Sweet Rock

As I sit here tonight and listen to Jeff Parets Acoustic Storm on 95.7 FM celebrate the long weekend festival of Woodstock I can’t help but wish the wave of music that energized a generation back in the 60’s and 70’s could not reach out across our great country and bring us closer together as nation.

Rock and Roll and all its various forms and fashions will surely never die, but you have to admit it is getting rather grey around the edges.  This summer I went to several concerts and the average age was probably fifty…and I’m being generous there. 

Case in point was last night’s Kansas concert here in Charlotte.  It was at the Ovens Auditorium which seats around 2800.  Not only was the crowd aged like the other shows I went to…it wasn’t even sold out.  A Saturday night prime time concert for one of the hallmarks of prophetic rock…and Charlotte couldn’t even turn out…I’m ashamed and know we have more to offer this wonderful band.  Perhaps that’s why they only played 1 ½ hours instead of their other shows which have run two hours; don’t get me wrong the crowd that was there was enthusiastic…but the lone woman who sat in front of me kinda summed up the evening for me.  Half way thru the encore which was “Carry On My Wayward Son” she checks her watch and leaves.  It’s not like there was a crowd to beat…geez one of the most iconic rock songs ever…and she’s checking out…I’m ashamed.  I guess you reap what you sow and if you don’t sell out the show…then don’t expect the band to play a few extra songs.  They did put on a great show by the way…thanks guys…but you owe me “Song For America” next time.

I guess that’s why I enjoy Jeff’s show so much.  The Acoustic Storm delivers new songs and variations of old favorites that you don’t hear anywhere else.  It represents the heart and soul of the music that I grew up with and continue to cherish and enjoy today.  When I need a pick me up I turn on the radio or put in a favorite CD…it brings a new perspective to an often confusing world. 

It’s not just the beat…it’s the words, the message, the underlying overtones of the lyrics that reach out and strengthen my own beliefs and resolve to carry on and realize that even though we may be dust in the wind physically…our spirit remains…and our soul is enriched by some of the best music ever recorded. 

I saw my first concert when I was around 14…I think it was Marshall Tucker and Jethro Tull…two of my favorites to this day.  I was never into heavy metal or disco…although there are several groups and songs that I enjoyed occasionally.  With all these aging rockers with an aging fan base I truly wonder what the future of rock and roll holds.  Seems the torch has been passed to country and that’s Ok I guess, but I still prefer that old time rock & roll…to steal a line from Bob Seger.

Those familiar with this blog know what my Rock & Roll dream is.  I only wish at a young age I would have found the passion I have for music now.  Guess when you see something starting to fade before your very eyes…it makes you want to hold on all the tighter…and longer.

Guess I’m rambling a bit…but as a rambling man I tend to do that.  Here’s a poem I wrote that kinda sums this up….have a great week and find some time to enjoy some of your all-time favorites…and I hope it brings you back to a time when life was a bit simpler and we all could enjoy some good old pickin and strummin, as we hugged our brothers and sisters, no matter their race, creed or color. 

As I wander these lonely streets

I have thoughts of a magical beat.

Some say Rock & Roll is the devil’s heartbeat

I say sit right there and take a seat

And you’ll hear of glorious feats.

The old hymnals are covered with peat

As if masked in an old dirty sheet

Today some still sing when they meet

But their faith has taken a backseat.

I long for the days of old, such a treat

When the sound was sweet like mesquite

The music was praise to help defeat

Our enemies we drove into retreat

Running from the sound of the drumbeat.

Music is also a way for friends to greet

Sharing in the glory of a chosen fleet.

Rock will never die, it brings the heat

That some may say is too upbeat

We know better as we tap our feet.

Music in the old hymnals is truly sweet 

But the rhythms of rock make us complete

Do not be misled, do not fall to deceit

Glory to God is found in many a tweet.

What you prefer to hear in your suite

Will enrich your soul, like fertile wheat.  

Kinda corny I know….but like all of our lives…it’s a work in progress.

As Joni Mitchell wrote and was later immortalized by CSN&Y….

“We are stardust…we are golden…and we have to get ourselves back to the garden”

What you must know is that music is deeply rooted in all forms of spiritual beliefs, whatever yours are be open to those of us that know the devil always held a losing hand…he was just trying to take as many as he could with him on his tormented bargain.  Praise God you have hopefully been spared of that…and if you’re not sure, reach out to a local faith based group…for the beat of salvation rings all around us.

Psalm 150