That Metheny tune from the gig you just heard is still in your head ringing in your ears. You refrain from humming, instead clap on your headphones. Or just sit in silence doing nothing, comfortably numb, spacing out. You find a way to listen to another version of it to extend the memory of it perhaps later. That’s all done as you trundle back to the boring old suburbs and in the morning interspersed maybe by thoughts of scanning the ads for a better, any, job yet again next day.
I was thinking of the wisdom of Bob (Bob Wells as himself) in the wonderful film Nomadland starring the unassumingly heroic Frances McDormand who as Fern went on a search to find herself beaten down by inner turmoil and circumstances in this regard. She meets Bob along the way who is like a guru to the rootless, the nomadic, the lost and never to be found.
“One of the things I love most about this life is that there’s no final goodbye. You know, I’ve met hundreds of people out here and I don’t ever say a final goodbye. I always just say, ‘I’ll see you down the road.’ And I do. And whether it’s a month, or a year, or sometimes years, I see them again.”
Bob In Nomadland (2021)
Have Something to Say?
But there is more you can do. If you’ve something to say, Marlbank is always open to contributions.
Whether you’re a musician, an aspiring writer, or simply someone who listens closely and goes to gigs, we’re interested in hearing from you.
What matters most is an honest response to the music – a new release, a live set, or something older that still resonates. There’s no need for grand claims or overstatement; clarity, a point of view, and attention to what’s happening in the playing go a long way.
If your writing grows out of listening, you’ll feel at home here. Lend us your words.
Send a message to stephen@marlbank.net and we’ll take it from there. Marlbank publishes new content daily, and we’re always keen to feature new voices. If writing isn’t your thing, you can also contribute a playlist or a voice note for inclusion in our weekly podcast.
