Adam’s World Weekly 4/13

This past weekend I cracked open a new book to read.

I know this probably doesn’t seem like news to any of you, because you know me as someone who is constantly reading, always with my nose in a book. It was, however, a first for me since my dad passed away.

For three full weeks my brain simply wasn’t able to focus on words, and being that reading has not only been such a huge part of my life, but also an important connection to my parents, it was starting to worry me that something that was so dear to me had become so difficult.

On Saturday night, however, I chose a book from one of my “To Read” stacks (everyone should have “To Read” stacks) – Ray Charles’ autobiography, Brother Ray – and gave it a go.

Between Saturday, and Sunday I’d read well over 100 pages, and I really felt like my mojo was back, or at least on the way back.

I wouldn’t say I felt like I was getting back to normal, because my old normal doesn’t exist anymore, and I’m still in the process of figuring out what my “normal” is going to look like from here on out, but I definitely felt a little more like myself.

Baby steps.

Earlier in the week I had another moment like that when I had my first artist interview since my dad’s passing, linking up on Zoom with blues artist Kelli Baker. That feature will be up later in the week, and in an unexpected bit a fate, we connected on the loss of our fathers.

I really think my dad would’ve dug her music, and I would’ve received one of his emails after the feature ran that said something like, “Where’d you find Kelli Baker? She can sing!”

Weekends have been a bit difficult for me, especially Sundays. Sundays were always my day to spend time with my parents, and have dinner with them. It’s been nearly a year since those dinners disappeared because of the accident, but every Sunday I wake up and think – how will I spend that time?

With the weather getting nicer, I’ve started taking a long Sunday stroll. No headphones, just me, and a few miles around town, putting my thoughts together on … well … just about anything.

During yesterday’s walk I started to flesh out ideas for two more book projects I’d like to tackle once I’ve finally landed a publisher for my One Hit Wondering compilation (I pitched another publisher last week).

Thinking about long term future goals, especially the kind with no timeline, is kind of nice, and who knows, maybe those types of projects will be part of my next “normal.”

Of course, I still have plenty for you in the present, and this week’s update is led off by a review of the K-Tel compilation album Hitlist. The double LP from 1980 has some megastars on it, like Michael Jackson, as well as a few tunes you may have forgotten that are well worth remembering.

In addition to that feature, I also have fresh editions of Pop Shots, and my NYC Scene Report for you to check out.

Read the full review here

Read the full column here

Read the full column here

As always, thanks for reading, and have a fantastic week.

– Adam Bernard