If you scrolled back far enough on this site you are probably aware that I started this musical journey as a trumpet player. I won’t bore anyone with details (as it is all here to read) but I moved from playing trumpet to bass about 10+ years ago.

I don’t regret the change in instruments. In many ways bass aligns with my personality. I recently purchased a double bass and I couldn’t be happier exploring my new possibilities of expression. In many ways it reminds me of trumpet in that it requires… no… it demands that I practice everyday just to maintain the little bit of facility that I’ve come to enjoy.

All that said, I do have moments when I miss the horn. In all honestly I feel as if I let many of my heroes and mentors down by moving away from it. Legends who have moved on like Lee Morgan, Miles, Woody Shaw and Kenny Dorham. I see pictures of them and wonder if they are disappointed in my departure from the trumpet. I am still in contact of many of my living heroes and teachers – Terence Blanchard, Jeremy Pelt, Jon Crowley and Ingrid Jensen. I wonder if they think I coped out.

I’ll probably never know but I do know that this music – jazz, BAM, whatever you’d like to call it gives me so much joy. That may be one of the longest running constants in my life next to my love for my mother, father and sister.

Music is amazing.

During the pandemic one of my frequent sources for inspiration and comfort has been checking out podcasts. The subject matter of my listening is diverse but hearing the stories of others as they try to navigate this odd season truly make me feel as if I was not alone dealing with fear, sadness, anxiety and life.

Interviews with musicians are especially inspiring. Countless artists have found themselves stuck at home as clubs and venues are closed to public performances. As I write this – things have definitely improved but I know of more than a few tours that are still being cancelled or cut short due to safety concerns. I won’t call any of this a silver lining because it truly is not. We need the healing energy live music provides now more than ever. That said, this time has presented more opportunities to schedule interviews to talk music and life with many of these talented human beings.

I could fill this post with countless links of podcast interviews I’ve enjoyed (if there is interest in that let me know and I’ll post another entry with my favorites) but this one in particular is pure gold. Steve Swallow is pioneer of the bass guitar in jazz/improvised music. In this podcast with pianist Pablo Held (who himself is an amazing musician and his knowledge of guest’s body of work makes conversations much more special), Steve shares his fascinating story as well as many inspiring thoughts on music, practice, his creative process and experiences of jazz legends like Roy Haynes, Thelonious Monk and many others. It runs just over two hours in length and for me – the time flew by quickly. I’ve listened to it in it’s entirety too many times to count. As someone hoping to find a home in improvised music with electric bass it is a must listen.

A few friends have asked how I find the time to practice with a full time job and family. The truth of the matter is it isn’t hard to find the time for something if it’s important to you. In most cases I have found that time isn’t the problem when it comes to practicing, it is usually summoning motivation and energy – especially in 2020.

I get up around 6:30 AM every day (even weekends). Some days I may get up as early as 5:30 if having trouble sleeping but I rarely stay in bed past 7. I remember how hard this was at first. The first few attempts were me moving from the bed to the couch downstairs to continue sleeping! The thing that helped me was starting this habit when daylight savings ended. Rolling clocks back an hour helped make 6:30 AM feel like and hour later to my body and by the time the clocks were scheduled to spring forward, I was deeply accustomed to rising before or with the sun.

The thing I like most about getting up early is I get to carve out time for myself before sharing my energy with the rest of the world. I tried putting in work at the end of the day but I was usually too tired and unable to focus. I also felt as if I was giving my passion left over energy. It was garbage time and that wasn’t acceptable for a goal/passion that was supposed to be very important to me.

I’ve been getting up early since before my first son was born 9 years ago and now it is automatic. It is honestly my favorite part of the day. Another unplanned byproduct of this practice is I am almost always in a better overall mood when I do it. Spending valuable time on myself first makes me much more receptive to giving time to others, whether that is making breakfast for the kids, driving someone to work or sitting in a long system planning meeting.

If you’re looking to add time for practice or study and haven’t seriously tried it, consider waking up a bit earlier in the day. While it may feel like torture the first few weeks, I promise you will get into a rhythm if you stay consistent and remain diligent. The satisfaction of dedicating time to something important to you will reap tremendous benefits towards your goals and ultimately your overall attitude as the day unfolds.

Quick housekeeping note – I know a few people registered to be notified when I add new content. Two weeks ago I posted this but forgot to turn on notifications. If you missed it feel free to check it out and as always thank you for visiting. I do hope everyone is well.

