Sundance Film Festival ~ January 2009

The Man (Or: DA ((aka: Christopher Robin)) visits my Hundred Acre Woods.)

Truthfully? My natural thought processes tend to be more like Eeyore than Winnie the Pooh. I have also been known to share a weekly cup of anxiety with Piglet. (Just sayin’: There are probably going to be thorns on that there rose. But, no stomping please. Good roses are hard to find!) Some people tell me that the words pragmatic and paranoid are just a little too close in my dictionary.  *sigh*

So when DA began his career following Idol with the outlook: “I could get hit by a car…”, part of me nodded in melancholy approval of his “seize the day” attitude. And I totally understood his occasional forays into: “If this doesn’t work out I might…” From my viewpoint this was no ‘starry-eyed puppy’. Although he may have been inexperienced, he was still a man who had done his homework and knew something about the odds.

So my own Pooh Bear (in search of ever more DA music), has always been accompanied by a very faithful Eeyore (ready to predict the inevitable lack). However DA, (with his inimitable way of upsetting my “Is it half full, or half empty?” apple cart), has come to the rescue once again, and like Christopher Robin who cures all ills, he has set right the affairs in my Hundred Acre Woods. He has answered the question of the ages: “Will there be enough music from you, DA?” He has penned ‘Happily Ever After’ into my story.

How? By answering the simple question: “Who would you like to sing with this year?” And DA, (who seems to always speak while offering a restful, mental branch on which any migrant thought may land) said: Tony Bennett.  “I think it would be so cool! He’s just… he’s been doing it for so long and he still sounds amazing.” (DA, you just kinda make my heart go pitter-patter when you say things like that.)

Thereupon my inner “Eeyore” sat down in shocked wonder and blissfully forgot that he had ever lost his tail. You could say, he “closed his eyes and saw the view”.

The Music (Or: Is there a ((classical)) genre that does NOT wait anxiously for DA to rebirth it?)

Cannons! Fireworks! Stadiums of cheers! Cue the 1812 Overture and Beethoven’s’ Ode to Joy! While DA can often confuse, entertain and delight us with seeming non-sequiturs, he is never random when it comes to music. (Exhibit “A”: Eva Cassidy.) So I knew he was perfectly serious. And. I. Rejoiced.

Tony Bennett. (Bless his unsuspecting heart!) This genre of music has not been on the top of my listening choices. But I do appreciate it. And I love what Michael Buble has done and is doing to bring that genius forward to a new audience.

My lack however, did not stop me from recognizing DAs’ own brilliance, appreciation, embodiment, and slam-dunk delivery of said genre whenever he got the chance.

So you can get the idea, here is Tony Bennett (generation jumping) with Michael Buble in 2010.

I can totally see how DA would look on stage with either of these lovely people. (Or both?! Yes, please?) And I would start saving my money….. now.

The Mission (Or: Even though the offer may self-destruct in 10 seconds, I believe DA has accepted his own Mission Impossible and will succeed.)

The historical perspective: Tony Bennetts’ first number one hit was in 1951. He was 25 years old. After several hits his run came to an end in the mid 60s and he seemed to disappear. He had a 15 year span when he was off the musical radar. In the 90s he came back stronger than ever, again putting out gold records. He has kept his musical style intact and “remains a popular and critically praised recording artist and concert performer.” Two things are credited with his comeback success:  1) a good manager (his brother) and 2) being true to his own music.

The New York Times said, “Tony Bennett has not just bridged the generation gap, he has demolished it. He has solidly connected with a younger crowd weaned on rock. And there have been no compromises.” At age 68 he had made it all the way back. He was 84 this last August and is still giving performances and concerts. (Added note: He was taught the “Bel canto” singing discipline, which was said to “keep his voice in good shape for his entire career.”)

Mr. Bennett also knows he has unique fans, especially the ones in the UK. He says how they “really take you in and treat you like family” (Sound like any fans you know?)

DA is a planner, a worker, a dreamer, an avid learner and constantly searches the heavens (both within and without) for guidance. He makes goals. He has vision. He has experience with challenges and how they can ultimately work in surprising ways for ones benefit. He also recognizes and appreciates these attributes when he finds them in others.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE that he said he would like to sing with Tony Bennett. This year. Ahem. (Please take notice, Mr. Bennett!) I ABSOLUTELY LOVE that he dreams of singing until he is 84. Think of all the songs!!!! It. blows. my. mind. (Cause, (( love ya Mr. B.)) DA has more than one genre he can sing – actually.) (And, actually, he already copped the whole “demolishing generation gaps” thing when he was 17: “Shop Around”, “Imagine”, Christmas tour, anyone?)

DA, I love how you think and I trust you. Thank you so much for just being who you are. And for wanting to sing with Tony Bennett.

“You find it! You know it! Don’t make it wait! These are words I wanna say every hour of every day.” Wherever he is, DA makes it a “good place”. And my heart is comforted. My Hundred Acre Woods is lit with the eternal sunlight of contentment. And me? *sigh* I have been given the map to the honey tree.

“Silly old bear”.