Watch now | Thank you for reading/listening. This post is public so feel free to share it. Hello, Dear Readers, It’s been quite a while, and I apologize for that. My life is already a a whirwind of multiple musical projects, touring, recording, rehearsing, podcasting, planes, buses, vans etc… that I’m often told “I’m getting exhausted just thinking about your schedule!” On top of that, as some know, this year began with my father’s hospitalization and subsequent passing at the age of 92. In addition to grief, the first few months of this year weren defined by the aftermath, the majority of which - funeral homes, estate planners, attorneys etc - fell into my hands. This continues but is getting somewhat under control at least. In the meantime, there’s been a lot of catching up to do with the activities mentioned above. Writing - a time consuming process any way you slice it - took a back seat. I’m already working on other material that’ll be posted here soon and today seems like a good time to jump back in. Barring any other unforeseen events, I’d like to think I’m back. Thanks for understanding AS
Agree, real freedom is expression. Sadly, many people do not have access to expression (e.g., social oppression). The pushback/resistance to this powerlessness/threat of powerlessness spills into the world (especially social media). Feels unhinged at the moment, saturated with toxic trashy talk, verbal jabs. My grandfather could not even vote (policies against Natives). This state of affairs is not what the ancestors fought for. Awaiting the recentering, the balance… Thank you for sharing your thoughts and creating beautiful music.
Thank you Kim I hope a recentering happens. There are too many folks just towing the party line, not accepting of reality, which can be difficult to accept. I appreciate the nice words and thanks for being such a wonderful (and long time now!) supporter of my creative output. 🙏🏼
Recentering is long overdue for sure. Yes, been following since early 2013 when I saw you interviewed for the “Metal Evolution” docuseries. And been “borrowing” and inspired by your music, improvisation, words, photography, and integrity since then. Stay creative!
Been following you since the beginning and you've help me love jazz which I never thought possible lol. I've seen you with Testament at my hometown venue The Orange Peel and it was so great. I couldn't belive how good you guys still sound. Thanks for all the great posts and I'm looking forward to new music!
That is great to hear thank you. Back in my teens, when I was in my Ozzy, Van Halen, Scorpions, Dio phase, I didn't feel a connection to jazz either. It doesn't hit you over the head like hard rock and heavy metal. But once you develop a taste for it and discover artists and recordings you personally like, it is an incredibly rewarding, enriching experience.
Beautifully written! I'm grateful I received your email with the same message within! Thank you also for the nod to Braver Angels. I'm signing up there now.
Agree, real freedom is expression. Sadly, many people do not have access to expression (e.g., social oppression). The pushback/resistance to this powerlessness/threat of powerlessness spills into the world (especially social media). Feels unhinged at the moment, saturated with toxic trashy talk, verbal jabs. My grandfather could not even vote (policies against Natives). This state of affairs is not what the ancestors fought for. Awaiting the recentering, the balance… Thank you for sharing your thoughts and creating beautiful music.
Thank you Kim I hope a recentering happens. There are too many folks just towing the party line, not accepting of reality, which can be difficult to accept. I appreciate the nice words and thanks for being such a wonderful (and long time now!) supporter of my creative output. 🙏🏼
Recentering is long overdue for sure. Yes, been following since early 2013 when I saw you interviewed for the “Metal Evolution” docuseries. And been “borrowing” and inspired by your music, improvisation, words, photography, and integrity since then. Stay creative!
Been following you since the beginning and you've help me love jazz which I never thought possible lol. I've seen you with Testament at my hometown venue The Orange Peel and it was so great. I couldn't belive how good you guys still sound. Thanks for all the great posts and I'm looking forward to new music!
That is great to hear thank you. Back in my teens, when I was in my Ozzy, Van Halen, Scorpions, Dio phase, I didn't feel a connection to jazz either. It doesn't hit you over the head like hard rock and heavy metal. But once you develop a taste for it and discover artists and recordings you personally like, it is an incredibly rewarding, enriching experience.
This is really sweet man, my condolences about your dad
🙏🏼
Beautifully written! I'm grateful I received your email with the same message within! Thank you also for the nod to Braver Angels. I'm signing up there now.
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Happy Fourth! Glad you’re back!