I've written these words I read somewhere several times in my column. They've never been more true than today. "If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans". My plans began last weekend when I went to Schooner Wharf to review Michael McCloud and friends only to find one of the 'friends' wasn't there. I will do that this weekend. To replace that review I decided to go hear one of my favorite bands, the Prime Movers, who have made some excellent personnel channges. That was to be tonight. But my daughter in law decided it might be time to present me with a grandson.
That hasn't happened yet either. She was in early labor. Being a high risk pregnancy, the doctor is doing everything possible to keep her from delivering for another week so the baby won't have to be flown to Jackson's premie unit. So here I am with good intentions, but no review! This being deadline day I have decided to share some knowledge with you. I played a party this week with C.W. Colt. I have had lots of musical partners, but none like him. We are so musically in tune with each other, we played the gig with only about forty five minutes of rehearsal. We played his originals and mine, that neither of us had ever played before without dropping a single stitch.
C.W. Colt plays like a great session musician should, knowing instinctively what to play, when to play, and when to lay out. This is what my training has taught me to do also. You play what is going to make the song most appealing, with no need to show off your chops. C.W. has played with some big stars and done some remarkable studio work. His guitar playing is superb, and as a singer he's beyond great. The party guests were a tough crowd, several members of the Key West Council On the Arts and some of our town's most informed musical patrons. Bobby Nesbitt, whom I believe to be one of the great cabaret performers was there. Everyone loved what we did, which is always a thrill. Our harmony worked. Our voices blended beautifully.
I have been blessed over the years with some brilliant partners, especially in the Nashville studios where I worked with people like Lenny Breau and Harold Bradley, who is the most recorded guitarist in pop music. C.W. Colt is in that exhalted class. I believe he will be on the charts someday soon, but whether he's playing in a huge stadium or for a handfull of locals in a bar, Mr. Colt will give you his best. I am grateful for his filling in at the last minute and making it such a memorable experience.
When I tell you we have world class musicians on our tiny island, I kid you not. As the first line in a song from Colt's "Legends and Treasures" CD says, "In l973, Jimmy (Buffett) opened for me". Indeed he did, years ago in Colorado.
Go listen to C.W., and some of our other greats and realize how blessed we are as music lovers to live here. Stay cool.