10/3, 9:30am: Never take anything for granted. An oft-used phrase that we’ve all heard before. How quickly we embrace it when confronted with the unexpected and how quickly we forget when things get comfortable.
I can’t think of a time in my life when positive events in my personal & professional life have been in such contrast with what I see in the world around me. To say this has been a good year for me would be accurate but perhaps an understatement. I’ve met a terrific woman with whom I have planted the seeds -- some would say literally -- for a wonderful future. My father is in good health and enjoys a happy and satisfying life well into his 70’s. And, of course, the tour with Mr. H; a musical & personal experience that has sometimes been magical and always been memorable.
The events of the last few months in our nation and our world are inescapable. Parts of our country have endured unbelievable devastation and hardship. Entire populations displaced with really nowhere to go and no foreseeable relief in the near future. Our soldiers fight an increasingly deadly war with any sense of resolution becoming more and more evasive. Overseas, in an area in which we had been scheduled to perform during our tour of Asia (and which was subsequently canceled -- thankfully), terrorism has reared its ugly head and innocent people have been killed. It disturbs me how quickly I seem to “move on” now. Has the regularity, the callous disregard for human life, the viciousness of these events become so easy to digest? I sit here in my hotel room in a cocoon of clean sheets and bottled water and wonder if I’m missing something.
One nagging thought; where is the outpouring of sympathy from the rest of the world following the horrible one-two punch of the hurricanes here in America?
On a lighter note, the new additions to the EH band have been quite positive. Our new conductor & pianist, Anne Shuttlesworth, has brought a delightful presence and strong direction to the proceedings. Dave Hill, who I’ve mentioned in previous entries, is not only a fine guitarist but also a very good friend and I’m glad he’s joined up with the tour. Ron King, another buddy from L.A., has finally solidified the trumpet chair and is a welcome addition both musically & personally to the band.
With the filming of a concert video set for two weeks from now in Canada, new tunes have begun creeping into the show. It’s always refreshing for a musician to be presented with new material but I believe Engelbert is stretching himself stylistically as well, and that’s been exciting. When you get to see firsthand a performer of Engelbert’s caliber reaching for something different, you not only want to pull your weight to help him get there, you delight in his success.
I’ve learned so much about life and about myself this year. Though I’m not always so, I’ve learned the value of patience (my bandmates will know how I’ve developed this attribute). I’ve discovered that being a strong, loving, compassionate human being is a 24 hour responsibility and that living your life with dignity is a challenging but honorable goal. Finally, I have come to realize that when the day is done, our character is not defined by our talents, but by how we interact with the people and the world around us. I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it.
Until next time...
--Adam
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