Attended an amazing concert at Vanderbilt last night of two virtuosos: @edgarmeyerbass and @chrispotterjazz Amazing music. I’ve been listening to Edgar’s music since the 90s and it’s always blown me away.
On the last day of Black History Month, I want to share some reflections on a few historical figures who have impacted my life. As a white kid growing up in East Texas in the 70s and 80s, evidence of systemic racism surrounded me (I still remember older Black men entering the local café through the rear entrance and asking my dad why they did that). But evidence requires interpretation to create meaning, and for that I needed the help of the arts, especially since discussions about racism were rare in my home, church, or school.
It was through music, television, and literature that I first entered into dialogue on this topic. Shows like Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, Good Times, and Different Strokes sparked my curiosity about the relationship between Black and White America. Music then introduced me to Apartheid, and the Roots miniseries expanded my awareness of our country’s history of slavery.
Here are just a few Black leaders and artists who have deeply impacted my life when it comes to matters of race in America.
Richard Wright: Reading Black Boy (1945) as a young man exposed me to a raw depiction of racism in the South that made me deeply angry—at the culture surrounding him and at a world that allowed such injustice.
Octavia Butler: Kindred (1979) combined science fiction with antebellum history in a way that profoundly affected me at age 20, especially its ending, which gestures toward how past racism can shape present psychological trauma.
Barack Obama: Watching then-Senator Obama’s 2004 DNC speech, I was struck by his thoughtful call for unity. Seeing him become the first Black president in 2008—and the leadership he modeled—was deeply meaningful.
Frederick Douglass: While his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845), impacted me when I first read it, its greatest influence came through teaching it over many years. Through discussions with students from diverse backgrounds, my understanding continued to deepen.
Despite the political (and global) unrest we are all experiencing, I still believe the arts can continue to create empathy and understanding in matters of equality and justice.
What’s cooler than going to one my favorite venues in Nashville @thirdmanrecords on a weekday night? Going there to hear a good friend talk about Jungian psychology.
Last night, @tonycaldwell delivered a talk, “Shadow Work: Jungian Psychology in our Times,” to an enthusiastic, sold-out crowd. The talk was smart, practical, and delivered by an absolute expert in the field (who is also a great bass player). And you could have a cocktail while attending this lecture. Try that in a college class (I’m sure many of you have). 😁
It was a rare blend of academic inquiry, practical insights, and thoughtful introspection. Loved it, Tony!
A few pics from this weekend. Had a wonderful time talking music history with Chuck at the sold-out North Texas University event in Denton, TX. Big thanks to Dr. Brian Wright, @thebastardinstrument , of the College of Music, and Dr. Michael Wise, chair of the UNT History Department for sponsoring the event.
*Check out Brian's book, The Bastard Instrument: A Cultural History of the Electric Bass.
Friends in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, note this event with Chuck in Denton, TX, Feb 19. I’ll be joining Chuck to walk through just a little of his amazing musical catalog and to talk about his recent autobiography. Big thanks to Brian F. Wright for getting this organized. It will be nice to celebrate Chuck in his hometown area.
Two bass players heading in opposite directions yet still playing the same groove. Great running into the amazing @johnnyb2u today as he heads to Tampa while I head to LAX. Catch John on the road this year with @micky_dolenz of the Monkees—one of my favorite bands when I was growing up!
Had a lovely time jamming with these lovely musicians while on a writing retreat in Bloomington. Also got to hear some of @kristadetor ‘s new songs that will be on some of her forthcoming projects. Lovely as always!
Such a pleasure to catch the Flecktones last night at the Ryman (with Sierra Hull on mandolin). What a show! I’ve been listening/watching Vic play for 30 years now, and I am still blown away by his musicality, groove, and dedication to serving the song first. It’s like going to a master class every time he plays. Of course, that could be said of Bela, Jeff, Roy, and Sierra, but I’m partial to bass players. 😀
