Jesus Is For Everyone!

I hope you're all enjoying your Easter celebration...or if you don't celebrate, I hope you're having a nice day anyway.

Most of us know the story. Jesus was crucified, died, and rose from the dead 3 days later. Yep...I know...that's a big story to accept...that's why we call it "faith". But what has Jesus become in the 21st century? I was always taught that Jesus is with us always and that we're all God's children...so, I have to ask, does Jesus appear differently to different people? Hey, if the guy could change water into wine, I think he could blend in with any crowd.

This is the picture of Jesus that I'm most accustomed to. When I was a kid, our Aunt Grace had this picture in her living room. I also saw it in lots of other places. To me, this is my personally recognized image of Jesus.

If you look around...especially on the internet, you'll find LOTS of different images of Jesus Christ. In honor of the Easter celebration, I've decided to add some here. 

This one always confused me a bit. The blonde haired, blue eyed Jesus. For lack of a better phrase, I'll call this the Aryan Jesus..or if that term is offensive...the Norse Jesus. Still doesn't make sense. Jesus was from the Middle East. I doubt he had blonde hair and blue eyes. I could be wrong...

I knew a fair number of Greeks growing up...still do. When I was a kid, I never understood why they celebrated Xmas and Easter at different times than the rest of us. More confusion! Anyhoo..this is the Greek Jesus...and he doesn't look too happy! 

I saw this one a bit growing up. The Black Jesus. Probably closer to reality...but He was probably less black than Middle Eastern looking. I watched a documentary a while back where forensic scientists, using the skull of a 12 year old boy from Jesus' old neighborhood, tried to recreate what they feel a typical 12 yr old Jesus would have looked like. He looked surprisingly Jewish. I mean stereotypically Jewish! His name could've been Melvin!

I'll call this one 21st century American Jesus. He's toting a gun, hates anyone that isn't "typically American" and is staging his comeback tour....with all proceeds going to the Walton family. Nope...sorry...this doesn't jibe with the Jesus I was taught about. 

A friend collects Jesus pictures and this one is a personal fave. It's Sports Enthusiast Jesus! Dying for the world's sins is a tough job...so He's gotta stay in shape. A well-balanced diet of fishes, loaves, and wine and some healthy exercise keeps the Son of God in tip top shape!

I saw this one and just didn't know what to think. I guess this is El Jesus...the Mexican wrestler Jesus...or the comic book lover's Jesus. Hey...Jesus is for EVERYONE!

Which leads me to this. I guess it's the Manga/anime Jesus. It kinda creeps me out....but all of those anime characters do...with their big ol' bug eyes, fighting monsters, etc. I guess Jesus really IS for everyone!

I could have posted a lot more...but it's Easter Sunday and I have a ham to cook! If you're reading this, you have access to the internet, so you can look up your own Jesus. 

Lastly, I'd like to suggest a new, hip nick name for Jesus. This way, all of the Americans who feel they're being persecuted for their Christian beliefs can use this phrase without fear of reprisal. In honor of Easter, I suggest we call refer to Him as, simply, The Riz! The Riz is for everyone!

What's in a name?

I just watched a video of George Michael singing with Queen. I remember that show...it was a celebration of the life and memory of Freddie Mercury. Say what you will...George Michael did one helluva job.

There was much speculation at the time as to whether or not he would replace Freddie in the band. Well, no...he didn't. Queen have reunited a few times with different singers...but to me, it ain't Queen. If their bassist, John Deacon, was playing with them...I might say it is...but he retired. He knew that without Freddie Mercury, it just ain't Queen.

OK, sure...Brian May and Roger Taylor want to keep on playing. They're musicians. Its what they do. But really guys...don't call it "Queen". At this point, it's just 2 guys who used to be in Queen, a fill-in bassist, and some other guy singing.

Some bands do this. I've never understood why. Now before I hear about this from anyone...yes, The Blasters, my favorite band on the planet, have done many tours and a few recordings that aren't what most consider "the original line up". Well, The Blasters existed before Dave joined the band, and have continued on without him. Once in a while, they play with Dave. Most often, they don't. I saw them at one point with only two of "the original line up"...and they kicked ass. Basically, as long as Phil and John are in the band, it's The Blasters.

I did a show tonight with one of the bands I'm in, The Bessemers. The singer, James, and I have been playing together off/on for nearly a quarter century. We used to be in a pretty popular band called The Rowdy Bovines...way back in the day. When I left the band, James could have easily kept the band going. He was using that name before I joined. The difference...he and I became The Rowdy Bovines. It wasn't so much our talent as our chemistry that made that band. We used a ton of different rhythm sections. It was like a revolving door. I've often joked that any decent bassist or drummer in this city played with us at least once!

(Photo by www.miaphotos,net)

Someone was asking tonight about how long James and I have worked together. So, of course, the story went on. We played from 1990-94 together. When I left, I just needed to do something else. Four years of 3-5 gigs a week is a long time. And trust me...that sort of close company can often become irritating. James & I were well-known for our fights. We're like brothers. We love each other and can also hate each other. But really...few people work together like we do. The chemistry is still there. We push each other. We harmonize well together...almost like brothers. We're often on the same wavelength musically.

Over the years, I've sat in with James' bands at different times, and he's sat in with mine. Every time, the old magic is there. Why? Who the fucks knows. It just is. Like I said...it's chemistry. But seriously...neither of us ever considered using the name "The Rowdy Bovines" if he and I weren't in the band. We know it would be a lie to the public.

Sure, we've done a few reunions here and there...and might again one of these days. But if James isn't singing, and I'm not playing guitar...it ain't The Rowdy Bovines. It could be a much better band, but The Bovines it ain't.

So what's in a name? Recognition, for starters. We each have a name we're known by. It's one of the ways we're recognized. It could be our given name, our family name, or a nick name. It could be a stage name, even! I got stuck with the nickname "Memphis" 20 years ago...and I've just gotten used to it. It's now how many people recognize me. It's easier to pronounce, for many, than my family name.

What's the old saying? "A rose, by any other name, would smell just as sweet." See...it's about recognition.

OK...it's late. I'm rambling and need to get to sleep. Just thought I'd share this....no real reason why.

The Memphis Mike Challenge!

In my never-ending quest to prove the worth/value of art (painting, sculpture, music, writing, photography, etc.), I've decided to pose a challenge. It's open to anyone. However, there are a few rules.

• You cannot spend one cent to create your art.
• (Please describe HOW you created your art)
• You cannot use tools/equipment you already possess.
• You cannot borrow tools/equipment to create your art.
• You cannot use 'found items'.
• You can use items found in nature.
• You will retain all rights to your creation.

Sound tricky? Think you're up to the challenge?

Here's how I'd like this to work: Create your masterpiece. Get someone to take a video of it and upload it (that's the only expense allowed), and share the link in the comments section.   I will check back from time to time and repost this on social media (my Facebook page).

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS!!!!!!!

I'm sure you're probably wondering what purpose any of this will serve. Easy! Too many artists are expected to just give their art away. If an artist chooses to do so, dandy. Just don't expect one to do it. It usually takes some monetary investment to create art...art that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Paints, brushes, and canvasses cost money. Paper, pens, and pencils cost money. Cameras cost money. Musical instruments cost money. Everyone knows this. However, many people out there expect us to give away our art. How many times have we heard the following?

"You'll get a lot of exposure..."

"Can you give me a painting/sculpture/photo/CD/poem,etc.?"

"Well, we can't pay you but....."

Allow me to leave you with these words of wisdom, passed on to me years ago by an unknown, old jazz musician: "If you don't place a value on your work, no one else will either."

I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!