Years ago I scribbled several quotes that really effected my outlook on music, creativity and life. Recently, I found this paper of quotes in a shoebox of memories. While I do not know the author, I thought it was worth blogging/posting and sharing this:
“Be brave enough to live creatively. The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You cannot get there by bus, only by hard work, risking and not quite knowing what you are doing. What you will discover will be wonderful – yourself.” – author unknown
Frank Willis (my web guru), has helped put together and organize a visual photo album gallery of my life to date. Many of these photograph’s have never been seen until now. I hope you enjoy:)
I’ve recently joined as an Advisory Board member to NoTreble.com. I’m excited to be apart of this bass website and look forward in watching its future growth. This bass webzine is a great resource for any aspiring bassplayer regardless of style or influence and I’m honored to be apart of it. I would encourage all bassists to check out and bookmark this website.
It has been a while since I’ve made a personal blog post, as I’ve been extremely busy with many exciting projects. We hope to announce these in the coming months so stay tuned.
In the meantime, I wanted to post an issue that is very important to me. In this current state of economic/political discourse and with many changes in the air, I believe it is important to address a movement/opportunity/position that could benefit all of us. This job is a “Secretary Of The Arts” Government cabinet position. The idea of this position is to build awareness and support creative artists, through support of its creators – the artists themselves. With this cabinet post, it will demonstrate the fundamental importance of art, human well being and create the space and resources in which it can flourish. With your help, we can make this a reality.
Quincy Jones and Jaime Austria initiated the idea and it has been spreading among artists/blogs throughout the world wide web. I would encourage each of you to:
In August of this year, guitarist Dan Baraszu and I went in the studio for two days to record a live jazz duet Christmas CD. Today it has been released on Blue Canoe Records. It was honor to be able to record in an intimate setting with one of my favorite guitarist’s who happens to be a dear friend.
At first I thought this would be an easy recording project, but the more I started working out the arrangement’s in pre-production, I knew it would be quite an undertaking. Recording in a duo setting (avoiding an over-produced CD) was a very eye opening experience. The stillness and nuance required in capturing a clean performance was ever more present. Every breath, string buzz, room noise, movement was amplified once we started adding compression and effects. In a sense, this was a very naked and bare recording with no other instruments to mask the inconsistencies of our performances (particularly drums). Capturing a great performance, minus all the ambient noises was probably the biggest hurdle we had to overcome.
Secondly, how many times have we heard the vast catalog of Christmas music from multiple artists over the years? Trying to re-arrange these “standard” tunes was in and of itself a challenge. The goal of course was to try and come up with something new or create a fresh unique approach to these classic songs. All in all, recording in this duo environment with Dan was a blast. I hope each of you will enjoy the CD as much as Dan and I had in performing/recording it.
If you would like to see a videopromo of us in the studio, clickhere
If you would like to listen, download a free song or buy the full CD, click here
Until next post, have a blessed Thanksgiving…Peace…
Well here we are, a day I thought couldn’t arrive fast enough. I admit it and I’m not ashamed to say that I’m not a “W” fan. A fan of Washington/Wilson, but the modern day “W” has been a disaster at every level in my humble opinion. Name me one thing that “W” and his administration did that was positive for this country and our world? From the previous 42 president’s, I can name positive accomplishments even if I didn’t agree with their ideological views. I mean even Nixon achieved positive accomplishments despite his personal and tragic demons. Ok, Ok–I guess if I’m honest, I can say that “W” has been generous with contributions to Africa and for that I’m grateful. This is the only issue in eight years I agree with “W”. Regretfully however, he missed the mark on Darfur and that is a said chapter in the book of Bush. One of the main reasons why Bush has a been a disaster for this country is that he has been a “reactionary” President. Often acting ‘after the fact’ and often with poor and destructive choices. Like our founding fathers, we need leaders who are “visionaries” and have “foresight” and can literaly advance the ball. In football, they call this “offense”. No team ever wins just because they rely on a great defense. You need to have a strong vision of where you want to advance your causes and be willing and abel to adjust your defense accordingly.
