Why I Play Music: Reason #4237 and Cuss Word Number 7
Y’all might get tired of reading it, but I have no choice but to write it. It’s Saturday and I have to play. Reason #4237: If I never see another human being in my life whose only goal in the doc biz is to be satisfied to make a half-assed, (#7) half-baked, superficial diagnosis because all they really want to accomplish is to drive around town in some overpriced hunk of sheet metal ’cause it makes them feel important for reasons this old doc can’t understand, well….I guess all I know to say is instead of wringing someone’s fool neck I play music.
In my biz, close counts, and wrong is as good as dead if you don’t care enough to stop and rethink the diagnosis. My mind whirls all day: “Hm…..Could it be….. I wonder….dang, that doesn’t fit…..Maybe…..I’m not sure. I don’t get it all right, but by God I care.
Now I feel better.
Art of Sound, Shelby N.C. The old Neuse River converted school bus is all crunk up. Don’t miss it. The Harris Brothers kick it off. Reggie might be the most versatile guitarist in the world, and his brother Ryan’s soul singing moves me every time. Take a picture of the electric suitcase and send it home to Mama.
Darin and Brooke Aldridge, the Sweethearts of Bluegrass. A Nashville insider said Brooke was the best new female voice in bluegrass in a decade. Darin is the finest multi-instrumentalist I’ve even known. Together they are magic. They are in the top ten in the bluegrass charts now, and on the way up past that.
Balsam Range. If Tony Rice says a man can sing, he can. Tony ain’t wrong about Buddy Melton. Strong band in every position. Great modern bluegrass.
For Heaven’s sake, don’t sit and home and watch T.V. Come join us. The bluegrass and traditional music family will welcome you in. We ain’t crazy, just a little quirky. Check us out.
Dr. B
Tags: music festivals, the doctor gig
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Dr. Tom Bibey: Stories of the Bluegrass Music Road 
October 23, 2010 at 7:50 am
I feel your frustration through your words. Something has gotten you worked up!
You are right…a day of music would be the best medicine for that type of feeling.
Going to be a beautiful day too Doc. So do some pickin and grinnin for me too.
October 23, 2010 at 8:02 am
Cindy,
My family and my music and blog pals and Lit friends always get me. Some folks don’t of course. As my daughter always says, “Daddy, you’re so simple you’re complicated to people.”
Gonna go play and work thru it all in the only way I know how.
See ya,
Dr. B
October 24, 2010 at 9:48 am
You sound like a rare breed and I wish you were in my area. There was once a time when the vocation of medicine called me and I ignored it. The wheels of life turned onward and the opportunity passed. But if I had responded, I’d like to think I’d have been a doctor like you.
October 24, 2010 at 10:06 am
Madison,
Any time a young person, especially an artist, sees anything like that in old Doc I take it as a high compliment.
Keep on writing to follow your dreams.
Dr. B
October 30, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Doc, I am so jealous that you and Marfar have so many bluegrass choices in your area. Art of Sound does not fit our schedule but one day…………………
October 30, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Smitty,
Of course, the area has a rich history with Earl Scruggs being from N.C.
Due to the influence of young N.C. bands like Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Balsam Range, and The Steep Canyon Rangers, bluegrass is on the move here.
We still plan to come to Mississippi this winter. I’m gonna talk to my son about this more soon.
We did a school house book and bluegrass gig not long ago that was much fun. It makes me know our music will never die.
Keep the bluegrass faith. You’re one of the good’uns.
Dr. B