I wasn’t part of the KC music scene, but we became friends, Ole Runnin’ Buddy Jr and I. Buddy Jr’s daddy, Runnin’ Buddy Sr, left New Orleans before the war (the second WW) to start a club in KC. He played jazz and the blues everyday until he left Kansas City, and the world I suppose in 1970. But people around KC still know him and his club North New Orleans is still around, and happenin’. Runnin’ Buddy Jr grew up in the club and by age 16 was playing some right sophisticated jazz. Throughout the 60s he fell in love with rock n roll and could play about any song, on any instrument. When his daddy died he began playin the blues, which came easy to him now. Before now his blues playin’ sounded too upbeat, you know. After 1970 he stayed in the pocket.

Buddy and I met one Sat afternoon when I stopped in for a drink.

“hey bartender, gin and tonic with a twist. Who’s the player? He’s pretty good.” I said

”That’s Leon Russell. Heard of him?” Says Sam

I am floored “Heard of him?!? I’ve got all his albums. Why ain’t he singin’?”

”Oh he will. He’s just here to work with Runnin’ Buddy Jr. Heard of him?”

Again, I am floored. “Heard of him?!? That’s why I’m in Kansas City.”

The day went on and I was privileged to watch these two masters apply their craft. The room was dim, the smiles were bright and the notes were dead on. Leon did sing a few and he and Buddy Jr shared tricks on the keys.

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Echoing Sentiments

Im a country feller

grew up starin at the stellar

we followed those ten

Even though sure enough we’d do it again

we worked by daylights, seasons

not time on the wall, is it three then?

I came to be with dogs and family

prolly why I love old yeller

im a country feller

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Ich bin von Nordeuropas, der Tierwelt von Nordeuropas, aufgezogen worden

MeThinks1000