“A Guitar A Day”

Installment #2

The Baroque Guitar

Approx. 1600-1750

Here’s the Baroque Guitar! You’ll notice that there are ten tuning pegs representing 5 different sets of strings. Each string is doubled. You may remember that the Renaissance Guitar had seven tuning pegs. That’s because three of the courses (strings) where doubled while the highest was single. The pitches from the lowest string to the highest on this Baroque guitar are the same as the modern guitar – A,D,G,B, and E. Guitar tunings were not yet standardized. In fact, there were three different ways to tune these guitars depending on whether you lived in Spain, France, or Italy. “Guitarra espanola de cinco ordenes was written by Joan Carlos Amat in 1596 in which he references the tuning noted above – looks like I have the Spanish model – sweet.

Check out how fancy the guitar is. The Baroque era was highly ornate and decorative. The edges of the guitar are made out of individual pieces of wood (no it’s not paint), the wedding cake design in the sound hole is made out of parchment paper, and the ornate decorations continue on the headstock. The frets and tuning pegs remain the same design as the Renaissance guitar. Also, notice the mustache shape towards the bottom of the instrument, that’s called a mustache bridge, a common feature of guitars of that era. If you look back at the Renaissance guitar you’ll notice a bit of a mustache on that bridge as well – pretty awesome.

Some guitarists were able to land serious gigs like Francesco Corbetta (1615-1681) who gave guitar lessons to Louis XIV and Charles II. One of Corbetta’s students, Robert De Visee (1660-1725) was a court musician for Louis XIV, was a guitar tutor for Louis XV, and was employed by the royal family from 1680-1732.  

Be sure to check out of the music below to get a feel for how Baroque music is similar to jazz. It’s highly decorative and elaborate and involves a bit of improvisation. In fact there’s a book about this subject titled “Bach and the Art of Improvisation”.

Here’s a clip of a Robert de Visee piece performed by Rafale Andia

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz87wCk4tfw

Check out the music with a link to Karl Richter knocking out the harpsichord on Brandenburg Concerto 5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMSwVf_69Hc

I’ve also included a second link to a fun article on how to perform Baroque Guitar music on a modern guitar.

http://www.classicalguitar.ws/baroque.shtml

Welcome to “A Guitar A Day”

This series will last 7 days - so here we go!

The Renaissance Guitar

1450-1600

The time periods that I have noted for each day differ slightly from historian to historian so please see them as an approximation.

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think about the Renaissance guitar is the fact that the earliest surviving example of this instrument dates back to 1646. However, evidence of the guitar’s existence dates back to a book of tablature from 1552 and a description of the Renaissance Guitar by Juan Bermudo from 1555. That’s almost a hundred years of Renaissance Guitars that went missing – where are they?!

            The Renaissance Guitar is a four-course instrument, meaning that it has four sets of strings.  Three strings are doubled and the highest string is single. The tuning is G,C,E,A. If you put a capo on the fifth fret of the modern guitar and play the top 4 strings then you can get a feel for the tuning. The Renaissance guitar has gut strings, and gut frets which are tied around the neck. It also has friction pegs – lots of maintenance.

The types of songs that were played on the Renaissance Guitar included simple strumming to accompany singers as well as contrapuntal (I’ll explain this term in a future blog) compositions that approached the difficulty of the lute. This guitar was very popular in France. It is thought that the guitar was played during the Renaissance period as frequently as it is today!

            Lawrence K. Brown constructed the Renaissance Guitar that you see in the attached photos. Larry was living in Asheville, NC at the time.

This first link will take you to a picture of the earliest Renaissance guitar – 1552.

http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~lsa/aboutLute/Morlaye-s.gif

This link will take you to a YouTube video of Stephen Murphy performing on a Renaissance Guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bpTOSbMNl8&index=40&list=PLF5649D58CCD0164A

 Hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about where the guitar got its start! Have an awesome day and stay tuned for day 2! 

Behind the Tracks

Surf It Mellow &

Longboard

  

            The tracks “Surf it Mellow” and “Longboard” from the “Waves of Soul” record are perfect musical descriptors for some of the most beautiful days that I’ve spent surfing at Mondos beach. I do a lot of thinking when I surf and have gotten lots of inspiration at Mondos. It’s a super mellow, rural beach at the base of the mountains just north of Ventura, California – perfect for hanging with buddies, surfing, or just paddling around. It’s a place where I can air out my head, and contemplate life. I have a special place in my heart for Mondos. It provided the inspiration for ‘Surf It Mellow” and “Longboard.”

I first learned to surf at Zuma beach in Malibu with my two kids. We took group lessons with a company called Malibu Makos. We learned on long boards, but had our eyes set on surfing the short board. We wanted to carve up waves just like Shawn White rips the half pipe. It wasn’t long before my son and I ventured out to various local surf spots. Surfers are really awesome at providing tips and pointers on just about everything surf related so learning about all of our local spots was super easy.

Mondos was one of the first surf spots that we hit. There’s a reason for that. I had been told that it was perfect for older guys, for beginners, and families. The vibe of the people was said to be super mellow, peaceful, understanding and accommodating. I was told that the waves were smooth, gentle, and forgiving. That sounded absolutely perfect, and it was.

You have to be careful where you surf, especially when you’re a beginner. Beginners may not know, or be even be aware of that fact that each beach has it’s own vibe, it’s own personality, and it’s own mode of operation. You need to know where to park, where to walk, where to drop in, where the bulk of the surfers are going to line up, who gets the wave, who doesn’t, where are the rip currents, and on and on. You don’t want to go to an intense surf spot until you’re really confident and have achieved a high level of competency. If you don’t work your way up to the bigger waves and more popular surfing spots then you’ll be an unsafe surfer, put peoples lives in danger.  

If you really want to surf the big waves with the best surfers, then you need to surf small waves for a while, then surf slightly bigger waves for a while, then get to know local surfers so you can get pointers on how to get better. I got lots of great help from the guys at our local surf shop “Revolution.” They know all of the ins and outs. It’s always a good idea to hit the local surf shop closest to the beaches that you want to surf to get the inside skinny. Another excellent thing to do is to surf with a local. Surf with someone that everyone knows. When you come into a surf spot from a point of respect for the locals, and honor their beaches and traditions, then all will be well. Don’t barrel your way in, steal waves, or crash all over people. Go to the beach that fits your level of difficulty, has people that you like, and has a great overall feel. That’s exactly what Mondos is for me.

It was late afternoon on a perfect fall So Cal day whenI got hooked on Mondos. The sun was just beginning to set. The waves were perfectly groomed. The air temperature was perfect. It was probably in the mid to high 60’s maybe 70 at best.  Surfers were catching waves that ran from one side of the bowl to the other and beyond. It seemed like the waves went on forever. There was plenty of time for surfers to flip their boards from side to side, hang ten, and to even do headstands. It felt like I was in heaven. I’ve loved that spot ever since. But, I learned very quickly that being able to surf the gentle waves of Mondos didn’t qualify me for the challenging waves of neighboring spots like Rincon, C-Street, and County Line.

My son and I surfed Zuma 14, Leo Carrillo, County Line, C Street, Rincon, and Silver Strand. I can’t tell you how many times I got completely wiped out by waves at those surf spots. I spent quite a few years going back and forth between Mondos and those spots. I learned something really important about myself. I’m not a speed junky. I wasn’t wiling, at my late age – I started surfing at 42 – to risk life and limb to learn how to carve with a short board. I had some nasty wipeouts that made me think twice about what boundaries I was willing to push. I realized that I prefer long board rides on super chill waves that have enough power to push me at a brisk and fun pace minus the risk of ending my day with stitches, broken bones, and concussions.

I haven’t gotten into mountain biking for the same reason. There are a lot of great mountain biking trails in our neighborhood. We live at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains. I can’t tell you how many people have suggested that I buy a mountain bike. Flying down the mountain at high rates of speed with trails that are no wider then your bike and cliffs that drop hundreds of feet to the valley with no guardrail isn’t my idea of fun. I know that if, and when I do buy a bike, it’ll be a beach cruiser with a coffee/beer caddy on it and a basket for groceries. I’ll ride it on Venice Beach, maybe around the Santa Monica Pier, but that’s about it. Of course there is a chance that I could hit a patch of sand on the sidewalk and wipeout pretty good. I’ve seen that happen more then once, but I’ll take that risk.

The main thing is to know who you are by paying attention to what you like. Do what you like, and be happy with it. Embrace it. Don’t get me wrong. I love to watch people surf huge waves and ride 50-foot faces at Mavericks. I appreciate and deeply enjoy the fact that people can do that, but I also realize that it’s not a part of my life’s journey. I wasn’t born with the need for speed. I’m not wired that way and it’s fine. It wasn’t fine when I tried to be someone that I wasn’t’, when I tried to go for the big waves and contemplated the short board. I’m really happy that my soul digs surfing the gentle, mellow waves of Mondos. I am perfectly content. My soul doesn’t need anything else to be fulfilled and so that’s what I do, that’s what I enjoy, that’s what I love and that’s the inspiration for composing “Longboard” and Surf It Mellow.”

Until next time - Surf it Mellow my brothers and sisters - the MD

It Matters

“It Matters”

Never underestimate the importance of who you are. It Matters! Don’t lose sight of your life and how you affect other people. It Matters! I sit here at 50 years old and I’m still greatly affected and changed by something that happened to me at least a dozen years ago. It constantly reminds me of the fact that “what we do” - matters.

When our kids were in grade school, Libby and I were busy parenting and working. I taught as a volunteer once a week at the kid’s school and was an adjunct lecturer at Shepherd University. I was also working on my Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree in Classical Guitar at Shenandoah Conservatory. My life was a true and glorious magnification of everything that I loved - it was incredible.

But somehow, it wasn’t enough. I remember wondering if anyone was really listening to my music. I had spent three years performing 5 nights a week at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. The main point of that gig was for me to provide background music for dinner. I had some great fans at the hotel. I knew people really enjoyed my playing, but it wasn’t uncommon for me to second-guess their compliments assuming that they were just being nice. Maybe they really didn’t care if they heard my guitar playing, or not. I was also playing classical guitar at my church on Sunday mornings. I made a point of playing preludes before mass. It was a great way for me to gain performance experience for upcoming recitals. Even with all of that, I was really grinding and feeling somewhat uninspired about my music. I felt like I was just going through the motions. Was my music making a difference to anyone? Should I keep going? Maybe I was just too self absorbed to see past my own issues. I wasn’t sure what to think. Well, I was about to get an answer.

 Libby and I were asked, by one of our friends, to come to the cancer wing of our local hospital to sing Christmas carols. Libby and I have a special place in our hearts for cancer patients. My mom died of breast cancer when I was in high school and Libby battled cancer in her mid-thirties for three years. She survived – thank God! We were happy to accept the invitation and we headed out as a family to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital to sing carols.

I made sure to hang around the back of the group so I could goof off a little bit with my son David. Hospitals made me a little queasy since my mom’s death. I associated hospitals with my mom’s cancer and with taking Libby to her cancer surgery, to her chemotherapy, and for her radiation treatments. I wanted to keep the mood fun and light as possible, hence my propensity to hang in the back and act just a little bit like a class clown. We went from room to room singing with enthusiasm. Some patients were very happy to see us while others seemed to be too sick to enjoy – quite understandable.  

We were moving at a pretty good pace. I was cruising along, grooving on the carols when I heard someone call out my name. “Hey Dave!” “Is that you?” I wondered if they were talking to me. Na, it couldn’t be me. There were always lots of Dave’s around. I looked up for a second and didn’t hear my name called again so I continued on. Then it happened again. Everyone was getting settled in the room when I heard someone call out my name. “Hey Dave.” They were talking to me. I was being summonsed. Everyone scooted out of the way so I could get through, and make my way to the bedside. There was a middle-aged man in the bed. His wife was sitting next to him. It was obvious that they knew me. But I didn’t recognize either one of them! Who were they? What did they want?

The man in the bed was deathly ill. His wife began to tell me that they both attended the church where I played guitar. She told me that her husband made sure to show up early every week in hopes that I would play a prelude. His wife told me that my music was quite therapeutic for her husband. I was completely blown away by the fact that they came to church to hear me perform, much less finding out that they found solace and peace in my music – wow! I was honored, but not sure what to think. I asked the gentlemen if he would like to listen to my “Live At The Mayflower Hotel” record while he was in the hospital. He said that he did. I promised to drop the cd off at his hospital room the next day, and I did.

Looking back now, I realize that I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of that encounter as it was happening. In fact, I went right back to my daily grind the minute after I dropped off that CD. I was jaded and cynical back then. I didn’t view that encounter as being anything special at all. It was just another day. I quickly turned my focus back inward, back on myself wondering where my accolades were. After all I had dedicated so much of my life to my music – where were my rewards? I’m sure God was wondering why I couldn’t recognize the beauty, and grace of what had occurred. I was being rewarded in a loving and awesome way but I couldn’t see it because I was equating blessings with hard cold cash and public recognition.  

The holidays had passed and winter was in full swing. It was a cold, wintry Sunday morning. I was walking up from the basement of the church where the choir rehearsed every Sunday morning before mass. I was in a stairwell all by myself – at least I thought I was. I was focusing on navigating the steps so as to not trip and fall with my guitar when I heard a voice echoing around the concrete, hollow walls. The voice said “Hey Dave.” I held onto my guitar with a tight grip and turned my neck. I didn’t recognize the voice. Lo and behold, it was the gentlemen’s wife that I had met at the hospital over the Christmas holiday. She stopped to thank me for being so kind to her husband. She went on to reiterate how much her husband had enjoyed my music. He had been listening to the CD that I dropped off - it was special to him. It comforted him immensely. Then she told me – “my husband passed, but I needed to let you know how much your music meant to him.” It was important that she let me know. I was taken back. I was clearly startled. I didn’t know what to say. I don’t remember having any response. It freaked me out. I just wanted to get upstairs. I remember thinking that I was glad that she located me and she was able to get that off her chest. I was being a dummy. I didn’t realize at the time that the message was for me. It wasn’t for her, and it wasn’t for her husband. Yes, they enjoyed my music, but they were moving on with their lives, hers on earth, and his in heaven. I was being given important information for my journey and about my life’s work as a musician but I couldn’t’ see it. I was blind.

It was after I got home and told Libby the story that it dawned on me as to how profound that experience was. Here I was thinking that my music wasn’t making a difference to anyone in the world and I was being shown that it in fact it had made a huge difference in someone’s life. Not just in someone’s life, but in the life of a person that I didn’t even know. Our paths were brought together for a reason, but I was too self absorbed to notice what was happening. I had no idea that I had made a dying persons load lighter, a little easier, a little less burdensome, slightly more awesome in fact! Maybe I didn’t need to know. I just needed to have faith in knowing that I was making a difference in the world and that was it – that was the lesson. I needed to stop thinking about myself, and put my focus on others. I needed to extend my hand to make sure that other people’s days were brighter instead of extending my hand expecting personal gain.

Every time I got down on my music, or considered giving up, Libby would remind me of how much my music had meant to that husband and wife. She would remind me that my music had helped ease someone’s pain as they prepared to leave the physical world. I’ve never doubted, since that Christmas, the impact that my music might be having on people regardless of whether or not I’m aware of it. It’s not about me getting accolades, or getting high fives for my music, it’s about continuing to do my life’s work and having faith and knowing that I’m making a difference even when I’m not getting recognition. It’s not about me.

I sometimes ask – what’s in it for me? And I hear those familiar words “it’s not about you. Just keep playing, keep teaching, keep mentoring, and keep volunteering. You’ll have everything that you need for your journey. You’ll be supplied with ample food, shelter, clothes and more!!! All of your needs, and desires will be fulfilled – just have faith and know that you’re making a difference in people’s lives each and every day!” Keep Going – It Matters, You Matter!!

We all play very special roles in someone’s life! Don’t take it for granted. Someone is counting on you, they appreciate you, and they really need you. Don’t look for someone else to help, someone who’s famous, or someone that’s rich, or someone that lives across town. Realize that your life’s work and contribution is directly under your nose. Stop looking for what you need, you already have it, you’re doing it, you’re living it right now – you matter and the world needs you to know that!

