a poem is a sermon
I am currently reading a fascinating biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Mozart: A Life, by Maynard Solomon. Of particular interest to me is its focus on the relationship between father and son as one of the defining aspects of Mozart’s personality and life pursuit. Another interesting aspect of the biography is reference to passages like […]
I cannot say I learned to dance, although at times I was inspired; and with each wrong note, took a chance that in his band, I might get fired. Precision: like a jeweler’s saw he cut through space and time with life in rhythm, bold and raw. In one small couplet’s rhyme he could encapsulate […]
You wanna make it on the pop charts Shrink-wrapped and sold just like a pop tart Well, let me tell you: better get smart it doesn’t matter if you’ve got heart It doesn’t matter what you’re saying and you don’t have to do the playing Don’t take a seat, ’cause you ain’t staying If the […]
What was it that Garcia said? “There’ll always be those in the crowd that want the beat and nothing more”: repetitive, and fast and loud, so they can dance. No need for words. Besides, a lyric can erect a barrier that separates those wanting something circumspect, who are expecting something great, from those who simply […]
What a record label’s looking for I haven’t got a clue; it doesn’t really matter any more. And who’s at number one or rising up to number two? I’ve stopped pretending that I’m keeping score. I don’t expect the radio to leave familiar ground; they’ll play what advertisers think they need. And the movers and […]
“People only want to hear the few songs that they know.” That’s what some will tell you drives live bands and radio: the lowest common factor in the drunkest, toughest crowd who only care to listen if it’s familiar and loud. “People have no interest in songs they’ve not heard before. The same old sound […]
This bar’s got a jukebox; for a quarter, you can hear the latest big-time songs; there’s no need to book live entertainment if all you want is just to sing along. Yes, I’ll take requests, but not too many; don’t be hurt if your favorite’s not on queue. I know a lot of numbers, but […]