Joe Holt's Notes

2009-11-12T19:46:00.000-05:00

Hands are doing better, but not entirely. Still have some swelling, and discomfort, so will be seeing my family doctor tomorrow. Things are going the right way, though.

Lots going on, which, during the week generally includes music therapy related work in senior nursing/assisted living facilities. The last 3 days have been rather full in this regard. In one facility in DE, I enjoy seeing, each month, a friend/”fan” who is 101yrs old (!) Sharp as anything, and fun to talk with. This week, I met another centenarian in the same center (just turned 100 last month). After showing me her citations from the state government, and the White House, she recalled a question asked on her birthday: “To what do you attribute your longevity?” She replied, simply, “Hard work, and good food”. She then went on to define this in her own experience, centering around the farm on which she grew up. Hard work, and good food - sounds too simple, until you realize it makes more sense than anything. Makes me realize - not too simple, rather our lives have become much too ….

2009-11-07T23:40:00.002-05:00

Have noticed a little sore spot on my right hand the last couple of days, but thought little of it. Late last night (after my gig) felt some increasing soreness. This morning, began noticeably swelling. Seems things like this happen on a Saturday, which allows us to keep in touch with our friends in the ER. Upon leaving the house, I was aware the two possibilities were stress fracture, and some kind of infection. The latter was the definite best option, for obvious reasons, which turned out to be the diagnosis, thankfully. Yes, kind of sore, but not enough to keep me from practicing after visiting the pharmacy :)

2009-11-02T22:22:00.002-05:00

It's been so long, it's hard to know where to start. If I have to pick something, though, this (video post above) is probably it. It's been an intense time, personally and professionally. Not bad intense, though. Intense with emotion, uncertainty, possibility, promise, and, holding it all together, the certainty of trust in the hand of providence. Guess I really am a believer in "dynamic tension"(something I've been thinking about a lot lately, actually).

My feelings have been all over the map about my new CD: "Stories Without Words", but when my objective lens takes over, it remains a consistent view. This is my first (major) step (perhaps better, lunge) away from the security of imposed structure, to embrace a deeper part of myself that I have been learning to come to terms with. Over the years, I have been continually struck with a common "theme": that my improvisation often struggles to exactly fit in the "jazz box", especially when others are defining it. My ideas are seldom the intricate weavings of architecture, fitting the agenda of a finely tuned "jazz vocabulary", creating within a predetermined structure. As this, however, describes much of the "jazz view", I've often struggled, sometimes touching the deeper places, sometimes mired in "constipation". Known for "creative bursts", but not a consistent presence. What am I, then? What I've always known I am: a conceptualist. But what does it mean? I'm learning. Learning that I've often been tangled in "vocabulary", instead of drawing the "shapes" I instinctively feel. Learning that what I "know" often gets in the way. Learning to "know" differently. This new CD (illustrated by the video post of one of the twenty tracks) is but a baby step. Not a step away from anything, though, except my own roadblocks. Thanks for continuing to follow my journey. I believe in it now, perhaps more than ever. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life". "Trust...."

2009-10-07T16:37:00.003-04:00

Sitting in the Panera Bread in Easton MD, between events, in the quiet between (the normal person's) lunch and dinner. Have enough of a break that I am hopeful to make significant progress on the October newsletter this afternoon. Have been informed today that yet another senior community is cutting back on my schedule (and, in fairness, this is happening across the board, as the pendulum has swung hard against existing activity budgets). This actually brings me to a good place, as it seems that the landscape may be just beginning to portray what may around the corner/bend that I am just beginning to enter. A significant chunk (but not, by a long stretch, all) of my enthusiasm is related to the new CD that will be released next week: "Stories Without Words". It is so different from anything else I've released, that I still don't know what to think about it with any objectivity. The biggest consideration, right now, is how well this recording will connect with those who hear, and to what extent this will move me beyond (add to, not replace) the older adult demographic. It really seems that it is time. Also, this morning, I was hit (pleasantly) hard with the sense that increased (solo) touring is also just around this bend. I can see it being nearly time for this as well. When Joe, Jr (my oldest) was very young (and the only child - now he is 20, with 2 younger siblings), Carol and I would put him in the car, and travel for up to 2 weeks at a time, often driving out to concerts in the Midwest. Today's realization also reminds me how much I/we enjoyed that, and would enjoy it again. There is, now, a weekend of concerts (2 churches so far) in southern Florida in later Feb, next year. Will see what else can be tagged on. If you find later, this described as a "winter tour", that means I probably succeeded. Lots of cool stuff is already planned. In the coming days and weeks, my posted schedule will reflect these new opportunities. Time to start typing...

