A few CD's came today. Both Jaco Pastorius.

I like one better than the other, but they both contain some amazing bass work. Its great to hear someone who plays on the same wavelength that I do. Not that I'm arrogant enough to think I'm anywhere near in his class, though. I mean style-wise, more than anything. Stanley Clarke amazes me, but he tends to thump and pop a lot more than I'm inclined to do. Jaco plays rapid-fire riffs and patterns, which is something I've tinkered with.

I suppose I'm just trying to say that its nice to hear elements of what I've played around with in the hands of an acknowledged master. It means I'm on the right track, and I'm not as much an anomoly as I might have thought. It also gives me an idea of where I might be able to go. There are things to learn here. Challenges. And the most amazing aspect of it all, especially in consideration of my own abilities, is the understanding that his techniques and his songs are within my reach. With work, I know that I could play them. And that, in itself, surprises me.

Mister modesty, eh? That's me.

Oh, well. On to other things.

I talked to Carmen tonight. I thought I had better call her to confirm our “date” Saturday. She's still interested. We talked for awhile about a lot of things. We seem to be able to babble on forever, each of us having rather strong, and not entirely dissimilar, opinions and theories. I remember thinking once that I might have found my female counter-part; the feminine version of myself. That's strange. I once longed to know a woman who thought as she does, and who understands a thing or two about music and being a musician. And now that I've found her, I feel very indifferent.

However, we are going out Saturday. As friends. And that will be nice. Its been a long time since I've been able to go and relax with a friend. And its most definitely been a long time since I escaped from this house and my meager, groping existence.

Bert says she thinks that Carmen “likes” me. There's a thought. But its one I won't mull over to any great extent. What is is. What will be will be. And what should not be will never happen. Yes?