It's funny now that I'm really writing this blog as well as other things, I feel like I've improved my skills as writer tenfold. Perhaps my editor would disagree, however I suspect she'd be in agreement with me. If she's not...she can keep that to herself and does not need to burst my bubble. (LOL! I <3 you!) I've written this blog entry four times now because I want it to be special, perfect and exactly what I want to say. I've decided that it may be this time next year before I get that sussed out, so I figure it best to just go with what I've got. So here it is.
Growing up in the 80's was a wonderful time. I know everyone says that, but honestly...I loved it. The music was good, times were fun. We didn't all want to slash our wrists and we certainly didn't have this sense of entitlement that kids today seem to have today which I've never understood.
When I was 12, I was introduced to Duran's music in an unlikely place. I was on a weekend getaway with my sister and mother in some dingy "no tell" Motel in Michigan. We were playing cards one evening with some random cable channel on in the background. My Mom was growing frustrated as I kept watching the television and was being distracted from playing cards. My Mother (rightfully so) switched places with me and had me sitting with my back to the television. A small video show came on and "Girls on Film" began playing and I was mesmerized. The music had me from the get go, even before I could see the video.
From that moment, I was hooked. I went out and bought as many Duran albums as I could get my hands on (which at the time, in Canada was limited until 'Rio' broke). My world changed very quickly...very fast. I changed as a person. I started to grow up and become more of the person I am today. And much to my Mother's chagrin...posters of Duran Duran and John Taylor went up on my walls...EVERYWHERE. If I could have reached my ceiling they would have been there too. Although my Mom drew the line at them being on the front of my bedroom door as she felt like she was being watched and it creeped her out. Fair enough.
I've always been drawn in particular to John Taylor the bassist for Duran Duran. At first I'll admit, it was his looks. The man; in my opinion; was and is striking after all. But something about his personality struck a chord with me. I'm not sure what it was. Perhaps his playfulness and his ability to be a nerd at the same time while being strikingly sexy. In any case it was more than just about his looks, he was my reason to pick up the bass.
The want and passion to play the bass has carried me until last year. I occasionally would get the opportunity to play other people's basses but never to have my own. Last year for my 40th birthday, I finally got my bass and it's something I treasure dearly.
John's bass playing is exceptional in my opinion. It's like he's playing a counter song interwoven with the rest of Duran's music, which is key I think to Duran's sound. Many other bass players don't do that, they carry the drums and are just used as a rhythm section accessory. But not John...and I like that.
So it's John's 52nd birthday today. What do you get the muse who has everything? Nothing, except best wishes I guess. So to you John, on the off random chance you ever read this...I wish you a very happy birthday. Thank you for your musicality, your inspiration, your honesty, your playfulness, your smile, generally for being you...and for being my muse. You are a joy and a treasure.
Happy Birthday and many, many more.
With respect and love,
~K
@cheriqui
Growing up in the 80's was a wonderful time. I know everyone says that, but honestly...I loved it. The music was good, times were fun. We didn't all want to slash our wrists and we certainly didn't have this sense of entitlement that kids today seem to have today which I've never understood.
When I was 12, I was introduced to Duran's music in an unlikely place. I was on a weekend getaway with my sister and mother in some dingy "no tell" Motel in Michigan. We were playing cards one evening with some random cable channel on in the background. My Mom was growing frustrated as I kept watching the television and was being distracted from playing cards. My Mother (rightfully so) switched places with me and had me sitting with my back to the television. A small video show came on and "Girls on Film" began playing and I was mesmerized. The music had me from the get go, even before I could see the video.
From that moment, I was hooked. I went out and bought as many Duran albums as I could get my hands on (which at the time, in Canada was limited until 'Rio' broke). My world changed very quickly...very fast. I changed as a person. I started to grow up and become more of the person I am today. And much to my Mother's chagrin...posters of Duran Duran and John Taylor went up on my walls...EVERYWHERE. If I could have reached my ceiling they would have been there too. Although my Mom drew the line at them being on the front of my bedroom door as she felt like she was being watched and it creeped her out. Fair enough.
I've always been drawn in particular to John Taylor the bassist for Duran Duran. At first I'll admit, it was his looks. The man; in my opinion; was and is striking after all. But something about his personality struck a chord with me. I'm not sure what it was. Perhaps his playfulness and his ability to be a nerd at the same time while being strikingly sexy. In any case it was more than just about his looks, he was my reason to pick up the bass.
John Taylor on stage at Toronto's ACC October 27, 2011 (photo taken by me...used with my permission)
John's bass playing is exceptional in my opinion. It's like he's playing a counter song interwoven with the rest of Duran's music, which is key I think to Duran's sound. Many other bass players don't do that, they carry the drums and are just used as a rhythm section accessory. But not John...and I like that.
Shot in the dark on stage at Toronto's ACC October 27, 2011 (photo taken by me)
So it's John's 52nd birthday today. What do you get the muse who has everything? Nothing, except best wishes I guess. So to you John, on the off random chance you ever read this...I wish you a very happy birthday. Thank you for your musicality, your inspiration, your honesty, your playfulness, your smile, generally for being you...and for being my muse. You are a joy and a treasure.
Happy Birthday and many, many more.
With respect and love,
~K
@cheriqui
Your writing has DEFINITELY improved in the past year, and this post is particularly well written. Shows what four drafts can get you, eh? ;) A lovely tribute to a man who has had a major impact on our lives ... and continues to do so.
ReplyDeleteps. I recognise that last photo!