I am surprised that I have not written since November 21st. I documented the entire DMA adventure from first nascent idea until the completion of the document and my preparation for defense. I can honestly say that it did not even cross my mind to add another post following November 21st. It shocks me that this is true. I am sure that some psychologist somewhere would have a fine reason for this being so. My best guess is that so much focus for 2 1/2 years had been put on completing that goal, that once I did complete it my entire focus changed - I no longer connected to that which had been part of the process, only that which still existed! So, although a few months late, I will need to use this time to formally add an exclamation point or two to the process!!
It's amazing! I am done! Success, and in less time than they or I expected! I worked hard, focussed, believed in what I was doing, and never gave up! Sounds so cliched looking back, and seems like it was easy, only in hindsight. It was easy to do because it was right, it was where I belonged at that time. I feel proud...but also incomplete. I am still chasing something. That is the creation of the great work of art. And short of that, I just want to enjoy experiencing great art, and sharing time with great musicians.
Funny, I am watching a movie. The first time I have sat and watched a full movie in a long time. It is called "Late Quartet," about the four musicians in a string quartet. Fascinating. Also one of Philip Seymour Hoffman's final performances. He was incredible. His death is so tragic. It is interesting, because one thing I can say for the last few years is that we (me) have been able to spend so much time with Dylan, time we couldn't have spent if we were working full-time. Lucky, because by the look of things I may never have a full-time job again :). But whatever happens, I know that I am now on a path that I have chosen, that I am in control of, and I can say without a doubt that we are on the correct path. It is a well written film, using the string quartet to show the relationships among the musicians. It demonstrates the quartet in the way I imagine it, as a relationship like none other in music, but also the complexity of musical and human relationships, and the incredible context behind what it takes for people to come together to make music. I have had my own failures on that front, musical relationships that have formed, dissolved, burned, exploded. I was realizing yesterday that most of my closest friends are NOT musicians, or if they are they are ones that I have not worked with directly.
But that is ok. Musical relationships, like all relationships, are difficult. And they do get more difficult as we get older. I have the desire still to have those relationships. But I realize my priorities are where they are for a reason. They are with my family. And I am so lucky to have this family. It is the reason I write music, it is the reason I believe in music.
Why all of the jokes about musicians not making money? Because it is not what we make. We make connections. I need to continue believing in this as I extend on this next path. It is not about sitting in a room writing, it is about creating something that can bring people, musicians, together. I'll keep doing my best.
And hey, just because, this is something to behold:
