We laugh...because it's true

Jimmy Kimmel says & does a few things that I can't endorse.  However he does us a GREAT service in the segment where he shows how some people will say anything they think they're supposed to when a camera is in their face, in those fake "man-on-the-street" interviews. It's a little disheartening how many will lie through their teeth, but it demonstrates why we should be skeptical of what we see on TV, even (or especially) when it's presented as "real."  I also love the "Why Is This News" feature, and the one where he shows how a phrase from a press release will echo around the world among the parrot-like TV commentators we watch daily. Kudos, JK!

Window with view for sale

Once I finished it, I decided this rustic window was not quite right for my apt.  Was going to hang it up at work.  Now, I'm taking bids! I think it's worth at least a hundred bucks, but will consider lesser offers.  It's 28" x 47.5" x 1.5".  Original glass included.  Poster also included but can easily be removed.  I can even help replace it with a picture of your own, if you want. (Reply with a comment and I'll be notified by e-mail.  Make sure to include your contact info).

The People vs. George Lucas, or Revenge of the Fans

Ran across this doc in the library.  An excellent and lighthearted exploration of the Star Wars phenomenon, specifically the fans' love-hate relationship with its creator, George Lucas.  More than just a “those crazy fans” kind of story, this film touches on enough cultural and even spiritual issues to fuel many long discussions.

The central theme is how Lucas’ brainchild grew to be such an important presence in so many people’s lives that it came to dominate his own.  The film covers how Lucas has dealt with the backlash of his own success.  How an artist’s work can be embraced so completely by the public that it becomes questionable who owns it.  How his subsequent decisions about storylines, characters (Jar-Jar Binks!) and alterations to the original work (Han shot first!) have created controversy, stirred passionate debate and even inspired resentment toward the creator.

Musicians deal with the same issues of ownership and revision when it comes to their recordings.  Some professional songwriters never feel their work is finished, even after it’s a radio hit.  Some music artists feel the need to put out remaster after remix after re-recording.  In some cases, it’s simply a means to capitalize on previous success, but sometimes it’s because the typical artist is never quite satisfied with his own work.  Someone in the film quotes the old saying, “Art is never finished, only abandoned.”  The question the doc pursues is “at what point is an artist allowed to change his work, when it means so much to his audience?”

Another point the film brings up is how Star Wars is so much more than an artistic and marketing triumph; it has endowed countless viewers with a vital underlying philosophy by which to live.  It has become their religion.  This is not an understatement (at least for some), and it is not altogether accidental.  Lucas stated early on that one of his intentions was to create a new myth; one that replaces the religions that had been discarded (to a great extent) by modern man.

I am a Christian believer, a creative person, and though I’m nowhere close to being one of THOSE fans, I did enjoy the films (the original three, anyway; the prequels were prime examples of the law of diminishing returns).  So I feel I understand the need for a guiding myth, and I can see how a film series could provide one.  I have to admire the effectiveness of Star War in this aim, even as I shudder to think how it replaces genuine faith in some people’s hearts and minds.

The word “myth,” by the way, does not necessarily mean “fantastic” or “made up.”  Stories, metaphors, and parables, which fill the Bible, are kinds of myth. As C.S. Lewis pointed out, Christianity is based on a myth, but it’s a myth that is true—the story that explains the meaning of our lives.

The Star Wars mythology does contain much truth that is part of my Christian worldview, as any good story does: the ongoing struggle of good vs. evil, how personal sacrifice is often necessary to achieve a larger goal, how “evil people” are fallen good people, how we can have a legacy and a destiny that define the path we are on even as we labor in our current mundane situation, how we can benefit from listening to those who have gone before us…the list is quite long.  I can affirm these truths even as I recognize that what is missing is the notion that a Person, not a faceless Force, is the central crucial element in the universe. Having (as I believe) the Key to the truth of life itself, I can unlock that truth to be found in everything around me, even (or especially) in other mythological attempts to explain the world. So as long as I view with discernment, I, too, can be enriched spiritually by these films.

