By Francesc Borrull · January 26, 2024

In the vast expanse of time and distance, there exists a bond that transcends both. A friendship that sprouted in the vibrant soil of the 80s has not only endured but blossomed into something truly extraordinary. Meet my friend X – a companion in life’s journey since the days of neon lights and cassette tapes.

As life led me thousands of miles away from my hometown, the unbreakable bond formed with X remained steadfast. What ties us together isn’t just the passage of time but a shared love and passion for music that has become the melody of our enduring friendship.

During the recent holidays, I had the pleasure of revisiting my hometown, and with it, the opportunity to reconnect with X. Our meetings, always initiated with the comforting aroma of coffee, unfolded into delightful explorations of music, creativity, and shared memories.

X, a drummer of three decades, welcomed me into his world – a studio resonating with the harmonies of creativity. Bands rehearsed, ideas flowed, and the air was thick with the excitement of musical possibilities. It was in these moments that I witnessed the essence of our friendship – the common heartbeat that echoes in our love for music.

Amidst sips of coffee, X guided me through the intricacies of music composition, recording, and mixing. Each track, even a 15-second jingle, unraveled a world of fascinating details. Our conversations meandered through musical recommendations, a chapter I always cherish. In the exchange of artists and genres, I found new sounds that enriched my musical palate.

Our journey took an unexpected turn towards the auditions for Dream Theater’s drummer, revealing the mesmerizing scope of Virgil Donati. The exploration led to the revelation of ‘The Dawn of Time,’ a musical masterpiece that left me awe-struck. Music, in its diverse forms, became a gateway to discuss the underrated art of scoring for movies – a process I found as captivating as the films themselves.

In this symphony of conversation, X introduced me to Snarky Puppy, an unfamiliar name that transformed into a musical revelation with the track ‘What About Me.’ The exchange continued as I shared the enchanting sounds of Kamasi Washington
(“Truth”) and Esperanza Spalding (“On the Sunny Side of the Street”), forming bridges across generations and genres. Amidst our musical exploration, the conversation veered towards the timeless art of scatting, a vocal improvisation technique. I brought forth the iconic Ella Fitzgerald, whose scatting prowess was showcased in the track ‘How High The Moon.’ As the notes of Ella’s virtuosity filled the air, X was captivated, discovering a piece of musical history he had yet to encounter.

As the night grew late, the connection among these musicians unfolded like a musical tapestry, tracing roots back to the cotton fields of the South. We paused, not for lack of words, but for the realization that time had slipped away, and dinner had become a distant memory.

In closing, as we parted ways that night, I reflect on the profound value of friendship. Despite the years that have passed and the miles that separate us, the connection with X remains a constant source of joy, contentment, and gratitude. It is a testament to the enduring power of shared passions, laughter, and the ability of music to create timeless bonds. Contentment in knowing that true friendships can withstand the test of time and distance. Happiness in the shared laughter, the exploration of musical realms, and the comfort found in each other’s company. And gratitude, profound and sincere, for the enduring gift of a friendship that has weathered the seasons of life.

In the quiet echoes of that studio, as the chords of our shared memories resonated, I realized that our connection, anchored in the love for music, is a melody that refuses to fade. It plays on, weaving a soundtrack of friendship that transcends the constraints of the physical world. In those moments of reflection, I found solace in the knowledge that no matter where life takes us, the symphony of our friendship will endure—a timeless composition that brings joy, comfort, and a sense of home. Despite the miles that stretch between us and the years that have woven their tapestry, the connection we share goes beyond time and space. It’s a bond that thrives on a fundamentally deeper level, where the language of music becomes our unspoken dialogue.

© Francesc Borrull, 2024
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P.S.: Com es diu el meu amic?