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Monday, July 29, 2013

A New Day ....




I have to say, being a programmer at a community radio station didn't appear on my radar until about a year and a half ago. Even then I wasn't totally convinced it was something that I wanted to seriously pursue. Yeah, sitting in with the other hosts from time to time was pretty cool. After all, you would be hard pressed to find another human being anywhere that loves the Blues more than I do. Over the years, I have driven people crazy "sharing" my love of this genre of music that is oh so American. I am an admitted geek when it comes to this music. I read anything I can get my hands on, listen closely and carefully for hours and hours on end, absorbing into my soul each and every note. There are more than a few artists I find are so powerful they easily bring tears to my eyes as I listen to them weave their magic. Surprisingly, that isn't just guitar players.




However, let me cover them first. There are a few that really stand out to me; Duanne Allman is one of the most powerful, AND soulful artists that have ever picked up the instrument. It seems as though he knows just exactly how to touch my soul. Whether it be with a blistering run the length of the neck, the slide he could make speak, or that growl that shook the very building he was in. He was truly an artist. Michael Bloomfield, has to be heard to be believed. IMHO the first American guitar hero, he was a not only a student of the Blues, but a true master. One of the founding members of the Butterfield Blues Band, Michael's playing is also a true thing of beauty. He is one of the players that guitar players are still being listened to with awe and reverence. His playing both powerful and sweet, single string or blazing soulful runs, acoustic or electric, and also dropping a slide in at will, a thing of beauty. Eric Clapton has strayed at times away from the Holy music I hold so dear, but at heart, he is now, and always has been a Bluesman to his core. He too is a student, and when he crosses his legs, throws his head back and through barely open eyes shares his heartache and pain with those six strings, well, he too is a true artist. Of those I will mention here, he is the only one I have met and spent time with. A friend has played drums for him off and on for over twenty years and gave me the chance to meet him. He is truly one of the most gracious and pleasant people I have ever met. Now, last here but certainly not least, is my personal favorite Stevie Ray Vaughan. Again, IMHO the most powerful and soulful player ever. I don't even know where to start with SRV. The speed, tone, and obvious soul set him apart from most.

A Class Act- Laurie Morvan

 In this day and age, when one comes across an organization of people that are first class from the very first word spoken, it is a cause for celebration. At least in my eyes. I am new to the world of radio, at least as a on air personality. I am a fan, and as a fan, with but a little experience dealing with artists, and those around them who are charged with protecting them, it can be very difficult getting things done. Many can be stand-offish ( I am attempting to be polite here) to down right rude and difficult to the point of making a request ANY request seem like it is a bother to them. You can end up feeling as though you have somehow committed trespass and are told in no uncertain terms it was not welcome. That is if they decide to either answer your call, or find the time to return one. That is one way it can go. Then there is the organization connected to the Laurie Morvan Blues Band.

From the very first word of the very first phone call, I was treatred as a welcome guest. The US booking agent for Laurie, a lovely woman named Ann Wild made me feel from the beginning that she was thrilled that I had called and was ready to help me in any way she could. She made it clear to me that she was there to assist me, and with a friendly and attentive tone that was obviously geniune my requst for an interview with Laurie live on my radio show was treated with a deep respect. We discussed dates, discovered that the first date I suggested that Laurie was playing two shows that night, but she would love to do the interview AFTER PLAYING TWO SHOWS and even if it only left a short time for it.

What a wonderful day!!!!!


 

Today was one of the best days I have had in, well, since I don't remember when. Why? Because I was able to be part of doing something for a friend that I had failed miserably at for almost two years. I am not going to be specific because I only want to share my joy, not draw attention to myself  and pat myself on the back like I am a big deal. I am not. Enough about me. What really happened was I once again discovered how wonderful it feels to do something for someone you care deeply about, something that makes their life better by showing them how valuable they are, that they still have value in this world and are valued. That puts them back in control of their life, based completely on what they have to offer. All I did was put people together, and hope for the best. Today, the best of all outcomes is what happened. I am so filled with joy because I brought joy to another.

Well, that's it for this entry I think. Perhaps in the coming days I will share in detail what took place today. If the suspense  is just too much for you, perhaps you can search my Timeline and figure it out. Want a hint? I'll give you two; the picture in this post, and, it has something to do with music.