What a funny expression, “gone to seed” – does it mean that something is “past its prime,” or “over the hill?”
The marsh grass in Ipswich is not quite as vibrantly green as was two weeks ago. The tall stalks have many slender seeds which soon will turn gold and seem to make the tops of the stalks fluffy. Even though the moment of high summer is passing, we can find a magic and beauty in each phase.
We discover this when we relax and rest into the way things are in the moment. It is when we cling to things or we have expectations of how they should be that we create dissatisfaction.
This week, this Thursday, I am playing with a drummer whom I have admired for many years, a musician who exudes joy and playfulness. His name is Francisco Mela. He played for years with one of my heroes, McCoy Tyner. And he was on Hery Paz’s first album, “Jardineros.”
There will be no rehearsal, and so I know that I will need to watch my desire for the music to sound a particular way. Francisco likes to play purely improvised music, and I like to have some formal structure to support me. I trust that we will find a way to meet halfway – and to have a joyous encounter.
Joining us will be Rick DiMuzio on tenor saxophone, and Andrew Schiller on upright bass. I would like to think that this is not about bridging any kind of divide between “free” playing, and “song form.” After all, it is all music, and these particular players are sooo musical. Within me, I am sensing a ripening, a “gone to seed-ness,” trusting that I will find magic in our collective sound, moment by moment.
hope to see you there,
bert
Thursday, July 31 – 7 to 9 PM
Spice Thai Kitchen
15 Depot Square
Ipswich MA
Reservations (978) 356-1828