Until next time – Surf it Mellow my brothers and sisters – the MD

"Trickle Up"

“Trickle Up”

            “Trickle up” popped into my head when I was thinking about the choices that I make each day, beginning with the moment that I first open my eyes. I’ve been working on living in the moment, being in gratitude, being in service, and allowing thoughts and feelings to flow in and out without struggle, or resistance. I’ve been working on being able to enjoy every day for what it brings, no matter the circumstances. That’s a tall order for me. Some days I have it, some days I don’t - it comes - it goes.

There’s one common thread for my success. It happens when I take a brief moment to profess my gratitude, give thanks for all of my blessings, and thank God for my wonderful family, for my house, for my food, for my friends, and for my life’s work. I ask that angels be with me throughout the day. My most important request is a very simple one. That is for me to be the very best person that I can be, for the people and challenges that lie ahead.  

I try not to start my day out by thinking about everything that might go wrong, wishing that I had different circumstances, or wishing that I were on vacation. I kick those thoughts to the curb. I turn my energy towards being thankful for the exact life, the journey, and circumstances that I’ve been blessed with. I’m thankful that my life is exactly as it is. Perfect in it’s own way. I rid myself of anger, anxiety, and un-healthy thoughts towards other people, or myself.

Just as everything in life, you’re either moving forwards, or backwards. Life remains the same, but for a fleeting moment. You have to continue to be grateful, to be in service, to be in love, and to continue to feel blessed throughout the day. It’s not easy. If it were, then everyone would be agreeable, happy, grateful, accommodating, and understanding. Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy. You have to practice, practice, practice.

I actively pursue to move in a positive, loving and grateful direction by reminding myself of all that is right. I remind myself to be anxious for nothing, prayerful in everything, and thankful always. It’s a phrase that I repeat throughout the day as I envision a tiny drop of water trickling up to the skies with each positive thought that I have, flowing closer and closer to heaven as my soul rejoices.

When I first began to give thanks and gratitude all throughout the day, I noticed that my mood got better and better, I got happier and happier. I felt myself building up soul armor that was guarding and protecting me from getting down on myself, or from feeling sad, from wasting time, from worrying, or from comparing myself to other people.

Being happy, and living in the moment is something that I consciously work on every day. It doesn’t come easy for me no matter how much money, good health, or fortune I have. Some people are born with a super happy disposition. They blast out of bed like Richard Simmons. They wake up with their happy face on. That’s where I want to be. That’s why I’m trickling up on the days that I need a boost. If you struggle with anything like this then give it a try, be in gratitude for what you do have. Don’t focus on what you don’t have. Go ahead, trickle up my friend.

Until next time - Surf it Mellow Brothers and Sisters - the MD

Control Your Drummer!

I sat down to write my blog recently – I know it’s been a while. I wasn’t interested in any particular “food for thought” ideas – not in the mood. I was struggling to think of something relevant and powerful, but nothing came to mind. Then a couple of funny thoughts, seemingly out of nowhere, entered into my head. I was off and running. So, this is a very short collection of some funny things that I remembered from some of my gigs and tours – nothing earth shattering –just fun. Hope you enjoy them.

“All right, we have three hotel rooms for the band.” Grab a key and pair up.”

That’s what I heard in the lobby of the Gaylord Hotel in Nashville as we arrived for a concert at the Grand Ole Opry.  I thought to myself, wait a minute here. We have 12 people in the band and a female to boot. I didn’t want to tell my wife that I was crashing with a chick – not cool. I’m sure that the female musician felt the same about me. I was the old guy in the band and she probably thought that I was old enough to be her father! I let things unfold naturally and everything was fine. I scored my own bed and shared a room with three dudes.

“Everybody move back – Here comes a drummer sault!”

Picture about 10 people (band, cast and crew) all packed into a small rural motel room on the St. Lawrence River in upstate NY. It’s pitch black outside, cold and getting late. The drummer stands up and announces that he’s going to do a drummer sault.  He needs a running start, so the room door swings open, it’s 10 degrees or colder outside, but that doesn’t seem to bother our drummer. I think he was out there smoking for a bit because I remember the excitement building in the room as we waited with curiosity and wonderment. After all, none of use had ever experienced, or even heard of a drummer sault.   

A drummer sault consists of the drummer taking a running start from outside the hotel room, throwing himself at the floor head first, and executing summer saults until he hits the side of the bed, a dresser, or a group of people, whichever comes first.

