Tosh's Tails

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Great Big Easy



The streets of New Orleans are paved with treble clefs....and the sidewalks swing like loose skirts. Music is embedded in the atmosphere like oxygen.....and then there's voodoo. Here is where we find ourselves, with the ghosts of the masters.....burning blood and rattling bones. Between worlds. Twilight. 

This is the first record GBS has made outside of Newfoundland. We had many options but NOLA is a mistress whose charms we could no longer resist. This city is rubbing itself all over us like some exotic spice. Every note played is flavoured with the rhythm of the Saints.....and Black Rum. 

People here would rather sing than talk. People here would rather dance than walk......and they often do. Every morning is a melody. A  symphony every nite. Smiles and tears cohabitate in open hearts and faces as people surrender to the beat of a city slowly slipping away into the sea.

The Big Easy has us all by the throat.....and we like it.


Tosh


Published Wednesday, January 13, 2010 9:51 AM by Marielee
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Comments

 

NewfieSteph said:

Sounds enchanting, Tosh. I hear NO has a flavour entirely its own, soak it up while you can. Then continue to write about it so the rest of us can sample it from afar! Thanks for the update!

Steph
January 13, 2010 10:50 AM
 

Bonnie-the-Bodhranista said:

I can see how New Orleans would cast an amazing spell over the senses.  I'm curious about whether or not you've had a chance to whet your folkloric interests in the stories the surround the area, not just the musical.  Judging by the reference to voodoo perhaps it has :)
January 13, 2010 11:07 AM
 

Gaeladore said:

I was in New Orleans two years ago. It was amazing to see how upbeat and friendly everyone was, even in the wake of Katrina. It is a very enigmatic city. The vibe is a bit European, a bit Carribean and a bit small town American--and completely 'Southern'.  

Glad you guys are getting a chance to enjoy your surroundings. :~)

Can't wait to hear the new stuff! :~)
January 13, 2010 11:53 AM
 

Amethyst said:

Tosh, what a beautifully written poetic FTR!!!  New Orleans is definitely inspiring you. Reading this, I have a feeling that GBS #10 is going to be a real winner. You make New Orleans sound so magical that I can hardly hold myself back from heading out that way! I downloaded Sean's "Peace Among The Bones" today. Really nice!
Tosh, have a look around & see if you can find Bob for us. He hasn't posted since Oct. 8! I think maybe he's got writer's block or something. Maybe a little nip on the ankle would help!



January 13, 2010 12:27 PM
 

ChiTownKim said:

Echoing Amethyst's comment, this entry is pure poetry.  I do love New Orleans, and all of my personal experiences have been post-Katrina.  Would have loved to experience the city before that, but alas, did not.

Enjoy the rest of your stay, WORK HARD, and I'm looking forward to the newest offering.

Cheers!!

K.
January 13, 2010 12:37 PM
 

CanadianLisa said:

Oh WOW!!! You do have a way of words. Excellent! Can't wait for the new CD.
January 13, 2010 12:47 PM
 

mairzydotes said:

Lovely reflection on a very haunting city, Tosh. We were down there not long ago on a home rebuilding project. The folks we were working with shared some of their favorite haunts, and we came to understand why anyone would live in a FEMA trailer forever, hoping to stay and get their home back. NOLA has an incredible heart and soul all its own...

Thanks for sharing, and nip that human of yours for us!
January 13, 2010 2:00 PM
 

nova said:

You've managed to capture New Orleans as best I've ever read! The city certainly does cast a spell.  Sounds like great things are in the works for GBSX!

January 13, 2010 4:38 PM
 

Fran said:

Considering I'm guessing you've been 'fixed' it can't very well have you by anything else ;)

Very lovely written entry. New Orleans has obviously inspired you.
January 13, 2010 5:47 PM
 

Loulabelle said:

Positively lyrical piece. It sounds like a song already! I'm glad the city has inspired you so. Please continue your thoughts.

May you find your peace among those rattling bones and may you wake each morn with a song in your heart.

Loula
January 13, 2010 6:01 PM
 

Lynda said:

First, New Orleans will seduce you. And then she will haunt you.  

Looking forward to seeing and hearing her effect on you all, and not only in the music.

Beautifully written piece.
January 13, 2010 10:55 PM
 

AnneInPhilly said:

This would not be the first time I have used something you've written as a basis for a lesson in Literacy, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Thanks Sean for sharing your creative soul with us! Hope your voice is back.

Anne
January 14, 2010 6:56 AM
 

LisaVt said:

What a pleasant surprise to stumble upon this today. A gem indeed. Yes the sights and sounds are magical in New Orleans. But, Tosh, don't forget the FOOD! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's a treat to read. Muffalettas and belly rubs to you!
January 14, 2010 12:04 PM
 

isotoper said:

Ah Tosh, she has you by the throat and like the Spanish lass you will always remember and be drawn to her. Her soul is infectous and her music will forever have binded your heart.

Have Sean take to you get beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Maybe you can get hold of some King cake during Mardi Gras. Don't eat the little baby inside if it's in your slice; it's good luck to GET the baby, not EAT the baby.

Cindi
January 14, 2010 1:26 PM
 

clownfish said:

"the big easy has us all by the throat"..guess that explains Sean's dusty throat, eh!  Have a safe trip back home.
January 15, 2010 12:41 AM
 

saxygirlnyc said:

That's EXACTLY how I feel about the City Beneath the Sea.  I'm glad you enjoyed all that the Crescent City has to offer.  It's truly a remarkable place.
January 15, 2010 3:08 PM
 

BeaglePaws said:

Tosh, you are such a well-spoken Beagle! You can be a great spokesbeagle for all Beagles at the 4th annual NL Pet Expo June 12 & 13, 2010. I would like to invite you to be part of the "Celebrity Pet PAWrade", (and you can bring your human celebrity as well;)
The NL Pet Expo is a fundraiser for Beagle Paws. Please let me know if you can participate.

Thank you,
Sherry
January 23, 2010 1:38 PM
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