River

Joni Mitchell & Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock won a Grammy. I was surprised.The last time a jazz album won album of the year was 43 years ago. Seeing him on stage with Larry Klein was a real treat. Especially when he slipped a "Yes We Can" into his acceptance speech. You may or may not recall that he performed in Will-i-am's recent video, in support of Obama.

Below is "Court and Spark", from the aforementioned winning record. All thanks to sweet Joni.

It's Cloud Illusions I Recall

Another one from my co-worker. He takes lots of cloud photos.

If

A Joni Mitchell tease, via the dreaded You Tube. "Shine" arrives officially on September 25.
Below that is "If", by Rudyard Kipling, which is one of her new songs, adapted from that poem.





IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

I know - no ones going to show me everything


We all come and go unknown


Each so deep and superficial


Between the forceps and the stone

It's Life's Illusions I Recall

The set-up for music was in the front window of the restaurant, so there was too much glare to get a decent shot from this spot.

A side view of Q.


Her fan base/friends.



My youngest played at a local establishment last evening. It coincided with the art show of a friend. After singing and playing for about an hour, the aforementioned artist bought daughter dear a lovely dinner. She played originals as well as some cover tunes.
"Both Sides Now", for instance.

Hearing her music is one true thing.

amelia

on this date in 1937, amelia earhart vanished from the sky. when we discussed that fact today, i was reminded that her navigator was a man. (maybe he wouldn't ask for directions?) i love joni's song, "amelia", and it has been in my head all day, appropriately. as usual, the lyrics are there to read if you so desire.

the days and nights are full of familial fun. my son is a joy to spend time with again. i admit to unabashed pride where he is concerned. to see a child from birth to adulthood is one of life's most generous gifts.

my podcast interview was posted yesterday... http://www.closetdeadhead.com is the web address, and then just click on the "listen" button for podcast # 35. (my 15 minutes of *streaming* fame?)

other thoughts-a-swirling in my head today... the future of the supreme court, karl rove/valerie plame, salmon filets and broiled portabella mushrooms. and better days.