First There Is A Mountain

and then there is none

Photo by Jefferson Santos on Unsplash

Prompt for: Stories from the Jukebox

Prompt By: Dr. Bob Beatty Long Live the ABB.

Prompt #39 :Mountain Jam by The Allman Brothers Band

“Innovative thinking filtered sounds from harsh realities into melodic movements that fueled the soul.” The old man sitting in the chair picked up his guitar and demonstrated soothing passages to illustrate his point. “The lyrical playing complimented rather than removed itself from the warm feelings the song was delivering. Thus the music became poetic rather than an asphalt version that hindered understanding.

“How do we achieve this?” asked a young woman from the audience earnestly.

“Sometimes we look too far, reach too deeply and impose our will rather than accepting a more natural feel. Our work is to serve the music rather than make the music about us. This creates the interdependence that furthers the goals of the universe. In essence it gives the world a new perspective rather than repetitive alliances.”

He took a sip of his water before saying. “That is all for tonight. Hopefully you have some insights. If you do come back tomorrow and share them with the group. Thank you. Good night.”

As the group filtered out he sat there noodling on his guitar.

“Mr. Goodman?” a soft voice inquired.

Gil looked up as his fingers continued playing a rhythmic shuffle, repeating yet changing patterns slightly. “How may I help you?”

The young woman blushed at his question.

“Serena. Serena Simpson.”

“Hello Ms Simpson. Thank you for attending.”

“It is my pleasure to attend. Your words earlier had a hint of a philosophical overtone to them. Is this something musicians aspire to? Is it necessary to be successful?”

Gil smiled. “Good question. Let me ask you a question first. Are you interested in making music for the sake of music or to be famous?”

Serena opened her mouth and then closed it. Thoughtfully she asked, “Is there a difference?”

GIl gave her a long look. “I intend to answer both of your questions but first I would like to hear you play.” He handed her an old battered acoustic guitar.

“Oh my,” she said uncomfortably. “I can’t play this guitar. It’s your guitar that you have had since the beginning.”

“Serena, it is just a guitar. It’s only special because others insist on it being so. It plays the same notes, the same chords, the same sequences that every other guitar does in the hands of any other musician. Please indulge my whim and play. I will join you.”

Serena looked at the guitar before accepting it with a nod. She sat on the edge of the stage and played a chord. Looking up she could see the encouragement on Gil’s face. With more determination she played some chords. Gil joined in playing the chord sequence and encouraged Serena to play a little more freely, weaving sounds amongst the chords.

When they were finished he asked, “How did that feel?”

“I felt inspired,” she replied.

“Excellent. We played as one. I could feel your energy flowing. Did it feel philosophical, rising above what you normally feel?”

“Yes.”

“Did you feel successful?”

“Very much so.”

“There are many people who are far better guitar players or musicians than I am. They are unknown to me and to many others. Their desire is to simply play because that is what they want from life, to feel the energy an instrument brings from within them. To reach the elements, like some of the great guitar players on records do and get the feelings that push their lives to more interesting places. Do they need to be famous or make money to do this? No. All they need is a desire to create new and interesting music.“

“I see.”

“All you have to do is open the gate, realize there are no mountains to move and find the beauty within you. Duane had this in spades. That is why Mountain Jam is so interesting.”

Serena held out Gil’s guitar towards him. “Thank you. I have learned so much.”

“Why don’t you stay awhile. We can create some music and see where it takes us.”

She looked up at him incredulous. “I don’t want to keep you.”

“I was going to stay and play for a while. I like the way you played. Join me. We shall see where the music takes us. I felt a mountain move when we played together before.” He started playing. Before too long Serena joined in creating some sweet sounds.