01.11.2007. - episode 1
When I thought about this diary in the first place I planned to write about myself referring to me as "he" but, I eventually realized that it would sound ridiculous, quite egocentric and very immature (Julius Caesar was doing that and we all know in what a glorious way he end up his life...:-). So, from this point onwards I will speak about my everyday life in a humble manner ("Yes, like your life could be any different than that" - anonymous criticist). From time to time, I would not hesitate to make remarks about my comments and statements, as well as the other people's words. Yes, it is kind a provocative, especially if I'm commenting the words of others without showing much respect. But, this diary would eventually become tiresome, so this is the way to amuse myself while I'm writing the episodes of this "post-modern drama of the alienated man".
Now, a few more words about this ambitious attempt in the field of creative writing. Although many of you have hoped so far that this would be just a temporary effort, I have to disappoint you. I have imagined this diary to be similar to the Mexican TV soap operas...which means - very questionable artistic quality (it's not a matter of artistic quality...it's matter of good taste and quality in general), very bad acting and unimaginable, ridiculous number of episodes/sequals. Therefore, I could promise you, at least, 350-360 episodes of the Fisherman's Diary...and, at the end, whoever remains alive or awake, will get a prize - a book of collected episodes of the diary which is not going to have any collectible value (unless we record a couple of albums and sell them in immoral number of pieces along with two or three big world tours). Since it's most unlikely to happen, this book might have just a personal value. On the other hand, I will do my best to maintain the high level of quality in this work (...that's what is everyone afraid of...), since it is actually my obligation toward those statistical figure of 11,7 fans of our band and my work.
As you probably figure it out, right now I'm a "very distant member" of my band and it is just the matter of my band's mates sense of friendship, solidarity and good will that they had not officially thrown me out of the band immediately (...just be patient...). What good can the band member be if he's living 2.000 km away? None, if it's considered as just as a band but, since The Old Fisherman's blues bEnd has risen to the level of some kind of institution (or "institution") for us, actually it's not so important what the current band's line-up is, all former and regular members are welcomed. For instance, I will join the band again in the summer, during the summer leave. Although I have put the band in very bad situation when I left (so far being one of the foundations) in prospect of future work, nevertheless, they managed to achieve a surprising recovery strengthening the line-up dramatically, by accepting a couple of members of other ungloriously diminished band . As that old saying goes: "One's can not see the light of the day until the Sun goes down for the other". Beside that, they succeeded in one, so far, unimaginable breakthrough...right now, there is the female vocal (and what a vocal...) in the band. In past times, we were talking about that but it continuously seems almost impossible to manage whatever we tried. Anyway, the most important is that band is working (and working fine), with me or without me.
In next episode I will write about my "new home" in this distant country and how I'm managing different things. Meanwhile, I should meet very interesting guy/bluesman who's actually very prominent blues musician here and in the neighbouring countries. Most probably in next episode I will give an overview of the blues scene in Estonia and of the domestic musician's activities. On the other hand, I want to give this diary an educational and informative dimension too (well, most probably I could give it such a dimension only if I'm somehow writing a cookbook). Since I'm a "bluesman" (of course, modest behavior is one of my virtues...) and since this would read mostly other blues fans, my plan is to make a short presentation of one or two blues bands per episode, whom I've found to be very good, interesting and refreshing on base of my opinion and experience with the Blues.
And in this episode I would like to introduce you to a band who has exhilarated me first (and second...and third...) time I heard them. It's a Swedish blues band - Pelle Lindstrom & His Haydukes . Pelle Lindstrom is very ilustrative elderly guy who sings and plays the harp. I've had an opportunity to hear just four songs but, they were quite enough to make some conclusions (it's hard to believe that they are kickin' just in those four songs and that others are pitiful...). One of the brilliant moments is "Thirty Days" cover which is, so far, the first performance where that ridiculous old R&B song actually sounds nice and interesting (even in Johnny Winter's version it is pathetic but, to J. Winter I would forgive anything anyway). Their style could be described like a strange fusion of Memphis style and that unusual old New Orleans "ragtime blues". Arrangements are deliberately made with a significant flavor of blues from those old blues records from 30's and 40's, but of course, it all sounds very new and fresh. Pelle himself, on the other hand, is an outstanding singer and, obviously, a nice showman. Haven't had an opportunity so far of seeing them alive but, I would definitely love to experience that.
