Who R U??

The Jazz Bus: Who R U???
People have been e-mailing me asking,” Who are you?”, or better yet, “What are you?”, or my favorite, “What is this “jazz bus” thing?” It doesn’t really matter, does it? A few readers think there is an actual bus and I am the driver; one who blasts jazz music while riding on my route. Alas, it is not, nor am I that. Rather “the bus” is a literary vehicle with a blog and a column to the Copiague Weekly. However, for true clarification, the “bus” thing is based on “Jazz –B- Us”, a short lived business clearinghouse which was available online for jazz musicians seeking advice about local gigs, medical care, or financial information. As jazz musicians are known to do, they shortened the title to “The Bus”. Oh, well, could have been worse.
But, what if it was an actual bus? What would it be like? Yes, it would be a huge vehicle with extremely large windows, comfortable seats, and a great sound system. Absolutely free rides for all. No fares, and as the song goes “people, you just get on board”. Dreamers and drummers will always be found sitting silently in the rear seats gazing out the back window, wondering where their next gig will come from. Those politically savvy conservatives will of course be found on the right hand side, with liberals on the left. All must be “round trippers “so they can check out the view from the opposing side on the way home. Only then will they truly understand the other side. Long hair, short hair, bald, man, woman, any creed or nationality, doesn’t matter. Just sit back and enjoy everyday life while riding through town .The Grateful Dead claimed life to be “A long strange trip”. I add, “Enjoy the ride”.
A few weeks ago I mentioned “ the ride” as living in a world in which we were for things, not necessarily against things, a time when negativity and disrespect did not exist as blatantly as it does today, a time when we looked for solutions. Today, we offer insane rants about anything while blaming everyone. We have Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, Conservatives, Moderates, Tea Party, Coffee Party, Cocktail Party, whatever party. Be prepared, as it might get a little noisy on this bus so I will turn up some Coltrane on the stereo and drown out the din. I do condone standing up for your rights but not in the blaming of others for things out of our control. Blame has never been an answer, just a waste of time, a way to stall until an answer is found by others.
So the election of 2010 is over. While not belonging to any one political party (but the driver is usually seated on the left hand side of the vehicle) I wholeheartedly support those elected officials who wish to get the job at hand done. End the nonsense, clean up the environment, get the businesses up and running again, and help those in need. No arguments, no pointing fingers. Just get it done. Do you ride with me or not? jazzbus@gmail.com