Hi all.

On the heels of doing the Gently CD, and going out to play the music I'm continuing in the quest to play softer, at least as a starting point, what I find is that there is far more opportunity to get to different colors and shapes with a lot more finess when things are not so loud. This sometimes neccesitates communicating to the rhythm section that the music can be softer and lighter. I'm constantly amazed how loud most people play.

There are several older musicians I know who have been around big bands or loud music for many years who have substantial hearing loss. One solution, I suppose, is to wear ear plugs. The problem there is that everyone plays louder with plugs in, and it is more difficult to hear one another clearly. I think the only answer is to write and play at a softer level. Just a thought...

I urge you all to check out the Ashley Khan book on the making of [John Coltrane's] A Love Supreme. It has many insights into John Coltrane's music and philosophy, as well as the recording and rehearsal process behind the music. A truly uplifting and inspirational book!

Finally, I urge all you tenor players to go back and listen to some Hank Mobley when you get a chance. I've been cheking out Soul Station (Bluenote) lately. Hank had a way of playing the exact right notes, and nothing more. No B.S. It's a great way to add some depth to your playing as well as sound less like the contempo guys you are listening to too much.

Swing on, my friends, and keep looking for the good notes.