There are certain musical experiences I can’t explain or if I do feels like not making sense to anyone. The flaw might be expecting words to work as conveyer of information. Ordinarily words are fine for buying a sandwich, how much do I owe you? Ok here you go. Is that my change? Ok thanks see you next week. Simple. But maybe for an emotional artistic experience they don’t cut the mustard. Over some years, I hire Mark more than any other drummer. His musical choices jolt me in the best way but if I didn’t like something and ask him to modify himself, it is never a big deal, whereas I’ve also worked with musicians who become hostile when asked if they can vary their style. Not exactly the vibe one wants when being creative. I admire Mark’s talent but his personality is just as important. That’s why I call him for a session. We lived in a house with other musicians thirty-five years ago, was impressed often by his fierce dedication to drums, vibes and piano, noticed him working all night, often. Few years ago asked if he had any unforgettable teachers, then told me about an American drummer, might have been based in Philadelphia, might have been connected with Sun Ra, I forget the specifics but someone Mark held in as high esteem as I hold Mark. As the story went along he told Mark to hit one drum very loudly and let it resonate and completely decay before repeating it again, that was the whole story. Sounded like a cathartic percussion experience for Mark, but to me it sounded like a nine year could do the same thing. After, I tried to connect the dots. Musician I find amazing tells me about an amazing experience which doesn’t sound particularly amazing. Decided the flaw was using words to convey something that doesn’t have any.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"