Collaborating Takes Many Forms – #LiveMusic #Recording

What do you think of when you hear or read the word “collaboration”? I’ve been reminded that collaborating can take many forms.

Be Ready

In my experience, working on music with other people comes most often from simply being open to the possibilities. If I can be ready to start collaborating at any moment, those moments are more like to show up.

This summer was no exception. I started off with 8th Amendment. What a glorious time that was. Coordinating the schedules of nine people (the octet plus the accompanist) was never simple, but it sure was worth it.

Then, I decided to start a series known as VSM (Very Special Music). You can always tell the VSM because it’s performed by VSP (Very Special People). That covered every Sunday from June 14 to August 23. Again, no small feat.

You Call This Collaborating

Meanwhile, there were many other forms of collaborating in the last 3 months. I performed together with wonderful dancers at a mostly improvisational set of concerts. While working with the other VSM musicians, I co-wrote or co-improvised three new songs. In every case, I’ve sung with and accompanied almost every one of the VSM sessions.

On the second Saturday of each month, I help to facilitate “Circle Singing“. This community-building form of singing together has been a huge inspiration in my life and the lives of several other participants. If you’re ever in the area, join us. (Look for circle singing in my gig list.) Planning, promoting, and facilitating these sessions takes many forms of collaborating.

An Invitation

Not long ago, Andrew Hartshorn of Monochrome Motif reached out to me. He asked if I’d join three other composers to create an album celebrating elements. Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. I chose Earth. Collaborating in yet another way.

Get ready for an album full of elemental sounds. Each of these composers are people and musicians I admire. I think you will find this album inspirational. Coming later this year…