Post tag: Music NYC
52 Things Musicians Can Do Now In the Time of Coronavirus

Corona VirusMarlowsphere (Blog #147)

There are no immediate or forecasted statistics, but just from the anecdotal evidence, it’s apparent a goodly portion of freelance musicians of various stripes are going to have a rough time financially for the next few months: paying monthly bills, buying food, and taking care of their health. Why? Because the coronavirus has caused gig cancellations, postponements, closures, shut downs, and travel restrictions—all in the name of slowing down the spread of the virus, a so-called “flattening of the curve.”

The truism “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything” was never more real than now.

Of course, it’s not just musicians. Artists of all kinds, freelancers, and hourly workers are caught in this pandemic whirlpool. Part of the problem, and perhaps the major part of the problem, is that many are not financially prepared for a three, six, or nine month income gap, even with unemployment insurance, which is meagre at best.

Is the current pandemic the end of the world? No, it isn’t. It’s not the first global health crisis (remember the influenza epidemic of 1918, only 102 years ago) and it’s not the last. To put this another way, with many people on temporary work hiatus, quarantined, or sheltered at home, this is also an opportunity: an opportunity to use this “down time” to “up-scale” your personal and professional life.

Following are 52 recommendations you can apply today:

HealthHealth:

1. Per the CDC, Stay home if you are sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing.

3. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

4. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Ward off isolation. Contact friends and relatives, whether locally, in the state, out of state, or internationally. They will want to hear from you. And you will want to hear from them. Contact, even at a distance, is still a human need.

7. Keep a regular, daily routine to ward off depression: get up the same time, take a shower, get dressed, and keep up with activities you can do at home.

8. Maintain good nutrition: eat healthy, eat light so you don’t get weighted down or gain weight. Resist the urge to binge out of depression.

9. Look online for healthy but satisfying recipes.

10. Buy food and sundries in bulk as much as you can. If you have a large enough freezer, stock up on frozen foods. Buy as much can goods as possible.

11. Shop around. Walmart, Amazon, Fresh Direct, Pea Pod, among others, have on-line grocery and sundry stores that deliver to your door. Check them out to see which have the best prices for what you need. Perhaps you’ll need to order from more than one place to get the best prices.

12. Cut back on take-out. If you eat take-out, the food is going to be more expensive than if you make it at home. Moreover, food from a restaurant probably contains more salt than you should ingest. Less salt is better for your health.

13. Physical activity is good for one’s mental and emotional health. Exercise at home. When working outside the home you’re moving, using your whole body. The Cleveland Clinic recommends 10,000 steps a day. If you’re working from home, you risk become more sedentary. Find a place in your living room to do some stretches, push-ups, and sit-ups. Have free-weights? Work with those as well. Live in an apartment building? Go into the hallway and walk for about 10-15 minutes. Climb a few flights of stairs.

14. Equally important, take a few minutes every day to meditate, to be calm, and quiet your mind.

15. Do you smoke? Apply to an online “Stop Smoking” program. Just think of all the money you’re going to save when you don’t smoke anymore.

16. If in psychotherapy, use phone, Skype or FaceTime to continue the sessions. The consistency will help with anxiety and provide a bit of normally in these unusual times.

17. Take an aromatherapy, Epson salts, or bubble bath to relax.

18. Limit media intake to maintain your sanity.


Finances:

Financial-Business1. Pay your bills on time, especially your credit card bill. Don’t wait until the last minute. Paying your credit card bill sooner rather than later should reduce the amount of interest you pay.

2. Pay more than the minimum amount on your credit card. Paying the minimum keeps you in debt.

3. Make sure you do your taxes and submit them on time. The IRS has extended the deadline to July 14, but you need to file an extension by April 15.

4. Develop a quarterly net worth statement. You may discover you’re in better shape than you think—your instrument is part of your net worth. Or perhaps you’ll discover you have some systemic financial issues, like too much long-term debt.

