June 22, 2008 - Milt Hinton

My Influences:

Milt Hinton (June 23, 1910 - Dec. 19, 2000)
"The Judge" - "The Dean of Jazz Bassists"
string bass, photography

The quick bio for those of you who aren't familiar:
Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1910. Moved to Chicago in 1920.
He began studying music with his mother at home. He studied violin then moved to the bass end with cello, bass saxophone and tuba, finally discovering string bass and, obviously, sticking with it.
In the early 1930's, Hinton began working with Eddie South primarily. He also worked with numerous other jazz greats: Jabbo Smith, Erskine Tate, Freddie Keppard, Tiny Parham, Zutty Singleton, etc.
In 1936, Al Morgan left the Cab Calloway Orchestra and opened a spot of our man. He stayed in that spot until 1951 when the Orchestra disbanded.
Following his Calloway years, Hinton stayed in New York where he established himself as THE first call bassist, sometimes working three three-hour recording sessions a day. He is the most recorded bassist in history. There is little doubt that you haven't heard his playing, consciously or otherwise, at some point in your life.
He continued this work, as well as touring and playing with some heavy hitting bands (like the Louis Armstrong All-Stars) until his death in December 2000.
Throughout his career, Milt Hinton made it a habit to carry with him a camera. He documented his life's surroundings and (coincidentally) some great piece of jazz history.
There is, of course, plenty of information regarding The Judge available on the world-information-web-inter-highway-wide-net. Some links to start your research are included below, as always.

Milt Hinton was the first jazz bassist that ever caught my ear. I heard his name mentioned on a how-to video (we'll discuss that in a future piece) and immediately found my way to the local Tower Records to purchase the first recording I could find bearing his name.
That happened to be a Chronological Classics volume of Cab Calloway material. The first tune that grabbed me was "The Man With Jive." Altogether, the entire tune grabbed at pieces of my childhood and very directly, unquestionably, pointed out to me the path I was going to travel. The tune itself is a very clear representation of what moves me in jazz and the presentation of it by the band was and is something for which I constantly strive as a band member and musicianer.
The next tune that grabbed me (more like, grabbed me, punched me, kneed me in my special purpose then laughed at me, slapped me and poked out my eyeballs) was "Pluckin' The Bass." This tune - obviously - featured Milt Hinton and his mastery of slap bass. To this day, you will NOT find a better slap bass feature. Not only does this song display Hinton's incredible virtuosity with the technique, it displays the most tasteful use of this virtuosity.
I was hooked - completely!
- Incidentally, pulling that off (the tasteful virtuosity) is not very easy considering the unavoidable harshness of said technique.

As if his music wasn't quite enough ...
From all reports, Milt Hinton was the nicest man as well as a very professional musicianer, and he valued both of those traits in himself and others. A local Austin bassist and friend of mine took a lesson with The Judge. He said that it was a great hang on top of being a good lesson. He said that Mr. Hinton treated him with kindness and compliments. I've spoken to a handful of bassists and musicianers around town who have had the fortune to spend some time with the man and they have all reported the same thing: professionalism and warm-hearted kindness - a genuine love for life and the life music gave him.
I feel that in his music; I see that in videos of him playing; I sense that in his interviews and stories I read.
The man's great spirit comes through in everything he does and I consider myself very lucky to count him as one my biggest influences and inspirations, musically and otherwise.

Thanks for the music and thanks for the great contributions to this world and the people in it! You are amazing, Milt Hinton!

Some links:

http://www.milthinton.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Bass-Line-Stories-Photographs-Hinton/dp/0877226814
http://www.amazon.com/Playing-Changes-Hintons-Stories-Photographs/dp/0826515746
http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/mishkin/hinton/hinton.html
http://www.riverwalkjazz.org/site/PageServer?pagename=profiles_hinton

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"In a man's mind, his face is on his arm because he wears his heart on his sleeve."

~ E. Hayes, June 2008

June 8, 2008 - Double Bass

My Influences:

Double Bass
double bass, contrabass, string bass, upright bass, bass, doghouse bass, el tololoche, stand-up bass, bull fiddle, bass fiddle, bass violin

This week's featured influence/inspiration may seem quite obvious. (So did air!) But, that's no reason to skip it.

The interested party can easily turn up plenty of historical information on the string bass by following the links included below.

First off, I choose to call it a "string bass" because of the genre and era of music that appeals to me most: early jazz. During that time, bassists were doubling on both double bass and tuba/sousaphone. To distinguish between the two, the terms string bass for double bass and brass bass for tuba/sousaphone were used.

Next up, how did I become interested in string bass?
I'm not entirely sure, really. The instrument always appealed to me, more or less, in the average American, dumbed-down way: it was big and made a low-pitched sound! I wanted to play it but it was always a passing fancy; never anything serious.
In 1997, my cousin (and first guitar teacher) formed a bluegrass band in Pennsylvania. The band lacked a string bass (I guess if we're sticking to the established standard, the band was missing a bull fiddle or bass fiddle). My cousin played for me a demo of the band (sans bass), and I was quite interested in the music.
The conversation that followed (paraphrased):
Cousin John said, "We need a bass player!"
"I've always wanted to play the bass. It doesn't seem like it's too much of a stretch from guitar," replied cousin Ryan.
"Really?! If I get you a bass, will you learn how to play it and be our band's bassist?"
"You bet I will!"
Cousin John wasted no time ... within a week, he brought a bass to my apartment. Unfortunately, he brought me an electric bass guitar! I remember leaving him with some rather colorful words regarding the instrument that he brought having nothing to do with what we had discussed that previous week. Nevertheless, I decided to fool around with it. That didn't last.
Within a week (and thanks to a well-paying warehouse job that was offering me over sixty hour work weeks), I went to the onliest store around that boasted a double bass for sale and snatched it up. The merchant and I smooshed my new instrument into me sweet ride - a 1987 Beretta GT.
Folks, that's how it started. If you feel moved, you can thank my cousin, John and Confab, Inc. for the impetus and wherewithal (with respect) to get me to where I'm at today.

Moving on - how does this giant piece of wood influence me?
For starters, getting that bass in and out of the old Beretta was really not that fun. When that slick sporty car ran out of juice, I found something a bit more conducive to the instrument's size, a 1972 Ford Club Wagon! (Named "The Green Lantern" due to the incredible paint job, shag carpeting, etc. the previous owner applied to the inside and outside of the behemoth)
Since then, I haven't purchased a new (to me) vehicle without heavily considering how it would accommodate my instrument.

What else? Every instrument offers its fair share of medical tribulations if proper technique isn't learned and applied. The string bass has a habit of magnifying these issues. I know more bassists than other instrumentalists who have needed surgery or, at least, some medical care due to the rigors of the instrument. I have suffered a few myself!

I love the string bass! It's a beautiful instrument. It's a powerful instrument. I've heard talented musicianers use the instrument to produce incredible art and share deep, personal thoughts and emotions. There have even been a few times that I've actually managed to use the bass to convey what was going on inside of me in a pleasing manner.
To me, the bass seems a natural extension of my body. It feels right in my hands. As I mentioned in the piece about Pops Foster, I usually play what I feel when I'm playing string bass - that feeling is both an instinctual feeling produced internally as well as a learned habit delivered to me through the kind and warm vibrations of the instrument. The bass and I work together (most of the time!) as one.
The bass is who I am. Hopefully, I am putting a good face on the bass, as well!

Thank you string bass! I look forward to playing you!

