October 2002

Justin is Creative Director of VoiceImage Productions, the Orlando, Florida-based creative services agency that provides voice talent and complete production services to the broadcasting media. He has over 25 years of broadcast and related industry experience. Justin and VoiceImage Productions are multiple award winners for their efforts in creative imaging, voiceover, and production techniques.

Metro D.C. audiences know Justin as their Afternoon Drive Air-Talent on Smooth Jazz-WJZW 105.9, Washington, DC-ABC Radio and host of Smooth Jazz Concerts and Events, including the Capital Jazz Fest from 1998-2001.

"Smooth Notes and News" feels Justin’s exceptional talents and creativity will bring light to the creative processes in the Smooth Jazz genre, broadcasting and multimedia.

www.VoiceImage.com

"Peace On Earth"

Fall 2002. Now, more than one full year has passed since the 9-11 tragedy, and the images continue to be etched in our minds. Hard to believe such an event could have happened. Hard to believe that humans could cause such devastation to each other. Especially when so much research, time, and money is spent worldwide to bring about health and longevity. As we approach the holiday Season, my column this time around is directed at peace-loving people everywhere … and especially to the people that have no peace in their life at all.

It is said the "Music Soothes The Savage Beast". Well I'm here to say that "Music Smoothes The Savage Beast".  In a time of rat race lifestyle and an "I need it yesterday" business mantra … we all need to count to ten … and breathe deeply. Now. Take a few moments to just flat out chill-out. Calm the road rage, settle the squabbles, and lighten up on the heavy stuff and heavy up on the light stuff.

We're all passengers on this planet and Rodney King put it best when he said "Why Cant We Just All Get Along?". Nuff said. Makes perfect sense doesn't it? Think about it … if we all tossed a little Smooth Jazz into our daily life … we would all experience some form of tranquility and peace. There's that word again. Peace.

Daily peace in everything we do could bring about health and longevity.  One sure-fire way is through music. Specifically Smooth Jazz. Consider the uses. Smooth Jazz is almost exclusive in Doctors offices and during surgical procedures at the hospital. It has a soothing … err … "smoothing" effect on your state of mind. Tranquil, calm, passive, and PEACE-ful.

On the way home from a tough day at work? Try a little Boney James through your dashboard. Settling down to a glass of wine in the evening? Slap a little Bob James on the CD deck. In the mood to read a book? A little Sade or maybe even some Richard Elliott.

Family and friends will soon be gathering for Winter Holidays and you'll start your holiday shopping sooner than you think. The best thing you can do is give some Smooth Jazz tracks a spin on the car CD player while you're tracking down that just spotted parking place or wrapping the seasons latest fad for the kids. Better yet - give the gift of music is what I say!

Now as another year begins to close, reflect on the great things that have happened over the course of 2002. Think about your family. Your Mother, Father, Sister, or Brother. As you reflect … smooth out your day and pour yourself a glass of Blackstone Merlot, switch on some Peter White, and change your long-term goals to only one - peace. That's "world peace". Peace On Earth, Good Will to Men.

One can't help but tap a foot or hum a melody when the musical urge advances its way into and through your very soul.  We're all here together and instead of trying to change all the people in the world, how about we come together and make a difference one person at a time. Just like the music does. Just like the spirit of the holidays and of Peace On Earth.

On September 11th  1977, Bing Crosby and David Bowie recorded "Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth" for Bing's Annual Special. People were amazed to see the two artists brought together. Bing Crosby died a month later. He was gone before the show even aired but don't forget the common denominator that brought them together … music. That day they recorded:

Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can

I pray my wish will come true
For my child and your child too
He'll see the day of glory
See the day when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again

Peace on Earth, can it be, Can it be?




At the time of the World Trade Center tragedy of September 11th, 2001 … many artists came together from all over the world and from every genre to express their feelings in song. We all gathered to share those feelings. The music brought people together rather than pushing them further apart. The world has always united through song and has had a damn fine track record of getting the job done … no matter how big or how tall. These songs can mean many things to many people especially during times of tragedy or the holiday time of year. Through good and bad - one thing remains constant. You can be sure that it's Music … that smoothes the savage beast.

Peace.

JT


Send your questions and comments to:

justin@smoothnotesandnews.com


© October 2002 – Smooth Notes and News