Well, it seems high time for an update, doesn't it? If I didn't put in a personal appearance every now and then, it just wouldn't be the Winternet! So, we're back from Japan, which was FAN-tastic! The music and musicianship from Hiram, Will, and Clint was amazing. It was truly a great band, and it was an honor to play with them. Some of the shows at the "Blue Note" were recorded, so there will soon be a live release in Japan to commemorate this event. I am also certain that we will be playing together again, both individually and collectively - on my new CD,"Jazzin' The Blues", for sure!

Before leaving for Tokyo, Monique had arranged a small birthday celebration dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe for Jennifer, Hiram's girlfriend and tour mannager, who is a beautiful person and a beautiful spirit. Monique had also invited Mieko, who started the fansite in Japan, Yuki Sato, Kei Ono, and Mike. We also met Yoko, with the record company that's putting out the CD in Japan; and our good friend, Mr. Tadashi, from the Blue Note was there, as usual, to help make it a real party. They all came with lovely gifts, as is the charming custom in Japan, and even though Monique had come down with the flu, as I once said in a song, "We All Had A Real Good Time."

I very much appreciate the way in which the Japanese treat artists and musicians... with such honor and respect. They seem more sensitive to the ascetic nature of art, and realize that it is not just physical entertainment, but has a spiritual side as well. I want to thank all our fans in Japan for their warm acceptance and for opening their hearts to our music.

Now that we're back, I especially want to thank Suzanne O'Brien and her boyfriend, Marty, who found a sword that once belonged to my father. I'm not exactly sure how they came across it, but they must have gone to some trouble and expense. It was a very thoughtful and honorable act of kindness to return it to the Winter family, where it belongs. Here is a little history on the sword, and our family, that may help you understand just how much it means to me.

As a young boy, I naturally idolized my father. He fought overseas in World War II, as a colonel in the infantry; and though I was born at the end of the war, and was too young to know much about it, I do remember his attending Army Reserve meetings. I used to love to see him dressed up in his uniform, with all the insignias and medals. Man, did he look cool! The sword was presented to him at VMI, (Virginia Military Institute), and I remember a picture of him wearing it at graduation. I was proud of my father's military service. I looked up to him as a hero, and still do, to this day. When I was little, the house had a huge old attic. It was dark and mysterious, and could only be entered through a trap door, with stairs that folded down from the ceiling. Going up stairs, that were normally never there, through an almost invisible door in the ceiling, was cool enough by itself; but there were also creepy corners, and cobwebs, and rickety rafters, and an awesome attic fan (with a humongous motor and blades as big as an airplane propeller), that could shake the whole house

with a wind like a hurricane. Who knew what secret treasures might be up there, just waiting to be explored and discovered!

I used to beg my parents,"PLEASE, let me go up in the attic to play." They said it was too dirty and dangerous up there, which of course made me want to go even more! When I look back on it now, it reminds me of The Narnia Chronicles, stories written by C.S. Lewis, in which these children are playing "hide and seek" in this strange old house; where one of them decides to hide in a massive old wardrobe, back behind all the clothes, and then discovers that it goes on - forever and ever - into a magic land called Narnia. Well, that's the way I felt about the old attic!

So, I suppose you can all guess what I found up there - at least one thing, anyway. Of course, my father's old VMI sword: with it's silver blade, and his name embossed in gold, rusting away, a little sad, but so beautiful. (I also found his old alto sax up there, but that was years later, and another story - maybe I'll get around to telling, someday) - anyway -

I fell in love with that old sword! It was light and slender, being a dress sword for show, and not for fighting. It had a metal scabbard that hooked to my belt, and it made a great (swoosh) sound as it was drawn from it's sheath. It was just perfect for a little kid to wave around like Zorro, or one of the Three Musketeers, or perhaps a young dashing southern gentleman in the cavalry.

As time went on, I forgot about the sword. I guess I outgrew it, along with the simple spirit of adventure it represented. It died a quiet unnoticed death, like so many childhood dreams.

Some years later, my parents decided to renovate the attic, and create a family room. I remember pretending to have a sore throat, so I could stay home from school to watch the carpenters work. The old attic was turning into a new magic land, just as I always hoped, only in a different way. They were building the stairway to a whole new world: a grown-up world I couldn't even begin to imagine yet. It was fascinating to watch them put in the new stairs that would always be there from then on, so solid, so dependable, so real. Like all grown-up stuff: they would always go exactly where you expected them to. They were there for good. - But where would they lead?

