Lucky's  NewsLetter

aka Da 'Blog

Since the revamping of Ru-Flam.com back in 2007 we've been exploring new ways to bring more info and more music

to all of our fans and Web visitors. At this time we would like to introduce our new feature, "Da 'Blog".  This will be a bi-weekly feature which

will include a variety of things including any new events, news about different people, info on what's happening around town in the local Jazz Scene and

more or less just some points of view From Lucky about Life, Art, & Music and whatever.

Most of all tho, we hope this NewsLetter will provide some entertainment and/or enlightenment for those who read it.

WELCOME ! TO ANOTHER CHAPTER OF DA-BLOG: THE SUBJECT IS...

" THE  PHILLY_ RUTT " And What It Means !!

Now for those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, listen-up! The Philly_Rutt is a phrase used by some of the musicians from Philly that do not get the recognition that they should because of one thing or another. Now let me explain. This is a town that is full of talent past and present. But some how all of this talent gets over-looked. Some might say it's because there is so much, and that's why. But I truly believe it's not done on purpose, because sometimes these  clicks get created and if you happen not to be part of it you will be left-out. Now I have been in this town mostly all of my life, and I can say that this does have a ring of truth to it. Now maybe it is because of the change in the music business or because of the musicians them selves. When I was "cutting my teeth" we would be more supportive to one another because it was about the Music. Now it seems to be more about what you are doing and who you are doing it with. Yes I know that it is important to get ahead, but don't get ahead of the main focus which is the Music. I have even heard some musicians tell another musician, don't go to that jam session because they can't play. We would never dare to say something like that to or about another musician, because we were still learning. Just because you spend time in N.Y. don't mean nothing, it's just another city. It just kills me when I hear some of the musicians start comparing the 2 cities. I even heard one musician say

"Im Going To Bring Some Cats From N.Y. Down Here" as if to say we can't compare. Let me remind you that everyone that lives in N.Y. isn't from N.Y.    There is more contribution to Jazz  from Philly Artist then any other city. Yes I do agree that N.Y. is a Mecca for Jazz Music and that is because of  it's history. It is the "City That Never Sleeps" it was born from the night-life which suits the Jazz Life just fine. Now on the other hand Philly is a Historical Town known for American History, the Founding Fathers weren't swinging.

Where Has All The Arts Gone ? In this day & time we have to take a look back when you could see the children carrying instruments home from school. This was a everyday thing when I was growing up. But now all I hear from the young people today is I'm leaving for college this week. You mean to tell me that a child has to wait until they are old enough to go to college, before they can get a musical education. What is wrong with this picture. When I was in Jr. High I was in the music program in school. Most of what I know now I got from school, I never went to college. I ask you is this just a plan to get parents to spend thousands of dollars to be taught something they could get for free. I'm not saying that music is the only thing that a good college education has to offer, but if it is your maj. this is what you want to do.

The Future Of Jazz Music: The music will be here forever as long as there is someone willing to hold the torch. I have the pleasure of being around some of the young ones coming up, and I must say that there are some very talented players out there now. So I wish them the best.

And in parting I must say : " It's Not About Me, It's Not About You, It's About The Music"

Lucky Thompson                                          Jack Reilly

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