My funny valentine night
It’s late, and I’m pretty pooped, but I just wanted to write a quick line about tonight’s gig. Because it was a lovely evening.
The band did well, and the audience was fairly plentiful, and very receptive. There were some nice familiar faces in the crowd, too - guys from Ohio who I’ve met here, the local who took me to play tennis today (more of that tomorrow), and the lovely C and N (N being the living Penang jazz legend who sang at the E&O for 28 years).
I admitted to not knowing all the verses to ‘Makin’ Whoopee’ - so after I sang the ones I did know, C came up on stage and finished off the song; which was a lot of fun. And then, before they left, we persuaded N to come up and do a number.
As I stood and watched this elderly lady sing ‘It Had To Be You’ absolutely simply and disarmingly, it hit me just how wonderful this music is that I make.
This music, these songs, bring together people of all generations and across all nationalities. It really was quite something to watch; and made me feel hugely privileged to be part of the world that makes this music.
And before I get any soppier - although it is Valentine’s Day, after all - I’ll go to bed. Night night. And Happy Valentine’s Day to you all (it’s not that weird to wish it to people over here, you know. Turns out it’s a bit like saying “Happy New Year”. See how travel broadens the mind?).
February 15th, 2008 at 5.50am
Happy Valentine’s Day to you too!
February 15th, 2008 at 8.25am
It’s lovely this - your blog. I enjoy logging in to hear your news and thoughts and reflections. I like the repartee: flippant, erudite and trivial all. Thank you A for your investiveness. Take care of your larynx and enjoy Vic (who I thought at one point was your sister for some reason). Now I know she’s a woman with a penchant for pink cardigans and cares a lot for you - so she may knit you a pink mosquitoe protector after all. xx
February 15th, 2008 at 3.49pm
thank you both :-). so glad you think it’s a good read, Rachel.. I’m certainly loving writing it. x
February 15th, 2008 at 5.44pm
I’ll just add to the comments above and say that I agree that it’s a good read. It adds some interest to a possibly dull day.
The fact that you reply to the comments is also good.
Makes me wonder what it might be like to leave the desk job and go and seek my fortune playing the old joanna.
February 15th, 2008 at 5.59pm
cheers John. and yes, I think you should do just that :-).
February 15th, 2008 at 7.42pm
I’m struck just now, again, at what an amazing experience you’re having, what a fantastic opportunity. I’m so proud of you for embracing it. You’re an inspiration, my friend. Wish I had half the guts and talent. Miss you xxx
February 15th, 2008 at 7.47pm
aww thank you, my friend. I miss you too. and yes, being here has really opened my eyes. everyone should do something like this..
xx
February 15th, 2008 at 8.27pm
Making Whoopee? Did you lie seductively on the piano a la Michelle Pfeiffer in The Fabulous Baker Boys??? Yay!
February 15th, 2008 at 8.29pm
sadly, the keyboard can’t withstand that sort of treatment. so: no. ;-(
February 15th, 2008 at 8.41pm
it would make a great spoof version though
February 16th, 2008 at 3.50am
true. maybe on the last night…