They did, in fact, lead to a kind of magic land, just as I had dreamed, but not at all how I had imagined. At the very top of the stairs was a door that opened into a space we called the Big Room. This soon became the center of activity in the house. The piano was moved from the old living room downstairs, up to the big room; and so began the slow decline and death of the, so called, living room. It soon became populated with furniture too good to play around or sit on, and was used only for company and special occasions.

The big room also became the music room. It was where we could have band practice, and make all the noise we wanted. This was the new magic and sense of freedom that would change my life forever! Johnny and I started learning how to play real music in the big room. It's true we had played instruments like the ukulele, piano, acoustic guitar, and marimba for years; but now, it was becoming electric guitar, drums, electric piano and organ. I suspect our parents built the big room in order to keep us from driving them crazy!

There was also another area opposite and behind the stairs called the Back Room. Up 'til that time, Johnny and I had slept in the same room together, for years. We were closer than anyone could imagine: almost as though we were two people living the same life. But now we had more space, so I started to take over the back room. It was where I kept all my toys: the model airplanes I built and flew with my father, erector sets, science and chemistry stuff, hi-fi, radio, electronics, and a small part of the family's gun collection.

Eventually, my mother's father, Edgar Holland, who's name I bear, decided to build a cabinet to hold most of the guns, and so my collection increased dramatically. Also, in the cabinet, was a space for two swords; my father's VMI, and a much older, heavier looking cavalry sword, who's story I never learned.

So, my old friend "the sword" was back! I hadn't seen it for years. It must have lain in some dark corner, forgotten and neglected all that time. I had moved on to other toys. I had my father's Colt 45 army automatic, and a German Luger from the war. And now, I had the old sword back, too! I took it out and tried to clean it up, but the silver had rusted entirely away in places, and it would never be the same. I felt guilty for not having taken better care of it; but at least, now, I had it back; and it was in a safe place, where I would never lose it again - I thought. But, of course, time went on; I grew up and moved away, my father died just recently, and my mother finally decided to sell the old house - THE END -

But Wait! Fate had another surprise in store. My band and I were playing B.B. Kings in New York City, and we had been invited by Hiram Bullock and Will Lee to catch their late set at "Chicago Blues". I was staying over to rehearse with them for Japan, and we were all excited to hear their band - which was incredible! There was a rumour going around that I might be sitting in, so I thought it world be fun to show up and play. We all met during their break, just before the final set; and someone mentioned there was a girl who had been looking for me all night. Of course, I showed no interest, until they said she had a sword. And then, I remembered. Kirk had told me something about someone finding my father's sword.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I met Suzanne and Marty; and they handed me "The Sword". It seemed so strange and incongrous, almost unreal to see it in such surroundings. They said, "Look, it even has your father's name right on the blade!" For all they knew, I was not familliar with it, or wouldn't remember it, or had never even seen it before. I didn't know what to say. So, at a loss for words, I just nodded, and said - "Yeap, that's the sword, alright." They urged me to accept it as a gift, and take it then and there; but I was going to Japan, and Monique was flying out to join me. Since I couldn't have it sent home, I told them to send it to Kirk and Misty. So, just in case you think I might have forgotten about the sword, I'd like you to hear a song I wrote for my father, some years ago, while he was still very much alive and well. I was touring with Leon Russell at the time, and we got to talking about our early years. I was reflecting on my childhood - back to the time when as a young boy, I so idealized my father, as a soldier and a hero. When I think of him this way, I still visualize him as he was in that VMI graduation picture, a young cadet in full dress uniform, with the sword. It was so much more colorful, and less warlike than army khaki - and so it was that image that inspired me to write this song. Monique

always loved it, and gave me the idea of putting it on the internet, in honor of my father, and to express our deep appreciation to Suzanne and Marty for their memorable gift. She wanted to share this with you all, so here it is.

