New Beginnings
A foray into long-form writing as an escape from the culture-vacuum that is social media.
Howdy y’all!
(I actually found out last year that some of my jazz arranging students had an ongoing bet if I’d open the class with a “howdy”. I choose to embrace it.)
If you’re joining me here, you’re not really late to anything. This is something new for me - something that at least has been in the back of my mind as a solution to an ongoing problem. In the beginnings of my freelance musician career, it was pretty simple for me to use things like Facebook and Instagram to try and “promote and grow my brand” - and I did see some degree of success from that. Connecting to interesting musicians and people around the world; booking shows in cities that I’d never been to; being part of larger discussions on music, etc.
However, as I get older, deeper into parenthood, deeper into trying to unveil the mysteries of life and find the magic within those mysteries, being really involved in that world seems to flatten out any sense of dimensionality I try to achieve in my artistic corner. Without purposefully sounding like a curmudgeon, the age of TikTok, extreme celebrity worship, short form media, and the Spectacle in general (as Guy Debord brilliantly puts it), has worn me thin and left me seeking more.
So. If you’re here, thanks for coming by and joining me. I like to talk, and I like to write. And I like to share my thoughts about things in art, music, philosophy and such. I’m not a grammar freak - you won’t find me editing any stream-of-consciousness thoughts down to perfection. There may be thoughts that trail off that I might connect to later. Just a fair warning!
Another purpose to this form is to have a new way to connect to people interested in hearing me play music live, or hearing new releases and recordings that I make or am involved with. I’ll do that now!
Tonight, in fact (Thursday, February 15th, 2024), I am playing in duo form with saxophonist Angie Coyle at Schwartz’s Point here in Cincinnati, OH. We will playing some of Angie’s originals, which have a great melodic sense and usually follow interesting uneven forms. We’ll also play some folk/country tunes as well to explore those realms. I really enjoy playing in duo forms because it allows a real direct connection between two musicians, and not too many wires get crossed. My favorite moments are when things become real dreamy and open, like a big majestic glade. Hopefully we will get there tonight!
Anyhow, thank you for joining in my efforts here. It’s a real positive outlet for me and not only will it serve that purpose, but I hope further writings on here will expand your world as well. Spread the word, if ya don’t mind.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
2/15 - Duo with Angie Coyle - Schwartz’s Point - Cincinnati, OH (Reservations recommended)
2/25 - w/Ben Sollee - The Parthenon - Nashville, TN (Tickets)
2/29 - special guest w/A to Omega - Stanley’s Pub - Cincinnati, OH
3/1 - Mason Daugherty Trio - Kennedy Heights Arts Center - Cincinnati, OH
3/2 - Rusty Burge Quartet - Schwartz’s Point - Cincinnati, OH (Reservations recommended)
3/14 - Sam Blakeslee/Bobby Selvaggio Quintet - BluJazz+ - Akron, OH (Tickets)
3/15 - Sam Blakeslee Quartet - The Bop Stop - Cleveland, OH (Tickets)