Harley and I are listening to a lot of swing music lately. My dad and my uncles used to play it, and play it well. They grew up with it and so did I. It's really hard to be worried or sad or upset or anything icky when you are listening to Benny goodman or Glen Miller. It really is hard to feel anything but good and breezy and happy.
I've been thinking a lot about this, and I really think that this music should be played at the start of all meetings. Middle East peace talks, in congress (perhaps in place of the pledge of allegiance, or maybe afterward). At the beginning of school days on the loud speaker after announcements, what have you. I think it would create a mood of general buoyancy and lend itself to the spirit of cooperation and the willingness to acknowledge one another as humans and not objects.
If I had lots of money, I would start a supper club. I would require proper dress, jackets, no hats, and etc... and I would employ a swing band for dining and dancing. It would be totally retro, like stepping into a time warp. Well, except for hair and fashion I suppose. Swing music and lyrics are uplifting with a certain magical quality...and it is my belief that when we are uplifted then we are in our highest state and we do better for ourselves and our communities. Not to mention, it's just fun to have a reason to dress up and do something a little different.
That's all I have this soggy Sunday.
Cheers.