Upon the completion of this event, the cast and band members looked at me and said “Dave - Control Your Drummer!” – like I had something to do with it. I thought it was hilarious and voted for more drummer saults. BTW - that phrase “Control Your Drummer” was repeated many times throughout the remainder of that tour.  

“Find a comfortable chair on the bus because that’s your bed.” That’s what I heard on an east coast leg of the Jingle Bell Rock tour. We played a show in Stowe, Vermont on Friday night, we were in Winder, Pa for a show on Saturday night, and upstate New York on Sunday night. I was lucky enough to have my own row (yeah, I scored seats on both sides of the bus) so I stretched my legs out and extended them across the aisle and rested them on top of the opposing armrest. I had a pillow, a blanket and a glass of wine. It was a wonderful thing to watch the gently covered snow capped mountains go by the window as I fell asleep eagerly awaiting another town full of excited people, and children waiting to see our Santa Claus. It was actually a blast. Pity the people that had to navigate over countless sets of legs in the middle of the night to use the restroom. I was in the back of the bus with the band. This would have been a different story had that bus trip lasted more then a few nights. It certainly gave me a new found appreciation for hotel rooms.

“You must be nuts! I’m not going into that bar – it doesn’t have any windows!” I broke that rule once when I played pool with a big band in between shows. I stumbled onto a streak of good luck and won several games. There were no bar fights and everything was perfectly fine. But, as a general rule I stay out of bars without windows.

“I don’t celebrate Christmas – I’m Jewish.” That was from someone who came out to see our Jingle Bell Rock show in West Palm Beach Florida. 

Until next time - Surf it Mellow Brothers and Sisters - the MD

From the Edge

     I just completed composing music for a short comedy sketch video titled “The Edge of the World.” It has been a long time dream of mine to compose, and record music for television, and movies. I certainly hope that this film is just the beginning for me. The video has been chosen to run at the Los Angeles Comedy Festival on November 19th at 8 p.m.. I was going to tell you about the recording process – it was a very unique, and rewarding experience for me. But, when I sat down at my Starbucks office, and began to type, my fingers, my soul, and my mind, had a completely different twist on the title of this blog. Don't worry, I am going to take a break from these heavier blogs, and write some funny, and interesting articles about my gigs, and recording sessions.

     Anyway, the first thing that came to my mind was a vision of me standing at the edge of the world looking for an opportunity to compose, and to record music for this video. I feel like I have walked, (figuratively of course), to the edge of the world many times – looking for this dream. My toes would dangle over the side, with the bulk of my energy focused on the back of my heels, so as not to fall forward. I would peer over the edge, with my glasses balancing on the end of my nose. After all, I was just peeking. The goal was always to look, observe, and not to fall.

     Chasing a dream can leave you vulnerable, scared, unsure, exhilarated, hopeful, persistent, passionate, and purposeful.  But, it has left me anxious about unknown events, people, travel, and commitments etc. The old saying, “Be careful what you wish for” keeps popping into my mind. I think that I have used that phrase, on occasion, to give me an out, or at least a reason why I should put my dream off for another day. I have been hesitant for a lot of years now, due to the fact that my wife and I, have been busy raising our kids. I know that we made the right choices for those circumstances, but our kids are grown, and it is time for me to pursue my dream.

     And so, I must return to the edge. I know, deep in my heart, that in order for me to really succeed, I need not merely peer over the edge, or sneak up on the edge. I need to take both feet, and gloriously jump off the edge!! I have been afraid to completely commit myself to my dream for many years. I have been hoping that someone would call me to the edge, take my hand, and guide me safely to my destination. That’s not exactly how it works. A lot of people are put in your path to help you. But, you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone. In fact, you need to spend a lot of time outside of your comfort zone. Your comfort zone might entail a day where you sit on the couch with the fire going, you sip on hot chocolate, and watch a movie. That’s a great way to take a break, but not to chase a dream. Now is the time for me to wear a smile from ear to ear, and go for it.  I had some real disappointments in my life as a child, and I think that has kept me guarded, suspicious, and tentative. But, that was then, and now is now – time to jump!

