Guest Book

Random thoughts on my transition from middle aged to senior citizen... Lots of living in a short amount of time Saturday. You get what you pay for, I guess. Tried to low-ball the day, got round trip from JFK to the Beacon, $36 round trip. Plane lands at 3:02, I'm at Ground Transportation at 3:05. Arrive at the HTN party at 5:37. You get what you pay for. ...so I'm on SuperShuttle for an hour and a half, watching the clock tick, stewing away, afraid I won't even make the HTN party. Drop off my bag, find the party, go downstairs, hang out at the door with a chick from Canada, a chick from Norway. Through the door, and I'm home. No more angst, all cares dismissed. Big hug from PeachNutt, and meet Tyler. Won't even try to go through all the familiar faces. I came here in 1997, have met almost all the old GB crowd that's still around, with 2 exceptions. After I dropped off my bag, got on the elevator down to find 3 suspicious-looking folks. So I say, "Who I got?" Frim Jolly. And Melissaphish and friend, Mr. Lazlo. So back at the party, Jacquie says, "Come here," and I meet the other old GBer. Bird72. Jacquie and Bird were my hosts for the evening. A quick trip by the room and off to dinner at a place Jacquie knew across the street. Nick's? Nico's? Nice little NY venue, packed. Great food, better conversation. Always nice to hang with old friends, even when you've just met. The Allman Brothers Band I saw Saturday night, and the previous Sat. on Moogis, is the pinnacle of music creation by the species of man. Period. The band I saw is the best that has ever been. Made as a statement of fact. As I sat there drinking it all in, I thought about how surreal the moment was. What was I doing in New York? Hearing this, spending time with these people from all over the world? I couldn't count the times I heard Duane Allman's name mentioned this weekend, don't know how many times the phrase, "Thank you Duane Allman" crossed my mind. I do know I had to dry my eyes more than once. Quaint little moment during one of the early songs, One Way Out, Statesboro? Gregg missed the cue for the first verse, audience took it. It was over halfway through before I realized Gregg wasn't singing. Don't know if it shows up on Moogis. Chatting with the lady next to me, found out it was AngelEmerald. And at a quiet moment in an early song, I hear a plaintive,"Randy" behind me. Lizzie. She worked her way down for a hug later on. Sweet. I love the horns. Same Thing with the horns is one of my all-time favorites. Prompted a couple of concert calls to Big Stephen. How about that Susan? She's pretty good for a little girl, huh? Didn't think Bruce Hornsby was a good fit. Grandma's Hands at an ABB concert? In keeping with the overall theme of the run, Chuck would also obviously been a better fit. But perhaps Paul Hornsby too. I think his piano style is a better fit. Someone in a recent review of the original band used the term "desperation." This is what I sensed in the Moogis show I saw last Saturday, and it was there in this show too. A little disturbing. Could someone please ask Warren to ease off the donuts? A little? So after the show, taxis were scarce. Walked down to Amsterdam, flagged a ride. Driver doesn't know where BB King's is. So I tell him Times Square. He doesn't know where Times Square is. Makes a call for directions. Lets me out, says, "I think this is Times Square." So I'm asking street vendors for directions, finally find the right street. Voice behind me says "Follow me." Harvey. My guys did GOOD! Obviously tired from the long trip and hours of playing already, and intimidated by the whole deal. Long way from Hokes Bluff. But you couldn't tell it from their playing. Outstanding! I've noticed in the 2 ABB shows I've seen lots of licks and solos from the original records. Almost certainly by design, in keeping with the theme. These licks have been fed into Derek since he was a baby, and will always be in him. Many of us have fed on these licks even longer. They are instilled in Lefty too, and will always be there. But just as Derek is Derek, Lefty is Lefty. And the notes and licks and riffs are his. Nice to see Tommy B. again, and very cool of Junior Mack to drop by, sit in. Poignant little moment, I went over to thank him for coming by when it was over. He called me back asked if I wasn't the guy from Gadsden, associated with the Jam for Duane. Made me feel good. Taxied back to the Beacon with Helen, Nancy, Big6, Terri. Good thing we know each other well, taxis aren't designed for that many middle-aged rear ends! More quality entertainment for no cover, via the message screen in the back of the taxi :winky: Picked up my bag from the consierge at the Beacon, we head north on Broadway. Terri, Nancy and Karen head to their room, me and Helen continue for chow at the all-night diner. Wharfy and a couple of friends were already there, we were later joined by MissTerry, the Alec, Fig, and friend. More living. And I became aware of some misconceptions about a brother, that there are some feelings there due to stuff that belongs entirely on me. And maybe a couple others. I had no idea some of this was out there. Always good to spend quality time chatting with souls you love and respect. Back out on the street, 4:15. No SuperShuttle this time, glad to pay the $50 for the taxis. Good-byes to Helen and Terry, and off into the New York night. I'm told it was rather chilly in New York this weekend. I never noticed. It was warm in my little world. As I age, I don't know how much longer I can do this. I suspect a number of fans and musicians are having similar thoughts these days. But I had the opportunity to live this weekend. It is wise to live when you have opportunity. Oh, did I say THANK YOU DUANE ALLMAN? And thanks to Rowland and Lana too. eapfp