This blogging thing is quite a stretch for someone who doesn’t really say one hell of a lot. Which shouldn’t be confused with not having anything to say. Far from it! Want to know what I think? – What I feel? My songs should tell you that – all you need to know anyway. But since I HAVE a blog, I guess I oughtta use it … 
So I was recording Wednesday, did this open mic last night and a gig tonight on a boat – not my first time (that was another boat – the Thekla, a few years ago for Ladyfest) … I had spent the day surrounded by two-dimensional people and swiping at some phantoms from my past … it just got too hard to smile. Nobody likes that. People like people to be happy, and mellow and reasonable. Any display of true emotion, or frustration or (God forbid) anger is liable to get you hurriedly swept away by some giant social-cleansing dustpan. . . Days like this make it ever clearer to me how important music is in my life – and not just the gigs but everything that goes with it – especially the people.
I like genuine, real, multi-dimensional people. I might not like them very much – or I might not like what they stand for. But it’s not against the law to state preference and it’s a free country. But I respect their honesty, their conviction, their ability to stand true. I can’t stand anyone who just isn’t who they are. And I really find it hard to understand anyone who makes too many compromises … it’s fair to say, I probably didn’t like myself for a while there then! These last couple of nights, I have spent amongst some solid crystal characters. (not just the artists). You can’t fold them into the cartoon-strip of your daily grind and expect them to follow the script. I guess that’s something Music does for people – and not just the people who make it. A captivating tune, a lyric, a sound that grabs at your soul can take you anywhere you want to go. You can’t put a price on that!
I had a conversation with a guy recently who was trying to tell me how fortunate people like me are that we have this means of expression, this gift, this outlet … it was cringeable stuff, but he didn’t have to tell me, I know. Of course, he’s right – though it comes at a price, I think. Not that you’ll hear me complaining!! I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am certain that the same can be said for the folks I’ve shared the stage with recently… Check out Catherine & The Owl at www.catherineandtheowl.com Also Google “Amelia Tucker” and “The Funkinsteins”. And go to www.myspace.com/jackbirdjackbirdjackbird and last, but not least, go to Rita Lynch.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
There is so much out there! Get out of your box and start listening!
Bj
… next weeks gig will be a different story (don’t forget – change of venue – it’s now at the Full Moon) … Take care x
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