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Hi Familia!
I am recovered after 2652 miles r/t to honor Duane. And THAT friends as Brent says is the "what & why" we do each year. Whether in a shack or a Palladium-very simply stated-we Jam for Duane! And folks-the quality each year has been worth the shitty road food & coffee-believe ME!
Of noteable mention from my notebook: First- Brother Brent; Next Brother Buppalo-and last but not the least- Brother Lefty Collins who along w/his Chicago bretheran carried the torch for Brother Brent long after he left for his well earned sleep..or perhaps a bed with his hottie in any case 🙂
It was a very nice touch to have Duane's cronies onstage to add some professional shade to the shindig- would'a been nicer if ALL remained to at least honor and show respect for Brent's showpiece w/Skydogs- as well as Lefty's set. I WILL thank Scott Boyer for being the only "Pro" who DID stick around after the paycheck to honor & respect Brent for all his effort.
It was also tremendous to feel the vibe of ALL our good friends who travel each year to be with each other and REALLY know "they are loved". To Pam, Kim Payne, Tom S, John, Carol, and **BILL ECTOR** who rocked w/us on slide AND a wicked Hammond B-3! Also very nice to see Kirk West come by to share his presence for Duane.
And a very heartfelt "Thank you" from me to Brother Gregg Potter. It was very sweet to see you come along and enjoin with us at the JFD. No-one should ever forget all the effort you & Barb & all the other great folks who worked SO hard for years having STARTED & maintained the flame so long with GABBA! My hat off to y'all.
I feel the JAM should remain in Gadsden- now and for all time. Whether at Carl's or the Cultural Arts Ctr- don't matter. I feel that for next year and beyond I WOULD LIKE TO SEE any of the "PRO-level" players who *(kinda really owe their Pro-level status to Duane in the first place) merely VOLUNTEER their "honored presence" for perhaps expense $$, a hotel room and a meal. If Lefty, myself *(not to mention Brent & Randy) and other players can spend so much bread & energy to be a part of the **JAM FOR DUANE**I think it would be a very sincere and kindly gesture on the part of any "Pro's" who REALLY wish to partake and kinda show the rest of us you're there for the "cause" and not the paycheck. I am all for having "names" partake to build the credibility of the JFD each year right up to the height of Gadsden's equivilant of the Madison Sq. Garden-but in order for Brent & Bupp to keep the costs down and the spirit free- it would be so nice if the "stars" would shine for free as well- and be a part of the "Entire" JAM. I can't help feeling a sense of abdonement both this year and last when the only real "Brother Pro's" who remained "after the paycheck" were Jimmy Hall last year & Scott Boyer this year. I AM expressing my solidarity and compassion for Brent who is too committed to the pure gesture he creates each year for the celebration of Duane Allman's legacy and doesn't wish ANY one person to be the center of attention other than Duane. He is too humble...and proud at the same time to ever express his regrets over this matter of folks "leaving the mass before the final blessing"!
I have heard ONE voice angrily reject what I have had to say here re; this claiming "the musicians came and played & should have been paid"...Well no *shoot* Sista! I think I can identify w/a musicians plight in life. However I'd much rather travel 2600 miles to celebrate Duane's life and music w/ a bunch of players the caliber of Lefty & his gang- Brent and his gang- and Bill, and John- and that very cool bassist with the Berry "Trackor" copy *(sorry I'm getting old re; names)- and YES...any "PRO" who wants to get up with us and celebrate TOGETHER....*together.
And I would REALLY love to see a "NO-Smoking INSIDE VENUE policy"- (like at the Cultural Arts Ctr) because for those NON-Smokers like me- *(w/cronic asthma) we may then perhaps stand a chance of REALLY enjoying our participation & contribution if able to celebrate with others TOGETHER UNSELFISHLY- as a family w/compassion may...
*Hmmm, and while I'm on my RAVE 🙂 and rant 🙁 might as well include past & present ABB. When-or why not guys?? Gregg- I love ya but I split Macon on Tuesday morning after Rose Hill because it was ALL said in Gadsden on Saturday by some very sincere well-meaning folk.
I LOve ya all..or is it y'all? 🙂
Tommy Booth