M. Lee's Dad passed away two days before Christmas.
At his Mom's request we disassembled his music room.
Gig over. It was a bleak obsequy.
At his Mom's request we disassembled his music room.
Gig over. It was a bleak obsequy.
At twelve, Jim played bass in the Chicago Symphony.
At fifteen, and well on his way to 6'9", he played
professionally in Chicago clubs but from
behind a curtain because he was white.
At fifteen, and well on his way to 6'9", he played
professionally in Chicago clubs but from
behind a curtain because he was white.
In his early twenties he moved to San Francisco
and caught the end of the 50s North Beach Bebop scene.
and caught the end of the 50s North Beach Bebop scene.
Elvis wanted Jim to join him. So did the Jefferson Airplane.
He refused. He was a purist.
He refused. He was a purist.
He left the Baby Grand to Nolan,
his piano player for the last forty years.
his piano player for the last forty years.
WINTER
for Joe & Jim
In the evening we
carry down our dead
they leave our hands willingly
above Dog Star watches
cold, white
as on ancient evenings,
Dog Star
bringer of rain.
for Joe & Jim
In the evening we
carry down our dead
they leave our hands willingly
above Dog Star watches
cold, white
as on ancient evenings,
Dog Star
bringer of rain.
excerpt from Dead Reckoning by asha