“At the time, Bossa Nova was coming out of Brazil, which was with a stick and brush,

like--,”
the graying man at the table grabbed a small hairbrush and butterknife, and rapt them on the surface in
quick succession. It was a deep, sloppy, salsa beat, that very much reminded Alex of elephant travel.

“---and I appreciated that very much and decided to use it, and make it stiffer for Rock ‘n Roll, so
you know, it’s like this,” he repeated the same beat, although now sped up and cleaner.

“And then of course Ray added in his Latino thing like he does with all our other songs (an older
man across from him laughed), and then what do you know, this pseudo-Spanish/Club/Rock N Roll song
became a Doors song!”

Alex laughed as he adjusted the plates in his arm.

“Wow that’s really interesting, Mr. Densmore. You know, this is probably not going to make
much sense, but the closest persona or musician that I’ve heard to The Doors is actually Frank Sinatra!
Because I feel like Jim Morrison might have really liked Frank Sinatra, he sings with that kind of
masculine, you know, ‘I’ve lived through it, and here what it’s like.’”

“YES!” barked the man in his seat, his lengthy hair bouncing a little. He sipped his drink calmly.
“Yes, we all really admired jazz, you artists like Miles Davis and the like. Anyway, there you have it
young man, that’s the birth of Break on Through.”

“Yeah, thanks again sir, it was awesome meeting you.”

“Hey, hey, thanks for listening. Not many people care to hear me talk about music styles or anything
like that. It’s Manzarek whose the storyteller anyway.

“Ha. Your guys’ refills are coming right up, okay?” Alex collected the rest of the silverware at
the table and departed to the kitchen.

“Hey Alex!” called a female voice behind him.

A girlish figure with flowing black hair rushed past him.

“I heard The Doors are over in this room! How could you not tell me?!”

“Sorry Gaby, I didn’t want to interrupt your fixing your hair and make-up this morning,
which might I say looks pretty sexy this morning--”

“Oh, shut up.” she smiled.

 Alex laughed and continued down an outside hall lined with picture of Europe. Somewhere
overhead, a monkey swung from a vine. It quickly darted up into the ventilation shaft, and Alex could
hear shrieks above as he continued toward the outside dining room.

Magic Piper of Love by Edwin Collins flooded throughout the jungle restaurant and
flickered throughout, like smoke settling in the air. Alex appreciated how today the song reminded him of
his hot 8th grade .Spanish teacher.

He came to an outside elevated dining area. The entire mountain could be seen from the tables, as
there were no windows, only gaps in the bamboo supports. Lush vegetation acted as drapery, and a few
fruits were even growing here and there.

Even though the floors creaked under his shoes, they could not really be heard over the chirping
of birds and insects around the exterior.

“Here’ss the maid of honor!” slurred a man from center table.

“Nice to see you guys, hope we are all enjoying our drinks. My names Alex and I’ll be taking
your orders.”

Alex initiated the most brotherly fist pound he had performed in a while. Robert Plant’s flaxen
curls bounced on his shoulders; Alex recognized him along with the other guests. Two black men, the
younger of the two dressed in a crisp leather jacket, and a slightly older man sporting a worn jacket and
red beanie.

“It’s about time they put some damn good music on, wouldn’t you agree John?” Robert chuckled
into his drink. “Better than the Linkin Park nonsense that was on earlier….”

How Many More Times by Led Zeppelin trounced from the sound system and throughout the
jungle room. Shuffling his feet to the music, Alex decided mentioning it would be a decent set opener.
The other man said, “I don’t know Robert. Linkin Park’s pretty talented if you ask me.”

Leaning towards him, Alex asked, “It’s John Legend, isn’t it? Awesome to meet you, I’m a huge
fan.”

John Legend winked at him.

“Are you paid to say that to all your guests?”

 “What?! No!” said Alex, stung. “I really love your R&B music. You’re one of the first
black artists I started getting into while I was first starting adolescence. You got me through some
rough patches in my life.”

