I feel like a real musician today. Not that I don't other days, or that I'm not (although others will be the judges) already real. I have, though, sidestepped some of the more stereotyped (typically sideman) experiences because of the heavy niche work that I do, and because I try to keep my schedule structured to be (out of necessity) "daytime functional". Yesterday, though, after performing 3 shows in nursing facilities during the day (and already being tired from previous days of burning the ends of both candles) , I arrived at the recording studio for an evening editing session, where Bryan Clark and Alan Dale were already at work on their collaborative album and demo project (this is an undertaking of heavy artistic substance, and will potentially make a serious impact. I am pleased to be represented as Bryan's musical director). We all were fully engaged until (I think) around or after 1 am. We then went to an all night truck stop for "dinner" and a business meeting. I arrived home at 4:20 am. I know that I got up to get my daughter ready for school at 5:45am, but I'm not sure how much I remember it. Being already locked in by a morning gig today, I've just been plowing. Years ago, when I had a full load of students and regular recitals, my ER doctor student came to play coming right off a 36 hour shift. He practically stumbled into the the church and said with a smile: "who needs drugs when you've got fatigue". I'm having fun today.

I should be checking in here more often. This is a habit that is yet to "gear up" to what I hope it to be. Give it time, Joe. One handicap is that I still don't have a computer at home. Instead, I use the (church) office computer, and get on line otherwise as I can. I will be acquiring a usable pc in the next week or so, and that should help. The reason that I should be here more frequently is that there is so much going on. I've never been busier (and this is not a bad time in my life, all things considered, for that to be so), nor have I had so much potential all around me. I am neglectful not to have commented on the events of the past couple of weeks. Rather than backtrack here (I'll try to get back more often to catch up), I'll just mention last night. I was engaged to take part in a tribute to Dr. Maria Boria, and a benefit for her clinic; Women Helping Women, in Chestertown, MD. All of the local (mostly professional) female singers were there, and I was the designated accompanist. Took me back a little to my "working at the amateur night" days (I should write about that sometime), except that there was very little amateur about the evening. I have enjoyed all the playing I've been doing lately, but especially so last night, because it was all accompanying. It (accompaniment) will (likely, but who knows?) never be my "bread and butter", but may always remain my strongest expression. Someone told me last night, while paying a compliment, that it "takes a special talent" to do what I do. I sought to redefine it (successfully, I think) to be understood more as an expression of one's temperament. Of all playing situations, this one comes most naturally to me.

Last night ,we presented the first "installment" of our "Second Sunday Concert Series" for 2006, at the church at which I serve (Chestertown MD. Church of the Nazarene). This is not the typical concert approach most often found in churches. It is rather an opportunity for musical artists - the most substantive I can find who are willing to come - to be themselves, and present their craft, and talent to the glory of God. Last night there was no shortage of substance, or talent, or the glory of God. I had been trying to "prepare" people for the concert by Bryan Clark, which took place last night, but some first encounters we're never quite prepared for. We just deal with it (not entirely unlike the first time I heard an Art Tatum recording as a teenager). I had to coax Bryan somewhat that it was really okay to present his "secular" (I'll comment on that word some other time, it will take too long now) songs/entertainment in the church. I think now Bryan may better understand that God is glorified in creative, artistic substance (read Romans 1 or Psalm 19 concerning general revelation - or - God's revelation in all creation). Bryan did give a personal "testimony" of the work of God in his life, and sang a couple of gospel songs, (including a very strong and sincerely delivered closer) so that he put the whole package (so to speak) on display. God wants our "whole package", and intends to use the "whole package". We all need to learn that more deeply. Thank God for all the opportunities He gives.