It isn’t fair…

But as the great jazz musician & patriarch Ellis Marsalis Jr. said, “There is no such thing as fair. The world’s not fair, it’s not about being fair.”

True enough.

Yesterday – April 1st – was this blog’s 5th Anniversary. And though it was never intentional because I’m so bad at keeping days straight, isn’t it funny how Feeding on Folly was launched on April Fool’s Day? Seemed like a clever thing to write about.

And then yesterday, Mr. Marsalis died from complications related to COVID-19.

I’m not sure why his death hit me so hard. I’d never seen him in concert and only had one CD of his. The one he did with his son, Wynton.

I bought it the year Son was born and it was a quick favorite. In fact, I played it every night and at the time I was pretty sure it was the reason he slept through the night. And now, 25+ years later, may explain why Son is a musician.

In any case, I’m telling you this now not seeking any sympathy because this loss doesn’t belong to me. Mostly I’m writing this because COVID-19 is a stinking bastard and we have to do our part, even if that part is staying home, so we can gain some control over it.

And if you are staying home and have five minutes to spare, give this a listen. It’s as sublime as jazz can be…

32 thoughts on “It isn’t fair…”

  6. Sadly many in the music entertainment field have lost their lives this week … and the week is not yet over. Heaven help us. On a happier note, congratulations on your blogiversary – clever name for your blog and how funny it was started on April Fool’s Day!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Yes, that is very soothing music. I can see why you listened to it with your baby. Good thing I gave up trumpet, or I’d be depressed ‘cause I could never play like that. Just learned today that a woman I know here had Covid and is better now. We’ve got a long way to go, yet.

    Congratulations on the blogiversary!

    Like

  8. First, happy blogiversary, or whatever we’re supposed to call it. Five years is an eon, as studies show that most bloggers rarely make it past 90 days. (True story.)

    Second, and I am not making this up, the passing of Mr. Marsalis was the trigger for me to cobble together a post with your Campfire video shares. I was going to do it anyway, at some vague point, but the sudden eventuality was a kick in the pants, especially since the Pink Martini cover was all about embracing the message of music.

    Our kismet has clicked again. I so look forward to the 10th anniversary of your blog, and all of the joyful moments we’ll share getting there…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Wow… that sounds a little eerie, but given your fondness for New Orleans, it’s not surprising you were a fan. The Marsalis name has its stamp on much of its sound.

      I’m so glad you appreciated the Pink Martini piece. It’s been a favorite since I first heard it and I love its message of giving hope to one in darkness, and offering it in a sweet, happy tune.
      Much like we try to do with our blogs, yes?
      Kismet, indeed.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. It is a bastard. We have a saying in England ‘don’t let the bastards grind you down’. The way this one will lose the war is by all of us doing what we need to do. And that includes honouring the passing of those that have touched our lives. Congratulations on your blogiversary. Because in France April 1st is called ‘Poisson d’Avril’ rather than April Fools I send you this 🐠as my special gift. Long may you ride.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Happy Anniversary on your blog!. I was also sorry to hear about his passing. Just an amazing gift to the music world. I also have some unprintable words about this virus but I keep hoping and praying. What else can we do except stay positive and keep reading posts like this..:)

    Liked by 2 people

  11. In 5 years you have spread enough smiles, chuckles, guffaws and laughter to cover the planet and that doesn’t include the number of times you’ve made somebody stop and think, or wonder or just say “Hey, I’m not in this all by myself.” Yeah, it’s a bastard out there and it’s going to be a long day today and maybe tomorrow too but you have a pen and you’ve used it and for that, like all the other comments, I say thank you for spreading a little humanity around. Now wash your hands and get back to work. cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for this comment, friend! Sometimes we need to hear that what we’re doing matters and other times we need a kick in the pants to get on with it. Today I needed the kick in the pants.
      … off to wash my hands and get to work!

      Like

  12. Happy 5-year anniversary, Christi. I love your blog! With your great sense of humor, it is only fitting that it all started on April Fools’ Day. Your posts are always uplifting, even with the announcement of the death of Ellis Marsalis, Jr. He was a true favorite son of New Orleans, patriarch of a very talented progeny, and one hell of a fine pianist in his own right. The piece you selected is a real painkiller in these times of sorrow and adversity.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Happy Anniversary! Looking forward to more and more of your insights!
    It does seem so unfair, doesn’t it, to lose someone still active and vital. Pneumonia, whether a product of this coronavirus, as it was in this case, or caused by any other bacteria, viruses,or fungi – is just so deadly for seniors. My ‘oldest of the old’ dad got pneumonia during last year’s flu season. He chose to discontinue further treatment after several months of being in and out of the hospital for treatment – and died three weeks later.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s one of the things that amazes me is how scary pneumonia continues to be. My son was hospitalized with it when he was four and wound up getting sent via helicopter to a larger hospital. And all I could think of was how Jim Henson had died of it just a few years prior.
      Sorry about your dad. Mine passed away in a similar way and even when you’re ready for it, you still aren’t *totally* ready.

      Like

  14. Yes it is sad about Ellis Marsalis. He was and is highly respected. Harry Conick jr. grew up not far from the family and they are still friends. Harry always joked that he wished he was born into that family. In fact it was Ellis who taught Harry how to play the piano. After Katrina hit it was the Marsalis brothers and Connick who toured all of the shelters and replaced instruments for the musicians who lost theres to the floods. Jc

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Happy anniversary, Christi. It’s amazing how much water’s gone under the bridge in the last five years, and I suppose it helps to remember the current polluted batch will pass too. I don’t follow jazz but I’d heard about Ellis Marsalis. Even if he has passed, his music lives on.

    Liked by 1 person

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