Making it count…

In trying to get my head around what our town’s musical landscape will be without Page Wilson around, I came across the above photo of a gathering of musical compadres taken at the Moondance Saloon in Shockoe Bottom in November of 1998.  We all looked and were a little younger of course, and three friends pictured are no longer available for such spontaneous sessions of music making.  Jerry Mullins, Joe Sheets, and now Page.  We survivors are now more obligated than ever to keep that flame alive…that torch of friendship and common bonds that are the true stuff of life.   Those of us who get to hang around people like Page Wilson, whose passion for making and sharing his purebred American mongrel music was tireless, must redouble our efforts to keep the flame burning.  To practice hard, to support those who make a living enriching our lives with their artistry and to lend a hand to those who are struggling.  Page would often say with pride that he’d spent thirty-some years making a living off of music…as a singer, songwriter, band leader and radio host.  Sadly his declining health took away his ability to keep his long string of successes going.  But before he was forced off the road and off the air, he accomplished so much…go find a copy of his 1983 album Road Tired, Wired and Ready and listen to a uniquely powerful voice rendering well-crafted original songs.  Remember his generous spirit inviting the likes of Terry Garland, Susan Greenbaum and the Jackie Frost Ensemble to join him and his band Reckless Abandon in concert with the Richmond Symphony.  Look back longingly on those countless Saturday nights in Page’s make believe kitchen deep in the Chickahominy Swamp where all manner of roving musicians would gather around the table to chow down, chew the fat, and share tasty homemade tunes on the radio. Page understood the power of imagination and from his shack in the swamp, would preach the gospel of music.  His congregation was large and loyal, and as a long-time member, I’ll be forever grateful for having had a seat on the front porch.  Richmond’s roots music champion has been silenced but his mark is indelible.  And his pain is over.  Rest well Page.