Gil Scott Heron Dies at 62-GSH Library



I was a big fan of Gil Scott Heron, I have most of his old LP's and have seen him live several times. I even worked with him once but for some reason I can't include him in weekyleaks as I can't find the tape...His whereabouts drifted out of my consciousness until about three years ago when I deliberately tried to find out what he was up to, I downloaded as many recent articles on him as possible which was pretty dismal reading and inspired by the reading sat down to write him a song, I wasn't happy with the song, I found it too weak for the subject matter so I threw it away. I liked the main theme though which is dedicating a library in his name, I mean all presidents get one, even the illiterate ones. The GSH Library.
I spent some time in NYC in late 2009 and managed to see him in concert along with Kari, I was writing material for my new album and we were both thrilled to find out he was actually performing again. He started the concert at the B.B. King Blues Club ( to quote my old friend the late great Rock Bottom; A Denny's with music) by saying, I bet you folks didn't think I'd show up!  He was witty, entertaining and did some great songs but he was most definately just Pieces Of The Man he used to be. 
I also got to see him last year at Rockefeller in Oslo and that was my last GSH concert after seeing him several times around Boston in the 80's, I think I saw him at Dinky Dawson's club, The Channel the first time. GSH always asked for The Fender Rhodes Suitcase model when performing. I love these pianos and I found one for my producer Lars Horntveth last year that he bought. Susanne Sundfør who sings on a couple of songs on my upcoming album also uses one, and yes it's all over my new album as well. Anyhow, enough digressions, Gil Scott Heron was at his best brilliant and has always been an inspiration. No one could get a political message across like he could and even the most grim satire could have you in stiches.

A flyer I kept from NYC. 

Here's the song I scrapped, I meant well but it just got to mushy...

GSH


They threw a man in jail

For a handshake on the street

A promise he let slide

One he couldn't keep

 

Observe an older male

Belittled in his tracks

Explosive brilliance

Of political attack

 

Eloquent and sharp

He held his dagger straight

He'd force us to laugh

At tragedies at hand

 

They threw a man in jail

Pieces of his mind

Were scattered on the wall

Graffiti from the can

 

They threw a man in jail

For hiding in the dust

For such a petty crime

We let his genius rust

 

Every  President

Even those who can not read

Receive a library in their name

With a pardon if they're shamed

 

What kind of abuse

Do we jail a smart ass for?

Substances of choice

Or substances of war?

 

Hereby I propose

To build a library

In Gil Scott Herons name

A poets sanctuary