Thursday, April 26, 2007

Just in case I may have mislead you into thinking that I have somehow elevated myself above being effected in any way by the prowess of others in comparison to my own (although I'm sure that you knew better) - this is intimidating. Believe it or not, I have worked with a sax player who can (at times) play as many notes per square inch as Joey DiFrancesco. Years ago, on perhaps my first gig with this sax guy, I understood enough to disengage allowing his (million note) solo to impact me, or alter my "game". In fact, I purposely played very few notes (once it was my turn) until I got my bearings. This was the beginning of learning to be comfortable and secure in my own thing, and to have a better sense of what that thing is. I've played some recent gigs with Dave (the sax player) now - some years later - and find my self identity much more secure. I'm playing more authentically, because I'm more fully connecting with it, and not trying to be anything but the connection. Boy, is there freedom in that! The funny thing is, when playing with Dave now, some "bursts" will happen, on occasion, where I might actually be keeping up on the note count meter (which just makes us smile) for a(brief)while, but that's not the point. If it were, it wouldn't be real.

This clip is cool if for no other reason than the display of raw prowess. But it's more than that. This is solid, hard in-your-face swinging. This is JD's "real". Notice that they're having fun, and making the connection with each other? Kind of a common denominator in all this, wouldn't you say? Elvin Jones - drums, John McLaughlin - guitar, Joey DiFrancesco - Hammond organ.

Sunday, April 22, 2007


Hmmm. A friend forwarded this to me today, and it works. From the point of (as a youth) responding to the prompting of God, until today, has seen the gradual (relatively speaking) "evolving" of my approach to, and understanding of the "Christian" faith. Years ago, I began feeling increasingly discomforted with wide-sweeping (doctrinal) dogmatism. This, to me was just the honest response to the reality that what we "understand", in detail, does re-form, at points, over time. However in the face of this (again, if we're honest), many proclaim their (current) understanding as TRUTH; uncompromisable, down to the last detail. The realization (again, years ago) that this is ultimately illogical (and not fully alive or human) helped to set me on the path on which I continue to travel. Only a few years ago did I finally sit under (and then serve with) a pastor who "allowed" (yes, encouraged) "thinking", (and the resultant "struggling") - because he was being honest as well. Does this mean "all truth is relative"? Not to God. Does this mean that I don't care what is (psychically - as opposed to metaphysically) true - no. It does mean, however, that the burden is off of me. God has a hold of me; the God who knows truth, and is truth. I no longer (at least in purpose) place any conditions on God, that He shape all things historical, eternal, metaphysical, and Holy to conform to my finite, flawed understanding of the moment. Of course, I do have understandings, and conclusions, and ideas, but these days, I try not to worship them. In a recent sermon (at a church that I occasionally visit) , I recall hearing "Jesus is both the means and the destination". Truth is God, and God is Truth. This is a real resting, to me, and a laying down of my "burden". Now some (who may not have an esoteric bent) will scoff at this. Here is where the writer on religion Huston Smith nails it: "Esoterics understand the need for exoterics, but the reverse does not hold".
"The Law of God doesn't change, no, but our perception of it is never static; it does and must change as the centuries pass. new study, new insights, new metaphors and new acknowledgements of past limitations can bring us closer to the living, breathing, and dynamic nature of Scripture as we seek to meet it's radical demands." - Anne Rice
See what you started, Jonathan!

Saturday, April 21, 2007



Stumbled across this one. This features one of my "heros" in the role that most inspired me: pianist. For some, this video may be an exercise in "who?, what?". That's June Christy singing, Mel Torme on drums (and not singing!), and Nat King Cole on piano (and not singing!). Mel Torme seems to think he's Gene Krupa, but Nat knows exactly who he is. More sharing in the fun.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Wanted to point out one of the recent website additions (that might go unnoticed without "stumbling" over it): "news headlines". A webpage already existed titled "news", previously housing a list of new releases. Now, when you go, you will find first a new "news release" each week (usually). As well as for your information; the articles provide ready-made press releases. When it seems right, on a given week, I'll include the "news" here also. Here is today's entry:

