Original Imperfection

I haven’t had a week recently that I’d felt at a loss for a programming idea for either show. But as I make programming decisions, I ask myself “How original is this?” Nothing bores me more than the sound of my own prattle, so in my on-air presentation and here at the blog, I’m judicious and thoughtful (you may think otherwise) in my choices of topics. This article – which had less meat to it than I initially thought; the title was the springboard for this post – was a reminder that many ideas are retreads and all I’m doing is putting my “brand” (my cats are my logo for Jazz/Fluxus…so original) onto/into what I present. Interviewing is not a new pursuit for me – I’m just doing more of it with a contemporary focus. No one has spoken with guitarist Dave Styker the way that I have; no one has spoken with composer and instrumentalist Brian Jackson the way that I have; no one has spoken with arts consultant Dorthaan Kirk the way that I have – authentically with a small side dish of jocundity. I guess I can sleep soundly knowing that. But I’m not going to lose my mind over not being 100% original, just like I don’t argue with myself over being 100% altruistic or perfect. To me, they’re extremes that I’ve tried, that have exhausted me, and that left me with less time to be content with being flawed (being flawed takes time, folks.)

OK…onward with my action-packed so-called life this week…

I’ve got upcoming interviews with guitarist Matt Greenwood and trumpeter Tony Kadleck; I’m looking forward to an evening of delight with pianist Fred Hersch and bassist esperanza spalding in Troy, NY next weekend; dinner with friends; oh, and a reminder: my submission to the KPFA Black History Special 2023: Past Light, Clear Sight airs next Sunday, February 5 on member Pacifica Network radio stations. It’s an hour-long self-produced segment of music and an interview with vocalist Jean Carne. Ooh la la! I’ll post it here a day later. 

Have a Hell of a week in America, y’all!