What?

What?

What is this?

This is a blog in which I hope to cover a wide range of musical styles, ideas, bands, composers, techniques, historically important musical events, and a host of other musical concepts. I hope to provide a basis for some intelligent conversation/debate on a number of different musical fronts. And maybe we'll squeeze some non-musical things in occasionally as well.

Great. And who are you?

Whenever anyone asks me about my music background, or any part of my background for that matter, I'm reminded of a scene in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice. When Alec Baldwin's character Adam first encounters Beetlejuice, who is promoting his 'bio-exorcism' services, Adam fumbles for a question to ask, and finally comes up 'What are your qualifications?'. Beetlejuice then begins his famous 'Well, I attended Julliard...' speech. I did *not* attend Julliard, but I DID attend the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College, where I had the privilege of studying with some towering composers and brilliant theoreticians, Charles Dodge, Robert Starer and the seriously no-bullshit-allowed Sherman van Solkema, to name a few. I also played in countless rock bands, first as a drummer and then as a keyboard player. Also played in 'club date' bands, and did a stint in a funk band as the drummer.

Okay, I get it. You drop a school name, a few composer's names, and now you're ready to be an arrogant know-it-all who's going to tell the rest of the world how wrong they are?

No, not at all. Just the opposite, in fact. Throughout my entire management career, I've told the folks that work with me that the BEST thing they can do is to walk into my office, close the door, and say 'John. You must be out of your mind if you think THAT'S going to fly...". The best ideas and conclusions come from consensus, not from dictation, and I hope this blog sparks that kind of everyone-chime-in, intelligent debate.

So, having said all that, please bear in mind that these videos are not hosted on this site, and the intent is to follow the Fair Use Act. If you like any of the music you see/hear, please support the artists by purchasing that music from any of the usual outlets; Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, etc., so they can continue to make groundbreaking music. Thanks!