Last evening was the "town lighting" in Chestertown. As I roamed around, I was struck by God's good providence. We never planned to live in (actually just outside - in the next county, and over the bridge, but still within walking distance of) Chestertown. Now it's going on 10 years. A loose translation of the proverb reads: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know." When will I ever learn?

Good grief! I didn't realize that over a week has passed since my last entry. Have had several excellent gigs and shows - the concert at St Martin's last Friday night at least rivals the Prince for the connection from the bench. Will get some posting up eventually from that, but there are a few in the pipeline to get posted first. In time. In time, everything in it's time. There continues to be positive fallout from the Prince concert, and a sustaining "buzz". Now I've a date at the Church Hill Theatre on the books (Friday 1/30/09) for another solo improv concert. Will have a concrete indication that evening of how much momentum there really is. Are we there yet?

Okay, now, here we are. The posting is in progress from the Prince Theatre concert on Friday night (3 up, and probably 3 to go). This is one of the several improvisation "demonstrations" of the evening, and , it seems, the crowd favorite (at least I kept hearing about it afterward): The "ADD Improv". Apparently now a staple for future shows. Here is the info on the YouTube post: "This concert contained several fun demonstrations of musical improvisation; this one being a collage of 5 melodies chosen by audience members. Cards were distributed with selections in the following categories: Traditional melodies, Christmas songs, classical themes, marches, and novelty tunes. The post picks up with my examining the cards selected."

Now late Saturday night. No gig tonight, so I went with Carol to see "Crucible" performed at QAC High School, where Charie (techie girl) was running lights. I have a new friend in Shelagh Grasso, the drama teacher who brought her classical pianist father to my Prince Theatre concert last night. Also Marsha, Barbi, and Trevor from "Island", and many other friends. Last night forged a new diameter for the envelope, and was (at least) one of my better performances. Captured it all on video - give me a week or so for YouTube posts, and a concert playlist. Rob (Hilty) also came over to record the show for me. Might I (finally) have a "live in concert" CD that I am willing to release? I'll let you know. Thanks to all who came. it was a blast!!

Well, look at that! Of course, everything is relative, as I can remember as far back (into my youth) as 29 cents/gallon - but that doesn’t count (now). Gasoline is now less than half of what it was at it’s peak, not too many months ago. Musicians are hit especially hard by high gas prices, as “you have to go wherever the gig is” (which is often not close by). Now, gigging seems a bit more “realistic” - but only a bit. No one gets into this business because it makes sense.

Coming Friday.... Suffice to say, I'm really looking forward to this. In many respects, this is symbolic (at least) to me of a new starting point, and somewhat of a redefinition of my public performances. Depending how you define jazz, sure, I play it - but now I am wholly persuaded that is the wrong description of what I (at least intend to) project. Perhaps the real problem in jazz, especially among many practitioners, are the agendas. This style, that approach, this era, that statement. I had a wonderful gig Saturday night subbing at a private club with two great Phila area musicians, neither of whom I knew or knew me. What we all appreciated about the gig was the shared creativity, enjoying what each other had to "say", and stretching on the lesser trod paths. Improvisation is now my term of choice (at least for my solo performances): no agendas, no pretense, just a connection - beyond me, and beyond my limitations.

HA! (click on image to enlarge and read)

It was cool to vote today, and to take Robbie (who will be 12 in 2 weeks, and surpass my height in 1 inch) in with me. We both got "I Voted" stickers. It is also cool that a lot of gig opportunities have been popping up; some of them soon to be reflected on the schedule (though most of them private/corporate). Am also enjoying preparing for the Prince Theatre concert next Friday, which hopefully will raise the bar and reset the template for my continued path. Hope you can come (if you're nearby)!