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What makes Willy Nelson run? Eighty six years old and still touring hard. Tomorrow night he appears at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, CA with Tennessee Jet. 730 PM Here's my best explanation. He loves his fans. He loves the love. He loves the road. He loves his musicians. He loves the music. If he wasn't touring he just be an old man in a home telling everyone about when he used to be great. He's going out with his boots on and ass in the saddle. David 
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 It was friggin' awesome. We had the best seats in the house, right at the stage. Piano left, Sax centre, drums right. Our feet resting on the stage. Place didn't look like it changed much since I last visited 40+ years ago. James Francies has a left hand I used to dream I had but didn't. He was played left hand bass on a synth and soloed on another synth with the right. Complete independence. Except for blistering tutti breaks with both hands. Paul Bley spoke about playing a synthesizer at the Vanguard in the 1960's and never being invited back. I guess they got over it. Christ Potter was Chris Potter, unsurpassed skill. Eric Harland is truly a drummer for the new century. No spang a lang for him. Two high hat set ups plus a high hat stack. Small strange cymbal combos, four pedals behind the kit. One highlight among many was his drum ensemble work. One man, one kit sounding like drum circle of world class drummers having a party. I learning that it's important to check the sources of our knowledge in the autumn of our careers. So much of what we think we know, just ain't so. If it every was.
"With all the knowledge of the world on the internet how can there be so many stupid people?" Ronny Chieng comedian I've been working with some colleagues on my piano playing in the Jazz and Classical styles. I may have been saved just in time. Many, but not all, of my assumptions have been tested and found wanting. From the origins of Gregorian chant, rootless voicings, phrasing Mozart, bebop licks, and accents in Baroque keyboard literature. Nothing like fresh perspectives served on a slice of humble pie. 2020 will be an exciting time of woodshedding. David I was reading the comments for this video from the younger set.
1. I love your “old school” approach to recording 2. Tasty tasty tasty playing ..... mint feel.... loads of old school playing!! 3. Sick shit! Ol skool yummy fusion! Incredible playing Thomas!!! Damn, I'm thinking what masterful modern playing. Apparently I need help just to catch up to 1990! Cheers, David "One more chance to get it right". Maybe our last chance. Time is short, let's get busy.
When evaluating a new opportunity, it's either "Hell Ya!" or forget it. That quickly narrows down the possibilities. Time to mediate on our choices over the last 10 years.
I'm pleased I have only numbers 1,3 to contemplate. Best choice? Get married Bad choice? Projecting onto a young whipper snapper "Great expectations". Youth and ambition are seductive. Of course the ending was bad, he was a lazy bastard. Oh well, live and learn. As Henry Ford, I believed said, "you can't make a reputation on what you are going to do". Healthy New Year, David Preparing to practice is the space between our intention and playing the first note. My ideal routine?
best, David Story  
David A couple of my friends of retirement age are still playing up a storm. And in the game. Why?
They both responded similarly, "what and sit around all day waiting to die?" I agree, let the grime reaper catch us on the bandstand, or packing up. That being said, being prepared just in case is a good idea. Cheers, David Bernie 1970s era coach, Mark 2020 coach. Lowell Whitty working on my NOLA funk and swing Jackie working on my classical phrasing on the piano Terry Clarke, a constant source of inspiration since I was a kid.
A lot of research has been done on children's motivation and educational outcomes. It seems that allowing increasing choice to students as they age and supporting those choices in positive ways leads to better overall outcomes. Click on the picture above for more information. At our age we need to understand these four types in order to stay in the game. The psychologists seem to agree the first two types of motivation are the strongest and most important to a positive outcome in any activity. Nagging from others and our own indifference are motivational suppressers. Intrinsic motivation comes from knowing yourself. Self-determined extrinsic motivation comes from knowing what's good for you. In other words, education. How to keep demotivation at bay? Here are some possible ideas.
best regards, David |
AuthorDavid Story: Professional pianist, drummer, composer, and educator. Well into his 4th enthusiastic musical decade, David works with adults pursuing musical dreams in the autumn of life, while he maintains an active presence in the Toronto arts scene. Archives
September 2019
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