Thursday, April 16, 2015
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Jamaican Guitarist: Robert Dubwise Browne
Here's a video from a performance in Jamaica 2011, playing "Its So Beautiful" from the album Electrifying Grooves Of DiVersion:
Both albums - Birth & Electrifying Grooves Of DiVersion are available on iTunes, click each image to preview and/or download
Other than being an awesome guitarist, he produces records as well. He wrote and produced most of the songs on both his albums. Check out these two remixes he produced below as well:
And if that weren't enough, if you're an artist or record producer you can also get Robert Dubwise Browne to play on your song/album. It's a service he offers when you contact him via his facebook page Facebook.com/GuitarTracks. If you go to the page you'll see all the popular songs that he's played on. Click the image below:
What was the point of this blog? You tell me. The one thing I'm pretty sure of is, in the ten minutes you took to read, click, listen, you are now a bit more familiar with the Man, the Musician, The Artist, The Record Producer, The Guitarist ROBERT DUBWISE BROWNE
Monday, April 15, 2013
Hair Today, None Tomorrow
It's been about 11 years now since I've been growing my dreadlocks and I recently decided to cut them. If you know me well, this shit has been on my mind for a while.
Anyhow, I'm only sharing all of this here because I want to donate my hair to somewhere/someone that it will benefit, if it can, in any way.
My first thoughts were to sell them on ebay or craigslist, figured I could get some decent $$$ because of who I am - Guitarist, traveled the world touring with Shaggy, Diana King, Jimmy Cliff, Monty Alexander Damian Marley.....and the list goes on. So there is some kind of "history" or "value" to my hair right? I'm not just an average Joe.
But then I thought "why should everything be about money?" I know there are companies that take hair and make wigs for cancer patients etc. But not all of them take dreadlocks as donations.
So that's it, if anyone knows who or where I can donate my lovely dreads I'd really appreciate it.
Gonna wash them, go to a salon and cut them. What I'll do is keep them in a ziploc bag until I figure out where to donate them. Below are some pics... I hope to take some when I'm getting them cut.
Anyhow, I'm only sharing all of this here because I want to donate my hair to somewhere/someone that it will benefit, if it can, in any way.
My first thoughts were to sell them on ebay or craigslist, figured I could get some decent $$$ because of who I am - Guitarist, traveled the world touring with Shaggy, Diana King, Jimmy Cliff, Monty Alexander Damian Marley.....and the list goes on. So there is some kind of "history" or "value" to my hair right? I'm not just an average Joe.
But then I thought "why should everything be about money?" I know there are companies that take hair and make wigs for cancer patients etc. But not all of them take dreadlocks as donations.
So that's it, if anyone knows who or where I can donate my lovely dreads I'd really appreciate it.
Gonna wash them, go to a salon and cut them. What I'll do is keep them in a ziploc bag until I figure out where to donate them. Below are some pics... I hope to take some when I'm getting them cut.
 |
| London 2002 |
 |
| Jamaica 2003 |
 |
| Australia 2009 |
 |
| Singapore 2011 |
 |
| Florida 2012 |
Friday, November 23, 2012
Jamaican Mortgage "scheme" and interest rates F'kin Sucks - JNBS
In 2002 the wife and I went to look at a lot in Norbrook (St Andrew, Jamaica). She really liked it and we decided to get a loan to acquire it. I had an account with JNBS so decided to get the mortgage through them. At the time it was the best option. The lot valued 2.5M Jamaican dollars and I borrowed $1,750,000 from JNBS at a rate of 14%.
Forgive me for being ignorant to the way banks/building societies work out their interest rates (which I'm sure most individuals are), but it always gets me when I look at my statement and TEN (10) years later I still owe $1,638,407.85, which means I've only paid off $111,592.20 on the loan. I think the people who came up with the whole banking system and mortgages were f'kin geniuses as well as thieves.
Check it: 14% of $1,750,000 is $245,000 correct? Stores have a certain percentage mark up on goods, so when you buy anything anywhere they're making a profit of whatever percent they set for their business. Same thing goes when you see an item on sale - 10%, 12% or 20%. Whatever the tag says that's usually exactly the percentage reflected in the sale. So that's my basic understanding and expectation of how that works. Banks however, obviously do things very different. How many people do you think actually understand what they're paying back? And the interest rates actually go up to 18% I hear, or even more.
My monthly payment since 2002 has been $22,570.52 (JMD) which I've consistently paid until maybe last year when work got slow and everything escalated price wise. However this figure works out to $270,842.64 per year - more than 14% of the initial loan per year. And over the ten years that have passed I've paid $2,708,426.40 (JMD) (actually that's a little off because I now owe a couple months). And remember the property was valued only $2.5M and I borrowed $1.7, so I've actually paid back more than what it valued at the time of purchase. The "Loan Maturity Date" is August 2027, so you can calculate how much money they'll be making the next fifteen years.
