Reaching For The Soul Zone
Every searching artist wants to get there. It's that magical place where something takes over, you know, when something bigger than you whispers in your ear and says "Relax - I'll take it from here!"
I like to call it the 'soul zone', others simply call it the 'zone', I'm sure there are many other names for it.
For those of you who don't know what the heck I'm talking about, it is the ultimate state to be in as an improviser. You might have played a gig and gone through the motions and nothing particularly interesting sprung from you. You might have played a solo at a different time and place and thought you said some pretty interesting things. But then you'll probably remember those times when you played a solo and something absolutely magical happened. Maybe you closed your eyes and you went off into this magical mysterious place where nothing else mattered. While you were playing you felt like you were in the middle of a 'happening'. Your tone was just right, your phrasing was great and it seemed like you were truly improvising for the first time in a long while. And strangely enough, at the end of your solo, you look up and you can't remember a thing you just played. Then the band members look at you with a big smile of approval. You were in a completely altered state, or so it seemed.
Does this situation sound familiar to you? If so, you have experienced the soul zone. One of those trance like states that every searching musician is trying to get back to. It's the spiritual realm. And we would like it to happen more often than it does.
There's no question about it, this experience may well be one of the factors determining why so many musicians have turned to drugs and alcohol in the past. That Zen like state seems to be one of the reasons musicians play music at all. Of course the good news is that you can get there without the substance abuse!
The question I have always asked is this: "Why does this zone only come about from time to time?" I think there are a number of reasons.
First and most important I think is the fact that there are so many distractions when we play. I have found that as my career got busier as an artist, I was sometimes taking on the role of artist, manager and agent. By the time I got on stage I was finally having to think about entertaining, whilst asking myself all sorts of things like "Am I losing the audience? Do they like this song and if not should I cut it from the set? - have I brought enough people to this show? Is the promoter seething with anger - will she book me ever again? How many CDs am I selling over there? Should I be promoting my CD more during the show? Am I funny witty and charming on stage - dammit do they like me at all??" Yiiiikkes heeeeeellllllppp!!
As you can imagine, this scenario doesn't exactly make for a Zen like transcendental state now does it? Of course I am exaggerating somewhat but my point is that all too often, there are too many distractions in order to get there.
The other big big reason is that sonically things might not be right. How many times have you done a show where the monitors sound terrible or you're playing through a rented amp that isn't sounding any good to you? What if the drummer sucks?
I have always thought that if the band is 'on' you simply don't notice any of them. The music just feels great and everyone is in sync - just like they should be. When this is the case everyone is in that zone and the music is magical. So it's definitely a matter of external factors being right as much as it is internal relaxation and the ability to let it flow.
One thing that I have always found particularly difficult and is a continual learning curve for me, is the art of recording. And here I don't simply mean recording guitar parts, that is a craft that can be learned. I'm talking about recording an improvised solo that is truly inspired. The question is "How do you get to that zone in a cold sterile environment?"
What amazes me is that there have been many many truly inspired solos recorded on albums, so those artists figured out a way to get to the zone. I have always found it easier to reach my optimum playing peak in a live setting. When I'm recording I want it to be just great, it's going to be immortal after all, you know, on a CD forever. And this is where the problem lies. Too much thought. To get to the zone one needs to totally let go.
So what can we do to help us get to that magical place? First, understand that it might not happen and that it's perfectly fine if it doesn't. It might be out of our control. Before you step out to play, take a deep breath and center yourself. Nervous energy can take over and it's important to get as much external crap out of our heads as we can and give the music our full and undivided attention. Take your time as you play, think about playing behind the beat instead of playing on top to drive energy. Relaxation is the key and the right energy will come as a result. Have your internal antenna up for musical ideas. They might come from the band and you should be ready to grab some inspiration from them. Close your eyes. This can help, even just to get you on the right foot. Let it flow. Try to ignore any reasons for you to not be present.
And that last part I think is the most important of all. Be Present. Not always an easy place to get to but if we can strive for it, I believe will make us better musicians, and we'll enjoy the music that much more.
