Monday, July 19, 2004
Another Ticket ,Another Journey
This Kid walks another Mile and Rests Momentarily at the Milestone and looks back and attempts to put into perspective infinite ocean he is yet to fathom. And his preoccupied mind is totally unaware of car that stopped by. Alighting from car came a Master who has weathered many storms in almost double the Kids Life.
Yesterday Afternoon when the kid(me)walked into United Center humming Dire Strait "Here I am again in this mean old town",he was welcomed by sculpture of Giant ,who has left his stamp in NBA the reference is to Soaring to sky sculpture of Michael Jordan. The Sculpture shows MJ in his signature "Floating In Sky" pose with opponents helplessly trying to stop him.
But tonight was night of another of kid's idol and God in his own universe, Eric Clapton was performing at the United Center. The program was to start at 7:30 in evening ,but having booked the tickets online needed to go early to collect tickets at box office.
The Show started punctually at 7:30 p.m.The Opening act was Robert Randolph and Family Band. For myself and probably many others who had come to see the master, first impression was don't keep us waiting .honestly that was my first take but I was in for a surprise !!!
And People Like me who were busy settling, getting their drinks etc ..where captivated, stomping their foot to their songs "Good times", "I Need More Love" and "Run For Your Life"
to put it loosely they have Robert Randolph who plays pedal Steel Guitar, his cousins Daniel Morgan & Marcus Randolph on Bass/Vocal & Drums & Jason Crosby on Plays multiple instruments Hammond Organ, Piano & Violin. But everybody in the band plays everything ,this they did by doing an instrument switching sequence in "Run For Your Life",which was interesting and Tacky at same time
The God is Here
After a short break Mr Clapton took the stage, dressed casually in pair of blue jeans ,small checkered short sleeve shirt. To the crowd that welcomed him with standing ovation "Thank You and Good Evening" was all the Master had to say !! He straightaway got busy with Let it rain...This followed by Hoochie Coochie Man...Walk Out in the Rain ..
EC Fools the Audience:
With very Desi sounding opening riff which made us think is this new number or what .Clapton did a new rendition of famous "I shot the sheriff" the crowd was now on its feet .With the tempo all built up Clapton Shifts gears and went into blues and did numbers from his Recent Album Me & Mr Johnson .Of this set "Possession over Judgement day" sounded like " Rollin' & Tumblin'" from his famed Unplugged album
You have to Follow You have to lead ,Jam with As many people as possible:
Fading Gently out of spotlight ,and effortlessly walking into spotlight : EC is playing with some really top musicians for almost 40 years now. and the way he invited his band mates in limelight with him was simply awesome The best example of this was " Have you ever Loved a Woman" Billy Preston ,Chris Stainton did some amazing riffs on Keyboards, Lead Guitarist the Young Texan Doyle Bramhall II matched them note for note .and needless to say Clapton was Serene .He looks so very unassuming and humble when he is playing ,last I remember of The George Harrison Concert in 80's. I'm fortunate to have the concert video .Harrison & Ringo Starr were introduced to crowd with lots applaud and in One corner was Clapton accompanying Mr Harrison on his Famous "while my guitar gently weeps" number ....and when Clapton quietly accompanied George till the final solo when George Looks at him and they jammed and soloed and crowd was at its feet. Yesterday night provided many such moments especially that Band Had renowned Key board Player in Billy Preston and Talented Lead Guitarist Doyle Bramhall.
Study Those before You ,Encourage Those behind You :
That's all I can Doyle proved to be perfect Apprentice to the Master Both in the Rock Numbers also in acoustic Blues ,the left handed Guitarist was thrill to Guitar Fan Like Myself
Missing Dear Ones :
On my special day I was amidst legions of strangers all of whom were with the families and loved ones only one person I knew their was One in Spotlight and he hit a sentimental note when he played "Wonderful tonight" This was Topped by Layla "what would u do when u get lonely ???" Clapton's song hit the right note .But just when that lump was growing in my throat, he tells us "you wanna kick them blues; Cocaine !!!"
