So what is this thing we call joy. Websters defines it as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness...I am sorry Mr. Webster, but you have forced my hand. That pathetic excuse for a description, is at best uninspired, and at worst devoid of any joy. It simply will not stand. I realize your hands are tied with regards to the politically correct crowd, and your efforts to remain impartial so as not to offend the delicate sensibilities of the professional objectionist rank and file are front and center, but, "COME ON".Even the Generation Xer's, with whom I take great exception, with regards to the the premeditated assassination of the English language, could have come up with something more inspirational than that..."DUDE...THAT CHICK IS TOTALLY RIGHTEOUS ". In this the particular instance, I'm sorry Webster but, "totally righteous" would be the the nomenclature I would default to...DUDE YOU SO BLEW IT.
So what is this thing???Well if I may be so presumptuous as to respond to my own non-rhetorical question, it is different things to different peoples. Aren't I smart...I bet you didn't know that. I think in this case. with relevance to the photos, it is indeed, when your chops are poppin, and your cuttin wood.
I was told by a pedal steel player once, that if you can stop the waitress, and she's got her tray by her side, and she is just listening to the band, you can pick up your pay and go home.
Of course later that night he collapsed on top of his own instrument, and had to be carried offstage, I believe the analysis still stands.
Being a working musician at different times of the year, I can tell tell, from the young lady's expression, that she has indeed found her grove. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, you better suck it up. It might not come back for awhile. I have, on occasion have had this feeling when I've played with my small band, when you just start running on all eight cylinders, or in our case five, and all the tiresome practicing, and practices, and all the gigs you worked for less money than it took to drive to the venue , all seem worthwhile . Kinda joyous in fact.
They say that Myles Davis would, at certain times during a performance, actually turn his back to the audience, and just play with the band. When asked his answer was always the same ..."I need to feel the sound hit me in the stomach. Then I'll know what to play"... Gutsy stuff, but I get it.
Myles's chops popped, and he made me feel something, and as such, and no matter where he stood on a stage, as a performing artist, he earned his pay.
So Dear MR. Webster, the next time you you revise your little booklet, feel free to use my photos when you need to explain that particular word. It is, I hope, without fear of reprisal, so much more significant.
