A couple of weeks ago, I meandered into M&L Records in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood. Filled with packed rows of new and used vinyl, this store reminded me of the fantastic Bud’s Jazz Records in Pioneer Square (in the old days, anyway), a hallmark resource of jazz recordings. I chatted with Leland, M&L’s owner, for a good thirty minutes, and he commented on Seattle’s infamous “freeze” that makes such lengthy and spontaneous conversations with strangers rare. We shared musical factoids — I was buying Mel Tormé and George Shearing, and Big Head Todd and the Monsters were in the stereo — and talked about where we grew up, what our lives are like now, what we do to pass the time.
These are the conversations that buoy me. They are unexpected, happy surprises that remind me of how we are all so different and so similar. It’s wonderful to connect with the people who live in my city.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
It is funny; I am originally from New York, and I find people in Seattle chatty by comparison! But I see what you mean, it is almost an unwritten rule that exchanging any more than a momentary pleasantry with someone new is unacceptable. Perhaps it is time to break those boundaries…
Jacqui, I’m glad to know you’ve had good conversations here. I used to feel suspicious when someone wanted to talk beyond “Hey, how’s it going?” Now, it feels great to relax and have a real connection. You never know who you’ll meet!
leland is a world class rock drummer, a good son, a proud papa of two very talented young musicians, a crafty poker player, a good model builder and a smart cookie.
I believe it! We had a wonderful conversation, and I love the store.