Illegal Smile

My sons are musicians. They are 27 and 20. I'm amazed at their gifts. I grew up banging out black gospel hymns and spirituals on the piano in church. That didn't always work out so hot since I'd have to have pink eyes to be any whiter than I am. But, I loved it. The kids not so much. They're making a splash in their tiny little pond in Chattanooga with their original music that they call psychodelic blues. Whatever. They are large, in charge and ba-roke! Having tons of fun though and I"m pretty proud of their chutzpah. A little recording studio in a big old mill loft in town. My so-so piano skills and good ear was my contribution to the creative mix. Their dad who died a few months ago after a long illness contributed a nice baritone shower voice and a hefty dose of depressed and alcoholic genes. Poured their daddy into a rehab unit twenty eight years ago. He didn't drink again. Blessing. Thought he was too smart for continued twelve step program. (bummer) All three kids struggle with what level of normal that they are going to settle with. I spent the day with oldest boy who lights up like a christimas tree when he's had a few too many (i.e., ONE) He's stopped drinking just in time for his long time girl to go all borderline personality disorder on his rear end. Long emotional day that ended at this studio with us banging out a prine tune on a 64 inch kawai thom thumb that the heat from the building is deteriorating It has JUST the right whang for a new Orleans edition of Just a closer Walk with Thee. We cried and laughed and promised support for this journey. He wants to stop drinking. Some meetings are in his future. And, Sam Stone and Illegal Smile should make good company.