Music is an open system of methods that enable us to pay attention to sound.

In academic shorthand: music is a methodology for listening.

Note that the academic shorthand is more easily misinterpreted if we consider listening as something we only do with our ears.

The misinterpretation continues if we think of a methodology as something that must be followed.

In the first instance, music uses sound to pay attention to sound.

If paying attention to sound is an aim of music, then composition could be seen as an objective.

Composition: "use sound in such a way".

Composition can be immediate or planned. But where does that leave improvisation?

Look at the word: improvise— im + providere (Latin); " to not prepare (for)".

But improvising musicians do prepare.

So we look again. "providere" also means to foresee.

This state of using sound, but not knowing the way; is this closer to improvisation?

And if so, what does that say about music that says it's improvised, but where everyone does know the way?

This is one of those status updates where a musician says that they're listening to mixes of an album.

Had a great time at Nat Birchall's gig last night for Derby Jazz; and had a bit of play too!

Did you know that Derby has three gigs within the space of a week?

I've written something that will allow for dynamic adding of iCal files, so much less typing. Adding to cognizance soon.

Re-reading this great interview transcript between Hank Shteamer and Walt Dickerson.

Blistering review of the Story Tellers album! Nab your copy from Discus...

Glasgow!! Seeing the lovely GIO for a few days... if you're around, be around...

Can't wait to head up to Glasgow today! GIOfest tomorrow...

Crewe. It's been a while...

GIOFest day one was incredible. The GIO family are on fire this week! Come down to the CCA later!

GIO recording session today was sumptuously intense! So honoured to be working with them—fantastic day!