there’s a lot to be thankful for
i went and sang the other night at my friend’s jazz club in hollywood. it was so good to make some music up on the spot. that’s my favorite kind of music making. on songs you’ve heard a million times, or sang many times, to reinterpret them with people i’ve never played with before is the kind of high wire that i like to do my thing on. i’m gonna go back every week, and sing a few soul or jazz standards and also teach the guys a few of my songs. this is one of one of the ways i stay centered when things get a little raw.
dorcas! you and your message really made my night the other night. thank you for putting your fingers to the keys and telling me your story. i love it. i love the picture of you singing the chorus to “scandinavian ladies” about the yellow headed ladies and your family’s reaction. and re: rickie lee jones, it was a spectacular moment for me when i got permission from her to quote her song at the front of “five little birds” which you mentioned. as it was told to me by my publisher, who had gone to her lawyer about it: the lawyer went up to her place to meet with her, and as he was leaving, she came running down the driveway after him saying, “oh yeah, i almost forgot. it’s cool if that girl uses my words.” i couldn’t believe it. her records were on repeat for me as i was growing up. for her to give me a piece of her to use in something i made, was FANTASTIC!
will, re: your question about “that’s why they call it rome”…..the ‘i get it, that’s funny’ refers to me asking the question, “did you find romance?” and then the guy answering affirmatively, “that’s why they call it rome”. get it now? rome…..romance?
re: therapy as suggested by matthew; music and singing are what center me. the more of it that i do, the better i feel. i didn’t mean to imply that i’m not ready to communicate my story for psychological reasons. rather, i’m looking forward to a moment when i can sit down for some hours and let it fly. it’s more a matter of having the time where i can really focus on what i want to say, as opposed to not wanting to say it.
this blog feels like a lifeline in that we can communicate back and forth without anyone else’s consent. i don’t need a venue other than this to put my truth into the world. that is a very beautiful thing. freedom is mine!
michael: thanks for switching it up at the record store. you know i really appreciate it.
svp: new york (is that where you are?) is my favorite city to sing in and so yes, i do it as often as possible. every 6-8 weeks is about what i can do right now. i am working on booking something at joe’s pub in the new year so i’ll keep you posted on that.
have a great meal today! let some shit go that’s bugging you and give somebody the benefit of the doubt. i’m gonna try and do that too.
there is a lot to be thankful for, no?
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I’m loving this exchange of words! It’s great that you are communicating so regularly with us all. Holly can I ask you about what new music you are into at the moment i.e. we know about your love for Sarah Vaughn, Donny Hathaway etc but what about modern stuff. Would love to know who and what you like of the current crop of musicians and in particular female artists.
Comment by Lee B — November 23, 2007 comment link
yo! i’m thankful for scrabble!
i’m thankful for Wii also but it gave me a sore shoulder.
HP, when do you think you are going to put yr cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” on iTunes so everybody can get a copy?
Can you just release it as a single, please?
ps. dorcas, ima come to NY just to meet you.
Comment by Joe — November 24, 2007 comment link