Some links:
http://www.earlybass.com/
http://www.gollihurmusic.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_bass
http://www.lemur-music.com/
http://www.doublebassguide.com/?page_id=3
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"Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose—and you allow him to make war at pleasure."

~Abraham Lincoln

June 2, 2008 - Dave Biller

My Influences:

Dave Biller
guitar

Dave is, hands down, one of the very best guitarists in Austin and, according to my tastes, one of the very best guitarists in this country. His musicianship is off the charts; he has an ability to tap into just about any style of music and stick it into any song during a solo while comping or right over top of another lead and do it in a way that seems as if it were written that way. And, he does all that in the most unassuming way, without flinching a bit or hinting that he had to think about it or reach deep inside himself to find the idea or wherewithal to pull it off!
He plays in plenty of bands and in all manner of genres; all kinds of country and western swing, all kinds of jazz and swing and even some rock. I've heard him play electric bass in a surf band and he has been playing pedal steel around town lately.
If you aren't extremely familiar with this Austin legend, PLEASE, make yourself that way!

I met Dave ten years ago. He was touring with the Asylum Street Spankers. It only took one solo before we had all perked up and realized that there was something big coming out of his instrument.
When I moved to town, he seemed thrilled that I was here. He warmly welcomed me into this wonderful family of musicianers like I had been a part of it since birth. I certainly didn't feel worthy as I had not developed a lot of the music that I play these days. As a great mentor, though, Dave just threw me into the fire and helped me along when I needed it.
He got me a few gigs here and there and even chose me as the bassist in his gypsy-jazz band, Les Niglos. Soon enough, I found myself playing with him in The Jazz Pharaohs and then in a band called Cheapo Trio (which slowly morphed into Paris 49.)
I have learned so much music from Dave. I have learned so much about how to enjoy gigs, enjoy other musicianers, and so much about how to just do your own thing and, somehow, make it work with whatever else is happening on and off the stage. He has been one of the very best music teachers I could have ever hoped to have.
Dave has also been and continues to be one very great friend!

It's also worth noting that Mr. Biller has taught many of us some of the finer points to playing the "private party;" most notably, where to find and how to obtain cake! If there is sugary-sweet goodness offered to guests (and whether it is offered to the musicianers or not), follow Dave on the break. He will sniff out and plan the proper scheme to procure as much cake as he can for himself and the band.

Thanks for all the music and everything else!

Some links:
http://www.actionpackedevents.com/Billerbio.htm
http://www.gypsyjazz.net/products/cds-leroy-s-swing.php
http://www.vintageguitar.com/features/music/details.asp?AID=1839
www.myspace.com/thejazzpharaohs
www.myspace.com/billerandhorton
www.myspace.com/lucashudginsandthefirstcousins

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"Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose—and you allow him to make war at pleasure."

~Abraham Lincoln

May 25, 2008 - Thomas Waller

My Influences:

Thomas "Fats" Waller (May 21, 1904 - Dec. 14, 1943)
piano, voice, song writing machine


So, we should all know by now that I very much enjoy the lighter side of life. We should also know that I enjoy and respect finely tuned skills and refined talent.
Logically, it follows that if these characteristics are fashioned together and presented with great ease and clarity that I would be quite moved.
I am.
Fats Waller is just plain awesome! His ability on the piano (and/or organ) is stellar. His musical sensibilities match my tastes (light-hearted and silly but charming and, even meaningful.) His performances, live and recorded, are done with ease and grace as well as great levity and happiness. He wrote great songs, seemingly (and, even according to some accounts), without effort. (He wrote what I would guess to be one of the very most popular tunes in the last 100 years of American history, "Ain't Misbehavin'." Every now and again, when I find myself forced in front of one of those television machines, I'll spy a commercial featuring that tune and stand in awe - it was written in 1929 and it's STILL being used as popular music!)

Fats Waller was music. Fats Waller was music delivered in a dearly heart-felt manner; he gave his gifts with a smile on his face and in his heart ... and, I'm not exactly sure you could say which smile was bigger. I do know that you can feel that smile in his heart on the recordings he left us.

Friends, I hope you'll take at least a few minutes to review your study notes on Fats Waller this week. His birthday was last week (May 21) but that's no reason not to spend just a few minutes enjoying the fruits of his labor and, it certainly won't be a strain on your ears or your heart.
I'm not including biographical info on the man because there is TONS of it out here on the world-wide-inter-web-information-net-highway. I'll throw some links below to get you started. (Plus, I went overboard on bio info last week on the coolest of bassists.)

Thanks for the music, Mr. Waller! Thanks for the great spirit with which you gave it to us, as well!

Your links:
http://www.redhotjazz.com/fats.html
http://www.fatswaller.org/
http://newarkwww.rutgers.edu/ijs/fw/fatsmain.htm
YouTube search:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fats+waller&search_type=

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"Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose—and you allow him to make war at pleasure."

~Abraham Lincoln

May 18, 2008 - Pops Foster

My Influences:



George "Pops" Foster (May 18, 1892 - Oct 30, 1969)
string bass, brass bass

As promised last week, today I present you with one of the two biggest musical influences in my present course of study in music and in life.

The quick bio:
George "Pops" Foster was born on McCall Plantation in McCall, Louisiana. He moved to New Orleans at the age of nine where his brother, Willie, taught him to play on a homemade bass with three strings (contrary to popular belief, he did not learn to play on a cello - he played cello later in his uncle's band taking Willie's place.)
The first regular gig Pops had began in 1906 with his brother's band, The Rozelle Band. From there, he went on to play with the Magnolia, Tuxedo, Robichaux. Dusen's Eagle, Armand Piron, Keppard and Kid Ory bands in New Orleans.
In 1917, he got on the riverboat with Fate Marable's band.
Pops began playing brass bass in 1921 as bands got bigger and the string bass wasn't enough to hold it down.

1924 led to the first recordings of Pops Foster with Charlie Creath's Jazz-O-Maniacs. (Phonograph recordings for Okeh).
Foster headed back in New Orleans and then to LA and St. Louis for a while then moved to New York in 1929 where he joined the Luis Russell Orchestra. With the Luis Russell Orchestra and his strong, rhythmic drive, Pops cemented (some say popularized - I say reestablished) the string bass's role in jazz bands.
From New York in 1929 and forward, Pops Foster became one of the most prominent, in-demand jazz bassists and found himself working with many of the greatest jazz musicianers - most notably: Sidney Bechet! Of course, the Luis Russell Orchestra eventually became Louis Armstrong's backing band from 1935 through 1940 when Joe Glaser.

... so much for the quick bio ... my apologies, this has gotten out of hand --- even quicker:

Foster's prominence allowed him to play all over the place with just everyone of note in the early jazz and swing music worlds. He landed in San Francisco in the mid-1950's where he was based until his death in 1969.
He later went on (posthumously) to greatly inspire and influence one string bassist from Norristown, Pennsylvania who happens to be the author of this ridiculous gibberish.

If you have any interest in the longer version of the above biographical information, please begin your research with Pops Foster's autobiography:
The Autobiography of Pops Foster: New Orleans Jazzman
http://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Pops-Foster-Orleans-Jazz/dp/0879308311
This biography not only contains Foster's own account of his life, told with a poetic, working class, "it is what it is" beauty, but a very important look into the beginnings and the early evolutions of jazz in America.
This book, as well as Sidney Bechet's autobiography, (which we talked about last week!) are truly great starts to a fundamental understanding of jazz and its formative years.
Just like Bechet's autobiography, when I finished this book, I knew that I'd been traveling on the right path. I've read the book a number of times since and, each time, I feel the same.

