Forty one years ago I was getting ready to attend Berklee College of Music. I was pumped with adrenaline,  piano fingers ready to play, my scores in a bag. The next few years were a blur of rehearsals, classes, and adventure. 

​One professor who stood out among the giants was a young Andy Jaffe. Our paths have crossed numerous times since then, most recently in New Orleans at a Jazz Education Network event. He is still at it, I'm still at it. More evidence on the power of associations to inspire and prod us into a lifetime of musical action. 

​Thank you Andy. 

​David

A lot of talk about keeping it fresh by seeking out opportunities to play with younger musicians. But, sometimes it is good to play with your own cohort. Jamming tonight with guys in my age group is like wearing your favourite set of clothes: it fits, it's relaxing, it's undemanding, it's fun. Jamming with your peers is naturally musical 'cause they know the tunes. You can shoot the shit without offending, they will listen to your old war stories and they laugh at the jokes. 
​
Cheers,

​David

Miles did
Chick does it

​Hiring younger musicians to keep it real. I'm not hiring anymore, but getting out there and jamming with younger musicians is fun. A couple of tips, some of which I've learned the hard way:

1. Keep your mouth shut. Nobody cares what you've done in the past including who you've worked with, no matter how famous.
2. Let them call the tunes.
   
3. Keep your solos brief.
   
4. Be a gentleman around women at the jam. Old attitudes have no place in the modern world. 
   
5. Don't drink, thus reducing back sliding on tips 1 to 4
   

Cheers,

​David

Victor Wooten Metronome Exercises: Let's get our timing together with these hair raising exercises. Good luck. 

To quote Nike: Just do it. But, staying enthusiastic takes some work. Sometimes the vegetative state, induced by Netflix binging, is seductive. Some tips:

1. Hang out with younger people, but keep your mouth shut. Nobody, but nobody wants to hear about the "good old days". Let some of that energy waft over you.
2. Learn something new in your field. I went to college 40 years ago. Maybe I'm a little out of date. :-)
   
3. Clean out the music collection and start over from scratch. 
   
   1. http://www.jazzwisemagazine.com/artists/14787-top-20-jazz-albums-of-2017
      
4. Get the bike out of the garage and go for a ride in the woods.
   

Best,

​David 

Dear Dave:

• Learn to practice young man, it is the skill that keeps on giving, forever.
• Learn to count, it’s worth millions. Really!
• Pick a wife very carefully. Lust and loneliness is a seductive trap when you are young. (I’m second time lucky.)
• Work out, your health is the foundation of all ambition. “Get thee to the gym!”
• Always play with the A crowd, many times they will say no, but enough of them will say yes that the band will be smokin'. You are judged by the company you keep.
• Dress sharp, groom carefully. First impressions count. And, nobody wants to associate with someone who looks broke, except other broke people.

 Cheers,

​David

"Mulligan", the do over. Is it possible at 50, 60, 70?

I found myself in a dramatic do-over at 51 through divorce. Worse than broke, I was in a negative equity situation. Thinking about the possibility of starting over wasn't a choice. Up and at 'em was my only choice.

Less dramatically, can a musician change direction or continue to contribute at a mature age?

Yes and No

​It is probably too late to pursue a career as an idol to teenagers and young adults.
​It is probably too late to take up the violin at 60 and with plans to attend Julliard as soon as you get it together on your way to world domination.

Some dreams are the stuff of youth.

​What is possible in later years? Lot's if you are healthy, bold, thoughtful, determined, energetic, and committed to excellence and learning some new things.

​Here are 10 things a musician can do after age 50

1. Start a business: publishing, teaching, custom instruments or their components, corporate band.
2. Learn a new instrument and play with your friends.
3. Go back to university and get that music degree.
4. Get a job as a suit in a music related business: Staging, agency, retail, publishing, the list is endless.
5. Volunteer at a school or community centre and run a jazz band.
6. Organize a community group for seniors to dust of the horn and play in a band once a week.
7. Go overseas as a volunteer and share your music knowledge with school teachers and their students.
8. Learn to read music.
9. Learn to play a new style of music.
10. Start a band at your law firm, raise money for charity.

This list comes from either my experience or the experience of others I've known. My list includes #1, 2, and 9. Previously #3 and 5. Upcoming? Playing with those two guys up above and trying my hand at #7.

​Best,

​David

Commercial gigs are sparse these days, thank god. Thirty two years of that was enough. Creative music shows with interesting people? Going full on. With that in mind  ​I hired some A+ Jazz musicians the other day and recorded a session. I had so much fun I'm saving up for round two. 

​Swirl is a tune I wrote, enjoy. 
St. James Infirmary is an old tune I love to play. 

Best,

​David

What I'm up to this week. Saturday February 10th 8 PM Array Music 155 Walnut Ave. 
Toronto, ON, Canada M6J 3W3