Dear readers (those of you who survived reading this so far without actually hanging themself), thank you for patience and willingness to keep on reading until this point - the end of this episode of the diary. I promise that next episode would be much more interesting (now I'm curious how I would maintain such a promise :-)...
Best regards,
Old Fisherman
(...lost in snows of the Northern-Eastern Europe)
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12.11.2007. - episode 2
Today I almost finished my adventures for some time...if I had a kilometer more to walk in such a blizzard (supported with the wind which took its job (blowing) very seriously...), I would have probably fall to the ground, snow would cover my body in matter of minutes and they will find me in the Spring when snow melts down. OK, I'm slightly exaggerating (but, you mean that those novelists, like Jack London, experienced personally all troubles they wrote about?) but, really, snow is falling for two and half days so far. Today I went out with an umbrella and I was the only person with it. I guess it looked hilarious among other Estonians, all of whom wears some kind of cap, mostly woolen. What can I say? I didn't use to wear any kind of cap ("Yes, you've been known for your very reasonable and logical principles..."). Hm, pretty long introduction...and I just wanted to say that first day of blizzard was funny but, it's not so funny any more...
I have to be honest with you, being personally acclaimed bluesman, right now I'm committing a horrible blasphemy :-) - while I'm writing this I'm listening a Hungarian gipsy band performing a traditional music (Parno Graszt - it's the name of the band, not the music or anything else...) instead of some "prominent" blues album. Once more I have realized something - traditional gipsy music from different parts of Europe actually represents an original European traditional blues music. Of course, I'm talking about creativity and general ideas behind the music, not exact melodies, chords, progressions, instruments used, etc. I'm talking about emotions, lyrical content, honesty, simple harmonies and richness of music itself, very deep roots, mixture of different styles and influences, outstanding unknown musicians...I respect all kinds of music (and academic aproach to music) but, I dare to say that this music is big as the life itself (as just as blues in general) and it has no actual competition in such perspective. Such notion could be applied on every style in traditional music of the European Gypsies. These styles could be easily geographically distinguished and therefore you have - Pannonian (Vojvodinian, Hungarian, partly Romanian and Slovak Gypsies), French, from Benelux countries ( Belgium , Netherlands ), Balkan (Serbian, Romanian, Macedonian, Bulgarian and Turkish Gypsies), Russian ( Russia , Ukraine ), Polish and Spanish Gypsies. In addition, in modern times many contemporary gipsy musicians blend its music with other kinds of music (traditional or modern) in Europe . In such way I have to mention the musicians (mostly guitarists) from Belgium, Holland and northern France - for over 70 years they are nurturing their highly artistic and virtuous blend of traditional gipsy music and classical swing, be-bop, jazz and much more (some of them are guitar virtuosos beyond belief - just than you can see how the popular "guitar heroes" are just the products of the media).
