There are a lot of challenges to being on the road. Some of the challenges we learn to manage on the road are missing your loved ones, lack of sleep, inconsistent schedules, lack of personal practice time...etc. Of course you wouldn't do the traveling gig if the positive attributes didn't outweigh the somewhat negative. The theme of this blog is not that of complaints but that of gratefulness. One of my favorite experiences on the road is when I get to cross paths with other musicians-get to hear their stories and most of all get to hear them play. This summer I got to meet some great musicians and legends of the music world. In Finland I met Robert Cray. Yes you read that right; I met Robert Cray in Finland. Some other great artists that I encountered on the road are Dianne Reeves, Anita Baker, Jon Hendricks (of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross), Al Jarreau, Les McCann, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Playing with Jon Hendricks was incredible! Man can he swing!! Hearing Dr. Lonnie Smith was also mind blowing!! He is still a force behind the Hammond B-3-not to mention the striking appearance of his flowing robes, stark white beard and turban. It goes without saying, but I will for the record, that all of these artists are backed by top notch musicians of such a high caliber. Sharing the stage with all of them is both humbling and inspiring. (Photo l-r: TMT MD /Keys Yaron Gershovsky; TMT Guitarist Adam Hawley; Dr. Lonnie Smith; G.Wicks-@San Jose, CA Jazz Festival-8/08)
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