Chris Standring is a contemporary jazz recording artist who performs throughout the USA and Europe regularly. He has enjoyed much radio airplay with several albums, opening up a busy touring schedule. His music appears on many compilation CDs also. For more info on Chris' popular home study jazz guitar course go to http://www.PlayJazzGuitar.com Visit him on the web at http://www.chrisstandring.com
 Google News Updated : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:51:42 GMT Bloomberg, Gates pledge $375 mln against tobacco - Reuters
Reuters - By Christine Kearney NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) co-founder Bill Gates pledged $375 million on Wednesday to fight what they called a global tobacco ... Video: Gates, Bloomberg Pool Riches to Fight Smoking Bloomberg and Gates fight smoking Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:11:25 GMT Report: Eagles call Packers about Favre - SportingNews.com
SportingNews.com - While the Philadelphia Eagles are taking it easy with Donovan McNabb in training camp as he works his way back from a shoulder injury, that hasn't stopped them from going after some potential insurance. Winfield a Favre fan AP Source: Goodell monitoring Favre situation Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:26:08 GMT Red alert! The cellphone warning has been issued - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - Now he's done it. Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, has said what no one else would -- no cancer experts anyway. Pittsburgh Cancer Center Warns of Cell Phone Risks Cancer researcher warns about cell phone use Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:07:36 GMT The night Karadzic rocked the Madhouse - guardian.co.uk
guardian.co.uk - A man plays a gusle in a bar called Madhouse in Belgrade, where war crimes suspect Radovan Karadzic is now known to have frequented. Video: Karadzic's arrest sparks clashes - 23 Jul 08 Arrest of Radovan Karadzic: Why Now and Who's Next? Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:35:43 GMT Hurricane Dolly Makes Landfall in Southern Texas (Update2) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Demian McLean July 23 (Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Dolly was downgraded to a Category 1 storm as it made landfall today in southern Texas, where coastal residents weathered their first direct hit by a hurricane in almost a decade. Video: Dolly Pummels Texas Gulf Coast Dolly forces refining cuts, hits gas output Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:36:26 GMT 'Dark Knight' Christian Bale's lady sidekick: Sibi Bale - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - Like the Dark Knight/Bruce Wayne, Christian Bale is a real-life man of mystery. Averse to personal publicity, he is well-known for not wanting to discuss his private life. Christian Bale, Wife "Solid" at Knight's Spain Premiere Bale attends 'Dark Knight' premiere in Spain Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:54:18 GMT Review: 'Step Brothers' - 40-year-old goobers - San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco Chronicle - Step Brothers: Comedy. Starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. Directed by Adam McKay. (R. 95 minutes. At Bay Area theaters. For complete movie listings and show times, and to buy tickets for select theaters, go to sfgate. Video: The Stars of 'Step Brothers' `Step Brothers' Ferrell, Reilly reunite as duo Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:39:58 GMT Add RSS Feeds To My Web Pages |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... G-Units 50 Cent , was born 6th of July 1976... Read More You know your songs are great (and so does your... Read More The Ibanez SR400 bass guitar is very comfortable to play.... Read More Celebrities now such as Outkast, a fashion wear can be... Read More Let me guess, you love music and would do anything... Read More The guitar is considered the friendliest musical instrument there is.... Read More While many people think that the mixing of the separate... Read More Remember when radio stations played great music?OK, before you accuse... Read More Ideally each page of your website should serve a specific... Read More The Russian Composer Igor Stravinsky once said: " A good... Read More Fan support for musicians is a two way street. You... Read More It is believed that the custom of dining in began... Read More Piano lessons provide a wide range of benefits to young... Read More New bands looking to book gigs and establish contacts often... Read More Have you ever dreamed of performing a piece you created... Read More The Rickenbacker 4003 electric bass guitar is one of the... Read More One of the reasons I picked up the violin was... Read More If you're a recent vintage guitar collector, the stories you've... Read More A lot has been said about the 'post-rock' revolution as... Read More Are you a perfectionist? Does every note have to sound... Read More Many students ask me a question that goes something like... Read More Getting ready for any type of guitar performance can be... Read More Canadian Indie bands are dominating the music scene and it... Read More Kenny "Axil" Rose (Lead vocals), D.J. "Slash (Lead guitar), Joshua... Read More Curious about MIDI? Want to find out what tools are... Read More
Adsense
websites
Story of 50 Cent
Tips for a Great Recording Session
Ibanez SR400 Bass Guitar
Hip Hop Clothing
How to Become a Filthy Rich Record Label Mogul
Building A Good Relationship With Your Guitar
An Introduction to CD Mastering
Radio - What?s Happened To It?
