Convention Center,
and after my trip to the Colored Musician's Club, I got home and had the layout for this song etched in my brain
almost immediately. I didn't want to forget it, so I quickly opened up FL Studio and got to work. I had a simple
idea that I worked on for months (I started this in September... Or maybe October). Well, that soon turned to
January... Where I was an idiot and forgot to back up my whole music projects folder when I formatted my computer.
I had a bunch of unfinished stuff, but I was really upset that I lost this. That night, I remade the song and
now it felt like it flowed better. I worked and worked and worked.... But I still couldn't get a melody for it.
Come May, I finally found an idea and set it down. I had finished the song and it sounded great. And then... I lost
it AGAIN in another format of my computer. This time I was pissed, because I had way more stuff for this album.
I used a program to recover everything I lost, and I don't know how, but THIS song was the ONLY music file that
came out perfect with no missing parts or chopped up sound bytes. It is aptly titled Format because... Well, take a
guess.

02 Room for Improvement
Room for Improvement has become my new favorite term... It's a room that can never be filled and it only gets
better when you put more into it. I got the term from Drake's first mixtape. That mixtape is the reason I started
listening to hip-hop again. He's an amazing man, and he's been a real impact on my life. I discovered the mixtape
in 2007, but I had known he was a rapper since at least 2005... Now that everyone is on his dick, err, I mean...
Now that everyone loves him, he's finally going to start getting the attention he's deserved for over three years.
I'm using an instrumental I made of Amerie's "Can We Go" featuring Carl Thomas from her second album, "Touch."

03 Rewind That
To be honest, I've only been listening to Christian Scott for a year but his music and the way he carries himself
has influenced me almost as much as Drake has. I also have to admit... The first time I listened to Rewind That
(the album), I thought it was boring and flat. That is probably because I listened to Anthem first and it blew me
away. I visited his site one day in March or February and Rewind That (the song) was playing... And I didn't
remember it being that dope. So I decided to remake the song so I could get down with it. Oh uh... I relistened to
the album and it was nothing like I remembered. Amazing, and worthy of the Grammy nomination.

04 Why Are You So Mean Today, Syl?
One of my friends thought I was purposely making fun of something he liked (you know, I probably was). He coined
the phrase "Why are you so mean today, Syl?" and I just laughed. So other people started using it, and I turned
it into a song title. The melody (played by the piano) came to me a few different times, and I thought about using
it as just a pattern to incorporate into solos. Then one night after a very long rehearsal at the Colored Musicians
Club, I decided to turn it into a song and still do the former.

05 Run This Town
Yes, a cover of a hip-hop song. I heard it a day after it came out and that night I worked on the track. Finished
the whole thing in a day. The song is powerful... And I like the line "Fuck the other side, they jealous / We got
a banquet full of ladies, they got a table full of fellas (EEEWWWWWW!)." I don't run this town called Buffalo,
but I'm going to be coming back in three to five years to claim ownership.

06 Instant Happy
I have a really cool friend who would draw me pictures in out 8th period study hall. She's so very sweet and she's
definitely someone I'm never going to forget. One of the pictures she drew was of a robot that said "I'm no
instant happy!" Well, this song is dedicated to her. She's one of instant happies. The melody with the sine wave
is actually something I picked up from one of the scene change themes on Fresh Prince. From season four. Yes, I
watch FP way too much.

07 Suspense
This song. A remix of a Mega Man 9 tune of the same name. I had the idea in my head for a little bit before I laid
it down in FL Studio. I finished it in about six or seven hours. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, bad
recording aside. I uploaded it on my Myspace right away, which is good... Since I also lost this in the first
format. It took forever for me to figure out how to get it OFF of Myspace (I couldn't download it, they changed
something about that feature). I had to basically steal a song from my own Myspace. Feels good, man.

08 Rumor feat. Aaron DuBenion
Yes. My little brother, Aaron. Trumpeter. Came through and only took two takes on his solo. We were in a
competition in February and one of the contestants asked us to make a song together. She said we were really great
and she said we should work together on more things. Well, somehow I made it happen... So this kind of fufills her
request. This is dedicated to her. This song was originally written by Matt Stevens for Christian Scott's band.

09 For My Mother
A track from "The Love Movement" by A Tribe Called Quest. Their last album, actually... It's originally titled
"4 Moms," but I didn't like that. Thought it was a tacky name... But yeah. Dedicated to my mother.

10 Blues' Theme
My favorite song ever to play. Proto Man / Blues' whistle from Mega Man 3. It's become his trademark. I recall
some of the main themes of some other songs on this release (Rewind That / Why Are You SO Mean Today, Syl?). I
just had a lot of fun with this. I hope you enjoy it.

