Reminiscin'- Features - Terrence ‘T-Bone’ Frierson

Ready to embark on his 1st solo UK tour, Terrence ‘T-Bone’ Frierson talks to REMINISCIN' about his new, critically acclaimed album, new videos, inspirations and the new material he is about to share with the world.

Known for being a part of the award winning Sounds of Blackness, Terrence ‘T-Bone’ Frierson has put together a sound fusing the genres gospel, R&B, soul and jazz.

After gaining world wide fame early on in his career,
Terrence has grown from strength to strength and has worked with many other talented individuals who have also added their expertise to the creation of Terrence’s critically acclaimed new album, ‘The Time has Come Anthology’.

Set to showcase his new material with the style people have come to know and love. Supported by an amazing live band, Terrence will be gracing the shores of the UK with a special 3 day tour Terrence teaches us all on new heights with his spiritual music and enlightens us all on what the power of music can do.

How has it been – being back in the studio working on your new album 'The Time Has Come?'
It’s been a blessing to be able to work with such songs writer’s rearing the creativity of each one and using the gifts that “GOD” continues to give me. It’s so much fun laying so many tracks.

What’s your favourite track on the album?
My favorite song on the CD is “One More Time”. The reason it’s my favorite is my mother passed away in my arms and I lost my best friend Terrence Hooks also. But really it’s hard to choose which one because I have lots of favorites such as “The Time Come”, “I Wanna to Lay Back In The Sun Shine”, & “Strength To Walk Alone”.

What do you love most about being in the studio?
Seeing the production come together mixing harmonies, drums, rhyme programming basically using the gifts GOD give me.

Are there any songs you co wrote with other artists? If yes, what made you decide to work them?
Yes there was Jimmy Russell, Brian Thomas, Tory Harrington, Levi Caesar, and Mr. Mossberg. The reason I chose to work with them is they are trust worthy and great songwriters. My goal is to write with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis one day and those other artists that develop great music.

How would you describe the process of working in the studio with Jimmy 'Jam' Harris and Terry Lewis?
That was a dream comes true. They are perfectionists and love to work long hours. They will bring out the talent in you that you never new you had. They are great businessmen. I really like to personally thank Jim & Lewis for giving me my first big break with the Sounds Of Blackness and setting up my first tour with Luther Vendors. The Power Of Love tour. I love you guys and GOD BLESS YOU!!!!

You performed at our infamous Jazz Café, how was your performance received at the Jazz Café?
Colossal! We performed to a sold out crowd and the fans loved us! They know all the words to our songs and that invigorated us even more. Gary Hines (director) let me sing some of my tracks “Strength To Walk Alone” from “The Time Has Come” CD. I have to say it was well received.

How do the other members of Sounds of Blackness feel about your music?
They love it. Of course they all love different songs. We are really a family and we support one another.

What is it like now being a solo artist and a member of Sounds of Blackness? It feels good to be a solo artist & with the Sounds. Its almost like the group New Edition they are still a group but every one has solo CD that’s why I pray for humbleness and GOD to lead me in the right direction.

What do you love about making Gospel music?
Praising the Lord my GOD and singing a song that makes people feel good. There could be someone out there that’s feeling really low and maybe through my music they get uplifted and feel the spirit of God. You know maybe I’ll get a letter or some communication from someone saying that the song I sung helped him or her get through. That sends chills through my body when I think of it.

We have a large gospel following in the UK...Have you heard any gospel artists from the UK and what where your thoughts?
Unfortunately I’m really not familiar with the Gospel scene in the UK Music Industry. The mainstream artists some of whom I have worked with like Sting, Desiree, and Elton John do Gospel songs but are not exclusively Gospel artists.

Which gospel singers still inspire you and who are your favourites?
The Wyaning, The Clark Sisters, and Donald Merceklin and of course the first group I played drums for in Detroit MI Dr. James Marks and The Voices Of Heaven. The Sounds Of Blackness when they do sing gospel.

What can the audience expect when they go to Terrence's show?
A message from GOD and a soul explosion great band & sound if there aren’t any technical difficulties! Lights in the groove lots of fun with high energy. And look out meet and greet VIP parties.

How do you go about preparing for a show?
For my spirit I pray to the Lord. I attend bible studies and Sunday school. I want to thank to my pastor Rev Hallman and my church family at the St James AME Church Minneapolis MN. For my body I have voice drills, physical workouts. Writing the music, playing drums & shear enjoying life.

Can you name some ‘must have’s’ you take on tour?
My Bible, IPod, my computer studio with the motif sounds, and life’s essentials food & water.

What process do you go through when selecting, your band for a show?
Choosing creative musicians and trusting the director.

Are there particular musicians or backing vocalists you always use with out fail?
I really don’t have the same vocalist I’m starting out by myself and I want to give talented people the same chance I’m having.

How does being away from home, affect you when you are out on the road? I love being on the road, but it can be lonely. I’m a single dad, but I have to work it out to do what I love and be supporting of my family.

Do you have any other projects your working on at the moment?
Yes I’m working on my next CD. I’m always working on something.

Do you have any concepts or plans for any of your upcoming music videos for your new album? Are there any video directors you already have in mind to work with?
Yes, I’m working using a video treatment for my video “Strength To Walk Alone”. The video will introduce praise dancers Monica Hyacinth & Jaila Tolbertand. This will be a visualization of my dream. I would love to involve Gisell from Lundstrum Center Minneapolis MN.

'The Time Has Come' UK TOUR
The biggest Soul event to hit the UK this year, Terrence T Bone Frierson of Sounds of Blackness, Junior Giscombe, Nu Life and Dominic Smith
26th October 2008 - ARC
ARCHWAY ISLAND
1A ARCHWAY CLOSE
LONDON, N193TD
United Kingdom

Doors open 7pm show starts 8pm

Tickets £15 plus booking fee