Connections & Disconnections

Many of my musician friends, including a few in this band, find ourselves at times discussing (and often debating) the merits and demerits of musicians who are incredibly skilled on their instruments.

These geniuses practice four or more hours a day and can flawlessly perform any piece of music either placed in front of them or within hearing three notes of the first chorus. 

Then there are other musicians who, well, are not as blessed. They work hard, are dedicated to their craft, but can’t seem to break the threshold of greatness. In many ways, they employ the same approaches in their soloing, technique and they tend to settle into a comfortability that, in many ways prohibits them from stretching beyond familiar boundaries.

Yet, and here’s where the debates usually surface, many of the latter described musicians are far more popular than their counterparts, because they possess a gene that makes an immediate emotional connection with their audience, which more than makes up for their technical deficiencies.

It’s often here where the question is raised, “Well, should we accept and support mediocrity and sub-par musicians?” 

In my opinion, absolutely not – artistic excellence is a virtue every musician should strive for. But, we must observe and appreciate the uniqueness – and the spirit, vibe and aura that each one brings to the table.

I have been to shows where the virtuoso used every single note on their instrument with masterful fluency. Their expert facility of timing, technique and proficiency was unmatched and among the 47 or so of us shouldering the responsibility of keeping each other awake, we agreed that this musician was going to be the next Chick or Herbie, but he failed to reach us. He didn’t talk to us, or look us in the eye or smile, nor make any attempts to connect.

Then there were the concerts where the lady played in the same key most of the night, with minor inversions on the same 12 chords, but grinned, grunted, sweated & screamed and took us on an unbelievable journey for three straight hours, because her spirit created an enviroment of purity and euphoria. We FELT the music!

So, which is better?

My music collection is a potpourri of musicians and artists who scale the plane from absolutely superb to the “well…” but I enjoy and support their artistry just as strongly – and in some ways even more so. But then, my DNA gravitates more toward what I feel, than what’s most tecnically correct.

I can feel James Brown everyday (!) although I absolutely appreciate and enjoy the brilliance of Endar (check him out). The Five Blind Boys play next to Pat Methaney in my CD rotation. P-Funk shares as much real estate as Duke Ellington. I’m that Dude.

I also tend to think the best of both worlds include the musicians who are equally adept at their instruments but always invite me along for the ride. Artists like the late Michael Brecker (who incidentally recorded and toured with P-Funk early on), Herbie Hancock, Stevie, Prince, the late Jimmy Smith, B.B King and many plenty others of unknown, unsigned and under the radar who make this universe of music a place we can see, feel and hold in the palm of our own souls while stretching our imaginations.

I can’t help but to draw a slight analogy to this final presidential election result, where Mr. Obama had the charisma to make us feel something, along with proving himself a man of character who is skilled and ready for the task at hand.

To me (as I shared previously), although acknowledging and welcoming this profound moment in history, was always ready – and willing – to vote for the best prepared candidate. But Mr. McCain failed to connect and whether better prepared or not, had to concede to the one who made the majority of the populace feel he is the better choice.

WoW!

Wow, man.

I received an email earlier today from a dear lady, whom I guess – thought she might have been doing me a real favor by forwarding me an article from a very famous Christian Black Guy who was spouting all of the reasons why he was not voting for Obama – as if (or so I took it) his argument might hold enough weight to persuade me not to.

Was she really implying that the only reason I might be voting for Obama is because he and I are Black? 

In all fairness to this Non-African sister, I did recognize a few email addys that she put out on blast and there were various persuasions on the list – but it is odd that she would specifically note that this article spouting dude was indeed “black.” 

Out of curiosity, I did read it and there was more of a conservative/liberal ranting than it was black/white – but it was mostly ranting.

On the other side of town, I frequently pass an African-American Baptist Church that has intermittenly posted this harrowing phrase on their big yard sign ” Send For Barak – Judges 4:6″

Does this imply that because his first name appears in the Bible, that Almighty God has chosen  Obama to be the savior of the USA? Then this would mean that I should fall to my knees and worship my Hispanic friend, Jesus the next time I see him – because now there’s a name that appears in the Good Book an awful lot – especially in that second section!

I mean Wow, man. Just go vote your God given conscience and quit with all the stupid games.

I’m very grateful that SounDoctrine is made up of Black, White & Brown – Conservative & Liberal who share a common thread of One Lord, One Faith & One Baptism and that we absolutely dig music – especially jazz.

On Novenber 4, we’re going to walk into our respective voting places (except for me – I’m voting early), cast our individual votes and then collaborate on a great funk tune together – because that’s what it’s all about.

Or so I thought.

RECESSION???

I don’t know.

Maybe it’s just me…but do you see what I see?

Recession?! I heard BOTH Presidential Candidates – and their VP’s exclaim, and I listened as the entire multimedia repeated (and repeated) the disconsolate refrain: “This is the worst depression since 1929!!” they complained. But when I revisit my history books, view the pics and videos and then look out my back window, I must utter my disdain – “It just don’t look the same!”

Now this is not to say that there aren’t people in real pain and I know of plenty of people who have suffered from lay-offs and downsizing and outright unfairness (while others have actually profitted from the Bail-Outs) – BUT just this past week – on several different occassions, I have personally witnessed restaurants, cafes, diners and Mega Super Stores flourishing! I’m saying I even can’t find a Parking Space and do I really have to wait an hour and a half to get a seat here? And I’m in Northeast Ohio!

I had two meetings in 3 days in locations where the food is pricey (but delicious…but Pricey!) and nobody seemed to mind – in fact for a minute I thought I was at Mickey-Ds at high noon for all the whirring of the cash registers and cappachino machines. People Flocking In – People Flocking Out. I think I’m in the wrong business!

 

But, I don’t know.

Maybe it’s just me…but do you see what I see?

Are we really in a recession? Is this really as serious as they say?

Now as a Husband, Father and Entrepreneur, I constantly have to re-adjust my budgets and PRIORITIZE just like you do, which means the few times I was in those locations were because I HAD to be there in order to progress my business, but as I look around me, I just don’t see what I’m being told to attest to. Either we are in a stifling, gut-wrenching, gosh awful depression and should hold on to every penny until our hands bleed – or – people just don’t care and instead of saving for little Sammie’s future, they’re going to continue to buy him/her that over priced Tomato & Mozzarella Panini.

 

Maybe it’s just me…