William Woods Interview Page 4

WW:  Well, I think it definitely helps just on the spiritual level, but with a lot of those communities there’s a certain strength within them that has existed for a long time.  I think it’s very difficult when certain towns, their entire industry, their entire businesses, have gotten wiped out, but some of the other towns, I mean, you can start seeing that spirit getting lifted up and business getting back not to as usual but getting back.

Smitty:  Yeah, well, that’s a wonderful thing to hear, that there is some resiliency there and people are starting to pick up the pieces, and it’s just so admirable when people like yourself are making a difference and those efforts to bring those communities back.  I think that’s a beautiful thing.

WW:  It’s a great feeling to do it.

Smitty:  Yeah, absolutely. Well, let’s hope for the best and let’s hope that people continue to assist those that are in need because the need has been mentioned so many times in the media, that need is going to be there for quite some time, so we don’t want to forget those people, and any time we have opportunities to assist in any way we can, because there’s a variety of ways that we can help, we want to certainly take advantage of those opportunities, that’s for sure.

WW:  Oh, absolutely. One other thing, just seeing on a local and regional level the amount of help within the communities and from other communities down towards the coast, it’s just an incredible thing that, I mean, I think that we have all pretty much seen how it’s very tough to rely on the government in situations like that but, I mean, and people coming out and clearing the highways right after the hurricane came, seeing the contributions, getting people back into homes, getting them clothes, getting them food or whatever else, is a beautiful thing.

Smitty:  Yes. Well, you love to hear those wonderful stories after something so horrible has happened, so we certainly want to thank all of those wonderful people as well as yourself and congratulate all of you on taking advantage of the opportunity to give when it is so important and so needed.    

Smitty:  Yes indeed.  So, now, talk to me about your Web site. You have a Web site.

WW:  Yeah, www.williamwoods.net. And also I have something up on My Space as well.

Smitty:  Oh, very cool, man.

WW:  William Woods Piano.

Smitty:  All right, very cool. 

WW:  Excellent.  Any readers or listeners who wanna contact me, I’d love to hear from them.

Smitty:  Oh, very cool, yeah.  Well, it’s always great when the musician is accessible, yes.  Well, William, I am just totally excited about this great new record and I applaud you for the profession that you have chosen in the medical field because the patients that you deal with are patients that are totally in need of care, and it’s great to talk with a musician that has that kind of heart to reach out to people and help them in so many ways, because you’re helping them in the medical field but when we really nail it down, the music is very therapeutic, so you have covered quite a bit of the spectrum in your ability to reach people and to help them.

WW: I always looked at the duality from the music standpoint, thinking about how being in medicine helped the music, but lately it occurred to me that the music gives me a certain humanity or puts me in touch with that humanity, which has really made a difference on the patients, which is really what keeps me in the profession. Technically it’s not that difficult, the doctoring.  The decision-making is pretty cut and dry.  There is some creativity there in radiation oncology but, I mean, medicine is medicine to a large extent, but the dealing with the patients, that connectedness, that touching them on a visceral level to make a difference in their lives, I think that the music has really helped me out in that regard.

Smitty:  Yes indeed.  Man, it’s a beautiful combination, it really is.  Well, William, I really have enjoyed talking with you about this great music, your careers, and all the things that you’re doing in association with helping people, and excited that you’ve got another record out there.

WW:  Thank you very much and hopefully there’ll be another one coming in the not too distant future.

Smitty:  For sure, and we always look forward to it and let’s get back together when that happens.  And let’s not wait til then.  Let’s get back together and talk some more even before then.

WW:  Absolutely. One thing, I want to definitely congratulate you on your new endeavor (Jazz Monthly).

Smitty:  Oh, thank you.  It’s been a work in progress and a lot of fun, we’ve enjoyed some successes that we never did imagine would happen so quickly, and it’s just been a beautiful ride thus far and we’re having fun, but thank you very much for remembering that.

WW:  Oh, you’re welcome.

Smitty:  Yeah, well, ‘cause you remember me back from the old Jazz Nation days.

WW:  Absolutely.

Smitty:  Those were fun times and it’s funny how when we move along in life, things just continue to move forward and progress, and as long as we keep those creative juices flowing, things just continue to be a lot of fun, and I’m just having a good time and enjoying the space and the time and the ride.

WW:  Excellent.

Smitty:  All right. We’ve been talking with Whaling City Sound music recording artist Mr. William Woods.  He has a great new record out, it’s called The Hear and Now, I highly recommend this album. William, thanks so much for the great conversation and I hope we can stay in touch, and please keep making beautiful music, my friend.

WW:  I sure will.  Thank you very much.

Baldwin “Smitty” Smith

For More Information Visit www.williamwoods.net and www.myspace.com/williamwoodspiano