M. Lee's Dad passed away two days before Christmas.
At his Mom's request we disassembled his music room.
Gig over. It was a bleak obsequy.
At his Mom's request we disassembled his music room.
Gig over. It was a bleak obsequy.
At twelve, Jim played bass in the Chicago Symphony.
At fifteen, and well on his way to 6'9", he played
professionally in Chicago clubs but from
behind a curtain because he was white.
At fifteen, and well on his way to 6'9", he played
professionally in Chicago clubs but from
behind a curtain because he was white.
In his early twenties he moved to San Francisco
and caught the end of the 50s North Beach Bebop scene.
and caught the end of the 50s North Beach Bebop scene.
Elvis wanted Jim to join him. So did the Jefferson Airplane.
He refused. He was a purist.
He refused. He was a purist.
He left the Baby Grand to Nolan,
his piano player for the last forty years.
his piano player for the last forty years.
WINTER
for Joe & Jim
In the evening we
carry down our dead
they leave our hands willingly
above Dog Star watches
cold, white
as on ancient evenings,
Dog Star
bringer of rain.
for Joe & Jim
In the evening we
carry down our dead
they leave our hands willingly
above Dog Star watches
cold, white
as on ancient evenings,
Dog Star
bringer of rain.
excerpt from Dead Reckoning by asha
5 comments:
Many condolences to M Lee. His father sounds like a unique and powerful man and musician.
Disassembling one's fathers final rooms provides a rich mixture of feelings, no question. I'll be at it again tomorrow, and off and on throughout January. I can't be bothered going swiftly, yet I want it over with.
Anyway, good luck to the next wave.
So many saying goodbye to their fathers recently. Sympathies to M Lee.
Don, you certainly have my sympathies. Quickly or slowly, it's a hard time. Good luck to you as well. Hoping the new year brings you healing and happiness. And thank you for your kind words. I will pass them along.
Paula, yes. And these days I also know so many people who have recently been diagnosed with cancer. I've never see anything like it before. Very strange and really sad.
Also, thank you for your sympathies. I'll pass them along.
I'm sorry to hear about M Lee's father. As Don mentioned, it is tough to go through a parent's stuff after they're gone. The best to you both.
Lee, I am honored to have shared the path with Jim. Wishing you both the comfort of warm memories.
Funny, the word verification is pater.
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