2009-10-02T23:57:00.003-04:00

Another weekend for "Triumph of Love" at Church Hill Theatre. The orchestra catches some fresh air during intermission. From left to right: Trevor, Ian, Rebekah, Ron (sorry for the bad angle), and Jarvis. All excellent musicians, to a person, meaning that everyone pulls their own weight, and - we rock (actually a broad stylistic diversity that we authentically create)! Steve (Arnold - our grand poobah) will remind us that no one buys a ticket to the theatre to hear the orchestra. I'd say that's essentially true - as he says this to illustrate our role of support, rather than to draw attention away from the stage (except for our exit music, where we do assemble a little "crowd" on our side of the house, which will acknowledge us - which I take as recognition of a job well done, over the entire show). It's fair to say that we are providing fine support to an equally fine cast, and performance. Our crowds have been a little light thus far, but that's to be expected, at least initially, as this is a more contemporary, less familiar show to many. The word is spreading, though, and those who heed the word will be treated to a great show. Our local arts reviewer agrees: http://churchhilltheatre.org/content.php?sec=nws&pg=news6 Better show up soon, before it's too late! We run through 10/11, and reservations are always recommended, especially for a final weekend.

2009-09-25T13:53:00.001-04:00

Up and running, at Church Hill Theatre: "Triumph of Love". click on the link, and then click on "CHT to open Triumph" under "...in the news", to get the scoop. This is a fun and entertaining production. Can't look up (yet) as often as I would like (still "white-knuckling" it through parts of the piano score...wrong note?...who?...), but really enjoying what this talented cast has created. So appreciative of our fine musicians (to a person), and how we have brought the score to life (in spite of some dubious conducting)! This is my second year teaming up with Steve Arnold (director) and (in my opinion, at least) it is magic - again. Hope you can come!

2009-09-24T23:58:00.002-04:00

Back in the (portion of my) "world" that is largely out of the public view. Over the last few years, I have shifted my energies away from networking in this realm (and am now focusing on promoting and securing public "Piano Improvisation" concerts). Nonetheless, a significant portion of my daytime activities remain devoted to working with seniors as a music therapist. This will always remain much of the most fulfilling work I will ever perform. In nursing homes/health care communities I spend some of my time in one to one visitation with residents (often selected because they are too ill to participate in group activities). Each community maintains a documentation book for me, and today I walked into a facility in Atco NJ to find Nancy (the Activities Director) had reworked my book. Though a coincidence, I still found it amusing that the "Joe Holt's Notes" concept has now followed me into the nursing home. Actually, it's all music "therapy", really, and very much so for me (ultimately) as well.

2009-09-19T16:16:00.001-04:00

Returned to the Melwood Church for the third time this year for "An Evening of Disney". Was later pointed to this (above photo) situated on the piano. You never know :) Put a post up on YouTube, for a little flavor of the evening:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDTjIsB0jVw
There is much buzzing around here, and I've been less than stellar (or even mediocre) at maintaining many disciplines. I'm still here, and still playing - a lot.
God remains (always) at work.

2009-08-21T10:36:00.002-04:00

Some years ago, I finally threw out my (old and well worn, but still functional) Organmaster shoes (the standard for classical/pipe organ pedaling). I resigned the church organ position in 1990 (in NJ) that I had held for 11 years prior. Did some subbing for awhile, and then determined to put my "organ days" behind me, devoting myself to the piano exclusively. This (general) determination was challenged some years ago when playing a run at the (Atlantic City) Showboat with the Midiri brothers. Someone (not me) got the idea that I should get my old cornet out the closet, work up my (questionable) "chops", and add it to the bandstand presentation (for schtick). After awhile I put it away, remembering the tug of the comittment to an additional instrument against my focus to develop as a pianist. Well, here I am, again - sort of. After attending the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown for some time (and planning to join this fall), I've succumb to the allure of the 3 manual Allen, and have begun refamiliarizing with playing (Way different than the piano. I used to say: "The organ is a box I content with - the piano is an extension of my arm"- still true). In a way; that the organ is so different than the piano, (as is the required skill set), is part of the draw. It is it's own unique experience, more like the effort and satisfaction of "building" something, rather than the ease (and satisfaction) of comfortable expression. So here's where I am today: have agreed to sub for Kate (the smiling organist) at church the next two Sundays. Am going over now to work in my new Organmaster shoes. Part of the fun will be that (until recently) no one (around here) knew I ever played the organ (let alone majoring on piano and organ together in college). Some may be confused. I may be chief among them, though. We'll see...

