memories - Archie Shepp - Me - Chris - Robert Wyatt

I have been very fortunate to have seen many amazing musicians play live since my ears first opened when I was but a young pup.

One of the first bands that I ever saw live was the amazing Public Enemy when they came to Scotland (Glasgow Barrowlands - 1988 and again 89). I was following up a pretty phenomenal experience of a first walkman (remember those?) encounter with them -Yo Bum Rush the Show - Coventry 1987 - I bought the cassette (remember those!!) and was pretty much blown away and here started what has become a happy, sustained and mind expanding engagement with music of all sorts. But my first loves will always be hip-hop, funk, jazz.

Tonight we saw the legendary Archie Shepp. It was me and him for most of the two hour set that he played. I could have reached out and touched his foot - but thought that I better not - didn't want to look like too much of a weirdo, especially after chasing Robert Wyatt around the courtyard prior to concert. YES - you hear d me Robert Wyatt and did I mention that he was sitting right next to me. Aahhhh.

Anyway, for those of you not familiar with Mr Shepp - here is a real ear opener. And, don't whatever happens, don't ever, ever be blase

And I cried.