What Would You Do Differently?

Subject: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 12:28 PM

This is mostly a music thread, or will be if you all stay on topic for a change!

By way of introducing the topic, I'll say this first. Most of you know I have a broad and diverse e-mail correspondence with Mudcatters and others. Well, offCat we have been talking through an amazing array of difficult issues. And these have led me to pose a MUSIC QUESTION here at the Mudcat.

Which is, if you were to totally live your highest beliefs-- spiritual, political, moral, ethical-- whatever you call them--

What would you do differently IN YOUR MUSIC?

And what is the first change you would make?

~Susan

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Wesley S
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 12:45 PM

I think I would have worked harder - at an earlier age - to get my lazy thumb in shape so I could play the fingerstyle blues like I like. That and I would have had more confidence in my abilities so that I could start the jug band/old time group that I've wanted to be in for the last few years. It will happen eventually but I wish I hadn't had the 20 year gap in my playing that hurt my abilities.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 12:49 PM

Wes, darlin'--

Oh no you don't!!! What would you do differently NOW???

~Ruthless

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: LR Mole
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:00 PM

Well, what I wish had happened had been playing with more folks, and thus learning more tunes,techniques, even instruments,maybe, and making more friends. But I really think that can't be rushed or forced.I wish I knew more jazz chordings on the guitar, too, but my first and second boxes didn't have necks that was possible on.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: MMario
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:03 PM

probably not much differently - though if I were to totally live my beliefs, I doubt I would be around long. probably die of exposure very shortly.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:04 PM

Well, I'd never pander to a drunken audience again by playing Drunken Sailor, Farewell To Nova Scotia, or any of that other 'popular' crap say, that Great Big Sea has recorded... This of course would have to entail that I'd developed as a songwriter enough to be able to play folk clubs instead of pubs... I've seen the kind of $$ that guys like James Keelaghan and Garnet Rogers get at the end of a night, and -THAT'S- the life for me!!! 2+grand for a couple of hours of playing to a crowd that came to see you, and to hear the music you want to play... That's gotta be better than dealing with requests for Black Velvet Band 3 times a set!

so, that's what -I'd- do!

LOL!!!

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: mousethief
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:07 PM

Can't say I'd change anything. I'm certainly not "totally living" my highest ideals in every area, but in the music area I'm not terribly far off, I don't think. Practice more, perhaps.

Alex

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Biskit
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:12 PM

I DO live my highest beliefs Susan, the only thing I would change musically,is I would take some lessons,...by the way, and I'll ask this again'cause I never got an answer last time I asked...are ya singin' my song???

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:27 PM

Well, I believe that we all do the best we can to totally live our highest beliefs...

... but I don't know of any belief systems that suggest it is likely that we will actually achieve consistent perfection in doing so on this planet. So... if you were to TOTALLY LIVE your beliefs... what would you do differently from now on in your music?

~Pushy Broad~

PS-- Biskit, No. I have not sung much of anything since the fire. Until this week.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:31 PM

I wouldn't change anything. Except maybe, a good long spell of no-school free time, to put chords to all those The Move lyrics I have lying around.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Bert
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:31 PM

sing all the time

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:32 PM

If I were to TOTALLY LIVE MY beliefs...it would not matter. I would be in Nirvana.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:35 PM

Guest, can you say more? Is there music in Nirvana? Where does it come from?

Oh... wait. OK. Assume you did totally live them... what would you change in your music and how would that get you toward (to) Nirvana?

~Really Asking

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Midchuck
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:36 PM

Spend as much daily time practicing music, as I now do on the net (exclusive of legitimate, income-producing activity on the net); and vice versa.

Peter.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Allan C.
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:37 PM

As I understand the question, it has to do with what steps we would take from this day forward toward attaining our musical ideals, rather than discussing our pasts.

I am currently doing what my situation allows. I am continuing to collect instruments of a wide variety of types - I received my very own bass box last month. Now that I have figured out how to finger the keys in order to minimize the metallic, high-harmonic ringing, I am enjoying it immensely.

Whenever possible, I am continuing with my practicing on my stand-up bass. Of course, I am playing the guitar a little nearly every day.

