Sam Cosby 1976-1977

I once read a post that referred to George Lucas as a modern-day Mozart with film. From an early age, I have seen him orchestrate limitless and masterful compositions. These compositions have guided me to the path that I am currently traveling. Mr. Lucas has educated other concertmasters who have been able to follow in his footsteps. One example is Dave Filoni and the incredible composition of Clone Wars.
I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah in the 1970’s. In some respects, Utah has always been 20 years behind the rest of the country. In some respects it still is. Growing up in this environment was not easy. Even though the rest of the country was moving forward from segregation and racism, my experience in Utah was they were not. Even today I can still see those who have not accepted that our country has moved away from this degrading behavior. I refer to them as the old guard. They are old and on their way out now and will be leaving this earth soon and with them they will take their hate. It took some time to realize, but I need to thank the old guard. It was because of them I would found ways to mentally escape their bombardment of animosity. That was not the only factor in me needing to escape, but hey played a major factor. So I, like many kids my age, attached themselves to something LONG AGO, FAR FAR AWAY.

FAR FAR AWAY…THANK GOODNESS!

Star Wars was a way to escape from everything. I spent many hours playing, living, imagining my world as the world of Star Wars. I would spend hours upon hours, days upon days, and weeks upon weeks escaping from reality into my world of Star Wars. To my parents, it seemed like the new latest craze that all the kids were into. I remember, I had a something no one in my neighborhood had. My father was able to get a bootleg copy of the VHS tape from 20th Century Fox, then it became apparent that something had stuck. It wasn’t out on VHS so I didn’t mention it to my friends in fear that the old guard would find out and spread their hate. I’m sure if they had, 20th Century Fox would have gotten an anonymous call about that bootleg copy. Yeah it was like that. I would listen to kids brag about what Star Wars toys they had and they would talk about parts in the movie that they hadn’t seen in months. They had it all wrong but I knew not to say anything. I just went home and watched it. I watched it so much I could see the red squares surrounding the Tie Fighters. I watched it so much that I could recite every word and I could close my eyes and listen to the music and sound effects. For me then it was priceless.
Through the years my cousin would come over. While we played every game console there was like Atari, Odyssey2, Intellivision, Coleco Vision, Atari 2600, Nintendo NES etc. We would talk about Star Wars and pose questions like, “What if we could be in that cantina, have our own Falcon, have a light saber, be a Jedi, be like Darth Vader or Han Solo? “ The conversations were endless. Then Star Wars video games came out. We played every one that we could get our hands on, but our little minds could never imagine the future and what we would experience.
As an adult, I began working on my own series, then entitled The Adventures of Larz and Ellis Beetle. I was living in a small basement apartment and I didn’t have much of a social life at the time. When I wasn’t tied up with something else (people trying to sabotage anything and everything I was trying to do) I would sit in my apartment developing characters, writing melodies and trying to figure the whole thing out.
On June 26, 2003 Star Wars Galaxies was launched. I, like many others, anticipated this game or a game like it for 15 to 20 years. Star Wars Galaxies was the game that would encompass my childhood dreams of wanting more after my introduction Star Wars 1977. I decided to take a whole day out to introduce myself to the game. After creating and naming my character I launched into the game on the planet Rori. It was at that moment that everything changed for me. It wasn’t the fact that I had grown up with Star Wars and enjoyed all the things it had offered for my imagination. It was the first time that I could see and immerse myself into a place where I had only read or seen snippets in the movies and heard audio books about. I’m not ashamed to say that I spent months exploring every planet in every place. Remembering the discussions with my cousin “What it would be like to go there?” always was discussed. “There” pretty much incorporated everywhere in Star Wars. So there I sat, experiencing Star Wars in such a grand scale. Doing so made me think about my series. “Why should I limit my ideas only to conform with either what people were telling me I needed to do to be accepted?”
When I finally got enough money to catch the shuttle from Rori to Naboo I found my answer. Star Wars Galaxies was more than just a game, it was an immersion. If you are a simple fan of Star Wars and have never read any of the books or listened to audio books, once you do you immediately discover that the Star Wars universe is infinite. The missions were like stories. Some short and some long. Playing the game I kept a pad and pen next to me and would write down ideas. I did this for six months and had two tablets full of what I could do. Soon it became I can do. Now it is I will do.
Just recently they’ve announced the closing of Star Wars Galaxies. It’s understandable considering The Old Replubic’s release coming our way (hopefully soon). The release of ‘Star Wars’ the Complete Saga in September and the Clone Wars seasons availability is something to look forward to as well. The Star Wars saga continues to influence me and my series.
The Ceruladons is my series and paying attention to what has been created has taught me so much. I’m proud to say that George Lucas has inspired me to believe in my universe. I’m sure that he is already aware that he has influenced people in many different ways. His movies, books, toys and games got me through my childhood and I had no idea that he was opening my mind so I could be free. I believe I can do anything with my series but I also know I’ll have to pay my own bills.

Being a musician I tend to keep a watch as great musicians leave us. Some of them I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk to and some I wish I would have had the opportunity. I’ve learned that when somebody influences, inspire or encourages us it is better to tell them why they’re here. I grow tired of people not appreciating greatness while it’s here with us. You never know how much you miss greatness until it’s gone. Today, I am saying THANK YOU to George Lucas, Howard Roffman and to all those whom I don’t know who have and still make Star Wars happen. Your efforts are appreciated.
Lastly, last night my 3 1/2 old son held up his little light saber he recently got from McDonalds and said while watching a trailer for The Old Republic, “I fight the black!” he said and fell on the floor when the Jedi died. Priceless!

