Surrendering ourselves

 Greetings friends!

I wanted to talk about how surrendering ourselves to the Funk can not only increase our musicality, but allow us to connect with the music we play and our instruments.

Yesterday, I heard my band director make a comment to a trumpet during my pit orchestra rehearsal. He told this person to play their instrument and not to let their instrument play them. This is a very common musical philosophy but it made me realize I view things in a different way.

You need to surrender yourself to your part; give in to the funk. It’s common to say that some songs sound like they’ve just always been there, for example Yesterday by the Beatles. The part already exists, you just need to take it from the great Funk. Surrender yourself to your part and let the music play you. 

One of the greatest instances of this is the song Darling Dear by the Jackson 5. Listen to the bassist James Jamerson, also known as god, as he weaves a beautiful countermelody. He has surrendered himself to the Funk. He played exactly what needed to be played.

I commend all my loyal followers to be more like James Jamerson, and surrender yourself to your part. It will increase your musicianship tenfold.

Good day, Charles Rzany

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