Just Beyond the Curve

by Larry Huddleston

  *****

  John and Janice stood at the filtered microphone. John was reading the music score and memorizing it and the words in the process. He had read it ten times and believed he knew every nuance perfectly. It was about time to find out, he decided. He lay the music sheets aside and picked up the D-10. He slung the strap around his neck. When he had it hanging comfortably he turned his back to the microphone and said, “Toby, can we hear the score, please?”

  “Get ready,” Toby replied, then keyed the recording.

  With his back to the microphone John began to play the cords and establish the rhythm. He knew it was only a reasonable facsimile and would change on the final recording, but it was a place for him to start.

  When the song ended he wondered why, or even if the words of Towns Van Zant should be re-recorded. In John’s opinion, Towns had done a damn fine job on his own song.

  Well, he decided, maybe the late legend would understand and forgive their fumbling attempt. He hoped so.

  “Let’s hope. Towns will understand and forgive us,” John said seriously. “Let’s make this record, folks.”