trpt2345

Yes, I have been in Des Moines many times for gigs, we do travel out of town. If you like Des Moines and think there is a thriving and creative scene there or in Omaha, good for you. But I know for example when Victor Lewis was in Omaha he left to go to NY. And here in Chicago when someone gets past a certain level they usually go to NY, or LA. I learned most of what I know about jazz from my time in NY studying with guys like Sam Rivers and Lee Konitz and Marc Copland. I didn't learn it in Minneapolis. (My one jazz teacher there was Mickey McClain who moved to NY). My theory about how you learn jazz is you find the best musician that you possibly can and attach yourself to him or her and soak up what they know. Then you play with as many people who kick your ass as possible. You have to play in bands where you're the worst musician in the group in order to get better. Elitist? I don't know. But I bet on any given Saturday night one could field a better band in Chicago or NY or LA or SF than you could in St. Paul, Omaha, Boise, etc. Al Vizzutti left Montana. So did Jack Walrath. You gotta go where the action is. Just my opinion and Your Mileage May Vary.

Michael McLaughlin

You may delay, but time will not.
Benjamin Franklin

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Chicago MM