Refer to yourself as an artist, and I’ll have no choice but to regard you as one who has no clue what it is to which you think you aspire, and as one who takes him/herself much too seriously
Fantastic write-up! More to follow in the the AM but also a lapsed Parrot Head, Bill and I are playing Pencil Thin Mustache at our Thu night Open Mic in New Freedom, and we'd just started arranging Wonder Why We Never Go Home the last few weeks - we didn't know how good it would be this week but I doubt it'll be ready. And we've done Margaritaville 3 or 4 times out over the years.
I've seen Buffett 7 times, counting when I hear the news on Saturday, with Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD being the site of one of my fave two. The other was at the venue formerly known as the Baltimore Arena with a 8 or 9 years post-Lowell Little Feat opening.
Mrs. Pi told our Sunday Smoked Pork Extravaganza guests that I was in mourning, strumming Gulf and Western songs all day. It's a little true at least.
And God's Own Drunk is a great last cut to include. I hope JB's enjoying a Sarsaparilla in the Moonlight with Buddy Bear.
This was a very interesting deep dive into the phenomena that was Buffet. I was never particularly a fan of his music but came to appreciate his performance professionalism from doing security for many of his shows throughout the years. He developed what I term “sloppy” approach to the show that was anything but. The biggest concern I always had to convey to the guys and gals interacting with the audience in a security capacity is that they needed to be aware of the copious amounts of liquor being consumed and would be dealing with an inordinate number of drunks so be patient. My favorite Buffet story goes thusly. I was working a show in Phoenix and my daughter who was working the ticket booth called me. There was a family from somewhere in Nebraska that was there and had a custom made tshirt from their local fan club. They wondered if someone could get it to him. I went out there, talked to them and said I’d see what I could do but no promises. I went backstage and when Buffet arrived I gave it to him with an explanation of what it was. I had no idea what he would do with it but when his set opened he went out wearing the shirt. I imagine that made the trip from Nebraska more memorable. I hope they were able to get a picture. At least they have a hell of a memory. Anyway a great look back.
As attendees, we were never face-down gutter drunk, but we did curb our consumption so that by the time we entered the venue, we were feeling good, but not belligerent - we wanted to enjoy the show!
From a security perspective, I'm guessing/hoping the incidents that required revelers to be forcibly removed were the exception - it was a Buffett show, not The Who - and that violence was rare.
We always tried to keep actual evictions down in all shows. The trick was always trying to emphasize patience. A lot of the people who interact with the audience in these venues are just part time employees. You’re never sure how they’re going to react in stressful situations or what even is stressful for them. Always try to minimize liability for yourself and the venue otherwise you will not last long in the business.
"The biggest concern I always had to convey to the guys and gals interacting with the audience in a security capacity is that they needed to be aware of the copious amounts of liquor being consumed"
Can confirm.
The above-mentioned "Merriweather" show, on the lawn just after a Mid-Atlantic ThunderBoomer in the afternoon, the grass was wet and by the time the opening act was done, all the people at the top of the hill had slid down to the bottom, where our blanket was set up right next to the path between The Hill and The Pavillion. It was sweaty and frustrating but ended up with lots dancing with dozens of my new friends.
The important thing was that I had a a Corona Six Pack on my head, which was the style at the time... They didn't have Land Shark, because of the war. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Dc7W6jXCo
On that day, we took a watermelon that we'd "marinated" in vodka - popped off a litte cap on one end and put the open bottle in, letting the liquor be absorbed. They used to let you bring in your own beer and food in coolers, but not liquor.
I suppose it depends on circumstance - for example, Dr. Venkman telling that assistant librarian that he was a scientist is credible; whereas someone claiming to be something likely he is not - artist, expert anything, spy, movie producer, theatrical talent scout, et al. are not.
I was going more for, if you tell me you're an "artist" I hear, "I like to fiddle around but I don't spend a whole lot of time actually creating, or if I do 'create,' if you don't like it, it's because you don't 'understand' my genius, but buy me a glass of expensive wine anyway and listen to me talk all about myself."
"Dr. Venkman telling that assistant librarian that he was a scientist is credible"
This is a great segue to the comment I wanted to make last night.
Your definitions of "artist" and "artisan" resonate. I would never say I'm an Artist but, if asked, I would acknowledge that I'm a Musician. I don't write anything - which, as you corretly note, is the real secret sauce. I just play other people's songs as best I can. Maybe that's what a Bard is? A Storyteller? But we only do 3 or 4 song sets so, you know, short stories. A Diet Bard, I guess. Cut rate. The audience always gets their money's worth. *snicker*
I find the mark of a good song - that is, the product of a good Song Writer (read: "Artist" or, equally, "Creator") - is that it can be enjoyed across a number of genres.
