Correspondence #3: New Year hopes
With Kerouac's centenary year imminent, his friend David Amram gives us his characteristic boost and draws inspiration from five musical titans
David Amram, inveterate communicator and prophet of good news, prolific musician and harbinger of the best vibes, continues his upbeat seasonal swing with a few thoughts to carry us smiling, or at least with a little optimism, into 2022…
Email, December 30th, 2021
Dear Rock and the Beat Generation,
I hope what I wrote in my previous communication brings some good feelings to your readers, especially to those who read Jack Kerouac's loving words and see the grotesque way he is still treated.
Rather than complaining about that (which only advertises negativity), I think we should all try every day to look at the Beauty Part which he honored in his work, and which is still here every day and night if you pay attention. And that Beauty Part is what Jack's work is all about!
Pictured above: Amram with Kerouac, late 1950s
So hooray for Duke Ellington, because he reminded us that no matter how much you know: ‘It don't mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing’.
I encourage young folks to check out his music and his spirit and endless gentility. Like Jack, he cared for others.
And Miles’ message was of real value for change in telling us that we should not waste our time, or his, by whining and complaining about the horrendous things we encounter every day, because so does everyone else.
Miles’ response to negativity was ‘So what?’ because he realized you had to spend your life searching for beauty.
Willie Nelson, who reminded us with his song title that those who feel that romance is always doomed and that ones you love are destined to soon be forgotten, saved us from that gloomy point of view in the title as well as the touching lyrics and music in his classic song: ‘You were always on my mind’.
So many of today's rappers and singer-songwriters are creating their OWN sound-song-stories and we have to be sure to listen to them.
Just as I do to encourage young folks to check out what enriched our generation’s life, I try to persuade my fellow oldsters to check out what today's young people are saying. Music teaches you that we all have to educate one another.
I only wish that Slim Gaillard and so many other great people could have met you, Simon, and all the true scholars who appreciate what is meaningful and not only determined by what is fashionable or profitable for a few brief moments.
Good luck with all you do, and look forward to seeing you again when you cross the Pond and pay us another visit!
Until then, Happy EVERYTHING along with wishes to you and your friends and family.
Joyous Billie Holidays!
David