Pops Foster's playing speaks (has always spoken) to me in a majestic and regal way. I'm not sure if it's because I am a bassist (either by birth or by choice) or because he is just that impressive but Foster's playing is usually the first thing I hear on recordings that feature his talents. (Unless it's a Bechet recording, then my brain convulses until it decides on which of the two most important current musical influences and inspirations to focus.)
His great ability to clearly state the exact location of beats one, two, three and four (if I may paraphrase the great words of a great human and great friend, JD Pendley) is surpassed by NONE.
His solos are also mighty examples of what a bassist should be doing - laying it down and holding it together; quarter solos just because that's what the bass does - nothing fancy, no frills; just solid power and skill.
His bass-lines are melodic! It seems to me that Pops Foster was more interested in ensemble playing then just illustrating or arpeggiating the chord structure. He would pedal across four or six bars if he felt it was appropriate, he didn't always hit the root on the strong beat; he was improvising and participating in the polyphonic aspects of early jazz just as much as the front line players.

“Hell, I just play any old go-to-hell note, as long as it swings!" ~ Pops Foster, circa 1946 - 47

And, that's what I've learned from Pops - I don't put too much book-reading into my bass playing. Before the song starts (whether it's in a rehearsal, private practice and study or some crazy band leader throwing a brand new tune at me thirty seconds before I'm supposed to play it in front of an audience), I make some attempt to learn the chord structure of the song. I can tell you how to build chords just as well as any other educated musicianer. When the tune gets going, though, thinking about it sure isn't playing it - feeling it is playing it, and sometimes, roots just don't feel like they're the best note choices! Sometimes, pedaling a common tone for four bars is where the music wants to be so that's where Pops Foster tells me to put it!
My humble apologies for repeating myself but ... Pops Foster WAS music. Hell, he IS music!

Thank you for everything and Happy Birthday, Pops Foster!

some links:
http://www.redhotjazz.com/foster
http://www.answers.com/topic/pops-foster?cat=entertainment
There is a documentary titled "Alma's Jazz Marriage" that presents early jazz history through Alma Foster's (Pops Foster's wife) experience. I have not yet seen it as our local PBS channel only plays it when I can't get to a TV that receives their signal.
If you happen to have a copy of this video, I'd love to see it!
http://www.aptonline.org/catalog.nsf/LengthLookup/39643E6B20F8AD9B85256F3C00706CEA

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"Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose—and you allow him to make war at pleasure."
~Abraham Lincoln

May 11, 2008 - Sidney Bechet

My Influences:

Sidney Bechet (May 14, 1897 - May 14, 1959)
clarinet, saxophone

This section, as you know, deals with my influences. It began because a few of you mentioned to me that it would be a nice bit to add to this silly announcement. I have taken a couple notable liberties to illustrate my influences -- all of my subjects have certainly been inspirations and influences to my music and my musical career (if I can be so bold as to describe it as such.) Today I present you with one of the two biggest musical influences in my present course. (Coincidentally, the second of these two will come next week.)

There is plenty of biographical information out here on the inter-web-net highway as well as at your local library and/or your favorite record store (if your local record store doesn't have at least ten different servings of Bechet recordings, you might consider choosing a new favorite record store)!

The quick summary of Bechet biography goes like this:
He was born on May 14, 1897 in New Orleans, LA. (I have also seen the day listed as Apr. 14, 1897 and the year listed as 1893. Presently, the most accepted date is May 14, 1897.)
Bechet was born into a Creole family with a good connection to music. He nabbed his brother's clarinet and taught himself to play. He began playing with local bands at the age of nine (as the tale goes, when George Brunies showed up late for a gig.) From all accounts, at that age, he was already something to behold.
Fast forward ...
Bechet made significant contributions to early jazz. He is often credited as the first recorded jazz soloist. bla ... bla ... bla ...
(You can read all the biographical bits on him that you like elsewhere.)

What I hear in Bechet is expert musicianship and fantastic conveyance of raw emotion. Bechet's musicianship is obviously evident in his masterful and powerful soloing. His solos can be superb illustrations of artfully crafted, brilliantly executed, arpeggiated runs or effortlessly thoughtful and elegant melodies. No matter how fast or slow the piece, with one note or sixty-seven, Bechet left no doubt that those notes were the exact feelings that had traveled from the experience of his youth, his early adult years, his thoughts on tomorrow or the breakfast he had eaten earlier that day through his deep and soulful heart and out, to his fingers and through the instrument presented in a raw and unadulterated way.
He WAS music.

On top of that (rather abbreviated explanation of my true feelings on Mr. Bechet's extreme talent and mastery of his art), our man wrote a fine autobiography. "Treat It Gentle." Please read this book if you have any real interest in jazz and music in general. In his book, he pretty much sums up why musicianers play music and, to some degree, how. It is an vital and beautiful summary.
Oddly enough, there is quite a lot of history mentioned in this account, as well. Added to the accounts of other early jazz greats (we will be discussing one of these guys next week) and the knowledge of my own experience in traveling a similar path (with an open mind and heart) I've learned a rather interesting and truthful (more realistic) version of the beginnings of American jazz.
When I finished this book I felt (and still feel) like I'm walking the path in the most honorable manner a musicianer can walk.
a link to the book:
http://www.amazon.com/Treat-Gentle-Autobiography-Sidney-Bechet/dp/0306811081

Happy Birthday, Sidney Bechet!!
Thanks for the great music!

some links:
http://www.redhotjazz.com/Bechet.html
http://www.nps.gov/archive/jazz/Jazz%20History_sydney_bechet.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Bechet
http://www.pbs.org/jazz/biography/artist_id_bechet_sidney.htm
http://www.npr.org/programs/jazzprofiles/archive/bechet.html

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"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force ... Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action."
~George Washington

May 4, 2008 - Air

My Influences:

Air
78.08% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, .93% argon, .038% carbon dioxide, trace amounts of other gases and a variable amount (1% average) of water vapor

I can' think of something that has influenced me much more than our Earth's humble, hardworking atmosphere. I like to call it air. I know it's a bit personal but air and I go back all the way to my birth. And, it's been a great relationship!
There has never been a time I have wanted to spend time away from air. The very few instances I can remember when air and I were parted felt painful and constricting; it's a safe bet that prolonged separation from this best of friends would result in death.
Air has helped me through thick and thin and has never let me down.
As a way of thanking air for the constant companionship and steadfast assistance, I exercise very regularly - sometimes two or three times a day. In this way, air and I get to spend some very quality time together.

What's more? Air is not only here for me, air is there for every single one of us human types on the planet. Hell, air is there for every plant and animal as well as so many other biological functions on this planet! Air is just about the hardest worker and best friend to everything there could be!
To think there is no national holiday to celebrate such a wonderful gift! What's wrong with us? We celebrate all manner of silliness in our holidays but not this one thing that gives us life and fills us up? (Shame on us!)

Friends, please join me in thanking air for being there!
Air, you are truly awesome!

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"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force ... Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action."
~George Washington

April 27, 2008 - Grandmom Gould

My Influences:

Mrs. Rita G. Gould (April 28, 1922 - Oct. 31, 2001)
matriarch, Grandmom

You may remember the man to the right in the photo above: Grandpop. Guess who the woman to the left is ...
Grandmom!
The photo above was taken on the very last day I spent with either of my beloved and very dear Grandparents. This is one of thousands of images I have of both of them stored in my memory that will stay with me for as long as I breathe on my own.