Many people featured in the documentary, including Lucas himself, acknowledge the irony that Lucas, who started out as a rebel of sorts against the powerful industry types that would limit his creative output, has in fact become a bigwig himself (and not necessarily a popular one at that), and exerts a notable amount of control over the Star Wars legacy (the Expanded Universe).  Like Anakin became Vader, the very thing he would have resisted.  For this reason, some point out that the films have become semi-autographical.

Fans (including Francis Ford Coppola) who lament that Lucas has yet to get beyond the Star Wars world to make other films may take comfort in where the storyline leaves off in The Return of the Jedi.  Vader joins his son Luke in battling the evil emperor, and it ends in reconciliation and redemption.  There is a sequel in the works (Episode VII), but with Disney at the helm and Lucas serving as creative consultant, and given the astonishing level of financial and legal obligations at stake, I have my doubts that life will imitate art further in this case.  But by the time it comes out, I doubt there'll be many superfans left to care; at least, not as much as they did in the beginning, in a galaxy far, far away.

I appreciate your appreciation

Nice to get a thank-you from a customer.  This one especially made me smile.  I did some editing on a new version of the late Bob Babbitt's Awareness Guide for Bass Players and All Fellow Musicians.  It's a self-published book, and in a literary sense it's rough around the edges (as well as in the center), even after my contributions (i.e., corrections and clarifications). Babbitt's genius was playing bass, not grammar and punctuation.  But it's a fun read, because his personality really shines through, and his stories and tips are fascinating to the music fan.  And he has some pretty impressive fans.

Babbitt was involved in some legendary recordings (I'm too lazy to summarize; get the gist here).  He passed away last year, and his widow (Ann) and daughter have continued to preserve his legacy, partly through the book.

Ann's choice of card art was so over-the-top cute, I had to laugh...especially because she wrote my name under one puppy and my boss's name under the other.  I mean, I like him and all, but we're not THAT close.  Although we are both known to be pretty adorable.

In what I found to be an interesting coincidence, I realized that a film called Standing In the Shadows of Motown, about the group Bob was part of, the Funk Brothers, was in my Netflix queue as I worked on the book!  I look forward to seeing it more than ever now.

"Mark's Remarks"

Below are links to some articles I wrote for my high school newspaper. As I read them now, I am alternately amused and taken aback by the partially-informed opinions and stilted style in which they were expressed. (I feel I'm regressing to that style even now).  I called a Neil Simon play "fairly well-written"! HA! And I labored under the assumption that Kerry Livgren played keyboards and not guitar for Kansas (hey, they didn't include credits on 8-tracks).

Here's one I didn't write.

I remember how, when that paper containing my first column was delivered in class, I was mortified to see how the typesetter had mangled my prose with the most egregious typos and misspellings which, I'd like to emphasize, were not my fault ("Clever, Hugh?"). I didn't write most of the headlines, either.  I think that duty fell to our faculty adviser, Dr. Clark Chism, who did this kind of thing for a living, and taught English and Journalism on the side.  Or vice-versa, it was hard to tell.

But I'm also pretty happy with some of the stuff.  I was named Features Editor after my predecessor was caught using his press privileges to leave campus for non-legitimate purposes.  I even won 2nd place in a state competition (that I don't recall entering). But because I rode the bus through senior year (one of many things I had in common with Napoleon Dynamite) and couldn't stay after school to work on the paper, I was an editor in title only (a masthead figurehead!). I did eventually start checking the copy after the girl typed up my articles and before they were sent to the printer. Live and learn.

If you read these, please make sure you also read some of my later work, and realize, as I have, that we all start somewhere, but usually we go on to bigger and better things!