4/14/07 - Headline - "Joe Holt's Notes on the Radio" to broadcast live performances"
On April 29, 2007, "Joe Holt's Notes on the Radio" will broadcast the first in a series of monthly installments that will showcase selections from a diverse roster of live performances, captured on recording. The majority of these selections will be heard exclusively on Joe's show, and accessible at any time after the original air date through the radio archive at www.joeholtsnotes.com .
The air schedule of showcased performances (subject to change):- April 26-29, 2007: Bryan Clark at the Dover Downs Hotel, Dover De. on 3/23/07, with Joe on piano.- May 31-June 3, 2007: The Midiri Brothers at the Sacramento (Ca.) Jazz Jubilee on 5/28/06, with Joe on piano.- June 28-July 1, 2007: Joe in concert, solo piano, at the Mainstay, Rock Hall, Md. (during the annual Dixieland festival) on 4/14/07Throughout the remainder of each month, the show will continue in it's current format, which features; in addition to the request segment (which will also be heard on the remote recording shows), selections from one of Joe's CDs, and the "Audio Trailers" segment; an exclusive look into Joe's private collection, upcoming releases, and the recordings of his musical colleagues. For an on-air schedule, visit www.joeholtsnotes.com or call 877-JOE-HOLT.

To access all the headlines: http://joeholtsnotes.com/New-Releases.html , or visit the "news" page on the site.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Enjoying the intensity of this weekend. Had the Mainstay ("dixie fest") concert yesterday afternoon, followed by a "Bryan Clark Trio" gig (with a local sax player sitting in). We worked hard (intently), and had fun. This morning, I participated for the first time in the morning worship for the local Presbyterian Church. This is cool, because this is where a good portion of the local arts community attends church, and with whom I feel a growing bond. Soon, I will head up to Sullivan's. The connection (musically/spiritually) is solid, and that's the most fun (and intense) of all. I must continue to remember the part of God working through patience, and enjoy all the moments. The "intensity" will ease up a little (for a day, anyway) after tonite.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

"All you can do with an electronic instrument is have fun - because they're toys" - Keith Jarrett

I knew I liked him. I cannot exaggerate the difference in the entire process (for me) of making music (of which a large component is reacting to what I hear) with acoustically vibrating strings vs. electronic tones (which, no matter how "realistic" a sound sample, lack the acoustic richness and complexity). It's very different to play an electronic keyboard - yet, at times I am "forced" to (meaning that I am willing, at times, to surrender to the pragmatic). It ends up being substantively different, and not (at all, sometimes) what I would play, or hear, acoustically. Having, nearly 6 months ago, begun playing requests to lead off the radio show, I made the decision to allow myself to put cuts of solo keyboard stuff "out there" (if only over the air and on-line streaming. A "real" piano is not available at this time). Now I have collected enough reasonable tracks to produce a CD of these on-air requests. I think I'd like to do it. We'll see.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Okay, I've got it now, all the video posts are intact. If you're new here, I began posting selected videos (from time to time) of those who have influenced and inspired me (and "brought home" the glory of God). These begin on 12/24/06 (scroll down from here, or access the archives)



Speaking of Ella...
(and, unrelated to this video...)
Happy Easter!

Saturday, April 07, 2007

It looks like all the posts (except for Art Tatum) are intact again. Thanks, Max for looking into this. Since I referenced the book with which I'm struggling (but plodding onward), here's a little excerpt (removed somewhat from it's context, but it still works) that might make you smile:
"...I respect and admire the late Charles Schultz. In case you are visiting from another planet (or are very young, which some consider the same), Charles Schultz is the "father" of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and Lucy, and the rest of the "Peanuts" gang. He is also a role model for a Christian in the arts. Who would argue that Charles Schultz, in his life and work, did not have a positive impact on our culture, and on the lives of many people. If nothing else (and there is plenty), he alone (as the decision was fully his – "if we don’t do it, who else can?" – against the advise of others) is responsible for millions hearing the Gospel account of the birth of Christ, ending with: "and that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown". As an aside; I had finished a concert where, on stage, I had spoken briefly of my feelings regarding Charles Schultz, and was "mingling with the audience". A woman (I’ll call her Mary) then told me of when she was newly married, and attended church for (perhaps) the first time in her life with her new husband. Being that it was Christmastime, the minister read the familiar gospel account of the birth of Christ. During the reading Mary became excited, and leaning toward her husband whispered "Listen honey, He’s quoting Linus!"." :)