Like many, I was greatly influenced by Carlos Castaneda's writings in the 1970s. My first mentor, with whom I travelled for 10 years, had translated his books into French, and worked closely with him. I found the practical philosophy of his 'warrior's approach' to be very universal wisdom, in synch with other cultural expressions of deeper truths, and completely applicable to my own life.

In particular, I liked the portrayal of the four obstacles a warrior faces on the journey to self realization. First, fear - it must be overcome, and if it is, the warrior gains clarity. Then clarity becomes the second obstacle. A warrior then must learn to act with abandonment - not to be always restricted by the controlling clarity of a mental plan. If successful, this brought the warrior to power. There was now real charisma and the ability to influence, but this ability becomes their third obstacle, and a warrior has to learn how to withold their strength, and to be humble enough to pass as a simpleton if the situation called for it.

If this obstacle was overcome the warrior could then face the final challenge..... old age!

These all apply directly to playing music. It can become something that gives no fear in performance, does not require a fixed plan, and can be played as though one were an absolute beginner. The old age part, now that is a worthy challenge - Don Juan said that if it was overcome for even a moment it was worth all the effort.

So here is to playing out of time :-)

In 2005, the first time I heard Guillermo chant in a medicine ceremony I knew I had heard it somewhere before. It was epic, like a Roman slave ship in a hurricane at sea. Finally, after several hours, I remembered: I had seen Duke Ellington with his orchestra live 35 years earlier, and I had not heard that power coming from anywhere else since, until I heard Guillermo!

The recording below is not a chant from the ceremonies, as these Icaros are only sung under very specific conditions and for specific purposes. It does give you, however, a sense of the world he lives in.

The Nomad CD will be available at the end of September.