Two or three years ago, when I was feeling out the DSA as an organization, I went to a meeting in November. My interest was pricked, and I joined. I found out about the song swaps and showed up on 1st Monday on a night when the regular leader was out, but Bob and James were there. I liked Bob's songs right away. (I liked James' stuff, too, but this isn't about James. It's about Bob.)
I had a song that night that I was trying to do in 3/4 time, then change to 4/4 time at the bridge, then go back to 3/4. Bob listened. He listened to the whole song, and he told me, that's not 3/4.
That night sold me on the DSA. Bob and James listened to me, and they listened to my songs. They liked them, but they saw ways to make them better. They spoke the truth. They didn't let me fool myself.
I still have that song, and I'm still trying to get it to go 3/4 time.
Bob Paterno is a smart, straight shooter. He's a caring, crafting, damn good songwriter. When he tells you something, you listen or go stupid. I couldn't help but first be happy for Bob when he told me he was moving to Nashville. He's taking meat from the table, but he's moving to a position of strength, and he has made us stronger while he was with us. Bob wanted something, so he did something. He made the DSA something that would make him a better songwriter. He wanted something and was willing to work for it. He made the DSA a better group.
Someday, I'll bet, we'll be reaching out to Nashville, saying, hey Bob, can you do a program for us? Free membership if you do.
Hope you hit a homer, Bob.
Buck Morgan
DSA Prez
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