Comments for Black Rock Coalition, The History of our Future

O.K. What is the Black Rock Coalition? Well, the simple answer to that is that it is an not-for-profit educational corporation specializing in music. The complex answer is a little more difficult. It may be easier to say what it it''s not. 1). It Is not just a Living Colour Fan club. (For one thing some of the members of L.C. first met at a BRC meeting, so that would put the egg-before-the-chicken anyway) 2). It is not just a Jimi Hendrix Fan club. 3). It is not just an excuse for black guy''s and girls who play rock and rock to get some easy promotion. (Everyone in it gives a lot more than they get) 4). It is not just for Black People only. (Anyone who gives a *damn* can join and participate) 5). It is not backed by the fortunes of any individual artists. (The BRC is grass roots and members volunteer their time to help each other reach a set of common goals.) The BRC was formed when Artist Manager Konda Mason, Writer Greg Tate and guitarist Vernon Reid started to get together and talk about why certain musicians were running into resistance when they tried to express certain forms of music within the New York club scene. The most obvious and strongest resistance was for black people to play rock ''n roll, as the apparent prevailing ''wisdom'' was that rock ''n roll is for and by ''white'' people inspite of the fact Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Fats Domino, The Isley Bros. (who originally recorded ''Twist and Shout'' before the Beatles), Otis Redding, Chuck Berry, Sly Stone, George Clinton, Prince and Jimi Hendrix are black americans. But that''s not all. There is resistance both inside and somewhat outside of the black community for black''s to actively participate in jazz or blues as well. In effect, any music outside of the very restrive limits of *straight-up* R&B, Hip-Hop and sometimes Funk is off-limits. The BRC is dedicate to broadening these boundaries and promoting more participation and development of ''Alternative Urban'' musical forms. I am not a spokeman for the BRC. I''m just a rank-file member. If you want more official data you can contact: Beverly Milner (BRC LA Executive Director) Hotline (213) 960-7730 or Beverly Jenkins (BRC NY Executive Director - Manager of Me''Shell N''Dege O''cello) There''s a number for New York, but I don''t have it right now. Now about this record: It''s a compilation of N.Y. and L.A. BRC member bands which gives a sample of the breadth of work that they have delved into. From spoken-word, to jazz, the hip-hop, to metal to funk. Each group provides something that''s a little or a lot beyond the conventional. It can be special ordered from Ryko by most record stores.