5:55 pm - I'm sitting in my hotel room... waiting for the limousine. A few hours ago, Maxwell's stylist and NY Carib News Entertainment editor, were deciding what I would wear on the red carpet (black vintage jacket) and on stage (white Sonia Rykiel's Homme suite with shoes by Valentino). Relaxed and sophisticated... I like it. Regina Belle is also slated to perform tonight and Rihanna is nominated for 6 awards. Stepping out onto the balcony, I listen to the waves below on the beach, and feel the ocean breeze against my face... this is a “Soul Comfort” moment.


This journey started in my father's church... I was about 5 years old when the congregation watched me make my way to the pulpit for the first time. They fanned vigorously, expecting the miracle of music. I took a deep breath, gripped the microphone with both hands, and gazed up to heaven...

9:25 pm - I'm waiting backstage at the 2009 Barbados Music Awards, holding my guitar. The lights dim and I hear my name introduced. That's my cue. I move quickly... I only have a few minutes to get into position. The stage hand positions the mic and runs into the wings. The blue spotlight baths me... I'm on...

Everything is now hazy blue... I take a moment to adjust, and then slowly enter the world of music... melody... harmony... lyric. Ahhhh yes! This is it... I feel my voice flowing out of me. This moment is sublime, the pinnacle of happiness. I am giving my music to this audience and they are receiving it. I can feel them relax now and enjoy my love. It's beautiful and indescribable... as the lights dim, I can hear the applause...


Songs can take on a life of their own. “Love” is featured in the Indie film "Blueprint” which screened at over 30 International Film Festivals including Cannes Film Festival.  I've performed “Love” at Guyana Fashion Weekend, Barbados Music Awards, and it is nominated for a 2009 OutMusic Award for Outstanding R&B/Soul song.  I am thankful for all of these blessings.


“Soul Comfort” is my happiness on record. Nominated for 2 Velocity Awards (Best R&B Album and Best Alternative Artist).  It features an impressive array of talent - Carl Evans on Keyboards (he's played with Stevie Wonder & Barry White); David Stark on Guitar (Rick James & Teena Marie); Tommy Aros on Percussion (Luis Miguel); and Polydor recording artist Mike Ibrahim. CD mastering done by Robert Honablue, whose Gold and Platinum credits include Santana, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, and Miles Davis.


Through Black Angel Records, I've had the pleasure of releasing 4 original CDs, a compilation of “Love Songs” and filming an unplugged DVD with Emmy Nominated director Bill Cote.  I've toured  the world and even performed at Avery Fischer Hall in Lincoln Center.  Music from my 2001 debut “I've Been Waiting for You” was featured at the International Fringe Festival in the Award-winning play "The Making of the Black Man.  But I don't take credit for any of this... My mother was responsible for that first performance that started this journey, and so I dedicated my 3rd album “John Martinborough Coming home” to her.  It is a gospel CD because my mother loves inspirational music and I love you mommy – you always encouraged me to be my best...


My sophomore “Someday Peace Love & Freedom” is my hope for change. Logo Magazine dubbed it “The Voice of Social Conscience”. OutMusic nominated it for Outstanding Male Album of the Year and it won Best Musical Performance at Fresh Fruit Festival 2004. “Free” and “I Miss You” received honorable mention at the 14th Annual Billboard Song Contest and helped claim the #1 position on NY Indie Myspace Fusion, Healing, and Neo-Soul Music Charts. I had the honor of sharing the stage with Motown Recording Artist Donnie and Def Jam Poet Staceyann Chin.


But what I value most is my ability to help others. I made a commitment to give back after realizing how much I had been given. I graduated from NYU with a BA in Economics, studied hard and became an honors student. Now this is my chance to raise awareness and advance good. Over the years I've supported Lifebeat (HIV/AIDS), Drug Rehabilitation Programs, Domestic Violence , National Disability Awareness, September 11th Concerts, THAW (Theaters Against War), Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemorations, Gay Prides, Earth Day Celebrations and given talks to high school students.


12:55 am - We are sitting in the limo heading back to the hotel. All the congratulations and well wishes are now in my heart... all the celebrity pictures are saved, and I'm watching the lights sail by. It's been a successful evening. I would only have a few hours of sleep before filming the Mornin' Barbados TV interview and performance. But right now, I smile, replaying the scenes of the last few hours, and thanking the Universe for another “Soul Comfort” moment.