Brian Blade's "shocking" transformation made me step back to observe my writer self. An email shows up from a publicist inquiring about possible coverage of a particular artist. While I'm in the middle of checking the list of recently-arrived material, a quick thought-chain is traversed that involves my high school self, college, career, marriage, music, divorce, more music, another marriage, and serious family issues. The writer that I have become appears only recently in this thought timeline. So when "the writer" shows up, it still has some shock value for me. A writer? But aren't you a...?
Yes, my brain is still troubled by this cognitive haze but it does illustrate (at least to me) that great things can happen when you ignore what is expected and allow yourself to move in a different direction.
Article comments
1 - PIco
I'm a nerd? Strange, my wife thinks that, too ;-)
A fine job describing how this record connects in ways that go beyond just musical.
2 - galan05
Thanks to the miracle that is radio station WWOZ New Orleans, I heard Brian Blade for the first time today -- "Second Home" on his Mama Rosa album.
Anyone from New Orleans will feel this song more than they hear it. When a song brings a smile to your face and tears to your eyes at the same time, you know where it's taking you.
It's taking you home.