You know how many folks got their lives in order by joining the Armed Forces? Between the GI bill, the attenuation of teenage shenanigans, even musical encouragement, many folks have gained by their affiliation (yeah, there’s a good word) with the Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force. (Nowadays, we consider the Coast Guard part of Homeland Security, so…)
Tag Archives: Jazz
Will lightning strike twice?
When I moved to Charlottesville (VA) way back in 1976, I knew I was in for a major life change. Despite the way I thought the modern world worked, Charlottesville was a remnant of the old South.
Rock. Jazz. Fusion. Blues. Classical.
When I was a teenager, there were a few guitarists that grabbed my attention every time they played. Jimi Hendrix. Eric Clapton. Mike Bloomfield. Larry Coryell. They played blues, rock, and jazz- all music that I enjoyed- immensely. Jimi Hendrix died when I was barely still a teenager- of a drug overdose, but in mysterious fashion. Mike Bloomfield (of Butterfield Blues Band fame, in case you forgot) also died mysteriously in his car back in 1981. Eric Clapton is still playing. But, Larry died last month in a hotel (of heart disease; he gave up stimulants years ago).
The Lighthouse led the way
Back when I was bicoastal (almost- Charlottesville, VA and Long Beach, CA), I managed to find a great place to mellow out in the evenings. I really can’t recall what drew me to the place- perhaps there was a sign, perhaps it was musical sounds that carried to the street.