I began playing sax in 4th grade and baritone horn in junior high. In college, I added piano and a Fender P-Bass. But then money got real tight and I had to sell that and all my valuables, including my Sunn tube bass amp, three peach crates full of collectible LP’s in immaculate condition, and many pints of plasma to pay all the bills.
It was the late ’70’s, and it seemed the only jobs available at the time were at fast food joints. Everybody I knew who flipped burgers or fish had grease burns all over their arms, so that wasn’t going to work for me. But I was so broke. One day, in desperate need of cash, I sold my car and got really skinny for a while.
Throughout it all, music and friends kept me vertical. We’d meet up at listening parties and turn each other on to new songs and bands (and of course other things, as well). There was such a deep sense of community with the music we shared. I really miss that part of it. Seems everyone is in their own private ears these days.
Feels like so long ago—even another life! I rarely see those people anymore. An exception being that I went to my 40th high school reunion in 2018. Many I’d hung out with in my youth didn’t age well at all. Sadly, more than a few had died. But the good times we had together are forever. And music still connects everything.
Today, just as yesterday, no matter what I’m doing I’m listening to music in my head. It’s hardly ever quiet! Over the decades, the more prevalent beats or grooves metamorphosed into songs, many of which I want to share with you right here as often as I can get them down.
Some days, I confess it feels improbable that my music will ever see the light in these days on Earth. Hard, cold music industry statistics are always a good slap in the face to remind me, which is when I’ll ask myself for the ten-thousandth time, am I’m so conceited to think that this music of mine is even worthy of being listened to in the first place? Mmmm.
But whatever. This music is what I’ve got. Hope you enjoy.