I need to address an issue Im encountering playing in the many groups Im blessed to be in and direct. Ive been left behind dozens of time, by the many-headed-now-thoroughly-broken golden goose of the salsa community, by Sandra Suckin and her boyfriend Ronald Entrails, who felt I wasnt seasoned enough, and many others. I have been trampled and trounced in the cruelest of way by folks who are stupid enough to probably feel better about themselves after the trampling. What I can tell you is the music world is filled with people devoid of integrity. i.e. Im not very good with people, lets try expression via a musical instrument or singing. Now, I myself have been AWFUL with people, and certainly every day is a new opportunity to learn about connecting. But having read Dr. Henry Clouds Integrity, I am ever-cognizant of his 3 keys to success. My friend count has jumped up to almost 1,000 from about 250 in 3 years and I can point to one single reason: I provide. I dont TRY to provide. There is no TRY, Skywalker. Its do. Not just for me and my family, but for others. That single change in focus has led to months where Im in 9 different groups, or weekends like this one where I play 3 well-paid gigs in 3 different genres, and - heres the key - all with REALLY SOLID PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY. So when I get comments or questions concerning Do you need a [instrument] player for [x] gig? or Why didnt you promote [certain band Im in] for [x] gig instead of [the other band Im in that played the gig]? from those folks, I get concerned. I wonder, in this new era for me, how many inconsiderations Ive committed in the course of a week, or an evening, unaware. So it is of top importance that I relay the following: I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU BEHIND IN THE MANNER IVE EXPERIENCED I WILL ALWAYS GO TO BAT FOR YOU, BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS I WILL ALWAYS ATTEMPT TO ACT IN YOUR BEST INTERESTS I WILL ALWAYS INVOLVE YOU IN THAT ACTION WHEN POSSIBLE YOU HAVE GONE TO BAT FOR ME YOU EMBODY AMAZING GRACE IN MY LIFE WITHOUT YOU, IM NOTHING WITH YOU, IM SIMPLY THE BEST, UNTOUCHABLE YOU HONOR AND BLESS ME WITH YOUR PRESENCE AND THE SHARING OF YOUR TALENTS This doesnt mean there arent going to be times of disagreement. Im going to overlook. Im going to forget. This weekend as an example: 3 gigs, 2 of which I set up PA for, and a kid with Hand, Foot & Mouth and a fairly distraught trooper of a woman at home taking care of him - its hard to keep tabs on everyone and everything. If you feel slighted or let down in any respect, please get with me. I will do everything I can to make it right. Believe me, there are people that will speak that very sentence to your face and not mean it at all. I am not one of them. I dont play because I want to. I have to. If you saw me play this weekend, you know its like the rain must fall. But I am the most grateful Ive ever been, and I think my playing reflects that. Thats your reflection. Yes, Im talking to you. THANK YOU, C
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 02:49:11 +0000