I am most creative in the early morning hours. As I ride on the train heading to work, I listen to my iPod. All sorts of slick phrases, patterns and licks pop into my head. I tell myself that I will remember them so I can work things out when I get home that evening. Of course this never happens.
I’ve always struggled trying to stay focused in the practice room but lately, it has been harder than usual. Most of it is due to being mentally fatigued. My official title at work is Systems Analyst but most of what I do revolves around coding and wrestling with the nuances of various programming languages. Slap that on top of the stress that I sometimes feel trying to get home (either by train or car) and you’ve got a recipe for low productivity.
Staying organized helps. I have a list of things that I’m working on and I try to stick to the list. If I only have 60 minutes to practice I’ll spend 15 getting warmed up and the rest trying to shed on something that is on the list. That guarantees that what I work on will at least move me forward a bit. In many cases I won’t feel like practicing when I first start but after a few moments I get into what I’m doing and it turns out quite good. I manage to get in 1.5 to 2 hours after work.
Still, I wish I could practice for an hour in the morning, head to work and then wrap things up in the evening. Since I live in a townhouse, waking up at 5AM and getting in an hour is out of the question unless I use a practice mute. Next week my plan is to try and do this at least 2 days out of 5. If it proves fruitful and I notice no negative effects on my chops I’ll expand it. Stay tuned for how that works out.
Jeremy Pelt and Jim Rotondi
On Friday and Saturday I treated myself by attending two concerts featuring a couple of my favorite trumpet players on the scene today – Jeremy Pelt and Jim Rotondi.
Jeremy Pelt was playing at the Kennedy Center Jazz Club with his quintet. I’ve seen Jeremy perform numerous times in the area but this was the first time he was appearing as leader. Most of the music performed was from his new CD November. Standout tunes for me were “Monte Cristo” and a song written for his wife – “Rosalie.” Xavier Davis was on piano and I really enjoyed his playing.
Jim Rotondi was playing in Baltimore at a spot called Caton Castle. Jim featured tunes from his new CD Four of a Kind but also laid down some really tasty standards. A burning rendition of “Unit 7” really got the crowd going. He also played an original tune called “One for Felix” that I really enjoyed. Between sets Jim was nice enough to sign some CDs for me. As always his playing was on point.
Both players impressed me with their ability to make the trumpet sound burning and edgy one minute, soft and flugel-like the next. They did this without switching mouthpieces and both horns appeared to be standard axes. I hear a lot of talk of using equipment to get a desired sound but their playing shows that it really is a mental concept that shapes what comes out of the bell.
HR-57
Things have been really, really slow for me playing wise. This year in comparison to last year has been void of playing opportunities. Most of the time my chances to play in public come from outside invites. I’ve come to realize if I want to play out I’ve got to step up to the plate and pursue opportunities myself.
Starting November my goal is to hit HR-57 and other jam sessions spots at LEAST 2-3 times a month. I need to do this regularly and not once in a blue moon as I have in the past. If nothing else it will give me a chance to play out, meet some more cats and maybe even drum up a playing opportunity or two. Even if I choose not the play, the live music experience is a great way to learn and stay hungry for improvement.
By posting this here I’m committing to do this. If I don’t say anything about it by December – call me out on it!
Sound Files?
If you have been a long time reader of my site you know that I used to post sound files showing my progress. I believe I’ve come a long way as a beginning player in eight years. I’m hoping people realize by now that I’m not a professional player. I’ve got a day job but I’ve also got a desire to learn to play this music at a high level. I do what I can with the time I’m allowed (see first section).
Unfortunately someone did not get that and made a point to trash me, my playing and my efforts. I became less open to sharing my journey with anyone I could not put my hands on. As a result, I removed that section from the site. Don’t get things twisted. If you see me on the street or wherever and ask me to play something for you – I’ll do it without batting an eye. I just have a problem posting material on this site and then feeling defenseless as some anonymous coward makes derogatory comments about it. This happened a long time ago but it is obvious that it still bothers me.
I think a lot of people assume that since the site looks “professional” I MUST be a full time player. Of course these people never bothered to read the About Me section of the site. If they had, they would get what I’m trying to do and where I’m coming from.
Any way – I’m seriously thinking about adding recordings regularly again. If I choose to do so, you’ll see and hear something on my next journal entry. Of course after writing this and getting ticked off again I probably won’t.
Quick Note to My Fellow Bloggers
I have to take a moment to say hello to some of new blogger friends that I’ve come to know over the past few months. I have been impressed and inspired by their honesty and openness. They are all really talented writers. Their work has actually made me more likely to really share what is on my mind (see the section above). I don’t have to say names because they know who they are. Thanks for visiting my page and you KNOW I will continue to grace yours.
Until my next post – support live jazz! Go to a concert in your area and be sure to let the musicians know how much you appreciate their music. We need each other.