It all comes down for me to the expression "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!" Translation: Music in the end is all about the pocket - the groove, the rhythmic flow that captures our souls, gives them a spiritual shower and transports them out of the normal time zone of the physical universe and it's trials and tribulations to the universe of no time and problems - the thought or spirit universe where our souls come from - our Home Universe! Music performed well actually softens the heavy effect of time on our souls; in fact anything that is pro-survival – actually increases one’s survival potential vs contra-survival which actually decreases one’s survival potential… example a great movie or play, an athletic activity, a good book, a great hang with friends etc.
While I was growing up and a student of music which I'll always be, I noticed that certain bands and performers and/or certain songs increased my over all well being - my frequency of vibration. Initially I couldn't figure out why that was. Eventually I had the revelation that it was the almighty groove, the rhythm of life itself. I began taking notice of those bands and performers who did this and sought this with a passion - first for selfish reasons as it made me feel good but then... for more altruists reasons! At that moment, in hindsight, I finally became a musician! The word music is derived from the Greek mousike meaning any art presided over by the Muses - any of the nine sister goddesses in Greek mythology. They were believed to inspire all artists, especially poets, philosophers, and musicians. The Muses sat near the throne of Zeus, king of the gods, and sang of his greatness and of the origin of the world and its inhabitants and the glorious deeds of the great heroes. From their name words such as music, museum, mosaic are derived….. interesting huh?
Yes true.... music by definition is "the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity" but I observed that the most basic response to music by most everybody was it's rhythmic element first and foremost! If that was missing, it's simply hard to go any further. True enough... great musical art consists of melody, harmony and rhythm performed with passion and competency but rhythm holds first place in my opinion as the basic expressive factor.
I noticed in fact that all great musicians, athletes, actors, public speakers etc had a fundamental rhythmic flow which made for an inspirational and effortless performance. So over the years this was always something I sought after in others and to improve in my own writing and performances, and in fact my live in general. I try to live my life with a smooth flow, planning and not planning things, going with the flow no matter what happens, not resisting or insisting… just existing - being there and doing and having as I am able, looking at what is and what has come to me as a blessing, an opportunity instead of good or bad, looking for the flow, the groove, the “zone” as others refer to it, the calmness and serenity. It’s there so the next time you play put your attention on the groove…. play from the stillness of the groove and intend for others to share your groove. The audience is there to groove and that happens when they listen to YOUR groove. All else will take care of itself for you ARE the groove!
John Novello
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