Before hearing any of the songs on The St. John’s Scholar, I saw the album art with the St. John’s Bridge and that made me happy.
My relationship with Vinnie Dewayne’s music isn’t at all near that of an expert. I don’t possess any knowledge of the man’s music except my time spent listening to Castaway and Rites of Passage. Them shits was fire. I am very happy to hear his growth, and it seems to this listener that the man keeps improving with every release.
I am no math expert but I’ve played the Myke Bogan-assisted Easy at least a thousand times on YouTube. I was very happy to see that track included on TSJS.
The one thing that always has and continues to impress me with Vinnie’s music is this is a genuine dude. There are no gimmicks. There is no veil being thrown over your eyes. You’re going to get the news from the horse’s mouth, and he doesn’t hold back with his honesty in expression and storytelling.
This fact is demonstrated rather amicably on tracks like “No Where” and “Paradise.” It’s not that Vinnie Dewayne doesn’t want to argue with you (maybe he doesn’t?), or treat you with more kindness than the next man; but this artist is going to tell it how he sees it, feels it and knows it to be. For better or for worse.
I brought up the St. John’s Bridge because that seems to be a terrific symbol to represent St. John’s, Portland, OR. If you don’t know about that neighborhood, DeWayne will tell you. You will grow to understand what life was like growing up there, and what it may look like going forward.
Another thing I appreciate about Vinnie Dewayne, and specifically The St. John’s Scholar, is the man’s point of view on spiritual matters. The story of a tree growing through concrete comes to mind. Sidhartha Guatama comes to mind. A man who had it all in the material world yet chose to leave it all behind in search of a timeless peace of mind and service to others.
No matter what anybody tells you, art is service. That’s my understanding. When you go to the pen and pad, or the MPC or the canvas; what are you trying to do but help yourself and others along the way? I’ve never talked to the man but it seems like Vinnie Dewayne understands this predicament.
I know DJ Cones and I.P. from Rites of Passage. Cones’ remix of TSJS II was illuminating. I was a bit disappointed to not see that track included here, but whatever. This sounds like a coming of age album, and I’d be hard pressed to say that this artist’s ceiling isn’t set very high.
This album has tremendous replay value. I know I’ll be going back to it. My only question is, when are physicals available?