Jessica Williams has entered the blogosphere. She is a most welcome entry. Her blog, The Zone, is unlike any other, just as Ms. Williams is unlike any other pianist. Here is some of what she wrote in a posting called “Making Oneself Available.â€
Never rehearse a moment. Too much practice kills all magic, all spontaneity. Being spontaneous is the highest form of calculated artistic achievement. Calculated only in that it’s a plan not to have a plan. Sitting alone at home at the piano, I become the piano.
Most piano players see the piano like a big black bull. They go to the bullfight as toreadors, they fight the bull, they are either gored or they are bull- killers.
By becoming the piano, you become music, you become a musician.
Never strive to be a pianist.
To read the whole thing, click here, and then roam through Ms. Williams’ other postings. I am adding her blog to the Other Places list in the right-hand column.
Please don’t forget to return to Rifftides, and spread the word.