Yes, it's been a while since I've written anything but I always enjoy the wonderful writing at DK and my fellow Kossacks. I also received a gentle reminder that since I haven't posted anything in a while, now might be a good time. Some of you know I played guitar with Etta James for 22 years, until she passed on Jan. 20, 2012, succumbing to leukemia and other complications. It was an incredible gig for me - Etta was truly one of a kind, told the greatest stories I've ever heard and could bring tears to you at a sound check. I was and still consider myself extremely fortunate. And I miss her, very much.
I still play music and have a band and we play mostly in the Metro Detroit area. This coming Tuesday, we are opening for the Robert Cray Band at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. Robert and Richard Cousins, the groups' bassist and co founding member are old friends. We grew up in Lakewood, WA - a burb right outside of Tacoma. Robert's dad was in the US Army, Richard and myself were USAF dependents. Military brats. Robert and I graduated from high school together and played in a rock band together - we pretty much had a monopoly at both of our local high schools and played a lot of the dances. We graduated June 9, 1971 - I remember because it my birthday. And the great Albert Collins performed at our graduation - Robert and I sat beside each other dumb founded, never to be the same. We used our band's popularity to lobby for Albert Collins and it worked. Later Robert would record and tour with Albert (A Grammy winner) and I also played with Albert off and on for over 20 years. Sometimes Albert and Etta would tour together and Albert would clear it with Etta so I could play with him too. Musical heaven for me.
What is it about friends that you haven't seen in a while? At my age now (I'm 61) I love making new friends, for sure - but there's certainly something special about those that we share a history with. Those that know our foibles or quirks well as well as stories that are now told with a smile and a knowing look into each other's faces. Sometimes told without having to say very much. Did you or are you about to have a reunion with friends or family? Thank you for taking the time to read this.
"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Here's a couple of videos, the first one is a duet with BB King and Robert Cray entitled "Playing With My Friends" from BB King's Blues Summit album which won a Grammy. I also play on this track.
Playing With My Friends
And from my last recording
Albert Collins (Weather appropriate.)
With Etta I'm doing the solo