Do What has to be done ,when it has to be done,as well as it can be done, and do it every time:-
After the common exit and ovation by crowd followed the Encore and now sharing stage with EC was the Robert Randolph from the Opening act and They did "Sunshine of Your Love" and "Got My Mojo Working" and Robert did nice job on the Pedal Steel Guitar.
Back home with Birthday Buddy :
Just when I thought my Birthday Bash had perfect ending with the Wonderful concert .On the bus I took back my fellow traveler was celebrating her Birthday ,So that made two of us ,for whom her friends and other bus commuters sang Birthday Song
I
This Kid walks another Mile and Rests Momentarily at the Milestone and looks back and attempts to put into perspective infinite ocean he is yet to fathom. And his preoccupied mind is totally unaware of car that stopped by. Alighting from car came a Master who has weathered many storms in almost double the Kids Life.
Yesterday Afternoon when the kid(me)walked into United Center humming Dire Strait "Here I am again in this mean old town",he was welcomed by sculpture of Giant ,who has left his stamp in NBA the reference is to Soaring to sky sculpture of Michael Jordan. The Sculpture shows MJ in his signature "Floating In Sky" pose with opponents helplessly trying to stop him.
But tonight was night of another of kid's idol and God in his own universe, Eric Clapton was performing at the United Center. The program was to start at 7:30 in evening ,but having booked the tickets online needed to go early to collect tickets at box office.
The Show started punctually at 7:30 p.m.The Opening act was Robert Randolph and Family Band. For myself and probably many others who had come to see the master, first impression was don't keep us waiting .honestly that was my first take but I was in for a surprise !!!
And People Like me who were busy settling, getting their drinks etc ..where captivated, stomping their foot to their songs "Good times", "I Need More Love" and "Run For Your Life"
to put it loosely they have Robert Randolph who plays pedal Steel Guitar, his cousins Daniel Morgan & Marcus Randolph on Bass/Vocal & Drums & Jason Crosby on Plays multiple instruments Hammond Organ, Piano & Violin. But everybody in the band plays everything ,this they did by doing an instrument switching sequence in "Run For Your Life",which was interesting and Tacky at same time
The God is Here
After a short break Mr Clapton took the stage, dressed casually in pair of blue jeans ,small checkered short sleeve shirt. To the crowd that welcomed him with standing ovation "Thank You and Good Evening" was all the Master had to say !! He straightaway got busy with Let it rain...This followed by Hoochie Coochie Man...Walk Out in the Rain ..
EC Fools the Audience:
With very Desi sounding opening riff which made us think is this new number or what .Clapton did a new rendition of famous "I shot the sheriff" the crowd was now on its feet .With the tempo all built up Clapton Shifts gears and went into blues and did numbers from his Recent Album Me & Mr Johnson .Of this set "Possession over Judgement day" sounded like " Rollin' & Tumblin'" from his famed Unplugged album
You have to Follow You have to lead ,Jam with As many people as possible:
Fading Gently out of spotlight ,and effortlessly walking into spotlight : EC is playing with some really top musicians for almost 40 years now. and the way he invited his band mates in limelight with him was simply awesome The best example of this was " Have you ever Loved a Woman" Billy Preston ,Chris Stainton did some amazing riffs on Keyboards, Lead Guitarist the Young Texan Doyle Bramhall II matched them note for note .and needless to say Clapton was Serene .He looks so very unassuming and humble when he is playing ,last I remember of The George Harrison Concert in 80's. I'm fortunate to have the concert video .Harrison & Ringo Starr were introduced to crowd with lots applaud and in One corner was Clapton accompanying Mr Harrison on his Famous "while my guitar gently weeps" number ....and when Clapton quietly accompanied George till the final solo when George Looks at him and they jammed and soloed and crowd was at its feet. Yesterday night provided many such moments especially that Band Had renowned Key board Player in Billy Preston and Talented Lead Guitarist Doyle Bramhall.