Up to this point, you probably realize that everything you have heard so far was written before the terrorist attacks on our country. I had just finished writing this, and was working on the music, when these events occured. You are not hearing it until now because it has taken me this long to get myself back together. I was uncertain as to whether or not to put this on the net as I had originally planned, but I finally decided to let you hear exactly what I had intended to say before any of this happened. I will let it stand, without changing a word, because it is no more or less true than it was then, and because that is the most honest thing I can do.

This is my third attempt at putting my feelings into words, and so far it refuses to come out right. Monique said, you're not a politician or a preacher; it's not up to you to tell people how to feel. All you have to do is express your sorrow, and encourage everyone to come together and help in whatever way they can. I know she's right, but somehow, I feel compelled at least to try to say what is in my heart - so, here goes.

Things have changed, and the world seens like a different place. We have all been affected in many ways: on the deepest emotional level by the utter ruthless disregard for human life, by the destruction of time-honored landmarks that we held in our hearts as symbols of America's power and greatness, and by the insidious psychological doubt and uncertainty these attacks were designed to create. There is more to it than just the obvious physical destruction and loss of life. If you are an American, this attack was aimed at YOU! You are the one who is supposed to be afraid. You're the one who's intended to wonder, what now? Who's next?

Another aspect of this attack is the economy. Everyone is concerned about financial stability. But don't forget: terrorism is a "scare" tatic; they want us to panic, so the best thing to do is stay calm and conduct business as usual. Remember that the economy is essentially based on production and consumption. America is BIG, and we produce! So as long as we keep on producing, (that is working), and consuming (that is buying things), our economy will continue to be sound and secure.

And that brings me to my point. If you're asking "What can I do to help in this time of crisis?" - the answer is simple. Whatever it is you do, redouble your efforts. Do it more; do it better. The strength of America is the strength of the individual: the, so called, "common man". It is his simple skill and ingenuity, his resourcefulness, his raw courage, and his indomitable spirit that make America great. The strength of America is something you think about every day, but take for granted. The real strength of America, is YOU!

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of all those whose lives were lost or shattered by these catastrophic events. Now is surely the time for all Americans to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation, to help one another, to support our leaders, and to aid our country in every way possible. It will be easy to find ways to participate within the normal sphere of activity. As is the case with entertainers, I will be performing on the Volunteers For America Benefit Concerts, October 20 and 21, in Atlanta and Dallas with such groups as Journey, Styx, Foreigner, Lynard Skynard, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company, Ted Nugent, Kansas, and Survivor. These shows will benefit the Firefighters, Police, and victim families of the September 11 tragedy. Each of us is contributing by simply continuing to lead a normal life in a helpful and positive way.

Peace Is Marching On has a positive and optimistic message, while it recognizes the courage and heroism of those who had to fight to keep our nation free! I wrote it at a time when the cold war ended and the Berlin wall came down. I believe in peace! Man aspires to it, and is evolving toward it. That is why it is so sad to see there is still such hate, fear, and misunderstanding in our world, today. I am a pacifist at heart, but logic and pure survival dictate that there are times when it is necessary to fight.

I trust our retaliation will be intelligent, well considered, and effective. But we must be able to face ourselves in the mirror of humanity, and know that our actions were just. I believe that if we conduct ourselves with honor and integrity, that many nations will be willing to aid us in our campaign. Terrorism exists in many parts of the world, not just here, in America. It must be addressed as a world problem, in order to be dealt with effectively; just as peace must be envisioned as a world concept, in order to ever come about. But I believe in America, and I believe that peace will come!

Please, don't misunderstand me. I'm not trying to mitigate the seriousness of the situation we face. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, or it's going to happen overnight. Nor am I saying, don't worry: everything's OK, it's all going to work itself out in the end. It may come at great cost, and bring man to the brink of utter destruction. We are being told to expect a war like no other in history.

So, what am I trying to say? I'm not exactly sure, myself. Just that peace will eventually prevail in the end? I can hear you thinking - Big deal - So what - Edgar believes in peace - How is that going to help anything... NOW?! But, I still have to try. What it all comes down to is a matter of core belief: in the innate goodness of man, in his ability to overcome his violent nature, in the order and sanity of the universe, in God - when you come down to it. My father had that kind of simple, unshakable faith in God and his fellow man. He truly loved his neighbor. He was an extraordinary man. And yet, he fought and killed in the war; I can't explain it, I just know it happened.

