In earlier blogs I’ve discussed the music modules, systems, and patterns (chords, key structures, theory…) that support greater understanding and ease in creating new music—and building a home studio over many years to record with friends, other musicians, or solo.
To date, I still struggle to find time (grandkids, family, and business often get in the way) to record regularly or develop fluency with the hardware and software. When two or more months pass between sessions, it takes real work to remember how to run everything. That disrupts focus and enjoyment—before I even pick up the guitar, or sit down at drums or keyboard. Not good!
Thankfully, from time to time, I get to play and record—solo or with others. Sometimes it’s messy fun; other times we find a groove and create something memorable. The photos below capture a few sessions with different energy and outcomes.
Photo 1 is from 1979, my senior year of college. I was an exchange student in Versailles, France. The program allowed extensive travel. The three people pictured were partners in a VW van (photo 06), bought in front of the American Express building in Paris. On our first break, we pulled into a gas station and the sliding door fell off into the fuel pump. That afternoon was spent in a Belgian junkyard finding parts. Later in Luxembourg, we jammed in a park—me on guitar, with Rob and Jay joining vocals. On a future trip, Jay (light blue sweater) accidentally ran over my guitar, ending my busking for the year.
Photos 2, 3, and 5 are from a 2017 session with my brother during a family gathering in Michigan. I packed my car with gear and set up a temporary studio on the screened porch of our VRBO. Rick and I recorded for 2–3 hours, 4 days in a row, working on 15 original songs. Family joined in at times, turning sessions into extended jams. It was fun and a learning experience, but we didn’t get clean takes.
Photo 4 is more recent. I chaired the Foundation of Hearing and Resources for years and remain on the Board. Last fall, I joined Steve (a fellow board member) and two other musicians for a charity gig at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn. We performed four covers and two originals—one each by the Steves—and had a great time.
Here’s the original we performed that I wrote. “Spirit Eyes” came out of a one-hour session with a drummer and bassist who sat in with me.
For me, creating and performing music is a lot like designing and executing building projects. The right patterns—and the right partners—make all the difference.
BM: Recording Music
