8. The most important thing is to bring out the words of the singer. He should be way out in front of the music. However, at no time shall the rhythm be lost.

13. Generally, it is a good idea to save all takes. The tape is not wasted, as we ca always reuse the bad takes for rerecording at a later date.Frequently, the bad take will sound better than the best take a few days after the session.

— Art Rupe, Speciality Records memo on recording R&B, mid-1950s; appendix to Broven, Record Makers and Shakers, 474.

Didn’t sleep well. Up around 9. Coffee, breakfast.
Internet down, couldn’t figure anything out immediately. 10 p. Fanon bio.
Therapy, by phone.
Called Apple, then Verizon customer service - it turned out our service was suspended b/c I hadn’t set up a maintenance visit. I don’t recall the notification. Anyway, they’re supposed to turn it back on, nothing as if this writing.
Went out about 12:30; looked for unlined colored index cards in the stationary store for Bree. First time inside, practically anywhere, for that kind of errand since last March. Read 30 p. Broven in the park - finished the main book, there are some appendices.
Had to try Verizon customer service again; looks like we’ll be offline until tomorrow.
Couples therapy.
Made some ground lamb with peppers and onions, and some rice; Bree steamed carrots. Had dinner together, tried to explain what I knew about Noam Chomsky.
Read a couple of sections of Monty Reid, Disappointment Island. Not a bad poet - more “deep image” than most of what crosses my path.
I forget when, but also caught up (3 p.) in poetry notebook, played piano a bit; messing around with “Donna Lee,” though I can’t play it at a consistent tempo.
No writing.
Went to bed at 10, finished Stephen Brown, Writing Marketing.

N.B. NY mask mandate (for vaccinated people in most situations) was lifted today.