Peace is a noble dream of man. There are those who would argue that it is naive and idealistic, and too impractical to ever come about. But it's strange how man's dreams have a way of coming true: not only his dreams, but his nightmares. The most wonderful and amazing inventions of science fiction are now a part of our everyday lives, but the most awesome and devastating weapons of mass destruction are with us, as well. So, what will determine the fate of man? What will tip the balance of his hopes and fears.

I say, it could be that simple core belief, in the minds of enough people, that ends up being the deciding factor: the collective mind of man. If you harbor the dark, unconcious belief that the end of the world is inevitable, then it is that much more likely to come about. But, if you look forward to a future bright with promise and adventure, then that becomes the greater possibility.

It's just another way of saying that prophecy is often self- fulfilling, we are what we think, mind over matter, believe it - or not. So, what's it going to be? Star Wars, with never ending battle against the dark force? Or Star Trek, with peaceful exploration of strange new worlds? The future is in your hands. It's almost like casting a vote: optimist or pessimist, peace or war, order or chaos, love or hate, good or evil, life or death. Well, I vote for life! I vote for love! And I vote for peace!

OK. I've had my say, and thanks for listening. I know this sounds like an oversimplification. Just think about it; that's all I ask. The next paragraph will pick up right where I left off, exactly as I originally wrote it, immediately following the lyrics to "Peace Is Marching On".

So, there you have it. I hope it conveys my love for my father, and my appreciation of the sword! Suzanne is also a talented artist, and has sent us some of her very own, original, Johnny and Edgar artwork. Besides Johnny's picture, our favorite is one of me on a piano key skateboard - a Not A Kid Anymore motif, which captures more of my spirit of youthful enthusiasm. Moving on to another subject, there are two more songs we'd like to share with you. One, I wrote for Monique, in loving memory of our kitty cat, Desiree, who passed on in November of last year. For fourteen years Desiree was such a part of our lives and our family, we felt that - when she died, a part of us died with her. So, if you have ever had a pet, or loved one, or a relationship you felt went beyond words, then you will understand this song.

Silent Love

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We had a silent love
Deep and strong
And when I lost all hope
Or things went wrong
She gave me silent love
That could not be spoken
A silent bond
That can never be broken

It was a silent love
Simple and pure
And no matter what
I could be sure
Of her silent love
Somehow I knew
She would always be there
To get me through

With her silent love
True to the end
And as the years went by
I grew to depend
On that silent love
How could I have known
She'd be taken away
To leave me alone



With just this silent love
Still in my heart
And though it hurts so much
It tears me apart
In a silent way
Now she has gone
But her memory
Will forever live on
As a silent - love

And now, on a happier note...I'd like to end with a love song for my wife, Monique, who holds the mirror of my soul, and will always be first and last in my heart. It has been 23 years now, and we still get remarried every year, on our anniversary. This is something we would like to share with all loving couples. Monique and I wish you all Love, Peace and Joy. After all, Peace begins with Love; so Love one another, and Peace to the world. Finally, as you listen to this song, here is something you can do for anyone you like. It doesn't have to be a romantic love, it could just as easily be a family member or a friend. Simply begin by writing down the person's name; then, put down something you like about them that begins with each letter. That's all there is to it. It may not be the most original or creative song writing technique, but it's fun, it's easy, and it's really a nice thing to do. You're sure to find a few new ways of saying - I Love You - which is always the best thing to say, no matter how you say it. So, here is my love song for -

Monique

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M - is for Missing you
When we're apart

O - for the Only one
To steal my heart

N - is for Never saying
No to you

I - it's Impossible
For me to do

Q - for the Quiet way

U - Understand

E - is for Ever after
Hand in hand

M - O - N - I - Q - U - E

I thank the Gods for sending
You to me

Well, this has been a rewarding experience. I so seldom write anything, other than in song form; the sense of freedom is exhilarating. It's fun to be able to say things without having to think about rhyme or structure.

Again, Monique and I would like to thank you all: our family, friends, and all my fans for your kindness and caring support.

Take care and God bless,

The Winters,
Edgar & Monique

December, 2001


Edgar and Monique are donating the sword to The Museum of the Gulf Coast , where the memorabilia of such notable local celebrities as Johnny, Edgar, Janis Joplin and ZZ Top are permanently displayed.