When I read TP's announcement of his impending retirement, I expected to feel sad, but somehow, I wasn't. He's given more of himself to his audience than most DJs ever will. He's played in Iowa City for us 7 or 8 times, I've seen him at the Lager House, and Chameleon Cafe, and at DEMF 2001. Every time he's played he's brought the sort of vibe that keeps me coming back to dance music because it feeds my soul and makes me feel good all over.
He's been a great friend to our town, and keeps in touch via e-mail with dozens of people in Iowa. In all his dealings with us he's set a standard of professionalism and ethics up to which few other DJs can measure. While I will miss seeing him DJ, more than I can express in words, I understand and respect his decision. Independent of what you think about Christianity, the things that are incompatible with those beliefs -- drugs, promiscuity, and the thousand flavors of sketchiness that are regretably part of the dance music scene -- should be troubling to all of us. They detract from the spirituality that coming together to dance can bring. TP is not a judgemental person, but I'm sure it's hard for him to look out over a crowd and see people hurting themselves with the choices they're making in their lives. It bothers me; I know so many beautiful young souls who are less than they could be because of the distractions to which they've fallen prey. TP once told me that going to the Music Institute in Detroit was 'like going to church.' I have heard others say this, but coming from him I think it's a literal comparison, not just a simile. TP's best sets have had that feeling for me, and made me feel lucky to live in a time and place where I can experience his unique musical talents. But I don't want eulogize the man. He's playing here in Iowa City tomorrow night, and I'm sure we'll have him back again before he hangs up the telephone for good. I just wanted to share my feelings about a guy who for me has always been the very definition of Soul, in all senses of the word. I'm sure that even if he doesn't DJ, we'll still be hearing from him for many years to come. He's just not the sort of person to hide his light under a bushel ;-) --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
