During the pandemic I went on a Zoom call with Larry Carlton with other fans to hear the master speak. He related the story of a recent reunion with Steely Dan where Larry had to go back and listen to what he had played so he could “visit it again.” He said he had no idea what he was going to play at the time but laid down some amazing lines. I know Frank composed constantly but when it came time to record did he have it written out or did he just wing it? “Normal Life 2.0”
That’s amazing Dweezil. What is your headspace like when you play an improvised solo like that? It’s like the ultimate goal to just have the music flow freely like that. After you play something cool like that do you feel it immediately and know it was something special….or is it only when you listen back to the recordings?
Thanks Buddy! That’s an interesting topic. If we put “soloing” into the story telling category then in order to improvise one must have a vocabulary to choose from. A listener commits their time to focus on your story so the challenge of the soloist is to keep them engaged and with any luck take them on a journey. My dad described music as his favorite way to “decorate time.” I love that concept!
In any case, the head space is dictated by how well I’m able LISTEN to everyone else and respond to what I’m hearing. I’m most pleased with the solo results when I feel like I’m in a reactive state as opposed to driving the bus.
This solo kind of operates on both planes. It was a fun one.
Dweezil and company play on a higher plane than us mortals! He puts on a great show and is down to earth. He will sit and talk with you. And the band will, too. Refreshing in the music industry.
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During the pandemic I went on a Zoom call with Larry Carlton with other fans to hear the master speak. He related the story of a recent reunion with Steely Dan where Larry had to go back and listen to what he had played so he could “visit it again.” He said he had no idea what he was going to play at the time but laid down some amazing lines.
I know Frank composed constantly but when it came time to record did he have it written out or did he just wing it?
“Normal Life 2.0”
Cheers,
Dave Owen
That’s amazing Dweezil. What is your headspace like when you play an improvised solo like that? It’s like the ultimate goal to just have the music flow freely like that. After you play something cool like that do you feel it immediately and know it was something special….or is it only when you listen back to the recordings?
Thanks Buddy! That’s an interesting topic. If we put “soloing” into the story telling category then in order to improvise one must have a vocabulary to choose from. A listener commits their time to focus on your story so the challenge of the soloist is to keep them engaged and with any luck take them on a journey. My dad described music as his favorite way to “decorate time.” I love that concept!
In any case, the head space is dictated by how well I’m able LISTEN to everyone else and respond to what I’m hearing. I’m most pleased with the solo results when I feel like I’m in a reactive state as opposed to driving the bus.
This solo kind of operates on both planes. It was a fun one.
Dweezil and company play on a higher plane than us mortals! He puts on a great show and is down to earth. He will sit and talk with you. And the band will, too. Refreshing in the music industry.
I am so thankful for what you did.
MCDVOICE