Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Brian Blade, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez and Imani Winds (1er juillet 2008 - Vienne France)

So, I’m a saxophone player, that sometimes wishes he was also a guitar player. So I guess you may say that I dabble. So many of you know of the saga of my guitar. If you don’t, don’t ask because it is too long to tell. Even more of you didn’t believe that such guitar ever existed (Eat It AL!). Well, my day has come! Here are some pictures that I just received from the luthier, Ben Joella. This is his first arch top and I can’t wait to hear the instrument. More to come soon.

I was reading one of my favorite blogs today, PostClassic and found this video interesting. Could tracking some music to a Sarah Palin interview have an effect on the actual message of the film? At first hearing that question, most would say “of coarse!” We as composers and musicians seek to elicit emotional responses by portraying our experiences, thoughts, and emotions through sound. So when I first saw this video, I thought, “Oh Joy, somebody put some sappy Disney music to the Palin/Couric her interview.” Then when it got to Palin’s response it got a bit more interesting. The music at that point did not resemble the same film style emotional music that I had expected. Instead it is rhythmically derived from her diction and thus does not elicit the same type of emotional response that a more culturally predictable type of music would accomplish. So, does this effect your view of this in a positive or negative way or do we just say…”gimmick!” I took the time to post about it so…comments?

On Saturday, October 18, I will be performing at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday with the Ken Loomer Big Band. Here is an excerpt from the Band’s Bio: “The idea behind this band Ken states is to “First keep Jazz and Big Band Music Alive”, which is America’s greatest true art form, and having this music played by the best jazz musicians in the country. Many of the charts in the Ken Loomer Big Band are original arrangements, plus those done by Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Bob Mintzer and other famous big bands. The performance of this big band, driven by the consummate drummer Ken Loomer and his exciting musicians go through the repertoire of vital and brilliantly arranged contemporary music to produce a sound you will not forget!”

It should be a great concert and I hope to see you all there!

Where: Coachman Park, Clearwater FL

When: Saturday Oct. 18, 2008 3:45 - 5:00pm

How Much: Free!!!

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This is a quick excerpt of the Forefront playing “Siren’s Eye,” a composition by Rich Van Voorst, that was performed at a benefit concert last Monday. This is also posted in the videos section on the media page.

As much as I hate election time, and frankly politicians in general, Go Vote!

Language - WARNING!!!

I am an avid reader of Seth Godin’s Blog and this recent post, really hit the nail on the head. As my quintet, The Forefront, will be releasing a record in early 2009, we have been plastering that all over everything that we can. However, Seth points out that this sounds so vague that is makes it seem further off than it actually is. It’s next year, in 2009. That seems distant, however it is only 3 months away. It is funny how our language can create illusions that can actually be detrimental to the message that we are trying to convey. Perhaps something like, “New Record Coming in 3 MONTHS!” would work?  Well I think I can work on that a bit. Check it out!

The Forefront will be performing a benefit concert at the University of South Florida on Monday, October 13th at 8:00pm. The proceeds will go to benefit the Sweet Home New Orleans Renew Our Music fund, and the Association for Jazz Education at the University of South Florida.

Where: Driving directions and USF Map
Located in Fine Arts - FAH 101
When: Monday, October 13th at 8:00pm
How much: Free, Donations Encouraged!

Sweet Home New Orleans Mission:
To perpetuate New Orleans’ culture by providing direct services to the individuals and institutions that will carry them forward.

What they do:
Sweet Home New Orleans is a non-profit agency that provides services to the city’s musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid & Pleasure Club members in the following areas:
– Case Management to help clients develop a plan for post-Katrina stability.
– Housing Assistance in the form of Relocation, Rent/Mortgage subsidies, and grants for Renovations.
– Advocacy for cash grants from partnering agencies, and other services such as pro-bono legal advice and financial literacy workshops.

Additionally, the Renew Our Music Program offers:
– Financial Assistance with bills, instrument repair, transportation, and other immediate need.
– Performance Subsidies including cultural education programs, second line parades, and gigs that stimulate local businesses and help artists get back to work.

New Orleans music, the root of the city’s identity and a driving force behind its economy, is an expression of a unique American culture perpetuated by approximately 4,500 men and women. These tradition bearers practice a functional art that unites and strengthens communities. For generations, they have transmitted this culture to family and neighbors. Since Hurricane Katrina and the ensuing flood, however, thousands in this community still struggle to access public assistance and lack the resources to rebuild their neighborhoods and their lives in a post-Katrina economy. The future of this culture depends on their return.

Fourteen service organizations from around the city and the country formed Sweet Home to help these artists become self-sufficient again, and in so doing, to secure the cultural continuity of New Orleans. Renew Our Music, founded as New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund just days after the storm, has provided direct aid to over 1,700 tradition bearers, including nearly $400,000 in three months following the flood. Now, as a program of Sweet Home New Orleans, Renew Our Music works toward long-term economic development for our clients.

Sweet Home New Orleans operates in the Treme neighborhood, steps from Congo Square, considered by many the birthplace of American music. These streets are the source of New Orleans’ characteristic rhythms, which drove the development of jazz and R&B. We are proud to support these indigenous traditions, and we invite you to join us as we expand our reach to ensure New Orleans’ unique culture continues to revive the city.

This is a panoramic image of my studio that my wife created. She and I now have our studios to the point  where we feel the creative juices can flow freely. I have always been curious as to where other people create. I like the room dark, lit by lamps.

© Bonnie Van Voorst

Whether the atmosphere around me directly effects the quality of my music, I don’t know, but I do know that there was far less free flowing out of that room before we paid some attention to it. Other people have routines that they need to go through to unlock the creativity. Whatever your cup of tea or freshly sharpened pencil may be, please comment on how you create, and perhaps even link to pictures.