"Effortless Mastery"

[Soul Stream]

i've still not read very far. however, a couple of thoughts about the whole thing. still, to my mind, my goal is to play "better." and to that end, there just is no substitute for practicing and learning.

plus, once on the bandstand...all this stuff just flies out the door and you have to PLAY! keeping it honest and fun are the main objectives from then on. however, sometimes you get in a rut, creativity-wise and it doesn't hurt to hear some advice from another perspective about getting yourself out of said rut.

but, still, i'm not a self-help book kind of person. nothing wrong with that and i admire people who are always open. myself, as jim suggested, thinking (and not thinking) too much about playing is counter-productive to me.

for example, after reading part of the book yesterday, i went to my gig convincing myself to "not think" too much about the fine points of playing. however, certain songs have tricky passages that i immediately f'd-up because i wasn't concentrating enough.

so, what's the answer? i'm not sure. both theories work for different individuals.

this is all stated knowing i havent' read the book! i'm probably stepping on my toes here. i'll be able to say more later...

[Joe G]

SoulStream--keep reading, he addresses all of that!

[Soul Stream]

i will joe g., shouldn't have really piped up yet about it haven't not gotten through it. don't give up on me yet.