The Machine’s Pump Volume 29 – #6 – June 2026
SHORTEST NEWSLETTER EVER.
As you probably know, I lead a band called Brave Combo. We named ourselves that because we figured we were brave to play music which people did not expect, in certain places, and we chose the word “combo” because it was the squarest word we knew, which meant “group of musicians.” I always thought the name served us pretty well and explained our mission. And it allowed us to be whatever we wanted and to play any song we wanted, in any style we wanted. This also gave us a reason to do more than just dabble; to actually try to understand why certain music sounds the way it does. It’s a vast landscape out there, but some of the puzzle pieces came together, then more, then more. And a big plus about Brave Combo is that it absolutely forced us, and still does, to be as nonjudgmental as possible. In fact, it’s a job requirement; to be very open and see the value in expanding our net. And almost every person who has been a member of Brave Combo has easily fallen into the aesthetic of creating music and sounds which might seem, at first, inappropriate for a situation. And we definitely enjoy messing with people’s ideas about what’s right and wrong in music. That’s been a constant motivation. So here I am, just a few years from my band turning fifty, and you can’t imagine how freaky that fact is to me. Or perhaps you can relate all too well.
Whatever, I am here to let you know, even in our country’s current state of doom and gloom, Brave Combo still exists, and we’re doing our best to confuse, perhaps even discombobulate, those who choose to pay attention. Confusion sometimes causes you to reevaluate. Nothing is going to make the darkness completely disappear, but how you perceive it is up to you. And opportunity often shows up in weird-ass clothes. Maybe Brave Combo is really just a motivational speaker pretending to be a band.
Quick thoughts. I heard Texas public schools will soon be forcing students to read the Bible. First of all, that’s insane. Secondly, most kids will think it’s stupid and dull. I wish Christians would try to be more good/nice Christians than bad/mean Christians, but I guess when you think you have a direct line to your god, it’s just hard to care about how others feel. Praise the Lord.
Okay, it’s past my bedtime. We have a few gigs this summer. Please check our itinerary and come out if you feel like having your life completely turn around for the better.
I am a Christian and don’t think the Bible should be taught in schools. You are clumping all Christians into the same group. It’s like saying all non believers are satan worshipers. You can disagree with something going on in education or politics without lashing out at people. I am a retired teacher. I think you might be surprised at how many Christians don’t think this should be happening. Just a thought. Try to not pass judgement on people. In a world where you can be anything be kind. I do think the world would be a better place if we all read our bibles in our homes with our families. Something I wish I had done more when my children were little. Be a light in the world. It definitely makes it brighter.
I think you should apologize to everyone for how they are treated by your fellow Christians. Then tell your fellow Christians to start acting like the Lamb of God instead of hypocrites and sinners themselves. Then come to realize that there’s a huge number of people who want freedom FROM religion, especially Christianity.
Here’s to almost 50 Years of Solid Joy!!!
My life would be so different, and would have been filled with much less Light & Love without Ya’ll!!!
I believe the first time I heard Brave Combo was at my brother David’s first wedding in 1978ish. Thank God for that day. Thanks for making my only wedding in1984 one of the happiest days of my life. And for bringing me & my children so much joy over the years!♥️♥️♥️
Somewhere around 1991 I passed a bar in Somerville MA with a group of friends. A band called Brave Combo was playing. I said Let’s go in and have a beer and listen to the band. They were on break. When they came out they started playing polkas. I said, We’re outa here after we finish the beers. But by the time I finished my beer I said I don’t care if they’re playing polkas, they’re playing them like Charlie Parker! I bought my first CD, A Night on Earth. Then I had to go buy a CD player.