Everyone has some sort of relationship with music. For many, life without it is unthinkable. Some of us have made music a hobby, others a career. Still mothers who don’t play an instrument have made music their life long passion in other, less obvious ways. Leo Fender, for all his ingenuity, craftsmanship and dedication, didn’t play the guitar. Yet, his contributions to the advancement of the instrument are without parallel.
Every time I find a guitar pick falling out of my pocket, scrambled up with my keys or in the clothes washer it reminds me that the path of a musician is daily practice.
As mundane as that feels sometimes. It’s the act of returning to our instrument every day and reinforcing our commitment; endlessly banging out those scales for hours that makes us better.
And that’s what I signed up for!
There’s always something within you (hopefully) that needs to be expressed that will require you to learn something new or reach beyond your comfort zone and into the glorious unknown. Every song is an exploration into the magical, transformational world of music. I feel there are no goals; only the desire to keep going – to keep improving and see where this journey leads.
I can hear the song I’m currently working on in my sleep. I think this is great (though a little monotonous). I’m happy with the lyric and with the arrangement. If all goes well, I will be releasing it on Valentine’s Day.
Happy New Year!
May 2021 be a productive creative and musical year for you! Stay safe!
Book Recommendation:
The Man That Got Away: The Life and Songs of Harold Arlen
Walter Rimler’s biography of legendary songwriter, Harold Arlen is a carefully researched gem and highly engaging read.
Harold Arlen (1905 – 1986). was a giant in the industry with friends and collaborators like, Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland. Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Johnny Mercer, and Irving Berlin, who referred to Arlen as, “the best of us.”
Some of his most memorable works include: Stormy Weather, One for My Baby, It’s Only a Paper Moon, Blues in the Night, The Man That Got Away, I’ve Got the World on a String and, of course, Over The Rainbow.
Born on this day
John Denver, singer-songwriter, Roswell, New Mexico, b. 1943
Jule Styne, songwriter, London, b. 1905
Joey McIntyre, singer (New Kids on the Block), Needham, Massachusetts, b. 1972
Scott Ian – guitarist (Anthrax), Queens, New York, b. 1963
