Most players will recognize that sometimes they will be playing alone or in a group and all of a sudden everything comes into cohesive focus - and the music never sounded better. It might surprise you to know that some cultures build this dynamic right into their practice and performance.
The West African cultures (Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso etc) have a tradition amongst their players when playing balafon music; there are certain notes, or combinations of notes that will not be played until this cohesion arrives. They refer to it as the 'spirit' of the music arriving. The moment it does, the leader will play this note or rapid combination, and everyone in the group hears it.
Whether this is a telepathic harmony or a physical harmony or the manifestation of a supernatural being, it declares something that all musicians in the West come across, no matter what their context. Playing music is a process, and within that process is the opportunity to align with something, and the alignment makes for great music and highly satisfying playing.
It is also a reminder that the cultural context that you have been raised in has great impact on the way you are playing music. It is always worth investigating this dynamic when trying to push ahead into greater harmony. You can also adapt this tradition - find a chord or note or phrase that you keep aside until you hear the balance arrive, then play it as an acknowledgement of your lucky state. The truth bears repeating!
The International Guitar Night is a project built by US guitart-poet Brian Gore. For a decade he has put together tours with three other acoustic guitar players and created an evening of fantastic collaboration.
These tours are growing, and I had the chance to sit in on the recording of the live CD for this year's Canadian tour - They will be performing in Nanaimo on Nov 6th and here in Victoria on Nov 8th.
If you like acoustic guitar taken deep into focus, and from several different styles, consider taking in a show or getting their compilation CD.
2009 Workshop
at Hollyhock
July 22 - 26
...SPIRIT SPACE
...MICHAEL WATERS
...CORTES ISLAND
...The Gorge Hall
...November 28th
