by KUBOA
***
Buddy Gardner died young, tragically, just weeks after these interviews were concluded. It lends a poignancy to what follows here, but is not the only reason to read, of course. There is Buddy’s stature as one of the truly original artists of his time. There is his infamous love affair with Lorelei who many blame for his death, like poor Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. And there is the music, discussed here for the first time, how it was made, why it was made, for whom it was made. Buddy is caught at a crucial moment, when he had left his psychedelic/blues/rock behind for California living and worldwide acclaim. And he has been caught, naked, funny, combative, contradictive, hopeful, full of possibility, honest, bitter, loving, and, finally, with his brilliance still intact, after many had written him off. This is Buddy Gardner, the man and the musician, raw and exposed. Read these words for their history. Read them for what they say about all of us.
Camel Jeremy Eros, Big Sur, 2001
***
If I seem free, it’s because I’m always running.
Jimi Hendrix
The finest sensibilities of the age are convulsed with pain. That means a change is at hand.
Leonard Cohen
A lot of people remember hating President Lyndon Baines Johnson and loving Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, depending on the point of view. God rest their souls.
Richard Brautigan
Rock & roll is only rock & roll if it’s not safe.
Mick Jagger
Nobody influenced us more than Buddy Gardner.
Chuck Kom, of Jism
DAY ONE