That’s why your Italian motto “sempre lotto” is a bit too close to me to the motto of the Marine Corps, “Sempre Fi,” which I think some have taken to mean It Takes A Big Man To Beat A Little Kid.

My best to you, Cliff.
Tom

Your story about your experience in the Greek Army and the lights going out is sublime. You are a good writer. I suggest you keep doing it.

I’m glad you responded to the film. As far as the circus/animal imagery you mentioned: I think anyone who knows the Doors and their music will agree there is something very primal and Mythical about their music–both the sounds and the lyrics.

That’s why it was such an incredible high for me to be able to put images to some of their classic songs. “People Are Strange” has a sound that is completely unique to American rock music. I always felt there was something of the carnival in it. And, so I went into the archival footage and tried to find shots and images that touched this dark surreal quality.

It was amazingly exciting to do it. I’ve always felt the Doors music is extremely cinematic and pulling up these images was like writing a dream sequence. I wasn’t thinking specifically of Jim as an animal but I like the connection you made.

Certainly he was as unpredictable and spontaneous as a wild creature.

My best to you,
Tom

I think I may be getting into more political things with these posts. Too much stoopit stuff goin’ on in this country right now.

My best to you,
Tom

But, I agree with you. There needs to be more people who openly laugh in the face of thes Moronicans.

best,
Tom

Yeah, I agree with you. I don’t see how anyone with the barest degree of brain matter can look at the world around us now and not say What The F–k?!!

The crazy thing is young people were saying this intensely 40 years ago. They said it so loud that for a moment they changed the world. I think we are on the verge of another outcry. We need one badly.

9-11 has turned America into a xenophobic, hysterically brittle nation of moron worshippers.

Thanks so much for the support. I wish you the best.
Tom

Great rhythm and energy in those words you sent.

best,
Tom

Your advice about The Black and Blue Orkestre’s Facebook page is very helpful.

I’m glad you enjoyed Double Whammy. Denis is very good in it. I also loved the younger actors. Yeah, kind of a whacky film. You can read a little about it in the FILMS tab above.

Your encouragement is fantastic. I’ll keep pushing on both the film and music fronts. Got to.

best,
Tom

Yes, Rapture is original. I wrote it, along with Will Been Done and One More Whiskey Promise.

I love Johnny Cash too. Ring of Fire is a classic. But his very last album was unbelievably strong. It was like he just let everything go.

And Nick Cave is a true inspiration. I love how he keeps experimenting with his music. I also admire how he takes his singing seriously. You’re not going to believe this but he once told me that a musician he really loves is Burt Bacharach. If you think about it, you can hear the influence, especially on The Good Son album.

best,
Tom

As I mentioned, one of the highlights of making the film was when Ray Manzarek first heard my music and said, “Hey, that’s pretty good!”

I’m glad you got something out of the interview. I wish more people had been able to see some of these themes and connections to the 60’s I was trying to make with the film. The Door’s place in that time was very specific. To my mind they were just a little ahead of everything, a little outside of it.

But, as Morrison says in the film, “Music can’t help but reflect what’s going on around it.”

With your kind words The Black and Blue Orkestre will keep pushing on and who knows? Maybe one day I’ll actually find myself singing in front of an audience of 5.

best,
Tom

So, you’ve got some fears and insecurities about taking a step into filmmaking. Well, that is good. Steps into unknown territory should bring on these kinds of feelings. They would in any body.

There have been a couple times in my life when I was similar situations. It’s like you’re getting closer and closer to the edge of a cliff and you’re torn between turning back and jumping off.

If it is any help to you, every time I reached the edge and jumped off it something informative happened.

And that is all you can expect from taking the plunge; something to inform or direct you. I think you should go for it. What’s the worst that could happen? Maybe if you can get your parents to pay for the tuition, you’ll come out knowing that it just wasn’t for you.

Best case scenario, you’ll really dig it and something will really start clicking in you. The only way you’ll find out is if you try it. Think how you’ll feel ten years from now if you don’t. Give it a shot and see what happens.

What kind of schools are you thinking of? Some are better than others, not so much in their technical aspects, but in how they make students feel welcome. The atmosphere of learning and creativity is very important.

For any kind of creative person the best thing you can do is create in yourself the belief that trial and error is good. You can’t create if you feel that trying something and making a mistake is horrible. Making mistakes are the only way you learn and I’ve tried hard to value the mistakes even more than the successes.

Take a step out into filmmaking. Trust your interest and your curiosity.

best,
Tom