Most of my stories of influential and inspiring folks, especially family, seem to relate a notable heaviness on a strong internal fortitude and discipline. Grandmom Gould had these things and was quick enough to correct piss-poor behavior (as she would have called it). But, Grandmom Gould spent a lot more of her time teaching me some different lessons.
Community was one of the biggest lessons.
Grandmom was well-known up and down the block (as well as the joining blocks in the neighborhood); she'd lived there since her folks bought the place (a half a double) when she was sixteen years old. She was equally reviled and treasured by the folks in the neighborhood - that all depended on how much you wanted to be a part of the community and how much trouble you caused. The children called her "Mrs. Gould"; I had even heard some of them, in the later years, affectionately call her "Grandmom Gould."
Grandmom was extremely active in keeping the block safe and making sure any and all kids in her view, either from inside through the window and within earshot or from outside on the stoop, were behaving. She was downtown rattling city council about any and all affairs having to do with the West End of Norristown and especially, the affairs affecting the immediate vicinity around 750 Kohn St.
I can remember a number of visits to her house from local politicians and such to discuss or attempt to quell her anger about local affairs.
What I learned from Grandmom's incessant political activity and awareness was that you only get what you pay for when it comes to politics. If you sit idly by and watch, then you get whatever politicians want for you. If you stand up and make your voice heard and sometimes fight for it, you might actually accomplish something for your neighbors, your family and yourself ... your problems don't amount to anything unless you're actively trying to do something about them.

Grandmom and I walked everywhere in town. It was very rare that we got a ride unless it was by bus or taxi or train. Looking back on it, it was one of the best gifts she could have ever given me. On these walks, she wouldn't talk to me very much about things that were going on in my life ... I never really had too much to say as a child. So, she'd tell me about what was going on her life - and I would listen. She spoke to me as an adult, not as a child. She talked about what seemed to me to be a hundred different folks involved with local political problems and more or less expected me to understand what she meant or interrupt with relavant questions. (I just listened; I found if you paid enough attention and kept listening, without interruption, everything would come together in the end.)
Also on these walks, plenty of random folks would walk up to her and address her by name and discuss any number of different matters with her. She seemed to know just about everyone we passed.
One last thing about these walks and Grandmom's public performance in general: if a random child was behaving questionably and there were no adults present, she would first speak to the child, as an adult, to correct the behavior. If this didn't work, I've seen her take children by the arm and bring them to their parents' front door where demands for corrections would take place.
... how times have changed --- thanks namby-pamby parent-ers. How I yearn for the years when strangers actually took it upon themselves to look after the well-being and correct behavior of children!)

I'd like to share the story of the last day I spent with my Grandmom.
I went back to PA for a quick vacation from Austin in 2001. Before I had to return, brother Russell wanted to take me to see Grandmom and Grandpop. We headed over and we enjoyed a very normal visit with them.
Grandpop greeted us at the door with a hug and a kiss. He complained (as crotchety old men can do) about some neighbors and the neighborhood in general and yelled for Grandmom to come see who was visiting. Grandmom, of course, gave us a hug and kiss and was thrilled to have us there.
Grandmom wanted to grab some soup and the daily paper from the corner store for Grandpop, so Russell and I walked her down there. It was a slow and painful walk. Grandmom was in no shape to be walking, especially on an old brick sidewalk (read: extremely uneven and treacherous to old ladies) in some rather questionable repair.
I couldn't help but recall the hundreds of walks I had been on with Grandmom and it felt poisonous to watch her tempt fate with every step. It would have been marred forever if I had to catch her in the midst of a fall. When we got to the corner (a two minute walk normally) eight minutes later, Russell and I had to get above and below her to get her up the stoop and into the place.
The shopkeeper greeted us like family, despite having never met us before. But, he knew that we were with Mrs. Gould. He treated us very nearly like royalty. Grandmom asked for soup and inquired about some stuffed animals behind the counter (she was quite fond of stuffed animals and bought too many of them for the grandchildren and others in the neighborhood). Grandmom thought better of buying any knowing Grandpop would be agitated. The shopkeeper winked at Russell and I when Grandmom looked away and stuffed two of the toys in our bag. Russell grabbed a newspaper and we headed back up the block.
We got home and handed over Grandpop's dinner and paper. He was rather irritated when he discovered that Russell had accidentally picked up two papers instead of one and demanded that one be taken back as it was not paid for. Grandmom and Russell argued a bit that the shopkeeper wouldn't miss that one paper that Russell accidentally lifted. But, this is Grandpop Gould we're talking about ... accident or not, the paper was not paid for and atonement must be made.
Grandmom said she would take it back. Grandpop, in a move he rarely ever made, leaned forward from his chair and bore a hole with his eyes deeply into my soul and said these words, "You had better get up and walk your Grandmother down to that store."
I had planned on it anyway but there was absolutely no doubt that I had just received instructions that were not to be disregarded in any way, shape or form.
Like I was still wearing a uniform, I stood up immediately and opened the door for Grandmom.
... another very painful walk to the corner store ... only this time, Russell wasn't there to help me if Grandmom fell. I was biting my lip the whole time.
Grandmom wasn't.
She was chattering away about local politics and some family affairs that needed order. What's more? Always a collector of "found" money on the street, she spied a couple pennies that needed to be grabbed and pocketed for one of the grandchildren (depending on the date on the coin.) She also found a random Matchbox toy car on the ground that needed to be cleaned and passed on to one of the newer great-grand children. -- I had to pick up coins and car. She couldn't do it and that hurt to see.

Bittersweet, indeed.
A couple of small neighborhood kids ran up to her for a hug from Mrs. Gould. They needed to tell her how good they were doing in school.
When we got to the corner store, the shopkeeper came out from behind the counter to help me hoist Grandmom up the stoop. Then, he proceeded to scold us both and told us to take some of that scolding home for Grandpop and Russell that we had not broken any rules by accidentally grabbing two papers and that, if we ever did something like this again, he would never charge Grandmom for one more item! He shooed us out of the store only taking the paper because Grandmom told him that Grandpop would be irate if we brought it back.
On the way home, Grandmom spoke more about local stuff and some of the neighborhood kids. Half way back, a young lady popped her head out of a third floor window shouting, "Mrs. Gould!! Wait, Wait!"
We slowed our roll slightly to allow this girl to catch us. The lady ran out of her place at full steam to catch up with us. She hugged Grandmom and told her something about her week's events. Grandmom introduced me like she always had, "... This is my grandson, Ryan. He does "... this and that and the other thing "... and I'm so wonderfully proud. You should see him do his thing, you wouldn't believe it ..." (This happened all the time and I felt rather embarrassed about -- didn't matter what silly thing I was doing with my life, as a child or an adult ... )
We broke away from the conversation but not before the young lady could hug Grandmom and say, "I love you, Mrs. Gould." We made it home safely and all was well.
Bittersweet, indeed.

Grandmom made her mark wherever she was and folks held her in a very loving way. She made the very best of what she had and she did it with a smile and a sly humour about her. She kept it light. As a rule, she made others happy and comfortable. She expected responsible behavior but never demanded with words; she demanded it by her own responsible behavior and good will. If you failed those tests, then you would definitely hear about it!

Grandmom was one of the sweetest things in my life. She still is. I carry her with me in every moment of my day. Her smile and happy attitude are the gifts she wanted me to share with the rest of the world. She wanted me to make the world a better place and that's what I intend to do with myself and her gift.