2009-08-13T01:28:00.000-04:00

Finished the recording for Danny Tobias' first CD release (as a leader) on Monday afternoon. Had some wonderful musical moments as we moved through this project. Since then I've been up in York, PA for a few days away with my family. Saw a (professional) theater production of "The King and I" last night., with some very strong performances. The part that tripped me up was the "orchestra" with 2 members: a drummer, and the musical director - who played (what appeared to be) (sampled) orchestral parts over sequenced tracks. Sounded much like a high end theater organ. Fine, I guess, if you're your primary objective is to recreate the era that produced this musical. A disconnect for me. It worked, of course (played so "perfectly" it was kind of stale), but in the same way that my GPS "speaks" directions. Gets you there, but eventually you just want to hear a real person. Still a very nice evening.

2009-08-09T19:44:00.002-04:00

Fun stuff! Robbie just completed the 5 week 'Playmakers" camp at the Prince Theatre with 2 shows this weekend. Like his brother and sister before him, Robbie is drawn to the theatre. When people ask me if my children play musical instruments, my response is "yes - casually, but their main interest is theatre - and a connection with the arts is what I want for them".

An amazing performance last night. I got to be a "civilian" and see it twice! Once, at a musical concert at the Prince (when I was in the audience) someone asked me (at intermission) if I was itching to get on the stage and participate. "Oh, no", I said, "it's more like (a sense of) relief".

2009-08-04T10:56:00.003-04:00

Began music rehearsals last night for "Triumph of Love", opening on Sept 25 at Church Hill Theatre. Am more confident (but only somewhat less overwhelmed - left to my own emotions) going into this one, having last year under my belt. "Once on This Island" was my first musical in the capacity of musical director. Not that I didn't have appropriate experience, knowledge, or aptitude. It was just a new bag, and I was certainly the new kid on the block, attempting to "steer the ship" full of passengers, most of whom having made many similar journeys. In the arts, of course, you have many egos, but I was able to establish myself quickly, and gain the trust (with one exception) of cast and musicians. All things considered (this is community theatre), we really pulled it off, and (by all accounts) raised the bar for what is possible at CHT. A few months ago Steve Arnold (theatre director, and director of the production) posted our opening number on YouTube. I've enjoyed experiencing it again. If you missed the show, you really missed something. Try to do better this year :)

2009-07-31T20:47:00.003-04:00

Another long lapse since last checking in. Will try to do better. Not like I've been sitting on my hands, though (which would never work). (Oops) I did it again, and accepted the position of Musical Director for the fall (contemporary - as opposed to the spring "classic") musical at Church Hill Theatre. Auditions ended Tuesday evening, but casting was not resolved until this morning. We will all have a challenge on our hands for this one, (and perhaps) especially me, as this is the rare (and before last year's production, virtually non-existent) "reading" gig. Feeling a little less overwhelmed about this one, but still will be putting in many hours of prep. My reading chops are far from where they should be, as all the eggs rolled to the improv side of my basket. The good part of that is the acknowledgment of weakness, and the recognition of strength. I can work to strengthen the weakness, while also getting deeper into where my specific gifts are. Recent gigging has been nothing short of awesome. Nonetheless, I am continually humbled by (even more) awesome possibilities. Watched a bunch of YouTube jazz video with Robbie the other night (who is now a big fan of McCoy Tyner, and Marcus Roberts, among others). Humbled and inspired. Practice, practice, practice.

2009-07-12T20:25:00.002-04:00

I did it again (or, more accurately, didn't). Nearly 2 weeks since my last post. Guess I've been busy :) I'm sure any reasonable observer (knowing all the details) would advise that I am involved in too many "projects" - but who (among the productive) isn't. Still gigging most every day - not shown on the schedule as they are almost all private/corporate. Most of my promotional energy is (and has been) spent on creating public concert opportunities (like the Mainstay concert in October). If I allowed myself (and sometimes I fail in the restraint), it could get a little frustrating that more dates aren't finalized. Right now a number of public events are stuck in the cattle-shoot. The gigs will happen, but (typically) won't "close" until after (or late) Summer. Just keep plugging, and eventually everything will fall into place. Busyness includes, of course, the household "chores". For me this includes much of the cooking and food shopping (by choice - I like it). Occasionally I have a little fun filling up a shopping cart at the Dollar Tree (yes - a dollar store - check it out). Carol and I watch the "Clark Howard Show" (money management guru-type) on HLN each week. Clark would be impressed :)

