Soul On The Sidewalk

i rang in 2011 on the sidewalk of 16th Street. Dancing and laughing with Donnie Davis. Bluesman. Out of Lexington, Kentucky.

Donnie busted me a note on his harp. And i returned the gift with a free-boogie get-down. There were a couple dozen people milling around close by, but it was just me and Donnie in our own little universe. Both deeply happy to meet the other and share some bits about life...

i got The Blues in Nashville. Sitting around out back of a barbecue joint with some old black men. Donnie got his in reverse. His came from a bunch of old white men. He's gonna be sixty-six this year, and i was born in sixty-six. i told him we're gonna be sixty-six together.

Donnie's a sharp dresser. He's a walking ensemble of handcrafted jewelry and accessories. And he told me the story of each one. Me? i was wearing a jacket i made. With a big furry arm. Quite the pair, he and i. Wish i had a picture of the two of us standing there... One older black gentleman dressed with a distinguished style... And the other looking like something out of a cartoon. NICE!

Here's to you, Donnie Davis! Thanks for sharing, my brother. You keep blowing that thing... And keep walking your walk, my man.