5. Having a net worth statement gives you more control over your finances. If you don’t know what a net worth statement is, search the Internet for examples.

6. If you foresee you’ll have a problem paying next month’s rent, contact your landlord now. Better to talk with your landlord before there’s a problem than after. You’ll be in a stronger position before there’s a problem than after.

7. If you foresee you’ll have a problem paying your next month’s mortgage, contact your mortgager now, for the same reasons as above. This will also help protect your credit score from being affected.

8. Create and analyze your monthly expense budget.

9. Identify some way to spend less on something. Everybody has a bad spending habit someplace. Discover yours and start saving.

10. Search your home for loose change. Even if you find $10-$20 of loose change, that’s money to buy food with today.


Professional Development:

Professional Development1. Networking is important. Maintain your network via phone, email, or text to keep up-to-date and top-of mind.

2. Stay in touch with those decision makers who shut down, postponed, canceled, closed, put on hold, or travel restricted you from a gig. Use the phone, Face Time, Skype, email, or text to stay in touch with these people.

3. Make a list of potential contacts for a gig in an area you hadn’t explored. Decision- makers are also planning what to do when the pandemic lifts. This performance hiatus is also an opportunity to open some doors.

4. Read those articles in the trade publications you’ve been wanting to get to now that you have the time.

5. Practice that piece you’ve always wanted to work on.

6. Practice exercises to keep up or improve your technique.

7. Work on sight-reading.

8. Expand your repertoire. Work on a piece that’s outside your comfort zone.

9. Compose that piece that’s been rattling around in your head for the last few months.

10. Listen to albums that you haven’t been able to get to because you’ve been too busy before this health crisis.

11. Organize your music library. What do you need? What don’t you need anymore?

12. Seek out a professional organization you’ve wanting to investigate and perhaps join.

13. Review the professional organizations you do belong to and decide which one you don’t need to belong to anymore.

14. Write an article about a subject close to your artistic heart and send it to a professional journal or trade publication. Perhaps there’ll run it!

15. so far. What is your unique selling proposition? In other words, use this time to define yourself or even re-define yourself. Perhaps you’ll uncover things about yourself that can be useful in expanding your career.

16. Reach out to artists in other diAnalyze your career sciplines (e.g., if you’re a musician, reach out to someone in the fine arts) and explore the possibility of a collaboration.

17. Update your web site (if you have one). Make sure it’s devoid of spelling errors and has all your most recent accomplishments.

18. Update your email contacts.

19. Update your social media accounts.


Personal Organization:

Personal Organization1. Go through that closet or the papers on your desk at home you’ve been wanting to get to but hadn’t had the time.

2. It’s spring. Spring clean and de-clutter your home. If you’ve already started, accelerate the pace.

3. Go through all those emails you’ve been meaning to get to and delete those that don’t matter and respond to those that do. Perhaps one of those emails will lead to a future gig.

4. Go through your physical things and find items to donate or get rid of: clothes, furniture items, books, even CDs (yes CDs). Donations to the right 501c3 organization are a tax deduction. This way you can save some on your Federal, state, and city taxes, and perhaps get a larger refund.

5. Add actionable ideas to the above list.

Don’t wait until tomorrow or next week. This time is an opportunity. Take action now!

© Eugene Marlow, PhD, MBA 2020

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Hearing Is Believing

Justin Kauflin in concertThe Marlowsphere Blog (#119)

On April 2, 2015, The Milt Hinton Jazz Perspectives concert series  (of which I am honored to serve as co-chair) at Baruch College (City University of New York) will present a quartet led by twenty-something jazz pianist Justin Kauflin. The concert will take place in Baruch’s Engelman Recital Hall, part of the college’s Performing Arts Center.

There are certainly many young, talented jazz pianists being educated and nurtured in high school and college jazz programs across the country (around the world, for that matter). But what makes Kauflin stand a little taller than the rest is the fact that he was mentored by the very recently departed, great trumpeter and educator Clark Terry.