Tom Hodges

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Coleman Giles meets the Lions Head. Photography by Michelle Gaillard

This is going to be a great project but we still have alot of work in front of us.

Todays events included getting a season pass and walking the zoo grounds to get a feel for the place.

It  has changed since I was a kid but there are some things still around after all these years. (The Lions Head)

Brings back some fun memories as a kid.

Coleman Giles considers the turkey. Photography Michelle Gaillard

 

The Gorilla is waiting to escape. Photography by Michelle Gaillard

The turkey is considered. Photography by Michelle Gaillard

 Michelle Gaillard.com is in the works!

Jeff is beautiful in his muscianship and as a human being. If you get the chance to hear him play LIVE you should jump at the opportunity. Until then check out his MUSIC.

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With great pleasure I present to you the original CERULADONS Rhythm God: Phyiist (inspired by Jeff “Tain”Watts)

Disclaimer:
Characters created by Sam Cosby are based solely on the individual’s creativity and music ability. It is not intended to create a divergence from the inspireds financial gain, marketing capability or ability. It is in no way a representation of the individuals’ personal lifestyle, religious orientation, or political beliefs.

Who’s your Daddy?

I think I’ll let him do his own talking.

I’d like to introduce you to my fourth Rhythm God and CERULADONS character:
Gutis Migi  (inspired by Chris “Daddy” Dave)

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Disclaimer:
Characters created by Sam Cosby are based solely on the individual’s creativity and music ability. It is not intended to create a divergence from the inspireds financial gain, marketing capability or ability. It is in no way a representation of the individuals’ personal lifestyle, religious orientation, or political beliefs.

I also have a way to mention people who have inspired me on many levels. They’re presence and time on this earth drives me to believe that anything is possible with hard work. Some need no introduction because their reputation proceeds them while others will astound you with their abilities.

Whether it be books, music, movies or video games this is the place where I can introduce you to what inspires me.

When I first heard Kenny Muhammad I was deeply encouraged. What I saw and felt was massive.  He gave that “I can do anything feeling”.  Kenny is well known for using the “wind technique” while beatboxing. Later I began envisioning a character and creating what if’s with him in mind. The character inspired by Kenny doesn’t command his troops from a safe vantage point but chooses to orchestrate their movements in the center of battle but never lifting a hand to fight. So far this has been the most difficult character to name and develop. I came up with several names but when I watched his video again I knew I had to get back work. Please feel free to check the videos and sites below.

I’d like to introduce you to my third Rhythm God and CERULADONS character:
Oriys Seethe (inspired by Kenny Muhammad)

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Disclaimer:
Characters created by Sam Cosby are based solely on the individual’s creativity and music ability. It is not intended to create a divergence from the inspireds financial gain, marketing capability or ability. It is in no way a representation of the individuals’ personal lifestyle, religious orientation, or political beliefs.

I realize some students and parents feel that the situation was blown out of proportion. Personally, I don’t feel that this is the case. A line on appropriate and inappropriate behavior needs to be drawn. I believe that Canyons School Districts investigation will determine what needs to happen. We should allow them the time to deal with the situation and make any actions they deem suitable. I give them my support and a vote of confidence.

While many people are angered that we have spoken out on this issue, many more have expressed gratitude for providing a platform where Hispanic, Jewish, African American, Caucasian, Asian, Pacific Islanders, people of different religious beliefs and sexual orientation(s), where their stories can be shared and have their voices heard.

I HOPE THAT PARENTS WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE THEIR STUDENTS/CHILDREN TO RESPECT EVERONE REGARDLESS THEIR DIFFERENCES!!!

Sam Cosby

I’d like to introduce you to my second Rhythm God and CERULADONS character:

Philanges (inspired by David Haynes)

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Disclaimer:
Characters created by Sam Cosby are based solely on the individual’s creativity and music ability. It is not intended to create a divergence from the inspireds financial gain, marketing capability or ability. It is in no way a representation of the individuals’ personal lifestyle, religious orientation, or political beliefs.

Elvin Jones, Larz Cosby, Sam Cosby

Elvin Jones, Larz Cosby and Sam Cosby Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival 1994
 

I had opportunity to meet and talk with Elvin while attending The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in 1994. I had previously listened to his recordings and watch footage of him playing with John Coltrane. I knew of his importance musically. During his drum clinic he took a liking to my son and I. After we talked for a time and later that evening at the concert spoke again. He encouraged me and talked about the importance of good timing. “Timing is everything. So work on your time.” he said. As a bassist I’ve always found it wise to try and learn from people who play other instruments. I never thought it was wise to just run to the bass player because I play bass. I didn’t know this way of thinking was putting me on the path to where I am now and where I am going. In my series, The CERULADONS, the battles are massive. Taking over planets is no easy task and there must be some form of orchestration to obtain that goal.
Here is a example of how rhythm was used in the civil war.

Now lets observe a more advanced progressive approach to moving troops and winning battles.

I’d like to introduce you to my first Rhythm God and CERULADONS character:

Dkuun Khg (inspired by Elvin Jones September 9, 1927 – May 18, 2004)

 
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Disclaimer:
Characters created by Sam Cosby are based solely on the individual’s creativity and music ability. It is not intended to create a divergence from the inspireds financial gain, marketing capability or ability. It is in no way a representation of the individuals’ personal lifestyle, religious orientation, or political beliefs.