1. Where are you from?
Houston, TX. I also lived in Lafayette, LA.
2. What is your occupation?
Professor of Ethnomusicology, published author, and classically trained pianist/musician.
3. What is the best thing about working in New York?
I like New York because of the ethnic diversity and the variety of cultural and creative outlets. Also, I think it’s because I went from adolescence to manhood here and became a responsible person.
4. If you could, what would you change about the city?
The rent prices and cost of living. I would also change the social atmosphere here. People are usually on the go, fast paced, and I find it hard to keep in contact with my friends and difficult to make new ones.
5. What was the strangest thing that happened to you while commuting or traveling?
I was traveling doing field research in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil and I was violently robbed by a group of homeless teenagers right outside of my apartment. They stole my camera, watch, tape recorder, and equipment; luckily, they didn’t get my passport or money. But what was really strange was that I became friends with the same group that robbed me. Before I left the city, they apologized, we still keep in touch to this day, and they helped inspire the writing of my first book.
6. Have you ever had a train, plane, bus love or crush episode?
Yes, that happens a lot to me. I wish I had the nerve to go up and talk to the person and say hello.
7. If you could commit a crime and not get caught, what would it be?
Rob a bank to pay off all my student loans.
8. Is your mom a good cook or fabfriggintastic?
She’s a very good cook, fabfriggintastic! Especially with southern cuisine, that’s her specialty.
9. Black, brown, red, or blonde?
I would say brown and blonde.
10. Are you a leg, breast/chest, or ass man/woman?
I’m basically a leg man; it’s the first thing I usually notice, then I work my way up to the other parts.
11. Men: boxers, briefs, boxer briefs, or commando? Women: bikini, thong, hipster, booty/boy shorts, granny panties, or commando?
Briefs for men and bikinis for woman. I’m a traditionalist.
12. Chocolate or vanilla?
Strawberry! And chocolate, too. Together works really well, too.
13. Favorite dessert?
I love strawberry shortcake or strawberry cheesecake
14. Do you take vitamin supplements?
I don’t take vitamins per say. I used to take them but I stopped.
15. If you could have a dinner date with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
Oprah Winfrey or Quincy Jones. He could answer my questions I have regarding the book I’m writing about him, haha.
16. Favorite music video?
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and most Madonna videos. One in particular by Madonna was a feature video rendition of her song “Vogue,” and I can’t think of the exact name but I liked it a lot.
17. Favorite music instrument to play or would like to play?
Piano.
18. Biggest pet peeve?
When people are users and superficial, especially for their own game.
19. Biggest turn on?
The way someone carries themselves, their attitude, and how they assert themselves mentally and physically.
20. What is the last question you would like me to ask you? Or you can ask me one question.
I’ll ask you—what is your favorite pastime?
Reading, trivia, listening to music, interviewing people ... among many other things.
I had the pleasure of working with Clarence and was excited and proud of him when he told me his book on African roots of Brazilian music was in the process being published. Now, here we are a year later and his superb and informative book is published!