Keep On, Keepin' On PosterI became familiar with Kauflin and his relationship with Terry through a showing of the award-winning film “Keep On Keepin’ On.” I reviewed this film in a previous blog.

To quote from this review:

Clark Terry became acquainted with Kauflin when he was studying at William Patterson College. The relationship between these two musicians—an age difference of over 60 years—evolved into more than just a professional exchange. It became a friendship founded on the mutual respect and, yes, love, between these two artists.

But there’s more to this story. During the course of the documentary we learn of Justin’s eyesight problems at a very young age and ultimate loss of all his sight at age 11. We also learn—and see first-hand—of Clark Terry’s battle with diabetes and the ultimate loss of both his legs late in life (around age 90). Here, then, are two musical artists with serious physical challenges who share their pain with each other, but encourage each other to “Keep on Keepin’ On.”  (Click to read full review.)

The documentary has earned an armful of awards.

Clark Terry, one of the most popular and influential jazz trumpeters of his generation and an enthusiastic advocate of jazz education, died on Saturday, February 21, 2015 in Pine Bluff, Ark. He was 94. (Read New York Times obituary.)

Justin Kauflin is also keepin’ on.

But the pain that these two artists have dealt with—Terry with diabetes, and Kauflin with his loss of eyesight at the age of 11—begs the question: how do some people deal with physical adversity given their creative impulses? In particular, how do people with musical genes overcome their lack of sight to express their sonic visions?

At first blush, the perception is that the vast majority of musicians do not have to deal with “sight“ issues. But even a cursory look at the musicians who have achieved success in the music world gives one pause. The number and quality of blind American musicians who have battled past a lack of sight to become successful at making sounds is impressive. Here are a few examples of the many blind musicians in the jazz/pop genres, courtesy of http://blindamericanmusicians.blogspot.com/:

Ray CharlesRAY CHARLES (1930 – 2004) – Ray began life with sight but was blind due to Glaucoma by age 7.  He attended the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.  It was here he received a formal education in classical music.  With this base and his growing interest in Jazz and Blues he began to develop his musical style.  He listened to Country, Blues, Gospel, Pop and Jazz on the radio.  His 1955 hit “I Got A Woman” was the beginning of finding his unique musical voice.  He loved how music allowed him complete freedom of expression.

Sammy Davis Jr.SAMMY DAVIS Jr. (1925 – 1990) – His dad, Sammy Davis Sr. was a well-known vaudeville entertainer. Davis never attended school and was self-taught through the school of hard knocks. In 1955 he lost his left eye in a car accident. His music was very traditional in Broadway, Light Jazz and Pop Standard vein. Davis was famous for his stage presence, acting ability and singing style. He had more than a hand full of big hit songs, “Love Me Or Leave Me”, “The Candy Man”, “That Old Black Magic”, and “What Kind Of Fool Am I” to name just a few.

Jose FelicianoJOSE FELICIANO –  a Puerto Rican/American born blind, Jose has become one of America’s best known entertainers internationally. He belongs in the upper echelon of the great guitarist of our time. His version of the national anthem performed at Tiger Stadium in Detroit in the late 1960’s was controversial at the time but has become recognized as one of great interpretations of the song. In the United States he is best known for his million selling hit “Light My Fire” and the Christmas classic “Feliz Navidad”  He helped to mainstream Latin music influence on Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Terri GibbsTERRI GIBBS – Terri was born in Florida in 1954 and the family moved to Augusta, Georgia. She comes from a family steeped in Gospel music. She began playing the piano at age three and began performing at an early age. She did take music lessons to help improve her understanding of the art. Like Ray Charles, Ronnie Milsap and other great artists from the South, she grew up listening to Country, R&B, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Gospel. Her debut single “Somebody’s Knockin’” became a huge hit and a crossover success.

