I lined up this session with my friend Bill Schachter and his weekly trio of friends (self-titled Notorious B.I.D) who play music among themselves. Bill’s having a tough time with some serious health problems but I’ve heard from Carole, his wife, that these sessions have been instrumental in keeping his spirits up during his treatments. It’s that idea that spurred me to do this DNO on “Kitchen Folk Music”, about the social aspect of playing at home with friends, and not for public consumption.
Bill along with Ben Wright and Frank Pappalardo gather weekly. I wanted to explore how they decide what to play, work on harmonies, etc. and this was a great opportunity for them to discuss the dynamics of their get-togethers. We had some really nice discussion with each other and with the audience members, as well.
I had a kitchen session a few weeks ago up in CT and had brought this up with those friends. We talked about trust, friendship and a relatively politically free atmosphere. I brought up some of my thoughts from that session. We talked about being in the moment, listening first and playing second, etc.
Bill presented a poem from last New Year’s Eve with Bill and his daughter Rachel:
“Dammit, Dave, you gave us a stage, A place to come and play.
There was a nice, supportive audience, especially with some of Bill and Carole’s family in town for Thanksgiving. In fact, I had the chance to play Bob Franke’s Thanksgiving Eve song and it really hit home.
Thanksgiving Eve – Bob Franke
It’s so easy to dream of the days gone by, D C G
It’s a hard thing to think of the times to come. D A D
But the grace to accept ev’ry moment as a gift, D C G
Is a gift that is given to some. D A D
Chorus:
What can you do with your days but work & hope, A G D A
Let your dreams bind your work to your play. G A
What can you do with each moment of your life, D C G
But love til you’ve loved it away, D G A
Love til you’ve loved it away. D G A D
There are sorrows enough for the whole world’s end,
There are no guarantees but the grave.
And the life that I live & the time I have spent,
Are a treasure too precious to save.
It was a very good evening, and people were thankful for it.