It’s just before midnight on 7-11. I hope there’s some cosmic luck in that. It was hot today, but the air was very fresh and cool out in the dark a few minutes ago. There’s a lot bubbling in and around my life these days.
We just went through the death of my wife’s dad who was 96. He was a kind man, loved and enjoyed by everyone who came into his orbit. He became a 2nd father to me in a lot of ways. Bill reminded me of my own dad a lot. Affable with a presence that people liked to be around. Not a pompous, look at me bone in their bodies. Very honest and straight with folks…a handshake deal you could rely on. Good models in many ways…not perfect human beings…but generally very good dads.
We’re going to miss him, but the well is full of good memories. I look forward to the family get together to celebrate his life.
There’s other things bubbling in our family and I want to be the good dad, the good husband, the good brother. The REALLY good Poppy. There’s projects I’m working on in various states of being, that all need a push here and a nudge there…some research over here and some skill at recording, or editing…or writing. Some appropriate insight…and some luck…a wink and a nod from the Universe.
I love good collaboration and had a wonderful phone conversation with a new friend this afternoon. You cross paths with a lot of folks and it doesn’t amount to a lot…this feels like one of those crossroads moments that matters…and it involves music…live music, well performed and expressed. King Curtis and Memphis Soul Stew comes to mind. The band bubbles, grooves and sizzles as he introduces each one live at the Fillmore West and they get their moment to show their stuff…the bass player from Macon, then the incredible Bernard “Pretty” Purdie on drums laying down his infectious fatback thing…Billie Preston on B-3 Organ like you’ve never heard him…and then the King gets on top of it all and rides it like a mother…with his sax. Good God…that’s how life should be. Everyone should be able to be in that moment and take that ride at least once in their life. whatever your art, your calling…your passion…go for it. Make your stew…and enjoy the flavors…and after you finish your set…Aretha comes out, Ray joins her and you back her up…..with a little R, E, S, P, E, C, T…”vamp till cue….” That’s cooking…
outstanding take. glad our conversation resonated. I’m struck my the idea that conversation is jazz...and I approach it as such. Mike Nesmith of the Monkees called all his collaborators, whether musical or not, “bands.” I have adopted that framing in my own life.
ps: kudos for *any* King Curtis mention 😎