I’m writing this blog not to bash Bush, nor to give my endorsement to Obama or McCain. I have already voted and I don’t think it’s necessary for me to publicly display whom I support. I made up my mind and voted for who I think is best suited for this country at this point in our history. Let’s be honest, do endorsements from actors, musicians, entertainers really make a difference?When Hollywood stars or musical artist’s come out to support certain candidates, does that make you rush out and vote for them simply because someone whom you respect and admire throws their support behind such candidates? It never has for me…
I (like many of you), beat to my own drum. I have my own personal issues and circumstances that persuades and pulls me in a direction that I feel comfortable with. Point blank, I am an Independent and I’m not beholden to one party or another. I’m conservative on some issues and very liberal on others. I vote with a clear conscience with the issues that matter most to me. So with this said, my message today is directed to you “undecided voters”.
I saw several recent polls that suggested that nearly 7% of the population is still undecided. Are you kidding? One day before the most important election of our lifetime and a percentage of American’s still don’t know who they are going to vote for? In a day and age where we have instant access to “official” websites, thousand’s of political blogs,video sites, 100’s of cable tv channels, talk radio and the like – how can 7% of American’s still be undecided? Let’s face it, after one of the most dreadful period’s in American history, how can anyone still not have a clue on whom to vote for. All one needs to do, is to spend a few hours searching out each candidates stances on the issues and watch, read and educate themselves. This election has only been running for twenty-one months now. Nearly fourty something debates (between both parties) and more talking heads, opinions and bloggers than every in our American History. How can anyone that has been paying the least bit of attention, still not have a clear opinion?
Today is your day to take a stand! If you don’t vote, you should be ashamed of yourself. In my book, your a loser! People fought, died and bled ruby red for everyone of us to pull that lever to advance the freedom and domocracy that we hold so sacred to our constitution. Every four years (and on the first Tuesday in November), this is the one day in our country where the likes of Donald Trump and the local janitor have an equal say. We each have an obligation and a duty for the sake of our fellow man to educate ourselves and MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. We have a duty and an obligation from our founding forefathers and for future generations, to take a stand on behalf of the sacrifices that have paved the way for this great country, thus keeping the engine of democracy moving forward.
If you don’t know who to vote for, I feel sorry for you. Go back to your American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and your Reality TV…I guess with that, you can make your decision. If your one of those people that can’t spend a few hours to educate yourself to make an informed decision on our future, I sincerely request that you please don’t buy my music!
My last thought and comment on this Historic Day: 1-20-09:)
In a few hours I will begin on a musical journey I have visited several times in my career, recording an audio CD. However, this time it will be different in that this recorded CD will be documented on film. From the initial start of the recording process through the completion of my 8th CD, these performances and studio experiences will be captured on video.
I am very excited about the idea of this artistic expression, however I’m a bit apprehensive or should I say, feel a little vulnerable and naked opening myself up in this way. After encouragement and clarity from a few friends, I do believe this is the current project and journey I must undertake now.
While it might be a bit pre-mature to talk about the musical details and guest artists that will appear on this CD, let me just share with you one recent and reoccurring thought I keep having: “Through happiness and pain, music heals and creates harmony”. This is my personal goal and hopefully this vibe and feeling will translate to all who will listen/watch my current journey, in the future.
Recently I got the call to perform a concert with legendary Police drummer Stewart Copeland at the Savannah, GA Music Festival. As a Police fanatic and a S.C. fan, I was excited to get an opportunity to play and make music with one of my many musical heroes. It would be safe to say that as a young kid growing up in the 1980’s, The Police we’re “My Beatles.” After the Police broke up, I would continue to follow the careers of Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland.
After accepting the invitation, I received the music (printed/audio) on the road and while finishing a West coast tour with Austin based blues guitarist Chris Duarte. I practiced as much as time would allow in between soundchecks, concerts, car/plane rides and hotel changes. I completed the C.D. tour on March 23rd in Denver, Colorado; and quickly flew to Savannah, Georgia for a rehearsal with Stewart on the 25th and the preceding concert on the 26th. I had less than 5 days to go over the music before hitting it with Stewart, however I was pumped.
Stewart Copeland and Joseph Patrick Moore
My firstencounter with Stewart: I found him to be a very polite, humorous, warm, well tempered and courteous man. He made an effort to reach out to everyone in the group and politely introduced himself. We chit chatted a bit and off we went, down that musical journey from the Rhythmatist. In the hours that followed, it would be an intense yet rewarding experience playing the music of and with this musical genius. I was mostly a silent observer and did my best to take it all in. In short, let me just say that Stewart wasn’t there to play checkers. His passion for his craft was nothing short of inspiring.
