It was Buddy Catlett day in Seattle two weeks ago - February 21st, 2008. I was at City Hall to recognize Buddy, along with my friend Robert Wade, and to celebrate all he means to the city's jazz history and ecosystem. I listened, I watched, I shook his hand, and I photographed him. But I didn't write about it. I didn't share it on the Bent. Like so many people, and things, since last August, it didn't make it to the Bent.
There have been plenty of pictures, and plenty of thoughts. Even occasional hit-and-miss attempts at writing. And for six months, nothing has made it the Bent. They'd slip a day or two, or a week, until they didn't seem like news. And so it went. Or not.
But I kept thinking about Buddy. Out there week after week. Playing gigs with Clarence Acox's Legend Quartet at the New Orleans in Pioneer Square, or with Brian Nova at the Pampas Room in Belltown. He's played with Louis Armstrong, and Quincy Jones, and Cal Tjader and on and on. He just keeps playing. A long time ago. Tomorrow.
I remembered this blog is not about news. It's about the view from here. It doesn't matter if it's a day, a week, or a year old. It's just the view. Thanks Buddy.
More pictures of Buddy and Friends from Buddy Catlett Day in Seattle.
Welcome back to posting, Bruce!
I remember seeing Buddy around town for years. A legend.
...Bob in 700
Posted by: Bob | March 07, 2008 at 06:21 AM
It gets that way for me, too. At first, blogging was like a whole new social thing, and it was almost intoxicating to virtual travel and meet people. Then it got to be a kind of obligation, and I really felt the need to try and be entertaining, informative, and all that crap. Now I just blog when I feel like it, don't when I don't, and try not to feel bad about not having the time to read all the good blogs I enjoy. (There are just too many...like yours! :) Although I'm not really into jazz, I like music a lot, especially the blues artists. Chicago has a nice blues festival in Grant Park every year, your blog reminds me I need to get out and enjoy that again.
Posted by: lisa | May 08, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Some excellent photographs here. Thanks for the inspiration
Posted by: Steven Brooks photographer | July 04, 2008 at 05:18 AM
Buddy knows how to rock it ! He's so good at what he does...Love it !
Posted by: free porn | November 01, 2010 at 06:43 AM
Buddy Catlett is one of the best...
Posted by: Donna | November 30, 2010 at 08:37 AM
Man Buddy can surely kill those strings. Great artist.
Posted by: Hailey | February 25, 2011 at 05:18 AM