Yesterday I had the pleasure of playing with two of my favorite improvisers – Jie Ma (pipa) and Daniel Berkman (Kora, uke, looper, multitude of instruments). We played two completely improvised sets at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
There is complete freshness and magic to creating music on the spot. It is improvised art at its most enjoyable state.
Improvisation works best when you can leave your ego behind. It works best when you can listen to your band mates and play what is needed to make everything whole. It works best when you can speak freely and not have to prove anything. Just create. Have fun. Make something beautiful out of thin air.
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And on Feb 13, 8pm, I will be playing with the “Free your Fingers” improvising community at the Milk Bar. Come on down for some improvised hip-hop, electronica, rock, funk, crazy jamming fun.
But you don’t have to be a musician to improvise. Everyday we deal with different curve balls thrown at us. Everyday we have opportunities to contribute to our society based on other people’s needs and contributions. Everyday we can create art in our own way. Life itself is a tapestry to be filled with your own touch to it. Improvise everyday. And improvise freely and leave that ego behind.