An Eternal Playlist

Recently, I spent a few days at a Buddhist meditation retreat.  This is a regular occurrence for me.  During zazen, as well as throughout the day, thoughts, images, sounds, etc, come to one.  These are fleeting apparitions.  Sometimes they have meaning to one’s life, such as when an emotion is triggered by a particular thought.  Sometimes, as I said, they are merely apparitions.  Scenery that shouldn’t be given too much attention.

It’s not usual for me to keep a journal during these times, as one tries to focus on the present as much as possible, not getting too caught up in the mental processing of events, however I thought it would be a nice, brief pastime to notate the songs that came to mind while in retreat.  All but one of these songs came as an actual song and not a thought of the structure—I heard them, noted, and then turned off.  (Thank god I’ve acquired the ability to turn these things off, not letting them loop endlessly.)  Here they are, in order of appearance (I will try and update this post in the next couple of days with samples):

September Song
Sunshower (Kenny Barron)
Everything Happens To Me (ver: Chet Baker)
No Such Thing (John Mayer)
Mood Indigo (ver: Mingus / Ellington & Armstrong - this was thought of first)
Lost Magic (Gilfema)

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Deep Thoughts

In music, the question of how one marks their progress seems to be crucial to how one continues down the path.  For example, there are things like financial success/security and technical know-how, both of which are fine and generally aid one’s continued development.  Money is needed in order to have the time to devote to the practice; technique aids one in the pursuit of realization of ideas.  However, while money is relatively stable (in the sense of, “this pile of money pays my rent”), technique is so completely relative to our musical situation.  We record our shows and listen back years later, perhaps hearing that we have a better definition of pulse or that our notes are cleaner, but were we awake and aware of what we were doing then?  More importantly, are we now?  What is driving our music playing?  Do we ceaselessly chase after social gratification, money, more and better gigs, or do we try to figure out just what it is we’re doing and why we’ve chosen to do this?

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Lo-Fi Beats are not square.

More beats from the practice room that were captured via cellphone.

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Friends and Such

I’m truly lucky to have so many great friends and teachers in my life.  You won’t find a traditional “links” page on this website, so I’ve gone and compiled a list of some people that I think you should know about.

Michiko Swiggs designed this rad website.  Thanks, Michiko!

Seattle Drum School owner, Steve Smith has the most unique conception of rhythm that I’ve encountered to date.  Of course you should take lessons from me, but part of my sh*t was gleaned from Steve’s imagination.

John Wicks forced me to step up my game by having me sub for him at the Seattle Drum School when he went on tour.  You rule, J.

Mack Grout—my buddy from Cornish.  Mack’s a great piano teacher and player (book him for your wedding!).

Jason Parker and I play together from time to time, both in Water Babies and on casuals.  Jason is a true improvising musician.  (Book him for your wedding!)

Eido Frances Carney. My teacher and a wonderful artist to boot.

Gregg Skloff, fellow Olympian. We were in the trenches at the Red Lion in Oly, as well as other places. Now he bakes. And continues to make truly singular, inspired music.

Themba Lewis—another buddy from Oly town. Great design and photography.

Not originally from my hometown, Owen Freeman steadfastly remains a comrade in arms.  Inspirational to me for many reasons, Owen should be consulted for all of your design/illustration needs.  Seriously.

Jessie Smith and I met through training Kung Fu.  She teaches great fitness classes.  Rock on.

I consider Judd Wasserman to be anudda brudda in music.

Jose Martinez is a warrior, running the Owl ‘n Thistle session for ten years plus.  Without that sesh, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be that asshole who thinks he can play.  Come to think of it, I haven’t gotten over that yet! Gratitude, gratitude.

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Dhamma Gita

One of my compositions, Bedtime Waltz, was recently selected for the Dhamma Gita compilation.  The main criteria for this compilation of music was that the (young) composer’s music be influenced by their Buddhist practice.  I am honored to have been selected for this project.  Of course, it’s hard to go wrong with such bandmates as Dawn Clement and Chris Symer.

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