I must admit that I still didn't call this Estonian bluesman to go for a coffee. I had lot of work to do but, in the same time it could be and couldn't be the right explanation. But, today I went to the club/restaurant with the (female) colleague from Russia ...hm, you thought that I would elaborate her appearance, personality, etc.?....sorry.....no, no......yes, she is very, very nice girl but, I didn't want to talk about her.....anyway, no!..It's interesting, the clubs here in Estonia are not something special...they are very nice but, in most cases, they are not that original (maybe it is better solution...if owner has bad taste, at least, the guests wouldn't have to cope with that). This one is very nice, its name is "Indian" (very original!?) and, of course, inside is an actual old Indian motorcycle. But, most surprising for me was the music which was playing for two hours I spent there - John Lee Hooker, a couple of albums with recordings from late 50's and first half of the 60's (according to the sound production). Regular Estonians are not so huge blues fans, according to the statements from some Estonian bluesmen. I was thrilled with the choice of music but, why would anyone decide to play old J.L.Hooker songs during the Tuesday evening with 8 guests (for seven of them I'm sure that blues is not their favorite music) + me (the blues enthusiast) inside? No one objected! No one said a word!!! If I do the same thing in any club back home, they would throw me out along with the CD and lock up the door (except in case that the majority are the blues fans...but, in Serbia now, it's not possible to go out almost anywhere and to find out that the majority of present persons are blues fans).
And as for today's music recommendation - another pleasant surprise for me. Roxy Perry - the New York based blues singer and harp player. She have issued three albums with mostly original songs and for some time known by the nicknames - "The Real Deal" and "New York Blues Queen" (also appeared on numerous prestige albums as a back vocal). These albums are the following: "High Heel Blues", "R.Perry, N.Y. Blues Queen" and the last one "Back in Bluesville". Winner of numerous awards, worked hard with many of blues' big names. I had listened a dozen of songs from last two albums and only thing I could say is - definitely "The real deal"! Great songs, urban and modern Chicago blues, great vocal, nice harp playing and mature self-assured singing (I have seen a couple of clips and she's real band leader and serious frontman). One of the peculiar moments is "House of the Rising Sun" cover...done in a way I really didn't expect - the most bluesy version of this song I heard so far (interesting, honest, urban down-home blues...very nice!). And one more surprise but, negative one - I have found on the web one of the recent songs/performances by James Blood Ulmer. I just realize that it was good that I missed him on the Belgrade Summertime Festival because if he'd played like in this song, than how awful he actually plans to sound in the future? If I would deliver to audience such a bad mood, crude sound and lack of ideas I would go to retirement...
Once again, you have sighed with relief...another episode has reached its end. Every time it seems longer and longer...I know, it would be much bearable if I would write about nasty details from personal life of some porn actresses (or actors, depends on who's reading this...but, I suspect that these statistical 11,7 Old Fisherman fans are all males, so actresses would be more interesting...).
So long, take care of youself and best regards,
Old Fisherman
(...covered with snow, accompanied by J.L.Hooker's singing comin' from the distance...)
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18.11.2007. - episode 3
Sunday, the 18th...early afternoon...in Tartu , Estonia ...
Snow stopped falling some two hours ago and was quickly replaced by a fog. Weather here works in serious way during the late Autumn...there's always something in the air...love?...no, I didn't exactly notice that...but if there is no snow or fog, I could always bet on rain and I will hardly loose any money...
I'm spending my time today in extremely "creative" way, writing this and listening to an internet blues radio station, playing mostly Delta blues and early Chicago blues. It's much more interesting and useful than stations with 32.768th broadcast of some Clapton's or BB King's well known hit. Oh!...Blind Willie Johnson - It's nobody's fault by mine...a killer...if I had any money, I would build him a statue...in a humble way...2 meters high. Hopkins ?...My Black Name...interesting choice. Last week wasn't so interesting or special...the only thing I could say about it is that it has actually passed away. Yesterday evening, my German neighbor came by for our regular "academics on leave" communication session based on personal knowledge, experience and smaller bottle of some liqueur, together with a couple of bigger bottles of beer. Yesterday, it was my turn to provide the necessary provisions for "semi-scientifically" casual conversation. In category of liqueurs, I have chosen some obscure kind of Estonian brandy (made out of honey), but with half disintegrated red hot pepper inside. You might suppose that my choice was a gamble, but you would be wrong...I know very well this kind of brandy (but without the pepper) from back home, unlike my German friend. I could tell you it's a serious stuff (a definitive fiery water)...comparing to this, vodka is completely harmless. Hm,...another Blind Willie Johnson's cut - Lord, I Just Can't Keep From Cryin'... this one is not a killer...this one kills and buries before song's end...I'm raising the height of the statue up to 3 meters. Come on, people...what are you trying to do!?...now, it's Son House (Country House Farm)...and Skip James! (One Dime is All I Had)...terrifying choice of songs...For instance, if you're interesting in becoming an alcoholic, but you can't find the right reason...these guys are playing the ideal blues right now - "Black Night" by Charles Brown...