No one forced me to take the loan, it was somewhat free will. If you don't have the cash up front you can go to the bank and take the services they offer. The thing is, that 14% was the best option at the time. Think about it, that whole system. I guess that's why bank managers and so forth can live the lavish lives they want and the people who save with them or take loans seem to always be "struggling" to make a payment.
I am blessed though that they haven't auctioned off the lot I'm paying for. Some people aren't that blessed.
Just saying the Jamaican Mortgage "scheme" and interest rates F'kin Sucks!!
Have a great day
Forgive me for being ignorant to the way banks/building societies work out their interest rates (which I'm sure most individuals are), but it always gets me when I look at my statement and TEN (10) years later I still owe $1,638,407.85, which means I've only paid off $111,592.20 on the loan. I think the people who came up with the whole banking system and mortgages were f'kin geniuses as well as thieves.
Check it: 14% of $1,750,000 is $245,000 correct? Stores have a certain percentage mark up on goods, so when you buy anything anywhere they're making a profit of whatever percent they set for their business. Same thing goes when you see an item on sale - 10%, 12% or 20%. Whatever the tag says that's usually exactly the percentage reflected in the sale. So that's my basic understanding and expectation of how that works. Banks however, obviously do things very different. How many people do you think actually understand what they're paying back? And the interest rates actually go up to 18% I hear, or even more.
My monthly payment since 2002 has been $22,570.52 (JMD) which I've consistently paid until maybe last year when work got slow and everything escalated price wise. However this figure works out to $270,842.64 per year - more than 14% of the initial loan per year. And over the ten years that have passed I've paid $2,708,426.40 (JMD) (actually that's a little off because I now owe a couple months). And remember the property was valued only $2.5M and I borrowed $1.7, so I've actually paid back more than what it valued at the time of purchase. The "Loan Maturity Date" is August 2027, so you can calculate how much money they'll be making the next fifteen years.
No one forced me to take the loan, it was somewhat free will. If you don't have the cash up front you can go to the bank and take the services they offer. The thing is, that 14% was the best option at the time. Think about it, that whole system. I guess that's why bank managers and so forth can live the lavish lives they want and the people who save with them or take loans seem to always be "struggling" to make a payment.
I am blessed though that they haven't auctioned off the lot I'm paying for. Some people aren't that blessed.
Just saying the Jamaican Mortgage "scheme" and interest rates F'kin Sucks!!
Have a great day
Monday, July 16, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
My Way
It's quite challenging to grow and think contrary to the way you were raised. I yearn for that confidence, that belief in myself and what I want to do with my life regardless of everything and everyone that's around me. The people who make the biggest impact in this world are the ones who live a full life and stand by their own beliefs and follow their dreams no matter what society or anyone else said. When will I be that person? As I asked the question an answer came to me - "when you stop being afraid" - Fear of being wrong, fear of hurting others, fear of ridicule, criticism... FEAR is often what stands between failure & success, confidence & doubt ... living a fulfilled life or not living at all.
I do hope to 'step out' of this shadow of fear because I have been here for as far back as I can remember. I wish for myself the courage to step forward with confidence, welcome all challenges with head held high because the reality is, people will always have something to say, negative & positive so as long as I know what I'm doing why should I care?
As a musician & songwriter, nothing sums it up better than the lyrics below - MY WAY (Frank Sinatra)
MY WAY
And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend I'll say it clear
I'll state my case of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Regrets I've had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes there were times I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out, I faced it all
And I stood tall and did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way
For what is a man what has he got
If not himself then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes it was my way
I do hope to 'step out' of this shadow of fear because I have been here for as far back as I can remember. I wish for myself the courage to step forward with confidence, welcome all challenges with head held high because the reality is, people will always have something to say, negative & positive so as long as I know what I'm doing why should I care?
As a musician & songwriter, nothing sums it up better than the lyrics below - MY WAY (Frank Sinatra)
MY WAY
And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend I'll say it clear
I'll state my case of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Regrets I've had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes there were times I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out, I faced it all
And I stood tall and did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way
For what is a man what has he got
If not himself then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes it was my way
Friday, February 24, 2012
Life & Music
I posted something on my facebook page earlier today.. Been going through some personal stuff that has me really stressed emotionally and mentally. And I think I may be too much of a pussy to just deal with it head on.
But then, I justify my avoidance of what I know I must do by reminding myself that I have to constantly be in the same space with the person I have to confront or, rather just say what's really on my mind. And then, again, only I know how this person really is or can be........and I'll hear that it's only because of me why she gets like that... I will accept a small percentage of that responsibility..
