Jatagan / A Cutlass - Live recording

Jatagan / A Cutlass
A Cutlass

The New Beginning

 The first D.R.Phantom's scribblings were supervised and turned into something meaningful (we call it - written language) by his first teacher Mrs. Micin Milica. It was another example of the Pickwickian nature of life that her grandson Mr. Grncarski Miroslav (for Mrs. Micin Milica's daughter assumed husband's surname after getting married) was a young bass guitar player (from here on Mr. Grncarsky). So, by a stroke of chance, D.R.Phantom and Mr. Grncarsky ran into each other, and, then, came something so familiar to any musician - after heavy drinking they found out being born to play music together. Mr. Grncarsky announced his warm relationships with one young but very gifted guitar player Mr. Bihler Jovica. Quickly, the meeting between D.R.Phantom and Mr. Bihler was arranged. The meeting was decisive as for the future of "The Last Step."

 Namely, Mr. Bihler is made of no flesh and bones but of his ego and nothing else (so common to talented people). The jam-session was a great success and the backbone of a brand new "The Last Step" was born. In spite of Mr. Bihler's inborn temptation to play as long as a song lasts (and on, and on, and on ... ), he eventually realized people are gathering to listen to the band but not just HIM. However, Mr. Bihler did his best to watch his tamper. Among other things, he put into practice one of D.R.Phantom's remarks, "Let silence play for you."

 Before long, a professional drummer Mr. Ristic Zivojin joined the company and "The Last Step" finally ceased being a party band. The band began playing original songs to deliver concerts. So, at this stage, the crew of "The Last Step" was made of D.R.Phantom (vocal & guitar), Mr. Bihler (lead guitar), Mr. Ristic (drums) & Mr. Grncarsky. (bass guitar).
*****

 P.S. Melodies and lyrics were, more or less, written by D.R.Phantom. Yet, it would be a great injustice to ignore the contribution of Mr. Bihler to the creation of the band's songs. His inventive way of playing the guitar was intriguing indeed. He inspired D.R.Phantom (and the others) to come up with, new, fresh ideas which made the music better.  For his personality is embedded in all songs, he should be considered as a co-author of the music of the Last Step."

 Also, Mr. Bicady's overall performance and creative contribution (particularly in "Hibiscus," "Rabbit" & "The Sky in the Water") must not be ignored whatsoever. His way of playing was a school example of how electronic keyboards should be treated since a synthesizer is not a classic piano.

 Naturally, the contribution of other people involved in shaping the sound of the band was also of a great importance. It is not a matter of courtesy to say that, after all, the songs of "The Last Step" have been composed by all musician embraced in this lovely project. Of course, the contribution of an individual varies from song to song.

 The two songs ("Forget" & "The Cutlass") are taken after one live performance. The performance was also the base for background compilation used in the final clip entitled as "The Last Step." It is a photo album as an attempt to illustrate "The Time of Great Expectations" - the members of the band were lucky enough to be a part of (form  approximately 1965 to 1985 in former country of Yugoslavia). The reconstruction rests upon the recordings made by Mr. Boldnar Jaroslav.
*****

 P.P.S. The story of "A Cutlass" is a true one. Certainly, the name of the star of the story will remain obscure to the public, but the explanation regarding the song's title cries for enlightenment.

 So, why "A Cutlass"?

Well, the hero of the story used to address his friends with, "Jatagan se znaja svilu ne seke!"

 It's in Serbian, of course. It was formulated during the time of the Turkish rule of Balkan Peninsula. Straightforward translation could be something like, "Everyone knows a cutlass does not cut silk!"

 But, the message of the proverb cuts more deeply, "Even a bare power (symbolized by a cutlass) steps back in front of a real beauty (symbolized by silk)!" - specially if the beauty is presented by a beauty of a woman.

_________________________________________________
 
RAINBOW
 
Hey,
Sunshine!
Be aware of yourself, your shoulders, your steps;
With your clear, elastic stride lead.

Hey,
Vision!
In the rain of rainbows dissolve two of us,
Beings being so eagerly soluble.

Hey,
From the flood of colors
Extract so admired mien.
Dress it in a smile to slay my heart.

_________________________________________________

Location: Bela Crkva, Serbia

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