“Many millions have been grateful to know what Jesus and his family went through – what Ukrainian refugees now endure. God PERMITS the Herods and the Putins victories only to bring a greater good.

“No Anxiety” – that does not mean ‘Be Stoic’ – no feeling. It means enduring the feeling and the sense of panic, like anyone in danger but never surrendering. Finding ways to combat the panic. Joseph is the obvious example here. He was sitting pretty. All the anxieties about how to deal with a miraculous conception behind him, he had a home with Mary installed, her parents nearby, all set for the coming of the child.

“He never knew that a Dictator some 2000 miles away had sent orders about a “Poll Tax”! Joseph and Mary had to get down fast to Bethlehem or the soldiers would want to know why. All Joseph’s peace was shattered – Jesus born more or less in a ditch, like a tinker’s child. Then the order came not to go home but to become an overnight refugee in a desert and another country. To find a job and lodgings. Sounds familiar?
To say “Don’t Worry” to Joseph would have been stupid and callous.

“Since then many millions have been grateful to know what Jesus and his family had gone through – what Ukrainian refugees are now enduring. But “No Anxiety” means awareness that God PERMITS the Herods (and the Putins) victories only to bring about a greater good – even in this life – and most certainly in the ‘FOREVER LIFE’ to which the only condition is “Were you kind to anybody in need”?

“We face the possibility of war – and a likely financial collapse, where people in your neighbourhood could have to choose between food or heat. Covid hasn’t gone away.

“Was Christ anxious? As we approach Holy Week, ponder on the suffering Christ, who died on the Cross and rose in triumph.
Hang on to the fact of the Resurrection.”

YouTube courtesy of John Petters (Drums), Richard Exall (Clarinet, Sax),
Pete Rudeforth (Trumpet), Keith Donald (Bass), plus Ace Harlem Stride Pianist, Dave Browning.

Peter M Butler
jazz&jazz.com

On 23rd October John Petters announced his retirement from live gigs with effect from his performance at St John’s Arts Centre, Old Harlow, on Saturday 30th October.

John explained: “The jazz scene has been decimated by Covid and there is no sign things will get better any time soon.”

“I intend to focus my attention on my radio show, jazz history, talks on jazz to U3As and any other groups. I will also be writing a column for ‘Radcom’, the journal of the Radio Society of Great Britain and other writing projects. Much as I love playing gigs, enjoying the company of my fellow musicians and meeting jazz fans, I do not like all the aggravation which goes with it. I’m weary of driving for hours and lugging my drums in and out of venues and driving home again after playing a high energy gig. I intend to spend much more time enjoying my hobby of amateur radio and other activities.”

Unquestably we will miss your live gigs John, so what better way to reminisce and depart with a flourish than by recapturing here on Jazz&Jazz a selection of numbers performed not so long ago at your mesmerising evening hosted by Tad Newton at Bedford Golf Club.

Accompanying John:
Richard Exall (Clarinet, Sax), Pete Rudeforth (Trumpet), Keith Donald (Bass), plus Ace Harlem Stride Pianist, Dave Browning.

Just for the fun of it why not visit an original Fats Waller number,
“This Joint Is Jumpin'” – jazz as it was in the thirties. Hold your breath!: https://youtu.be/LKe6yH3ZwGo
Thanks for your jazz “Petter’s Style”, John!
We really would welcome the occasional come back!

Peter M Butler, Editor Jazz&Jazz  
YouTubes© Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz

No need for words – his drums tell it all!