This was a tiring process, to be honest. Probably because of the formats, but whatever. This is me up until now.
I won't stop growing and succeeding, I want to become better and better. For no one other than myself.

Thanks for listening.

The 13th Amendment is Some Bullshit

2009-08-17T16:42:00.003-04:00

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
Section 2. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

The thirteenth amendment of the United States Constitution promises the abolition of slavery. Under a certain condition. If you are ever convicted of a crime, it has then become legal for you to be punished as a slave. I'm not about to sit here and write a fucking dissertation, I've got things to do. But I think it's amazing how many people overlook this.

I'm not above that, either. I was listening to a recording of a Christian Scott concert from April that had him explain that very bluntly to me. In fact, I felt a little bad when he said "Oh, so we live in this country, but we don't know the rules, huh?" He was right, though. A lot of people are ignorant to the weasel ways laws can work against people.

It's easy for me to say "This will never happen to me," but millions of people are wrongly convicted of bullshit charges everyday, and being young and black in this country just throws me in a demographic that tells me I'm not going to have my life any other way. I'm saying this all before I get responses like "Well, the government wouldn't let something like that happen," or "You're being hysterical." Until I'm treated as an equal, I'd rather not look at it any other way.

Man, life can get all up in your ass, baby
You better work it out
Let me tell you what it's all about
Our skin's not considered equal
A meteor has more right than my people

This isn't just about black people, or minorities in general, though. People lose too many rights when they are convicted... Losing control of your life should not be something to be taken away so easily.

Special

2009-08-07T00:09:00.004-04:00

There are requirements to be an admirer
But still the new version of Syl needa a Nia or Tyra
So we can be Beyoncé & Jay-Z
I told you I'm careful with my heart girl, many have played me
Or maybe its karma?
They say he's a charmer
I'm halfway to a knight so i stay in the armor
I'm fire on the move, attire looking smooth
I'm not perfect but I've got the desire to improve
I'm special
Like kids in a graduating class having more trouble than others when adding basic math
I need you to be special like rebated coupon
Double O top secret agents with suits on
Something so deep it'll drown me
I'm really a nice dude, I remove any drama surrounding me
On your end it's simple, all you have to do...
Give me no reason for other lovers after you

Kaori Kobayashi - Sunshine

2009-07-21T00:00:00.005-04:00

The comments are all horny guys swooning over a pretty girl playing a saxophone. I need to remember to keep the comments hidden on Youtube...

Anyway, I've been looking into jazz from other counrties for about a year. I've noticed in Japan that they have a really big following for fusion and bebop. Conflicting styles, but they do both so well. This song's melody sounds like something from the intro or ending to an anime, so maybe that's why I really like it. Either way, it's cool. It's almost impossible to find stuff of hers (or other Japanese artists who aren't Hiromi) without having to import it from Japan. Youtube will have to do until I have some money...

A Special Note From Kenneth Gorelick?

2009-07-16T19:32:00.003-04:00

About a year and a half ago, I found out Kenny G was considered being inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. I couldn't believe it, so I researched it. I left a comment on a site that gave a few details. In retrospect, I was a bit brash, but I do not apologize for what I said. I returned to see that Kenny left a message. I don't really have any kind of reply, but here it is:

Look man, thanks for the tip. I'd rather learn from insults than ignore what everyone says, and because you are just a kid, I'd rather not fight with you.

To clarify some things they do use reverb, but what about all my performances? I don't then, because I am an amazing saxophonist.

Letting me in for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was a bit weird, so I'm saying right now, I agree about what everyone says about me.

Yes, if you believe you are better than me, than I will quit forever. However I advise people that I am amazing so if don't want to be embarrased, don't challenge me.

Something

2009-07-14T22:11:00.005-04:00

Falling too fast... Clearly, rules don't apply

Can't believe I just met you

You got me here watching minutes pass by

Wondering when to expect you

There you go... Is this a dream?

It's looking like every picture that I've seen of you before

I've seen it all before

Now that it's over, I should have known better

Just when I think this is real, and you could be mine...

I should have known better

Slowed it down because I felt you needed time, but I kept thinking

This could something

This could be, this could be

This could something

Maybe it's just nothing at all... I guess it's what we make it

Good Riddance

2009-07-11T14:13:00.008-04:00

What kind of teacher tells you you're not good enough to succeed? What kind of man tells someone with dreams they won't reach them? I keep trying to push what he said aside, but it's really starting to piss me off. What makes me even more upset is that we could stand face to face and he could say the EXACT OPPOSITE. You don't tell me you're happy for me, that I'll do great... And then turn around and say I'll drop out of Berklee after one semester.

