My first Watercooler Wednesday entry is about a book that takes a fascinating look into the ways in which our brain interprets and remembers music. The subtitle is "The Science of a Human Obsession." Daniel Levitin was a former musician/producer who later studied the physiology of the human mind. Why is it that certain songs immediately bring us back to a place in our past as vivid as if it were yesterday? What is it about some songs that grab our attention while others appear flat? From the book:
Music communicates to us emotionally through systematic violations of expectations. These violations can occur in any domain -- the domain of pitch, timbre, contour, rhythm, tempo, and so on -- but occur they must. Music is organized sound, but the organization has to involve some element of the unexpected or it is emotionally flat and robotic.This book isn't for everybody, because at times it can be a little dry. And don't read it to be a better listener of music. It is not designed for that. But if you are fascinated with the how things work (like the brain, for example), you'll really be amazed at what that small mass of substance in our head grapples with each time you listen to your iPod. The author includes many different songs and styles from his year of working in the business. As he writes he'll include a song title to make a point about a bass line or a type of phrasing. If nothing else, it will bring back some memories of your own. Enjoy.]]>
Make sure to watch Next Great American Band this week. I have some friends in Denver's band. They are close to winning the whole thing with only a few weeks left of voting. Vote during the whole two hour show at the new time, 9/8C on FOX.]]>
I finally got some pictures of John Scott Evans and me playing out a few weekends back. This pictures features the band (Glenn Williams on percs, Me, Rich Eckhardt (Toby Keith's guitarist), and John. We are playing at a really neat restaurant/grocery store/gas station/hangout called Henpeck Market. It was the first time John and I played together in a few years and it was good. Rich made it out and put in some great licks.
My friend John Scott Evans will be playing at three locations this weekend only. John's music has touched many around the world. He is currently causing quote a stir in the LA jazz scene with his latest CD called "Above the Sun". We've put a small combo together to back him up which includes some great local players. You can get a sample of John's music at his MySpace page.
Here is the local tour info:
Friday Night, October 26th - Henpeck Market, Franklin, TN 6-8pm. This is a very intimate setting so get there early and come hungry because Henpeck owner's Don and Jackie Gregory cook up some fantastic meals. HERE is a link for info and directions to Henpeck Market.
Saturday Night, October 27th - Saxby's Coffee shop, Spring Hill, TN 7:30-9:30pm. Saxby's has become a great friend to local musician's in Spring Hill and they've opened up the evening to JSE's music. Saxby's will fill up quickly so come early. They have a great mix of coffee and other cafe drinks. Saxby's is located on Rt 31 on the right just as you enter Spring Hill from the north.
Sunday Morning, October 28th - The People's Church, Franklin, TN - 9:15am and 11am. John will be playing at both services and doing a few of his own arrangements of some classics. HERE is a link to The People's Church.]]>
Here is the Art Club in Tomsk. A small restaurant bar devoted to jazz music, they gave us the floor for a few hours. It was smoky but we had a great crowd. People payed money to hear us and all of the proceeds went to a local children's charity.
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Got back late Tuesday. Still recovering from jetlag, but a great trip overall. More to come in the following days. Here are a couple pictures.
It is finally here. Tomorrow I travel to Russia for 12 days playing with a jazz/swing band. We'll be in Tomsk, Moscow, and a special reunion with my good friend Vitaly from last year's trip to Volgograd. Keep me in your prayers.]]>
