Eeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeee

Last night was all I’d hoped for.
I saw Savoy Brown for the first time, even though I’ve listened to their music since I was a teen, maybe before!
Street Corner Talking, Raw Sienna, Lion's Share, Blue Matter, and A Step Further are in my vinyl collection and also duplicated in my CD collection along with Looking In, Getting To The Point, and Simmonds solo effort, Solitaire. I am an invested fan.
It's always been strictly about the music. None of the celebrity culture of today ever manifested itself in my appreciation of the great music I was hearing. I know nothing of Kim Simmonds other than he makes music that stirs my soul.
Tonight, not only was the music great, but there were lots of friends and good vibes in the bluesbar. And I got up close with Kim Simmonds. Wasn't even trying!
During the band's break, a small group of friends and I stood just outside the side door, enjoying the moderate-for-Texas summer night. Kim Simmonds, who basically IS Savoy Brown, walked out and casually joined us.
As we welcomed him into our little circle, Kim said something which I remarked back to, and he laughed heartily. I sure wish I could remember what it was I said. I remember thinking it was pretty clever, at the time.
I didn’t realize how excited I was to talk to Kim Simmonds until he left after a few minutes to sign autographs. Though I felt calm as he stood there, when he left I realized how excited and happy I had become. My heart was beating quickly and my voice became high and dolphin-like.
eeeeeeeee....
The only other time I remember feeling like that was after meeting Ringo for the first time. I became a squeaky fourteen year old and my feet didn't touch the ground for a few hours afterwards....
It’s kind of funny how some of my emotions about “rock gods” are so strong, even at this age! It surprises me.
I must've been wickedly emotional as a teenager. I'm pretty sure I was. Even today, my mother accuses me of being dramatic every now and then.
I prefer to think of it as passion :-)
I've met lots of other stars, musicians and celebrities, but only Ringo and now Kim Simmonds have stirred that googly feeling up. Only Ringo and Kim Simmonds made me get starry-eyed.
And a couple non-famous men who shall remain nameless that I dated... that was good, too.
Who's next?
Ain't life grand!

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHT 2006 #4

RINGO STARR & THE ALL-STARRS
July 3, 2006 Nokia Theater

The first time I met Ringo Starr was in 2004. I’d been loving and listening to him and his Beatle band-mates since I was 7 years old. Meeting a Beatle, and working for him, even if only one day, made for a whole ‘nother article, which I may re-publish here someday. Suffice to say I was thrilled.
This time was almost as much fun as the first time. A new band of All-Starrs included Rod Argent, Richard Marx, Sheila E, Billy Squier, Edgar Winter, and Hamish Stuart. Though I was familiar with these names, and admire their respective talents, the only one I would have gone to see without Ringo was Edgar Winter. And then only if it was convenient.
Together, these artists put on a great show; top-notch, professional and fun. Granted, I am totally biased towards any Beatle, but when Rod Argent from The Zombies tickled “She’s Not There” out of the ivories, I really wanted to get my groove on right there! What a great song! And Sheila E always blows me away with her drumming abilities. Simply amazing, that woman is a dynamo on-stage and a sweetheart offstage. Edgar Winter teamed up with Billy Squier for a gut-bucket version of “Ramblin’ on My Mind.” Even Richard Marx overcame his pop stereotype and showed why he deserves the limelight, too.
There were moments during this night when I was fourteen years old again. Anytime music transports me that easily makes for a musical highlight. Ringo, and whomever he brings along for the ride, will always be one of mine.