“Any time.” John laughed.

“Ha. Anyway, what I wanted to ask, what do you think about this white man’s rock? You
feelin it?”

I Can’t Quit You Babe by Led Zeppelin crooned through the room. John Legend bobbed
his head to the alluring bassline.

“Well, if you trace music back as far as it can go, you’ll see that that what’s referred to as
‘Rock N Roll’ was pioneered by Blues, in other word’s the black man’s pain. So it’s hardly ‘white man’s’
rock at all, but I understand what you’re asking. Any soulful music I love.”

Grabbing a breadstick, he nodded to Robert Plant.

“You guys were really lucky to have JPJ in the group. That was one talented guy, he really knew
how to ride a bass.” John tipped his glass towards the man next to him. “However, I don’t think he had
anything on James Jamerson and the whole Motown scene.”

John smiled eagerly at the black man next to him, hoping for a reaction. The man only continued
to gaze off into the horizon. Robert Plant rolled his eyes.

“What an excellent example of the ‘cultural-icon’ mentality from your current generation,
(“Whose ever referred to me as an icon?”) comparing bassists! Rubbish! That’s quite a rookie thing for a
musician to do, John.” Alex watched the pair of them with wide eyes.

Robert calmly scanned the menu. “Any old pile of shrimp and pasta you find lying around will
be enough to satisfy me.” Alex scratched his notepad and wiped his forehead.

“This blazing weather is horrid. Anywho, Mr. Jones and I personally met with Mr. Jamerson in
1972 and we got along famously, it’s really none of your business to compare their talents now is it? Oh
and, Alex, (he scanned the nametag) one more Berry Sangria.”

Alex scribbled as the two continued their bickering about bassists.

 Lemon Song by Led Zeppelin came on ironically. The purring bassline took over the
entire room, and Alex momentarily forgot that he was taking orders. He almost didn’t notice the third
man clear his throat.

Alex apologized swiftly and looked back at the patient, smiling guest in front of him. He gasped
and began to shake hands with him eagerly.

“Wow! You’re the Marvin Gaye! You know I meet famous artists and groups here all the
time….but I must say it really is a pleasure to meet you! What’s Going On is like, probably my favorite
album of all time….” They ceased shaking hands while Marvin laughed modestly. “Anyway, now that
I’ve embarrassed myself, what’ll you be having today sir?”

“Glad to hear you liked the album. I hope you can trace the similarities between back then and
your current generation? It’s good to see young people embracing different types of music. I actually had
a question however, about your wines for today?” The soft-spoken man ran his finger along a small menu.

Alex blinked as light reflected off Marvin’s glitter beanie. He explained the various wines as well
as his personal favorites, which proved difficult as the other two guests were still arguing loudly.

Demon Days by Gorillaz began by a series of violin wails as the conflict began to subside. John
Legend signaled its cease by clasping his hands together at the start of the song.

“This group is amazing! They’re some of the coolest cats from London. I’ve only spoken
with the head of the project, Damon Albarn, a few times but man…..that guy is really funny.”

“Project? Are they a collaborative effort?” asked Robert with interest.

“Well see Plant, they’re not really a music group persay, it’s more of a cartoon group headlining for
backround artists. You know like fake identities or something similar? They do use a lot of other artists
who make guest appearances. But they have cartoons as the image of the group instead of real people.
Not really scapegoats or fake artists but….it’s a little difficult to explain.”

“Nonsense, I understand entirely. That sounds very fascinating.”

“No kidding, this is some interesting music.” commented Marvin. He swayed to the
harmonics and African-influenced beat. “John you don’t suppose you know what year this song
came out?”

“Of course I do. This song here is inn facts off a 2005 album, their second effort.”
 “Ah, we’ll have been plotting the Zeppelin Reuinion tour by then!” said Robert, nudging
Alex.

