Kinfolks

I auditioned for a choral production which required conga drums; I never played them prior to this production. Sometime later while on vacation In New York, we were up on Broadway enjoying the stage production of a Raisin in the Sun. Afterwards we were able to venture down to the bandstand, a mini jam session ensued with my brother Theron on piano, my cousin Marty alternating with the house drummer and Cousin Paul on bass. Theron and the house drummer set the stage for an intense session; I played my heart out and was fairly surprised at the sound and the music we made. My father's brother Albert noticed and purchased my first set of Conga drums a year later. This was 1975. Two years later I joined the Army. The Army provided a splendid environment, rich in opportunity which shaped my musical personality. I was assigned to Germany. While there I performed with R&B, Jazz and African bands, I also had the honor of performing with several Army bands throughout my military career. My love of Jazz grew out of listening to the Lee Family, distant relatives that are astute musicians who share common ancestors with our family. In 2003 & 2006 I lost my Brother Theron and Aunt Jewell respectably. At Aunt Jewell's memorial I had a chance to meet Cousin Cliff Lee. I found Cliff to be gracious and receptive to recording. We made an agreement to meet at the upcoming family reunion. We had a phenomenal reunion and jammed out. I flew to New York August 2007. I quickly discovered how magnificent the musicians were. Cliff masterfully guided us through the rehearsals. I was intrigued and mystified as the sound began to take shape, as I envisioned the conga added vitality to the compositions by emphasizing the swing. No words can express my gratitude to Cliff. Cliff produced this wonderful work and allowed me the honor to record with his band. Kinfolks is my gratitude to my ancestors for the sacrifice that was made in the shaping of our family as we know it today. My Maternal and Paternal Grandfathers are from Alabama, born within seventy miles of each other. My Paternal Great Grandmother's father witness at an early age the miraculous return of his father who was separated from them when their master left South Carolina for the rich fertile land of Alabama. Big Mike as we have come to know him worked to gain his freedom and join his family after being separated for four years. My maternal grandfather's family is known for the closeness they shared between them, I recently learned about this when I visited my grandfather's grave. My 85 year old cousin gave me a tour of the area pointing out the old house, the land owned by the family and the old stories and legends with in the family. I have a great love of family. Because of them I am who I am Doc Handy Cliff Lee Trumpeter and composer, Cliff Lee is another talented member of the Lee Family. (Spike, Malcolm, Joie-films, Bill, Consuela and Grace Music.) Born of musical parents cliff took up music as did the entire Lee siblings. Cliff developed his composition skills with brother bill and collaborated with him on scores for Spike's films. He has also written film scores for his son, Malcolm Lee, on Morningside Prep, The Best Man, Undercover Brother, Roll Bounce and Malcolm's new cinematic effort Roscoe Jenkins Welcome Home.