Thank you Grandmom! Thank you for all the stories (as well as the patented, long-winded, multiple plot-lined Gould story telling gene.) Thank you for all of the cookies and toys! Thank you for my father, your son! Thank you for your light heart and happy smile! Thank you for all of your love and pride!
I love you!

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"Behind the ostensible government, sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the People."
~ Theodore Roosevelt

April 19, 2008 - Sr. D.I. GySgt Knight, USMC

My Influences:

Senior Drill Instructor Gunnery Sergeant Knight
Senior Drill Instructor, Platoon 1130, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, Parris Island (11/93 - 2/94)

This is the guy responsible for my recruit training during the first three months of my time as an active duty United States Marine.
Please note the smile. The photo was taken on graduation day, after we walked the parade deck and were formally dismissed from training (promoted from "recruit" to private, having initially earned the title "United States Marine.")
Contrary to popular Drill Instructor behavior, our Senior smiled a lot. He worked a different line than a lot of Senior Drill Instructors. He left the Hats (the junior Drill Instructors) with us most of the time to run us into the dirt, to beat us up and down the squad bay and all over Parris Island. He did train us from time to time in different situations but most of his appearances were saved for the platoon when we performed successfully and/or achieved a mark above what was expected.
This, by no means, indicates a weakness of leadership or a sidestep from the stereotypical Senior Drill Instructor; when we screwed up as a platoon, so much so that even the Hats couldn't believe it, guess who came in to "correct" us?
Senior Drill Instructor Gunnery Sergeant Knight.
OUCH.

How did this man influence me? I would imagine that's fairly obvious. So, the obvious is given.
What might not be quite as obvious is something much cooler. Back to the smile!
The Senior smiled a lot. I remember him smiling when he was pounding us into the sandpit and booming "corrections" from the bottom of his cavernous lungs. I remember him smiling when he was teaching us important lessons on USMC history and war tactics and hand-to-hand combat. I remember him smiling when he handed out mail at the end of the day. I remember him smiling as he made fun of particular recruits. The Senior smiled a lot!
What does this have to do with anything?
Everything!
... to me, anyway.

His style of leadership leaned more toward troop welfare; if the troops weren't healthy, strong and focused, the mission could not be accomplished. It seems he was a great example of catching more flies with sugar than vinegar.
That smile also indicated a lightheartedness about his warrior spirit; an acceptance of what he was/is and a willingness to enjoy it and make the best of it as it came.
Haeoka. (Perhaps, we should talk about this word another time - suffice to say, it is the thing outside of me that has closest described to me who I am inside. The native people of this continent sure were a lot more advanced than the nimrods [US] that invaded them, it's a shame we don't give them the real credit they earned.)
The more I think back on my time with Senior Drill Instructor Gunnery Sergeant Knight, the more I realize he was there giving me some great tips on how to navigate my own path.

Thank you, Sir. Semper Fi!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
... just to let you know, this isn't an editing blunder on my part: Darth Vader is still awesome and so is this sketch!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Behind the ostensible government, sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the People."
~ Theodore Roosevelt

April 14, 2008 - Darth Vader

My Influences:

Darth Vader
Dark Lord of the Sith, all-around cool guy

Darth Vader is the coolest. He could certainly take out Super Man, Under Dog, Capt. America and George Lucas (that's just the short list, folks.)
As far back as I can remember, I have enjoyed Star Wars and, obviously, Darth Vader. I think he is a great example of a driven character, full of discipline and willing to adhere to a code.

Furthermore, Ralph McQuarrie, the artist behind the visualization of our hero, has inspired me. Without this extremely talented artist, we would not have the wonderful artistic imagery given to us through Star Wars (despite George Lucas' miserable attempts to sully his own creation.)

Above is McQuarrie's concept sketches of Darth Vader. (I realize I'm a total Star Wars dork, but these images convey the early story Darth Vader even better than the final image we carry of the hero. It's genius. Trust me.)

So, there you have it. Darth Vader! I've always looked up to him and will continue to do so.

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"Behind the ostensible government, sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the People."
~ Theodore Roosevelt

April 6, 2008 - Mom

My Influences:

Jo Ann Bean-Butcher (April 8)
Mom

What more could be said than "Mom?" That should be enough to describe her, right?

As mom's are prone to do, my Mom taught me so many things.
She taught me to accept anyone and everyone who has a good heart no matter who they are, what they are, and/or where they come from.
She taught me that a lie, even a small lie, is a horrible poison that eats away at the soul - the souls of both giver and receiver.
She taught me to give freely without a thought of reciprocation.
She taught me to do good because good is the right thing to do -- not because there might be a reward.
She taught me to do my best in all things at all times.
She also taught me to pay attention to my heart.

It's terribly unfair of me to be able to write so little and so poorly about my beautiful Mom who has given and continues to give so much of herself to me through her love and guidance.
I thought about it all week but couldn't come up with the right words to share.
The one feeling that repeated itself constantly was the very deep feeling of great love in my heart. When I think of Mom, I don't think in words, I think in heartbeats.
I'll always do my best to honor Mom, to give her the respect she has earned, to do my best to shine a light on her good spirit and kind heart by following her lessons, to keep my soul healthy and point others toward that same well-being and to always follow my heart - my Mom.

Thank you, Mom.
I love you so much!

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"Behind the ostensible government, sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the People."
~ Theodore Roosevelt

March 30, 2008 - Cliff Edwards

My Influences:

Cliff Edwards (June 14, 1895 - July 17, 1971)
Ukulele-ist, singer, actor

Quite a while ago, a friend of mine (a ukulele player) turned me on to a guy named "Ukulele Ike." I went to Tower Records in King Of Prussia the next day to begin my search. Oddly enough, there was one "Ukulele Ike" CD hiding in the rack. Of course, it was listed under Cliff Edwards, "Ukulele Ike's" given name.
It was one of the best CDs I've ever purchased.
http://www.amazon.com/Singing-Rain-Cliff-Ukulele-Edwards/dp/B000001UPE
The recordings were a dream come true: one guy singing and playing the uke, another guy playing string bass -- no other instruments! I had begun studying both of those instruments just a few months before the purchase.
The ukulele playing was great -- Edwards used it for accompaniment in everything he did, playing all chord melody; not such an easy feat, while singing or mouth-trumpeting.
His singing was wonderful. By the time he made these recordings in 1943, his voice had aged beautifully and he was singing in his baritone register.
(The bass playing was also wonderful, -- I have yet to turn up actual documentation on just who the artist is, but the best guess I've heard is Joe Tarto - and that stands to reason.)
So, I enjoyed the album and began using it to teach myself the finer points of good bass playing, good ukulele playing and good singing.
Months later, I stumbled on some other recordings of Cliff Edwards. These were done in the 1930's with a bigger band or combo backing him. The ukulele was still there amongst the other instruments and so was that voice. This time, the voice was the older style (vaudeville, where Edwards originally rose to fame.) He displayed a powerful falsetto on these recordings as well as a great ability to project. (I learned another way to sing!)

To me, Cliff Edwards is one of the better examples of an older, higher quality entertainment. He sang, he accompanied himself while he sang, he made faces while he sang, he was comical and lighthearted through all of it and he projected a good spirit. He did it all with some notable skill, too.
It's been over ten years since I bought that first CD, and I've listened to it more times than a few previous housemates could take. I still listen to it and don't ever tire of it. Any time I listen to any Cliff Edwards recording, I bop around the house or in the car, feeling good. I start whistling and singing and humming and blowing some mouth trumpet. The stuff makes me happy in such effortless manner.
For that alone, I'm thankful to this great musicianer. I think it has had a notable effect on my own performance, as well. I attempt to play with a light heart in the hopes of entertaining an audience and, if I'm lucky, they'll walk away feeling better than they felt before listening to my music. If I'm really lucky and truly expressing the happiness inside, maybe those same listeners will walk away happy and light-hearted, too; perhaps, they might even share some of that joy with others around them.
That's the Cliff Edwards influence.

