Improvising through the Unimaginable (2021)

“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.” ~ Mary Oliver

As we say goodbye to 2021 there is a sense of déjà vu, as this year feels like a replication of the 2020 template. The COVID-19 pandemic dragged on, creating ripples of uncertainty, anxiety, and yet also a feeling that the tide was about to turn in a favorable way. However, in the waning hours of New Year's eve, COVID-19 positive test rates continue to climb. Tightening public health policies on our already-weary communities have created resistance, emotional exhaustion, and societal divisions.

Amidst this backdrop, my creative mantra for the year has followed the wise words of poet Mary Oliver: "Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” There has been a need to be nimble, to stay abreast of the energy, the vibe, to be flexible and move with the uncertainty. Each day, as I prepare to play music, I'm mindful of this sentiment.

Creatively, I have been busy, spending most weekends at the jam space. I have enjoyed playing bass, as it does not have the same self-imposed mental 'shoulds' ingrained in my psyche (e.g., ideas about guitar-playing imposed upon by earlier, well-intentioned teachers). With bass, there is an element of freedom, therefore, 'fun', in the bass. I have also enjoyed singing along with cover tunes (generally genres of pop, rock, blues), exploring the vocal range and texture of my voice; however, given copyright laws, have not always been able to freely post this work on social media. As well, I continue on with the craft of guitar playing, often drawn to improvising with funk or groove backing tracks. Again, this feels a bit like déjà vu in terms of last year's creative work. In between, I also enjoy playing the Native drum, hands in rhythm with the heartbeat.

PRS Guitar - Zach Myers Hollowbody Guitar

With all of this work, I feel present, and feel that I'm doing my 'proper work'. In other words, following an intuitive sense of the flow and direction of creative energy. Improvising with the times.

In the spirit of better times ahead, I leave you with the video below.

Wishing you a brighter & lighter 2022!