I ran into an ex- in law early this morning, and was quite suprised to see that he had fallen on some fairly hard times. His health has become very poor in fact.
While I had the strong urge to rub in his face how he used to treat me, I decided that it would be more civil of me to leave things as they are, and also offer him my help to his vehicle after our respective appointments.
During the days when we were relatives, quite often I had heard how much he bad-mouthed me behind my back (...and at some point, even to my face). Although this angered me often, I told those who would tell me these things that I would be bigger than that, and not stoop to his level by countering his attacks.
Often I would say that "I'll let God take care of it," and he would get his one day. "
It was quite sad, I never measured up to him or his family, and even though he never once sat down and talked to me to determine the type of person I am, he judged me anyway.
A phrase came to my mind when I saw him today: Life is designed to teach you what you should have learned in life.
You see, I could have easily let him get me down all those years ago,yet, I kept my head held high, I continued playing music ( I now have 4 CD's to my credit) I still have a wonderful job (in which I'm a supervisor...), I'm married 10 years (...and counting) I still have the love and respect of my true friends (counting there too !!!), and most of all, I'm still keeping my eyes on the prize.
Now I look at him and realize that I can sleep at night because I'm not haunted by how viciously I've treated people.
More importantly I have come to truly realize that great minds have aims,while little minds have wishes.
None the less I wish him good health.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Sum of My Parts
Every musician has people who they look up to for inspiration (devine, or otherwise), that gives their music some substance with which to build a career (my gosh that was a mouthful...).
Most folks who know me know that among mine are people like saxophonist David Sanborn, and the late Michael Brecker (Tenor saxophone).
I want to talk about some of my other influences, because it's important that you understand the core and soul of my music. Moreover, the thoughts that I put together when I sing, or play my own saxophone is a direct result of the influences that these people have in my life.
Vonda Shepard is a vocalist, pianist and writer of some incredible music. When she sings, it give me chills. The way that she uses her voice just excites me like Christmas, and my birthday all in one.
Patrice Rushen is another, and a forerunner to people like Vonda who grooves so hard that you'd be considered dead if you didn't get moved by her music.
The late great Richard Tee was a brilliant session musician and arranger who graced countless recordings, and he to me was the Fender Rhodes "Jedi Master."
These are just a scant few of the folks who have made the music in me come alive, and I speak about them because more often than not everyone needs inspiration.
Having something to aspire to is always a good thing because it keeps you focused, and more inportantly, it keeps you in check.
I remember the very first time that I met Richard Tee in person was on the subway in Manhattan. I spotted him on Columbus Circle and 66th street. I just walked up to him and told him how much I admired his playing. I just happened to have my sax with me that day (lucky me...), and he was so nice in fact that he invited me to hear him do a commercial that he was on his way to do.
At the studio, we talked for awhile while the engineers were setting up, and I told him that I was going to Manhattan School of Music, and he thought that that was a great idea. He said that "back in the day alot of folks thought that only the stuffed shirts went to music schools, you either got educated on the bandstand or you listened in the audience, and truly many "brothers" never saw the inside of a school let alone one for music." None the less that feeling started to change when people like Wynton (Marsalis) came along. Now we realize how useful schools really are for us.
In truth though, I still feel that the sum of my parts have equalled out because I've been educated in 2 realms; Manhattan School of Music and also "Bandstand University," and my professors have really given me that benefit of the finest education.
I hope that I continue to make them proud.
Life offers many opportunities to further oneself in every field, take advantage of possibilities whenever you can, and make the sum of your parts equal one great person...you.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
Most folks who know me know that among mine are people like saxophonist David Sanborn, and the late Michael Brecker (Tenor saxophone).
I want to talk about some of my other influences, because it's important that you understand the core and soul of my music. Moreover, the thoughts that I put together when I sing, or play my own saxophone is a direct result of the influences that these people have in my life.
Vonda Shepard is a vocalist, pianist and writer of some incredible music. When she sings, it give me chills. The way that she uses her voice just excites me like Christmas, and my birthday all in one.
Patrice Rushen is another, and a forerunner to people like Vonda who grooves so hard that you'd be considered dead if you didn't get moved by her music.
The late great Richard Tee was a brilliant session musician and arranger who graced countless recordings, and he to me was the Fender Rhodes "Jedi Master."
These are just a scant few of the folks who have made the music in me come alive, and I speak about them because more often than not everyone needs inspiration.
Having something to aspire to is always a good thing because it keeps you focused, and more inportantly, it keeps you in check.
I remember the very first time that I met Richard Tee in person was on the subway in Manhattan. I spotted him on Columbus Circle and 66th street. I just walked up to him and told him how much I admired his playing. I just happened to have my sax with me that day (lucky me...), and he was so nice in fact that he invited me to hear him do a commercial that he was on his way to do.
At the studio, we talked for awhile while the engineers were setting up, and I told him that I was going to Manhattan School of Music, and he thought that that was a great idea. He said that "back in the day alot of folks thought that only the stuffed shirts went to music schools, you either got educated on the bandstand or you listened in the audience, and truly many "brothers" never saw the inside of a school let alone one for music." None the less that feeling started to change when people like Wynton (Marsalis) came along. Now we realize how useful schools really are for us.
In truth though, I still feel that the sum of my parts have equalled out because I've been educated in 2 realms; Manhattan School of Music and also "Bandstand University," and my professors have really given me that benefit of the finest education.
I hope that I continue to make them proud.
Life offers many opportunities to further oneself in every field, take advantage of possibilities whenever you can, and make the sum of your parts equal one great person...you.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
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