NEW CD!

Spirit Space Guitar Cello with Marjory Dow is now available. You can download a free track, listen to samples, and purchase it here.

Who are you playing music to? When you sit by yourself and play, and when you have an audience, is it different? If so, why... really?

Spend a few days rolling this query over as if it may have an answer beyond your current response. It is always possible that you have been operating under some assumptions that are not tested, but rather are more like habits. In the light of a steady inquiry you might find some new territory, and that new insight could well loosen a creative surge. Change is the essence of creativity, and a change in approach usually does this.

One of my favorite expressions of insight in this area is a Buddhist aphorism: 'When in the company of kings, act as though alone, and when alone, act as though in the company of kings."

This is very much a restatement of Shakespeare's Polonius quote on 'To thine own self be true'; it reaffirms the need to become independent of assessing oneself from the point of view of others.

In this way, it is equally true to say that when playing music, one is playing to God, or to oneself. Either works for me :-)

During March our town was host to an African Drum workshop by Mamady, one of the world's most respected djembe players. Two days into the event I was able to stop by and hear the class of over 50 go through an amazingly complex series of poly-rhythms, guided only occasionaly by the smiling djembefola.

The event was organized by Jordan Hansen, a very active educator in the field of African music across Canada. If you are interested in their schedule, he can be reached here.

What an amazing month on music and shows! We finished the tour with 250 people at the finale in Victoria. We have recorded a CD, filmed the show, and are planning for the next tours.

We also have a new website: The Medicine Wind

Thanks to all who supported this great beginning!