Friday, September 29, 2017

Spyro Gyra

Spyro Gyra members 2017 (from l-r)
Julio Fernandez, guitar
Jay Beckenstein, saxophone
Lee Pearson, drums
Scott Ambush, bass guitar
Tom Schuman, piano (off camera)

Spyro Gyra made its way to my neck of the woods last night, again. It was the second time I’d seen them in concert and they were as good if not even better than the first time I was in their audience a few years ago.

from l-r
Scott Ambush, bass guitar
Tom Schuman, piano


When I listen to music I feel, see, hear, and emote. Words dance around my head. This time, equipped with a mini-notebook and pen, I wrote words while listening to the band play. I couldn’t stop; it flowed effortlessly from my hand. I was compelled, moved by their music and the intimacy of the venue.

Playing two at once!


Until you experience Spyro Gyra LIVE, these words will have to suffice as a ticket to the journey of their dynamic performances.  I invite you into my words from last night’s concert.

Jamming


Music
Harmony
Colors
Moods
Emotions
Dissonance
Union
Collaboration
Time
Measures
Culture
Seamless
Washes over you
Soothing
Riveting
Inspiring
Parts of a whole
Cleansing
Complicated
Simple
Loud
Soft
Stirring
Colorful
Multi-dimensional
Multi-cultural
Inventive
Innovative
Standards
Unique
Common
Cohesive
Flowing
Kinetic
Thunderous
Gentle
Powerful
Merciless
Intoxicating
Intrinsic
External
Fraternal
Far-reaching
Accessible
Understandable
Transcendent
Universal
Intimate
Soaring
Melodic
Marvelous
Fluid
Electric
Relentless
Joyful
Driving
All-encompassing
Dancey
Movement
Complementary
Generous
Groovy
Grateful
Playful
Fushion
Speed
Intentionality
Jamming
Randomness
Flow
Magic
Plaintive
Energy
Other-worldly
Terrestrial
Limitless
Boundless
Cacophony
Full
Rich
Luscious
Supportive
Teamwork
Toe-tapping
Finger-thumping
Heart-pumping
Seat-rocking
Masterful
Extraordinary
Appreciative
Grateful
Humble
Confident
Exhuberant
Continuous
Mellifluous
Heightened
Zen
Crafted
Stellar
Grand
Raw
Rabid
Racing
Animal
Synergetic
Funky
Fun
Fantastical
Fascinating
Frantic
Fabulous
Pulsating
Life-giving
Pounding
Base
Bass
Syncopated
Exclamation
Foreign
Native
Universal
Brewing
Bubbling
Melting
Charming
Child-like
Juggler
Entertainer
Layered
Star
Bright
Multi-faceted
Smooth
Silky
Satiny
Cool
Hot
Fresh
Varied
Jubilant
Happy
Contented
Frothy
Confection
Association
Riff
Ride
Swirl
Twirl
Crave-tastic
Momentus
Tremendous
“Morning Dance”
“Wiggle Room”
Walking
Talking
Fingers
Ecumenical
Mythical
Mystical
Magical
Rousing

 
Racer and Chief 187™



Thursday, September 28, 2017

Thank You Hugh Hefner



What Hugh Hefner did for the Sexual Revolution was tantamount to what the Birth Control Pill did. His importance in creating modern-day sexual mores is unparalleled. Hefner’s passing is not the closing of a chapter, but an opportunity to reexamine his contributions to American society, America’s collective attitudes about sex, and his everlasting legacy.



With the first issue of Hefner’s Playboy magazine featuring Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe in all of her alluring, naked glory, America was shown that sexy could be classy. As “Playmates” grew in numbers, sexiness left the Hollywood realm in many cases and grew to include the “girl next door”. A woman who you could see at the grocery store or the college campus could be ogled in the pages of Playboy magazine.

Sexy was redefined by Hefner, his editors, and the people on his team. Sexy was no longer one trait, one type. It transcended such labels and became undefinable in traditional standards.

And Puritanical Americans were hungry for sexy. They longed to fantasize about beautiful women. And women longed to want to be seen as sexy without losing respect and power. In addition, Americans enjoyed reading well-researched, fascinating articles that dealt with all topics facing them.

Unlike other “girly magazines” on the market that one might be ashamed to be caught, Playboy magazine had a higher quality and class to it than its peers.



Countless men had stacks of Playboy magazines in storage. Whether in boxes, on the bookshelves, in bathrooms, on bedside tables, or carefully “preserved under the bed”, no one wanted to discard such treasure.

And because the women were beautiful, the articles insightful, and the magazine tasteful, women were more apt to look and enjoy Playboy magazine either alone or with their partners.



Playboy Clubs that dotted the country were full, lucrative businesses that catered to the fantasy life of many in a ‘realistic’ setting. Of course, the club had its day in the sun and then, when times changed, AIDs became a part of the daily lexicon, and the morality of the country had a pendulum shift, they became relics of a past age.

Hefner’s image, legendary parties, and Playboy lifestyle was hotly envied and greatly admired by many men. Yet his respect for women – yes, respect – made his decision to put his daughter in power of his empire a logical step. A man need not be the only one to steer Playboy. Women had become equals in the business of sexual fantasy.



Even when reality television replaced scripted programming, Hefner took center stage with his three girlfriends. He had a supporting role at best, but the point was, he was still a virile, vital player in the Playboy lifestyle he’d created.

When Playboy magazine announced they’d stop featuring naked women, it probably troubled and hurt Hefner. With the Internet full of “free porn”, the magazine did what it felt was a responsible move. But, it stunk because it ended a beautiful era.

Losing Hugh Hefner at 91 isn’t a tragedy. He’d lived a long, lucrative, enviable life where he lived by his rules, not society’s.

Throughout my life I’ve seen Playboy magazines and liked them.

Yes, I did.

In fact, I used to dream about one day modeling for Playboy, but perhaps I was a bit too “girl next door” and not enough Marilyn. However, it allowed me to see myself in myriad ways.

Because, sexy isn’t one thing. Sexy isn’t just a look but an attitude, a confidence. Thanks to Playboy and Hugh Hefner, I feel sexy at “middle age” and know that I can stay sexy for decades to come because he gave me permission and showed me how.




Godspeed, Hef, and thank you.