Early last evening, Bill picked me up to go with him to the MSA (Memphis Songwriters Association) gathering for songwriters night. First we arrived at the venue, The Abbey, for the sound testing. Then we went to have a bite to eat at Ole Cafe, because neither of us had dinner, even though we had late lunches. By six o'clock there were quite a few hungry people from MSA there. The waitresses knew we were all in a hurry to get back to The Abbey, so they brought our orders soon enough; that was good of them.
The program began at 7 o'clock; the ones in charge, Linda and Cecil Yancy, did a very fine job of coordinating everything. There is much to do to put on such a show. It's going to be a very good year, I would say, with Linda and Cecil in charge.
There were ten singers to play their guitars and sing their own original songs, all were on the stage in a semicircle and would sing solo - except for Linda and Cecil who are usually a duet. They do very well together. They've been married only fourteen years, and to me it seems like thirty-five, because they appear to be soul-mates.
During the first round, each person sang one song. In the second round, each of them did two songs. It was most enjoyable to listen to them. I think the 'one' and then 'two' is a good idea.
I liked each and every one of the performers, all were good, some were very good. Bill was terrific with his three songs "I Had A Talk with the Moon Last Night", "My Lover Loves Liver", and "Vicki the Vicious Vegan". The audience and other singers were quite amazed at how he can use so many rhyming words so fast in his verses. And they seem to like the food songs so much. His Talk With the Moon is a very moving song, and I like it more each time I hear it. It could be that I'm bragging a little, a proud mom will do that...
One of the young ladies hadn't played for a long time because she has been raising her children; she told how busy one can be, doing that. As a mother of six, grandmother of well over a dozen, I was very empathetic: 'been there, done that', as they say.
More than one of the songwriters have had life-changing experiences, and wrote and sang about these events. There are so many reasons to write a song. I admire those who can wake up in the middle of the night and write some very moving lyrics. Bless you all, MSA!
To me, the highlight of the program was Adam, an eleven-year-old guitar player. He began when he was five years old, his Dad taught him a great deal, and his parents would take him to guitar classes of bluegrass and classical music. This youngster seems to be a genius with his guitar, and he plays extremely well, with touches of jazz and the blues. Truly, he is amazing with such natural talent; he is passionate in his playing.
This is the same venue in which Johnny Cash made his first public appearance so many years ago, and both Linda and Cecil Yancy told us to remember that we heard Adam Miles in this place, because Adam is going to be very notable, one fine day. He is already on the doorstep...
It was an exceptional gathering, with thirty people or more as an audience, and everyone listening intently to the performers. There was an ambiance of kindness, affection, warmth, and the effects of great talent. I never expected it to be that moving to so many people. There were many hugs being exchanged. That makes me quite happy.
Before we left, I talked with that little boy, and I requested a big hug from him. He seems to be very precious and loved. He is very sweet; his eyes are quite expressive and so much a part of him. He has good parents and family. May they all be blessed.
I'll see you at the Corner Post...
No comments:
Post a Comment