an evening with charlie watts

last week i went to see charlie watts play jazz … far away from the rolling stones … in a tiny basement in soho.
one thing i was left thinking about was how fulfilment comes to folk, who do what they do, regardless of money.
the very same thing crossed my mind after hearing the 72 year old judy collins sing with gorgeous ease the week before.
anyway… it was a joy to be sitting at such close quarters , and witness charlie play drums with brushes .
it’s a lovely skill to watch…one brush creating the rhythm by brisk, almost circular rubs to the drum skin , while the other gently punctuates a backbeat .
it’s a charming musical thing to observe,and i could watch it for hours.

after his excellent trio finished their set,charlie mingled with musicians and friends…
i greeted the doll, as i made my way out …
and when i climbed the iron stairs back up to street level, i stalled for a second in the gentle soho rain, and took one last glimpse back into the room below,where i could still see the man among the people… living the life.
seriously cool moment.

i didn’t take my camera… mindful of the situation n’all.
but i discreetly switched on my phone, and took this one blurry shot.