Since I have been back with the Midiri band, we have taken advantage of our unique instrumentation to work on building a repertoire of tunes with (George) Shearing-style choruses. This unique sound, popularized in the 1950's, features a specific block chord piano approach (which I am very comfortable doing) coordinated with vibes and guitar. We have a few arrangements worked out so far, and it's a really nice touch that adds to the band. Paul and I got together the other night to write choruses for a couple more tunes. Each of us are capable of doing this individually, on our own. But a deeper inspiration happens when we combine our (somewhat contrasting) approaches, and work on them together. With the Sun Valley festival just 2 weeks away now, we find ourselves motivated to make the time (not that either of us have much to spare right now) and add to the book. It is gratifying, and fun. 

There is something larger here at play, though, which has been at the front of my awareness for some time (although I haven't blogged/journaled much about it recently). This guy (Paul Midiri) is my brother. So is his (actual twin) bother, Joe. You likely know the story. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of our first meeting. Since then, the pendulum has swung back and forth, many times. It's like a rhythm (perhaps even a pulse) that has carried us along, over all these years. it's where we started, what we've experienced (together and apart) along the way, and where we are now. It's home. And we've always known that, even as it took us decades to acknowledge it. In 2005, we released a 30 year reunion CD titled "The Other Brother". At the time, it may have been, in our minds, more of a cute title than a declaration. But we knew, then, and we certainly know now. And we also know (or at least sincerely believe) that there is more to come. Maybe even the best (is yet to come). One beat at a time (Paul will notate it for us).  :)