Here at the end of the year I'm cleaning out the literally hundreds of little bits of info that I've taken of the internet that I though twas interesting enough to revisit.
I thought I'd share this with you, a Facebook response from a native New Orleanian conversing about the huge influx of out-of-towner "Jazz" musicians and their effect on the natural environment that creates New Orleans culture. I'm so sorry to not attribute the statement, but it rings true to my experience.
Lots to think on, especially for those engaged in cultural activities that they are not native to:
"Musical styles evolved throughout time.
Here's an exercise that may explain my view.
1) Take a photograph of a flowing river.
2) Give the photo a descriptive title.
3) Try to duplicate the subtleties of that "titled photo" by taking another photo of the same river.
You can't. Culture is fluid.
But the river has its uniqueness as per the location of the photo even though no 2 will be alike.
I am not as vocal as I used to be but I will say this. New Orleans is a culturally unique place.
I am who I am because I paid no attention to what "you" thought of me.
Have you ever felt an intimate relationship with a dancer as you played from your heart? Time is the secret to all of this.
Now that I've given you the answer, you can work on it, like I've done and continue to do, or you can continue to critique the framed whitewashed canvas as a snow covered plain.
Rest assured, I will not mumble behind your back about your deficiencies."
(Facebook response, 7/31/13)
Producer Paul Brody of Berlin has graciously provided me with an all English version of the WDR Feature on yours truly called "Southern Discomfort," not coincidently the title of my debut release.
We travelled from New Orleans and Austin and back, listen to KBON, played at a bluegrass jam at the Hi-Ho Lounge, remember life changing nights at an Einstunzende Neubauten gig, my recent diagnosis with BiPolar 2 (and the ugly public scenes that lead up to it,) hit the road with the Hot Nut Riveters, record my new CD, and talk extensively about my life growing up Jewish in small town Oklahoma. Fun times.
Follow THIS LINK to listen in, and then after that if you would be so kind, maybe order the new CD (info below) as well!
Thanks!
MR