Rahsaan Roland KirkRAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK (1935 – 1977) – He performed as a multiple instrumental artist. Jazz was what he performed and was famous for his stage antics and the ability to play more than one instrument at a time.  He left a legacy of over a dozen albums.

MARCUS ROBERTS – He is one of America’s great jazz musicians who happens to be blind since age five. His mother also was blind and a gospel singerMarcus Roberts who helped him to learn to play the piano. He attended the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, the Alma Matter for two other great musicians, Ray Charles and Charles Atkins. He went on to college at Florida State University. He believes strongly in the traditions of the great Jazz artists. Marcus is a perfectionist and very tradition minded when it comes to his art.  Yet, he believes the artist needs to play for the audience and not for themselves.  He is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Florida State University.

Diane SchuurDIANE SCHUUR – Two-time Grammy award-winning jazz singer. While she was self-taught on the piano, she did attend Washington State School for the Blind for formal education in music and piano. She was influenced by the great Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington and Ray Charles to name a few. She has had several hit albums in the Jazz genre. While Jazz is her forte, she has performed in nearly every popular genre.

SIR GEORGE SHEARING, OBE (1919 – 2011) – was a world-renownedSir George Shearing British-born jazz composer and musician. Shearing became involved in the jazz scene in the greater London area.  When he immigrated to the United States in 1947 he was swept into the New York jazz world. He melded the two worlds of classical orchestra music with jazz.  He has over 300 songs to his credit as a composer, as well ass two Grammy’s and 100+ albums. His music has been heard in more than a dozen films and TV shows. In 2007 he was Knighted by the British Crown and given the official title of “Sir.

Art TatumART TATUM  (1909 – 1956) – Tatum was not totally blind.  His vision was little more than light perception. At a very early age he taught himself to play the piano. Both parents were skilled musicians. During his high school years he attended the Ohio School for the Blind.  He studied braille and music. He has over four dozen albums to his credit.  His piano styling has had a lasting impact on jazz musicians. Great musicians he influenced are Oscar Peterson, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Parker, and Herbie Hancock. He is noted for his impressive speed playing of the piano. He was posthumously honored with  the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lennie TristanoLENNIE TRISTANO (1919 – 1978) – He was born in Chicago and was one of the nation’s leading jazz educators.  He acknowledged fellow brother in blindness, Art Tatum, as influential in his music.  He also credited Charlie Parker and Nat King Cole. He had more than a hand full of recordings to his credit.

STEVIE WONDER – a world famous singer/songwriter, was Stevie Wonderborn blind in 1950. At a very early age he began to master the piano.  Later he mastered the harmonica, drums and bass. He attended the Michigan School for the Blind where he studied classical music. Perhaps, what might have been more important were the impromptu jam sessions in the dorms at the school. Ronnie White of the Miracles discovered Stevie which led to him being signed by Berry Gordy of Motown and Tamla records. He has two dozen Grammys (including the Grammys is the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award), a Golden Globe, and an Oscar for best song in a film.

There is truth to the observation that when one loses, either partially or totally, one of his/her senses, the other senses compensate by becoming more sensitive. Perhaps there’s truth also in the observation that the jazz/pop musicians presented above achieved their artistic success, in strong part, because of their loss of sight. Their loss of vision accentuated their musical vision.

But the other significant thread among all these musicians is that they did not let their sensory handicaps to deter them. They kept on keepin’ on.

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other of my blogs, please write to me at
meiienterprises@aol.com.

Eugene Marlow, Ph.D.
March 30, 2015

© Eugene Marlow, March 30, 2015

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The Jewish Journal calls Mosaica “. . .a stunning collection of songs”

Mosaica: Eugene Marlow's Heritage Ensemble Reimagines Popular Hebraic MelodiesToday, The Jewish Journal published a major article about the Mosaica, the latest album from Eugene Marlow’s Heritage Ensemble.  In this article it called Mosaica “. . . a stunning collection of songs that simultaneously feel familiar and brand new.” Click here to read the full article.

