Brain full, missed post

Apologies for not posting last Thursday. I spent the week in Port Townsend at the Centrum Jazz camp. Actually, I was there for two weeks, because Mari attended the Centrum Writers Conference the week before me. So we both had a fortnight at Fort Worden, enjoying the beach in the morning and the deer in the afternoon. And both of us getting our heads stuffed with cool new ideas. By experts.

I’m still processing all the amazing gifts of the last week, but in the interim, here’s a little nugget I heard from one of the vocal instructors, Michael Mayo (if you stop reading right here to go listen to all his music, who could blame you?). He’s talking about music here. Or is he talking about life itself?

Your sound comes from three things:
- What you practice
- Who you listen to
- Who you play with

That’s a paraphrase, because between Michael and the awe-inspiring Dominique Eade there were so many great things happening for us vocalists, I was having a hard time taking notes with my 4th grade handwriting.

So I’m taking some time to process. Like all the best experiences, this past week answered questions and raised new ones. So much to think about, so many new things to try.

Have a listen

If you asked me where the soul of Centrum Jazz resides, I could point to any of the instructors and accompanists who give so much to the students.

And if you asked me where the heart is, I would probably point first to the Artistic Director, Dawn Clement. This is her on piano and vocals:

Have another listen

Yep, the links are all music today, because Centrum Jazz is stuffed with world-class musicians. Like these guys, who came and blew everyone’s minds. Yes, the drummer is the bassist. Both of them. At once. And they have a secret code I’ll try to link to next week.

Secret code.

And keep breathing

The “final exam” of camp was performing two songs with an expert, talented, and generous combo. Back when I sang classical music, we would mark exactly the points where we would breathe. I started to do that for my two songs at camp, and then abandoned it. It felt better to stay open to the music, the combo, and the audience. Breathing was still important, I was just letting the day guide me.

Even in the middle of a song, it’s the same thing: deep breath in, then let it out slowly. Along with the music.

Until we talk again, I remain,

Your pal,

Jamie