No doubt you have heard of "The Vagina Monologues". If that introduction has grabbed your attention then your attention should be grabbed by a most brilliant CD that has come down the old pike. A CD by a true virtuoso of many instruments. Happily we have something that could now also be on the stage---"The Banjo Monologues".Joel Mabus has come up with a most brilliant piece of work. This CD consists of 18 tracks of traditional music and some truly colorful and insightful intros to many of the tracks. Tales of family, of music, and just some great philosophical thoughts. One insight has to do with how a teacher can also be a student. One of the most moving tracks on the CD. It is about as close as you are going to get to seeing Joel Mabus in concert.
If you have ever wondered what was the precursor to Grand Ole Opry you will find out here. If you ever wondered what instrument is his favorite---and why--you will find out. Also which one he would want on a desert island---hint: forget bad banjo jokes.
If you ever wanted to hear some great family tales with traditional songs as background it is on this CD. In addition there are great traditional pieces, including, Wondrous Love, John Henry's Hammer, and so many more.
You really have to travel far and wide to find a more intriguing artist who can play the many instruments he does. Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo and never forget one of his greatest instruments of all----his voice. Deep, resonant, and his persona engulfs the audience. Be it a live one or one on a CD that will make you think you are at a Joel Mabus concert.
As to the random thoughts mentioned above I can only add that please read the previous commentary and join the TRADITIONS audience this Sunday for a sample of the CD just mentioned and all the other things you have read in the previous post.
OK---a last personal random thought. If you saw today's NY Times article regarding the No Impact Man I really want to add a thought or two. Colin Beavan is the alleged No Impact Man. He was interviewed on WNYC in NYC today and hearing his comments I felt I really wanted to know more. I did by reading the NY Times piece.
His ideas are, to say the least, idealistic. But--read further. Living in a luxury apartment in NYC(5th Ave). giving up these modern day amenities for one---yes---one year so that he can write his book (for profit) on the subject. All this being the idea of his publisher (or agent) amongst the few submitted to him strike me as a bit of a study in hypocrisy and notoriety. I also add that his wife is going along with this while employed as a writer at a large publication.
Best to read the article or look it up on the web.
Personally, I agree with his thoughts regarding food (from a 250 mile radius), fluorescent bulbs, and more---though the Toilet Paper part is hard to ===dare I use the word--swallow. Probably the grabber in the article.
Al Gore has the decency and straightforwardness to admit he espouses a cause and will still live the life-style he is accustomed to while doing his best to adhere to his beliefs and try to convince others.
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