Dear Friends:

I can't help but worry about the current world events.  I'm reluctant to comment too candidly on my feelings or position in regards to what's happening and how it's unfolding because the few times that I have made a statement that was even remotely "political" it caused some feedback which scared me. In the context of this blog/newsletter, political statements become inappropriate.  However, if you see me in person I'd be glad to have a conversation and get deeper into my views.  It's just that in this day and age we all must be careful what we email and say in our social media.  Be prudent and not rash.

I stand by my position that music is a key to peace, perhaps the key.  I see it every evening when my audiences come into the clubs seeking the music.  All nationalities, ages, social levels - joined together to listen to thoughts and idea expressed in a language that is not words.  Music can be so subtle.  We forget in this day and age of processed pop music that the subtlety of music can be so fine and varied - just like the human heart.  It doesn't have to all be so blatant and in your face, or worse, militaristic.  It can about love, it can be about many shades of love.  It can be radical in that people can come together and simultaneously perceive an unspoken message if the artist is slick enough.  Dizzy Gillespie used to say "a spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down" when he put together a set list.  First something fun and goofy and then, hit them with something more serious - and then perhaps something romantic.  Variety.  The Human Mind knowns no boundaries.  We mustn't be held captive by the soulless machine but understand that in our hearts something manifests that is eternal and always good.  Music can express this and can remind us of that which we have deep inside us - not yet burned-out or lost but ready to be recovered with one simple melody.

My best regards to all of you and hope to see you in either Mezzrow or Smalls (the East or the West corners of 10th street and 7th ave.)  I pray for peace on Earth!

Spike

P.S.  On a lighter note, Minnow, our club cat, now has her own Facebook Fan Page.  If you have a shot of Minnow you'd like to share with us - please post it here ----> https://www.facebook.com/MinnowSmalls