When word leaks out that you’re finally putting together a collection of reminiscence and research for serial publication, questions inevitably arise.
The two most common are, “When can I see some of it?” and “What’s it about?”
The answer to that second one is: it’s a best attempt so far to more fully explore the things talked about with friends around our various kitchen tables over the last 40+ years. Sometimes there’s been a wood stove, and usually a pretty decent music system. For many years, up a short stair, there has been a large library of American music, a lot of it on vinyl. Conversations have often included musical example. Children are welcome most of the time. There’s a lot of coffee involved. The clocks are very small.
The backdrop for all those long talks has been a common and abiding love for this land and its music.
Call this a series of essays, in search of conclusions about the American Nation. Not the country. That’s another thing entirely.
If you’re after the “bottom line,” you will have to share the journey and reach your own conclusions. Lord knows you are welcome to come along. We’re all in this together, folks, and the more stringed instruments we have along, the better. It would be great if everybody knew the lyrics, but not essential.
The answer to the first question is “Pretty soon.” Or, as Bob Segar said, “…turn the page…”