The fog outside is becoming more and more dense...I'm expecting J. Carpenter to show up with those undead half-decayed pirates and to hear the knocking at my door (my contemporaries know what movie I'm talking about)...although my best recollections about that movie are kept for actress Adrienne Barbeau, don't ask me why...
Right now, like in previous episodes, I would like to present you some interesting contemporary blues musicians and bands. The first is a band with very peculiar name, unusual sound and very interesting songs - LPFHB (Little Pigeon's ForHill Blues) from the town of Zabok , Croatia . This guys are performing (sorry guys, you might not agree) a distinctive modified version of Tidewater/Piedmont blues, which recently became even more interesting when trombone has joined the band. Their repertoire is mixture of nice, not note-to-note, covers (Diggin' My Potatoes) and very creative original songs, some of which was written in Croatian language (my favorite - "0.5", with the lyrics in the regional dialect of the Croatian). This fact that some songs were written in Croatian made the lyrics comprehensible to the majority of people in Croatia and the wider region (it means, to me too), but not for someone else who's far from there. On the other hand, in the same way, I don't understand the lyrics of Guatapike's blues (the band from Chile ), but I can say that songs are very nice. Anyway, look for the LPFHB's releases if you want to enjoy some fresh and original blues.
Another "guest" here is Rene Trossman Band from Czech Republic . Although Rene is Chicago native and was very prominent bluesman there, he moved to Czech Rep. back in 1994. and, according to his own words, he considers it home. His band is also a line-up of experienced, creative and masterful musicians. From the first note, you hear that they are a a brilliant "team" and, especially, in Rene's playing you hear rich experience, maturity, knowledge and true feeling for the music. I even saw a few live video clips and I could tell you that they are terrific live blues "rumblers", who do know how to set the club on fire...In most cases you can't tell for sure whether is the actual song an original or cover...first, because originals are very good and, second, because they're adding an original approach to covers. As just as I said it before...hunt down and find Rene Trossman Band's releases because they deserves your attention...
Finally, the following review is almost a moral obligation. Why? Because, it's about band from Serbia , called Bootleg Blues ...the unique and outstanding blues band which deserves much, much more attention and national/international recognition than it has actually received so far. There is one more reason...blues music in Serbia, together with all blues musicians, have been pushed aside, on margine of music scene. You could say that right now blues in Serbia is definitely an "underground" genre. Therefore, it is even more sad when bands like this one are struggling with such conditions. There's no point to discuss the almost non-existing financial benefit from it (actually, right now, Serbian bluesmen are making music almost solely for the "fame & glory", since there is no any money). Anyway, Bootleg Blues begun its work in 2001 and, so far, they made an important appearances on number of festivals in Serbia and Hungary . It's all acoustic blues band (two vocals, National steel, Dobro, banjo, double bass, harp and percussions/drums/washboard). On bigger and more important stages they're accompanied by the brass section and even the "gospel" choir with 12 members. I have seen them a couple of times in such occasions and those are the moments when they demonstrate all their stunning performing potential and quality. They sound very strong and self-assured, whether we consider the members in particular or the band as a whole. Even more stunning is the fact that they play the original blues songs, adding some spicy ingredients of ragtime, zydeco, gospel, R&B, etc. to it. Further on, the most distinctive features of the band are the female lead vocal (I agree with the band - one of the best vocals on Serbian music scene) and slide guitar work by the singer/guitarist, both of which are preserving the outstanding quality. So far, they released one album on Serbian label, but it was presented and reviewed on numerous radio and TV stations on both sides of Atlantic Ocean , acquiring very positive reactions from professionals in music business. So, therefore, you have one more reason to try to find this superb release (you could always contact them directly).
