" [C]onscious [E]nlightening [W]isdom -
("Q"): [Q]uantitative/[Q]uality in You!!!
Clyde McPhatter was lead singer in Billy Ward's group, the Dominos until he left in 1953. While Jackie Wilson took his place in the Dominoes, McPhatter formed a new group known as the Drifters. Many artists credit McPhatter as being an influence on their own careers, including Jackie Wilson, Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Smokey Robinson. Ben E. King, who became a Drifter in 1959, told Gerri Hirshey in Nowhere To Run, It all came together in Clyde. He could sing the blues, but he had that gospel sound since he came up in the church. What Clyde did was to bring gospel into pop music in a big way as a lead singer. Well, once again, it's all come together in Clyde...or as known in the Music/Entertainment Industry... CEW ("Q")
Re-emerging from a long musical hiatus, the Artist Formerly (& sometimes still) Known as COLLYIDE! (Pronounced: Kuh-lide) is now known as CEW ("Q"). A Utica, N.Y. native, born Clyde Ward (which ironically combines the names of Clyde McPhatter and manager Billy Ward), utilized the initials of his name to create his music-moniker and be representative of how he blends together different genres and styles of music.
Like McPhatter (the son of a preacher, growing up in the church and a tenor), CEW ("Q") grew up singing in the church, is also a tenor, and his grandfather was a preacher. COLLYIDE! also comes from a musically diverse family. CEW ("Q")'s musical style is like a gourmet musical smorgasbord with something for just about everyone. You get the variety and quality of a movie soundtrack or compilation album from CEW ("Q"). When asked why his music covers such a broad range of styles, he exclaims, "I've learned from life's experiences that if you let people know where you are coming from and stand from [day one], then they are less likely to be shocked and less likely to reject what you are doing because of typecasting, pigeon-holing and regulating you to one style". This set mirrors 'life', with much consistency.
After the proverbial questions of "Who Am I?" and "What is my purpose?"; what would and should definitely be next are, "What are you [Am I] going to do about it?" and "Where is my 'Kindred Spirit'?"
No matter who you are or where you are in the world, at some contemplative point in your life, you'll ask yourself and/or be asked these questions. Song & Music have always been such an integral tool in discovering and expressing these questions, among other thoughts. Since the beginning of time, people have pondered such thoughts and since nothing much has currently changed in that aspect, in comes CEW (Pronounced: "Q"), to the rescue.
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CEW is a singer-songwriter-producer with his finger(s) on the pulse of the Human
emotion. He's an eclectic convergence of the best from old & new. The moniker CEW, is
derived from the Artist's initials from his birth-name of Clyde E.* Ward (with the "E"
standing for "Everything": Everything from 'Essential' to his actual middle name of Edward).
Suckled and nurtured in the Spirit-fortifying foundation of Gospel with subsequent multiple servings of other musical genres including R & B, Jazz, Rap, Blues, Classical, Funk, Country, Pop and more, this singer-songwriter-producer is the consummate wordsmith when it comes to crafting catchy, infectious melodies and hooks in a non-preachy form of 'secular' "Good News" music.
With the songs, Kindred Spirit and Whacha Gon' Do?, CEW revisits and analyzes those proverbial questions that are often asked of and by us in a simplistic, yet meaningful way.
According to CEW, "Song and Music is an 'ish' [Internal Spiritual Healer], best served to behold". Kindred Spirit is Urban Folk-Pop with a Spanish flair that has cult-following potential. The R & B-Pop Whacha Gon' Do? (aka: the Contemplation Song) is driven by the infectiously hypnotic Moog bass; delicately sprinkled with and accented by a magical essence of guitar. The enduring 'We Call Your Name: Oh Bobby De' (aka: The Bobby DeBarge Tribute Song) pays homage to one of the World's greatest Singer-Songwriter-Musicians. These songs and others, complemented by emotion-drenched vocals are featured on the forthcoming album entitled, Songs in the Key of CEW ("Q"): A.L.B.U.M. ([A] [L]iving [B]reathing [U]nifying [M]usical-[M]essage), which is an eclectic, gourmet musical smorgasbord, fluidly making transitions from various genres while occasionally fusing some or all of the various styles into one palatable genre of mind-spirit-heart and ear-pleasing sounds.
CEW states, "Song and Music should inspire, soothe & heal. The greatest gift we can give to each other is to let one another know that they are important and that they matter. My Music and Songs is one of the best ways for me to accomplish that."
With the songs, Kindred Spirit and Whacha Gon' Do?, CEW revisits and analyzes those proverbial questions that are often asked of and by us in a simplistic, yet meaningful way. According to CEW, "Song and Music is an 'ish' [ I nternal S piritual H ealer], best served to behold". All KiNdS Of PeoPLe ('AKOP') is a 'non-preachy' human-solidarity commentary anthem with a bluesy, simplistic, yet heartfelt lyrical message, which is sure to strike a chord of familiarity in the hearts of all that listen. It's somber, yet enlightening and refreshing. Good Love (Luvin') is a 'feel good', just because song, expressing a true definition of Love and its many benefits.
