Dear Richard - This latest story is one of my all-time favourites not only because it is superbly written, but also because it made me know you better. You always talk about your favourite musicians and rarely talk about yourself… I’m so glad you shared your backstory with all of us who love you. I now also understand why you make damn sure no vegetables are ever put on your plate when you are out at the restaurant! Love always, Suzanne
I once spent an afternoon with Jeff Healey, discussing whether he was interested in a My Kind of Jazz series for my Opening Day label. This included visiting an audio engineer who specialized in removing pops and scratches from 78's.
There was a stack of classical 78's at the engineer's studio. Jeff was immediately interested, and was able to identify the label (Decca, RCA, etc) by the feel/thickness of the round paper on the disc, and by noting — with his thumbnail — each company's characteristic beginning and ending of the spiral grooves. Jeff went through 8 or 9 different discs, identifying most of them correctly. He got very excited at one disc in particular. He'd never encountered one like it and wanted to know everything about it.
The engineer played some audio of a 78 he was editing. After a minute or so, and without saying anything or making a sound, he made a minute adjustment which to my ears made no difference at all. Jeff immediately said, "Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Nothing came of my business proposal but it was one of the most remarkable days of my life.
Absolutely brilliant, intimate look at your early days. So fascinating to identify with someone who's childhood was very different, but so similar. I look forward to more and hope you are considering an actual chapbook or novel.
Dear Rena, In fact, this Substack started out asa book project, over a LONG period of time. With at least 80,000 words done, and another 20,000 in my brain, disaster struck. It was being designed o look more like a magazine than a text-heavy, with pictures and sidebars and simple layouts. But then my art director died, ans my financial backstop fiend died — if you think things go in threes... well, I quit while I was ahead! I'm now writing new stuff, as well as rewriting, updating and adapting the book material... There might be more personal stuff, plus pieces in the works on B.B. King, Muddy Waters, my friend Buddy Guy. Also stories on why talented people quit music, and some profiles of people I've "discovered" who I think are special... I thank you for reading, and for your kind words!
Whew! Similar story with my novel. Still a work in progress...I'm now just focusing on putting together a Chapbook and moving on. I no longer have anything to prove.
I enjoy all of your narratives, but enjoyed today's edition with more about your early days and the path to your career more than most. Thank you!
kevin shea
Dear Richard - This latest story is one of my all-time favourites not only because it is superbly written, but also because it made me know you better. You always talk about your favourite musicians and rarely talk about yourself… I’m so glad you shared your backstory with all of us who love you. I now also understand why you make damn sure no vegetables are ever put on your plate when you are out at the restaurant! Love always, Suzanne
The personal stuff is good.
I once spent an afternoon with Jeff Healey, discussing whether he was interested in a My Kind of Jazz series for my Opening Day label. This included visiting an audio engineer who specialized in removing pops and scratches from 78's.
There was a stack of classical 78's at the engineer's studio. Jeff was immediately interested, and was able to identify the label (Decca, RCA, etc) by the feel/thickness of the round paper on the disc, and by noting — with his thumbnail — each company's characteristic beginning and ending of the spiral grooves. Jeff went through 8 or 9 different discs, identifying most of them correctly. He got very excited at one disc in particular. He'd never encountered one like it and wanted to know everything about it.
The engineer played some audio of a 78 he was editing. After a minute or so, and without saying anything or making a sound, he made a minute adjustment which to my ears made no difference at all. Jeff immediately said, "Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Nothing came of my business proposal but it was one of the most remarkable days of my life.
Absolutely brilliant, intimate look at your early days. So fascinating to identify with someone who's childhood was very different, but so similar. I look forward to more and hope you are considering an actual chapbook or novel.
Dear Rena, In fact, this Substack started out asa book project, over a LONG period of time. With at least 80,000 words done, and another 20,000 in my brain, disaster struck. It was being designed o look more like a magazine than a text-heavy, with pictures and sidebars and simple layouts. But then my art director died, ans my financial backstop fiend died — if you think things go in threes... well, I quit while I was ahead! I'm now writing new stuff, as well as rewriting, updating and adapting the book material... There might be more personal stuff, plus pieces in the works on B.B. King, Muddy Waters, my friend Buddy Guy. Also stories on why talented people quit music, and some profiles of people I've "discovered" who I think are special... I thank you for reading, and for your kind words!
Whew! Similar story with my novel. Still a work in progress...I'm now just focusing on putting together a Chapbook and moving on. I no longer have anything to prove.
Such a wonderful story Richard. Thank you for sharing. This Pakistani-Canadian girl is a fan :)