Chat 02/16/99: NOTE: The participants in this Xperience in Truth were as follows: Larry Graham Tina Graham L4OA: - The Collective InJoy! It starts.... L4OA :  Larry, congratulations on the release of GCS2000! Larry :  thanx a million :) L4OA :  u must b very pleased with the response it has received Larry :  Very very very pleased L4OA :  it feels a lot like the live shows u have been playing... L4OA :  did they inspire the album? Larry :  yes L4OA :  Yes, Larry, there is something 4 every1 on GCS L4OA :  how r u enjoying ur promo tour? Larry :  the response is incredible... many many many people Larry :  r showing up at the in-store appearances L4OA :  meeting lots of new faces? Larry :  lots of new faces... lots of familiar faces L4OA :  r there any plans 4 more live per4mances soon? Larry :  yes, Thursday... @ Electric Fetus in Mpls L4OA :  there is a buzz all over the net about the in-store appearances L4OA :  so xpect a crowd :) Larry :  that's what we want! a great crowd! L4OA :  any other cities we can xpect u in soon? :) Larry :  that's being set up now... we should know by the end of the week L4OA :  u have described GCS2000 as 'heart music' -- xplain that a little 4 us Larry :  GCS2000 comes from r hearts... and we're trying 2 connect with urs L4OA :  well it's working :0) L4OA :  did this album feel very different in the making 2 ur other works? Larry :  yes... Larry :  eye had complete freedom 2 do whatever eye want 2 do... Larry :  no one saying eye can't do this or eye can't do that... Larry :  no time limit... Larry :  no budget worries... Larry :  so when we finish with a song... Larry :  it's becuz we're actually finished... Larry :  not becuz we ran out of $ or time L4OA :  that sounds great, a shame it can not b that way 4 all L4OA :  have ppl restricted u in the past? please xplain Larry :  in most situations... Larry :  there is either a time limit... Larry :  or a budget limit... Larry :  in this case... Larry :  there is no limit! Larry :  as long as the electricity bill is paid... Larry :  the tapes keep on rollin'! L4OA :  lol L4OA :  So this is an xample of the freedom u speak of L4OA :  It seems with the coming of the year 2000 a lot of L4OA :  "music originators" are coming back 2 L4OA :  the scene... in a way showing newschoolers how it should be done L4OA :  how do u feel having them look at u as a role model? Larry :  eye feel that it's a great responsibility... Larry :  and eye'm gonna try my best 2 set a positive xample... Larry :  and eye also try 2 use the gift that God gave me in a positive way L4OA :   often speaks of u being an inspiration 2 him, who inspired u in ur early days? Larry :  my mother Larry :  ... she was a pianist and vocalist Larry :  we worked 2gether 4 a number of years... Larry :  b4 eye joined Sly and the Family Stone L4OA :  shows 2 prove a parent is a child's greatest role model in life :) Larry :  true L4OA :  did ur mother also inspire u in ur faith? Larry :  no, eye inspired her Larry :  eye learned The Truth first Larry :  as far as eye know :) L4OA :  so children have much 2 teach also :0) L4OA :  do u think that Sly and the Family Stone will per4m 2gether again? Larry :  eye hope so :) L4OA :  it's often been said u wanted 2 b a guitarist, how did u end up L4OA :  going and staying with the bass? Larry :  when my mother and eye started working 2gether... Larry :  eye was playing guitar and she was on piano... Larry :  and we had a drummer... Larry :  one club we worked in... Larry :  had an organ with bass pedals... Larry :  eye learned 2 play the bass pedals at the same time Larry :  as playing the guitar and singing... Larry :  we got used 2 having the bottom... L4OA :  amazing! Larry :  but the organ broke down... Larry :  so eye rented a bass, 2 add some bottom Larry :  temporarily, eye thought! Larry :  the organ could not be repaired... Larry :  and eye got stuck on the bass L4OA :  did Sly and the Family Stone ever do a gig with Jimi Hendrix? Larry :  yes Larry :  Woodstock, Isle of Wight, and others L4OA :  what happened? L4OA :  we can guess :) Larry :  Sly and the Family Stone rocked! L4OA :  indeed L4OA :  eye feel u and wanted 2 make an important statement L4OA :  in the song "Utopia" off