All right, for the sake of exhausted women and children, I will finish this episode of the diary...which started like "I don't have anything special to say this week...", but later I lost control over the situation...anyway, yes...this actually is the end...
So, best regards,
Old Fisherman
(didn't meet mentioned pirates...nor John Carpenter...)
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14.12.2007. – episode 4
Finally and unexpectedly, I'm at home, in Temerin…and don't ask me why – it's rather boring and senseless story with the bureaucracy as the main actor of the story. Of course, you expected that it will terminate this particular scribomanic side of my personality. But, no…I'm not giving up so easily…I'm just planning to make slight changes in the concept of this column more toward reviewing different blues “products” and events.
Anyway, shortly after arriving home I learnt that small blues festival will take place in the neighborhood, in the city of Novi Sad (capital of Vojvodina region, some 15 km from Temerin). Among other bluesmen, my friends' band was planned to perform on the festival so it was one more reason to attend this “evening of the blues”. My intention is to make some kind of festival review for all people interested in it, but unable to attend it. As I mentioned before in the diary, in my country, the blues had been “gloriously” reduced to a level of underground musical genre. Jazz is suffering too from the similar situation – but, it's interesting…every year in Novi Sad , there is the international jazz festival in the city theatre hall and during those four days it's booked completely full. Me and couple of my friends, every year while we are watching these jazz bands, we're commenting that if those 1.300 spectators per festival night would come to see other blues and jazz performances during the rest of the year our city would definitely have an outstanding, vital and thriving blues and jazz scene. No, unfortunately, 3 of the audience are there just to maintain and secure their “intellectual” or “popular” image. Enough with that, I'm returning to the main story – the humble international one evening blues festival.
The festival was organized by an organization of local blues & other music enthusiasts called Blues Clinique (Bluz Klinika) and it took place in the club on upper floor of the already mentioned theatre building. It is said that this club could reach some 700-800 spectators but, my opinion is that not more than 400 spectators could actually watch the performances. Anyway, five bands were announced to perform on the festival, four of which are from Serbia and one from USA : The Gamblers (Sremska Mitrovica, Vojvodina), The BluesHammer ( Novi Sad , Vojvodina), Blue Family (Pancevo, Vojvodina), Texas Flood ( Belgrade ) and The Moaners ( USA ). And now more about the bands and atmosphere…
The Gamblers – although I hadn't watched them so far, after this performance I'll definitely give them my vote as the best band of the festival. Serious and mature but, honestly affectionate playing, nice choice of songs (you have to forgive me but, I cannot recall exactly what songs all bands played). It is obvious they are playing for their own joy and if there is some earnings than it's even better. The Gamblers demonstrate how experienced, emotional and well-tempered blues band should sound like. Unlike majority of blues bands they had empowered their sound with extensive use of a saxophone as an equal instrument for soloing, as just as a guitar. Singer and guitarist is an interesting person-singer with a distinctive quality of singing, although his “trade mark” cowboy shirt is much more suitable to some European country musician who's trying to maintain a Nashville-like image. Nevertheless, he is putting a tremendous efforts in his performance. Their playlist was the mixture of the Chicago blues, some T-Bone walker influences and those blues-be bop-ragtime blended pieces. Interesting, in every way. It is questionable how effective is their choice of Beatles' “A Ticket to Ride” as a closing song (although they had done it as a performing “grand finale”) but, I guess it's a favorite of some of the band members.
