Tommy Villafranca

Tonight I got to chill back at a screening with friend, teacher, mentor and all around great guy Richard Lawson. The movie was Black Fist, aka Bogard (1974) and it was playing at the New Beverly in Los Angeles. If you are not familiar with his work, please visit his IMDB page at www.imdb.com/name/nm0493311/. Usually on a Tuesday evening, Richard is teaching actors at his studio. But earlier in the day he caught wind that “Black Fist” one of his earliest films, was being screened tonight only. So with his good will and generosity, he bought 15 tickets for his students and took us all on a field trip. It is not unlike Richard to treat his students and friends. This is an artist who understands and values the importance of the ritual of celebration. He is one of the most generous human beings I have ever had the joy of experiencing. “Black Fist” was amazing. It was a pivotal film during the wave of black exploitation films during the 1970’s. This film in particular was an inspiration for filmmakers like Sam Pekinpah and Quentin Tarantino. It was full of action, sensuality, violence, passion & love told with spectacular performances by Richard, Dabney Coleman and Phillip Michael Thomas, all who have gone on to great careers. After the screening we got to enjoy a Q&A session. Ticket buyers along with the theatre staff had no idea such a treat was awaiting them. Afterward there were hugs, kisses, handshakes and pictures taken on cellphones. No doubt those pictures are already uploaded onto Facebook. What a splendid evening to see so many smiles on people who have been entertained for 40 years by such a great guy.

This weekend I got to kick it with music legend Brian Holland while recording with Charlie Played Cello.  Brian, his brother Edward & writing partner Lamont Dozier where the powerhouse trio writing team who created that classic Motown Sound in the 1960’s. With over 200 songs in their catalog, 130 were on the charts, 70 in the top 10 hit list, and 20 of them were number 1 hits.  What an experience to be part of his creative process.  He was effortlessly masterful and all the while having fun!  Laughing and singing he would craft and shape the song together.  He was giving, always praising the artist and guiding with a reassured comfort.  Brian was honest with a witty sense of humor and willing to point to a positive character trait both in the music and the people around him.  He is 70 years of age and without a doubt, I could see the happiness and joy that music still brings him.

Wow, we are coming into the second half of 2011! I trust your year has been full of opportunity and positive change.

2011 is building momentum with the release of SMOKED: the web series. 4 Episodes along with the trailer are currently up on YouTube.com and now a part of the Strike.TV network.

On the music & drumming front, we’ve finished production and final mixing of the 1st full length album by CHARLIE PLAYED CELLO soon to be released on the NEW DEAL ENTERTAINMENT Label and distributed through Universal Music Group at Fontana Distribution. Look for the release on iTunes this year.

Now being Represented theatrically by Ross Grossman at Affinity Artists.