The New Christy Minstrels - a True Group

[The Rez]

Howdy All,

Today I witnessed a group of people make The Music *together* Rare, in these days of competition for attention. Randy Sparks was the humble host. Humble without guile, even in the presence of the Wonderment of his creation.

Thus, each Minstrel was given his/her time to *shine* . . . not the spotlight . . . but to *shine* As each one took their turn, it was The New Christy Minstrels backin' 'em up. The unique structure of sound we know so well was ever-present. Even Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" took on new spices and spaces through the fearless giving of that Back Up Band.

On a Thanksgiving years ago, a roadie buddy sneaked me and my duo pardner into the filming of The Last Waltz. I haven't seen such Fearless Giving by a true group to The Music again . . . until now.

The arrangements - both vocal and instrumental - drifting in and out, all in service to The Music. The unselfish terraced dynamic of this interplay humbled this Ol' Piano Guy. The most important value of a group - a *true* group - is to be in service to The Music. So it was in Cerritos in the presence of each and the presence of all The New Christy Minstrels.

[an aside: Randy, Cerritos was first called Dairy Valley. Next go-round at The Center, you'll have more . . . uh . . . material for you city-honoring song.]

Drag - I've long hoped audiences would be so *present* as to not need a rousing number to let 'em know the show is done. Of course, it just doesn't work that way - never has. Rare's the time of awesome silence. Gord is among the rare.

Perfection, to me, would have been "Last Farewell" - sung in precious memory of Nick Woods [Dolan Ellis cowboy hat doffed in tribute] - as dimming stage lights faded with The Music, folding the experience into remembers.

I do believe that's the way I'll chose my own remembers of this fine afternoon.

Nuthin' special - just a heart's desire - number of people listenin' don't much matter.

Bless Your Hearts,

Rez