I had occasion to go to a concert Tuesday night at the Higgins Beach community center and saw a jazz trio hosted by Tony Boffa - he is a fine guitarist and a warm and funny speaker.
For some inexplicable reason, my mind went back to the winter of 1980 and to the Fulmer Village Hall, England, where a friend of mine, Martin and his band were "strutting their stuff" before an audience of high rollers from the Gerrards Cross and Fulmer areas. The occasion was Karen and my UK wedding reception and the band up on stage was playing all sorts of rock-n-roll - I also remember the band's performance being, in a sense, controversial. Appreciation for Martin and his chum's musical abilities and choice of material they played divided the audience along generational fault lines. The "oldies" as represented by my parents and their friends found the music noisesome, whereas our friends thoroughly enjoyed themselves, so it seemed.
I cannot recall how many times a friend or other of my parents would sidle up to me among the guests saying: "Can't you get the band to turn the music down." Of course I would then have to pass on the message to Martin and his chums, knowing full well that there is only so much "turning down" that a live rock-n-roll band accustomed to full amplification, can do.
So the band played on!
After the food was eaten and the floor cleared for dancing, the older generation repaired to the Black Horse for a few scotches or whatever and some opportunity for chit chat in a more peaceful environment, and the kids (30 years and younger) danced to the bands loud music.
Meanwhile, 30 years later.....
I cannot recall how many times a friend or other of my parents would sidle up to me among the guests saying: "Can't you get the band to turn the music down." Of course I would then have to pass on the message to Martin and his chums, knowing full well that there is only so much "turning down" that a live rock-n-roll band accustomed to full amplification, can do.
So the band played on!
After the food was eaten and the floor cleared for dancing, the older generation repaired to the Black Horse for a few scotches or whatever and some opportunity for chit chat in a more peaceful environment, and the kids (30 years and younger) danced to the bands loud music.
Meanwhile, 30 years later.....
Ah well twas ever thus! Tony Boffa played music from every era from the 40's, to Taylor Swift an American Idol winner and recording artiste. It was great. He was educated at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Ma and has a fine appreciation for three or more part harmonies as practised by the likes of the Eagles, Beatles, Beach Boys, Zombies and others. He does not, it seems, care much for contemporary music and says that musicians these days are into writing and performing their own stuff only; whereas earlier generations of musical performers drew deeply from the well of songs from musicians gone by. He has a point.
Well that is it. I think I may start a blog of my adventures in Maine. Karen and I are having a wonderful time up here - when we are not working that is!
