This past Saturday night, I took a(nother) "social networking" plunge, and opened a Facebook fan page. Taking this opportunity to organize my thoughts (no easy task), I determined to represent my "calling" as I now see it. Was able to get the following uploaded from my mind (again, no easy task). As it turns out, this represents a "manifesto" of sorts for 2010 (and beyond), in my (Facebook fan page) biography field. As such, I wanted to share it here also:


"In a few months, I'll turn 50, when some say "life begins" (50 being “the new 40”). It may be particularly true with respect to the next “phase” of my career. I have always been a full-time performing pianist; identifying, and identified, most strongly with “stride piano” and “classic” jazz, since my teenage years. Discoveries, personal/spiritual realizations, and a deepened confidence and “connection” to creative expression, have brought me to a new place. With, it seems, a wider-angle lens, I now survey a landscape with new features to explore, and possibilities to entice. From here I travel a broadened path, or perhaps multiple paths together. Not to forget “where I come from”, but to (purpose to) more fully embrace “who I am” (and who, I’m discovering, I have always been). Most important, I’ve learned, - in countless lessons, that it’s not about me. Among the “game changers”:
-The realization (working the Showboat Casino in AC in the mid-‘80s), that I make music to facilitate connections of service to others.
- The acceptance of service to others as a “calling”, symbolized by attaining a certification as a Music Therapist (MT-BC), several years later. Working on developing an “others” focus (admittedly, at times, very imperfectly), set the stage for the big “epiphany”:
- Understanding music making as, in essence, a Spiritual discipline.
This understanding allows all the aforementioned ‘burdens” of performance, connection, and service, to be removed (or, at least, loosened). Making the “connection”, is (now seen as) to lose my self (focus) and trust that which is “outside” of me. My friend, Bruce Kaminsky, is known to say (among many other “proverbs“): “That two people can make music together is proof of the existence of God“. If I am to touch another (musician with which I perform, of listener to which I perform), who is doing the “touching“?
Throughout the evolution of all this, my view has been through the lens of Christianity, or, as I would lean to characterize it now, a “Christian Spirituality”. As this evolution could be characterized (in this, and in my life as a whole), as a loosening of the grip on “agendas” (self-focus, and control), there is, underlying it all, a trust in God to “do the work”, and to “get it right”. In performance, what is most important to me is that the music touches you. If that is so, I’m comforted, and emboldened in the understanding that this is, ultimately, not my doing (in the larger, Spiritual sense).
Though I continue to perform with other musicians (both as a “sideman” and with my own trio), my main focus is to continue to deepen my “connection” (to the artistic expression, and to you) as a soloist. You will find, on my public schedule, an increasing array of opportunities to “journey with me”. From event to event, the emphasis may change on the titles performed, but not on the “process”. In addition to the “classic” standards I am known to perform, expect to encounter (depending on the nature of the event) - improvisation on classical pieces and themes, popular song, hymns, freely improvised original compositions, and the embracing of my own artistic uniqueness (most notably, the “A.D.D. Improvisation”).
Freely improvised pieces are a recent addition to my public expression, and can be heard on the new CD release: “Stories Without Words“. To explore further, visit http://joeholtsnotes.com
Thanks for visiting my Facebook page. I look forward to keeping in touch!"

As well as here. Happy New Year everyone!

Returned to the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown sanctuary late this afternoon to spend a little time practicing the organ. It is truly heart-warming (for me) to have the opportunity to attend worship that is God-focused, especially at Christmastime. My cell phone camera does not do justice to the stained glass cross patterns, and the dimming daylight hides the cheerful warmth of the service this morning. I wonder, sometimes, how Christmas in our culture sustains itself, with (seemingly) so few placing emphasis on it's traditional meaning. Attending worship at Christmastime (Christmas Eve, and Christmas Sunday) is far from a ritual, or an obligation, for me. It is essence. I am where, I believe, I should be. Have been a "civilian" in church (a "regular guy" in the pew) for several years now, and it's a happy place.

Time to troll the stores for a final pass, open to ideas and inspiration. Robbie had an idea: “If this were a boom box, I’d be totally gangster”. He enjoyed the fuzzy pillow. As I pause to think about it, this strikes close to what it’s all about (Charlie Brown - I just had to do that): Finding joy and contentment, in a (given) moment. Connecting with the expression around us. Linking sensory awareness to our deeper places. Among the many reasons I am proud of all my kids (my family), right up at the top is what I might call “arts awareness”. Creativity is not wanting in our home. In this regard, I feel like a “successful” parent. Colors, shapes, sounds - beyond yes/no, black/white, on/off. Perhaps now (pausing to think again), the real success is the balanced navigation of all of it. Finally, Robbie’s quote of the day (speaking to me): “Aren’t you glad they named coffee “Joe”, and the toilet “John”? Stand up comedy may be in his future (seriously).

Wow! A record breaking (nearly 2 feet of) snow! Came in the night before last and lasted thru early this (Sunday) morning. So far no one is going anywhere. Had a harrowing experience at the onset of the storm (before it really kicked in, thankfully) driving home from a gig near Ocean City MD. What would normally be about a 2 hour drive took nearly 6 (!), and was truly a "white knuckle" experience. Was thankful to make it home. Now, it's a happy time! Pictured above: a beautiful snow scene, my lost car, Robbie going to find it (my car), and Charie' preparing to "frolic".

(click on the above image to enlarge)

Received this the other day (letterhead cropped). I've known Linda since, probably, 1994, when I began "targeting" Senior communities for musical presentations (leading soon thereafter to a certification as a Music Therapist). She has, though the years, been a wonderful encourager and friend. Linda, at a deeper level than most, has always seemed to “get it”. Not because (I suspect) that she would consider herself a “jazz” fan (at least, exclusively), but that she is genuinely touched by the work, and movement of God around her. This is not to aggrandize myself as being in some special category. Rather, this is (more) validation, to me, of the connections music makes, which I interpret as being on a spiritual level. Her kind note also encourages me in the plunge toward a broadening and deepened expression. The cool part is that I’m just getting started. As the latest CD (“Stories Without Words) gains traction and (hopefully) generates cash flow, other projects are already prepared to document the continued evolution. 2010 looks to be the year that opportunities for solo (concert) performance expand, and gain the majority of public presentations. Not to diminish collaborative efforts, though. There’s some really cool stuff happening on that side as well. More about that later. For now, a big thank you to Linda, and an invitation to all to check out “Stories Without Words” (note: From this point forward, through the end of the year, all CD orders will be shipped priority mail. Orders placed by Monday 12/21 should arrive in time for Christmas).

In the green room at the Milton Theatre just before hit on Saturday night. Pictured from left to right, Dave Schiff, Mike McShane, John Ewart (Holly Lane not pictured - just her purse). This was a wonderful (and intense) evening and experience, on many levels. The time was right for this to happen. I have been with "Shore Jazz" (Mike, Holly, and John) for about 3 years, during which time personal, professional, and artistic rapport has grown. I've known Dave (always enjoying the opportunities to gig together) for many years, and with his recent move to lower Delaware, he has enthusiastically jumped on board. Due to an unusual circumstance at the theatre, we put this concert on the schedule with less than a month's lead time. Not cool, generally, unless you have performers with a long history of connection to the "neighborhood" (excluding me - I'm a "commuter"), and the drive and commitment of Mike McShane, who made the highly improbable (under the circumstances) happen: a sellout house. We gave a strong performance (with some exceptional moments), and the audience returned the love. New opportunities are now on the horizon for the group, both at and beyond the Milton. I'm happy to be a part of it.