Billy Bang-Bang

Saturday's Weekend Edition (NPR) had a wonderful gem; an interview with jazz violinist Billy Bang. The center was Bang's latest album, Vietnam the aftermath; a very personal look at his time overseas fighting for America. A lot of ground was covered in the short on-air time; how Bang ended up in Vietnam, how he dealt with the world after the war, how jazz became his life, how after 30 years he was finally able to address his personal demons.
NPR's website (perhaps 'the best' at fleshing out broadcast stories) adds depth and background, as well as music from the album. This is all very moving - especially to me - Billy Bang-Bang (as he was named in the 'hood after returning from Vietnam) was one of my very first professional assignments; I spent an evening with him and writer Bob Blumenthal, in his New York apartment back in the early 80's, photographing and listening to some of the stories he is only now sharing with the rest of the world.
Great stuff to start off the new year.