     And so, I have embarked on my journey to return to the edge. Getting back to the edge of the world will take some time, it doesn't exit in my comfort zone, that's for sure! Here is an example of a small step that I took just last week. I was hired to play guitar in the pit orchestra for a show called Xanadu. I don't know anyone in the band. Oh, wait a minute, I was on a gig with the drummer a few years ago, but I don't know much about him. Anyway, I wasn't sure how long it would take to get to the rehearsal, so I headed out with plenty of time to spare. Geez, I ended up arriving almost an hour early. So, I stopped by the beach, and watched the waves crash against the sand, and rocks, I was parked just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. When I got to the rehearsal the director/keyboardist Robert told me that he and Paul, one of the other keyboardists, had met an hour before our first rehearsal for coffee. They were down by the beach, and it sounded like fun. Robert wished that I had called him when I was hanging out at the beach, he would have invited me to coffee. My comfort zone tells me to hang by myself for an hour, it's easier. But, jumping off the edge of the world requires me to get involved, live life, call Robert, and have some coffee already!!

      In the past, it was all about work for me. I would run from teaching, or performing, back to my house, to spend time with my family. I was always racing from place to place. I was worried about my skills, and my abilities to produce great music etc. I would spend a lot of time practicing, so as not to repeat mistakes. I was running scared sometimes, wanting everything to be perfect. I think that I probably felt vulnerable at times. I wasn't comfortable making mistakes, or just being me.    

     But now is now, and I need to change, and begin connecting with more people. It’s less about my ability to perform, and more about enjoying the day, being heartfelt, and compassionate. I think I am beginning to get the hang of this. I have completed all of my education, I have all the musical chops that I need, incredible support from my friends in the music industry, great guitars, foot pedals, and amplifiers. I have a loving family, confidence, and a lot of experience. I think that I can safely say, and announce, that I have officially Paid My Dues!

     So what’s left? Being more tuned into the people around me, and realizing that it’s not about me, it’s about community, and relationships. Acting on my new thoughts, I asked Robert to please invite me to their next coffee. It was just a few days later, just before the very next rehearsal, that I received a text from Robert. He invited me to join him, and Paul down by the beach, at the “Malibu Market.” It was so relaxing, and fun. I learned a lot about Paul, and Robert. We talked about everything from our families, to Seattle Coffee, to road biking, and surfing. We really connected. The rehearsal was a blast, and I have never been so relaxed, and focused. It wasn’t about me. I was focused on the people around me - it was about them.

     When the rehearsal was over, I had some college students ask if they could help me with my gear when it was time to go to my car. In the past I would have said that I didn’t need any help. I would have been focused on getting home to the family, or I might have been re-playing, in my mind, a mistake that I had made. I might have been wondering if the gig was worth the hassles. I definitely would have thrown my gear in my car, and gassed it home asap. Not this time! I decided to connect, be passionate, get to know the college students by asking what year of study they were in, and where their hometowns were. It was a wonderful evening. I never worried about myself. In the past I would have wondered if I was wearing the right clothes, or was my playing good, or did I make too many mistakes? I know, I know, it's exhausting, isn't it! 

     But, all of that went out the window during that rehearsal. I was focused on connecting with the musicians, and actors on a heartfelt level. I was celebrating life on a regular weekday, no special occasion, just a positive, grateful, and joyful evening just because I said so. The music took care of itself. I was playing from my heart, and thinking about how great the cast, and crew worked together. I focused on helping them, and making sure that my playing was the best that it could be for them, not me.  I didn't listen to myself play, I listened to them sing. That's what I did when I recorded music for "The Edge of the World" video. I was going to compose music, but that wasn't working. So, I closed my eyes, listened to the inflections, tones and rhythms of the actors voices, and interpreted their emotions, and stories through improvisation. I didn't listen to my guitar, I listened to their voices.

     So, there is a time, for all of us to go the edge. See if you can locate your edge. Remember, it's way beyond your comfort zone. Go ahead, take a peek. But, don’t jump until it's your time. My kids are raised, and I have no regrets about merely peeking over the edge while my wife and I were raising them. That was appropriate. But, now it is time to walk gloriously to that edge, and jump with my arms flailing, and my feet kicking with joy, and excitement. I feel like I have nothing to loose, and everything to gain. Have you been to the edge lately? Until next time - Surf it Mellow Brothers and Sisters - the MD