Listed: Kid Millions and Sarah Bernstein
Photo by Caleb Bryant Miller
Kid Millions and Sarah Bernstein both have long CVs in experimental music, Millions as the drummer for Oneida and Man Forever and Bernstein as an avant garde composer and performer with the VEER Quartet, the avant-jazz Sarah Bernstein Quartet, and solo as Exolinger. They’ve been improvising together for roughly a decade, building mesmerizing sonic architectures out of free-form drumming, wild violin pyrotechnics and cryptic spoken word. Of their latest, Live at Forest Park, Margaret Welsh writes, “Bernstein and Colpitts weave sound together into an unsettling fever dream-like warp, growing larger and smaller. All you can do is lay back and surrender to the waves.” Here are some things that inspire the two.
Kid Millions
Billy Harper Quintet — In Europe (Soul Note)
While I admire and enjoy all of the Quintet albums I’ve heard, this particular one captures something ineffable and transcendent. The Quintet’s personnel changes throughout Harper’s career but this particular session has the tunes, the passion, the reaching and the constant surprises that make it my most listened to album in the last ten years. Fred Hersch is especially sympathetic and powerful on this too. I really want to see this group ASAP. Billy Harper is still playing!
Pete La Roca — Basra (Blue Note)
La Roca is a drummer who is unappreciated but his playing and compositions stand out. This album gets the slight nod over the legendary Turkish Women at the Bath because it was recorded well. He’s in the same league as Elvin and also wrote some incredible tunes.
George Adams & Don Pullen Quartet — City Gates (Timeless) (but any record is cool)
I’m leaning on big tenor sounds these days, and George Adams stands in the same universe as Billy Harper because he plays the range of the instrument — there are gorgeous melodies set alongside blistering free blasts. Don Pullen is incredible as well. Near the end of his life he started to write more songs with hooks, but he shreds like Cecil Taylor. I’m digging the stuff that straddles the line between songs and free these days.
Henry Threadgill with Brent Hayes Edwards — Easily Slip Into Another World (memoir)
This is a brand-new book, and I’m finding lots of inspiration and great advice within the pages. His discussion about how young musicians need to find their way within the tradition, among their peers, and on their own terms applies to all traditions, rock included. In order to really engage with the music, you have to play all the time, with other people. You have to play covers, and you have to play in front of audiences. And you need to be fired. I certainly have!
Marcus Gilmore
Such an incredible, deep, drummer. You should go see him ASAP!
Sarah Bernstein
Music/poetry films I like:
When It Rains — Charles Burnett (1995)
Charles Burnett’s work speaks to me as a whole. The films I’ve seen slip into a continuous flow of poetic story/documentary. When It Rains is a 13-minute short film that takes place on a festive New Years Day, but January’s rent needs to be paid. Musicians are among the characters and sound, and it plays like a jazz improvisation. A particular highlight is seeing instrument-maker Juno Lewis on-screen playing his double bell trumpet. The story’s ending will have vinyl collectors smiling.
The Connection — Shirley Clarke (1961)
Before discovering this movie, I knew director Shirley Clarke from her later film "Ornette: Made in America," also a must-see. The Connection is a film version of Jack Gelber’s play for the burgeoning Living Theatre. Most of the actors from the stage play, and all the musicians, are also in the film. The band is swinging: Freddie Redd composer/pianist, Jackie McLean alto sax, Michael Mattos bass, Larry Ritchie drums. The musicians also act in the story, and even the turntable — playing Charlie Parker’s Marmaduke — provides a key recurring motif in the film.
Poetry In Motion — Ron Mann (1982)
Poetry in Motion, By Ron Mann from bob stein on Vimeo.
The other movies on this list are ones I’ve seen relatively recently, but Poetry In Motion I watched in an art-house cinema as a teenager, and it had a big impact on me. The documentary shows 40 poets and performers, including Jayne Cortez, Dianne Di Prima, Helen Adam, William S. Burroughs, Amiri Baraka, Allen Ginsburg, Jim Carroll, John Cage, Robert Creeley, Miguel Algarin, to name a few! Also check out Ron Mann’s first feature film: Imagine The Sound (1981), a superb profile of Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, Bill Dixon and Paul Bley.
