fancy pants

In Los Angeles recently, I got to do a number of fun things. LA is a great place. One thing I did was chill in a room at the Village Studios. There was some kind of mix playing that had an interesting selection of tunes. One in particular caught my ear and I used my favorite audiophile app, Shazam, to discover what it was.

I'm no scientist who's made an exciting discovery. I've never felt the joy (ugh) of giving birth. I've never seen a baby deer take its first steps or worked with animals covered in oil and then cleaned them and released them back into the ocean. These people experiencing these things have felt great satisfaction and pleasure that is certainly unequaled.

Well, I have felt greater pleasure.

When I Shazamed this song, my heart opened. Turns out, the song is called "Fancy Pants" and it's by a Mr. Al Hirt, a trumpet player from Nawlins.


Would you just look at him? Squeezable.

This guy is pretty tight. The more I read about him, the more amazing facts I learned. For example, did you know Al Hirt wrote the theme song for the Green Hornet television show? Fact. Also, did you know Al Hirt is a classically trained musician? Fact. And that Al Hirt recorded an album with Ann-Margret called Beauty and the Beard? Fact. (And probably my favorite.) AL HIRT.

This song was the hilarious theme for the rest of my trip in Los Angeles, and is now the official theme song of Anna Roch Enterprises ©. When I hear it, my heart soars but I also want to scramble to the nearest thrift store, buy a pair of overalls, get a piece of grass between my teeth, and dance down South Congress letting the world know that I am wearing my FANCY PANTS. Please pay special attention to the horns in this song. They are not only fancy, but extremely hilarious. ALSO THE LYRICS ARE REALLY EASY TO LEARN.

EPIC POST AKA THIS WILL NEVER BE TOPPED

Since I started this blog to fulfill my love of soul music (one of the many reasons), I have had many amazing moments. People look at this baby that I never thought possible. Sam Cooke's nephew, anyone? So tight. But something has happened to me that is so beyond my wildest dreams. Let me tell you about it.

I went to an amazing Soul Showcase last Friday at the Continental Club. To my wonderful delight, it featured all Texas artists. The amazing Barbara Lynn, who is the most beautiful lady and tightest lefty guitar player. The crazy Roy Head, who can still shake it. And of course, the incomparable Archie Bell. If you haven't heard "Tighten Up," get on that now. DUHZ. How good was this night going to be?

Roy started out, playing a nice set, including his big hit "Treat Her Right." He had on a tight glittery shirt. What a stunna. Then Barbara came out and wowed the crowd her with most well-known song "You'll Lose A Good Thing" as well as covers like "What'd I Say." How tight? She looked amazing. I mean, she looks really good. I can't even tell you how smooth her skin is. I hope I can age that well. After her set, she was sitting in the back in a booth and I approached her for a picture. MEMORIES 4EVER Y'ALL $$$.

(Best part of that picture is B. Lynn's friend hanging out.)

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know my life was ABOUT TO CHANGE FOREVER. Archie Bell came out to play, decked out completely in a white suit, red shirt, and white and red shoes. Nothing can be more baller nor will it ever be. Complete and total baller from the minute the show started. He announced that was he 65 but could still move and that wasn't a lie. He is ridiculous and funny and dirty. It was so amazing to get to see him play.

BUT THEN. So Kat and I were right in front, and never really stopped dancing. He commented on us several times because we literally never stopped. After this went on for a while, he called us up to dance. I took off for the stage but then realized Kat wasn't behind me. I was going to have to fly solo. Most amazing moment. I climbed onto the side of the stage and just let go. I have never done anything like this. So unreal! I even interacted with Archie a little bit. And here's the craziest part: I was dancing the Tighten Up while he was playing "Tighten Up." I'm dying inside. I danced up there for a while, barely knowing what I was doing/risking falling at any moment because I was literally on a brownie pan-size pedestal. Worth it.

Oh, no big deal, just ME DANCING WITH ARCHIE BELL.

The thing is, this is a huge moment in my life. I know it might not seem like a huge deal to some of you, and that's cool. But as a lover of soul music, this moment pretty much makes my life right now. It's incredible. Something I will definitely tell my kids about and probably still be talking about at my wedding in the year 2048. Kidding! I'm still single. THE POINT IS, it's insane that I actually did it and that I felt such a huge adrenaline rush and that he was so sweet and awesome. Such a fun experience.

Thanks for reading this long-ass post and thank you for re-sharing this with me. So amazing. The tightest thing ever. Being able to share it with friends is even better! Thank you Roy, Barbara, and especially Mr. Archie Bell!