Lose Your Mind... and be inspired

As I think more about the importance of artistic expression for a balanced life, I'm reminded that art also serves as a source of inspiration for others... especially when it's music!

One artist who inspires me is Maurice "MoBetta" Brown. As a phenomenal trumpeter, composer, band leader, musical director and producer, he has lent his creative touch to the music of Aretha Franklin, Talib Kweli, Wyclef Jean and Laura Izibor, and has played with jazz greats Elvin Jones, Curtis Fuller, Clark Terry, and too many more to name. (Oh, and he also happens to be my partner!) Anyhow, with that said, and any bias considered but adamantly denied, I urge everyone to check him out, both online and live. He'll be performing this Thursday in Brooklyn at Rustik Tavern, close to Pratt Institute in the Clinton Hill 'hood.

Lose Your Mind is a project that Maurice and his long-time friend Sam Barsh started in 2008, simply because they love to make beautiful music together and have an enormous amount of respect for each other's musical abilities. They're both in high-demand and rarely in town at the same time, so Lose Your Mind shows are a special treat. And, when these superstars put on a show, their fans come together to form a diverse mix of soul-funk-jam-jazz lovers that includes hip-hop heads, hipsters, jazz cats and groove seekers. Needless to say, it's a funky good time.

Come check them out this Thursday in Brooklyn at Rustik Tavern. The show starts at 7pm. Click the flyer for more details.

If you want to keep up with Maurice, sign up for his e-newsletter, which I happen to write! ;)

Thanks for visiting straight no chaser. until next time, be well... and inspired.

the comeback

For one reason or another, I've recently been inspired to start making jewelry again. And now I'm remembering how important artistic expression is for a balanced existence!

Here are some photos from 'The Comeback' series. Right now I'm really feeling turquoise combined with shells or pearls. The grey-brown tones of the shells and pearls allow the turquoise to pop. Gold or silver findings both add a nice touch to finish off the piece.

This double-strand necklace is made of brown turquoise, moonstone chips, champagne seeds beads and silver finishings. As a last-minute Mother's Day commission, it felt good to push myself to design the perfect piece. It's contemporary and classic and can go with a bunch of different outfits... a great summer piece. ;-) I call it "Loretta."

And lariats are the most fun to design because the end pieces make it customizable, more personal and special. I have old NYC subway coins for my next lariat!



This lariat is made of turquoise, pearls and silver and is finished with two Norwegian coins (called krone) and sterling silver wire. I call this one "Two Kroner."

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Happy Mother's Day! Thanks for stopping by straight no chaser!