High Five

This report is brought to you by Afternoon Delight #4 by RHYTHM

This Wake and Bake thing is fueled by a sweet tooth, sweet songs and sweet memories. Many evenings have found me, headphones filled with music, composing personal reflections. The words come more easily when I can surrender to the moment and the music. There were so many musical highlights and many Wake and Bake sweet surprises that made 2023 a very special year. This is a thank you page and a big hugs ode to friends and bakers who made a difference in the Wake and Bake Year of the Rabbit.

The High Five bakers and bakeries have kept me coming back over and over for their finely baked creations. It could have been the strawberry filled donut at Bakers Grove in Shrewsbury or the Verrilli’s cannoli donut in Morristown. It could have been the buttery and crusty croissants at Berkshire Bakery in Great Barrington or it could have been the coffee cake at Joe Murphy’s in New Providence. It may have been the cheesecake from Anthony’s in Bloomfield. How will I ever give up sweets again? It may take a doctor’s advice. It may take brown eyed Susan’s sharp knife. But no one can ever steal the joy of one more slice and so I keep going down this road. Chasing dawn, as it drives away the night, the fresh air greets me. The wonderful smell of a cold winter morning can be as memorable as the smell of fresh croissants at your favorite bakery.

Music, musicians and friendships have kept me hopeful and calm throughout this turbulent year. The passing of the Covid shadow finally let our fears return to normal. We all went out to experience live music in intimate settings and large overcrowded venues. We were able to meet good old friends for music and memories. The time spent together, speaking of things lost and found, makes me so appreciate the value of friendship. The Greeks spoke of friendship between people as different, if not higher expression of love, than between lovers or spouses. There is something special about being able to meet someone again, someone who is quite different than you are, so far removed from the time you spent together throwing frisbees, and pick up as if you never left.

The Wake and Bake High Five music events began with Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams concerts. Both shows setting were early twentieth century theaters. The intimacy provided in these small theaters is unparalleled. Blinded by the radiant Ms Williams and the virtuoso guitarist Mr Campbell we were transported into a world of roots music. American heartland music is bluegrass, country, gospel and rhythm and blues. The music features string instrument players, stories of loss and hope and soulful voices, who bring you to spontaneous freedom. American heartland music is one of those cultural signs that, perhaps, we are turning away from the god of American consumerism. The emphasis on the ensemble and the stripping away of production are counterintuitive to the Swiftie or Beyonce world. The return of the popularity of the Grateful Dead seems counterintuitive as well but there we were in Saratoga last June with over twenty five thousand Deadheads.

The Dead pack, Dr.Rob, Banker Bill and Smooth Warren, rolled up with enthusiastic presence for our “last weekend in Saratoga’. That June weekend with Dead and Company was especially memorable for the two great concerts, conversations about ideas and great meals finished with chocolate blackout cake. Two shows of incredible music was ecstasy without the pills. The shared experience with close friends is priceless. We will be laughing with joy about that weekend for the rest of our days.

The Wake and Bake truck has traveled over thirty thousand miles this year and chances are my Spotify account would tell you that anyone associated with Chris Thile and Punch Brothers is now embedded in all my AI. They are the modern torch bearers of the music Larry Campbell adores. There are so many talented young players today that are producing music with banjos, mandolins and fiddles. Check out Molly Tuttle, Sarah Jarosz or Sierra Hull. Listen to Billy Strings, Tyler Childers or Marcus King. And try some Jeremy Kaufman while you are experimenting. There is something special about staying in the present of the musical scene. And I am not talking about the pop scene which has always. been there. Rap is in its decline and something is going to fill the gap. That open ground is going to be real players and real messages.

The most memorable Wake and Bake memory was my vacation to Uruguay. The reunion with my cousin and fellow doobiephile Miguel was so satisfying. Miguel has lived with me, worked for me and has seen the worst of me, yet still remains my friend. The week was graced with perfect summer weather. The coastline and inland were spectacular. We sampled all the local bakeries and I never wanted to leave Panaderia in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay. There was not a single plane in the sky at any time the entire week The people were brilliantly handsome and friendly. The days spent visiting this remote, yet sophisticated, outpost of humanity, raised my weary spirit. Please, if you get the time, revisit the Wake and Bake visit to Uruguay from February 2023. Thank you Miguel and your entire family for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

That is what we are here to do. Create memories that last a lifetime.

Peace to Everyone.

Punch Brothers videos below. 12/2 /23 with James Taylor singing October Road and 12/22 with Sarah Jarosz singing the beautiful and haunting song Teardrop by Massive Attack. Hope you click!!

Extra special shout out to couple of friends who you should support.

Go visit Soul Bowls in Metuchen or Scotch Plains. Thank you Michelene and Alicia.

Go visit Farinolio in Westfield N.J. Thank you Annette and Francesco.

The High Five:: Dosidos X, Theory Wellness, GB, Mass: Afternoon Delight #4 , LA Kush Cake, Animal Face all by Rhythym in NJ>. Jack Herer classic strain….. best for the morning.