Was the Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts, who passed away in late August of this year, the “Cary Grant of Rock n Roll”? For sure, Mr Pete discovered that “Charlie was a Jazz Drummer” and more. Read on…
A few years back, I was co-care keeper of my parents. One afternoon, as my brother Paul was whisking my mother off to one of her medical appointments, I found myself alone with my Dad and I was seeking something to keep him entertained.
“We could watch a movie” I suggested.
“I doubt you’ll find something we both would like,” he shrugged.
My Dad was a man of solitude, he like watching Phillies games –alone and listening to music from his iPod with headphones on, again alone.
Stumbling across the Cable Channels I found “That Thing You Do!” — the 1996 Tom Hanks film that I had seen before.
It was light-weight entertainment with no violence and very little sex.
“This might work,” I thought. “Now, how do I sell the idea to him?”
“I found a Tom Hanks film.”
“I like Tom Hanks,” his eyes lit up.
“There’s a cute actress in it,” I whispered in his ear.
“Even better,” he chuckled.
Seeming to have hooked him, I continued.
“It’s about a Pop group during the 60s and Tom Hanks becomes their manager.”
His eyes dimmed and I knew that I was losing him. In quiet desperation I decided to give away some of the plot:
“Okay, so the week of a Local Talent Show, their drummer happens to break his arm. The group tracks down a replacement who works in the local appliance store.”
I failed to spark any interest in him, but I wasn’t ready to give up.
“Hang on… So at the Talent Show, they started to play a mopey love ballad the lead singer had written, but the substitute drummer —a JAZZ drummer— switched the beat, turning the song into a danceable reward for the bored teenagers.”
Ha! Got him!
As soon as I said “JAZZ,” I captured my Dad’s interest again.
“Okay,” he said. “I’m willing to give it a look.”
As he relaxed in his chair, I turned up the volume and thought:
“A Jazz Drummer saves the day again!”
To be continued…
Thanks for taking the time to read (and ponder) what I’ve written here. Please share and, as always, we encourage you to #SCMF!
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About Mr Pete
A music aficionado, Mr. Pete’s mind and ears have no horizons. He has the uncanny ability to suss out the right song for the right time — a skill that is truly amazing. The Gang here at Jedemi enjoys his contributions.
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