It's almost like I hear the engines revving, as the cars are about to be cleared over the starting line. Another way of saying what I continue to feel: that I'm being prepared for something - that will be revealed soon - but I don't know what, exactly. I do know what direction, though - somewhere beyond the "starting line" (defining this particular "new beginning" place). There are some new (and improved) concert and gigging opportunities that are being presented for next year (too soon to announce publicly), but I think there's more to it. God's providence is an uplifting anticipation - if you trust God. If not, then it's just the unknown future; where everything depends on you, fate, and luck (or worse, it's all void of meaning). Ugh! I'm really connecting with the playing much of the time, especially last night and today. That's the most fun of all! Some of the the youtube posts give a little taste. What's also exciting is that the disciplines; including practicing, are tightening. All of my efforts in this "one man show" (those I accomplish, plus those I ought to be accomplishing) amount to a boatload of stuff. Of course, I'm not "alone". And help is on the way!

Just "checking in", having completed uploading a couple of videos to youtube. Over 3,100 views now! Have been playing (and will continue to, in the coming weeks) a bunch of 2 pc/rhythm section/left hand bass gigs lately. This concept is reflected in the recent posts, and is fun to watch (for me anyway). On another subject:
The recording/CD production "realm" is kicking back into gear now. Am working with Ned (my graphics dude) on the design for "Do You See What I See". The mastering session (where we create the final recording to be duplicated) is scheduled for mid-September, and the CD should be available in plenty of time for Christmas (also, the Prince Theatre Christmas show; built around my 2 Christmas CDs is taking shape. it's going to be really cool!). More recording in addition - this time with the Midiri Brothers and crew. I'll keep you posted on that one as well. As for my schedule; next week is a little slow (to be expected) - then, it takes off! I'll be poking at the schedule page on my site over the coming weeks to try and catch up (with the new bookings). Now, time to get ready for the gig.

Upon reflection:

"There is a reason that the youtube posting has only begun now, and with (almost exclusively) video starting in January of this year. and it is because now, I am ready. There has always been this connection/depth/substance/uniqueness, in my playing, almost since the beginning. I have followed a unique and God-directed path here. Even over 20 years ago (while dating) my wife (who has little use for jazz, and "modern" playing) would tell me how I am unique from others, because "the piano is an extension of my arm", and I pour myself in. The problem is that I have struggled throughout to gain access to this "place", and very often would find myself tied up in knots on stage, and seldom reaching any level that I occasionally would, and knew was there; as did anyone who played/worked with me. One bandleader found this glaring inconsistency with me very frustrating, and called it my "constipation". The reason I feel as I do now about myself, and the potential I have for uplifting others on a larger scale, is because of the "healing" I have experienced from this "bondage" - starting (but not really) in June of last year. With this healing, I can take a video camera to any gig, and be confident that some worthwhile playing will be filmed. With this healing, I can go into the recording studio knowing that I can record (essentially) an entire album (in this case "Do You Hear What I Hear" - the first "post-enlightenment" studio recording") in one session. With this healing, I can have an "off day" and have nothing to be embarrassed about. This is so radically different from before that it cannot be overstated: especially in recordings, where I couldn't connect to save my life. Many things have come together to allow for the "epiphany", that essentially was this realization: When reaching within myself to get "it", I was reaching in the wrong direction, and, for the most part, making matters worse. It is in escaping myself, and self-bondage, and making the "spiritual" - almost (and I truly liken it to this) out-of-body connection, that I am released from self focus, and free to connect with the God-given gift and potential; as God is now much more "part of the process", am I am learning how to "get out of the way". I have likened this to an "artistic born-again experience". "
That kind of sums it up.

Late Friday evening, and back in my home office. Got my personal schedule all out of whack after the trip. Especially when the travelling increases, this will take some getting used to. Talked to Joe Midiri today. In the course of the conversation he said that "Orange County is the most trad festival that we do." No kidding.
I've been listening intently to the collection of improvisations; recorded each week prior to the radio show recording. If I can get the funds together, I'm going to release a project. Perhaps I'm on to something even more than I realize. It's difficult for me to be objective here, but we may soon know. What would be cool is to get this out at the same time as the Christmas CD. We'll see.

A third post today. Was able to meet up with my old pal George (a competitive cyclist, do you think?) who has lived in California for near to 30 years now. We still stay in touch, and it just happened that he was competing in a race in San Diego today. Although he lives way north of here, the festival was on his way home, so he stopped by for awhile. Believe it or not, George was the original vocalist for "A Couple of Joes Trio". Our funniest moment from that era, perhaps, was when Joe instructed George to say to Joe on mic "Gee Joe, your hair's getting thin", to which Joe would respond, "Well who wants fat hair?". Bad, I know, but made much better when George misread the memo and said: "Gee Joe, you're getting thin!". No one could talk for awhile.