Desolation Center — Stuart Swezey (2018)
The concert footage is so good. Highlights are Einsturzende Neubauten and Survival Research Labs literally blowing up the desert in Joshua Tree. Also Sonic Youth, Minute Men, Swans, all in DIY festivals and shows taking place in outdoor remote locations in 1980’s SoCal.
Amazing Grace — Alan Elliott/Sydney Pollack (2018)
Aretha Franklin and choir hold a live concert recording session of her gospel album Amazing Grace over two days in 1972. This is not a documentary with talking heads or explanation, rather the action is all in the music and spirit. Aretha Franklin’s genius and deep interaction with the listeners and choir is riveting and inspiring, even more so with repeat viewing.
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We’re Just Friends
Pairing: Walter Marshall x Hispanic/Latina! Reader
Summary: In this, we will see the friendship between Walter and Y/N and Walter’s first act of protectiveness; let’s face it, it wasn’t his first time punching a man because of Y/N
A/N: If y’all have seen Gilmore Girls, Walter and Y/N will be like Luke and Lorelai in the way that they hang out outside of work. If y’all haven’t, Luke/Walter is known for being grumpy in his place of work and in general. BUT he lets Lorelai/YN who is basically a ray of sunshine on caffeine get away with EVERYTHING. Lorelai/YN call Luke/Walter if they need to rant or need something fixed, they have a good friendship, very “you came, you called”
Ever since Walter gave Y/N apology cookies, they were closer, they got to know each other. They even started hanging out at friends outside of work which was rare for Walter.
Walter and Y/N could be seen at the mall, shopping for Faye because Walter is clueless about what to get her. They were walking down the aisles at Barnes and Noble.
“How do you not know what to get your daughter, Don Refri?” Y/N asked him.
“I thought that name was for the district.” Walter said.
“That name is for everywhere, Don Refri. Seriously, how do you not know?” Y/N stopped walking and stood in front of him.
“I know what my daughter likes, the only problem is that I don’t know if Angie and her new husband have already bought it for her.” Walter said, looking down at Y/N (I'm 5'3 and a half, yes, my doctor counts the half inch, but Henry is 6'1 so he's pretty tall, whatever height you are, he will still be looking down at you)
“Yeah, divorce makes it harder. I’m Just guessing, my parents are still together.” Y/N said with a smile. (If they are divorced, ignore that last sentence) “How about a funko pop, does she like Marvel?" Y/N said, holding up a Captain America funko pop that was on the shelf.
"I think she is more of a DC fan." Walter said, poking the Superman funko pop on the shelf.
They could even be seen at Y/N's apartment drinking coffee.
"Thanks again for fixing my lock, it was driving me crazy.” Y/N said, giving Walter a pan dulce to drink with his coffee.
“Yeah of course, wouldn’t want you to feel unsafe in the neighborhood.” Walter said.
“Still, you could have come tomorrow but you came tonight, so I appreciate it.” Y/N said.
“It’s a 5 minute drive, you’re close by. What is this, by the way?” Walter asked
“It’s pan dulce, there’s a little Mexican bakery that i like to go to, really good, I gave you a concha.” Y/N said, also taking a bite out of her concha. Walter have it a taste.
“You’re right, it’s really good.” Walter said. They kept talking until Walter finished his coffee and they said goodbye.
The next day, Walter came into the police department with a thermos in hand and an paper bag in the other. He walked over to Y/N’s cubicle and knocked on her desk.
“Good morning, Don Refri, how are you today?” Y/N asked.
“Good morning to you too, Y/N, I’m good, and you?” Walter replied.
“Im good, what’s in the bag?” Y/N asked, she was curious to know what’s inside.
“I went to the coffee shop this morning and got you something. It might not be as good as the pan Dulce from your Mexican bakery, but this coffee shop is Latina owned.” Walter said and Y/N opened the paper bag and saw manteconchas and polvorones.
“Oh my gosh, they look so good, they smell good too, gracias Don Refri, ya te estás calentando.” Y/N said, giving him a hug. Walter hugged back and went to his office while Rachel turned to Y/N with a smirk on her face.