Goddammit. It's hard to believe this is the same man that bought instruments for students with his own money, that took school bands to national competition and won effortlessly with a group of students that were willing to do whatever it took to be the best because they had a motivater along the way.

And I'm tired of the "When you're rich and famous, you can rub it in his face" bullshit and the like. No matter how successful I can become, nothing is going to rewrite what this man has said about me and how he's made me feel. I'm tired of being compared to suburban children and the sytematic programs they were forced into. I'm done with being used for your personal gain and glory: Me getting into Berklee was of my own merit, stop taking credit for it. I had no practice sessions, no help, and no support from that man. He didn't even know I auditioned, let alone that I was accepted on a scholarship. I would like to take a moment from this rant to thank everyone everyone that has supported me, believed in me, and took the time to help me improve. You know who you are!

No name. No name will be spoken, written. Whatever. I've done enough damage.

Christian Scott - Say it (10.16.08, Amsterdam)

2009-07-11T10:21:00.004-04:00

Hmm. This was played on my mother's birthday... What a weird coincidence. I've wanted to hear this live for a while, I'm glad he pulled it to play. One of my favorites of his.

Anthony Braxton

2009-07-07T14:02:00.004-04:00

Months ago, probably at the start of my senior year, I read about Anthony Braxton, renowned multi-instrumentalist and philosopher. I was definitely interested in what he had to offer, so I immediately went and downloaded something called "For Alto," knowing absolutely nothing about it. Like most of my music so far, I didn't get a chance to listen to it.

I was job searching yesterday and walked into Record Theater for an application to fill out. I was going to go immediately out and head home... But I walked into the door that was entrance only, and the exit was on the other side of the cash register... So I decided to browse.

I ended up spending three cents short of 50 bucks, but I'd say it was worth it. I got a Wayne Shorter release (High Life), Pat Metheny Trio's Day Trip, and a release from Taylor Made Jazz (a locally-based group I got to play with when I was 13). Before all of those, though, Anthony Braxton's Saxophone Improvisations Series F caught my eye. The cover art (if you could even call it that), was weird, but not any more weird than the way songs were named (I remembered he used a method called conceptual grafting, highly complex).

You'd think he did shit like that just for attention. To seem like some eccentric genius. I listened to the first CD and none of it even mattered anymore. He was doing things on a saxophone that I had never experienced. I'm not talking about bullshit like mimicking another's pattern. He was pushing the alto saxophone to a limit that had not been exhausted. At the same time, he could play something that had a compelling melody. Accessible isn't the word, but it wasn't avante-garde.

Anthony Braxton seems to be severely underrated. The world of music as a whole seems to neglect the role jazz had on the subsequent genres we enjoy today, but more importantly it sometimes leaves out some of the biggest innovators and pioneers in favor of the "next big thing."

Then again, Michael Jackson is enough proof that some people won't give a fuck unless you're dead. Amazing.

Curtain Call

2009-06-26T17:30:00.001-04:00

I Don't Know How I Can Go On Living

2009-06-17T17:53:00.004-04:00

I just got hit with some of the most horrible news ever. It completely ruins my life, and I don't know how I'm going to recover. I thought I'd be alright if it ever happened, but I was just fooling myself. Life is not worth living, anymore. I can't believe this...

Christina Milian is getting married. And it's NOT to me. I'm going to cry myself to sleep.

Digital Girl

2009-06-13T23:40:00.004-04:00

Hey, who's that peaking in my window?
I think you should let some more skin show...
But if one of these sites get the info
We can work it out, no Nintendo
I just hit Alt + Tab
Switchin' in-between two convos
I should just podcast
And bring in both peers to the convo
Formally, it ain't a question
We would cross paths like an intersection
But you just too far away for affection
So I pray that we never lose the connection

I remember Stacy, she used to hate me
She used to threaten she had a man to replace me
When she talked that shit, I'd just hit the escape key
Then she'd get mad and want to go erase me
I remember Amy, she used to AIM me
She stayed up late, and then she used to blame me
She say I'm too wild, she wanna tame me
I told her, 'Even Photoshop couldn't change me'
But you? You got me open, girl. Why lie?
We ain't even tryin' to settle, so why try?
End the night with a kiss and a bye-bye
No strings attached and nothing so WiFi

A Rock Band + 24 Piece Choir? Yes, Please!

