There is an anecdote that I've heard several people talk about which underscores the notion of talent existing around every corner.   I cannot verify if the story is true; but it makes for some entertaining reading, so I'll relay it to you.  The story goes that Jeff Beck was in Nashville, TN at a recording studio.  After the session was over, the studio janitor asked if he could pick up his guitar.  Jeff said "Sure" and then proceeded to watch the unassuming person play mind-boggling riffs on the axe to the point of mesmerizing the legend.  Having been to Music City on a number of occasions and being privileged to see some of their finest in action, I can say that whether this is a factual story or not, there is a scary number of wonderful players in Nashville alone.  Incredible virtuosity is all over our planet Earth!

Most of you who tune into this site are probably aware of the fact that what is popular among the majority of people in this country doesn't always reflect the caliber of talent that toils in relative obscurity.  We tend to define success, generally-speaking, as people who are highly visible and economically-profitable with their craft.  The true "artist" knows that the aforementioned criteria is not necessarily an accurate indicator of excellence in the world of guitar.  I'm willing to bet that a lot of you know somebody in your hometown who is a tremendous player worthy of standing next to some famous guitarists in terms of ability and creative expression.  Still, many guitarists will never achieve the fame and fortune of those who receive massive public acclaim.

The reason I am writing this particular article, is to offer encouragement and congratulations to the numerous players who dot our landscape, yet never receive a widespread degree of fame.  While the trappings of success and fortune are likely enjoyable to a point, they don't dictate my personal reason for playing.   I play because I want to.  Some days, I need to.  Yes, I'd love to be as successful as possible on any level; but whether I'm living hand to mouth or driving a Ferrari, I never want to lose touch with the beautiful and sacred simplicity of making music for the creative joy of it.  That may sound trite; yet if I lose sight of how wonderful playing is, even for just my own enjoyment, then I lose my core....my center.

I'm still a young person; but I  have experienced enough in my playing endeavors to pass along informed opinions on some aspects of the musical journey.  I look back at things that I've done along my path and realize that I wouldn't do the same things today.  Perhaps I will look back at today years down the road with a similar feeling of wisdom.  For that reason alone, I don't feel that I can ever offer something with 100% assuredness that it is indisputable truth.  That should not prevent me from living in the moment though, and having convictions about what I feel is right.   One thing that I feel in my heart, is that music is not and should not be a competition.  While it may be plainly clear to someone that a particular player is more talented than another in some area, the qualities that cannot be discerned as easily are the heart and soul behind the notes.  I do have a set of standards which says to me that one player touches me in a deeper way than another; but to question the fundamental musical validity of a person, even if their expression doesn't resonate within me,  would be foolish based upon what I know at this moment of my progress.

I have seen players that may not be famous; but their skills are undeniable on the instrument.  Many can do things that I have no clue of how to execute on the guitar.  Sometimes they inspire me to try and learn from them while other times I'm not moved by the emotional content of their statement.  I still respect the individual nature of expression and emphasize that all of us, even the rudimentary amateur, has something to say.   Maybe our expression will never be heard by anything other than the four walls within which we create it.  Maybe we will develop a "cult" following of friends and supporters that doesn't constitute any kind of  prominent number in the population; but still we play for the enjoyment and love of music.

I'm not a perfect human being in terms of how I conduct myself in either a personal or musical sense.  I make mistakes like everyone else.  I still strive to honor the ideals that I see in my favorite music:  emotional integrity, pleasing tones, and compassionate sensitivity.  Virtuosity is not a prerequisite, though I admire and am sometimes profoundly stirred by technical excellence.  I wish I could play music that expresses truth and grace in this sometimes difficult world.  I keenly appreciate when other artists are able to express these qualities to me.  Maybe I already do this for others and I'm not fully aware of it.  I just know that music is as important to me as it's ever been, even if I'm not always consciously aware of it.
 

Jason