Still Playing After All These Years

I’ve just seen a legend.

It’s no secret that I love music. I listen to a variety of music (all the time) and have sentimental attachment to some genres. Like Jazz, which was my dad’s favorite. I inherited a collection of my dad’s albums from many of the great masters. I love the Blues, R&B, and Classical music. I enjoy listening to newer artists and Alternative music. I can find almost anything to listen to if you give me a dial to turn on the car radio, load a music streaming service, or set me loose in a music store. But, I’d have to say that my favorite music genre is Rock. As I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, Rock music was taking hold as the voice of a new generation. Artists, who were just starting out in their wild and crazy careers, created new sounds and crafted meaningful words that spoke to the issues of the day.  Classic Rock songs are the soundtrack of my life. Many songs carry sentimental meanings.

In 2017, Tom Petty was playing his “40^th Anniversary Tour” in Atlanta. The weekend of his concert we had a conflict, so we were not able to go. We agreed that he was one of those artists that we really should see in our lifetime, so Rob & I decided that next time he came to town we would do whatever it took to make sure that we went to his concert. He died unexpectedly 6 months later. We'll never see him. So now, because of the Tom Petty effect, we have been making a conscious effort to try to see more acts in person, especially the artists who are sprouting gray hairs. Don’t put it off—because, you never know. None of the musicians are getting any younger.

That’s why I bought tickets to the “Miraculous Supernatural Tour.” Earth Wind & Fire opening for Santana. At the last minute, Rob was unable to go, but I talked my daughter into going with me, and she was a good sport about it. It was a wonderful concert. All the songs you know by heart. All the feels. And, my new surgically installed titanium hip was rocking and swaying and, dare I say, dancing, and it held up just fine. That’s a relief.

Here are some details to make you feel like you were there. Earth Wind & Fire had an upbeat, funkadelic set with lots of horns and drums and keyboards and moves. They didn’t miss a beat. Of the dozen or so band members, there are 3 original members who started singing together in 1972. That is 50 years ago. These guys were all over the stage, dancing and grooving. They are in their 70s! And, the lead singer Philip Bailey had an INSANE falsetto voice. When he hit the high register, it was unreal. Later, I played back my phone recording of the song ‘Reasons’ and used my (out-of-tune) piano to try and peg the notes that he hit. According to my research, he hit notes that were 3 octaves above middle C! Three Octaves! I couldn’t even do that in my dreams. Unbelievable. The Earth Wind & Fire performance was upbeat and lots of fun. Everyone was smilin’ and singin’ and dancin’ and jivin’ and groovin’ and rockin’ along.

Carlos Santana. The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

I was so excited to see him in person, and he did not disappoint. Carlos Santana is widely considered to be one of the top dozen guitarists in the world. He, so coolly and calmly, handled the guitar and produced the sweetest sounds. He was totally in the zone. What I loved, when the band started performing, was that 2 of the big screens zeroed in on him and other band members (like his wife, the drummer), but the 3^rd big screen showed footage of his band playing the same song in 1969 at Woodstock.  Cuts of Carlos as a strapping youth in his 20s playing along with his current performance. I cannot tell you how impressive that was. Well played, in more ways than one. Pure genius, in more ways than one. Way cool. As the concert continued, there were lots of guitar and lots of percussion solos. There was energy and a steady drive. The concert rocked my socks off. I loved it.

Ok, this may not be your thing. Thanks for reading, anyway. Can you imagine doing the same thing for 50 years? Can you imagine still having the skill and the talent and the nimbleness to get up on stage and perform when you are over 70 years old? No arthritis problems, no bad back, no persistent cough, or trouble breathing?  Turns out, Carlos Santana did have a health scare this summer and had to cancel several weeks of concerts. See, that’s what I’m saying….you never know how long these music icons will be able to perform. See them while you can!

The majority of us are not music icons. We are just normal people doing normal jobs getting through the day as best as we can. But, I wonder, are there any legends in your life? Any people who have stayed the course for a very long time, doing their best work, helping, or influencing others? A beloved teacher, a reliable auto mechanic, an inspirational minister, a dependable handyman, an accomplished landscaper, a successful small business owner? Anyone you can think of?  Maybe not 50 years of service, but some significant amount? Our world today discourages people from sticking with a job or career. Things seem to be less stable in business and in pleasure. Sometimes it’s every man for himself and it’s common practice to cast the old aside and reach for the newest, latest, and greatest.

I think there is value in honoring the lives and careers of those who have dedicated themselves to excellence. Those people can be found in all of our own lives. We should recognize them and validate their contributions. Doing the same thing over a long period of time is not easy. Kudos to those who have the stick-to-it-iveness to do it. Give them the applause they deserve.

P.S. Carlos Santana’s coolness factor is off the charts. In the haunting song Maria, Maria, the band actually sings that the guitar is being played by Carlos Santana. It's in the lyrics! And, here is what he said in an interview with Guitarworld, "I learned to defer to the vocalist, to the other guitarist, and to the drums. Then, when it’s my turn, I just get in there with all I’ve got. But I love deferring, too, because that space means I’m not afraid to bring my spirit into a situation.” Very profound. Great philosophy. The man is a phenomenon. Whether you like him or not, he deserves respect. Ok, that’s all. I’ll stop.