I saw this too a while ago. My first reaction was to remain silent and wonder: should this moment have been filmed? But more important: should it have been shown to the world?
First I hope he was truly ok about all this. I'm not judging anyone. I'm just thinking with humble respect: this moment is a special moment in the long glorious life of a man.
Then I believe maybe... as long as we still see the wonderful musician playing with energy and joy, jumping on stage that he used to be, as long as we keep the greatest respect for his achievements, and for where life decided to bring him to, as long as we acknowledge the smile still present on his face, then I think it might be ok to share it... As tough as it is, it's about the truth of life. - My 2 cents.
Marie-Noelle, I think this video is great. Yes, he can't play with the technical dexterity and energy he did, and yes, someone had to help him up as he played...who cares? The notes are well-chosen and they suggest many other notes...that is, if you listen, you can hear the totality.
So, I don't see this as evidence of loss of skill. What I hear (or choose to hear) is that even as life strips away technical and muscular prowess, the musical intellect and sensibility is what's left, and it is as strong as ever--just not so fiery. He picks his notes carefully and clearly. And that's just fine by me. Most of us get old and lose vigor. That should never get in the way of the joy of expression.
I'm not a "believer," but it's nice to imagine that, as the song he was playing says, "he is there in that number." Certainly among vibists, Hamp is a saint.
I hope I keep playing until the day I keel over.
On his 80th birthday, my vibe teacher, the wonderful Marv Dahlgren, learned to fly a helicopter (he'd been a strafer pilot in WWII), then jumped out of plane in a parachute, and then played a gig at the Artist's Quarter that night. I saw him recently at a master class Gary Burton taught; I think Marv is nearing 90 now. I asked him if he had any gigs. "Well, he said, I've got one lined up next year with my grandson..." That kind of optimism, like Hamp's willingness to record at 91, is what keeps hope (and music) alive.
Still willing and being able to do the things he loves at that age. It's a warm spot for all ages in this world.
A true example that you're still alive, even growing older.
Comments
Touching
David Friedman Fri, 06/01/2012 - 02:48
Very touching.
Saw this a while back
Jdoubleday Fri, 06/01/2012 - 09:16
I saw this a while back and man... It makes me tear up every time.
Respect
Marie-Noëlle Fri, 06/01/2012 - 09:36
I saw this too a while ago. My first reaction was to remain silent and wonder: should this moment have been filmed? But more important: should it have been shown to the world?
First I hope he was truly ok about all this. I'm not judging anyone. I'm just thinking with humble respect: this moment is a special moment in the long glorious life of a man.
Then I believe maybe... as long as we still see the wonderful musician playing with energy and joy, jumping on stage that he used to be, as long as we keep the greatest respect for his achievements, and for where life decided to bring him to, as long as we acknowledge the smile still present on his face, then I think it might be ok to share it... As tough as it is, it's about the truth of life. - My 2 cents.
I think it's great
Vince H Fri, 06/01/2012 - 16:29
In reply to Respect by Marie-Noëlle
Marie-Noelle, I think this video is great. Yes, he can't play with the technical dexterity and energy he did, and yes, someone had to help him up as he played...who cares? The notes are well-chosen and they suggest many other notes...that is, if you listen, you can hear the totality.
So, I don't see this as evidence of loss of skill. What I hear (or choose to hear) is that even as life strips away technical and muscular prowess, the musical intellect and sensibility is what's left, and it is as strong as ever--just not so fiery. He picks his notes carefully and clearly. And that's just fine by me. Most of us get old and lose vigor. That should never get in the way of the joy of expression.
I'm not a "believer," but it's nice to imagine that, as the song he was playing says, "he is there in that number." Certainly among vibists, Hamp is a saint.
I hope I keep playing until the day I keel over.
On his 80th birthday, my vibe teacher, the wonderful Marv Dahlgren, learned to fly a helicopter (he'd been a strafer pilot in WWII), then jumped out of plane in a parachute, and then played a gig at the Artist's Quarter that night. I saw him recently at a master class Gary Burton taught; I think Marv is nearing 90 now. I asked him if he had any gigs. "Well, he said, I've got one lined up next year with my grandson..." That kind of optimism, like Hamp's willingness to record at 91, is what keeps hope (and music) alive.
sweet
Stefan vdb Fri, 06/01/2012 - 12:37
This is so sweet,
Still willing and being able to do the things he loves at that age. It's a warm spot for all ages in this world.
A true example that you're still alive, even growing older.
really nice,
thanks for posting