Latest Blog Post

Sharper Notes, Empty Seats

Dear Miss, dear Mister,

the last shows of this comeback tour have been different – sharper, tighter, deeper in the groove. The band and I slide into the first tune and suddenly the stage fright is gone. My fingers know where to go, my voice sits right on the beat, and for the first time in years I feel like “Mr. Funkyoverload” again. 2% jazz, 98% funky stuff – exactly how it should be.

Between gigs we locked ourselves into the studio and cut the first new singles. Real horns, real soul, no tricks. Just warm tape, tired eyes, coffee stains on the sheet music and that moment when the red light goes on and the whole room holds its breath. When I listened back to the first mixes, I actually had to sit down. It sounds like me – only older, a little rougher, but more honest.

And yet… something’s missing.

Every night I look to my left and my right and see empty spots where permanent bandmates should stand. The solos are there, the applause is there, but the family isn’t complete. Touring alone, living out of a suitcase and a bandjet without shared laughter, makes the hotel rooms feel even bigger.

So if you are out there, Miss or Mister Musician, and you feel this kind of groove inside you – know that there is a place for you in GROOVE. Until you step on board, I’ll keep polishing the sax, pressing the suits, and playing every show like the one where you finally appear.

Until the next entry.

– Maceo Hathaway
Saxophonist, singer, slightly lonely, but fully in the groove.