A Thought from JP

Exercise, discipline, affection. The motto of “The Dog Whisperer”. This works great for us as well. As I’m helping train our new puppy this summer, going back to the basics has been my musical goal. I’ve been exercising physically for better endurance, technically through scales, and mentally through theory study and lessons. Even old dogs like me benefit from lessons. Using the discipline to practice new music beyond my skills has been a constant eye opening experience to new creative answers to old music I regularly play. All this time I’ve spent has really reminded me of the affection for a lot of music that I haven’t played in a long time. I hope your summer has been as fun as mine has playing new tunes and with our new Family member.

The life of Jaco Pastorious has been my great early summer lesson. His amazing ability has always been a curiosity to me. After reading the book on his life story and re-listening to his recordings, now I know! His tireless practice and study led him to skills beyond all that came before him. I encourage you to check out his recordings with Weather Report, Joni Mitchell & Pat Metheny.

It’s a new year filled with a fresh start, tragedy, and the powerful reminder that life is short and filled with unexpected surprises. So I’ve chosen to select the song “Mountain Dance” for my church band with a very challenging expectation. Here’s to living life to the fullest and making the most of every note we play.

My guitar teacher and I just saw the Paul McCartney concert. Upon having a great time, the blatant observation we both had was that a 67 year old bass player performed a 2 1/2 hour concert with no intermission, and sang 40 year old songs in the same key. Inspired to practice and exercise (eventually), I know I have many possible music performing years left in me. Here’s a video from that performance, and the inspiration of music making well beyond retirement age.

I’m sure everyone has noticed that the Holiday Ad’s, decorations, and promotions have started at every store including ours. Hopefully the Yuletide music can help remind us of the important things in life: Friends, Health, Creativity, Helping Others. Here’s to the joy and humor as we keep our focus and wonder in life and music.

One of the things that excites me most, is when someone has thought of a fresh way to make music. Combining styles, instruments, and note combinations have challenged our ears to constantly think in new ways. Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Ray Charles, Prince, all heard music combinations in their minds regularly, that had never been explored. This Sunday I performed for the first time on Ukulele, and for a church service. Here is a video that a friend sent me some time ago that first impressed me about this instrument.

You can’t help but smile.