Hoping this message finds everyone doing well and safe. The times now are just as troubling as when I posted my last entry which seems long ago (it was and I apologize for that). In truth, I would have hoped that globally we would find ourselves in a different place by now. The pessimist in me says things are pretty much the same but the voice of my inner optimist is starting to speak up more. With it’s help I am trying to grasp the positive things that flash across the news and use them to soothe my always anxious spirit. Most of the time it works.

One new habit I have started since the pandemic began is listening to more podcasts. There is so much great material available now with musicians sharing their thoughts on the state of the world but also on how they have tried to remain creative, inspired and hopeful. Some of my favorites podcasts have been You’ll Hear It, The Jazz Session with Jason Crane, Pablo Held Investigates, Stir Crazy with Steve Jenkins and the Third Story with Leo Sidran. In many of them I find inspiration as a musician but also as a human being trying to navigate through this hot mess we currently find ourselves in.

I still have days when I noodle or don’t pick up my bass at all but I have been proud of my consistency as of late. I keep a journal and this is the longest that I’ve ever logged my practice time and thoughts. It has been extremely helpful. Sessions has been more focused with no more than two areas of growth focus with the rest of my time spent trying to maintain or improve technique.

I am hoping this entry is the start of a plan to write something at least once a week. Even if it is just a paragraph or two. Perhaps I’ll share some of the inspiration I heard of my favorite podcasts or what I’m working on musically. Regardless, I think coming here and writing will be another form of therapy and I feel like I need all that I can get.

Till the next one – be well and stay safe.

Crazy times we are experiencing right now. This message is to welcome many of you who don’t know much about me beyond our connection via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I am taking an extended break from it due to the overwhelming amount of (mis)information being shared. Truthfully it isn’t just social media – it’s also 24 hour news stations. Others may find value in it but frankly, it is too much for me. I’ve done short breaks in the past but this one could be permanent.

That being the case, I will be posting and sharing via my site which has been stagnant for far too long. For anyone who is a first time visitor check out the blog entries and you’ll learn more about me than you probably want. 🙂 You can also hit me via the contact page. I welcome any messages you take the time to write.

Stay tuned. Also be blessed, be well, breath and be present!

“May we never forget that in the sunshine of our lives, through the storm and after the rain – it is all with God – in all ways and forever.”
~ John Coltrane (Love Supreme liner notes)

After my last post, I’ve remained in sort of a musical and spiritual funk.  Good days for sure but often my primary mood was more than a little somber.  I have the ability to put on a “happy face” and go about my business but only close family and friends knew the space I was really in.  I prefer it that way as it keeps me from talking about it (except for here which is like therapy for me).  The good news is I feel things changing and as usual, music comes through and creates a positive shift.

Chasing Trane is a documentary about legendary musician John William Coltrane.  The movie speaks of Coltrane’s life, music and how he aspired to use his art to change the world for the better.  While for me it did not offer any new information it did provide excellent insight from many of his peers and people he inspired.  His own words and thoughts are narrated by Denzel Washington and it features comments from Benny Golson, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, Ravi Coltrane, Dr. Cornel West, Bill Clinton and many others.  There are also many photos and video footage I had never seen before.

More than anything, Coltrane’s story with his body of work as a soundtrack reminded me of why I love all music but jazz specifically.  I appreciate all genres of music but there is something about the instrumental nature of jazz and it’s creative nature that speaks to me very deeply.  I know I’ve said this before (as have many others) but music expresses what is inexpressible.  It speaks directly to that moan writhing inside your soul.  If you listen in the right space and you are open to it, – music can heal.  When I listen to Coltrane’s music it moves me deeply and consistently.  It doesn’t matter what space I’m in.

Since watching the documentary I have been listening to his music almost exclusively.  Thank you John Coltrane for providing that shift.  I read that he wanted his art to provide healing for people.  I can say without a shadow of a doubt that he did that for me.

PBS is streaming Chasing Trane from it’s web site.  I highly recommend that you check it out when you have the time.  This link is good until 11/21/2017 but you should also be able to buy/stream the video on Amazon.

When I felt bad in the past I could always, ALWAYS find peace, solitude, love, affirmation — you name it, in music.  Music filled in what was missing.  It was my therapist when the world around me was swirling with change or surrounded by dark clouds.  A simple melody would whisper in my ear that everything is going to be alright, just hang in there.  You’re good.  We (music) got you.

Lately I don’t hear those whispers in music and it frightens me.

