Now I'm gone, now I'm here.

The past few weeks since I've got back have been crazy. When you keep on playing the same ol 4 exams songs it kinda drives you nuts. Yesterday, halfway during autumn leaves I broke out into a metal riff on my piano. I have to give listening to hiromi a break. (Her influences range from dream theater to led zep and others which explains the heaviness in her playing)

I had a practice session with the bassist and drummer in school. We practiced the one track over and over again for over 2 hours. Its not like I kept getting it wrong or anything( I think we nailed it after the 3rd try,) its just that I wanted to drive myself to the point of exaustion and still prove to myself that I'd be able to play. Which incidentally, I find to be a good way to practice. During a gig, the worst can happen but you know you'll still be able to perform the song.

I'm glad I was able to unwind with a couple of drinks with J last week at the prince of wales. There was a pretty rocking band called the london something. The sound was good but the couple of nords that the keyboardist had were striking. I wish I had 1, or 2 or more. I was happy to catch up with him cuz the last time we met I think was the gig at the esplanade. Speaking of which...shit, I haven't touch my keyboard since then! damn... Its been mostly piano work for me and its either the same four songs(autumn leaves, in a sentimental mood, straight no chaser and song for my father) or technical work or sight reading. This is the most work I've done so far on the piano but I'm really enjoying it. I really feel that I don't have enough time for practice cuz the hours really fly when I'm sitting at the piano. Maybe I should start waking up earlier at 6 again.

Apart from my songs, I've been listening alot to billie holiday and the beatles lately. (Yesterday I blasted nirvana and hiromi at 9 in the morning but that was a one off.) Billie Holiday's voice is amazing, not like ella fitzgerald or nina simone but in her own unique way. She's got this beautiful feel and a certain sense of vulnerability which is essential I think for musicians. Alot of times, musicians tend to focus too much on technicality, speed, etc when the important thing is to make every note count.
Feel man... apart from rhythm and getting the notes right, its the most important thing.