There is a quality in a musician that is more important to me than either skill or professionalism and this is a childlike love for the unknown… an openness to the discovery of something new.
I view a performance, whether it be on stage or in the studio as a moment of its own.
This particular shared moment has never happened before and will never happen again. It is ours to create and enjoy together. Read On
A term that is often used in musical training is the word ‘listening’. While it should be a given, it is one of the missing elements in many musicians no matter their experience or pedigree.
As a young buck, playing with my father and his band I was often too loud and too busy… meaning that I was playing too many unwarranted notes. I was constantly reminded (nagged) by various members of the band of this wonderful adage.
“If you can’t hear someone then you are probably too loud (and should turn down)”. Read On
My favorite musicians often go unnoticed because they tend to underplay.
There is a care over each note chosen and like an endangered species in the jungle all their senses are awake and ready for what may be hiding and waiting ahead.
I had wonderful and curious adventure over the holidays.
I walked where very few mortals have dared, risking life, limb, sanity and reputation…. and yet here I am today, yes I have returned, relatively unscathed to tell my story.
I must warn many of my younger readers that some of the things I am about to tell you will at first seem almost too shocking for words (OMG) and perhaps… may I suggest you have your parents read or even paraphrase these events out loud in a soothing voice (yes sugar coat the events if you must). Read On
I was on tour with the PK band. We were somewhere in the midwest having another steak dinner. One of the guys had been complaining of a stomach ache all week and I suggested that he take a glass of red wine with his meal… guessing that in all likelihood it would ease his digestion. He took my advice… the wine did the trick and I could add ‘medicine man’ to my CV. Read On