“Walter brought you Mexican pastries? How nice of him, looks like you might be his favorite.” Rachel said.
“Maybe it’s because I’m new, I’m sure the novelty will wear off.” Y/N said.
“Maybe, maybe not. Who knows.” Rachel said, going downstairs.
A week later, Y/N entered the department and it was all chaos, she walked over to Glasgow to see if he could tell her what’s going on.
“Why is everyone acting like my mom when Luis Miguel announced his tour?” Y/N asked.
“Detective Marshall finally found a lead to the guy who’s been trafficking teenaged girls. We got his license plate and planted a tracking device on his van so Walter asked me to see where the van stops and that’ll be this guy’s hide out,” Glasgow explained. A few minutes later, “I found him! He’s in an All Inc Warehouse!”
“Let’s get a move on, we’re finally gonna get this son of a bitch.” Walter said as he grabbed his gun and out on his vest to leave with the other officers.
“What does he mean by ‘finally’? Has this been a tough case?” Y/N said, finally being able to sit at her desk.
“Detective grumpy has been working on this case for a month. It’s been driving him crazy knowing that the guy was still out there.” Rachel said, walking in, sipping her coffee.
“Then I’m glad he’s finally catching him.” Y/N said.
An hour later, Walter walked into the district with the guy in handcuffs. Walter takes him downstairs to put him in a holding cell. He walked back upstairs.
“Y/N, i need to fill out a report, come with me please.” Walter said and Y/N followed him.
“Congratulations on the arrest, Don Refri. How does it feel?” Y/N asked.
“It feels good. How was the Mexican bread?” Walter asked.
“The polvorones we’re really good and the manteconcha was delicious. I saved you a polvorón because you have to try it. Where did you get them?” Y/N asked.
“I got it at Abogados Café.” Walter said. “What does that mean, by the way?”
“Lawyers coffee. Do they have Cuban coffee?” Y/N asked.
“I Don’t know, we can check it some other day.” Walter said.
Hours later, Walter and Y/N were finishing their paper work.
“Hey Don Refri, how do you feel about going to a bar tonight? You don’t have to drink, but I think it’ll be fun. We could celebrate that you finally solved that case! Rachel told me you’ve been working on that shit for a month.” Y/N said as she put on her jacket.
“I Don’t know about that, Y/N.” Walter said.
“Oh come on, it’s not like I’m asking you to get drunk. Let’s just go to a bar, you can play pool with the guys, I can eat some fries. We could go to Brunson’s Pub! Or Skinner’s or Iron Ranger, I don’t care, I just want a night out and I really don’t feel like cooking.” Y/N practically begged Walter as she was holding onto his biceps.
“Fine, fine, we’ll go to Brunson’s, they have more food there, I’ll tell the guys, you can tell Rachel. Group celebration.” Walter said and Y/N was happy. She texted Rachel about going to the pub and Rachel was down.
“Rachel said she’ll be there, what about Matthew and Glasgow?” Y/N said.
“Yeah, they’re coming too. You want me to drive you?” Walter said.
“And leave my car here?” Y/N asked.
“I’ll drive you to work tomorrow, it’ll be fine. This way you can drink as much as you want.” Walter said.
“Jaja, mira que funny eres.” Y/N said. They walked out of the department and got into Walter’s car. Walter put on a random playlist on Spotify. Y/N was looking out the window when she heard a familiar song, “Oh my gosh, I haven’t heard this song in forever. I love ‘colgando en tus manos’, my mom would play it in the house all the time.”
“Yeah, I found a playlist with Spanish songs, thought it would be good, maybe help with my Spanish with us being friends and all.” Walter said.
“You Don’t even know what Carlos Baute is singing right now.” Y/N commented.
“It doesn’t matter, you like this kind of music, right?” Walter asked.
“It reminds me of my life in Miami, before Latin music went mainstream.” Y/N said. They kept talking and listening to music until Walter parked in the parking lot at Brunson’s. They walked in together.
“Hey, look who made it! Detective Grumpy and his sunshine partner.” Matthew said.
“Hey, we’re not at work right now but I’m still your boss, watch it. How much have you had to drink?” Walter asked.
“He had 3 tequila shots.” Glasgow said.
