It's amazing how I still feel like a student of music. Yesterday, I played a trio gig at the world famous Baltimore Lexington Market with longtime friends Webb Thomas on drums, who has played with Pat Martino, Jimmy Bruno, Larry Coryell, and Mark Whitfield; and, Radam Schwartz on Hammond B-3, who has played with George Benson and many others. These fellows came down from Philly and N.J to work with me.

Anyway, my goal is to improve my vocal control with every gig. I've found through vocal practice there is an improved direct mind connect to whatever I truly improvise to the point I can pre-hear the dissonant qualities of whatever will be created enough to intertwine with the pretty qualities of the lines spontaneously. This results in me not having to worry about chord changes nearly as much. However, I always prefer to name the tune's melody and harmonic changes so I have a base reference.

I've found that playing for the people is where it's at for me. It's nice to be able to play on "Giant Steps" fast though. I've found it's best to practice on a tune like "Giant Steps" slowly and try to make melodic/harmonic connection by using an eighth note feel.

During the actual soloing, it's nice to use points of references, edit some of the lines already worked, and then put in surprise resolutions which can serve as springboards to more creative ideas which have not been worked out but which sound great. Usually works only after listening to players like Eric Dolphy, Woody Shaw, Joe Henderson, Coltrane, and McCoy Tyner.

It can be a real drag if the cats working with you are not really on top of the game. Also, it's a drag to play with cats who lag behind the time feel. When playing fast, it often seems like you're playing in slow motion when you're playing with the right folks. However, I met and heard many cats who could play fast and play the real hard tunes but who couldn't play a convincing blues or a ballad.

It's important to be able to "tell a story". Most people can't hear what you're doing anyway unless you tell a story. I suggest you listen to: Grant Green, Miles Davis, Lester Young, Charlie Parker on a blues tune, Coltrane, Wes, BB.King, Albert King, Elmore James, Teddy Pendergrass, Paco De Lucia, Maurice Ravel, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Hartman, Les Mccann, Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans (who, having a harder time than many pianists playing instantly what he heard, closed the gap by hard work!), Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, George Benson, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Carlos Santana, Beethoven, Sonny Stitt, Herb Ellis, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Lou Donaldson, Art Blakely, Red Garland, James Brown, Roy Buchanan, and many more.

Some folks have told me: I never liked jazz before hearing you, who should I listen to? So, maybe some of you will further develop "you" by experiencing these folks' stories. Good Luck!

It's also crucial to play as much as possible. Go to jam sessions with an open mind and know there will always be lessons to learn. You might be surprised how intuitively advanced you already are based on prior listening and time spent with your instrument.

I remember at times playing more out of ignorance than some people playing who had more time on the guitar. Eventually, I knew that I had something when it would happen often. I give the credit to all the blues and "soul" music I had heard and perhaps some "god"-given talent that I have not used to specifically clone others' ideas with the intent of 'getting" gigs. Sure,I did for awhile. I knew it would basically help me to tell other people's stories not my own!

I've lived on 3 continents several times, met different people, ate their food at their houses, played on the steps of the White House, played at the Smithsonian, went through a divorce, quit a job to pursue real music (jazz) in Germany, jumped out of airplanes, played football in junior high and high school, played at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, played with Jimmy Smith, Lou Donaldson, Gary Bartz, Keter Betts, Tommy Turrentine, and many others, and, hired and fired guys for my groups. I've also analyzed societal problems and arrived at non-popular conclusions. You think I have a few stories to tell? I want to hear yours too! We all can learn from each other!

Till next time!

Mark