My Silent Love - Erroll Garner 1962

You tube is great! Not only because I am developing a forum here to share what I do, but even more so for all the artistic richness to be found. I now know that "taking in" Erroll Garner is like some say about me; watching is part of the experience. What's going on with him is not unrelated, in my eyes, to what I see in Keith Jarrett (and discovering that first has helped me see it here more clearly). It's connection, and communication, and joy.

The summer (gigging) calender has filled out fairly well, and I'm grateful. What has come on particularly strong lately is the sideman work. Sometimes I don't appreciate these gigs as much as I should, given my personal goals concerning growth and opportunities as a soloist. "We may make our plans, but the Lord determines the outcome" comes to mind here. At any rate, and for whatever it's worth and whatever it means, I continue to feel in ever deeper command of my playing/expression. What began over a year ago as a personal discovery (epiphany) regarding the spiritual nature of music making, and the ability to move beyond myself in the process, has become an increasing opportunity to make a difference - I feel - with these (more deeply developed) connections. I really do feel that I'm being prepared for something. Not knowing "the outcome", the best I can do right now is to pursue artistic growth as much as possible (because I'm just getting started here), and aggressively promote (I get distracted from some aspects of this, sometimes) to the extent that I understand how. Related to this, my "you tube" (video) "channel" is now up to 7 posts, with a steady stream of visitors. These visitors create new traffic on my website, and that's a good thing. if you check out the videos, let me know what you think. Thanks!

I realize that I have not commented on my re-connection with Bryan Clark. It really seemed to be a thorough professional (not personal) parting, given the external circumstances (much of which I will refrain from comment - see the "eulogy" in the 11/12/06 entry). I can't help but think, though, of the oft-used line (slightly altered): "please be patient, God isn't finished with this yet". Bryan and I (as individuals) continue to seek God's direction concerning our respective careers, and here we are (deja vu all over again). Bryan is among those who consider me "first call". I'm honored, and am grateful for this quality of work. I'll be on many of Bryan's gigs this summer. Come and check it out, if you can.

Okay, just to prove that I've corrected the screen dimensions, here's # 2, this time with the Midiri Brothers. Look for another post (on you tube) next week, with continued variety. My you tube "channel" is now linked on my website, or you can save this URL: http://www.youtube.com/joeholtsnotes .

I've been poking at this for months - and aside from making me wider that I already am (now I know, yes it IS possible. Okay, not fair, I have been losing weight.), we did it (Thanks John Ewart and others)! Soon, and over time, the youtube library should grow. I won't post them all here, but will, eventually on my site. Check in from time to time, and let me know what you think!