So, here I am, I am here.
I guess I should let you know that my NEW Album- Letters From Sonora is FINALLY Done!!!
It's currently available @ www.cdbaby.com and from me directly. ONLY $8 !!!! Can't beat it !
It was a true labor of love. Countless hours spent practicing, very slowly, working out arrangements, recording, reworking arrangements, recording, listening, listening, reflecting, listening and accepting. It was not the easiest thing in the world to do. True, there are harder things in the world to try to do, but for me this was a true test of commitment. A labor of love because every moment spent working on this Music is spent with the hope, and intention, that it will reach someone and touch their heart as it does mine. For myself, Composing is an act of submission to my Muse that will never let me know what I am going to be working on. She taps me on the shoulder without any warning and without any clues as to what sort of commitment the new idea is going to require. Though I do have to admit I can "feel" the whispers before I get "the tap."
I sit there with my guitar in solitude, plucking strings, listening, moving one finger at a time, listening some more as the minutes float by. It's the closest I get to being a child again. Playing without any preconceived ideas, just being a witness to the process with no self consciousness.
It's a beautiful experience.
But, as the song nears completion decisions are being made and they're not easy. This is where I have to begin walking the fine line between "Composer" and "Critic." They are indeed very different roles. The Critic likes to compare. "The Critic"likes to compare to others Compositions, other players, others, and just plain comparisons of any kind that it feels are relevant comparisons at that moment. "The Critic" is self consciousness and ego.
"The Composer" is the one that is receiving the Music, from where I do not know. "The Composer" is the one that allows things to happen, freely. Accepting ideas, trying them out, discarding with no apprehension. These two roles do not get along very well. Let's just say they don't like being in the same room with each other.
The key is to keep "the Critic" on a short leash, and remind him that we're not making decisions in an effort to make him happy. We make decisions that are in the best interest of the Music out of respect for where the Music comes from. When the "critic" gets his way the Music suffers, inevitably. You hear examples of this on the radio all of the time.
But, when the "critic" is kept at bay the results are usually splendid. Wonderful. Inspiring.
All I can ever do is to try and keep "the Composer" in charge every step of the way. I know it makes my life WAY easier.
So, there you have it. That's how it's done. Yah, right !!!!
That's just a little insight into how the process works for me. That's all.
; )
That's my introductory Blog ! SO EXCITING !!!
More to come !
Hope all is well !
-james scott
The Sonora
