My lifelong obsession with music derives, in part, as a reaction to a semi-solitary childhood. As an only child there were good swaths of time uninterrupted and that down time was often filled with music. The records in my little collection were companions. Plans of being in a band like Kiss, The Beatles, The Monkees or The Jackson Five was the stuff of daydreams. The myths about success and friendship were reinforced by radio and TV blasting out the constant message : a life in music can be rewarded with riches, fame and fulfillment. It really looked LEGIT to an impressionable kid. While the riches and fame didn't pan out as promised, the fulfillment managed to deliver after so many years – that much I can attest to. Yet, I probably could have become a doctor or an architect with the amount of effort that's gone into making the daydreams come true.
The daydreams have changed over time. After being in so many bands, I have other goals. At one time I thought it would be jolly good fun to retire nearby a well-maintained symphony orchestra. Maybe I could volunteer to do something that would put me in the proximity of hearing some great orchestral music for “free”. Or at least a “senior discount”. But retirement plans have changed – not for the worse, mind you. However, the role of music in my life has hit an unexpected bump-question – is it based in pure escapism or a connection to a shared humanity? Isn't it a fundamentally human thing to imagine a better world – and do whatever possible to make that world a reality? Musicians can transform a small part of the world (a concert hall, perhaps), however briefly. Is that the best we can get? If so, its a start. My contributions – however humble – are still ongoing. Though I sometimes wonder – what's it all worth? Is it some selfish trip? Fame and fortune may not be part of my legacy, but I still do my part to offer up something besides “bubble music”** for the listeners.
(** Rahsaan Roland Kirk spoke about this on his Bright Moments album.)
So, the work to make the daydreams real....what's the work? I'll pass that on to Allen Ginsberg.....
Allen Ginsberg – Memory Gardens – the full text can be found on page 570 of this collection:
the final words are a good reminder for anyone with half a heart:
“Well, while I’m here I’ll do the work— and what’s the Work? To ease the pain of living. Everything else, drunken dumbshow”
These are really scary times in the world. Lies and hate seem to be winning against truth and dignity. Not unlike other pivotal times, it can be a genuine liability to act upon one's conscience in an effort to stand up for the truth and democratic, inclusive values. Lest we forget – Beethoven rescinded the dedication of his 3rd Symphony to Napoleon when he learned that said leader was just another autocrat / dictator in the end. Ol Ludwig was kinda pissed off, no?
So how did we get here? And what can be done? On my honor, none of this is designed as “drunken dumbshow” - for what it's worth.........words of prescience from a long gone prophet?
Late author Claude Brown threw the gauntlet down to sum up the year 1968 in this documentary:
His comments (heard at approx the 26 minute mark) struck me as hyper-cynical when I saw this documentary as a teenager in the 80s. Yet, his words haunt me and give me genuine pause considering our current climate. Was he right? So many knew in their guts that '68 was a turning point – but to what? Is THIS where we were headed from that moment and for the reasons Claude Brown spoke of ?
When the climate has become as hostile as is currently evident – what is the most reasonable response for those with progressive hearts and minds? Feeling dejected is a normal response for those appalled by the powers that be. A good antidote came from the Diggers website again which features this documentary: Les Diggers de SF
I got a renewed sense of what it's all about – just because the Diggers couldn't permanently effect the change they wanted to see in the world – that doesn't mean you can't – even if briefly – live like the Revolution has happened successfully. The action becomes street theater – it becomes art. Like the free food in the park happening within the big orange frame – the John Cage idea to put a frame around it so the action becomes a living painting. A living art work even if it is temporary. To ease the pain of living.
The artists, musicians, poets, dreamers – all have the option to function as “journey agents” as Rahsaan Roland Kirk put it. To provide a “duty free gift for the traveler”. Listen.....listen to his tune:
So where does the listening / seeking fall into this frame? To ease the pain of living and to provide alternative reference points for transcendent experiences beyond the typical outlets – or even through those outlets. The real revolution is always the cultural one. The one where a majority of people stand up and say “We don't want this shit anymore!” With so many choices of what to do with one's time – why not grab onto something local, real, nourishing and thought-provoking? Don't get backed into a corner or put in a box you don't belong in – literally or figuratively. If at all possible......
Maybe it is necessary to figure out how to FORCE the unwilling to join in with the WEIRDNESS. The 60s was a good time for that. Rahsaan's “Prepare Thyself...” album is a total antidote to thinking inside ANY box whatsoever. All pre-conceived notions fall apart for those foolish enough to try hanging onto them.
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