Every day’s a cause to celebrate. They’re all red-letter
days if you let ‘em be. Today, I’m a whoopin’ and hollerin’ ‘cause there’s only
69 days left in this here 365. This little numerical fact had me all inspired
so I did what I do. I busted out my unnamed guitar and let the creative juices
flow. When it was sang and done, a new tune was born and it sounded a whole
heck of a lot like this.
Last night, I’d be remise to not mention, was another
incredible evening of music at La Jolla’s Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. I
am proud to produce what is truly becoming one San Diego’s finest music series,
Acoustic Evenings at The Athenaeum with Jefferson Jay. Every night in this city,
fabulous acts, national, international and local take to stages and do amazing.
Honestly, far more than our million or so constituents can take in. Regardless,
Jimmy Patton, Enrique Platas, Danielle Summerville, Case Ainley, Jimmy Dugan
and George Narvaez joined me to put on a show for the ages for those blessed to
be a part of it.
I have not been in a room where so many minds were blown in
many years. Everybody played brilliantly, beautifully, but what Jimmy and
Enrique do is so far beyond what can be believed. Even seeing it, does very
little to remove the mysticism from their magic. Wow. Compliments were flying
in all directions. Special things are happening here in this city. If the world
were ever to find out, they’ be enraged with us for hoarding these sublime
talents and allowing them to remain in obscurity in a world so desperately in
need of proper inspiration. In the meantime, we musically, spiritually, and
creatively soldier on, making our own personally epiphanies in lieu of any
meaningful response from the public-at-large.
That said, I am not complaining, quite the contrary in fact.
In a world where so many long for authenticity, organic experiences and art and
experiences that are meaningful and true, we have more of these that we know
what do with. We are blessed in this regard and we remain open, available and
interested and sharing what makes our space and our selves so special with the
rest of the waiting world. I hope when they discover us, we’re still around to
share our sentient nature with their souls. Thanks to all who came and/or
played at the show. That’s truly what living and sharing spiritually rewarding
moments on Earth is all about.
Last night the theme of our show was “thinking outside the
box.” I shared the fact that producing CDs forced me to find “outside the box”
solutions to the types of technical problems that invariably pop up in the
course of making a record. I talked about how our afore-mentioned musicals
built “outside the box thinking” into their approach to doing what they do. Then
to match my words with actions, I improvised a song for the audience to start
the show. I even let them pick the tropics. Would you believe they had me sing
about “Trump” and “Hillary…” and “gardening.” So I did, I think I even managed
to avoid alienating anyone entirely. Hooray! So, here I did it again today,
this time choosing my own topic of interest, the fact that as of today only 69
days remain in this labor of life, known as the Operation 365 2.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 296 “Oh, Brett
Walling”
It was a Sunday night, about an era ago. A select group of
us were hanging out enjoying the regular Sunday night act at the venue I called home for years, Portugalia. Things
commonly got crazy at The Port, which was one of the things that made it such a
fun and interesting place to be. Our act this night was duo from the rock
outfit, Chimney Fish, singer/songwriter Brett Walling and guitarist Jeff
Shaefer. Those two really knew how
to whoop it up and some of these unsung Sundays were among the most memorable
nights of the whole thing for those fortunate enough to be in attendance.
One night Brett was really on fire. He broke a string,
“borrowed” Jeff’s guitar to finish the set, which he did but not before I
encouraged him to sing this little song I wrote at that moment. That song is
this song, “Oh, Brett Walling,” which I reproduce here under far more sedate
circumstances. Best wishes, Brett. I, for one, will be marking out at the
Chimney Fish reunion, whenever the universe deems it time.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 296 “Destruction
Device” by Justin Mills
“Destruction Device” is a song I intended to play as soon as
I began this second 365. Justin Mills is a friend of mine, formerly of Open
Mic. I even enjoyed the pleasure of backing him on bass for a piece of time. I
sang a song I wrote for he and his new wife Raquel, some months earlier in this
endeavor. I love Justin’s songwriting. Even though, for most intents and
purposes, he is retired as a musician, I can’t allow his incredible body of
work to completely fade into the past. I love it far too much. And I am not the
only one. Justin made quite a musical impression on many of talented folks who
were gathered back in the Portugalia Era.
I love this song. Who knows what details Justin had in his
head with this metaphor of a “Destruction Device.” There are so many
dysfunctional parts of the world, it’s hard to guess and that number has only
multiplied since he wrote this song years ago. It sure resonated to me in
regards to our current 2016 presidential election. I don’t know what could be
more destructive than the empty rhetoric and transparent corruption that illustrates
this battle from all sides.
In any
case, I tried to bring some of the snide spirit Justin brought his satire and I
hope you all enjoy his brilliance as much as I do. Justin, if you read this, I
am hereby issuing the first invitation to the ten-year anniversary show of our
2008 “24 Hours of Free Music” masterpiece of a concert/day. I have no idea
exactly where or when it will be. I guess there’s a chance it won’t even
happen, but I hope it does and I hope if it does, you decide to unretire once again and honor us with your array of incredible songs.
Unsung humans everywhere folks. What a gift to exist in these cosmos,
surrounded by millions of anonymous stars.
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