If you don't have any of his recordings, please do yourself a great favor!
http://www.amazon.com/Singing-Rain-Cliff-Ukulele-Edwards/dp/B000001UPE

And, of course, some links to help you research a good musicianer:

http://www.redhotjazz.com/cliffedwards.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Edwards
http://www.jazzage1920s.com/cliffedwards/cliff.php
http://www.geocities.com/~ukulele/ukuleleike.html

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"Behind the ostensible government, sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the People."
~ Theodore Roosevelt

March 23, 2008 - Israel "Cachao" Lopez

My Influences:

Israel "Cachao" Lopez (Sept. 14, 1918 - Mar. 22, 2008)
String bassist, bandleader, songwriter

This week, I'd like to spend some time on Cachao.
What a great bassist!

Where to start?
Cachao was born into a family of musicians and began playing string bass at nine years of age. At thirteen, he joined the Havana Symphony in Cuba and held the job for over thirty years.
In 1937, springing from the danzon music of the day, Cachao and his brother, Orestes Lopez, developed their style of music and together, wrote thousands of tunes.
(There's lots more biographical info available on this man and his many accomplishments. Please, take a moment to study him.)

I can't think of any remaining direct links to my instruments early roots in popular music.
This man was a traditional player in all respects and remained that way throughout his entire life.
Let me define traditional player using his example and perhaps, you can see why I'm moved by the man's spirit. Cachao's playing came from a solid foundation, deep within himself. He played with great fire and intensity. He meant what he played without giving it too much intellectual process. Cachao, also very important to this definition, did not rest on old, frozen ideas from the styles in which he played, he used those ideas and added his own ideas as well as his own feelings (fire) to the existing tradition. Thus, he allowed the tradition to expand and continue to live on as it should. He shared all of that through his music and, in doing so, gave a great gift to both the tradition, itself and those of us who listen to music.
Furthermore, he gave so much to that style that other styles have picked up on his contributions and use them with great liberty (some unknowingly --- whether you know it or not, you've been listening to Cachao's music in some way for a long time.)

That's a traditional player, friends - playing with and from a fiery soul, respecting and adding to the tradition, sharing that gift with great generosity and excitement and openly allowing his own style, much like the traditions he played, to be interpreted and encouraged to not only survive but to blossom.

In a much more superficial, physical manner, Cachao was just a great bassist with a great concept of time and rhythm! Wow! You must check him out.
There's a good documentary by Andy Garcia available. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106501/ It's well worth renting (or owning!) In it, you can see how the man carries himself (and his bass) and what I mean by playing from deep within himself and giving.
Folks, he was still carrying his bow in his hand! -- until some time in the Thirties in our country - in the jazz tradition - string bassists considered it a character flaw to not have the bow in your hand (vs. in a bow caddy or rested on some nearby music stand or something) whether slapping, plucking or bowing during a song. -- That's a commitment to his tradition, if you ask me.

So, if you care and if you can, take a few moments this week to look into Israel "Cachao" Lopez. If you're not already hip to his contributions, you will find that he has affected a notable bit of what you've probably been enjoying all these years.
He was a great man and gave us all a lot. We are better for it.

Thanks, Cachao!

Some links to get you started:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cachao_L%C3%B3pez
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/a/2004/10/24/PKGMU9AQQG1.DTL
An obituary:
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-cachao23mar23,1,1563983.story

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"The evils of government are directly proportional to the tolerance of the people."

~Frank Kent

March 16, 2008 - Richard Bowden

My Influences:

Richard Bowden
Fiddle, brains, push, great human

Some of you may know Richard Bowden from his years of playing in Austin and elsewhere with many great bands. He's quite a remarkable musicianer; able to play music in any situation and able to do it well with a good heart and up-beat attitude.
For that alone, I consider Richard a great influence in my life and on my playing.

Richard not only plays music from a great place - his warm and caring heart, he works very hard to bring the community together through that music. He gives so much selflessly with the hopes of convincing the citizens of this city (or whatever audience that may be paying attention) to wake up, become responsible and take an active part in reclaiming (earning) our lives from the corporate greed that has stolen everything that holds any real value.
(Feel free to notice the quote at the bottom of this email)

... and he does all of this humbly, asking for nothing in return (except for maybe a little honest community togetherness and upright function.)

And that, friends, is what makes a great influence an even greater inspiration!

Thank you, Richard for pointing towards a good path that we should all study well!
I really can't thank you enough for all you've done, all you do and all you will, no doubt, be doing in the future.
It's truly an honor to know you and to call you a friend.

Hopefully, there won't be a need for a parade next year!


http://www.instrumentsforpeace.org/

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"The evils of government are directly proportional to the tolerance of the people."

~Frank Kent

March 10, 2008 - JD and Nicole

My Influences:

Nicole and JD (Mar. 8, 2008)
Super Double-Awesome Friends, Great Humans, Family

If you don't know them, you're missing out.
Nicole is a gifted and caring school teacher. JD is a talented and driven musicianer.
Both are kind and generous. Both are warm and light-hearted.
JD has been one of my closest friends for most of the time I've lived in Austin. He's helped me grow as a musicianer; he's helped me grow as human being.
Nicole has been a great friend for almost as long. She's been a wonderfully supportive friend with an open, listening ear and always the right words.

This is horribly short and much less than either of these beautiful people deserves. It will have to suffice that I have done something right in my life that has granted me such amazing friends.

You guys are the truest of friends and I am eternally grateful! You guys are my family; I carry you in my heart wherever I go and use what you have taught and shared with me as a measurement for what is good.
Everyone should have inspirations and influences like you!

My heartiest Congratulations and all of my love!

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"The evils of government are directly proportional to the tolerance of the people."

~Frank Kent

March 3, 2008 - Dr. Ron Paul

My Influences:

Dr. Ron Paul (Aug. 20, 1935)
U.S. Representative, Doctor, honest American

As some of you know, I enjoy studying the founding of our country and its founders.
Those that laid that ground work for this country were good folks with serious ideas; they worked hard, sacrificed and gave it their all.
I try to live by the principles those founders attempted to instill in us as individuals and as a nation.
I also find myself asking again and again and again, "Why don't we have "elected" leaders like that in our time?" The answer I give myself: Dr. Ron Paul.

Ron Paul may not be a founder of this country but he most certainly tries to live up to their standards. He strives for honesty and openness in his public service. He strives for privacy for his constituency. He strove to uphold our now defunct U.S. Constitution. (1787 - 2006 R.I.P.) and strives to restore our highest law to its former glory.
I don't like politics and all the usual evil that politicians do in the name of "helping" America. I don't appreciate the duplicity with which politicians normally speak. I don't care for the lies and the corruption and the greed that run so rampantly through our "elected" governing body. Furthermore, it sickens me to know that through laziness and apathy and/or by mass manipulation, we, as a People, have been so complacent about these horrible, "accepted" characteristics of politics and politicians.

