Sprung March 19, 2008

With the official start of spring tomorrow (long overdue here in Chi-land) and many musicians coming out of hibernation I thought it would be appropriate to make an entry.  This winter has been one of incredible self-discovery.  I've been more obsessed with practicing and teaching than ever.  I have started to be inspired by new music again after seeing some great concerts recently (including Ben Allison and the SF JAZZ Collective).  One of my other obsessions has been accumulating interesting quotations.  Here are some exceptional ones that I feel particularly connected to at this moment.  I hope they evoke in you similar passion and inspiration.  

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps, it is because he hears a different drummer.  Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."  -Thoreau

"I've never known a musician who regretted being one.  Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down."  - Virgil Thomson 

"When people believe in boundaries, they become part of them."  - Don Cherry 

"If one is a master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has at the same time, insight into and understanding of many things." - Van Gogh 

"One can acquire everything in solitude, except character."  - Stendhal

"Computers are useless, they can only give you answers."  - Picasso

 "Love is the only reality of the world . . . And the only laws are paradox, humor, and CHANGE" - from The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

 

Also, here's an interesting article on the improvising musician's mind  - kudos to Caroline Davis

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-02/niod-iji022608.php

 

Currently Listening to:  

Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra - Enjoy

Tin Hat Trio - Book of Silk

Glenn Gould - Bach: The Art of the Fugue

Kenny Garrett - Beyond the Wall

Cornelius - Point

Promo for Green Mill Concert this Sunday December 11, 2007


The Interwebs December 2, 2007


Grillin' II September 6, 2007

Tooth Chapter is closed. I have a new one and it is cemented in. YAY! Anyone want to kiss?
Grillin' June 6, 2007

Hi! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Not much has been happening on this site recently due to a racquetball injury (I know, not the hippest storytelling sport). I slammed my face into a wall and broke a front tooth at the root and needed surgery. In any case, I had my tooth extracted and I have a temporary fake tooth in right now. I will get a permanent one in a few months. So, as you can assume I haven't been doing that much playing. I have found some other new (and some rekindled) passions including learning about wine, playing golf, walking (what a concept), and watching The Sopranos.
Here is picture of my tooth. I took this picture on my phone when I came out of the surgery. The surgeon wouldn't let me keep it as it is medical waste. The tooth is long gone now. R.I.P. 1982-2007.

I've been lucky in this situation that I have had great friends around to support me. I've also found some contentedness in this that I didn't think I would have. I've learned much from this.
More music when I return. Looking forward to recording and playing SOON! Best! MH