"Mark's Remarks" April 15, 1981 debut column; album review

"Mark's Remarks" May 19, 1981 "Little Me" drama review

"Mark's Remarks" Sept. 30, 1981 Kerry Livgren "Seeds of Change" review

"Mark's Remarks" Nov. 25, 1981 Ranstrassy show choir review

"Mark's Remarks" Jan. 29, 1982 "Life on a G-string" personality profile

"Mark's Remarks" April 30, 1982 "Are You a Video Junkie?" self-help quiz parody

Granddaddy Vaught heads home

In honor of Veterans' Day, here is a picture of my grandfather, Wiley Beauregard Vaught, with some army buddies on their way back from Europe aboard the Japanese vessel, Awa Maru of "Tokio," March 1919.  He's the one on the far right side of the pic, facing to the side in a dramatic, intense fashion.  It's as if he anticipated the album cover photo pose for male groups by several decades.

Granddaddy Vaught was part of the 6th Heavy Mobile Ordnance Repair Shop of the American Expeditionary Forces. I suppose so were some or all of the guys pictured.  He died before I was born, so I never got to hear his war stories (or any others), but according to my dad, he claimed he & his unit mostly rode around France on trains and avoided any actual conflict.  I assume that's an exaggeration (he went on to be a used car salesman), but I'm sure it felt like that at times.  We still have his cane with a metal point with his name and army affiliation engraved on it.

He clearly had a sense of humor; that is one of the things my mom found so attractive in my father much later.  Not sure if the Japanese sailor knew WHY it was funny for him to pretend to have this American soldier in custody, but he probably figured it out.

Despite what the news clipping headline may imply, he was originally from Stevenson, Alabama, and lived in Chattanooga at the time.

10 Ways To Tell Your Altar Call Has Gone Too Long

As all know, our attention spans are getting shorter, due to the quick-cut editing techniques pioneered by MTV, increased workflow expectations made available by digital technology, and--OK, OK, I'll get to the point already.

Here's a little something I came up with the other day. Feel free to share with your pastor. He may not thank you, but your fellow congregants--OK!! HERE:


10 Ways To Tell Your Altar Call Has Gone Too Long

You realize you never knew "Just As I Am" had more than 10 verses.

The choir director orders a pizza.

People are claiming to have been "slain in the Spirit" just to have an excuse to lie down...and you're in a Baptist church!

The musicians start doing a James Brown-style breakdown of "I Surrender All."

Members start adding lyrics to the songs, such as singing "Take My Life...Please!"

The words to "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" remind you to check your Twitter account.

You consider yelling "Fire!" just to make sure people are still able to move their limbs.

The sound man's usual stoic expression begins to resemble that of a Titans fan toward the end of the Bears game.

The wedding party booked for the following Saturday shows up to decorate the church.

You begin to suspect that your 24-hour antiperspirant may not hold out through the closing prayer.

Laundromat of Broken Dreams

My local laundromat has publicity head shots of Nashville artists & songwriters (some autographed) on the walls, a la the Bluebird Cafe. It's not an unpleasant place, but when I go (weekly now, since my washer connection broke), sometimes I can't help being reminded of this painting.

BCHS Reunion

Looking forward to the BCHS Class of 1982 Reunion.

77s Unplugged coming to Nashville!

In a town where at least a dozen amazing acts play every night, often for a bargain admission price, it can be tempting to take it all for granted. Not this one; not for me. And never mind the "unplugged"--the power will definitely be on.

The 77s Unplugged, featuring core band members Michael Roe and David Leonhardt, will make a rare appearance in Nashville on Monday, March 26, at The Basement, as part of the “Sticks and Stones” tour. The tour coincides with the digital re-release of the album of the same name on Lo-Fidelity Records. “Sticks and Stones” has been out of print since shortly after its original release in the 1990’s, and will now be available on CD and online.

The 77s is a band that has appeared in many incarnations over the years, with frontman Michael Roe as its central figure and torch-bearer. The talented, versatile and charismatic Roe uses his remarkable vocal range and guitar skills to synthesize rock, blues and gospel influences into a mesmerizing blend. Leonhardt’s percussion choices bring unique energy to every song.

