I recently came across a rather intriguing concept known as the "magic dick." At first glance, the phrase might evoke a sense of confusion or even amusement. However, delving deeper into its meaning reveals a thought-provoking perspective on personal growth and transformative experiences. The term "magic dick" can be seen as a metaphorical representation of one's potential for positive change and development. It symbolizes the power within each individual to bring about remarkable transformations in their lives and the lives of others. While the phrase may seem unconventional and possibly inappropriate, it carries a profound message about embracing personal strengths and tapping into hidden abilities that can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
JC: What did you think of Cream's late Jack Bruce as a harp player?
Geils told AMG, he, Dick, and Danny Klein jammed with James Cotton, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and other blues legends in the mid- 60s Boston music scene. Though he only wrote a handful of songs with his famous rock group -- Cruisin for a Love, It Ain t What You Do, and the classic Whammer Jammer, among them -- he is also one of the only members of that band to show up on side projects by other fellows in the group.
While the phrase may seem unconventional and possibly inappropriate, it carries a profound message about embracing personal strengths and tapping into hidden abilities that can lead to extraordinary outcomes. In essence, the magic dick represents an individual's inherent capacity to overcome challenges, conquer obstacles, and achieve greatness. It symbolizes the limitless potential that lies within all of us, waiting to be unlocked.
J. Geils Harp Legend 'Magic Dick' On Why He Never Lost His Magic
Dick Salwitz, known internationally to music fans as Magic Dick, is one of the most celebrated harmonica players of modern time. He just finished touring with his mates from The J. Geils Band, rocking crowds with favorites like Centerfold, a No. 1 hit from the early 1980s, and Whammer Jammer, a tune which features a blistering Salwitz on harp.
Salwitz also performs a more unplugged kind of live gig with celebrated acoustic guitarist Shun Ng, 25 (www.shunng.com). The duo released a unique remake of James Brown's Papa's Got A Brand New Bag and later this month will tour on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise with acts including Buddy Guy and Allen Toussaint.
I recently posed a series of questions to Salwitz, now 70, about his career. Sarcastic humor is evident in his responses, as is an ongoing passion for his craft.
Jim Clash: What made you focus on harp rather than say, trumpet or sax?
Dick Salwitz: I love the unique sound of the harp and how it can mimic the expression and tonal palette of both the sax and the trumpet, and the voice. Ever since beginning to play the trumpet at nine years old, I've been interested in all the horns. But the fact that you can engulf the harp and the microphone with your hands and shape its tone is the reason for my focus on it. It's become a sonic and tactile fixation, yielding a mental universe of associations of shapes and tones. Put simply, it makes me happy!
Dick Salwitz (aka "Magic Dick", left) still tours with J. Geils Band, but he also plays a . [+] stripped-down format with acoustic guitarist Shun Ng. (Photo courtesy of Dick Salwitz)
JC: A Rolling Stone critic once called you the "best white musician to play blues harmonica."
DS: I've always found that listening to such pronouncements takes me off my game. It is better to seriously address my own criticisms of my playing. I am my daily critic and coach.
JC: What did you think of Cream's late Jack Bruce as a harp player?
DS: I really liked Jack Bruce's bass playing and vocals. He was a competent harp player, but he did not influence my harp playing.
JC: How about a crazy story from the old J. Geils touring days?
DS: One Halloween in the early '70's somewhere in Canada, we thought we'd have some fun when we came out on stage to start our show. Our drummer, Stephen Jo Bladd, had a gorilla mask on and the rest of us had on old-man masks. We figured this would get a great laugh. We were met with silence.
JC: Contrast an acoustic performance with Shun Ng to one of The J. Geils Band.
DS: The musical experience with Shun Ng is very fresh, exciting and challenging. Each day we get together brings so much spontaneous playing and new ideas. With The J. Geils Band, my musical role is more narrowly defined.
JC: Do you watch America's Got Talent and such shows, and what do you think of them?
DS: Talent is everywhere. As a harp player, I don't have time to spend this way. Maybe I should watch these.
JC: Your advice to young aspiring musicians?
DS: Listen, and practice all the time. Do whatever it takes to stay strongly attracted to playing the harp. Be honestly critical. Use your imagination to advance your technique and improve your sound.
JC: Do you ever get tired of playing Whammer Jammer? How many times do you think you've played it?
DS: It's a constant source of stress, but it helps to keep my playing honed. I've performed it at every show I've played. My guess would be thousands of times not counting my own practicing. I still love it, and I'm working on improving it!
JC: Your best experience playing with an old-time blues musician?
DS: Jamming with John Lee Hooker was especially thrilling. This was around 1970 in Boston at a club called the Jazz Workshop. John Lee played mostly on one chord and, when he did change, it was not according to a standard formula like a lot of blues. This made accompanying him more difficult. One of the hallmarks of a great player is to be able to continually invent without relying on chord changes to carry interest. This is something I'm still working on.
JC: You have an interest in physics. Do you keep up with what's happening in the field?
DS: My interest in physics is cosmology and quantum mechanics. I'm grateful for a never-ending attraction to these matters. The connectedness of all things physical and spiritual is astounding.
JC: Do you watch America's Got Talent and such shows, and what do you think of them?
Much like a magician's wand, the magic dick suggests that our true power lies not in external circumstances but within ourselves. The magic dick also serves as a reminder that change and growth are not effortless. Just as a magician must practice diligently to master their craft, harnessing the power of the magic dick requires self-reflection, dedication, and perseverance. It speaks to the notion that personal development is an ongoing journey that requires continuous effort and a willingness to push beyond one's comfort zone. Furthermore, the concept of the magic dick invites us to reevaluate our self-perception and challenge limiting beliefs. It encourages us to recognize that we have the ability to rewrite our life's story and redefine our own potential. By embracing the magic dick within us, we can overcome self-doubt and unleash our true capabilities. While the notion of a magic dick may initially appear peculiar, its underlying message is a compelling one. It prompts us to reflect on our untapped potential, the strength needed for personal growth, and the transformative nature of embracing change. Ultimately, the magic dick represents the power we all possess to create magic in our own lives and make a positive impact on the world around us..
Reviews for "The Magic Dick and Sexual Identity: Navigating Personal Desires"
1. Emily - 1/5 - I found "I got a magic dick" to be offensive and degrading to women. The entire concept of a magic penis reducing women to mere objects of pleasure is not only outdated but extremely disrespectful. The humor was tasteless and relied heavily on offensive stereotypes and crude language. I expected better from this book and was ultimately disappointed.
2. John - 2/5 - While "I got a magic dick" had its moments of humor, I felt it fell short in terms of substance and creativity. The repetitive nature of the storyline became tiresome, and the reliance on sexual innuendos and crude jokes overshadowed any potential cleverness. It lacked originality and failed to offer any meaningful or thought-provoking content. Overall, I was left unimpressed and would not recommend this book to others.
3. Sarah - 1/5 - "I got a magic dick" was a complete waste of my time. The shallow and juvenile humor failed to elicit anything more than an occasional eye-roll from me. The characters were poorly developed, one-dimensional, and existed solely to serve the crude jokes. The constant objectification of women was disappointing and contributed to perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Reading this book was a regrettable experience, and I cannot find any redeeming qualities to mention.
4. Michael - 2/5 - The central theme of "I got a magic dick" had potential, but the execution fell flat. The jokes often felt forced and relied heavily on shock value rather than clever wit. The attempts at humor were misplaced and failed to elicit genuine laughter. Additionally, the lack of character development made it difficult to establish any emotional connection. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and forgettable.