The BluesHammer – definitely very recognizable blues club attraction (and my friends' band). On live performances they combine blues covers with their original songs and it sounds interesting because their originals structurally are not the standard blues songs. Personally, I'm not so thrilled with these originals but, nevertheless, I have to admit that these contain some serious quality. To my surprise, since I haven't watched them live for some time, I didn't hear BluesHammer's new singer…and he's a killer, completely. Guitarists are the story for themselves but, since they are close friends of mine, I want to avoid unobjective judgments. I will just say that they are very, very good and technically strong performers. The BluesHammer is a band with a significant “mileage”, very well teamed-up and experienced enough to give a rock-solid blues performance (as far as I'm concerned, the best moment of their show was “The Sky is Crying” – their singer was specially inspired…). Important remark – since in Serbia you can't make any earnings out of the blues music, inspiration is definitely a matter of emotions, atmosphere, sentiment and joy. That night, The BluesHammer and other bands have shown all that to us.
The Moaners – female band from U.S. with just two members. I'm sure they are nice, ambitious, hard-working girls but, their music had nothing to do with the blues. Their music is some kind of minimalistic, (very) alternative pop-rock-indie sound played by a drummer and a guitarist/singer. This young girl who plays drums technically is very good but, on the other hand, guitarist/singer is rather poor performer in technical sense of the word. Theoretically, some of Moaners' songs are using some bluesy influences but, in such a humble way that it couldn't be treated seriously. What good is it if you bring three good electric guitars and a bunch of stomp-boxes and processors to the stage if you simply don't know how to play guitar? And she simply doesn't know…I'm not a mean man...personally, I think she's very nice and interesting girl but, if you are doing some things professionally, than it's expected from you to know what are you doing. Just as I expected, they had released a couple of CD's (to whom they sell them?) and I want to say that I'm strongly against such record deals. Why? Because in last 10 years more than ever before, especially in U.S., almost any person with statistically 3.7 musical quasi-creative ideas could eventually find itself in the situation to sign the record deal. It's not even question of how good creatively these ideas are but, even more, are they actually “creative” at all or they are just childish/immature intentions to make something “new and avant-garde” without proper musical knowledge. I'm tired of those so-called creative musicians. And what they were doing at the blues fest.? It's not their fault…it's those over-aged intellectuals/”creative” organizers/musical ”specialists” from this Blues & other Society who invited them (it's not their first unreasonable invitation). They had never invited any actual true blues musician from the U.S. so far (to speak honestly, they had two moments of divine inspiration and enlightening ideas when they brought “Honeyboy” Edwards and Terry Evans). In the same time, on the streets and clubs of Chicago , Memphis , Austin , etc. you have thousands of the real bluesmen playing the real music.
Blue Family – a very experienced blues band from Pancevo with well-balanced repertoire suitable for different kinds of audience, from “specialized” real blues fans to those who are willing to listen it from time to time. They had introduced a veteran on the double bass as a nice surprise which differs them from the majority of the bands. In addition to that, their harp player (hard-to-find type of musician in Serbia ) did his job superbly and with recognazible rich experience. The Blue Family sounded just like we expected from them to sound like – mature, serious, emotional and experienced (although they should involve more emotions in their playing, especially in singing). Therefore, there wasn't any unexpected negative surprises – just plain joy for us in the audience. Of course, just like all good things in life, their set had unfortunately finished too early, if you ask me.
Texas Flood – here is the proof that I don't criticize just foreign bands J . Their set was the last in the program, so it turned out to be ideal because in half of the 6th song my friend and I could leave the club without missing all other performances. And why leaving earlier was so important? Simply in order to keep my ears in good health for the rest of my life…The band leader/singer/guitarist was the first person (and blues guitarist) I ever heard of being capable to completely “choke” the sound of the vintage Fender valve amplifier (I'm not sure which one was it, but it had 2x12” and at least 100W) turning it too loud and with extensive gain (he added more drive from two(!) stomp-boxes to the already hardly overdriven amplifier – all in all, three drivers in the chain or two drivers and a very miss-used compression-sustainer). It sounded so bad that it wasn't bearable…he managed to make a sound barrier which swallowed the sound from drums and bass. Since my friend/band colleague and I were sitting in front of the stage, my friend tried to give him a signal that his sound is too loud and annoying but, this “big shot” guitarist signaled back that his sound is just fine. Book example of ego-trip, definitely. Not to mention that their repertoire could be named the “SRV best of” with probably few exclusions, which is not strange since the guitarist is copying him in many ways. The bass player is very good and experienced, but drummer is, well, fair enough to sound decently. The guitarist (miss)used plenty of power-chords and bends (half of those bends were senseless and unnecessary) and it seems that its main use was to hide the obvious lack of technical proficiency in his playing. Anyway, I couldn't say much about this band and its performance because there was no actual performance, just self-centered, poorly proficient guitar torture. I have to say that they had a group of loyal fans/friends who supported them without any intention to draw band's attention to the overall sound…and I don't know why.
