Re: channeling the rage

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Mar 1, 2004, at 2:54 PM, Laughton, Bob wrote:

>
> rainbowjimmy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
>
>> The best music comes when you have
>> a top notch band that's having fun.
>
> This is the best statement that I've heard on this topic lately.

  Yes, Jimmy is correct again (as usual) and I have been saying this for 
years. When you feel comfortable with certain other musicians, that 
MAKES the deal. All you need is one prima donna and it spoils 
everything.

>  If the fun and joy seem to be missing, maybe it's time to go play for 
> dancers

   Is playing for dancers a bad thing? OR does a harmonica player need a 
situation where no one talks, dances, eats, or anything else, but just 
sits there and watches and listens (in amazement?). Are we all such 
stars that we feel no one should be doing anything while we are 
playing? AND, do we feel that this sort of behavior is rude? Not a very 
practical outlook, in any case, as most jobs entail a food beverage 
dancing atmosphere.

  Of course if you happen to be a concert star, then you receive chips 
for a different reason.

  And by the way, what's this thing called "Rage"? Maybe if you feel 
rage when you play, either music OR that particular instrument is not 
for you. How about channeling emotion?

> - put the music "under their feet" as the Irish say.
>
> Music comes from the body collective, not from one's self. We borrow, 
> big time. Breaking down the illusory distinctions that 
> alienate/separate one's self from others is the primary job of "the 
> music", whatever the culture.

   Sure, and exactly why rage shouldn't apply. Maybe this is why some 
players only appeal to a small selective element and others appeal to 
mass audience(s). Maybe I was reading in something that wasn't there. 
If so, my apologies.

>  "In the zone", "in the pocket", "having fun" all seem to me to point 
> to the joyous state of
>
>> Listen, pay attention, practice, play with other people, and have fun.
>
> That about covers it, I'd add "respect your instruments like they were 
> your eyeballs" just to be safe.
>
> Bob Laughton

   excellent post Bob.............smo-joe
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