Hey Improvisers!
I’ve just arrived here in Fairbanks, Alaska, where I’ll be teaching and performing for the next two weeks at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.
I’m excited to be here for at least two big reasons. Firstly, I’ve been coming here every year since 1999 but had to skip last summer due to Covid-related travel restrictions. Fairbanks has become a kind of “home away from home” for me so it’s great to be back!
The second reason why I’m excited to be here is that it’s an opportunity for me to refresh and rejuvenate my music and piano teaching. This change of scenery in a creatively stimulating environment allows me to recharge my batteries. Although I try to refresh and rejuvenate on a daily basis, we all need these longer periods of time every once in a while.
Here’s a video I made the last time I was here, to document my experience at the 2019 Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival:
FSAF 2019 video
And here’s the full performance of an old-time blues I played during that festival:
This Is The Type Of Blues That You Don’t Hear Much Anymore
One of my favorite musicians, Wayne Shorter, is a master at keeping his music fresh and inspired. Here’s my version of his tune “Ju Ju,” and I conclude the video by telling the story of the time I got to speak one-on-one with Mr. Shorter in his dressing room at New York City’s Blue Note jazz club.
Ju Ju: Journey Through The Real Book #198
I hope these videos help keep you refreshed and rejuvenated this week. Let me know how I can help you with your music!
Ron
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