Don't Lose the Meaning and Purpose
Before Covid-19 pandemic hit we were rekindling relationships on a regular basis, reconnecting with many people with whom we don't have regular contact. When the pandemic hit, it seemed like there were several weeks where people that we knew from the 1970s were reconnecting - it was wonderful. As I (Garry) began to reflect upon the 1969-1979 time period, it became an unveiling of memories and a realization of just how important that decade was to me and, apparently to others. In a span of a couple weeks I had emailed or spoken on the phone with many of our friends. When I do reflect, I always think of Kerry Peterson and Jim Tomkinson. Both of these wonderful gentlemen have passed too soon. Sunup tunes will pop up on our playlists and I marvel at the wonderful bass lines that Kerry laid down on those tracks. I"m working on a music/video tribute to Woody Stephens, so I often hear Jim singing lines in the song Woody. In my mind I can see their faces and inside I'm smiling at our wonderful friendship and the impactful music history we shared together.
Recently, it was so wonderful to have Brian Soule play piano on a track I wrote for my wife, called, 'Words Won't Do.' [Spotify LInk]
I've recently heard from our old friend and photographer, Jeffrey Rollins, who dug out an old photo from an MCC yearbook (perhaps the last one ever produced?) of Goon and I spinning tunes at the radio station. Sunup would spring forth from that love of music and radio. Goon (Ethan Carey) from 1979 and continuing to this day is one of the leading jocks in Danbury, CT on classic rock station (I-95). You can catch his morning show during the week. Even if you're not in that vicinity, you can call it up on the internet. On Father's Day, we had a wonderful phone chat and concurred with the power of the relationships that were created and remain in Rochester, NY.
About a month ago, after mowing the lawn, I was relaxing outside and a Sunup song came on the playlist which triggered me thinking of my good friend and former Sunup manager, Bob Rice. It had been WAY too long since we spoke. I couldn't remember how many years back it was when I randomly decided to stop at his house and reconnect. He was working at the UR and we skimmed over a quick view of life and when I left, he handed me a CD of his son's wedding music. Apparently that visit was further back than I imagined. I picked up my cell phone and dialed his number. It was a number I hadn't called in over 15 years, and without having it in my contact list, I punched his phone number in just like it was 1973! We had several Sunup events, with the most prominent being our reunion gig at Mickey Finn's in Victor in 2007. But, Bob did not come. His daughter took piano lessons at my music studio when I first opened. For many years I wondered, what did I do to offend him? I was deeply perplexed, because he was a great friend and did so many great things for Sunup in the 1970s. We'd go to his house for band meetings and Cathy (his wife) would make these incredible hors d'oeuvre of prosciutto and melon, putting up with us being there late in the evening. When I called I was somewhat cautious because I knew that peoples’ numbers change or maybe I misdialed.
A woman answered, and I asked, “Is the residence of Bob Rice?” She answered somewhat reluctantly, “Yes, it is.” I then said, “This is Garry Manuel, is Bob there?” Her reply was, “Bob died 15 years ago.” I erupted into tears and sobbed on and off (mostly on) for our conversation. I was so bowled over that I don't think I retained everything she told me. It was lung cancer, and Bob did smoke cigarettes, but mostly, cigars. I felt so horrible that I wasn’t there for the service or to see him before he was in his new home. I'm not sure I have fully recovered from that call.
Not so long ago I had a wonderful chat with Kevin Cuatt, and he was reflecting on the time we opened for Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt at the Auditorium Theatre. There is MUCH I could say about that day, but I don't think there is enough room here. I also chat with Kevin's mom quite a bit (Marie Cuatt) and we do deep dives into our relationships, politics and spiritual reflections. Again, these relationships molded my life and the experiences of that time period put the most important stamp in my heart and mind, whether it be music, friendships or God.
As you may have seen, we had a mini-Sunup reunion in Saratoga with Goon, Mindy and Charlie and Barb Castilano back in November. We all stayed at the Springwater B & B in Saratoga. It was filled with laughter, stories, fine dining, music and some deep conversation.
Charlie and Barb and Ed Castilano were here a couple weeks ago to help celebrate my retirement from teaching guitar. It was a wonderful evening under our maple and pine trees. And I'll mention, we since have had several gathering under those same trees and we're beginning to believe that spot seems to have a magical aura, along with the wind chimes.
My sister (Lynne Manuel) has also kept her circle of friends intact for decades. It is another testimony to the power and necessity of sharing life with friends.
All these people that I speak of know the good, bad and the ugly about each other’s lives. Believe me when I say that I've had more than my share of screw ups and many of my own making. It is the fabric that is woven together that makes each of our experiences special. Being connected is so important and it IS the heartbeat of life. Value these times and friends.
I'm going to leave you with two things: 1)Call someone today that you've thought about calling, know that you should, but just haven't and 2) If you feel like grabbing the vibe of the Sunup connection, you can just go here:
https://itunes.apple.com/…/sunup-days-r…/pl.u-DdANvpou0Ke7o1
Last, but certainly not least, I am so grateful for the life I have with my wife and son, Marshall. To quote Stevie Wonder, "Mary wants to be a superwoman," and she IS.
If you got this far, thank you! Make the most of your days!