Begin Again

“Begin Anywhere”

— John Cage

Flipping to the new month on my kitchen calendar, I am already well grooving in the rhythm so engrained in my body - pencils sharpened, notebooks in place. Grateful to be older and wiser like this grand owl and know there are a lot of things I don’t really have to do. And, I can let go. Aging has definite perks.

John Cage, the avant-garde American composer, challenged us to launch in on new projects - anywhere, in his statement, “begin anywhere.” Just go. Just do it. Jump in with both feet. The September groove so familiar, gives me the added punch for which I have been seeking.

There’s a new breeze blowing in. A turn of a new leaf. Taking stock of my work, the current global climate, the desires of my heart for even deeper meaning - and meaningful work.

Zen Buddhism espouses “beginner’s mind,” a clean slate, a fresh palate by which to clear the mind and engage a new perspective. Clearing my desk and work space, disseminating the music on my music stand, I put away what’s not working or has grown tiresome. Starting with fresh ideas and rearranged piles of creativity.

“See you in September” reverberates through my brain. Yep, this is the time. The flow and focus of the world seem nearly palpable. Everyone dancing to the same groove - with delightful variations, of course. The sound of the school bus brakes to collect my neighbor’s children, the unanswered emails suddenly flying in with apologies, and literally the hum of the city. I see you, September!

The best part is living in the Mystery ~

Begin Again.
New projects.
Focus.
Go.

“I’m always thinking about creating. My future starts when I wake up every morning…every day I find something creative to do with my life.”

— Miles Davis

*photo image design by Abacus Corvus

The Little Mermaid

“When words fail, music speaks”

— Hans Christian Andersen

My parents always preached “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” I used to think this meant say only nice things. Now I take this as a message to be clear about what I say. Be Direct. Be prudent, perhaps, yet judicious with your words - or song.

 There is something about Voice that literally cuts to the core of us because it IS us. It is our Instrument. It is not only our physiology, but a major conduit from our mind, our selves and certainly our expression. The Voice is arguably the most vulnerable of all instruments. While expressing through Voice, it can be such a balance to remain relaxed and receptive and yet maintain a strong hide or container.

 I peer at the Little Mermaid sitting on the rock, seemingly searching or waiting for something beyond herself. The Little Mermaid with her golden tone, bargained her Voice away for what she wanted, or thought she wanted - something other than who she was. When Voices are bought, they are not true. When Voices are silenced, we all suffer.

 Andersen’s fairy tale, like all good stories, teaches me. It reminds me to not give my Voice away. Don’t settle for less. Don’t give anyone power over my Voice, my Say, my Life. Remain true to myself, and Voice myself. Dig a little deeper. When faced with challenges, like any good jazz musician ~ improvise!

 My eternal quest and question is - What is it I must express to be true to myself, and in my Truth, might I also contribute beyond self to the greater good of humanity?

Jazz Ahead

“I stayed on my own path and did not follow the herd. I made a way for myself.”

— Eartha Kitt

Boredom confines me. I seem to have a propensity to want to push the envelope, cross the next artistic frontier. All I can say is that I follow the next thing; inspiration, problem to solve, or inkling that there is a diamond in the rough to be polished.

This year on April 30th, International Jazz Day, I threw a dart and nailed my latest great dream. By a stroke of angelic miracle, I engaged improvisation genius, pianist Marc Cary, and virtuosic and versatile drummer, Diego Joaquin Ramirez, to expand my own artistic palate.

Throwing myself more and more into improvisation means not only playing with ways of music making but also broadening instrumentation. Marc and Diego were my Team, bringing synthesizers and sampling to the landscape. Marc played with jazz great Abbey Lincoln for 12 years, teaches Improvisation at both Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music, and tours with the best. Diego attended Berklee College of Music, won the Herb Alpert Jazz Composition award, attended the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program, plays with Marc Cary & the Harlem Sessions band, and hails from my beloved Ireland, yet now based in NY.

Together, we dove into music making in celebration of International Jazz Day at City Winery Atlanta. I played with two microphones, allowing for reverb and delay effects. Marc engaged acoustic piano, keyboard, and his synthesizer rig with a host of real samples — including the late jazz trumpeter, Roy Hargrove. Diego ripped on drums with infinite velocity and elegant solos.  

We covered new ground, taking standards, classics, and original compositions to a new place. Jazz made fresh. Jazz moving forward. Challenging ourselves and delighting ourselves.

Celebrating this iconic art form we call jazz.

I’m blessed. Hope I get bored again soon.

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do.”

— Ella Fitzgerald