We are close to taking "Gin and Juice" (Snooop Dogg) and "Pencil Thin Mustache" (Jimmy Buffett) out on the road with a Ukulele and Dobro/Harmonia - I am totally freaking serious - as soon as we have a third song to package it with for an Open Mic.
Pencil Thin Mustache flows as though it was meant for the Uke.
"How can anyone who claims to appreciate music NOT love the anvil..."
After the Squeeze Box Guy rolling in at the last minute on a lawn mower, I think the anvil was my favorit part.
The basement has been mostly converted into a Music Room. I'm not a Gear Head liike some guitar people but I have all manner of percussion from a full drum kit to a shaker egg and tambourine but find the lack of an anvil more concerning now.
Your passion for who an actual artist is, and how Buffett fits within the entire pantheon of other singer - songwriters, clearly comes through in this piece. We’ll done. For me, it brought some closure to a week of not only grieving how we lost a treasure, but mourning the passage of time where our greats are greatly gone - greatly missed. Let’s savor each song the radio still plays, and appreciate what we had. I live in the area he resided for many years - Tampa Bay. And I can assure you all, Florida weeps.
Fantastic write-up! More to follow in the the AM but also a lapsed Parrot Head, Bill and I are playing Pencil Thin Mustache at our Thu night Open Mic in New Freedom, and we'd just started arranging Wonder Why We Never Go Home the last few weeks - we didn't know how good it would be this week but I doubt it'll be ready. And we've done Margaritaville 3 or 4 times out over the years.
I've seen Buffett 7 times, counting when I hear the news on Saturday, with Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD being the site of one of my fave two. The other was at the venue formerly known as the Baltimore Arena with a 8 or 9 years post-Lowell Little Feat opening.
Mrs. Pi told our Sunday Smoked Pork Extravaganza guests that I was in mourning, strumming Gulf and Western songs all day. It's a little true at least.
And God's Own Drunk is a great last cut to include. I hope JB's enjoying a Sarsaparilla in the Moonlight with Buddy Bear.
Mañana!
Buddy Bear and his island-sized paw...
Before there was Cocaine Bear, there was... Sarsaparilla Bear.
This was a very interesting deep dive into the phenomena that was Buffet. I was never particularly a fan of his music but came to appreciate his performance professionalism from doing security for many of his shows throughout the years. He developed what I term “sloppy” approach to the show that was anything but. The biggest concern I always had to convey to the guys and gals interacting with the audience in a security capacity is that they needed to be aware of the copious amounts of liquor being consumed and would be dealing with an inordinate number of drunks so be patient. My favorite Buffet story goes thusly. I was working a show in Phoenix and my daughter who was working the ticket booth called me. There was a family from somewhere in Nebraska that was there and had a custom made tshirt from their local fan club. They wondered if someone could get it to him. I went out there, talked to them and said I’d see what I could do but no promises. I went backstage and when Buffet arrived I gave it to him with an explanation of what it was. I had no idea what he would do with it but when his set opened he went out wearing the shirt. I imagine that made the trip from Nebraska more memorable. I hope they were able to get a picture. At least they have a hell of a memory. Anyway a great look back.
Thank you!
As attendees, we were never face-down gutter drunk, but we did curb our consumption so that by the time we entered the venue, we were feeling good, but not belligerent - we wanted to enjoy the show!
From a security perspective, I'm guessing/hoping the incidents that required revelers to be forcibly removed were the exception - it was a Buffett show, not The Who - and that violence was rare.
"As attendees, we were never face-down gutter drunk, but we did curb our consumption so that by the time we entered the venue..."
I was probably a little younger during my Parrot Head days, and I'm generally mildly irresponsilbe at least by nature, plus I like beer. *shrug*
But I don't recall much belligerence at a Buffett show anywhere. It just wasn't how it worked.
We always tried to keep actual evictions down in all shows. The trick was always trying to emphasize patience. A lot of the people who interact with the audience in these venues are just part time employees. You’re never sure how they’re going to react in stressful situations or what even is stressful for them. Always try to minimize liability for yourself and the venue otherwise you will not last long in the business.
Meh. Why be voilent?
Not you guys. The drunks.
"The biggest concern I always had to convey to the guys and gals interacting with the audience in a security capacity is that they needed to be aware of the copious amounts of liquor being consumed"
Can confirm.
The above-mentioned "Merriweather" show, on the lawn just after a Mid-Atlantic ThunderBoomer in the afternoon, the grass was wet and by the time the opening act was done, all the people at the top of the hill had slid down to the bottom, where our blanket was set up right next to the path between The Hill and The Pavillion. It was sweaty and frustrating but ended up with lots dancing with dozens of my new friends.
