Curtis Knight - Living Legend Vol 6

Introduction | Diamond in a rough | Writings on the wall | Friends | Double Rainbow | Brothers&Sisters | Working is Energy |
| Index | Disclaimer |

©2000 Curtis Knight Foundation
©HappyDream-Music Publ.
E-Sound Publ.
	~ FRIENDS ~ Photo © by Annette McNear-Sieger Friends always complement one another, that is to say, they can be very different and alike at the same time.... Instant recognition of Life's gifts is a miracle. As Goethe pointed out: "We always have time enough if we will but use it aright." Curtis and MAZ made use of the time they were given. They started working on a daily basis and shared in sorrow and in joy. But most important; they shared in Creativity.
	Curtis was already on his sickbed when both artists met, became friends and decided to produce together. A mutual inspiration and honest exchange was the Light that reflected all the colours of a rainbow for them. It didn't matter at all what the past was holding. The Present and the Unity were the gifts held out. Listen to "Lean On Me", a song that Curtis wrote in 1995. MAZ produced it with him a couple of weeks before his transition on November 29th, 1999.	"Lean On Me"
	What you hear in the last verse is the last historical recording of Curtis voice and as we suppose his last message to the world. MAZ remembers: "When we first rehearsed the song, I thought I could not reach up to that key. The next morning I woke up, went into the studio and recorded it right away. Effortlessly...". Curtis loved the new production, so they decided to record his voice for the last verse. When friends and family heard the song, they were confused about who was singing. ....One Voice. One Love.
	*LEAN ON ME* (Curtis Knight) Don't be afraid, you gotta be strong, what happened to you, yes it was wrong. Pick up the phone, knock on my door -if you need help, that's what I'm here for. Take my hand, lean on me sometimes we need help so we can see. If you get lost ‘n’ you need a friend I’ll help you find your way again. Together, we will find the road to a new tomorrow. We're like a flame of hope. We'll dim the light of the pain and sorrow. We’re going to take one step at a time, the problem's not just yours, it’s yours and mine yesterday was here, but now it’s gone. Together we'll find a way to keep moving on, ah-e-ah Take my hand, lean on me sometimes we ALL* need help so we can see.* If you get lost and you need a friend I’ll help you find your way again.
	Synergy The very first song Curtis and MAZ wrote together was the "Hungry Dog". One day MAZ would come up with a little demo , in fact the real first song he wrote on a guitar! "This is a hell of a song, man!" shouted Curtis, "It'll blow the top of the building, Annette!" Well, Annette wasn't that convinced, there were no lyrics to the song yet! Oh boy, listen to the audio fragment and hear her change her mind!! The audio fragment also let you whitness the birth of the idea for the lyrics for the song and gives you an example of the enthusiasm and joy, everytime a new song was being born. "Curtis was so phenomenal picking up ideas. For example, I used to say "Aah, GO FISHING?" when he asked me to keep quiet, closed his eyes in order to listen within for ideas, licks or lyrics! Sometimes he would catch a small fish, look at it and then throw him back into the lake, only to catch the real BIG one afterwards!" remembers MAZ.	Original Creation Process of 'Hungry Dog' April 5th, 1999
1. 2. 3. 4.	As the saying goes: The smallest distance between people is a smile. See for yourself how the work evolved between the two. What we show you here is four little video clips, showing how the artists were working together: the fun, tension and creative process. You'll see how this song began to be arranged and eventually changes to come to the "dramatic pause" in the chorus which is so essential in the final version. The "Hungry Dog" will appear again on this Volume, even in different versions. Sure, you don't wanna miss it!! ....If you don't want to wait: HERE is the Double Rainbow Band version, produced by Curtis and MAZ in summer 1999 as a preview for you!
	Working is Energy Within the timeframe of 8 months the artists produced more than 30 songs together. About 18 of them are written together, music and lyrics. In order to work on them effectively, a little hard-disc recorder was purchased. That way they could record and produce at both locations. Curtis called this intense time the passing on of the torch. "Working is Energy, it's food for the soul!" he used to say. He wanted at least ten new songs for the first CD, and the idea of MAZ producing it with him in the studio in one single day was thrilling! There wasn't a day when they didn't work on something. Depending on his physical condition, there were days with no new ideas, but other things to take care of. Curtis would encourage MAZ to dive into his discography then, to pick out some songs he liked. It was a great pleasure for Curtis to know his work would live on and will be produced again in the new millenium. MAZ: "Despite the very difficult circumstances that occured, what an energy and willpower did Curtis demonstrate! I love that he shared so much with me. And I'm grateful for every minute, every single note we shared and keep sharing." Both Friends discovered more than just music. By sharing so intensely, all kinds of subjects were addressed. Philosophy, mysticism, faith, psychology and often.... just stillness or watching CNN. Brownies or icecream in the garden, a walk to the lake or a ride to the beach, all these little things are valued so much more when you realize your time on earth, in this body is limited. [more to come here] Our next chapter will describe the Creation process of the Double Rainbow Collections in Flevoland.