Creative Streak

Between lessons with my new teacher and a focus on improving my Godfrey and Guy guitar parts, I seem to be on a creative streak.

At last night's French Market gig with The Standard Quartet, the drummer commented that he was hearing new ideas in my improv solos. I felt especially good about my playing with the same group tonight. After just two lessons with my new teacher, I'm discovering fresh ways to approach improvisation. I still have a lifetime of challenges ahead of me, but if the past two gigs are any indication, I'm on a good path.

Normally I'm exhausted after a gig, but tonight I felt inspired – so much so that after returning from a 3.5 hour gig, I felt compelled to take the guitar out again and mess around with some Godfrey and Guy parts. I ended up with a pretty tasty solo part for Old Devil Moon, and the start of a good solo part for Summertime. The only reason I stopped was because I have to get up early tomorrow to lead my choir.

The last holiday season was great for gigs, but once it was over, I didn't have much motivation when I returned to my regular repertoire…like there was something else I should have been doing. I dutifully practiced my scales and made sure I was prepared for gigs last month, but I was only going through the motions. Now I have some forward momentum.

It's nice to feel inspired again!