Michael and David had this to say about the upcoming tour:

"It's been nearly 22 years since the release of ‘Sticks And Stones’ and it will be exciting to have the album available again and celebrate the re-release with the fans who have loved it and supported us for all these years. I am also thrilled to be able to come play these tunes for you with my ol’ 77s pal David Leonhardt, as we have not appeared together as a duo since the ‘It’s For You’ tour 15 years ago. Dave and I have always had a bit of ESP going whenever we perform and we’ve missed that magical musical experience (along with the ridiculous humor) ever since."
Michael Roe

"I am really excited to be playing again with Mike. We always have a great time together and our musical influences generate some interesting moments on stage. Sometimes it gets us in trouble, but we'll try to avoid that. ‘Sticks And Stones’ being re-released brings back lots of great memories and it will be fun to revisit those songs on the tour. That album had some of the coolest songs from that era, and this tour should be a great musical experience with ‘Sticks And Stones’ as the background. Can't wait to see all of you again!"
David Leonhardt

Get a taste of the music at www.reverbnation.com/77s

77s Unplugged (Michael Roe and David Leonhardt)
"Sticks And Stones" tour
Monday, March 26
Doors 6:00 pm, Shotwime 7:00 pm
Tickets - $10 at the door

The Basement (below Grimey's New & Pre-Loved Music store)
1604 8th Ave S., Nashville, TN 37203
615.254.8006
www.thebasementnashville.com
(The Basement is a 21+ venue. No exceptions.)

"Wings"

This weekend I watched the newly-restored film "Wings." It's a silent film about WWI fighter pilots (not to be confused with the TV series from the 90's with the two brothers and the fiesty blonde). It was the 1st film, and the only silent film, to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. It stars Clara Bow, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, and Richard Arlen...and my grandmother's 2nd cousin, Jobyna Raulston, from South Pittsburg, TN. She was overshadowed by Bow, Rogers and Arlen, due to less screen time and not being a big star already; she was known to many because of her roles in Harold Lloyd films ("The Freshman" is a gem). Bow was, of course, box office gold. Even now, most people only mention THREE stars when they refer to the cast; in fact, Ralston is misidentified as Bow in the one IMDB pic of her. But at least she got billing over newcomer Gary Cooper!

A restoration of the film was released early this year, with an optional new soundtrack with orchestrated music, and sound effects recreated at Skywalker Sound (don't worry, I heard no light-saber swooshes or laser cannon shots). I hear the also-recently-restored Princess Theater in South Pittsburg will be screening some of Ralston's films...I daresay this will be one of them.

Ralston and Arlen portray a young couple in love (like most men, he's more enthusiastic about it than he looks here). The two actors later married and had a child together.

Coincidentally, this was also the weekend I was able to catch up with the storylines of the second season of the BBC series "Downton Abbey" currently showing on PBS (it's like reading a novel, with better casting). I watched the entire first season on Hulu Plus (huzzah for the one-week free trial membership!). Like "Wings," the series is set in the WWI era. Both even portray their respective soldier characters carrying good luck charms into battle.

Prior to THAT, I was looking through my Grandmother Vaught's old pictures and documents (again) and discovered a little more detail about my grandfather's outfit in WWI (my grandparents had my mother late in life--I'm still very young, of course). He was part of the 6th Heavy Mobile Ordnance Repair Shop. They were basically the AAA of the A.E.F.

Though I never knew my grandfather, and my grandmother was old even when I was born, it's fun to imagine them going to the movies in Chattanooga, watching cousin Jobyna on the big screen, my grandfather ("Beau," short for Wiley Beauregard Vaught) making his Harriet (a.k.a. "Hallie" to some) giggle with the occasional wry comment about Clara Bow and his own experiences in Europe. He claimed he spent most of his time riding trains and avoiding battles, but then he wasn't one to brag, especially since Harriet's brother Al was career Army and on his way to Colonel (Brigadier General if he'd lived a little longer).

After all this time thinking about life and war 100 years ago, I'm not sure I have any brilliant insights as a result, but I'm chewing on it. The issues of conflict, bravery, love and loss are always worth considering. A lot can be learned from the stories of those who survived the worst, and even enjoyed life in the meantime. Even if they weren't famous.

