Page 123 of Rhymes with Metaphor
“I’ve been informed by my primary school music teacher that I couldn’t hit a note with a sledgehammer,” said Reg.
“I can correct your pitch,” said Flat Mary.
“I know someone who’s got a naturally good voice,” said Reg, remembering Joel singing in the bathtub in Wales.
“Can you bring him in?”said Flat Mary.
“I’ll sound him on the idea.”
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“Do you want to singfor this album?”said Reg.
“I don’t know if I’m good enough,” said Joel.“I might get asked to for the Juilliard audition, so I guess it would be good to find out.”
They scheduled the session on Joel’s weekend off between audiobook jobs, as he refused to do any other professional voice work on a day he was reading.
“Do you want me to drop you at Flat Mary’s and collect you when you’re done?”
“Don’t you want to be there?”said Joel.
“You’d feel self-conscious.”
“Not about my voice,” said Joel.
Flat Mary’s verdict was: “He’s got the pipes, but he doesn’t know how to use them yet.”
Reg had never seen Joel at work before.Of course, he took direction well.Reg knew that from photographing him in England, but what surprised Reg was how, if Joel didn’t understand why Flat Mary wanted him to do a particular thing in a particular way, he always asked.Not to challenge Flat Mary’s authority but out of genuine curiosity.
After a four-hour session, he told Joel he had enough to work with and sent him home with Reg.
“That could give your name a little boost,” said Reg.“Do you want to be famous?”
“I haven’t thought about it.”
“Consider the implications.Being recognized, idolized, waylaid in public by admirers.”
“So, you don’t want to share me with anyone.”
“It’s for you to decide who’s allowed to enjoy your company.I don’t own you, Joel.”
“I have your mark branded on me,” said Joel.
“What a distressing way of putting it.”
“You’re the one who put it on me,” said Joel.
“It was never meant to be permanent.”
“You keep saying that,” said Joel reproachfully, gazing through the window.
