I’ve been a bit down of late. I have all the time in the world and have skipped days writing. I have been recording Gord’s Gold. It’s my anxiety manifesting itself in new ways. I start and get anxious that I won’t be able to, and then I’m not able to. It’s classic performance anxiety. I’m forcing myself to write now. I may not write much but at least I’m writing.
I’ll write about something that makes me happy. Last night I listened to a streaming concert by Jess Klein. Social Distancing Streaming Concerts, I have not been a fan of watching concerts online. I miss the total immersion in the event, and I miss the social contact. That’s why in general I prefer to stream shows by friends, and that my friends will be watching, so I can have socializing too. I didn’t socialize much with Jess or anyone in the audience, but I had one of those moments where it struck me just how good she is. She’s not an icon in my musical social circle, but she should be. It’s easiest to write about an artist that I can break down why they are great. I can’t do that with Jess. I just know the effect. When she’s talking she’s a sweet, funny, unassuming person. She’s doesn’t have one of those big personalities that demand your attention. I always think of Joanie Madden. When Joanie enters a room, you know it. She’s a flame and we are moths. That’s not uncommon among performers. Jess, is just Jess, until she starts to sing. Then she commands your attention and goes straight to your heart. There is conviction behind everything she sings. It’s difficult to monopolize my attention in an online show but she did. Even though she didn’t sing my request, The Same Thing or my other request, Chicken Soup, a spoken word piece . They are two very different pieces. Watch them.
This pair is yin and yang, sensuality, and the sad beauty of humanity.
I won’t waste more words. I’ll post this then do things that still come easy and bring me joy, cooking, brewing coffee, and drinking it.
Wise Madness 