2009-06-10T23:31:00.002-04:00

Bang Camaro. They're going to be on Jimmy Kimmel's show, tonight.

Jay-Z - D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)

2009-06-09T17:04:00.003-04:00

Goddamn... I'm not even finished listening to it, and Jay is straight killing... Oh god, this is amazing. And it's too true, autotune has fucking killed the airwaves. I want to know what song this samples, it fits so well. Song just finished, and I must say, if anyone killed it, he did.

VERY Weird Déjà Vu

2009-06-07T20:53:00.005-04:00

Have you ever had one of those dreams that has a part that actually happens in real life, and for a split second you get that weird déjà vu feeling? If you do, dig this...

OK, so. Since I was little, I would have this recurring dream of this girl. It really wasn't a very active dream where stuff is happening all over the place, but more like... I was just sitting there. This girl is right in front of me. We're outside, in some park. It's sunny outside and we're sitting at a table covered with some kind of cloth... You can see nice, green grass everywhere, and there are trees, but they don't really block the sun...

Anyway, I would have this dream about this girl very frequently. Like. At least once a week. And this goes back to when I was at least 4 or 5. I've had the dream a lot less since then, but every once and a while I will still have it.

I was thinking about it today, actually. Wondering if it was just a weird, recurring dream or if I'm actually going to live that moment through. Then I thought about it some more. And I realized.

I've seen this girl.

Not in person, but it's possible that within the next year I might meet this girl. This is scary for a number of reasons... Was I supposed to realize that this was the girl from my dreams or not? Do I tell her this? What the hell did the dream even mean?

I had to get that out, it's been bothering me all day. I have a feeling that it's going to be bothering me a lot longer than that, though...

Nas and the Aftermath of 'Nigger'

2009-06-07T19:16:00.004-04:00

It's been almost a year since I first sat down and listened to Nas' 2008 release, Nigger... Oops, my bad. His album that was Untitled. This also means it's been a year since it hit the masses. I started listening to a few tracks from it again and I wanted to see how it was received in the hip-hop scene. To be honest, I haven't heard it referenced or even mentioned by anyone...

Well, let's see. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. Very nice. It's been certified gold by the RIAA. OK, So we know it's at least gotten into people's ears. That's what's up. But what do people think about it? I saw initial fans' reactions were mixed, but more positive than negative. I felt it could have done more, but after seeing the music video Nas had for N.I.G.G.E.R., I can see the original album name was no gimmick.

So why haven't people reacted? It pisses me off. People don't want to take action, but they'll be the first to be "offended" by something they could have prevented. I know people listened to it. I know people understood it. What's the deal, then? Barack is in office, we've had people damn near smacking us in the face with the issues we need to solve, and this is how we take care of business? By not doing a damn thing? What the fuck?

Amazingly Ridiculous

2009-06-03T21:03:00.006-04:00

I find it amazing (read: amazingly ridiculous) that someone in a position to help you would rather find ways to tear you down. I'm talking about Hutch Tech's band director, of course. I don't really care about when he, awkwardly, watched me play basketball and said I sucked... I don't really care that he used my acceptance to Berklee as a way to make him look good as a teacher even though he had nothing to do with it. I can get over that pretty quickly. His comment about me not making it through the Berklee experience, that I'd drop out after one semester got to me, though.

Why would someone in his position say I would drop out after one semester? I mean, really? I don't even know how to respond to that. Do I prove him wrong? Of course I prove him wrong, stupid question. Do I respond to him? That's what he wants me to. If reverse psychology worked, I would be a completely different musician because of him. What does it say about me since I am letting it affect me? Lets me know I do have a conscious, I guess. Why doesn't he believe in me? ... I don't know.

I don't know.

SWV - Right Here

2009-05-31T19:50:00.003-04:00

I've loved this song for a long time. Probably because of the Michael Jackson sample, but it's still a great feeling that I get from listening to this. Like, I really have a thing for new jack swing stuff. This is definitely one of my favorites.

Room for Improvement

2009-05-31T16:40:00.001-04:00

The biggest room is the room left for improvement, which I can never fill.

I'm Syl. I'm 17, a musician, and I'm heading to Boston this coming fall to attend the Berklee College of Music. My interests include music, women, fashion, and technology (in no specific order). I am an saxophonist, but I can also sing, play keyboard and guitar. I am working towards making a difference in music, which can lead to making a difference in people's lives. I'm not very good at these kinds of things. The 'talk about yourself' thing, I mean.

This is where I'll be able to express myself without the use of music. Thanks for reading, see you later.