Mr. Bojangles, a melancholy song from years past. I didn’t know the story was true. It is said that Jerry Jeff Walker, the writer of the song, met a homeless street performer in New Orleans when they were both locked up in the parish jail. The street performer used the name Mr. Bojangles to keep his true identity from the police. While in lock-up, they talked, of course, and by and by, Mr. Bojangles told the sad story of his dog who had traveled around the country with him for years, but at some point, had died. They asked Bojangles for something to lighten the mood, so he danced for them. One of my internet friends, Alpha Whisky Foxtrot, recently suggested a Spanish Guitar station on Pandora, and while listening, I discovered this gem by David Bromberg. Maybe the best version of Mr. Bojangles ever. Enjoy.
How about a little minimalist, hip, cool, toe-tapping Americana music today?
How about some Parker Millsap?
Groovy, man.
Time to boogie, cool cats.
I dare you to sit still while watching this. It’s a Junkie XL remix (?). There are about three different dance styles in this video I’d love to be able to do. I think the dude doing the James Brown shuffle (yes, this time i mean THAT James Brown) near the end is my favorite.
What’s your style?
Yeah, I’m on an Avett Brothers kick right now.
I’m pondering my next fiction post. I have two choices in front of me.
One is an excerpt from the James and Katherine novel in progress which introduces another character, Warren Carter, aka, Jar. But I’m wondering whether it’s worthwhile to throw the reader into the middle of a novel with little context just for the sake of a snippet of the larger story.
The other possibility is a short-story. Unlike the Shelly Wallingford saga, this one is more somber and has the potential to be misunderstood. It’s about a young man’s struggle with guilt and the concept of forgiveness. So I don’t know.
Any thoughts?
I’ll make up my mind tomorrow. Today, I’m on my way to Lexington. For now, enjoy this tune from the Avett Brothers. It’s not as dark as the title suggests. And the lyrics are very poetic.
Dig it.
There’s a club in London called the Troubadour. It was founded in the 1950’s and has played host to legendary musicians through the years. It’s also famous as a hangout for writers and artists and coffee-house poetry.
Finger snap.
Groovy.
Picture this. Stanley Kubrick had a favorite table at the Troubadour back in the early 60’s. He comes in, drinks espresso, takes in a poetry slam, and works on his screenplay for 2001: A Space Odyssey.
In 1968, his seminal film is released.
“Open the pod bay doors, HAL.”
“I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
Far out.
Featured in the film was the music of Richard Strauss, specifically, Also Sprach Zarathustra, which, interestingly, is a tone poem. Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls.
In 1972, the jazz musician Deodato put out his take on the classic, which was later featured in the Peter Sellers film, Being There.
“As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden.”
Heavy man.
So for all you poets out there, put on your black turtleneck and beret, go back in time, and tap your toes to the groovy, jazzy, coffee-house, hipster version of Also Sprach Zarathustra by Deodato.
Dig it.
Joseph E Bird 