Click image at right for more information about Mosaica →

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“Keep On Keepin’ On” A Documentary Review

Keep On, Keepin' On PosterThe Marlowsphere Blog #109 

Documentaries tell you the story of a person, an event, or a culture. An hour or so later and it’s done its job. Perhaps you learn something. Perhaps it gives you another perspective on a person, event, or culture that you hadn’t considered before. Some documentaries do this very well, a lot don’t get much deeper than the chronology of the person, event, or culture.

Then there are few exceptional documentaries that not only tell you the story of a person, event, or culture, but also get under the skin and reveal to you the more visceral, and perhaps more important emotional relationship aspects of the main character. Such a documentary is “Keep On Keepin’ On,” the title of the recently released film focused on the life of famed trumpeter Clark Terry.

In the jazz world, Clark Terry is a revered icon. Born in poverty he lifted his trumpet to a high level and ultimately lifted his status as a premier musician to the highest levels. He recorded a multitude of albums, including the highly popular “Mumbles”  which can be found on the album “Oscar Peterson Trio + One Clark Terry.”

But in context this is the least of it. What is revealed in “Keep On Keepin’ On” is Clark Terry’s humanity and his overflowing trait to share his hard-won musical knowledge with others, particularly those of the younger generation. In other words, in addition to becoming a superior trumpeter, he also evolved into a first-class mentor.

In fact, his first mentee was a very young Quincy Jones—and look where Jones went with his career. Not only is Jones a featured focus of the film, he is also a lead producer. The very private moments between Clark Terry and Quincy Jones in Terry’s Arkansas home are both intimate and touching.

1.	Justin Kauflin and Clark Terry in KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ONBut Jones is not the significant musical other counter-point to Terry’s story. This person is Justin Kauflin, now 27, who has been blind since age 11. Clark Terry became acquainted with Kauflin when he was studying at William Patterson College. The relationship between these two musicians—an age difference of over 60 years—evolved into more than just a professional exchange. It became a friendship founded on the mutual respect and, yes, love, between these two artists.

But there’s more to this story. During the course of the documentary we learn of Justin’s eyesight problems at a very young age and ultimate loss of all his sight at age 11. We also learn—and see first-hand—of Clark Terry’s battle with diabetes, his failing sight as a result; and the ultimate loss of both his at age 93 from the disease. Here, then, are two musical artists with serious physical challenges who share their pain with each other, but encourage each other to “keep on keepin’ on.”

There is a scene in which Kauflin is performing at the Thelonius Monk piano competition. He is in contention to become one of the semi-finalists. He doesn’t make it primarily, he reveals, because of his stage-fright. He just can’t get to the deeper aspects of his playing. Kauflin communicates with Terry who conveys that important mentoring concept of “keep on keepin’ on.”

Justin Kauflin in concertThe last part of the film underscores this concept and the importance of timing and being in the right place at the right time. Both Kauflin and Quincy Jones are present at Clark Terry’s home at the same time. Terry encourages Jones to listen to Justin play. The result: Jones sets up a world tour for Kauflin (including the Montreux Jazz Festival) and an inaugural recording. The Quincy Jones organization now represents Kauflin and his quartet.

“Keep On Keepin’ On” is not just about artistic evolution, it is also about dealing with physical and emotional pain, and finding the wherewithal to deal with what life throws you. It is also about relationships and people’s need for other people, without which no one would succeed. The key is everyone needs a mentor—even at every stage of life. “Keep On Keepin’ On” is a beautifully shot and edited piece of storytelling that lives well below the surface of “This is what he did in his life,” or “this is what happened.” “Keep On Keepin’ On” is not just for musicians, it is for anyone seeking to fully actualize their life.

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other of my blogs, please write to me at meiienterprises@aol.com

Eugene Marlow, Ph.D.
October 13, 2014

© Eugene Marlow 2014

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