Anyhow, regarding my post.... Its funny how I got a lot of "likes" for it because if people googled the post I'm sure my phone would be ringing nonstop.
After a conversation last night I made a decision to do something that has crossed my mind several times in the past and one that has been in my mind since last July that I think about every single day. All morning I've been planning and somewhat researching and I think I have it sorted out almost 70%. However, I'm here in the studio now listening to some of my unfinished work and ...wow.... The effect that music can have on you. Hearing the songs just brought a certain peace of mind and a level of comfort and contentment.. reflecting on the moments of creativity and the ability I'm blessed with to execute and bring forth/translate what's in my head into physical sound. It's just magical sometimes.
So now I'm faced with another decision - what the fuck do I do?
Putting it plainly, do I take my own life, confront my fear, run away, or stay and continue this cycle? The funny thing is I KNOW what's the right thing to do. I also know that it's not going to be an easy process. Can I live with myself knowing or feeling like I've hurt someone in a way that only I could? Or would it be best if I'm just not around for the peace of mind of that one person... Could she ever stand seeing me after? would she ever forgive me? would she ever be happy and content with her own life knowing I'm still living, enjoying life and possibly moved on to other relationships?
I'm not even sure why I'm sharing this now. I guess I'm in a position where I don't want to talk to anyone but I just need to get this out of me....and I'm still not even saying everything.
I only have 6 "followers" here so the chances of anyone reading this is also minute but at least I would have let it out of me.
So, I'm still not sure what I'm gonna do. Life's a mystery isn't it? You just never know.....
I wrote a song some years ago..maybe 2006... a line goes:
"18 years old and in love, it feels like heaven, yeah...
but one day we both grew up, and it don't feel like heaven anymore"
I often sing parts of the song in my head, I like it... planned to record it for an EP I'm thinking of releasing next year.. Lets see if that happens.
It just amazes me how some people have the strength to deal with life's challenges and some don't, no matter how simple they may seem. Anyhow, thanks for reading I will leave you with the post from my FB page.. Love, Peace & Happiness.
"The degree to which physical pain and psychological distress can be tolerated is different in all humans. Quality of life judgments are private and personal, thus only the sufferer can make relevant decisions. " - Derek Humphry
But then, I justify my avoidance of what I know I must do by reminding myself that I have to constantly be in the same space with the person I have to confront or, rather just say what's really on my mind. And then, again, only I know how this person really is or can be........and I'll hear that it's only because of me why she gets like that... I will accept a small percentage of that responsibility..
Anyhow, regarding my post.... Its funny how I got a lot of "likes" for it because if people googled the post I'm sure my phone would be ringing nonstop.
After a conversation last night I made a decision to do something that has crossed my mind several times in the past and one that has been in my mind since last July that I think about every single day. All morning I've been planning and somewhat researching and I think I have it sorted out almost 70%. However, I'm here in the studio now listening to some of my unfinished work and ...wow.... The effect that music can have on you. Hearing the songs just brought a certain peace of mind and a level of comfort and contentment.. reflecting on the moments of creativity and the ability I'm blessed with to execute and bring forth/translate what's in my head into physical sound. It's just magical sometimes.
So now I'm faced with another decision - what the fuck do I do?
Putting it plainly, do I take my own life, confront my fear, run away, or stay and continue this cycle? The funny thing is I KNOW what's the right thing to do. I also know that it's not going to be an easy process. Can I live with myself knowing or feeling like I've hurt someone in a way that only I could? Or would it be best if I'm just not around for the peace of mind of that one person... Could she ever stand seeing me after? would she ever forgive me? would she ever be happy and content with her own life knowing I'm still living, enjoying life and possibly moved on to other relationships?
I'm not even sure why I'm sharing this now. I guess I'm in a position where I don't want to talk to anyone but I just need to get this out of me....and I'm still not even saying everything.
I only have 6 "followers" here so the chances of anyone reading this is also minute but at least I would have let it out of me.
So, I'm still not sure what I'm gonna do. Life's a mystery isn't it? You just never know.....
I wrote a song some years ago..maybe 2006... a line goes:
"18 years old and in love, it feels like heaven, yeah...
but one day we both grew up, and it don't feel like heaven anymore"
I often sing parts of the song in my head, I like it... planned to record it for an EP I'm thinking of releasing next year.. Lets see if that happens.
It just amazes me how some people have the strength to deal with life's challenges and some don't, no matter how simple they may seem. Anyhow, thanks for reading I will leave you with the post from my FB page.. Love, Peace & Happiness.
"The degree to which physical pain and psychological distress can be tolerated is different in all humans. Quality of life judgments are private and personal, thus only the sufferer can make relevant decisions. " - Derek Humphry
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)