This was fun to find, in the local thrift store (Women in Need, in Chestertown) over the weekend, for several reasons. Bob Havens was the reason I watched the Lawrence Welk Show (as annoyed as the program made me, at times) while growing up. He's not quite the super crisp player that he once was, but he's still out there doing it! This recording is a typical indie CD, where the performer puts together a product, (often to) primarily to sell at gigs. When I was on the trad jazz festival circuit with the Midiri Brothers, pianist Jeff Barnhart (who knows how to work it) would suggest, at the end of each of his sets, that the audience members pick up a "souvenir" CD. This CD is in that vein. Not sure that it was ever actually played, though the shrink wrap was missing, so Bob could autograph it. It all just kind hits close to home. Oh the life we lead ...

Took this last Sunday, after the service at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, and now more than a week has gotten away from me (but that's a story for another time). Had the privilege of filling in for Kate Bennett (our music director, who was away last weekend). You know how you can have a subtle little itch, that can slip under the surface of conscious awareness, even for a long time, and then, for some reason, you scratch it. Okay - NOW it itches. You may recall, some time ago, when I took a crack at re-engaging my organ chops. I eventually concluded that taking practice time away from the piano (at least at this point) to devote to another instrument (in an attempt to ascend to the level of mediocre) was probably not the best call. So, back to the piano, and for me, memory lane. Felt a special connection in the service, as is often the case. Will I ever return to working in this realm again? As God's providence unfolds, I may be the last to know.

A view of the Cabaret room at Germano's after my show last night. This is a wonderful restaurant and performance venue. I'm impressed, at every level. A bit of a rough night (inside of my own head), but eventually, I think my presentation went the right way. An ongoing issue with my (attempt at an eclectic) improvisation concert has been how to represent it. This was the first performance under it's new banner: "A.D.D. Improvisation". A gentlemen commented after the performance that, based upon the program description (copy which I submitted), he thought I would performing ala Dorothy Donegan (which was actually quite a compliment), but it wasn't that at all. As appropriately representing this concert has been a work in progress, I was very interested in his opinion, and asked if he thought the description was misleading, or untrue. His response: "inadequate". I owe the gentleman (whom I don't know) a debt, both for encouraging me along this (dimly lit) path, and helping me better understand what this performance is all about. This week, I will be re-writing the copy, as I look forward to the next performance of "A.D.D. Improvisation" (on 4/23, at St. Margaret's Church in Annapolis).
Am grateful for old friends who support me, and new friends who find me. Grateful also for those who maintain a commitment to the performing arts, and presentations of substance (to which I aspire). Thank you Cyd Wolf, for the wonderful opportunity to perform at The Cabaret at Germano's.