John Legend continued, “Yeah Marvin you should really check out the entire album
when you get the chance, they’ve experimented with several instruments of all international
cultures, something I’ve been keen on pursuing myself. Anyway, now down to business, eh--” he
glanced at Alex’s nametag, “—Alex.”

“I presume you are familiar with the ‘Name Game’ deal offered on weekdays?” John
brushed off his brown leather jacket nonchalantly. Alex couldn’t help smiling and said yes.

“Where guests are not only allowed to, but encouraged to test the waiter’s or waitress’s
musical knowledge by striking a conversation with said employees, only using song titles from the artist
in question And if they are unable the guests get extra, free meals and/or dishes?” he eyed Alex
suspiciously.

“Yes yes, I’m very familiar with it.” laughed Alex.

“Good.”

“So?”

“I could really care less about the soups or salads here. Get me the Zuppa Toscana, don’t overcook it
please….but I’m hardly concerned about that. What I want to delve into is--” he lowered his smooth
voice.

“What, exactly is the female situation like here? I see a lot of fine young ladies walk around this
place, and man those girls know how to wear a uniform….c’Mon. Be real.” He looked at Alex
expectantly.

Alex’s thoughts snapped onto Gabriellee’s curvaceous figure immediately, and ironically she was
the person collecting silverware from the other empty tables. Obviously she had overhead, saying

“Sorry Johnny m'boy! We don’t disclose those things.”

“Awww what. Girl this is a private conversation between me and this fine waiter. Guest-Server
confidentiality!”

She smirked and rolled her eyes, bending down and collected the empty beverage glasses from
John Legend’s table. He winked at her, and Alex expected her to yell but she returned a brilliant smile
towards him. Her face was slightly lined with sweat, whether it was the humidity, the hard work, or the
fact that a very good looking man was in her presence Alex was unsure. He then mentally scolded himself
for thinking that.

“We’ll play some more Song Prescription later.” she said and walked back down through the
hall.

“It’s all on you, baby!” John called as she disappeared behind the hallway.

“What’s that?” Alex asked.

“Oh Song Prescriptions,” John was still smiling towards Gabrielle’s path. “Yeah man, that’s a
little game I like to play with the females around here. I’m not sure who really came up with it, but it’s a
cool ill’ flirty thing you know. Keeps things interesting around here. Basically, you take an artist, ask
them, or me—Dr. Legend for example—to prescribe girls songs to bump for specific situations.” Alex
grinned at how much Mr. Legend was enjoying explaining this to him.

“‘Ready to Go,’ for example when it’s girl’s night out, you know, your make-ups done, you aboutta
hit the clubs…. ‘It’s Over!’ for when that man just ain’t picking up that phone, and you know he with that
girl…..etcetera.”

Alex just shook his head and laughed. Gabrielle’s wide smile at Mr. Legend kept playing in his
mind however, and he found it hard to shake the pang of jealousy.

“You know, I’m not sure if you’d believe me John, but me and her had a relationship.”

“Did you now?” John was buried in the menu. He let out a low whistle. “I won’t lie, that girl is
pretty bad! What’s her name?”

“Gabrielle.”

John let out the loudest whistle ever. “And a sexy name to boot, too. Too bad about her eyesight
though.” He looked up at Alex.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, she went out with you, didn’t she? AHAHA. Just playing.” He hit Alex playfully, who
rolled his eyes.
 “Nah but for real man, you’re a good looking guy. What went wrong? Just couldn’t keep it stable
huh? No, not in the sea of babes you got here…..I feel you boy.”

Alex shook his head. He was about to speak, when he stopped himself and began his words
carefully.

