Anthony JW Benson

I am deeply saddened to hear of David Z.'s passing.

I didn’t know David well, but I was fortunate to have a couple of memorable and enjoyable conversations with him over the years—once during a session at MasterMix Studios and later at Bunkers in downtown Minneapolis while recording St. Paul Peterson "Live at Bunkers" concert, an event I was honored to assist with. The photos below are from that evening.

I was a great admirer of David’s vast and extraordinary body of work, especially the many projects that included musician friends of mine. His talent, creativity, and unmistakable musical spirit touched countless artists and listeners.

David may be gone, but the music remains—and through it, so does a part of him.

My heart goes out to Bobby 'Z' Rivkin, the entire Rivkin family, and the many friends, musicians, and colleagues whose lives were touched by David’s work and presence. May you find comfort, strength, and peace during this profoundly difficult time.

I went into my vintage listening room to see this. Tigger in his preferred listening position. I appreciate that he is an audio fan, but this sitting spot is a hard no. After a bit of back-and-forth, he agreed to join me in the comfy chair, and we enjoyed the new release of The Yes Album via Tigger's favorite speakers, Ohm 2xos. We ultimately enjoyed a wonderful listening session.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Dreaming is the gateway to infinite possibility—so dream boldly, dream deeply, dream on.

MEMORIES OF Prince
Rest in Peace (1958–2016)

On the anniversary of his passing, one moment still lives vividly…

Early ’80s, First Avenue, Minneapolis. I’m at a Tina Turner show—pre-Private Dancer, raw, electric, unstoppable.

She launches into “Let’s Pretend We’re Married”… and standing right beside me on the stage-left stairs?

Prince.

Completely locked in. Humbled. Lit up. Watching her tear through his song.

Truth? I spent more time watching Prince watch Tina than the stage itself.

Afterward—eye contact, a smile, applause.
A quiet “goodnight”… and he disappears.

Pure magic. One of many reasons I’m grateful for his presence in my life.

More stories soon.

Surrender…

There’s a quiet law at work most people don’t want to admit…

Life doesn’t respond to what you do.
It responds to the energy behind what you do.

You can go through the motions—
check the boxes, say the right things, look the part…

Or you can bring your presence.
Your fire.
Your intention.

One creates noise.
The other creates results.

And here’s the part most people skip over—
You don’t get to choose the outcome
without choosing the level you show up at.

So today… pause for a moment.

Where are you coasting?
Where are you holding back just enough to stay comfortable?

Now ask yourself—
What would it look like to go all in… just here?

Start there.
Watch what shifts.

Fred, my ever-so-helpful assistant, is double-checking on updates and additions to my website. All this support for only catnip and treats. What a deal-thanks, Fred!