Study Those before You ,Encourage Those behind You :
That's all I can Doyle proved to be perfect Apprentice to the Master Both in the Rock Numbers also in acoustic Blues ,the left handed Guitarist was thrill to Guitar Fan Like Myself
Missing Dear Ones :
On my special day I was amidst legions of strangers all of whom were with the families and loved ones only one person I knew their was One in Spotlight and he hit a sentimental note when he played "Wonderful tonight" This was Topped by Layla "what would u do when u get lonely ???" Clapton's song hit the right note .But just when that lump was growing in my throat, he tells us "you wanna kick them blues; Cocaine !!!"
Do What has to be done ,when it has to be done,as well as it can be done, and do it every time:-
After the common exit and ovation by crowd followed the Encore and now sharing stage with EC was the Robert Randolph from the Opening act and They did "Sunshine of Your Love" and "Got My Mojo Working" and Robert did nice job on the Pedal Steel Guitar.
Back home with Birthday Buddy :
Just when I thought my Birthday Bash had perfect ending with the Wonderful concert .On the bus I took back my fellow traveler was celebrating her Birthday ,So that made two of us ,for whom her friends and other bus commuters sang Birthday Song
I
Unsui 12:38 PM
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Monday, July 12, 2004
Hunter And Prey
Some Random thoughts I had scribbled somewhere in pre blogging days
Hunter And Prey
I'm the Hunter
I'm the Prey
I catch Up with Myself
And I'm Gone forever
I Give Me a Slip
And My Chase is In vain
I'm the Hunter
I'm the Prey
I'm chasing Myself
For all So Long
Running Away from Myself
For All So Long
I'm the Hunter
I'm the Prey
The Moment I stop
That Will be the end
The Moment I Stop
That Will be the Beginning
I'm the Hunter
I'm the Prey
I've been Chasing Myself
I've been Running Away from Myself
I
Some Random thoughts I had scribbled somewhere in pre blogging days
Hunter And Prey
I'm the Hunter
I'm the Prey
I catch Up with Myself
And I'm Gone forever
I Give Me a Slip
And My Chase is In vain
I'm the Hunter
I'm the Prey
I'm chasing Myself
For all So Long
Running Away from Myself
For All So Long
I'm the Hunter
I'm the Prey
The Moment I stop
That Will be the end
The Moment I Stop
That Will be the Beginning
I'm the Hunter
I'm the Prey
I've been Chasing Myself
I've been Running Away from Myself
I
Unsui 9:48 AM
| 1 comments
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Saturday, July 03, 2004
Bittu
Somewhere in North Of India in winter when the sun sets early and chilly winter winds cuts across one's face ,I remember myself as a kid on the playground playing with other kids all age groups of three to four years .Out of nowhere came a stray puppy ,and kids took a break from the routine see-saws ,swings and slides. But of all us kids one who took charge of the puppy was Susie,"Bittu Meraa Hai" (Bittu is mine),She declared in style of Columbus claiming the "New Land" in name of his country. Thus the puppy was named Bittu. Where she come up with the name only she knows.
Puppy too had taken liking for her. At end of play session when kids started returning to their homes ,the question came up "What to do of Bittu"...couple of claims to take his care went up.For someone who knew he can't maintain the puppy ,I discreetly kept quiet ...of the rest ...Susie Declared "Bittu Humarey Ghar rahegaaa!!!" (Bittu will stay at my place).Following this declaration was another half and hour worth tear-jerking episode of Susie convincing her mother to let her keep Bittu . End of drama was victory for Susie. Susie gave a victorious glance to rest of us and marched toward her home Bittu towed behind her.
Susie stayed in house opposite to ours in the Air force colony .So for next week or so more than anyone I was spectator to the site "Everywhere that Susie went, Bittu was sure to go."
Next Saturday afternoon when I was sitting in porch and lazing around I saw Susie emerge from her home across the street carrying Bittu she walked upto the pavement dumped Bittu unceremoniously
and started walking back to her place. Her Mom was standing in their porch " Betaa ab use tumhaari aadat ho gayi hai! usey mat jane do !!!" ( Now the puppy is has got used to you. Don't let it go).This preaching had no effect on Susie ,She retraced her step to her home. Bittu was having no idea of what was happening .In its cute ways it was followed Susie and did all the tricks to attract her attention and to impress her.