Halfway through the concert, Stewart brought out another amazing talent, Daniel Hope. Stewart wrote a trio composition for one of his daughters that featured drums, violin, piano. During this moment of the concert, I took a seat to bare witness of this premiere work. It was astonishing! Daniel Hope tore it up and his intonation and tone was impeccable. While I didn’t play with Daniel, we chatted a bit backstage. Daniel is also a very nice chap with an amazing aura around him. Daniel might be one of the best violinists I’ve ever heard, a true madman I say!
Daniel Hope and Joseph Patrick Moore
Not to go un-noticed, the musical ensemble for this event was an amazing group of musicians/artists.
In addition to the genuinely warm spirit of Stewart and the musical ensemble, he had a wonderful crew of people that worked on his behalf. From his manager, tour manager, production team, festival organizers; it was a top shelf entourage. Stewart’s drum tech/engineer Jeff Seitz was also a great asset (and talented drummer). Jeff has been with Stewart for 25 + years which not only speaks volumes of his abilities and the people Stewart surrounds himself with, it also says everything about the true meaning of loyalty from Mr. Copeland. In fact, Jeff can be seen in the recently released S.C./Police documentary, Everyone Stares.
Conclusion: a high profile musical friend/artist once told me not to play with my musical heroes as they might end up disappointing me (he was speaking from experience). Well in my case, nothing could be further from the truth. Stewart is an amazing artist, a terrific human being and I was honored to be apart of this musical experience!
Stewart Copeland and Joseph Patrick Moore 2008 - photo by Kellie M. Walsh
Recently I played a short European tour with Austin, Texas based guitarist, Chris Duarte. Most of the shows went well and the people were very responsive to Chris Duarte’s music as well as the vibe that Jeff Reilly(drums) and I were laying down. Traveling throughout the Czech Republic & Italy, we had an enormous amount of down time. I have to admit, I played the part of a Western “tourist” pretty well. My digital camera was rolling and I captured many of the sights that we visited. I’ve decided to share my personal photos with you:Click link to view photos
JPM on tour in Prague
Additionally, some of the tour was captured on video. Below are the links that have posted on YouTube.com. There are 2 concert video clips and 1 “Rockumentary” of sorts. Hope you enjoy!
Darren & CindyMichaels organized this event (as they have for several years). Kudos to the both of them! They were so respectful to all the participating artists and they made extra efforts to see that BassUp ran smoothly. Darren is such a talented artist in his own right and is a thoughtful and engaging human being. Much love goes out to Darren & Cindy Michaels for organizing such a great day.
In addition, Jim Rubio (owner of the Atlanta Bass Gallery) was so very gracious to host this event. By the end of the day, Jim had virtually given everyone in attendance numerous promotional items such as strings, shirts, stands and even a $1000 dollar bass preamp. Regardless of where you live, if you need any bass gear, you should contact the Atlanta Bass Gallery. Jim Rubio is providing an amazing service to bass players everywhere!
All in all, I was honored to have been asked to participate in BassUp 2007. I always enjoy meeting lovers of the low end:)
A few performance pics from the event:
WORKSHOP
JPM's Bass Masterclass
PERFORMANCE
Upright Bass Performance
Electric Solo Bass Performance
Joined by Guitarist and Blue Canoe Recording Artist, Dan Baraszu
On June 3rd & 4th, I participated in“The Bass Club of Georgia’s” annual bass workshop/master class/performance at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. It was a wonderful two days of bass related workshops and performances for the Double & Electric Bass. Their was an incredible line-up of artists that included Richard Davis, Donald Palma, Mark Bernat, Doug Sommer, David Goodwin, Todd Markey, James Barket and many other talented performers and instructors. My role was to work with the electric bassist’s (see pic below).
It was a true honor to have shared the stage and participated with many of the notable players listed above. Kudos to Mark Bernat and David Goodwin for pulling this off and for inviting me to be apart of the 2007 Bass Club, I believe a great time was had by all.
A season of life gives way to another, change is in the air. 1 month ago
In the green room at Fox 5/Good Day Atlanta with Earl Klugh and Yonrico Scott, awaiting to perform:) --- should be a blast! 2 months ago
In FL @ bear creek music fest. Playing tomorrow with YonRico Scott (Derek Trucks). It's going to be a blast. If your in the area come by:) 2 months ago
Years ago I scribbled several quotes that really effected my outlook on music, creativity and life. Recently, I found this paper of quotes in a shoebox of memories. While I do not know the author, I thought it was worth blogging/posting and sharing this:
Jazzy Joan
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