I would like to talk briefly about things I do to better my ability to play music that are not commonly addressed, namely: diet, exercise, and outlook (which winds up being greatly affected by the first two).

Diet plays such a key role in my relationship with music. Taking care with what I eat and drink enables me to play my best with the maximum amount of energy, poise, and control. It is also crucial in allowing me to survive the rigorous travel schedule I keep, and to get up after a full day of travel and play well. In no way do I feel like I deprive myself of things I like to eat. Over the years I’ve grown accustomed to eating tasty foods and drink that nourishes the body without lots of fat and stuff that slows me down. It's not as hard as one might think.

Breakfast generally consists of some granola, oatmeal, or whatever whole grain cereal I can get my hands on. I have some fruit (bananna, strawberries, blueberries) with the cereal as well as vanilla soy milk. Some orange juice and green tea round things off. This breakfast offers an ample supply of protein, vitamins, minerals, and overall healthful ingredients. I'm ready to rock after this breakfast!

Lunch will include a salad, perhaps with sauté of mushrooms on top, or goat cheese, sometimes a sandwich on whole grain bread with veggies and cheese. While at home I like to have sushi and a miso soup. Again, this is a light nutritious meal that easily keeps me going until dinner.

Dinner consists of pasta with fresh tomato sauce or perhaps some salmon with brown rice and a nice large salad. I also love to frequent Thai, Indian, Japanese, Italian, or Mexican restaurants. Regardless of the style of cooking, I always try to get a fish or vegetable type dish with a killin’ sauce (garlic, onions, porcini mushroom, etc.). Meat is cool once in a while (like in Memphis, where the ribs are amazing), but it gets me feeling rather heavy if I eat too much of it.

I drink fresh squeezed juices whenever possible (you can find them in some airports lately), like carrot, apple, orange, wheat grass, ginger, or beet. I’m convinced that fresh juices gives you much more energy, keeps you young, and healthy. I never get colds! You can get a juicer and do it at home. I drink lots of water during the day, especially while flying, and snack on almonds, walnuts, fruit, dried fruit, etc. An occasional smoothie is really great. I go to Jamba Juice out west every chance I get.

Who has time to go to the gym? I sure don’t. Instead I do a 30 minute exercise routine every morning that gets my heart pumping, addresses all the different muscle groups, and lets me work up a sweat. I do this at home, in hotels, anywhere. You don’t need fancy equipment either. Its quite simple, really. When I’m on the road and I get to the hotel after an arduous day of travel I frequently do 30 minutes of exercise rather than lay down. This gives me far more energy for the gig than if I had taken a nap.

If I eat right and exercise my attitude is so much more positive, and I bring the right kind of energy to the gig. I want that hour or two to be as good as it can be! I want playing to be a sacred and special experience every time I pick up my horn. I try to remember how lucky I am to be able to play music on a regular basis. I give it my all, and try to help out with the ensemble duties as much as I can. I try to listen carefully to the other players and play with them, keeping out of the way of the music, trying not to impose my will too much. What a gift!