Although, the timing is rather questionable - and, I apologize for it - I'm not writing about Dr. Paul this week because election day is right around the corner (we all know he isn't going to get nominated!) I'm writing because he is so fresh in mind - 'tis the season, you know!
I'm writing about the good doctor because, more importantly than this man getting nominated to run for and elected to our nation's highest office, I feel he is a great example of someone trying to rise above the accepted standards. To me, he is fighting a system that has too long been in control of our minds and hearts, individually and as a nation. And, I can't say this enough, he is the most honest person in my awareness serving our nation's "elected" government.
Honesty! I love honesty!

Folks, it's my hope that you'll vote this Tuesday. It is not my hope that you will vote for Ron Paul. For that matter, it's not my hope that you will vote for Clinton, Obama or McCain. I don't want to know who will get your vote and I don't want to tell you who received mine -- that stuff doesn't matter! (It's all rigged anyway.)
I do hope that you will take a moment to study Ron Paul's career and note his attempts to enlighten his constituency and any interested parties. And, I do hope that you will take his example and question the hell out of YOUR government and YOUR "elected" representatives and DEMAND better representation as well as take some real responsibility in governing your own lives so that we don't need to "elect" corruptible citizens to do it for us.

Some valuable links on Dr. Ron Paul:
www.house.gov/paul
http://www.ronpaullibrary.org/

Open Secrets is a great place to do some facts checking:
http://www.opensecrets.org/
a staring point for Ron Paul: http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.asp?id=N00005906&cycle=2008

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"The evils of government are directly proportional to the tolerance of the people."

~Frank Kent

Feb. 18, 2008 - Erik Hokkanen

My Influences:

Erik Hokkanen (Feb. 23)
violin, guitar, mandolin, etc.


You should definitely be familiar with Erik Hokkanen if you're an Austin resident. There's really NO excuse. Please, feel free to feel a deep and overwhelming sense of shame if you haven't been out, at least once, to take in the incredible experience it is to be musically entertained by our subject.

Erik recruited me well over five years ago to do a benefit party out in West Lake. We raised money for some local schools to continue their music curriculum. He decided to keep me on, and we've been playing together since.
(Every Tuesday night at Flips!)

There's tons of things I can say about Erik. I'll point out just a few.
Erik, obviously, is one of the best musicians Austin has to offer. If you don't know this to be true, you don't live under a rock, you live under four rocks.
Erik is a baker of breads.
Erik lives with what he has and makes use of everything around him.
Erik does his part - by that, I don't mean he is like every other typical American who does just enough. I mean that actually does his part.
Ex. #1: When he sees random litter blowing across the parking lot that he most certainly didn't drop, he goes to the litter, picks it up and puts it in a trash can or recycles it in some way instead of shirking his duty as a human, a citizen, an American, a townsperson, a son, a brother, a father, a friend and a musicianer.
Erik is can live in the woods with little to no industrial tools.
Erik is a good friend.

I've learned a whole lot of music in the last five+ years of playing with Erik. He very often talks about what we do every night and what it amounts to: we've earned more than the equivalent of a Bachelor's Degree and even a Master's Degree or more.
I've also learned a lot about myself thanks to many lively chats with Erik, sharing our philosophies and keen, childlike interest in all things human and how we can individually make the world a better place.

Happy Birthday, Erik!

http://www.austin360.com/music/content/music/stories/2007/09/0908hokkanen.html
http://www.markrubin.com/hokkanen/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Hokkanen

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"The evils of government are directly proportional to the tolerance of the people."

~Frank Kent

Feb. 11, 2008 - Wags Macklin

My Influences:

Wags Macklin
Bass (Washtub), Strange Ad Writer, so much more

I moved to Austin in late 1999 with the hopes of meeting new musicianers and learning more about my craft. As it turns out, there were others looking about for new musicianers, as well.
In the back of The Chronicle, under Musician References, read and ad that started exactly like this: "Bass: (washtub) ..." The ad went on to ask for any parties interested in old-timey and jug-band music to reply.
Whoever would run such an ad must be worth at least a phone conversation!
As it turns out, the conversation led to a wonderful friendship with a very interesting musicianer and cosmopolitan adventurer.

Wags Macklin hails from parts-unknown-to-me. I know just a little about his history. He was a cliff diver of some renown at some point, a famous bare-knuckle boxer from 1860 through 1871, a sponge-maker and tester in the late 1960s and early 1970s and, of course, the reason he and I met and the most interesting part of his story: he spent a great deal of time in Japan, in a hidden fortress, studying the martial art of wash-tub (sentakudarairyu) (I'm not sure of the dates on that one - he is very guarded about the secrets of the art and the training period he experienced.)

Wags has been seen about town in many different bands - he is a highly sought-after wash-tub bassist, a string bassist and a saxomaphonist (not to mention a number of other instruments upon which he can and does wail.)
You'd be wise to catch him in action. Wags has given me great hope and continues to give me great smiles! He will surely do the same for you!

All my best old man! I thank you for the music and amazing thing you spawned by your clever use of bold-faced print and parentheses! You are a king among men!

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"All men having power ought to be mistrusted."

~James Madison

Feb. 3, 2008 - Faustyn Langowski

My Influences:

Faustyn Langowski
saxomaphone, clarinet, hijinks, good spirit

Here's the real thing, folks. Faustyn Langowski is a real a musicianer. (Read the links below to get a brief glimpse into his working-man's musician resume as well as quick a bio.) He's played with bands from Adolph Hoffner to Glen Campbell and everything in between. Faustyn's ears can pick up any melody and then send it right back out through whatever horn he has in his hands. His playing is some of the best I've ever heard - both solo and ensemble styles. Simply, he lives and breathes music ... he IS music.

How do I keep this brief?
In my life-long, constant journey to understand myself (and hopefully, others,) the one thing that has presented itself time and time again as being paramount is the necessity of a light heart.
Whether performing as a musicianer (read: entertainer,) running ten miles with an M-16A2 service rifle training to kill and be killed and many other things in between, the folks closest to me (and, probably many others) know me to be smiling or clowning in some way.
This is my Way.
To me, it seems to be the Way that, if not everyone, at least the entertainers in our midst should follow.
Faustyn is that light heart.

My very first experience with Faustyn comes from the 2006 open jam hosted by the local "traditional" jazz society. Edward told me about a guy he met who played with Adolph Hoffner and that the guy might be coming to the jam. Near to the end of my time at the jam, that guy, Faustyn, sauntered up to the stage area with his saxophone and jumped right in! He turned to me a number of times during that first tune we played together to joke with me about the music.
Every gig I've played with him since has been nothing but fun and light-hearted joy with Faustyn cracking wise to me and other band members as well as audience members. Faustyn can play the hell out of his instruments. He is a great musicianer and takes playing very seriously. BUT, he takes it seriously in the light-hearted manner.

Faustyn has given me a wonderful gift in his constant reminders, on stage and off, that life is to be taken with a grain of salt and should, more or less, be read aloud, accompanied with grand and animated movements like a Dr. Seuss story book.
Life is a beautiful place, friends. One of the big reasons for that: Faustyn Langowski and his musical talent and light and joyful heart.

Thanks old buddy!
I can't tell you how much the music you share with me means and I promise that it will stay with me in my heart to my end. You ARE music.

Some links regarding our subject:
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/polka/bands.html (scroll a little over an eighth of the way down the page)
http://www.arsjb.com/History_files/flv1.htm

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"All men having power ought to be mistrusted."