All in all, I'm glad this festival managed to live to its second year and I'm glad I had an opportunity to be there and listen some very nice blues performances after a long time of abstinence. Atmosphere had been very positive and encouraging for future blues gigs in Novi Sad – if just half of people present there come to see other blues gigs, it would be great. Maybe, there are some chances that some people present on the festival just for a social “make-up”, whose having as just the same relations with the blues as my mother, would eventually start loving this kind of music instead of just acting in that way.
Yours sincerely,
Old Fisherman
(in love with the blues…but half deaf after “articulate” blues guitarist)
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Tranja meet Frank
He who get laid with stomach stuffed with cold pork jelly soaked in vinegar and with dried grinded hot pepper on top – he dreams a science-fictional dreams. He who got laid in bed hungry... he dreamt pork jelly“, Dusan Radovic
Sunday morning, may 20th, 2007
If mornings, after a night spent with my wife in a bar, are goin' to begun with dreams like this, I swear that I'm going to take my wife out in night life more often! This dream I am talkin' about, really happened, and word by word it is the whole truth...
No one else came to my dream, but – with gray hair, mustaches... in flesh and bones Frank Zappa, himself! Scene: interior, typical American high school hallway with lockers on both sides. I was surprised, fuck it! Frank Zappa is here, and he smiles... and we started the conversation, you know...
Anyway, I said to him:
ME: Frank, buddy...I got some kind of quasi-blues band. We are very motivated to play together but, I'm afraid we are not good enough... Audience in those days isn't exactlly filled with blues-lovers. Our sound is giving us very hard times, more gray hair and ulcers...we might even strangle to death some real blues fan with boredome...and, beside all that, they are rarely hiring us to play...so I was goin' to ask you – do you have any practical advice to give?
And Zappa start talking, in pure Serbian, of course:
FZ: Look it this way – don't be worried about the sound! Sooner or later, you will begin to sound properly – or you'll become widely recognized by your awfull sound, so – it will be good in any way. If you're motivated to play the music, there is always going to be enough motivated audience who would listen you. The most important thing is to have a lot of good fun. If audience likes you that way – it's good, and if they don't – don't worry and just leave your private parts (including your balls) jingling away to show how much you care for the oppinion of an audience… Pleasure of playin' is important…If some commercial success doesn't come eventually - I think that Japanese "Kabuki" Theatre or artistic mime performances would be a good alternative for securing a some kind of profit and an artistic identity!
ME: Jeez, Frank, it would be great if you could somehow perform with us...but there is just that little problem you got...
FZ: What problem?
ME: Well, the problem is that you're dead!
FZ: Ha-ha, I really am, ha-ha !
And so we laughed, Frank Zappa & me. In that very moment I woke up. While I was drinking my first coffee – I told my wife everything about the dream. If it wasn't told, now I would be writing about something completely different... And advices? Well, my band mates are already suggested me to visit certain facilities for rehabilitation of fruitcakes, or to make an appointment with some psychologist...Nevertheless, although band colleagues eventually begun to trust me about this conversation with Frank, I'll be passing this Frank's advices from time to time – and someday it will bring some ideas to those bums from the band...
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