ur new album - can u xplain? Larry :  Utopia... it's true... eye don't want 2 b worshipped... Larry :  only God should b worshipped... Larry :  eye don't consider myself a star... Larry :  as has been said b4... Larry :  everybody is a star L4OA :  do u have a bodyguard? Larry :  yes, Tina guards my body very well L4OA :  lol L4OA :  heard that! :) L4OA :  u speak very openly about ur beliefs, do u feel this affects L4OA :  people's perceptions of u? Larry :  eye hope so L4OA :  I love the way u re-used the BJB drum track in the song "Love 4 1 another" - L4OA :  how did that come about? Larry :   L4OA :  do u have a favorite track L4OA :  on ur new cd? Larry :  they r all my favorite L4OA :  rs 2 Larry :  it's like u have a large family of children... Larry :  and u love them all, but in different ways L4OA :  I adore how u, Tina and the crew interacted with L4OA :  the crowd at ur listening party. it was so refreshing, so open :) L4OA :  is ur wife with u now? Larry :  yes, always L4OA :  sweet L4OA :  an xample 2 many L4OA :  yes L4OA :  hi Tina :) Tina :  hey y'all :) L4OA :  howdy ma'am! L4OA :  any tips 4 those just starting out on how 2 keep so 2gether? Larry :  the Bible says that the threefold cord.... Larry :  cannot easily b torn in 2... Larry :  and that means... Larry :  u, ur mate, and God L4OA :  eye c L4OA :  do u have a favourite Bible passage that u would like 2 share? Larry :  1 John 4:8 Larry :  which says... Larry :  in part... Larry :  God is Love L4OA :  sums it up 2 me L4OA :  so... L4OA :  in the words of a song.. L4OA :  if u could ask God just one ?, what would it b? Larry :  how did eye become so blessed... Larry :  2 b known by u? L4OA :  :) likewise L4OA :  Larry, how is being on the road and touring different now, than in days of old? Larry :  4 one thing... Larry :  technology has enhanced what can b seen and heard... Larry :  and as far as the travel side of it... Larry :  the buses have a lot more things 2 play with inside! Larry :  than they used 2 have :) L4OA :  do u see r lives being changed as we move in2 the year 2000? Larry :  yes... Larry :  eye think more and more people r starting 2 b enlightened... Larry :  knowing The Truth changes lives L4OA :  how many basses do u own? Larry :  (counting) Larry :  maybe around 7 L4OA :  quality, huh, not quantity L4OA :  r u vegetarian? Larry :  sometimes Larry :  :) L4OA :  the end of "eyemagettin'" is very chaotic and "violent" - special meaning? Larry :  doesn't sound violent and chaotic 2 me... Larry :  2 me it sounds like relief at last Larry :  leading 2 life in a peaceful new world L4OA :  how have u settled in Minneapolis, must b cold after Jamaica Larry :  Jamaica was very warm in climate... Larry :  Minnesota is very warm... Larry :  as far as the ppl r concerned Larry :  eye'll get used 2 the cold... L4OA :  oh yah L4OA :  glad 2 hear that :0) Larry :  haha Larry :  we used 2 go camping a lot... Larry :  and my wife says that eye make the best fires... Larry :  now that skill is coming in handy! L4OA :  lol L4OA :  do u spend much time online? Larry :  sometimes L4OA :  do u like what u see? Larry :  yes, becuz eye go 2 places that eye like Larry :  like love4oneanother :) L4OA :  :) Larry :  and gcsweb.org L4OA :  what do u think of the marriage of music and the internet 4 the future? Larry :  eye think it's great... Larry :  wish we had it back in the day... Larry :  maybe things would b different 2day Larry :  but what we're doing 2day... Larry :  eye will make it better 4 2morrow L4OA :  do u find reluctance amongst many artists 2 work "outside" of contracts? Larry :  yes... Larry :  eye personally enjoy the freedom of not having one Larry :  whatever eye do is becuz eye want 2 do it... Larry :  and eye don't have 2 ask anybody's permission... Larry :  xcept Tina's :) L4OA :  it's like friends then L4OA :  do u feel self-employed? Larry :  eye don't feel like what eye do is work L4OA :  how would u feel about a combined project between L4OA and gcsweb? Larry :  eye think that's a great idea!... Larry :  we were just talking about that minutes ago! L4OA :  :)... L4OA :  if it happened what would u like 2 see? Larry :  truth... Larry :  positivity... Larry :  love... Larry :  and music :) L4OA :  Larry, being a musician eye find many musicians L4OA :  from the "old school" have a problem using L4OA :  the new technology out 2day L4OA :  do u mind it? or do u still like 2 keep it down 2 earth so 2 speak Larry :  eye think that the technology... Larry :  should b used 2 enhance what u do... Larry :  sometimes ppl let technology... Larry :  CONtrol them... Larry :  2 much L4OA :  Stevie Wonder should play the clavinet bass synth L4OA :  and real drums, and spank these youngin's Larry :  haha L4OA :  and call the album... the "real" Roots L4OA :  :) Larry :  :) Larry :  eye can hear that in my mind and heart right now! L4OA :  back 2 the grease... L4OA :  Larry? L4OA :  do u fish? Larry :  haven't been in eons Larry :  now eye've become a fisher of ppl L4OA :  Larry, if u could pick ur own 'Supa-group' who would u pick? (past or present) Larry :  present :) L4OA :  lol Larry :  NPGCS L4OA :  do u remember the 1st time u saw ? Larry :  tennessee L4OA :  ever? Larry :  first time... Larry :  was in the mid-70s @ a Warner Bros. picnic L4OA :  really? L4OA :  :) Larry :  yes L4OA :  LOL L4OA :  what did he look like? Larry :  he looked like Prince L4OA :  hee Larry :  lol L4OA :  and now? Larry :   L4OA :  u were great on Tavis Smiley's show, btw Larry :  thank u L4OA :  will u ever do an album just 4 the ladies... ballads? Larry :  eye'd like 2 L4OA :  most of us here... L4OA :  dislike the usage of classic.. L4OA :  trax like ur song... L4OA :  "Everyday People." L4OA :  do u have approval over such usage? Larry :  no... Larry :  some of the versions... Larry :  that they use... Larry :  makes u go... "hmmm" Larry :  "how in the world did they come up with that?!... Larry :  who is that?!... y is that?! what is that? L4OA :  r u "taking back" that song by per4ming it live? Larry :  we play the song in r show... Larry :  cuz we love the song L4OA :  :) L4OA :  we do 2 Larry :  :) L4OA :  how did u come 2 find the Jehovah Witness faith? Larry :  eye was invited 2 one of their large conventions... Larry :  in Oakland, CA... Larry :  as eye was leaving... Larry :  a girl gave me a book... Larry :  called "Is this life all there is?"... Larry :  eye read the book... Larry :  it made sense... Larry :  and answered a lot of ?s eye had... Larry :  about life... Larry :  then eye wanted 2 know more... Larry :  so eye started studying the Bible with one of the JW... Larry :  and more and more and more of my ?s were answered... Larry :  from the Bible... Larry :  so in 1975, eye got baptized L4OA :  Madonna said on television recently that all paths lead 2 God... L4OA :  what do u think? Larry :  broad and spacious... Larry :  is the road... Larry :  leading off in2 destruction... Larry :  but narrow is the path... Larry :  and cramped is the road... Larry :  leading off in2 life L4OA :  well put L4OA :  apart from The Bible, have u read any other books that L4OA :  u would like 2 recommend? Larry :  The Knowledge that Leads 2 Everlasting Life L4OA :  what role does music play in finding ur way in life? Larry :  music is... Larry :  the universal language... Larry :  and with it... Larry :  eye can reach the heart... Larry :  of anyone... Larry :  on earth... Larry :  that's an important part of my life... Larry :  being able 2 communicate... Larry :  with my friends L4OA :  OK :) Larry :  :) L4OA :  thank u Larry 4 always standing 4 what u believe in, openly L4OA :  it is very important L4OA :  not 2 hide r lights L4OA :  any plans 4 a single? Larry :  U Move Me... is the new single L4OA :  U move me - good choice Larry :  thank u L4OA :  very cool intro, great skating song! :) L4OA :  will u play it in Mpls? Larry :  probably not... but maybe :) L4OA :  there is a rumor about a "LARRY GRAHAM DAY"...in Minneapolis? L4OA :  it ought 2 be! Larry :  lol L4OA :  any chance of ur friends in Europe seeing u soon? Larry :  eye hope so :) L4OA :  we hope we r'nt keeping u from anything? L4OA :  skiing Larry :  we're getting ready 2 rehearse... Larry :  but that can wait a few minutes Larry :  :) L4OA :  eye thought eye heard stomachs growling! Larry :  ha ha L4OA :  what album do u have in ur player at home right now? Larry :  my player holds 6 cds... Larry :  Newpower Soul... Larry :  Come 2 My House... Larry :  GCS2000... Larry :  Release Yourself... Larry :  GCS first album... Larry :  and Aint No Bout A Doubt It L4OA :  yes sir! L4OA :  sounds like a commercial L4OA :  sounds like the party is at ur house then ! L4OA :  sounds like inspiration... L4OA :  funky L4OA :  past 2 present 2 future L4OA :  Larry, how was it working with ur daughter on GCS2000? Larry :  it was fun! Larry :  eye was really surprised... Larry :  when she did it... Larry :  but eye think with the encouragement from ... Larry :  she came thru 4 us L4OA :  Larry, can u get us an innerview with Stevie? Larry :  eye would like 2 get one 4 myself with Stevie!!! Larry :  ... L4OA :  lol Larry :  eye have millions of things eye'd like 2 know about him! L4OA :  Stevie loves Larry... so it is said Larry :  and Larry loves Stevie! L4OA :  so do we :0) Larry :  eye'll never 4get.... Larry :  when we were playing a gig in boston... Larry :  and we started playin one of Stevie's songs... Larry :  "Maybe Your Baby"... Larry :  and Stevie came up... Larry :  and sung it with us.... Larry :  eye also had the pleasure of jammin with him... Larry :  not long ago... Larry :  with on drums... Larry :  with Tony Rich... Larry :  and Kat Dyson on guitar... Larry :  it was an awesome xperience L4OA :  sounds great L4OA :  will we ever get 2 hear that? :) Larry :  no one recorded that eye know of... L4OA :  2 bad Larry :  but u know how that goes! Larry :  maybe u will get 2 hear it one day L4OA :  r u going 2 the R and B Foundation awards? Larry :  yes, eye am going 2 play... L4OA :  seems like if folks owned their work... there would b L4OA :  no need 4 such a night L4OA :  it would seem Larry :  yes, u r absolutely right L4OA :  amen 2 that L4OA :  so Larry, what's the thing with the sailor caps? do u have a boat? Larry :  eye have on my cap right now L4OA :  :) Larry :  but eye don't own a boat yet :) L4OA :  yet! L4OA :  the cap's a start :) Larry :  but eye have friends that do! Larry :  so that's kinda like having one... Larry :  cuz all my friends like 2 share L4OA :  lol L4OA :  good :), we will look out 4 ur funky version of 'Sailing' L4OA :  do u just dig the sailor cap look? Tina :  yea, he looks adorable! L4OA :  cute! L4OA :  awwwww L4OA :  lol Larry :  eye prefer speed boats L4OA :  watch out, deacon! Larry :  lol L4OA :  what do u attribute 2 u and Tina's youthful looks? Larry :  she takes good care of me... Larry :  and eye try 2 take good care of her :) Larry :  ... and God takes care of both of us! L4OA :  indeed L4OA :  amen 2 that L4OA :  glad 2 hear it :0) L4OA :  May eye ask Tina a question? Tina :  sure L4OA :  How is it being on the road with these guys? :) Tina :  it's wonderful... Tina :  we're a big family! Tina :  eye'm always there... Tina :  with his water... Tina :  his gum... Tina :  and a towel 2 wipe his sweat :) L4OA :  lol L4OA :  I saw u in DC on the side of the stage L4OA :  and u looked like u were having a ball!! Tina :  always having a ball! L4OA :  what a gal! Tina :  when he's playin', eye'm playin'! L4OA :  Much props 2 u 4 that Tina!! L4OA :  everyone is gushing L4OA :  will we get the next GCS release sooner than later, since u r free now? Larry :  definitely L4OA :  Larry, how did u like 's live version of The Jam? funky enuff 4 u? :) Larry :  mo funky mo funky mo funky Larry :  ! L4OA :  lol L4OA :  Gonna cover that 2gether on ur next CD? :) Larry :  :) L4OA :  Or u can record it 4 the site :) Larry :  that's another idea! L4OA :  yes L4OA :  oneders never cease Larry :  :) L4OA :  good cross-site idea Larry :  yes! :) L4OA :  that's the start 2 a completion. merging 2gether L4OA :  shall we let L4OA :  Larry L4OA :  have the last word? L4OA :  we thank u 4 ur time Larry :  eye wanna thank everybody... Larry :  4 taking the time 2 chat with me... Larry :  eye look 4ward 2 doing it again... Larry :  becuz eye can feel all the love... Larry :  coming thru!... Larry :  and u know how eye feel about love :) Larry :  so until the next time... Larry :  may God b with u... Larry :  and keep on seeking The Truth... Larry :  and u'll find it L4OA :  thank u Larry, we hope 2 chat with u again soon God Bless Larry :  Matthew 6:33