What a glorious time to be alive! As difficult as the national news is to watch, it is great to have a spiritual family in the White House. It is also a blessing to enter this new decade in good health and a healthy state of mind. In August 2009, my health was challenged and I came through it in flying colors. The experience compelled me to return to the basic elements in life that we should strive to preserve, protect and cherish. first is our health, second is the people who love us and are there when we need them, third is pursuing a profession that is rewarding. I have all thee at this point in my journey and I pray that God will continue to bless me so I can share my gift with others.

If you have not ordered the latest CD, “American Fruit with African Roots,” please do so. It is a project I am very proud of and it features many of the country’s leading new artists and some legendary veterans like the incredible Tata Vega. I am hoping this year to complete a new project of my all time favorite standards. So take moment and write to me and let me know what song you might want to hear me record.

In 2009, I had the incredible good fortune to meet our current President Barack Obama and sing for our Governor Duval Patrick. What an historical moment to be in an intimate setting with the second elected African American Governor in the history of the United States and the first African American President of these United States. I am looking forward in 2010 to perform at the White House,traveling to West Africa expanding SaveOurSelves Productions to do more outreach in urban communities and staging two musicals. I have just been blessed with a new home and there I plan to convene artists and progressives as we share our gifts and figure out how we can continue to contribute to shaping this next generation of musicians and artists.

Please continue to check out my schedule of concerts. I have taken a break from live performances and now I am ready to return. I think the public is now demanding a return and respect for live artists. As mature artists who have lived through a few things, I am looking forward to singing for the people again. On Thursday, January 21, 2009, I performed at Scullers Jazz Night Club. The audience was small but
I am always humbled when I am a part of a unique synergy that occurs when great musicians choose to create together and a moment of expression spreads through an audience like the morning scent of due and flowers when the sun rises on the country side. It was a special evening.

I remain committed to using my musical gift to advocate for social justice throughout this planet. I know first hand the power of Black music and the power of performance to transform people’s lives. A great philosopher once said, "some are guilty but all are responsible." We can each do our part, however small, to represent goodness and positivism in the midst of depressing and fatalistic social paradigms that continue to keep us divided as a nation.

It is a real challenge for independent artists to create provocative, progressive musical expression in the midst of disposable-"handi-wipe" music that devalues humanity. In this world, we have inherited; each of us must be committed to justice and have a mutual respect for other people living on God's planet to insure all of our survival. Please keep writing and letting me know what you think of the music. I look forward to seeing you in the audience and getting your great feedback on the latest CD as I make plans for the national tour in 2010.

Lawrence Watson SaveOurSelves Productions and Consulting www.lawrencewatson.com saveourselves@aol.com 617-825-9600