My Influences:
Mr. Jon Doyle
clarinet, saxophone, ukulele, jug, best friend
And, here we have the very one and onliest, Mr. Jon Doyle.
Of course, you recognize our good man as an amazing musicianer. You may be lucky to know him as an intelligent fellow; well-read, well-studied, and well-spoken.
I consider myself quite fortunate to, not only, hold this fine gentleman as these things but also as a dear friend.
I had heard about Mr. Doyle through my old pal, Paul Schlichting, http://ryan-gould.blogspot.com/2008/12/dec-9-2008-paul-schlichting.html who informed me that a truly great clarinet player (who played with "the same fire as Sidney Bechet") was moving to town. Very exciting, indeed!
Here's where the fog rolls in ... I don't seem to recall the first time Jon's beautiful music danced into my ears, through my head, and into my heart. To be certain, Jon and I have had so many genuine musical conversations since.
It's easy to hear in Jon's grace, a deep connection and love of music. He speaks effortlessly through his instruments and can seemingly do so in whatever dialect any particular musical situation demands.
And, he does it with fire. (Paul was mostly right; Jon does play with fire but not Bechet's. Jon plays with his very own fire.)
I am so grateful that music has brought Mr. Doyle into my life and strives to keep him here.
But, music is only part of our friendship. Jon has been nothing short of a true friend to me. He readily lends his ear to any of my rambling thoughts. He seems always interested in my viewpoints on whatever the issue at hand and is always willing to share his ideas with me.
Jon is a great man and a great friend, as well as a great musicianer!
Thanks, pal! See you at the gig.
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"All night long, I dreamed of pretty girls and candy. Life is great!"
~ Alexander High
