Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 26, 2020 “Malden Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday” – Mike Walsh, 1956-2020 By Peter F. Levine I t is said in Malden: today, tomorrow and yesterday...” Fifteen years ago, Malden/ Medford funnyman John Pinette was living large, so to speak. The year 2005 saw him “kill it” touring the country as Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray.” Critics and fans loved it. John was also riding high with his one-hour comedy special “John Pinette: More Than a Woman” as well as his newly released DVD, “I Say Nay Nay.” For those Maldonians that may be unaware, John was one of those “observational comedians” who, aptly, appeared in the very last episode of “Seinfeld.” John had a beautiful soul and left many grief-stricken friends and family members, at the tender age of 50 dying from a pulmonary embolism. You are not forgotten, big guy. If you’ve driven down Seaview Ave. recently, you surely have noticed the outstanding makeover 45 Seaview has been receiving. Feels as though they’ve been working on it since the Obama administration, but it is worth every minute they’ve put into it. The stately old 1890 Victorian Mansard with great bones has had a complete gut-rehab, each apartment with a view of Boston almost as good as mine across the street. Insert smiley face emoji. Thank you to whoever is responsible for rehabbing this property. Taking into account the historical significance of this gorgeous link to Malden’s past for another generation to admire. It’s relentless. Word came via The late Mike Walsh proudly wearing his “Parts Unknown” game shirt. (Courtesy Photo) the interweb that James “Slim” Hand, the country honky-tonking singer-songwriter, died Monday, June 8 after a recent hospitalization. He was 67. I became a fan after discovering his 2006 CD “The Truth Will Set You Free.” I immediately became a fan and fell in love with his “mournful, emotional baritone recalling country icon Hank Williams.” A very sad day for music lovers. Rest in peace, Slim. That Malden-based punk/ pop trendsetters Boy’s Life were busy little boys 40 years ago this month: 6/2 Cantone’s with Lou Miami, 6/17 Cantone’s with Peter Dayton, 6/18 Cantone’s with Peter Dayton, 6/21 Thayer Street Loft with People in Stores & Steve Stain, 6/29 The Underground with Steve Stain, and 6/30 The Underground with The Reader. They will just not let him rest in peace. At this point “Mad Preacher Jack” is leading the heavenly choir with some of the finest Boston boogie-woogie piano playing heard since David Maxwell. But the tributes continue pouring in nonetheless. John “Jawn P” Preziosa – spoken word/recording artist/basketball coach/father: “My wife Gina and I wanted to walk the beaches of Gloucester and then find a place to grab a bite. We found a small Mexican restaurant with a bar and a dining room; we chose the dining room so we could reflect on our day. As we waited for drinks, I heard the flame, a flicker at first and then soon we were caught in the middle of an inferno of piano mixed with what appeared to be some incoherent ‘frantic mania.’ I instantly knew who, and what I was hearing (based on descriptions/legend) It has to be Preacher Jack! I confirmed this with the waiter and then approached this thin, long piano prodigy with arms made of wire and introduced and explained we had mutual friends. That meeting spawned what I would call a friendship that culminated in a recording session arranged by Gina who at the time was running a premiere studio that happened to have a SWEET Steinway Baby Grande. Built for the Preacher to dismantle with style (which he did). I got to record with Preacher that night, we recorded a piece I had put together recounting our first WALSH | SEE PAGE 10 J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping We Now Offer For Your Eating Pleasure “UBER EATS” Convenient Delivery Service Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Full Menu To Go Open for Takeout for Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Food 381 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere 781-284-5600
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