So yeah, it's been a while since I've sat down to add some stuff here. Lots of good and bad, and me just trying to walk between the raindrops.
I've been playing a great deal, and doing some recording from home for some folks. The Highlights have been Jeff Przech getting engaged at one of our gigs; forging a new musical friendship with Michael Sasportas; and most recently, playing at FAT's 55th anniversary and Peter Newlands 75th birthday in Three Rivers, Mass. Receiving praise at this show from both Mick Goodwin, of Joe Cocker fame, and Jim K himself, the monster guitarist from FAT who after leaving FAT for solo things, opened up a new door for me with Peter Newland and FAT.
These are things that you carry with you in your heart for all time. For all the times where shows didn't go as planned, or were horrible to get to, these are the type of things that make it worth while. The heavy things that I carry with me are another story, and when all is said and done, caring for my family is first and foremost. I've had a few people over the years not understand that, even recently dodging a bullet with a project that fell through., for the best. I only have a certain amount of energy per day, and I can't waste it on people who only see me as a commodity. The music scene is loaded with narcisistic people who only want people who will further their own dreams. Being a sideman can be like running through a. mine field to avoid those types. I'm just not interested. I play music to heal myself and anyone else that wants to partake. I can do that at home, or in front of thousands of people. It really makes no difference to me.
I've been really reflecting on the passing of Randy Meisner. His work with Poco and The Eagles is remarkable. Of course I love the guitar work of Bernie Leadon, Don Felder, and Joe Walsh, but I've always had a real soft spot for Randy's bass playing and singing. Some of his songs are all-time favorites, however obscure, and I think it's because of the kinship I feel with him. Not putting myself up there musically, but I can really relate to his reluctance to be in the spotlight. He was quiet and shy, and just let his music speak for him. He had his inner demons, and loved to get away from the limelight as fast as he could. We will miss you Randy.
I've also been reflecting on the state of society at this moment of time. I really miss the days where politics didn't define who people think they are. Most people today would rather not admit that there is more middle ground that we all have in common; instead they have become polarized and exclusive. People are being taught to be wary of one another. I will fight this for as many breaths as I have left. I urge people to shut off their TV, go outside, help a neighbor, look for the qualities in people that really matter. Stop following political figures like it's the same as sports teams. NONE OF THEM care about any of us. They all have healthcare that we will never have. It's a crystal palace, a club that none of us are a part of. I think if my father were still alive, he would be greatly saddened by the state of things. He was a people person, more than I ever will be. He died with virtually no ememies. Everyone that knew him, their lives were made a little better.
I strive hard every day to live up to those standards. I still have a long way to go, but I had the best teacher.
Be kind. That's all I ask of anybody.
I've been playing a great deal, and doing some recording from home for some folks. The Highlights have been Jeff Przech getting engaged at one of our gigs; forging a new musical friendship with Michael Sasportas; and most recently, playing at FAT's 55th anniversary and Peter Newlands 75th birthday in Three Rivers, Mass. Receiving praise at this show from both Mick Goodwin, of Joe Cocker fame, and Jim K himself, the monster guitarist from FAT who after leaving FAT for solo things, opened up a new door for me with Peter Newland and FAT.
These are things that you carry with you in your heart for all time. For all the times where shows didn't go as planned, or were horrible to get to, these are the type of things that make it worth while. The heavy things that I carry with me are another story, and when all is said and done, caring for my family is first and foremost. I've had a few people over the years not understand that, even recently dodging a bullet with a project that fell through., for the best. I only have a certain amount of energy per day, and I can't waste it on people who only see me as a commodity. The music scene is loaded with narcisistic people who only want people who will further their own dreams. Being a sideman can be like running through a. mine field to avoid those types. I'm just not interested. I play music to heal myself and anyone else that wants to partake. I can do that at home, or in front of thousands of people. It really makes no difference to me.
I've been really reflecting on the passing of Randy Meisner. His work with Poco and The Eagles is remarkable. Of course I love the guitar work of Bernie Leadon, Don Felder, and Joe Walsh, but I've always had a real soft spot for Randy's bass playing and singing. Some of his songs are all-time favorites, however obscure, and I think it's because of the kinship I feel with him. Not putting myself up there musically, but I can really relate to his reluctance to be in the spotlight. He was quiet and shy, and just let his music speak for him. He had his inner demons, and loved to get away from the limelight as fast as he could. We will miss you Randy.
I've also been reflecting on the state of society at this moment of time. I really miss the days where politics didn't define who people think they are. Most people today would rather not admit that there is more middle ground that we all have in common; instead they have become polarized and exclusive. People are being taught to be wary of one another. I will fight this for as many breaths as I have left. I urge people to shut off their TV, go outside, help a neighbor, look for the qualities in people that really matter. Stop following political figures like it's the same as sports teams. NONE OF THEM care about any of us. They all have healthcare that we will never have. It's a crystal palace, a club that none of us are a part of. I think if my father were still alive, he would be greatly saddened by the state of things. He was a people person, more than I ever will be. He died with virtually no ememies. Everyone that knew him, their lives were made a little better.
I strive hard every day to live up to those standards. I still have a long way to go, but I had the best teacher.
Be kind. That's all I ask of anybody.
RSS Feed