David C. and a couple of other friends have been coming over to the house on a regular basis (weather permitting). With guitars, hammered dulcimer, banjo, dobro, etc., we are starting to make some very nice music together.

I have been writing and rewriting a few songs.

All in all, I would say that I am happy with what I am doing, given my circumstances. Perhaps my only regret is that I am unable to attend things such as Annamill's gathering, Higher Ground, Old Songs, etc.. Coupled with that is that I am currently unable to make a journey to the UK to tour around among the 'Catters there. However, I have already made arrangements to be at the next Getaway. That will certainly help in many ways.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:38 PM

Guest, wait, I didn't ask it right, let me try again... OK.

If you were to make a change in your music that reflects you totally living your beliefs, what change would land you in Nirvana?

~Really, Really Asking

Subject: Don't fix what ain't broke...
From: Bernard
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:43 PM

As Popeye would put it:

I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam...
(or as near as I can remember!)

I've tried being something else other than me on occasions, and the last time cost me my sanity, which I'm only just starting to get back.

Maybe this isn't quite the response I'm expected to give, but it's the truth - and that is my one belief...

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:47 PM

I don't think there are any wrong answers to this.... I am just intensely curious about how everyone's belief systems relate to their music, and vice versa. And especially, at the moment, I am curious how our beliefs find their way into action in our music... or don't... and whassup widd-all-dat.

~Burning Interest!

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: little john cameron
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:52 PM

Weel Susan, ah think ah mentioned afore that ah'm daein a cd wi Dermot.This time ah'm gaun tae tae aw Scottish songs an a couple o recitations.Years ago when ah wis playin ah got sidetracked intae daein aw kinds of stuff.Ah had a great time bit ah think ah wis tryin tae be aw things tae awbody an the real me got lost in the shuffle.Noo ah dinnae care if onybody buys it or no. ljc

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:54 PM

I know what would land be in Nirvana! To come as I am, smelling like teen spirit. And to take my lithium. Oh nevermind.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:56 PM

I'd be singing all the time, too.

~S~

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: MMario
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:00 PM

Music is probably the area of my life in which I come closest to totaly living my beliefs. It is also the area of life through which I most closely express my beliefs. It is also the area through which I examine and scutinize my beliefs.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:07 PM

I would learn to play an instrument.

extra posting deleted by a joeclone

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: mousethief
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:09 PM

Dave, first learn to use the keyboard of your computer you stupid f**king --- no, wait. Wrong thread. Sorry.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: mousethief
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:10 PM

Oh, and I'd stop skipping choir practice.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:13 PM

This may sound crazy espeially in my new attempt at trying to find Christ again but I just never would have been born- that is what I would do differently, simply no me. I am desparate and no one understands. I want to kill myself and dont have the guts.

Jon

Subject: I wish I could help, but know I can't...
From: Bernard
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:29 PM

Sorry, Jon.

I've been there very recently, and there's nothing anyone can say that helps... ...and there's no guarantee that I won't end up being there again.

However, I sincerely hope that, having met you once, I'll have the opportunity to meet you again.

Good luck, mate...

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Dharmabum
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:36 PM

Well Darlin, As you know,after losing/regaining the use of my hands a number of times over the years,I think I can truly say I know what it's like to embrace every note,to cherish every chord.
The fact is,when I'm playing music,I'm probably living as close to my true beliefs as I can possibly get.

Ron.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:41 PM

Jon, if that's the answer that comes to mind today, that's what you have to work with.

I'd have to say that what you call guts... is not something I would want you to have more of. So, how could your music make you even more "gutless"?

I'm not being flip, I promise. If you were to face in the direction of not being able to kill yourself, what would be the next, possible step toward life, and how might your music be involved?? Cuz I'll tell you one thing I know for sure-- I've heard you play, and that is defintely the music of a human being crackling with LIFE. IMNSHO.

YMMV. But I hope not.

(I think you actually have a lot of real courage, which IMO is what sticking around and trying to live each day takes in full measure.)

~Susan

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:43 PM

Bernard, good luck to you it was a pleasure meeting you and even in my dark mode, I would like to think that I will meet you again.

