GIVING THANKS
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our good fortune. We are all blessed and for one day we gather and give thanks. I will include Mose Allison (1927-2016) in my thoughts. Last week we lost an unpretentious jazz giant. His gifts as a pianist, singer and songwriter were blended with a personal warmth that effected all who were in his presence. He never lost his Delta roots which meant that a wry smile was always close to the surface.
Mose Allison defined himself as a jazz artist saying ” My definition of jazz is music that’s felt, thought and performed simultaneously.
This week we will give thanks for our good fortune. I give thanks for the folks who came out to the Dirty Dog for four evenings of Detroit jazz last week to hear Walt Szymanski. The Dog was bursting with musical energy spurred on by a room full of appreciative faces and clapping hands all performed at the appropriate moments. Well done, Dirty Doggers..
THE HARVEST
The blessing of the harvest happens around the world signaling that the growing season is over and one should think about hunkering down for the winter. I always start the holiday season by thanking whoever it was that decided to have us celebrate Thanksgiving on a Thursday, guaranteeing us a four day holiday. One smart cookie. This gives us three days to recover, to visit with family and to renew old friendships.
Thanksgiving is a straightforward name for a holiday. It is a command and an opportunity. We are given this day to be with our family or friends and to express our appreciation for our good fortune. I am always comforted and I am truly thankful when I look around after dinner and see a well fed family warmed by good feelings for one another.
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ALVIN WADDLES
The Dirty Dog Jazz Café will be closed and the music muted on Thanksgiving Day. Don’t despair, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Alvin Waddles will bring his magic to the club. Alvin knows how to bring the holiday spirit into a room. Take a break, leave the dishes and leftovers for a moment and come with friends and family to a warm place where large helpings of smiles come with the music, food and drinks.
Everyone at the Dirty Dog Jazz Café wishes all their friends and musical family the warmest of Thanksgivings.
John Osler
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