Making War or Peace?

By Von Black

With the upcoming Howard Theatre December 28th show that is being promoted by Garsone Productions, there has been a swirl of rumors that Garsone is trying to create a battle between Donnell Floyd with his all-star band Familiar Faces and Wisdom Speeks alias Whop-N-Em with his band of virtually unknown musicians who have climbed their way from obscurity to a position that has them poised to do something similar to what Black Alley was able to do over the past couple of years.

The event is dubbed the Bash of the Titans and the flyer has Donnell Floyd and Wisdom Speeks back to back holding microphones and appearing to be serious about the business of putting on a show. It certainly appears that a battle is the case. But, is Wisdom Speeks up to the challenge, or is a battle even being portrayed in the flyer at all? Many don't have a clue about who Wisdom Speeks is or why it is so many people are talking about him and his band, so we will explore his rise to fame and what the future holds for them later, but first we'll address this notion that Garsone is attempting to do what even most of his staff would consider preposterous.

Donnell Floyd

He is a very talented artist who can play the saxophone, write songs, produce music, and command a stage like few people can in the world. From his 18-year stint with Rare Essence, to his career changing run with the 911 Band, to performing around the world with Chuck Brown, then landing in his own niche with Familiar Faces, D. Floyd has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is to be rivaled by no one when it comes to putting on an entertaining show, rocking a crowd, or taking on a foe. Many would recall a show at the LaFontaine Bleu in New Carrollton, MD. where Familiar Faces changed the landscape of the Go-Go circuit when D. Floyd ripped the stage with such vicious savagery that he and his band left the mics, speakers, and platform emitting fumes and hazy smoke. The next band, which we won't put on the spot, was wondering what got into them to act so harshly. Needless to say, that was a launch-pad performance that has Familiar Faces still perched on top.

Donnell also has a library of music that is even more familiar than the faces that back him up on stage. With head-bangers like Work the Walls, Overnight Scenario, and Lock It, D. Floyd can instantly turn any room into a jamming party that would likely put any would-be challenger at a stark disadvantage. It would likely take a band such as Northeast Groovers and their stinging string of hits to offset what D. Floyd can bring to a battle, or maybe Buggs and Rapper Dude who are probably the only "individual" performers that bring a comparable level of energy to a stage presence. But, Wisdom Speeks doesn't even get hype, so why would Garsone attempt such a futile approach in promotions?

Dispelling to Rumors

We were able to catch up with Garsone on a phone interview to ask him to explain the recent theme of his marquee event, if it has anything to do with a battle, and whether he thought Wisdom Speeks would farewell in a battle with Familiar Faces. His first reply was, "First of all, if you go to the very first post that we put out, I personally put a comment in the photo that should have laid all this to rest, but then you know how people like to throw salt in the game or instigate a fight. I used to hate jokers like that in school because they kept me fighting."

Clearly, the post was intended to defuse any competitive talk that could stem from those who saw the post, but the title in itself tells you that this is something similar to a battle; Bash of the Titans is not exactly what you would call an elegant night out on the town. To that, Garsone replied, "No it is not, and it wasn't intended to be such. I'm a promoter in the manner of Don King. He was the reason why I became a promoter, and I'm not in it for the lunch money I can make off of promoting local bands. I'm focused on the global picture and to become an international promoter of music and live shows. With that said, I dignify the Go-Go community with the same dignity and forethought that I would offer a much broader audience by producing a theme that means something and is not just a label that sounds good. Labels and themes are two different things, brother."

We weren't sure what the difference was, so he was asked to explain. He said, "A label like Stilettos and Pencil Skirts explains the character of the audience, their attire, shoes, or attitude, while a theme explains the character of the show, such as A Rumble in the Jungle. See the difference? Bash of the Titans focuses on the Titans, Whop and D. Floyd and whoever else I decide to add to the show. And, a bash is what they are going to make out of the event for the people who come to see it."

Many would agree that Donnell Floyd is a Titan in the DC Music Culture, but Wisdom Speeks is relatively new. How can he be considered a Titan? Garsone defends the company's position here as well when he tells us, "You have to remember, we're promoting Wisdom Speeks first, and if he wasn't a Titan in our eyes, we wouldn't be making a laughing stock out of our own brand by stamping someone who is laughable." He continues, "With that said, many who know Whop and what he has accomplished over the years know that he is poised to do something phenomenal in music here and abroad. Furthermore, this is a theme that will continue from year after year following the December 28th event. There will be many Titans that will grace Garsone Production's stage from various genres and countries, but there will always be a Go-Go based band headlining it if there are those that continue to emerge that are worthy. Donnell has the privilege of making history because he is our first headliner and is more than worthy. This event is about the accomplished performers; it has nothing to do with a battle, trust me. I've been dreaming this up for years. It just wasn't time. Now is the time. And, there's a lot in store."

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The Verdict

Finally, we asked Garsone if he thought Wisdom Speeks would do well in a battle with Familiar Faces. His answer shocked us. "Are you kidding? Even Whop himself said that he wouldn't battle Donnell. Man, that dude puts that head band on to catch all that sweat and turns into a different person. In a battle, no, but in a musical performance there would be those who would like one or the other better. Wisdom Speeks is in a totally different lane and is able to turn it up, down, out and around. They literally take one song and play it like 4 different ways in one set. You don't even realize you're listening to the same song until you hear the lyrics. These boys are bad. I'm just saying."

So, there you have it from the horse's mouth. The Bash of the Titans is not a battle, but it is an event designed to showcase multiple Titans in a bash that the attendees won't soon forget, and in the case of this Bash, a certified Titan, D. Floyd, along with other Titans whom we are not at liberty to disclose, will welcome a new Titan to their ranks, Wisdom Speeks. This is a show you have got to see. Stay tuned at www.Garsone.com for updates to the show.

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