Proof of Fountain of Youth Found!

Take a look at the fan visible just above George Harrison's head. Look familiar? I can think of no other possible explanation than sorcery. I wonder if he had any inkling he'd be playing the character of Jack on the popular TV sitcom "Will & Grace." Oh, but of course that must have been in the contract he signed...WITH THE DEVIL!!!

BBQ 4 NYE!

I'll be doing the folk/pop/country/blues/etc thing at John T's BBQ to get an early start on the New Year's Eve celebrations. If you have big plans, you can come by for a "warm up" for later with some music and a meal (you'll need your strength)...AND if you're the type to skip the parties and screaming crowds and turn in early, this will be a great way to ease from one year to the next!

John T's BBQ
115 First Ave. NE, Winchester, TN 37398
(931) 967-9600

"Silver and (Ring)gold..." Dec. 22

The Mark Kelly Hall Christmas Ensemble, with singer/songwriters Mark Kelly Hall and Charlsey Etheridge, along with a surprise special guest or two, will bring a holiday mix of original tunes and “songs you already like” to the Acoustic Café in Ringgold, GA, on Thursday, December 22. The family-friendly acoustic show will feature a blend of blues, pop, folk, ...and NO matching outfits...and will start at 8 pm.

Admission is free, but as always, sincere compliments, tips and lucrative recording and/or publishing contracts will be accepted.

The Acoustic Café is conveniently located near the Ringgold/Lafayette exit off of I-75, and offers a menu of sandwiches, sides and more. For info and directions go to ringgoldacoustic.com or call 706-965-2065.

Acoustic Café
www.ringgoldacoustic.com
61 RBC Drive
Ringgold, GA 30736
Phone: 706-965-2065

Have a (Celtic) Cup o' cheer!

It's time again for what is becoming a holiday tradition (hey, we work with what we've got!). The Mark Kelly Hall Christmas Ensemble will help celebrate with some acoustic music & a few corny jokes thrown in for good measure.

I'll be teaming up with Charlsey Etheridge and instrumentalist Daniel Heacock to share the holiday spirit. There may even be festive hats! Feel free to wear your own.


The Celtic Cup Coffee House
Find it on Facebook
106 North Anderson Street
Tullahoma, TN 37388
Phone: 931-563-7733
Free admission

Another Pleasant Valley Sunday Brunch, Sept. 25

OK, I'm not sure about the "Valley" part, but the rest is the Gospel truth. A great time to be had at the Listening Room! Featuring some pioneers in the world of contemporary Christian music who have continued to create music that speaks to all audiences...that means you!

Brunch is from 10am-2pm and features Eggs Benedict, Croque Monsieur, Croque Madame, French Toast, Mini Quiche Lorraine, Omelet Du Jour and more. (Regular ol' menu items are available, too, if your tastes run to the familiar like mine).

This week's performers:
Noon-1PM: Steve & Annie Chapman, Bill DiLuigi and Bonnie Lee Panda
1PM-2PM: Pam Mark Hall with Jerry Chamberlain

(No, I'm not related to Pam; the fact that we share 2 out of 3 names is sheer awesome coincidence).

I doubt Jerry C. will be pulling out any of the Daniel Amos tunes known and loved around the world...much less those by the Swirling Eddies, another of the bands his talents helped make semi-famous...but there's always hope.

The Listening Room Cafe has been voted one of the top music venues in town. It's in the Cummins Station building (the giant brick bldg. off the Demonbreun exit) in downtown Nashville. Park free on 10th Avenue or in the designated lot across the street just past the end of the building.

Sunday Brunch Rolls On

This is a great place to meet up for a bite after church or before the ballgame. Or just keep tabs on the Titans on TV as you enjoy the music with your meal--best of both worlds!

Brunch is from 10am-2pm and features Eggs Benedict, Croque Monsieur, Croque Madame, French Toast, Mini Quiche Lorraine, Omelet Du Jour and more. (Regular ol' menu items are available, too, if your tastes run to the familiar like mine).

