You hear these songs, and they're incredibly moving. But when we talk about it as being raw or authentic, it discounts just how hard this stuff was to play and how musically sophisticated and innovative it was. There's a sense of almost remarginalizing it by talking about it as this primitive music that sprung up in the cotton fields, when in fact, it's incredibly skilled and impressive music - Amanda Petrusich, author of Do Not Sell at Any Price: The Wild, Obsessive Hunt for the World's Rarest 78 rpm Records
Country Blues artist Paul Geremia suffered a stroke in June of 2014 and has since been engaged in the full time work of recovery.
Paul's been staying with Janet Isserlis, a friend in Providence, progressing slowly in recovering the bits and pieces of thought and memory that the stroke rearranged.
Part of the day-to-day challenge of his recovery includes being sure that caregivers are available when Janet is at work.
Part of the ongoing challenge is meeting costs of caregiving, meds, supplies and the sorts of paraphernalia required to keep a body whole and well.
We're asking for your support as you're able - send messages, come see us, come to a benefit, or donate here.
Just a note to say that I spoke to Paul the other night and it sounds like he's making progress and keeping his spirits up. One thing that he really appreciated was a real, honest to god letter (you know - pen, paper, envelope, postage!) that I sent him. He really did enjoy getting it.
So, if I may - I'd rather not post his home address on the internet, so if you even THINK you would consider taking a few minutes out of your day to write him a few lines, please PM me and I'll share the address with you.
And please do consider contributing something through the website above. While it seems like a lot of money has been raised (and it IS a lot of money), the cost of healthcare is high and Paul has no insurance. Every little bit truly does help.
Just a note to say that I spoke to Paul the other night and it sounds like he's making progress and keeping his spirits up. One thing that he really appreciated was a real, honest to god letter (you know - pen, paper, envelope, postage!) that I sent him. He really did enjoy getting it.
So, if I may - I'd rather not post his home address on the internet, so if you even THINK you would consider taking a few minutes out of your day to write him a few lines, please PM me and I'll share the address with you.
And please do consider contributing something through the website above. While it seems like a lot of money has been raised (and it IS a lot of money), the cost of healthcare is high and Paul has no insurance. Every little bit truly does help.
Good to hear this, thanks for posting. Hope he will make a good recovery in the coming months.