Jon

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:49 PM

Ron... so then, are you playing enough?

If not, what would be the first change you'd make?

~S~

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:56 PM

And I would use what I got instead of waiting to have what I ain't. A place I could have played and learned how to actually performed, at little or no risk, just closed its doors.

It sure is hard to look at this question without blame, shame, and regret, and just exercise responsibility.

~S~

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Dharmabum
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 03:22 PM

Susan...Yes ,always enough,sometimes(though rarely)too much,but never not enough.
There's never a time or place when we're not subject to the harsh realities of our lives & surroundings. Music ,for me at least,works as a helluva good filter to take some of the bitterness out of it.

Ron.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 03:56 PM

Think a bit more about what I might be doing in advance, so that I'm better prepared to sing the best song for the time and place, rather than just the one that I know I can do ok once again.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 04:58 PM

I truly don't think I'd do anything differently. I was true to my dream.

Right now, though, I'd be searching for some kind of a musical Viagra pill that'd resurrect my current musical inabilities and get those to, at least, where they were when I thought I had something to show to the world -- and folks thought that what I had might be worth paying to hear once again.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 05:16 PM

Art, you might want to talk to Dharmabum about that, actually.

~S~

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 07:04 PM

I'd quit my job.

Then I'd open the house every night to musical friends who just need a place to get together with other musical friends.

Then, I'd shamelessly sit in on every session learning as much as I can while soaking up the vibes of friends making music. Friends making music together isn't like making love but it's as close as you can get and not handle another person.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: GUEST,ceitagh
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 07:28 PM

I'd sing and play and whistle for other people even when i feel i'm not very good. i'd keep practicing even when i'm frustrated 'cause i can't sound like i want to. I wouldn't demand instant perfection from myself.
I'd learn guitar and enough about music to be able to arrange accompaniments to my songs.
I'd write songs for someone other than myself.
I'd write love songs for God. Seriously. I have a real block here and I'd love to surpass it and write something that speaks in a real way of my spiritual journey.

I know I haven't been around here for a bit...i've been really busy growing and i'm afraid the 'cat has fallen by the wayside. thanks to susan and matt for not ever forgetting about me. :-)
Kate

Jon...i miss your music, it seems like forever since the days when i would spend all evening on hearme. I wrote a song i wish you could hear.

Ceit

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 07:48 PM

Ceit I wish I could hear. You are IMO a great writer. I have one of yours on a tape by Matt and it is my favourite of all of the songs on the tape.

As for me, I think I was born with music. I especially love the dance music and am insane enough to see little dancers in my head when I am playing well - they tap along to the rythym and I love making them happy!

Jon

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 08:06 PM

Jon, you won the sweetest smile I have given anyone all day long, and it has been a day replete with loving smiles and rich savoring of friendships.

When I hear old Cab Calloway type music, I see videos. I see little vignettes that go with the music, especially when it is instrumental. Maybe your little people and my pre-war-costumed people will meet in mid-ocean.

Kate... e-mail me. We can get rid of that block with God's help, I am sure of it.

~S~

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: GUEST,khandu
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 08:22 PM

I would dust off the many Gospel songs that I have written, polish them and send copies to all that I think would be blessed by them. In recent years I have written strange stuff with Gopel overtones (in most of it), yet, the old ones were blatantly Jesus oriented.

Amazingly, whenever I sing one of those old ones, my voice (which is quite pitiful!) takes on a New strength.

Wonder why? ;-)

khandu

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Spud Murphy
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 09:18 PM

Naemason: We did that during the thirties when I was a runt. We called it 'The Depression.'

Spud

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Matt_R
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 10:09 PM

I think I'm really tired of what I COULD have done. I've always got to look to the future. That's where it all is. To infinity and beyond, you know?

And Hi Kate, though I know you may not be around to read this. I'll never forget you!!!! EVER!

--Matt

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: GUEST,khandu
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 10:20 PM

Jon, I admire you. I respect you. I have gotten great benefit from your input for the months I have been here. I also relate to your struggles.

I offer you my hand and heart in you struggles. You can E-mail me at [e-mail] if you would like to discuss this further.