The Event repeated twice or thrice ...Susie would dump Bittu Shoo him away and walk back .Bittu ignorant as he was ( maybe as he wanted to be) did all the tricks he could do ..but those old tricks didn't catch Susie's Fancy no more .Susie's Mom meanwhile had taken exit from the scene ,maybe to attend some chores. After Dumping the Dog every time Susie was able to successfully span more distance to her home ....around 5th or the 6th time Susie left Bittu on pavement shooed him away and ran to her home and hurriedly shut the door on him, Bittu who was on her heels almost made it .all oh him was outside the house but for one paw which got caught up in the Door shut on him .
Bittu wailed and whimpered ,Hurt he looked at the Door Faint hope that it would open on him. minutes passed like hours or maybe days...The Door did not open .Maimed and mutilated Bittu limped to the pavement .Like a kite whose string was snapped off .Bittu limped and made rounds of the house and neighborhood way until Dusk . Then he was never seen again anywhere around the Colony
The Door never opened that day .One bitter lesson life had to give both to the stray puppy and kid across the street !!!!
I
Somewhere in North Of India in winter when the sun sets early and chilly winter winds cuts across one's face ,I remember myself as a kid on the playground playing with other kids all age groups of three to four years .Out of nowhere came a stray puppy ,and kids took a break from the routine see-saws ,swings and slides. But of all us kids one who took charge of the puppy was Susie,"Bittu Meraa Hai" (Bittu is mine),She declared in style of Columbus claiming the "New Land" in name of his country. Thus the puppy was named Bittu. Where she come up with the name only she knows.
Puppy too had taken liking for her. At end of play session when kids started returning to their homes ,the question came up "What to do of Bittu"...couple of claims to take his care went up.For someone who knew he can't maintain the puppy ,I discreetly kept quiet ...of the rest ...Susie Declared "Bittu Humarey Ghar rahegaaa!!!" (Bittu will stay at my place).Following this declaration was another half and hour worth tear-jerking episode of Susie convincing her mother to let her keep Bittu . End of drama was victory for Susie. Susie gave a victorious glance to rest of us and marched toward her home Bittu towed behind her.
Susie stayed in house opposite to ours in the Air force colony .So for next week or so more than anyone I was spectator to the site "Everywhere that Susie went, Bittu was sure to go."
Next Saturday afternoon when I was sitting in porch and lazing around I saw Susie emerge from her home across the street carrying Bittu she walked upto the pavement dumped Bittu unceremoniously
and started walking back to her place. Her Mom was standing in their porch " Betaa ab use tumhaari aadat ho gayi hai! usey mat jane do !!!" ( Now the puppy is has got used to you. Don't let it go).This preaching had no effect on Susie ,She retraced her step to her home. Bittu was having no idea of what was happening .In its cute ways it was followed Susie and did all the tricks to attract her attention and to impress her.
The Event repeated twice or thrice ...Susie would dump Bittu Shoo him away and walk back .Bittu ignorant as he was ( maybe as he wanted to be) did all the tricks he could do ..but those old tricks didn't catch Susie's Fancy no more .Susie's Mom meanwhile had taken exit from the scene ,maybe to attend some chores. After Dumping the Dog every time Susie was able to successfully span more distance to her home ....around 5th or the 6th time Susie left Bittu on pavement shooed him away and ran to her home and hurriedly shut the door on him, Bittu who was on her heels almost made it .all oh him was outside the house but for one paw which got caught up in the Door shut on him .
Bittu wailed and whimpered ,Hurt he looked at the Door Faint hope that it would open on him. minutes passed like hours or maybe days...The Door did not open .Maimed and mutilated Bittu limped to the pavement .Like a kite whose string was snapped off .Bittu limped and made rounds of the house and neighborhood way until Dusk . Then he was never seen again anywhere around the Colony
The Door never opened that day .One bitter lesson life had to give both to the stray puppy and kid across the street !!!!
I
Unsui 10:56 PM
| 0 comments
|