the joy of just playing

[ira]

my musical partner (alan of nos-give a listen if you haven't already- www.ezfolk.com/audio/nos ) has been tied up with some horrible personal stuff lately. additionally, the bar where we hosted an open mic for almost 8 mos. each week was purchased and is not having music any longer - no open mic, no bands on sat. ,etc...
though i miss playing with him (hopefully just for the moment), i have been exploring numerous other options that have allowed me to learn a ton, and have some plain ole good times.

first of all, was asked by a temple member if i would join him and a couple of other folks to start playing music on one friday night service per month (a big deal for a conservative jewish temple). through practicing each week and playing on the friday nights i have been learning tons of progressions in minor keys (Cm was a new one for me), improving my tremolo, and jamming a bit before and after on all sorts of tunes with one of the guitarists (a former coffeehouse player in the 60s-70s).

also, a number of the guys from the open mic- some quite skilled, and some who had their first musical experience playing out at the open mic and have been newcomers to playing music at all, have been getting together at a friend's photography studio every couple of weeks to jam for a bunch of hours- guitarists, mando, bass players,harmonica, #perscussionists, etc.. ranging from 5-8 guys each time. #what a blast. lots of folk,blues, #rock, funk, etc... #just a bunch of guys teaching each other tunes, or just jamming off a riff and taking it wherever it goes. i finally have the chance to work on so many rythmic patterns to play along with everyone regardless of where they take the session. lots to learn, lots to share, lots to explore, but most of all just a blast!

what a joy playing music is, by yourself, or even better, shared with others through the dialogue of playing together, or by entertaining. #
anyway, i was thinking about how lucky i am to be a guy my age, job, kids, wife, house, etc....who is enjoying himself so much, and thought i'd share.

peace all,
ira

[Jasper]

Thanks be to God, Ira! That is a great testament of how He is working in your life, both musically and personally to bless you and in return you are blessing many others with your enthusiasm and music...and despite the number of folks here on the cafe, not that many people play the magical mandolin. Keep strumming for the LORD!

[Eric F.]

Ira, very nice post.

[Wayne Webb]

I've played guitar off and on for about 24 years and first picked up the banjo about 7 years ago. When my dad died in '99, the instruments just collected dust for the next four years or so. The song was gone in my heart. I don't think I even listened to any canned music much, if any. Then one day my oldest son, 13 at the time, got out my guitar and asked me to show him how to play. So, I started showing him some chords and he picked it up right away. Then, so the youngest son wouldn't feel left out, and since his fingers were just a mite small, we got him a mandolin. He lost no time learning chords but the only problem, I couldn't leave the little mandolin alone myself. So, when dad's hoggin' the mandolin, the little guy picks up the old flat top and picks up the chords from watching his brother and myself. Now his little fingers are all over the neck of the mandolin and guitar! And he plays as fast as a squirrel on amphetamines. Anyway the oldest son is left handed but plays mighty fine rhythm guitar right handed and also plays some sweet fingerstyle.
The song is back in my heart.
Thank God for his blessings

[mandoJeremy]

Okay Ira, I know you will get this post and if it offends anyone I am sorry (not really) because I am blunt. You must realize that Lucifer was the head of music in his angelic days and when he fell he left the throne of God uncovered. We musicians are so blessed by God because He wants that covering to again be over His thrown and most of us just use it for our own good and "fame" when He just wants us to praise and worship him through song. Just give the gift back to Him and he will bless you so much for doing so.

[Kbone]

Jeremy
You in that * Sauce * again...

[kvk]

Ira, you still skiing?

Family, music, and skiing. What more does a man need?

-Ken

[twaaang]

Thank you, Ira. I rejoice with you that your music can express your faith, even while your faith expresses your music! Heaven will be good enough for me if it includes picking buddies like I have now, and the occasional sunny afternoon alone playing over my little meadow. -- Paul

[twaaang]

Suddenly remembering all the other things I've left out, I'm trapped: there's no way to list them that won't offend someone I love! Heaven may involve more solo time over my meadow than I bargained for! -- Paul

[ira]

as i said in my initial post, just wanted to share my joy and had forgotten i had even put this thread up so hadn't looked for responses. wow- not what i would have expected. though certianly not my intent to post as a "faith based" mando thread i am glad that whatever it was that brought that to you gave you some joy.
again, i was just sharing how much fun i've had lately and how lucky i've been- but hey- i'll look at it as a blessing!
peace all and thanks for chiming in- wishing you all the joy that life can bring you,
ira
ps- kvk- yes still skiing- got in about 30 times out this year (including race nights at wachusset- improved 10 handicap points on avg over last season, and both of my kids (5 and 8) are basically parallel skiing from the summit- woohoo!)now how do i figure out how i can play and ski at the same time- the ultimate in joy!!!!