It's been some convoluted times for me, but I'm still out there playing and singing.
Fast Heart Mart (Martin Stamper) eminent sidewalk musician, who formerly made his residence in Albuquerque, but now belongs to the world, checks in with some interesting videos. Martin has been living in San Diego since December (can't say I blame him.)
Here's Martin performing "Depression Proof" from the inside his trusty van, followed by a tour of his iconic home on wheels. For those of you out there who don't know about Fast Heart Mart, there's a nifty introductory video Martin shot at Joshua Tree.
And last but not least, there's Fast Heart Mart performing at Moldspores, during his stopover in Albuquerque. As I watch this, I'm reminded.... there's a whole bunch of "blues men" out there, devotees of RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. They travel around Texas and the South, playing what is becoming known as "deep blues."
These musicians fancy themselves as reincarnated versions of Robert Johnson, and some may well be. But, what bothers me is that they jet off to Australia or Europe and travel from town to town in big gas guzzling V-8 motored pick-up trucks. That's not the stuff that true troubadours are made of, Robert Johnson walked to most places he played at.
I'm not saying they should hoof it. Convert a van and travel the country, hit the small burgs, meet the common folk. Fast Heart Mart is the link between, the America of Woody Guthrie (it's the centennial year of his birth) and the America of today. You can show your appreciation by tossing a few dollars into the suitcase, the next time you see him.