“How did he get here?” Walter asked.
“I took an Uber.” Matthew said.
“Same.” Rachel and Glasgow said.
“Great, well I gotta stay sober because I have to take Y/N home. What do you want to drink?” Walter asked, turning to Y/N.
“I want a ‘bad hombre’ and you should get yourself a beer, we’re celebrating you, you should be able to let loose.” Y/N said.
“All right, I’ll go to the bar.” Walter said and Y/N slid into the booth. Walter came back with a beer, a “bad hombre” which has reposado and mezcal, and an Italian sandwich for Y/N. “Here you go.”
“Thank you, Don refri.” Y/N said. They were all talking and laughing, having a good time but Walter stepped away. “Damn, I’m running low, I’m gonna see of i Can get a beer, be right back.” Y/N said and walked to the bar when bumped into a tall man. “Oh I’m so sorry.”
“Nah, you’re good. Wait a minute, Y/N?” The man said and Y/N looked up to see a familiar face.
“No way, Mitch, how are you? What are you doing here in Minnesota?” Y/N asked as she hugged Mitch (Dylan O’Brien) a friend she made back in Virginia.
“My brother Steven wanted to go skiing. You want me to order you a beer?” Mitch asked.
“Yeah, get me a modelo.” Y/N said and Mitch told the bartender to get him two modelo beers. “Well, how’s the CIA treating you?”
“The CIA is fine. Listen, I’m sorry to hear that the FBI didn’t work out for you but maybe you can come back to Virginia and become part of the CIA.” Mitch said.
“I’d love to, but I’m not sure I can cut out as a CIA agent.” Y/N said. They kept talking and Walter got out of the bathroom to see Y/N talking to Mitch. He went back to his booth.
“Who’s that guy?” Walter asked.
“I Don’t know but he’s cute.” Rachel said. Walter went closer to hear their conversation.
“You’d do great. I swear, I would love to work with you.” Mitch said.
“Mitch, honestly, stop insisting, I’m not doing it.” Y/N said. All Walter heard was Y/N telling Mitch “no” so Walter got closer and..
“Didn’t you hear her? She said no.” And Walter decked Mitch, Mitch landing in the floor. Y/N got out of her stool.
“Walter! What did you do?” Y/N asked, facing Walter.
“Wasn’t he bothering you?” Walter asked.
“No! Walter this is Mitch, my friend who’s in the CIA. Mitch, this is Walter.” Y/N said as she helped Mitch off the floor.
“He’s your boyfriend or something?” Mitch asked.
“No, we’re just friends.” Y/N said and Walter walked outside the bar, he needed fresh air. “And he’s technically my boss at the police department. He’s a detective.”
“Well He’s quite protective of you. I should give you my number so we could hang out next time I’m in Minnesota.” Mitch said,
“That would be great.” Y/N said and they exchanged numbers. “It was great seeing you, I gotta talk to Walter.” Y/N walked outside and saw Walter leaning against his car. “What the hell was that in there?”
“Sorry, Y/N, I thought he was just a random drunk harassing you. I didn’t know he was a friend of yours.” Walter admitted.
“You could have asked. Just don’t do it again, okay.” Y/N said,
“I won’t. Are you sure you’re all right? He didn’t try anything?” Walter asked,
“Nah, Mitch is a good guy, he wanted me to ‘try out’ for the CIA but I told him no. Thanks for being protective though, I appreciate it.” Y/N said and she hugged him. “Can we go back inside? I’m kinda cold and this skirt isn’t helping.” Y/N said and Walter chuckled.
“Yeah, we can go back inside.” Walter said, leading her into the pub with his hand on the small of her back.
The End
Hope y’all liked it! i just guessed about the Latina owned coffee shop but then I was looking up coffee shops in Saint Paul and that’s when I found Abogados Café! I looked up the bars and the warehouses because I like my fanfics to be accurate when I’m writing about a state I don’t know anything about. Also, super sorry about the late “update”, I’m finishing up the fall semester and i have so much work to do but I’m procrastinating so…that’s gonna bite me in the ass when the time comes. Comment if you want to be added to the tag list
Taglist: @shellyshellshell @warriormirkwood @secretdream2
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