“Well, see here Mr. Legend,” he began in a falsely professional voice. “Me and her were
steady for a while, not girlfriend and boyfriend however…you know what I mean of
course….just two Ordinary People! But I left the relationship in God’s hands, cuz Heaven Only
Knows, right? (John barked a laugh) I felt it was bound to implode from the start though. She’s a
real woman, I’m a man, we’re not entertained by one desire…..she was a huge fan of music, and I
only can play guitar, you know….imagine her weighing that in her mind against all the legends
that come in this place! She’s a beautiful girl, inside and out… people can read that right away, I
think. I think I needed to give her the freedom of dating the guests here….I just felt like she
wasn’t completely happy in a monogamous relationship…I don’t know…it was something biting
me in the back of my mind. “
Robert nudged Marvin.
“Talk about a life story….” Marvin laughed out loud, but it was a gentle laugh.

“Oh, to be young and feel love’s keen sting, eh Robert?”

Alex continued, ignoring them which made them laugh more.

“I won’t act like I was completely innocent though. I had some relationships on the side
too, so it was like—”

“—‘It’s Over!’ Overrrr.”

“Nah nah, more like, hm, well…..She Don’t Have To Know! Ohhh whoa...”

John chortled and folded the menu. “Ha! Wow man, you’ve actually listened to my first album,
not many people do.” He fastened his hands together.

“Extra credit! That girl, Gabrielle, she looks like she’s got some Latino in her---”

“Oh yeah John. Definately Latina.”

“----yeah yeah…. and I’ve got some personal experience with fiery Latino types! You gotta tell
me man, though I think I know the answer. Tell me boy, how was the Satisfaction? Scale of 1-10,
one being ‘damn I need to get the HELL out of this relationship, and TEN being her giving it to
you so damn good you forget your own name…”

His grin was not hidden in the slightest. Alex immediately flashed red and tried to laugh.

“Ah man, don’t even worry about it.”

“Oooh hoooooo!

All three of the guests at the table burst into laughter which made Alex flash an even
deeper red.

“Don’t even say anything boy it’s written all over your face.” said Robert Plant. John
Legend seemed very amused by this.

“Can I get me some, Satisfaction? Ohhohh give me some Satisfaction. Give me the magic
back, that’s all I ask, of you!”

“Just Save Room for that shrimp pasta.” muttered Alex.

“Zuppa Toscana.” John corrected him.

“Whatever.”

Hong Kong by Gorillaz came on, and a Chinese string instrument danced around the
atmosphere. Marvin swayed dreamily.

“You know, I’ve always had an artful ear for Eastern cultures.” Marvin Gaye murmered.
His chin rested upon his palms.

“Around the time all the hippies began their endeavors with Indian music, I fell in love
with it. It’s so enthralling to me, it reminds me of the gypsie folk music of Russia. Oh, and Alex
I’ll have a grilled chicken breast with a side of sautéed vegetables. Any vegetables will do, I’m
just trying to watch those carbohydrates.” He patted his waist.

“If it’s any consolidation at all, I think you look pretty good. No need to really watch
your figure.” commented Alex.

“Poor man.” muttered Robert. “That nice young waitress hurt his heart so badly he’s
turned a bright eye towards the male guests…” John Legend bit back a laugh.
 “No worries at all.”Alex scribbled on his notepad, ignoring Plant. He collected their
menus.

“Hey, I’ve always thought 60’s integration of different culture really changed music as
well. The intergration of Middle-Eastern music was cool, but personally, I’ve most loved the
influence Spain had over music in that era, you know, like The Doors or Santana. My father’s
Latino culture was really around me as a kid growing up.”

Marvin Gaye smiled.

“Spain is a beautiful place. It’s especially nice if a woman hops along with you. Next
time you think of going, ask that lovely lady if she’s interested in accompanying you.” He studied
Alex smartly, who could only reply, “Maybe.”

An exotic bird cried out somewhere, and Alex finished collecting their drink orders as
well as meal orders.

He clapped down the pen. “’Twas cool chatting with you guys, but I’ve got to
leave now! Tend to some other tables and such. Stay ugly, you two!” He added to Robert and
John.

Alex was unsuccessful in evading the breadsticks that pelted him as he ran off.