Structure Of A Successful Music Website
How to Find Musical Ideas
Growing and Keeping Loyal Fan Support
Protocol for Piping a Formal Dinner: A Ceremonial Guide for Highland Bagpipers
How Piano Lessons Benefit Young Children
Does Your Band Need a Manager?
Tips on Performing Your Music for Others
Rickenbacker 4003 Electric Bass Guitar
Quick and Easy Violin Mute
Vintage Guitar Collectors Can Still Find Deals
The Post-rock Revolution (Explosions in the sky)
Piano Lessons and Perfectionism
What All Do I Have to Know to be a Really Good Piano Player?
Guitar Performance - Make The Most of It!
Canadian Stars: The Marble Index and the Waking Eyes
The Strange Days (mostly nights) of Guns N? Roses
These MIDI Tools Are Music To My Ears
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
George Winston and New Age Piano Playing
The first time I heard George Winston play back in... Read More
How to Download Music From The Internet
Most of you have probably heard of the RIAA's quest... Read More
Beauchamp Brings Diversity to Music
Everyone has a talent. For Miami, Okla.'s, Brian Beauchamp, it's... Read More
The Revolution has begun - and it will not be Televised The new Artist Development Paradigm
In reflecting on the world of the Music Business in... Read More
Bono: From Music To Fashion To Helping The Poor
U2s lead singer Bono isn't content with being part of... Read More
Effective Band Rehearsal
If your band is in rehearsals, either preparing for gigging,... Read More
Music Licensing: The Cold Cash Facts About Money for your Music
Where music meets licensing, there's money to be made. How... Read More
The Need To Perform
I can't believe how much of the year has gone... Read More
Music Industry Secrets Revealed - How To Become Succesful The Music Industry Without A Record Deal
Before the internet, unsigned music artists couldnt make a living,... Read More
The Didjeridu
In Northern Australia the Didjeridu is seen as a phallic... Read More
A Dying Cat And A Nylon String Guitar
"Music isn't just learning notes and playing them, you learn... Read More
Bluegrass Music - Alive and Well in the Appalachians
One of the Appalachian Mountain region's greatest contributions to the... Read More
Guitar Practicing or Guitar Playing?
Just because you're holding your guitar doesn't mean that you're... Read More
How to Become a Filthy Rich Record Label Mogul
Let me guess, you love music and would do anything... Read More
Musical Improvisation Basics - Four Strategies For Playing Wrong Notes
While it probably doesn't seem like this would help -... Read More
Liberate your iPod
When Akio Morita came up with the idea of the... Read More
The Revolution of Electric Guitars
Sometime during the 1930's electric guitars were introduced onto the... Read More
Songs Await Singer
I Want To Grow Old With You (C)Chorus: I want... Read More
Arranging for New Age Piano
A while back, I wrote an article that compared flower... Read More
Learn to Read Music Online
If you or anyone you know wants to learn to... Read More
Warner Music Executive Payments
"In human life, art may arise from almost any activity,... Read More
Piano Teachers - Whats Wrong with Them?
Most of us like to use what we learn right... Read More
Fiddle Tab Makes Learning Fiddle Fast and Easy
Learning fiddle tab is so intuitive and so easy that... Read More
Paint Your Own Musical Landscapes!
I don't know why, but I find the idea of... Read More
How to Get Past Creative Blocks
When I first began playing the piano and improvising, there... Read More
Music & MP3 |