I have a theory about the relationship between music and thought which is very similar to another theory I have on somnolence. Basically, the kind of music that we choose to listen to has to do with whether we want our thoughts to be our own or whether we need someone else to do the thinking for us or simply to not think at all. In terms of sleep, our desire for sleeping has to do with whether we are prepared to confront our inner-most thoughts while aslumber. Yes, I will explain . . .
Filed under Digressions, Jazz
Ever since listening to the Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at the Port of Ibiza, I have wanted to write something about Monk. But, everytime I listen to him I find it harder to describe what it is that makes his music so fascinating. Last night I watched Straight No Chaser and this evening Thelonious Monk: American Composer. My conclusion is Monk does not play the piano, he troubleshoots the silence. Here are my observations . . .
Garcia Marquez writes, It was inevitable: the scent of bitter almonds always reminded him of the fate of unrequited love.
And so I went to Formentera. I went with many objectives and none at the same time. I wanted to sleep, to release myself from thought, to turn off, and to discover something. I did not want to discover myself. I think that I have found myself, and that every day I am finding that same self in more and more places. Whereas Marquez writes about unrequited love, I was searching for the unrequited self. As a matter of fact, in Spanish, Marquez’s prose reads, “amores contrariados” meaning that love that has gone astray as opposed to being unfulfilled. So, I suppose I was searching for convergence, a place to periodically converge. A place to find what I lose on a daily basis. And so I set out with my trusted friend, Manolo, who was also in seach of something left behind, but that is his story to tell. Mine goes like this . . .
Filed under Digressions, Friends / Family, Jazz
About six months ago, I was running on the treadmill listening to Thelonious Monk, and I was suddenly overcome by one of the profoundest revelations of my lifetime to date. It wasn’t about the existence of God, the meaning of life and death, or about love. It was much simpler yet just as significant. Here it is:
I should have been a pianist. Continue reading
Filed under Digressions, Friends / Family, Jazz
Bill Clinton was probably the US’ most charismatic president. Of course, people either loved or hated him. What I could never understand is why, even at moments when I thought I had lost respect for the man or even when I knew he was just b.s.ing, he could still move me with one of his speeches. I mean, think about it. Here’s a guy from Georgetown University and from Yale with a redneck twang in his voice.
Then one day it hit me. Bill Clinton sounds a lot like Elvis Presley when he talks. That is what essentially makes him so listen-to-able. Bill is from Little Rock and Elvis was from Memphis. They are pretty close, both geographically and culturally. Listen carefully next time you hear Bill speak, close your eyes, imagine it is the King. Actually, there was a book written about Bill being the Rock and Roll President.
So, what does Bill Clinton sounding like Elvis Presley have to do with Milan Kundera, Billie Holiday, Chet Baker and my Grandmother?
Filed under Digressions, Friends / Family, Jazz, Literature
Grave Error 