The important thing was that I had a a Corona Six Pack on my head, which was the style at the time... They didn't have Land Shark, because of the war. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Dc7W6jXCo
On that day, we took a watermelon that we'd "marinated" in vodka - popped off a litte cap on one end and put the open bottle in, letting the liquor be absorbed. They used to let you bring in your own beer and food in coolers, but not liquor.
Now where was I?
Yes I can confirm you were legion.
OMG!! Hysterical!
I love that comment that Joe Biden is Grandpa Simpson!
Anyone who is a self-professed anything always worries me. ;-) If you have to *tell* someone, you probably aren't.
An excellent piece. I found Jimmy Buffet long after his heyday I think, but his death sideswiped me.
A very nice piece.
Thank you!
I suppose it depends on circumstance - for example, Dr. Venkman telling that assistant librarian that he was a scientist is credible; whereas someone claiming to be something likely he is not - artist, expert anything, spy, movie producer, theatrical talent scout, et al. are not.
Good point.
I was going more for, if you tell me you're an "artist" I hear, "I like to fiddle around but I don't spend a whole lot of time actually creating, or if I do 'create,' if you don't like it, it's because you don't 'understand' my genius, but buy me a glass of expensive wine anyway and listen to me talk all about myself."
Aye!!
"Dr. Venkman telling that assistant librarian that he was a scientist is credible"
This is a great segue to the comment I wanted to make last night.
Your definitions of "artist" and "artisan" resonate. I would never say I'm an Artist but, if asked, I would acknowledge that I'm a Musician. I don't write anything - which, as you corretly note, is the real secret sauce. I just play other people's songs as best I can. Maybe that's what a Bard is? A Storyteller? But we only do 3 or 4 song sets so, you know, short stories. A Diet Bard, I guess. Cut rate. The audience always gets their money's worth. *snicker*
As to "artisan/artist," perhaps it's Dr. Stantz - Ray, to his friends and colleagues - who makes the greatest point: https://youtu.be/C2UK0l6TwVs?si=OOJMZY2UPyI4j1OI
If you don't get results, you're just a performer, reading someone else's lines.
That is one of the greatest lines from a time when Hollywood had some connection to the real world.
*in Columbo voice* One more thing:
I find the mark of a good song - that is, the product of a good Song Writer (read: "Artist" or, equally, "Creator") - is that it can be enjoyed across a number of genres.
I'll assert that, regardless of your feelings about AC/DC, that while this same song was created as a Loud, Head-Bopping Rock Explosion, it sounds cool to me Bluegrass-style https://youtu.be/e4Ao-iNPPUc?si=_8GcaXEdiGSyRrrR and also Classical https://youtu.be/uT3SBzmDxGk?si=FICg-GvC40oCRGd9. (They're both pretty fun videos, too!)
We are close to taking "Gin and Juice" (Snooop Dogg) and "Pencil Thin Mustache" (Jimmy Buffett) out on the road with a Ukulele and Dobro/Harmonia - I am totally freaking serious - as soon as we have a third song to package it with for an Open Mic.
Pencil Thin Mustache flows as though it was meant for the Uke.
How can anyone who claims to appreciate music NOT love the anvil, and the mandolin in that song?
Yes, it works with a classical cover every bit as well!
"How can anyone who claims to appreciate music NOT love the anvil..."
After the Squeeze Box Guy rolling in at the last minute on a lawn mower, I think the anvil was my favorit part.
The basement has been mostly converted into a Music Room. I'm not a Gear Head liike some guitar people but I have all manner of percussion from a full drum kit to a shaker egg and tambourine but find the lack of an anvil more concerning now.
*ponders*
An anvil is tough - they are big, heavy, and unwieldy.
I think a cowbell is every bit as comparable.
How about this?
https://youtu.be/Ifdpk82PMr4?si=3tuixIRK2MeoR2fQ
Mama, mia!
"If you have to *tell* someone, you probably aren't."
*Margaret Thatcher has entered the chat*
Last Mango in Paris was an underrated, very fun album.
I just started humming Frank and Lola and think I have to share this with Bill.
"So I took her to this movie called... Body Heat ... The Junior Mints were mushy and the sex was neat!"
Simple, some harp, maybe a piano...
Your passion for who an actual artist is, and how Buffett fits within the entire pantheon of other singer - songwriters, clearly comes through in this piece. We’ll done. For me, it brought some closure to a week of not only grieving how we lost a treasure, but mourning the passage of time where our greats are greatly gone - greatly missed. Let’s savor each song the radio still plays, and appreciate what we had. I live in the area he resided for many years - Tampa Bay. And I can assure you all, Florida weeps.
Thank you, Doug!