Consdering Everything Worthwhile, it appears that the songs from this Artist just might help in the quest to answer some of our most pondered ?uestions and when you "Discover the CEW in You", life's journey is bound to be a smoother ride.
So, "To CEW or not to CEW? ; That is the ?uestion. "Discover the C ontinuous E nlightening W ays in You!!! Are you going to just hear about him from others or are you going to listen for yourself? Well... "Whacha Gon' Do?"
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"We Call Your Name: Oh Bobby De"
(The Bobby DeBarge Tribute Song):
Welcome, everyone:
This section is dedicated to the late-great Bobby DeBarge. Showcasing “We Call Your Name: Oh Bobby De (The Bobby DeBarge Tribute Song)" . Most people know of him as a former member of the Super Group/Band â€Switch†(i.e., “There’ll Never Beâ€, “I Call Your Nameâ€, etc. Fame) and the Eldest Brother of El DeBarge, et al. Well, Bobby (along with siblings Tommy & Bunny) built the [Musical] House of DeBarge. For those who don’t know; He was one of the Greatest Singer-Songwriter-Musicians (Composer) that ever lived. So, if you're a Bobby DeBarge fan, or not yet one, take a listen to the song done in his memory & honor......I Sincerely hope that you all enjoy it.
"We Call Your Name: Oh Bobby De":,
Lyrics:
“We Call Your Name: Oh Bobby Deâ€
Intro: You know, this song is a tribute to one of the greatest Singer-Songwriter-Musicians that ever lived. He was a legend in his time and through his music and voice, his star forever will shine. I’m talking about Mr. Bobby DeBarge…â€Bobby Deâ€.
Verse *:
Been thinking about you, while playing your songs.
How you helped us get through the times when things went wrong.
You gave us your passion, with Music & Verse.
Your sounds everlasting, the very best we’ve heard.
Bridge :
Your voice was a Blessing, for all the World to hear.
We feel your presence. Your Music keeps you near.
Hook $:
Oh Bobby De, (Bobby DeBarge, you sang so Beautifully) you sure could sing.
(We Call Your Name and it eases the pain) There’ll Never Be another quite like thee.
You Blessed the World with Love, the way you sang.
*
Ooh, ooh.
First you were with White Heat, Smash and then Switch.
DeBarge, with the Family and then solo you went.
We’ll never forget you, a Blessing to us.
Your Music is so true; a voice that we can trust.
Bridge:
Now, you knew the meaning of Love, the way you sang.
More precious than a Pearl or Diamond ring.
$
Oh Bobby De. Oh we miss you Bobby. We miss you Bobby, yes we do. You sure could sing. We sing along with all your tunes. We miss you, Bobby. (Lalalalalala). WE miss you, Bobby. Ooh We. We miss your singing and your music playing. Ooh, Yeah. We Call Your Name.
(You joined the Night-Shift, with Marvin [Gaye] and Jackie [Wilson], Curtis
(Show you understand, wave & clap your hands, for the memory of Mr. Bobby De) x 2
Say, “Dah duh lah duh dee duh lah duh lah duh. Say, Dah duh lah duh dah duh lah duh lah duh.â€
“It’s Not Over!â€
(Bobby DeBarge) x 7 Been thinkin’ about you. Bobby DeBarge. Dah duh dah duh dee duh dah duh lah duh.†(“B-O-B-B-Y-D-E-B, A-R-G-E, Mr. Bobby Deâ€):repeat through fade-out. It’ s Not Over. Fade-out.
©, 2008, Clyde E. Ward (CEW “Qâ€) as COLLYIDE!ME-YOU-ZIK(Music)/BMI
All lyrics written, arranged by CEW (“Qâ€). All music arranged and performed by CEW (“Qâ€). All vocals performed by CEW (“Qâ€), without the use of any artificial enhancements, such as vocal harmonizers, etc. Only reverb is used.
Mixed by CEW(“Qâ€).
$ Exeâ€CEWQâ€tive Producer: CEW (“Qâ€).