This week's performers:
11am-noon: Gary Talley (guitarist for the Box Tops)
Noon-1PM: Jennifer Brantley, Rachel Morgan Perry
1PM-2PM: Karen Staley ("Take Me As I Am," "Keeper of the Stars")

The Listening Room Cafe has been voted one of the top music venues in town. It's in the Cummins Station building (the giant brick bldg. off the Demonbreun exit) in downtown Nashville. Park free on 10th Avenue or in the designated lot across the street just past the end of the building.

Sunday Brunch @ the Listening Room, Sept. 11

The first brunch was so much fun, we're going to do it again! Also it was planned already.

Brunch is from 10am-2pm. Come by for Eggs Benedict, Croque Monsieur, Croque Madame, French Toast, Mini Quiche Lorraine, Omelet Du Jour and more.

And what would a Nashville event be without live music? And on Sunday morning in the South, naturally you can expect to hear some Gospel in the mix. This week's performers include multi-instrumentalist Tom Shinness, Charlsey Etheridge, Sabrina, J.P. Williams and yours truly.

The Listening Room Cafe has been voted one of the top music venues in town. It's in the Cummins Station building (the giant brick bldg. off the Demonbreun exit) in downtown Nashville. Park free on 10th Avenue or in the designated lot across the street.

Sunday Brunch at the Listening Room

Sunday Brunch at the Listening Room Cafe kicks off this weekend. The Listening Room Cafe has been voted one of the top music venues in town. It's in the Cummins Station building (the giant brick bldg. off the Demonbreun exit) in downtown Nashville.

Brunch is from 10am-2pm. Come by for Eggs Benedict, Croque Monsieur, Croque Madame, French Toast, Mini Quiche Lorraine, Omelet Du Jour and more. (Is breakfast really better in France? Must be).

Live--but not loud--music will also be featured, including Gospel music of all styles. This week's performers include Brandon Maddox (noon-1pm), and Terry Thompson and Josh Helms (1-2pm).

See listeningroomcafe.com or call 259-3600 for info.

The rest of the month will feature more great artists, including "guitarpist" (my word, not his) Tom Shinness, Gary Talley of the Box Tops, Karen Staley ("Keeper of the Stars"), and my buddies Charlsey Etheridge, Sabrina, J.P. Williams and Bill DiLuigi. On Sept. 25, we'll enjoy music by veterans of CCM Steve & Annie Chapman, and my semi-namesake Pam Mark Hall. She's planning to bring some friends, the mere mention of whose names will send a thrill through the spine of the any dedicated fan of Daniel Amos, the Swirling Eddies and the Choir. And a DX-7! Seen one of those lately? If you listened to CCM in the 80's, you definitely heard more than one.

Jenn plus Sabrina equals one great show

Y'all go to this, and tell 'em I sent you! (You may not get anything extra by telling them, but it'll make me look like a well-connected mover and shaker).

Sabrina (www.reverbnation.com/sabrinasongs) is a riveting performer whose songs are infused with positive energy and an abiding sense of hope. Her style is reminiscent of Tracy Chapman or Richie Havens.

She has shared stages around the country with her talented friends on the Nashville Songwriters Tour and the No Divas Tour. She is a recent winner of a popular open mic contest at another local venue.

Jenn Franklin (www.jennfranklin.com) has been compared to Sarah McLachlan and Aimee Mann.

With the release of her first full-length album, Girl Invisible, Franklin is primed to build on the critical success of her debut EP, Errors & Admissions, a six-song EP that earned national airtime on more than 170 college and independent radio stations, with two of the songs also showing up on MTV’s “Real World Hollywood.”

Franklin has been featured as a showcased artist for the SXSW Music Conference, and she’s also earned headlines at events like the Midpoint Music Festival, Midwest Music Summit, Diversafest, International Folk Festival and NY Songwriters Showcase.

www.eatatgooddog.com
34 Frazier Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37405-3931
(423) 475-6175