Short Treatise on Being a Near Myth, by Teep

I could probably write a book on this subject, to tell you all the truth, but briefly, what it means to me to be one of The Near Myths might not be what the uninformed music buyer these days is prone to think. Yes, it's musical on a certain level, but these people know each other in quite a few contexts outside of musical matters, and each one of these good folks has grown in potential over the years. Most of them have day jobs now, and some of them even have grandchildren (most of them being a bit over fifty years of age at this point in time), but they all share a certain ethic emblematic of the "Stand and be counted" attitude of the 1960s, tempered with the experience of passing time. That sort of practical idealism makes these folks well worth the attention, for their music as well as for their personal views. The wisdom of age teaches us that sometimes age shows up and leaves wisdom somewhere back there down the line. The various ways in which we deal with that is the great philosophical conversation The Near Myths have shared a considerable amount of time and energy exploring together down through the years. That gets shared in our music, so that's cool, but politics, poetry, culinary arts, history, and all other sorts of subjects and issues also tie these good folks together. And here's the amazing thing to me...instead of tragedy and loss being threatening to their survival, the passing of previous Myths only enhances and strengthens the bonds that they share. That's a mighty powerful and continually attractive thing to me! As a working musician, I have to say that I unfortunately don't experience that kind of camaraderie with most of the musicians I play with. Hey, some of the musicians I've worked with, I barely know them much deeper than on a first-name basis (if I can remember that much). That doesn't speak to their talent, of course, only the importance with which I'm able to attach them to my personal life, and my friends in The Near Myths have shared a great many magical and mythical extra-musical happenings over the last two or three decades. Jim Clark, Katy Adams, Ben and Bernadette Greene, Matthew Adams (Katy's son), and I regathered in late July to record The Near Myths' second album entitled WORDS TO BURN, combining new tracks with posthumous tracks from our recently deceased (other) guitar-slinger, Andy Oglesby (who will no doubt be truly missed on future recordings). Although Andy's gone, his spirit lives on quite assuredly, thanks to these new recordings, and he will always be a part of what fuels The Near Myths' talent and inspiration. These ridiculously lovable folks truly exhibit no reservations whatsoever about forging fearlessly and confidently ahead toward the future together, whatever it may bring! So I invite you all to please, get to know these urbane, intelligent, funny, sensitive and caring musicians. Jim, Katy, Ben, Bernadette, Teeper, Matthew...and Andy and Jane, too. (And even Phil, the guy on the other side of the booth...he does much more than simply klonk a righteous cowbell!) This time around, Phil is being most ably assisted by Second Engineer Chris Nelson, which will surely make this album superior to our last one in quite a few ways. No matter what kind of American you may be, you might find something exciting and meaningful to rally around with this bunch of freewheeling old youngsters! Folk-rock music with their unique attitude really is good for the soul! All that to say only this...they're the only group I've ever worked with that can work in groups of two or three and feel to me like it's the same group of six or seven or so musicians on the albums. They're that cool. So visit their website, check out their music, and tell 'em Teeper sent you. You know, thanks to the great new tunes on WORDS TO BURN, I believe it's very likely that The Near Myths should still be around for quite awhile. They seem to be growing exponentially beyond those of us on these latest recordings, that's for sure! (And thanks to all of you for exploring the ever-intriguing mysteries and magical myths of life with us through the years, across the continent and around the world! Your posted messages and emails are most appreciated by the group!) Love and peace to you all! Keep visiting here for further updates on gigs and happenings involving yours truly (ol' Teep) and his many musical meanderings! Many thanks! Teeper (Terry L. Phillips)

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