Today, I begin the Spring Tour with the SFJAZZ Collective and I’m reminded why I joined the band in the first place.
It’s important to surround yourself with musicians and PEOPLE that push you beyond your limits… force you to think in new ways… and challenge your personal views on music and life. Being with the collective has made me a better writer, a better trumpeter and a better man!
That being said, it’s easy to be the “big fish” in the little pond… it’s easy to be the best in your school band or the “top dawg” in your situation. If you find yourself in this position, CHANGE IT! Put yourself in situations that are completely foreign to you.
Challenge yourself musically, mentally and socially… it’s very difficult to grow as a musician if you stay in the same place forever! Also, this place may not be a “physical” situation… (I.E. school, city, band etc).
That place can also be your own mind!
So… force yourself into new situations!

Challenge yourself! Be the “weakest link” in a band! Don’t be comfortable with your position in life EVER! In the words of Jimmy Heath “once you’ve learned it all and done it all… time to start diggin”!
I’m looking forward to seeing some of you in the coming weeks with the SFJAZZ collective!
#shed #doyojob