For The Love of Music

The first time I met John I walked up to him in the high school cafeteria and stated, "Let's start a band." At the time I was a freshman and John had to be at least a junior. Despite not knowing me or calling me out for being a dumb freshman he simply responded, "OK." And so it was. 

We would spend hours in his basement making music. This kind of unabashed exploration is something that I think can get lost in world of a working musician. A couple of friends playing for the shared love of music - it was a beautiful thing. We played a few gigs around town, won a battle of the bands and just enjoyed each others company. When we weren't making music ourselves we'd sit around and listen to records. It was a formative time for me musically.  

The downside of hanging out with older kids is they eventually graduate and move away. This was no exception for John. Just like that, my afternoons jamming in the basement vanished. It was bittersweet, but thanks to hundreds of hours making music I had a good foundation to take with me. Eventually, through lots of hard work and determination my old friend landed the gig of a lifetime.

If you aren't specifically looking for 52 W 8th St you are likely to miss it. Somehow it blends right in with the rest of the shops and restaurants in New York's Greenwich Village. The first time I walked through it's doors I'm not sure I had any idea what I was in for.  The only thing that was certain or known was my old friend John.

Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder. These are all people that have recorded at Electric Lady Studios. My old friend led me through the psychedelic corridors into Studio A. I've been in beautiful cathedrals in Europe, sacred temples in China, and I have never had such a religious experience as I had that day. John led me to a spot in the middle of the studio, "This is where Stevie Wonder stood and recorded Superstition," he said quietly. I felt my knees give out.

Several years later I found myself walking through those sacred doors once more. This time with my friend Jay - who also happens to be John's father. Once again I found myself in Studio A. I sat down at the Baldwin grand piano that has been on more famous rock 'n' roll records than I can imagine and began to play. John grabs a guitar and joins. Jay looks on, much as he did when his son and I used to make music in his basement so many years ago. 

So much has changed, but nothing has changed. 

Things I've learned

I don't know much of anything, but I've tried to learn a few things so far.

1. Talk less, listen more.

2. People who want to be in your life will make the effort.

3. There is very little you can control. But you can exercise everyday and try to eat right. 

4. Show up - things might happen.

5. Chasing inspiration is a good enough reason.

6. Write and mail letters.

7. If someone has inspired you or made an impact in your life, let them know.

8. Blood doesn't define family.

9. There is no substitute for doing the work. 

10. Always have a guitar pick. 

11. Missing a chance happens. Missing it again is on you. 

12. Silence is just as important as music. 

13. Being chronically early is just as bad as always running late.

14. BB King 'Live at the Regal'

15. I know of few issues that are truly black or white. 

Stranger in a Strange Land

I’ve attempted to write this post for over two hours. Originally, I felt compelled to say something about the events in my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina this week. But really, what can I say? If you want that then turn on the news or just sign into Facebook for a constant stream of opinions and hateful comments. The bottom line is a man is dead and a police officer has to live with a choice he made for the rest of his life. A victory for no one, and heartbreak for all.

This week has gotten to me. Not just because of current events, but how we respond them. I don’t even read gossip magazines but somehow I know about Brad Pitt’s divorce. WHY. I think I’m experiencing some of the negative aspects of how plugged in our world is now. There is so much noise it’s hard to think.

I want to sit at a table with someone who is the complete opposite of me and have a conversation. I want to trade the CNN style of seeing who can shout the loudest for meaningful connection and dialogue. So many things are happening around us - the election, shootings, climate change, government surveillance, our own personal lives… Do I need to go on? There is so much at stake and I feel like we are going to blow it because we are too busy shouting.

So this weekend, I’m going to unplug, spend some time by Lake Michigan, work on my music, look a stranger in the eye - maybe even read a book. Sunday night you can find me at the blues club on Halsted Street playing with my friends. I know this post was a bit unfocused but that's where my  head is at the moment.  

I’ll leave you with this song that my mentor and producer Carey Sims wrote. When I find myself overwhelmed I often turn to this song for comfort.