On the second February 5 since my dad’s passing, I figured I’d wish him a happy birthday here, with a few pictures.
Here’s John Putnam Dinwiddie with John Cage, in 1967..
..complete with reflection from the glass in the frame, in my snapshot. I think the incidental graininess and chaos would agree with both of these gents’ appreciation for chance events in music, art and life.
Here’s dad, a half-century later playing Charmian London’s piano at Jack London State Historic Park, where he often volunteered on weekends to play for visitors to the museum.
I noticed that John’s presence seems so similar in these two photos, even though they were taken about 50 years apart. He played piano his own way. Took photographs his own way. Lived and loved his own way. I miss him a lot.
A year ago today, I made this post with some recordings of John’s compositions from the KPFA archive:
John Dinwiddie Original Music, Recorded 1971 and 1973
– have a read and a listen if you like.
Here’s a fallen oak tree branch, balanced on a rock, with two red reflectors which my dad affixed to it in this way. Those of you who knew him will likely say, “of course he did.”
Thinking of you today, Dadunit. Whatever you’re doing now, I’m sure it’s not boring! Love you always,
Sonunit