2009-06-27T16:19:00.002-04:00

Gigging. It's what we do, or, at least, what we attempt. The "music business" was never easy. Even less so now. Though I've never lost (or even misplaced) my "rose colored glasses", they can, at times, pick up smudges. I still hang on (usually without too much difficulty) to a sense of "calling", and a belief in the promise and possibility that (ever deepening) musical connections can make. Though committed to my path as a soloist, I am grateful for the sideman work (and the people I work with), even if it does mean playing (some) private parties. Gigs are gigs - especially now.

2009-06-13T11:52:00.002-04:00

Enjoyed being a "civilian" last night, spending time with the family in Ocean City, MD. The most fulfilling parts are in the "Best Things in Life are Free" (at least in theory) category. It was a relief to get off of the amusement pier, and simply walk up to the ocean, taking it in from all directions. Later on, Robbie spent the best part of an hour taking in a "street-corner" violinist. I am continually impressed with my children (feels like the wrong word, but, kids or offspring aren't working right now, either). It's easy to spend a ton of money down there, but once one steps out of that lane, the value of the experience seems to rise.

2009-06-06T10:09:00.003-04:00

More catch-up. This was the sign out on the lawn of the New Castle Presbyterian Church on May 17, when I was featured at their "Jazz Coffee House". An informal setting, and a really fun gig. Will probably have a couple of posts for YouTube, but it may take another week or two.

This past Wednesday night, I attended the Ken Poplowski concert at the Mainstay, with Robbie (my 12 year old). He loved it, and now loves the Mainstay (this was his first time there). Good deal! The "house band" included the Redd brothers: Robert (piano) and Chuck (drums and vibes). For all their presence and noterity in this area, this is the first time I've heard them. Excellent. The show they put on was much like concerts I've played (mostly with the Midiri Brothers) a million times, which made it even more fun for me to watch, as I knew everything that was going on (including who missed what chord change, and the pseudo train wreck at the end of one tune when four of the musicians went 4 different ways - all normal stuff). As I've written here before, this (local) area is blessed with a strong arts presence. I think I'll stick around :)

2009-05-28T23:09:00.003-04:00

Have let a bunch of time go by here, so time to play catch-up. We'll start with my birthday pie (why not?), from 2 weeks ago. Starting some months before, I was already thinking ahead to my 2010 birthday, when I'll turn 50.
Just booked another (last minute) piano dedication concert, this time at the Central Baptist Church, in Millville, NJ on Sun. June 7, at 6(?)pm. Will be an interesting day, if the start date holds for the Sunday jazz brunch, in Easton, MD, from 11am-2pm. Also a little bit of a late gig on the Saturday night before. It'll be fun!
Click here to check out a recent piano dedication in Upper Marlboro, MD:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3BDAE73A2E3C439D

2009-05-08T23:58:00.003-04:00

Had a unique opportunity in a concert a few weeks ago to receive 2 separate video recordings: one, a wider angle house shot, and the other, a closer shot with different angles throughout the concert. Special thanks to Dean Boshart, Sr for the latter, shown here. My friend, Chris Webb, is already working on a video project incorporating both. There may be some potential here. Meanwhile, here is my "ADD Improvisation" from that evening (click through the video to be taken to the YouTube page with a more detailed description).

2009-05-02T14:28:00.002-04:00

Received this photo from the "Mutt Strutt", now, a week ago. We were set up on the courthouse lawn, with dozens of dogs (parading, strutting, jumping, dancing....) off to the right (my left). All I could do was keep my eyes on the festivities, and react as best I could. If you've never been to Chestertown, it's an historic, and pretty place. It's likely that George Washington walked where I'm perched. I suspect he would "keep off the grass". A really good idea on this day :)

2009-04-29T10:24:00.003-04:00

It's that time (already)! A couple of April days in the '90s(!) reinforce that winter is long gone. The humidity that characterizes the summertime in this region was largely absent, so it wasn't that uncomfortable. This year I didn't wait until our yard was a jungle to begin the grass cutting (but we weren't far off) :)

Had great fun this past weekend, including a double (gig) on Saturday. Played themed and background music, in the morning, for Chestertown's Mutt Strutt: a Kent County Humane Society fundraiser. If you were there, you'll understand that the gig boiled down to "follow the bouncing Courtney" :) That evening, worked for (outstanding saxophonist) Dave Schiff at the Commonwealth Awards event at the Hotel DuPont in Wilmington Delaware. 2 contrasting gigs, if there ever were :) This gig was the first time playing with a full rhythm section (or a bass player at all) since last playing with the Midiri band in October! Fun to see and work with Bill Stumm again. Speaking of fun, I think Dave enjoyed himself (as I did):

"Hi Joe: Thank you !!!! for your fantastic playing (as usual). You make the gigs so much fun and such a wonderful musical experience. Your playing really inspires me. I can't wait for the next gig we have together."

