Getting Down by Bill Perry

A cat asked me recently what I was so down about in regards to local music. I am not actually down about local music, I am disappointed in local musicians. I am a serious music person. Serious. Music means a lot to me, it inspires my morning, it gets me through noon, and puts me to sleep at night. Nothing is more present than my ipod.
I got into a midnight discussion session with the member of a local band. He had a lot of stuff he needed to talk about, and I felt okay listening. He has been respectful in our disagreements, and has been passionate about the music. He told me that he hates music, that he does not listen to music. He just plays in a band, and wants to get famous. Huh?
Heres the thing, I worship music. I worship musicians. I have sat across a dinner table with hundreds, I have slept on the floor of some of the greatest musical families. In one month recently I ate dinner with BB King, and Thurston and Kim. My friend Bill Perry passed, and I think the world is diminished.
When this young man asked why I did not like his band, I said I in fact liked his band. But I then went on to explain what I saw in his band. It was a lengthy discussion that came from seeing the band many time, owning the record, and being sober when I saw them. He told me about the number of stickers, and the fan reaction or this or that. Went on to half heartedly explain about the singer or the lyrics, and I called him on it. The idea that the band is going for, is a half hearted one. They are unwilling and I think unable to reach the goal that they have discussed, instead they are left basking somewhere in the middle of undisciplined and unwilling.
My reaction is more of disappointment. I get discussions about how they have a new logo, and some new merch, but they do not write songs, or rehearse. They make a video, but do not listen to the Beatles and The Beach Boys. Then there fans threaten me with bodily harm.
So, why am I down on local music…they do not try. Yes, a tremendous generalization. They, broad term. How about MANY of them do not try. But here the thing, I try to meet them all, try to see them all. I am sober, and not stoned, and I need to feel that this matters to them. Regardless, the wifebeater and baggy jean shorts is over with. Dear God.

Tonight I got to watch a documentary about STAX records. It made me call Marcus the Communist. It is always inspiring to speak to him. To remember that each opportunity is this last one. Right now. Right here.

I am hosting the radio show friday night. You can expect the entire Bill Perry record, LIVE AT MANNYS CAR WASH. Then, a ton of Scott Holt.