There are many blessings along the way as you march toward the inevitability of death of the flesh.
One of them is the accrual of resources with which you can practice your art - in my case, the craft of writing.
I just completed writing my JazzBeat(s) column on Prince, the iconic music performer. My goal was to share with my readers the jazz aspects of his life and music.
I think I succeeded in large part because I had at my disposal music, information and personal testimony from people knowledgeable about the world of the artist formerly known as a symbol.
I was hooked up with Prince' former road manager, Alan Leeds, who ran the traveling band in the 1980's when Prince and Miles Davis tried their hands at collaborating.
I was provided access to unreleased material that showed off Prince' jazz prowess.
Bob Belden, a record producer friend, shared an out-of-print copy of his 1993 album for Blue Note Japan PrinceJazz.
The audio archives of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra coughed up a recording of the CJO performing Prince' "1999" two years ago.
My colleague and CJO artistic director, Charlton Singleton, shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for Prince, providing examples of jazz in his voluminous book of tunes.
Relationships like the ones above can only be formed over a vast expanse of time after gaining the trust and respect of those you interact with.
It's a blessing that I truly appreciate. It's great to have gotten this far along in life and be able to reap some of the rewards of longevity, personal and professional.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
god is love
"God is my friend, Jesus is my friend
He made this world for us to live in, and gave us everything
And all he asks of us is we give each other love."
(Anna Gaye, Elgie Stover, James Nyx, Marvin Gaye)
Performed by Marvin Gaye and the Funk Brothers
This afternoon, I had an experience that confirms he's right.
There's always evidence of things unseen.
I was alone at a small table at Five Loaves cafe enjoying a salad and some tea. About halfway into my savoring my delicious and nutritious meal, my server came over and suggested I save room for desert - not the usual entreaty offered at restaurants but because two young women at a nearby table wanted to buy me desert.
Intuitively, I knew who she was talking about. I was sitting in the front of the restaurant so all the floor space was in front of me and this day I had decided not to read or otherwise zone out while eating.
I had noticed them at a table with an older woman and a middle-age couple. We had exchanged glances a couple of times, not a furtive flirt, just pleasant acknowledgment. They appeared to be enjoying their meal and their company. They had smiling eyes and a fresh, clean aura. No guile. Like the bright, airy day outside.
I couldn't turn down their hospitality, so when I finished my salad I ordered a chocolate chip cookie.
They finished their meal before me. After paying, the older woman came over and said that her daughters noticed and liked my smile and wanted to buy me desert.
I was humbled.
We all introduced ourselves. Meeting the girls' mother and grandparents was as delightful as their vibe.
It was the best meal I've had in a long time.
I was fed more than salmon and greens. I had food for the soul.
I'm just thankful my light was shining enough this day to attract theirs..
My faith was not only confirmed, it was energized.
God is love.
He made this world for us to live in, and gave us everything
And all he asks of us is we give each other love."
(Anna Gaye, Elgie Stover, James Nyx, Marvin Gaye)
Performed by Marvin Gaye and the Funk Brothers
This afternoon, I had an experience that confirms he's right.
There's always evidence of things unseen.
I was alone at a small table at Five Loaves cafe enjoying a salad and some tea. About halfway into my savoring my delicious and nutritious meal, my server came over and suggested I save room for desert - not the usual entreaty offered at restaurants but because two young women at a nearby table wanted to buy me desert.
Intuitively, I knew who she was talking about. I was sitting in the front of the restaurant so all the floor space was in front of me and this day I had decided not to read or otherwise zone out while eating.
I had noticed them at a table with an older woman and a middle-age couple. We had exchanged glances a couple of times, not a furtive flirt, just pleasant acknowledgment. They appeared to be enjoying their meal and their company. They had smiling eyes and a fresh, clean aura. No guile. Like the bright, airy day outside.
I couldn't turn down their hospitality, so when I finished my salad I ordered a chocolate chip cookie.
They finished their meal before me. After paying, the older woman came over and said that her daughters noticed and liked my smile and wanted to buy me desert.
I was humbled.
We all introduced ourselves. Meeting the girls' mother and grandparents was as delightful as their vibe.
It was the best meal I've had in a long time.
I was fed more than salmon and greens. I had food for the soul.
I'm just thankful my light was shining enough this day to attract theirs..
My faith was not only confirmed, it was energized.
God is love.
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