Lenny Kaye just called! Yayyy! Always so excellent to hear his voice, I've missed him during this intense year and a half, as we try to survive the transition out of the music business. Patti Smith Group is playing Akasaka Blitz tomorrow night, and he wants to see us there. And he will!
Okay, now I have to put on, um, let's see, I think it'll be "Easter", love the poetry of that one, the sense of urgency and possibility. I find it interesting to look at the world as it was when "Easter" was created, the hope for change, for moving humankind into a place of truth, power and compassion, using the power of music to support/create a new kind of community... I've always felt a longing to be present during times like that, to add my voice to other voices speaking truth to power. But I always identified my role as a supporter of artists who spoke that truth. I have such a strong innate impulse, to hear amazing music, or read an amazing book or website, or see amazing art and spread the word. Even though I sing and write music, I never thought of myself as one of the artists.
One of the lessons I'm still learning, that began shortly after the last time I saw Lenny, is that I need to invest the same level of care and attention and support into my "very own self". Who knows what will come from it? I never did have the requisite money hunger when it came to music: it was always most important to stand backstage, with tears in my eyes, watching thousands of people love an artist that I supported day by day, to help them grow and find their audience. In many ways, all of the work was the preparation for that sublime moment. Some people who know me insist this is an impulse to motherhood, but I'm pretty sure it's not: I don't want kids, but I do want artists. Now is the time for me to breathe deeply, and be the thing that I want.
"Those who have suffered understanding suffering
And thereby extend their hands..."
"Rock n' Roll Nigger" Patti Smith Group
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