A Few Thoughts

(By Lance)

We all have our own ways of dealing with life's ups and downs although currently the downs seem to be winning - or are they? In the world wars we were, like in a Rocky movie, on the ropes until the last round when victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat.

One of the reasons for this is, because although we're only a small island, we always punch above our weight. Another is that we come together in adversity. I was overwhelmed on the night of the clapping and equally so tonight by the concern of my neighbours, worried in case I wasn't getting enough - food that is!

Facebook is much maligned but, in these times, it is as welcome and informative as an Alvar Lidell BBC broadcast during WWII. And, just as in wartime, music comes in to its own. Glenn Miller's AEF outfit was much more exciting than his civilian outfit but, with social distancing, big bands are not an option for streaming although Strictly Smokin' miraculously managed it using mobile phones - incredible!

Also on Facebook, tenor sax titan Simon Spillett  (pictured above) is posting a daily diary of events as to how he and his immediate neighbourhood are coping. It's compelling reading, you're following him every step of the way - 2 metres behind of course - his pithy observations put the whole thing into perspective. Go into Facebook and log on to his page. He writes, like he plays - at length - but making every note or every word count.

Myself, I've settled down with a can of Doombar and some Freddie Hubbard vinyl on Blue Note. Open Sesame, an album I can't remember buying, has some cracking tenor from Tina Brooks, McCoy Tyner on piano and Hubbard at the top of his game. I think I'll make each night a Blue Note night but saving the Dexter's for the celebration party when this is all over! 

Lance