KIRK JOSEPH on playing: "We all have a distinction.... When we learn as a people to respect that and understand that, then I think things will be more beautiful, and as a human race we will grow.”
Kirk also responds to the "Roux" that HERMAN LEBEAUX has raised and talks about riding two Horses with his Sousaphone in the Rivers Answer Moons band and throughout our Album LOUIISIANA STORIES.
Above, KIRK JOSEPH acknowledges audience’s applause after his playing in the improvised duet to the tribute-poem ‘José Cruz’, Marigny Opera House, New Orleans, June 5, 2024.
December 6, 2024, a Friday night, in New Orleans’ Angela King Gallery. sousaphonist KIRK JOSEPH added his insights as to how music had evolved for the opening two Tracks of LOUISIANA STORIES.
0:00 Enter ROGER LEWIS from a March through the French Quarter
0:48 Kirk introduces himself and his relations with Roger and HERMAN.
1:40 Kirk on Roger: “You’ve gotta remember one thing. It’s over 40 years that we’ve been in love with each other. So, it’s gonna be that.”
2:04—2:36 Kirk: “For me the Roux is a bunch of different things.” His instrument is “root” to the Chords and he’s also tiding the Horse of Rhythms.
2:40 onward: Drawing from the Lyrics and their Story as guidance and yet also having Freedom to create.
3:48: “I really love the fact of performing FREE.”
4:42. “We all have a distinction. As indiviudals in this room, we all have a distinction. When we learn as a people to respect that and understand that, then I think things will be more beautiful, and as a human race we will grow.”
And NOW please Hear—and then please Hear and See—KIRK and I in an impromptu Duet with the tribute-poem ‘José Cruz’. Kirk said, “At least you could have told me beforehand …”, but his improvising is of course of “tree-mendous” sympathy and skills.
Audience breaks out in laughter when Kirk says: “Let me know ahead of time!”
KIRK JOSEPH in duet for the tribute-poem ‘José Cruz’, AUDIO—
‘José Cruz’ José Cruz, Feather of light, eye of a bird, Gave Maryse and me the portrait Of Toussaint L’Ouverture That he’d found in a Shop, Then framed with his cabinet-maker’s craft. In his third-to-last month of Material Being on this Earth. Cancer had bent José Cruz Like a knife over seven years. Vertebra by vertebra, the disease's fangs Ate his spine like acid Invades bone. Still José Cruz looked up From his inescapable stoop With that so sweet smile Only hearts that know from pain find. “How is Carmen?” You asked, José Cruz, When you, Maryse and I last met. What a Champion! What a Conquerer, yourself! “Émerveillé!” (one rapt with wonder) Maryse exclaims.about your special virtues. You feather of light! You eye of a bird, Never pitying itself, as D.H. Lawrence admired. You with angels' secret!
KIRK in a video Excerpt from the duet of ‘José Cruz’.
How perfect the playing, I think again!