~James Madison

Jan. 27, 2008 - Lauryn

My Influences:



Lauryn Gould
Wife, Best Friend, Muse


A few years ago, the most amazingly beautiful creature stepped through the door at Flipnotics during an Erik Hokkanen gig. She grabbed a place in the back and stood, listening to the band. I'd never seen such beauty ever before and was rather unable to pull my gaze away from her. (I still haven't been able to do so.) Although, she stood in the back, she was the only one I could see; I saw the most incredibly striking smile, the most magnificently arresting eyes and a grace of spirit that bewitched me.
I was captivated ... still am. I thought this woman had to be a model.
This model made the same spellbinding entrance nearly every week thereafter. I thought she would never have the time to share even a short word with me. It took the better part of a year before either of us spoke words to the other. When we did, however, it seems the seal was broken. Each word she said was the word I wanted to hear and I wanted to hear as many of her words as I could.
We married a little over a year ago.

Lauryn is my very best friend. She is always there for me.
She is my muse. She moves me to follow my spirit and be true to myself and, in doing so, be true to her.
She is my teacher and guide. She has shown me how to perform with grace and beauty in honoring all the wonderful gifts my beautiful parents and grandparents gave me.
She is my wife. She loves me like nobody else has. She gives me the warmth inside that keeps my heart from freezing and turning black.
That's just the tip of the iceberg, friends. Lauryn is my influence and my inspiration.

She is also an amazing role-model; we could all learn a thing or two from her example, actually.
She is kind; she is thoughful; she is caring; she is generous. She sees the beauty in things before she sees the bad.
She works hard and strives to accomplish her heart's ambitions. And, she endeavors to be true to that connection to her heart; a connection that is all too often overlooked and quite difficult to maintain.
She shares all of her gifts, not only with me, but with anyone who is willing to accept them.

I could never hope to write all the things that you are to me, Lauryn.
I love you.
You are my The One.

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"The evils of government are directly proportional to the tolerance of the people."
~Frank Kent

Jan. 20, 2008 - Wellman Braud

My Influences:

Wellman Braud (Jan. 25, 1891 - Oct. 29, 1966)
String Bassist

This week, we celebrate Wellman Braud, one of my favorite bassists!

More than likely, you'll recognize Mr. Braud from his recordings with Duke Ellington. He was the first in Ellington's long line of fine bassists.
It's important to note that Braud was involved with a number of Sidney Bechet's bands such as the pivotal "Bechet-Spanier Big Four."
Like Pops Foster, Bill Johnson and Al Morgan, he claimed New Orleans as his home, was a very-well recorded bassist and was very important in the grand scheme of jazz bass history.

Braud's bass playing is a great example for what a bass should be doing in this music - driving! Without a doubt, he informs the listener of the time as well as the exact location of beats one, two, three, and four.
I love listening to this guy! When I grow up, I will be like him - a great bassist.

Happy Birthday, Wellman Braud and thanks for the great music!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellman_Braud

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"The evils of government are directly proportional to the tolerance of the people."

~Frank Kent

Jan. 13, 2008 - Grandmom Roesler

My Influences:




Madeline Roesler Jan. 17, 1922 - Oct. 4, 2010
Matriarch

My Mom was raised on a dirt farm in Evansburg, PA, along with her two sisters and one brother, by her Mother, my Grandmother and her Father, my Grandfather (I never got to meet him; he passed away when my Mom was sixteen).
Grandmom is now Great-Grandmom and the head of a family of over sixty individuals. -- yes, family gatherings can be insane and always feats of logistical daring.

Grandmom

Most folks have at least one grandmother who spoils them. I certainly did. Grandmom Roesler was NOT that grandmother! Grandmom Roesler did not sate us with cookies and toys; she told us to go and play outside and to stay out of trouble. Grandmom Roesler explained that when you fouled up, it was your butt on the line and you would pay the price for any wrongdoing.
Of course, I was an angel!

Along with the others I have mentioned in previous scribblings, Grandmom gave me a fierce respect for discipline and responsibility. She demanded this when I was a child - she didn't wait until my adult years or even my teen years to demand proper discipline and/or responsibility, she expected it and GOT IT when I was old enough to understand any words that came from her mouth.
When Grandmom speaks, the children listen! When Grandmom instructs, the children obey!

That was childhood.

In adulthood, I've come to see my beautiful grandmother as a queen - the queen of my family and the queen of my heart.
All that discipline and all that respect she taught me has been the best gift anyone could have ever given. It has vaulted me over just about every hurdle I've ever encountered.

Grandmom is strong. My Mom says that Grandmom is the strongest woman she has ever known. I'm not talking about Arnold Schwarzenegger strength; I'm talking about will power, tenacity and internal control; a desire to win no matter the odds.
From what I've seen and know of Grandmom, I agree with Mom - wholeheartedly.
She taught me where to find this strength. She taught me that it doesn't come from an outside source of any kind - it comes from inside; from the knowledge that doing right, being responsible, and making wise, thoughtful decisions builds stubborn muscle and depth of character.
She didn't teach it with words, she taught it through actions. She made demands on me that just don't fit in with today's lackluster and coddling (namby-pamby childrearing) standards. Grandmom had definite expectations and I am so very thankful for that!

In return for this adherence to discipline and responsibility, Grandmom shines the light of a very warm and loving heart on me. She is over 1700 miles away but I feel the love she holds for her family and for me all the way down here.

Grandmom also taught me to see through a line of crap as well as see the good in others characters. I have always looked for friends - loved ones - that would hold up against Grandmom's standards.

So, Grandmom, I thank you for helping me to find my dear wife. I knew if I kept looking, bearing in mind your standards, I would find someone with your strength and good heart.

I'm so very proud of you Grandmom! I know you're leaving us soon. I know that you're proud of all that you have done and for the great family you raised. I know that when you're gone, you'll be in my heart, the same way you are now - the pillar of my character and strength that keeps me going.

Thank you for the amazing gifts you have given me - all of them; but most importantly, the incredible love in your heart and the most precious Mom a son could ever need and want.

I love you.
Your grandson,
Ryan

Thursday, October 07, 2010

I’ve spent a number of hours poking around in my head and heart looking for the right way to express the thoughts or the feelings I have after Grandmom left us this week. On the eight-hour drive home from New Orleans yesterday, I sat behind the wheel thinking of her and all that she gave the family and all that she gave me.

I did my best to remember Grandmom when she was independently mobile. I remembered how it seemed (at least from the perspective of an angsty teenager, then as a struggling young-adult) she kept the family together by sheer will and gritty, stubborn expectation. Our family’s unifying force was her great spirit. She brought us into the world (directly or indirectly) and she’d be damned to see us behave in a manner other than caring for each other like a family should lest she take us out of the world … directly.

Grandmom was the head of a family that has presented me with so much love and support and has always treated me like every minute with me has been a good one.

She helped us all cherish each other. She did that by example. At every family gathering I attended after my return from the Far East, I could see a light in her eye as she scanned her brood. It was a regal gleam; it was a proud flash that signaled her happiness with each of us individually and as a whole; we were her life’s work and she was gracious and impressed.

That light in her eye was a small shimmer of the brilliant spirit of her love for us that was nestled deeply in her heart. And, that’s where she taught me to keep you, my family, and all my loved-ones. Whether you live next door or if you live 1700 miles away in a different state or country, I’m holding you in my heart and cherishing the warmth of your spirit.

Grandmom took her leave and I will always miss seeing that sparkle in her eyes and feeling the joy in her hugs and kisses. She isn’t gone though; she lives in all of our hearts. She lives on as we share our love and care for each other.

Thank you, dear Grandmom. I promise to keep you close for all my days.
I love you.

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"The evils of government are directly proportional to the tolerance of the people."

~Frank Kent