Cool! :)

2009-04-21T21:55:00.004-04:00

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The marquis for (this past) Sunday night's concert. Watched some of the video (taken from the video booth on the church's equipment), and am pleased with what I saw/heard. It is gratifying that others (based on what they tell me) are recognizing what is apparent to me: that I am in a new (or deeper, perhaps) place. One friend describes it as "flying free now". Not to be too dramatical, though :) Suffice to say, the expression continues to mature, and it is humbling, because I did not get here on my own, nor can I do this "myself". There is a long way to go, but I feel the communication is making sense (connection with the listener) more than ever. Can you tell I'm enjoying this?

Speaking of video, I'm in the middle right now of posting from one of my health/nursing center programs. Even though the video is taken from an odd angle (of necessity), this new post of "Stars Fell on Alabama" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FFQS6M-cI8 really does capture that Dave McKenna "spirit", and so it now gets a slot in the "In the Spirit of Dave McKenna" playlist. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=38A6077C2E4387B2

2009-04-20T10:51:00.003-04:00

Didn't realize that it has been 2 weeks since I last checked in. Oops! Things are beginning to pick up now, in a manner that feels like "foundation building". The "music business" (on the local and regional levels, at least) is suffering, and musicians are hurting. I'm continuing to stake my tent pegs where I've often placed them; outside of the regular gigging network. There is no question (in my mind) now that (on multiple levels) my (immediate, at least) future, and, certainly the foundation of my path, is as a soloist (sorry about all the parentheticalness and run-on tendencies). The time may come soon when I only list select public concerts (all or nearly all solo) on my schedule. Had a successful concert in Newark, DE last night that suggests I may be doing (some of) the right things now.

Okay, what does any of this have to do with the above photo? Nothing. I was waiting for my scheduled performance time, in a retirement community that I regularly visit, "having set up shop" in a small, unoccupied room, to get some work done. A resident came in to check his e-mail on the public computer, and began polite conversation. When he asked my name, my answer provoked a few blinks, and a hard stare. "Oh", he said, "I didn't recognize you without your piano" :)

2009-04-06T23:44:00.002-04:00

Here is a view that I haven’t had in about 15 years. Some don’t know that, from 1979 to 1990 (age 19 to 30) I was the organist and music director of a church in NJ (where I grew up). In fact, my major instrument in college wound up being split between piano and (classical) organ, where I had the benefit of studies with Dennis Elwell. The organ is a entirely different beast than the piano, and, back in the day, I enjoyed traveling that unique path, alongside of the piano. When I put it down, though, it was for good. Well, maybe. Over the past months of enjoying (yes, enjoying) worshipping at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown (and “hanging with the musicians” “after the gig” :) ), the bug that has either remained dormant within me, or that Kate (the smiling organist) has somehow passed on, appears to have bitten. Took my first crack (in many years) at it today. It’s a waaaay different animal. Okay, first, I need to find shoes….

2009-04-03T23:55:00.003-04:00

This is the view from the back of the main building of the Heron Point retirement community, in Chestertown (MD). Like most of the communities I serve, I've been around for awhile (in this case, since around 1994). Plenty of time to fine interesting places to take walks. This walking pier juts out to the Chester River (you can make out the Gazebo in the middle of the photo if you use your imagination). Have always enjoyed the beauty of creation, and, living near the ocean, have taken to the calm and peaceful majesty of the water to remind me of the work, presence, and hand of God. We didn't plan to move to Chestertown nearly 10 years ago, but, through providential circumstances, found ourselves living backed up to a small creek that flows from the other side of this river not far from here. We were hooked. If the tide was in, you could put a canoe in the water and paddle out to the river. Did that once (in a borrowed canoe). No real desire to be a boater, just to enjoy the beauty. We now live on the other side of the river, but upstream a little, and about 1/4 mile in. No more view, but it's never far away. Beauty, majesty, and peace are never far away. Usually, you just have to open your eyes.