Partial Bio:
Robert Louis DeBarge: Better Known as “Bobby†DeBarge started his professional music career as a member of Barry White's band, "White Heat"and subsequently forming a new band called "Smash", after it disbanded. After being united with other immensely Gifted Musician/Singers with the help of Mr. Bernd Lichters and being a very integral part of the Super-Group which became known as “Switch†(which ironically appears to be one of the most underrated Group/Bands in Music History) and being signed to Motown, Bobby DeBarge's career came full circle. Bobby spent several years with Switch, who recorded such hits as "There'll Never Be" and "I Call Your Name" and a slew of other memorable songs. After a few years away from the entertainment industry, Bobby returned and recorded an album with his brothers in their Family Group “DeBargeâ€, entitled "Bad Boys". Thereafter, he followed up with his solo album, entitled "It's Not Over", which was never released (Yet, although obscure, is highly sought after). Bobby performed a song on Jeffrey Valentine's albums entitled, "Claimin' Ma City" and "Hurry Don't Wait". He also sang background for the song, "It's a Mad World", on an album released by Devious Steve. Bobby's smooth vocals continue to be sampled by today's young artists and his musical genius, although higher than most, was never fully exhibited or acknowledged. He was "just getting warmed up". The vocal range and artistry (Creative Genius) on each and every song on his "It's Not Over" album makes it a "Gem" and rare collectors item for "Real Music" aficionado's. However, his influence and inspiration can be heard and felt through other members of the DeBarge Musical Dynasty, as well as other Artists.
Bobby DeBarge's amazing vocal talent and musical ability will always stand out as one of a kind. "There'll Never Be" another quite like thee. Rest in peace, Angel Bobby. We will always love you.
Take care.Love, Prayers & Blessings;
CEW ("Q")
Inspiration for the Song
Perhaps, I should begin with this 1980 High School Graduation photo of me after receiving my diploma:
Sure, I could've wore a tux or a suit w/tie. Calvin Klein, Gucci and Ralph Lauren (to name a few) were very popular fashions back in those days, but no one...and I do mean, no one could tell me (at least not truthfully) that I wasn't the coolest person in the auditorium, attired in my "Bobby DeBarge Original" outfit. Of course, no one knew, but me, my Mother and God.
It didn't matter either. I was dressed liked my Musical Idol!
It also made things a bit more meaningful was the fact that my two eldest Brothers names were 'Bobby'(Robert) and Thomas. Bobby [(Ward) Stringer], the eldest is a singer (In fact, he's one of the last of the great Soul Singers: Check him out Another interesting tidbit, which was only recently realized is the fact that although my Brother Bobby was born ten years before Bobby DeBarge (in 03/06/1946), the two Bobby's birthdays are one day apart. Although my Brother Larry (who is also older than me) stopped singing when we were younger (although he does sing around his house and in his car), he also inherited our Mother's Musical 'ear', and has and still to this day is an important factor in my Musical Life.
Along with Charlene Tarver (My Mother), Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Ronnie Dyson, Eddie Kendricks, Smokey Robinson, Philip Bailey, Maurice White, EW&F and Prince, Bobby DeBarge has inspired and influenced me in many positive ways. Some inspiration never leaves you, even though you might not be consciously aware that it's still there. Hey, I came up with "The Bobby DeBarge Tribute Song" while I was shoveling snow from my driveway. Sometimes inspiration will lie dormant inside of you until the time is right for it to be released. Other writers can surely relate to what I'm saying about inspiration hitting during some of the most unimaginable times. One thing for certain: No one will ever get to see any photos or video footage of me when I went through my "Prince" phase. The evidence is long gone. Although, some inspiration and influences are more than mere phases. Some last a lifetime.
As I previously stated, "Inspiration is an awesome thing!" We should all strive for excellence in our lives. Everyone, at one point or another, in their lives have influences and inspiration in various forms and areas of their lives; Be it creative(i.e., Music, Art, Literature) or Sports, Academics, etc.
Some of us are fortunate enough to receive inspiration from other notably Blessed individuals who provide very useful epiphanies to help us along our journey of self-actualization. I am one of those to be so fortunate.
The song embellishes the styles of Switch, DeBarge and my own. It's representative of the origin of the 'Switch' name, which was rumored to be derived as a result of each Band/Group member's ability to "switch" up and play another instrument, as well as the different music genres they played; Of Earth, Wind & Fire's ability of how they could "switch" the Hearts, Minds, Souls & Spirits of listeners from negative (bad) to good; Of the Commodores ability to "switch" their status from a seemingly obscure 'has-been' group (due to the departure of Lionel Richie from the group and unenlightened people's misconceptions.) to being back in the limelight as a potent creative force to be reckoned with, following the success of their tribute song, "Nightshift" (which laid the foundation for a new form of heartfelt dedication/tribute songs, distinguished from the usual cookie-cutter, "Oh Donna" type approach.) and my own ability to "switch" my vocal chords and tone to sound like totally different people, as well as my ability to switch from one Musical genre to another.
So, in the Spirit of [B] eing [O] ur [B] est [B] eing [Y] et, [D] one [E] xcellently:
I present to the World a tribute that I truly hope will inspire...
You know, inspiration is an awesome thing. Although I inherited my Mother's Singing, Athletic and Art abilities and her excellent taste in fashion (among other things), one would only need to look on the front & back cover of the 1987 Motown (Gordy) released [1st] album by the Super-Group "Switch", to see that I had inspiration and influence from another source.
Here Which is a link to his site on
the World Wide Web)
This section (as well as the rest of the page) will be updated periodically. So, PLEASE do check back from time-to-time. Than"Q" ever so much.
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