Whether you accept this offer or not, you have my prayers.

khandu

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: pict
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 10:24 PM

I wouldn't change a thing I know the path I've taken musically is the right one for me.

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 10:36 PM

I want to open a coffeehouse/folk center, here in Roselle. These poor suburban folk don't realize what a wasteland this is and the kids need somewhere to go. I want it to be a place where people get together in the flesh and do what we're doing here on the 'cat - keeping the flame burning by rubbing ideas together. I mean, of course, that good flame that represents life in its fullest extent. And I'd have to invite you all to come and sit for a while and play and talk and dream.

Jon - If I thought that opening the place I envision would help you find the joy and comfort that you deserve, I'd do all I could to open it tomorrow. As it is, I will need to plan a little more and work a little harder before I get to that place that Susan is so insistant that we envision. Meanwhile, hang in there.

g'night, gentle folke
Bart

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: GUEST,washtubbass.go.coolebiz
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 10:48 PM

i should throw everything away and leave town... travel the world with my music... play to live the world thru... --------------------------- i'm afraid... scared of regrets of having nothing but memories... drag... NOW i'm scared of creating LAME memories... thanx for nuthin / i'm going to bed...

Chris

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 11:09 PM

Aw, yer all sweeties. I'm off fer bed too. I had me a BIG breakthrough today and now I'se all wore out. And music is part of it.

Bart... I used to live in Northbrook. Wasteland?? Northbrook!! So, like, you know, I mean, yeah!?!-- DO IT, please! If ya thought I was insistent before... just remember the plaintive cry of the wacko formerly known as Praise.... "Northbrook!! Not another Northbrook!! Save us all from Northbrook!"

(shaking her head, giggling softly, heading for bed)

~Susan

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 12:09 AM

Well, this is an interesting question. My question back to you is: with or without the constraints of life as I now know it (making a living, family committments, keeping the house fixed, etc.).

I grew up in a musical desert (my home), and didn't discover the joy of !!!!! MUSIC !!!!! until late highschool and on into college. I was learning songs, and my non-instrument instruments (gut bucket, jaw harp, bones, harmonica). Then I went to graduate school, and hit a fork in the road. I was away from my friends that liked the same type of music and doing it "live", and I emersed my self in academics. My "music" was my little secret.

The hiatus lasted 15 years during which I took on the trappings of responsibility. Yes, wife, dog, house, cars, lawnmowers, kids.... It wasn't until I started singing to the kids everynight that I re-discovered what had slipped away. While I see it as a returning, I think my wife looks at it sometimes as cult emersion. Since then, I have learned autoharp, and started banjo, and sing anytime and everywhere.

So, If I had it to do over again. I would never have let MUSIC slip away in the first place. This would have rippled throughout my life, primarily (I believe) in leading me to a spouse that also follows the muse. I really do envy couples that share in making music together.

Given, where I am in life today, I would say that to be true to me I would be on the computer less and practice more. The internet just sucks the time away. Once the kids are a little older and out of baseball, soccer, scouts, etc. etc. etc. I would also like to start going to jams, or even be in an old time group. All it takes is time.

Whew.. I wrote more than I intended.

Over and Out.

JAB

Subject: RE: What Would You Do Differently?
From: GUEST,ohmyGodi'velostmycookieagain
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 01:19 AM

Susan,thanks for the invitation,although using your link has left me cookieless.

If I could live my life according to my beliefs, I would be playing music and singing full time.Not necessarily as a professional, though that would be nice. I would want to be in front of people daily, singing those songs that inspire me so that I might create those feelings in others. Be it love, happiness,sadness, the blues,aching for love lost, whatever.

I would be playing and singing with others as their music inspired me to feel their emotions.To learn new songs.To earn new music. To meet new people.

To go on that never-ending Mudcat adventure where I travelled around the world to meet every Mudcat member in the flesh and ply music till the sun came up in every corner of the world.

While I'm a long way from being able to do that, I'm closer musically than I was 10 years ago.Mainly from the point of view that the group I play with regularly is constantly moving forward with the music we do. And that music (praise and worship music at my church) is closer to my belief system than I've been in a long time.

rr