As mentioned in my previous post I’ve taken a social media break.  It has been good – no, it’s been great.  Great for getting my head out of my phone and in touch with now, being present, spending time with my family.  I read that when you stare at your phone while in a room full of friends/family, you’re telling them that the people on the phone are more important than they are.  I never thought about that but I don’t want to send that message to my wife or kids.  Studies show that some people actually become depressed when taking breaks from social media.  They were more in touch with how they were actually feeling rather than ignoring / drowning out those thoughts with pictures, videos, likes, emojis and other distractions.  Perhaps that is what I’m dealing with?  Perhaps depression was always there but drowned out by sound?

I haven’t been as motivated to practice.  That is highly unusual for me.  Normally I would literally count the seconds till I could pick up my instrument and explore a sound, melody, technique or just try and create something.  Lately I pick up my bass and while I go through the motions of practicing, the joy just plain isn’t there.  Yes, that frightens me.

It frightens me because I’ve always considered music my 6th sense.  Not because I am great at it but because it is as important to me as sight, hearing (obviously related), touch, taste, and smell.   I love listening to music and I love playing it.  It feels funny to be lost, know what’s missing and yet, can’t get back to it — even though it’s right there in front of you.  Admittedly I have not been getting a lot of rest.  Most days I am up by 4:30AM (or earlier) and usually begin my day just a few short hours afterwards.  Perhaps I’m just tired?  I hope so…

This past weekend brought a glimmer of hope.  I had friends over and we played tunes.  I originally wasn’t as charged up as I normally was.  I only practiced to ensure I would be able to support them and make the music good.  When we started playing, laughing and joking, I felt that joy for the first time in what feels like ages.  It felt wonderful.  I felt good.  I don’t have that same joy now but I am hopeful it is a sign that it hasn’t left me.  It’s still there.  Perhaps it is being quiet so I can deal with something – something that might be keeping me from taking that next big musical step?

Right now however, I’m not thinking about big musical steps.  I just want to hear and feel the music again like I used to.

I’ve been addicted to social media.

Granted, I don’t think I’m as bad as most but for me a break was required.  The amount of time I spent on Facebook or Instagram mindlessly scrolling through posts or pictures was too high.  This was time that I could spent reading, doing some focused music listening, practicing or more importantly being present with my family.

I have an addictive personality.  I know I can’t simply spend less time on social media.  If you have that ability, you are my hero.  I can’t.  I need to go cold turkey to break the habit.  Once I feel ready, I’ll tip toe back into it and try to develop a more healthy relationship.  Before that happens I need to develop new healthy habits (for me) and then use Facebook / Instagram as the fantastic marketing tool that it is.  Yes, it’s a great way to stay in touch with family and friends but at it’s core – it’s a marketing tool.

I’m on day 5 of the break.  I’ve found that I don’t spend as much time on my phone as I used to which is great – especially when I’m supposed to be spending time with my family, listening to what they are saying or watching a movie together.  I have been guilty of being distracted too many times so it is a huge change and enough of a benefit to keep it going.  Still not sure how long.

If anyone is curious about some of the articles that talk about social media and their effects on our lives – please hit me and I’ll send you some links.  You can also just hit YouTube and perform a few searches.  The info is out there for all.  Thanks to Damian Coccio for sending me really informative stuff.

A great byproduct of this break is I plan to spend more time on this site.  More writing, more posting videos and more development to make it better.  One of the first things I’ve done is setup a subscription option.  You can subscribe to receive updates via the subscription box on the right.  I welcome you to sign up and I thank you in advance.  This also puts a bit more pressure on me to post more regularly.  🙂

Chris Potter is a Monster

I’m a big fan of musician Bob Reynolds and his YouTube Vlog.  One of my favorite posts was a recording of one of his gigs with tenor sax giant Chris Potter.  Bob plays with Snarky Puppy and on one particular gig, Chris Potter agreed to sit in on a tune.  What happened on that stage was truly magical and in my opinion the perfect example of a player who has mastered his instrument and can respond to the sounds heard around him.

Watching this on YouTube gave me goosebumps.  The really cool thing was yesterday morning I had this video playing on TV.  My oldest son Henry walked into the room after waking up and watched the entire performance in silence.  His head moved up and down in response to the rhythm and pulse.  Normally he is a chatter box (like most 5 year old kids) but in this moment he was mesmerized.

So sounds like I need to either practice a lot more or find out if Chris would be interested in baby sitting my kids.  Music is powerful stuff.