Music With Strangers
Let's Play
The web can be awesome. Sometimes grand. Usually, it's on a smaller scale. I got to enjoy one of the later experiences today.
I follow someone on Bluesky named Dr. Project Pash. I have no idea how I found the good Doctor, but when the they started sharing music today, I was so glad I did1.
Tennis With Tunes
The first thing I saw Prof. post was Chameleon off Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters. If you haven't heard it, you've not fully experienced everything funk has to offer2.
When I say "if you haven't heard it," I mean the album, not the song. Chameleon is the first track on Head Hunters. The second is Watermelon Man:
I can't think of one without the other. I hadn't thought of either in far too long. I shot reply back to the Prof. with thanks for the reminder.
Prof. replied with a nice complement about catching the vibe.
Round Two
A few minutes later, Prof. posted another track: Heaven Must Be Like This from Ohio Players3.
Two for two from the Prof. on putting killer tracks in my ears. I wanted to send a thank you. There's so much good music out there, though. What to pick?
After strong consideration, and for no other reason than "it felt right", I went with Buddy Guy's Feels Like Rain.
Turns out, I had just done one of my favorite things without realizing it. I had introduced Prof. to a song they hadn't heard.
Not much brightens my day more than someone describing a song I introduced them to as "cool shit". I was all smiles when that was the reply I got.
The Outro
Prof. wasn't posting music for me. Their feed has all kinds of tracks and we weren't replying in a thread. Prof. had been responding, but I didn't want to be obnoxious. I figured if I saw another track that warranted a reply I'd send one then tap out.
It took like two seconds. My feed refreshed and I saw Carry Me Home by Kokoroko. This one was new to me and it's awesome4.
This time, I was the one who got to reply with thanks for an introduction. But, like I said, it was time to bow out. This would be my last one.
I've been listening to Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio recently. Can I Change My Mind felt like a nice way to wrap things up.
And, with that, I signed off with thanks for a delightful time.
An Invitation
There's a lot of bad things going down. It's easy to be overwhelmed. And, rightfully so. But, today was a reminder of the good stuff.
Two strangers sharing tunes.
I can't offer much during this shit storm. But, if you ever need a break, Dear Stranger, and want to play musical tennis, just let me know5.
-a
Footnotes
Dr. Project Pash lists their pronouns as "Prof." and "Dr." which is awesome and 100% what I'm gonna use here.
Don't be alarmed by the fifteen minute track length. The ride never gets old.
I'm still not sure if it's supposed to be "Ohio Players" or "The Ohio Players". Some people get really angry about that stuff. So, whichever one you prefer, pretend I said that.
I'm a sucker for a woman singing lead with funky ass bass and a horn line. So, it was an easy sell.