One quick comment about the last post (only a few minutes after putting it up). Just watched it once more, and there it is (again): the "connection" (between each other, and with the audience), and the joy. As my thoughts continue to clarify regarding the previous post: This is not about the performance being tied to an expectation; that anyone has already predetermined what approaches are "permissible", and what (otherwise) is to be dismissed. Not in this video, certainly. The audience is eager to connect with Chick (and company's) creative expression. They want it to be real, and valid, and authentically him. They are there to be uplifted, and elevated - not to demand that creative offerings fit in a small inflexible box (watch it, Joe, you're really venting now). I don't mean to assert that this festival realm is all that, but it does exist, to an extent. I'll bet that if Chick Corea performed a stride piece (stranger things, no doubt, have happened) - which would, if he did, proceed from his artistic integrity and be as real/valid as anything else - his audience would continue to embrace him. At least I hope so.

Chick Corea Akoustic Band - How Deep is the Ocean

Just watched this; pretty amazing, really. The festival is winding down now. Our contribution is complete, and I am back in my room. We don't fly out until tomorrow morning, so I can take my time and also (hopefully) get some things done. While still at the Hilton, I took advantage of unused meal vouchers and ate a really good meal in the lobby restaurant: where there was a band venue (which we played 3 times this weekend). The old dixie stuff; where it's more about the cultural museum than the art was, honestly, starting to grate on me. When it's about being something else (a contrivance?) more than honest expression, it, at best, struggles for authenticity. I could listen to Louis Armstrong all day, but, he wasn't here. Before coming back, I poked around the other venues, and enjoyed some of the individual musicians (particularly in the Titan Hot 7), but overall, had pretty much had enough. To my experience this weekend, we (the Midiri Brothers Sextet) were the most "progressive" band - if for no other reason (but there were some) than we played from the Artie Shaw "book". Good grief! Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for these opportunities (some festivals are more stuck in "fundamentalist trad" than others - some refuse to book our band - some are very open), I'm just venting a little, and I hope it doesn't get me in trouble :) I think, really, what we are doing here will define more and more the future of these festivals, and it seems that many acknowledge that. I'm grateful for how well the band was received, and also me individually. Watching this Chick Corea video did seem to balance things out a little. Or, perhaps, provide some artistic stimulation that I didn't get here. Don't think I'm being too harsh now. Really, it's all good - when it's good.

Late Saturday night now, and we're almost through. Just one set to go tomorrow. There've been some good musical moments, and some others. I have been very well received, which is nice. Yesterday morning I was sitting at my table in the hotel restaurant, and I heard someone from the next table over say (referring to me); "He's the Other Brother" (referring to the CD title of my recent collaboration with the boys). Joe keeps referring (on mic) that since this is my first time out to this west coast festival, I've been disoriented, and go out to the beach each morning to await the sunrise (groan). Spent some nice time today with Gary (Cattley) and Kathy, who, on Monday as the rest of us go home, will be travelling to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary. Cool. On a different topic, the youtube view count is now over 2000, and climbing more rapidly. Some of the comments I am receiving really make me smile. This came in an e-mail (copied with permission) from a fellow musician (a church organist from Canada): " I just had to tell you that I really enjoyed your arrangements. Some of those chords and rhythms were really unique and exciting. I hear a number of influences from Junior Mance, to George Shearing to Erroll Garner and more.. and then there is your own particular style that is really engaging and adventurous at times and very serious, personal and romantic at others. I agree with you with regard to music being a moment with God. I have always maintained that there was no need to be nervous if it is only about you and God. Nervousness is about contending with pride and ego and concerns about "performing" for other people, and unless you get rid of those two things, you never quite get there in terms of the music. You mentioned that you would like to get freer as in the music becoming a public prayer. I haven't gotten there yet, but I do know that when I disregard everyone in the room and make it not a performance, but make it a conversation (for the lack of a better word) between God and myself, the outcome is much better." Neat, huh?

Really Thursday night, and settled in at the Orange County, Ca. festival. Arrived in Costa Mesa around 12:30pm Pacific time, after leaving Philadelphia around 7:30am Eastern time. The point? That it all happened like it was supposed to (that's one out of two)! The festival directors from Mammoth (Ken and Flossie) are here, and invited us (Midiri Band) up to their suite after our set for (room service!) quesadillas and pizza. Joe, Paul, and Jim wound up (as usual) tripping over each other to tell funny stories. Our set tonite was sort of a funny story as well. The festival booked the opening set (after the Mayor's "speech") to feature a stride pianist from England - Neville Dickie - with the band. No one told Neville that the band also had a pianist. He found out when I introduced myself 1/2 hour before the hit. He was caught by surprise, but handled it well. The set was successful, but not without some drama; instigated by the festival directors. What would a festival be without drama (I'm learning)? It'll all blow over. We'll soon find out what tomorrow holds.