Music

I’m not certain how one would describe my music. I would describe it as reflecting whatever the Hell I’m into at the moment. I’ve been a lifelong musician, starting with my voice (tenor, and my primary “axe” to this day), guitar, bass, and various and sundry key-ed instruments. My very first conscious memory of myself is of me, around my 3rd birthday, humming some improvised tune – music has always, always been there for me.

I believe that, with very few exceptions, musical talent is the result of hard, long work. The cost of musical excellence is the sacrifice of large chunks of your life to practice, drills, frustration and boredom. There is no short cuts. Steve Vai is celebrated as being one of the greatest modern virtuoso guitarists to have ever walked the Earth. This has far more to do with his total life’s dedication to music (and his 3 hour per day, every day, guitar practice regimen) then any genetic or environmental gifts that enhances his own hard work.

I’ve had the privilege of taking jazz and concert band jazz lessons, enough classical guitar to be dangerous, and lots of voice. I’m very restless by nature, and as such, tend to graze freely across the musical landscape. I’ve studied music theory, and believe this is critical in any musical genre – as an eternal adolescent, I find it more thrilling to know what rules I am breaking when I break them.

I tend not to enjoy “alternative” music as an identity prop (secretly hording some awful, talentless band until such time as I can accuse them of selling out doesn’t do anything for my ego). I will give any reasonable work serious consideration, especially if someone I cherish or respects recommends it. I believe that artists have the right to command ownership of their own work in whatever manner they seem fit. I love to collaborate, especially in genres and forms I’ve little to no experience with.

To me, music is just as vital to my life as the air I breathe – always has been, always will be. The loving kiss of some creator diety upon my face cannot begin to approach the joy that musical performance and composition bring to my own life.