|
 |
|
Photo
©
Dominic Miller
|
|
1
November 2006
Boys and Girls!
"Of course my music is ****ing sacred!". This is what I said to my manager
after he informed me that the organisers of the Sacred Music Festival in
Milan were questioning my validity for their bill. They have invited artists
from around the world (India, South America, China, and many more) to
celebrate spiritual music. If my music, or indeed I, were really sacred,
surely I wouldn't react in this way. This is what I find funny. But I do
believe it is sacred in its own way. Hey, I could perform these tunes in
Buddist, Jewish, Catholic, Islamic, or Shaman costume and get away with it
don't you think? Maybe keep the shades on so as to not get found out. Anyway
while I am flattered to have been considered, I am somewhat pissed off to
have been doubted. I will let you know how this pans out because I really
want to do it.
It's good to have some distance from the Fourth Wall album. The
further away I am from it the less I understand it which I kind of like.
While I was performing some of these tunes in Germany I couldn't for the
life of me remember what their origin or inspiration was. But I do know I
can find out by checking the diary I kept on the website, should I ever be
at all interested. I will never know how I came up with some of the tunes
from the other albums though. Sometimes there are clues in the titles, but
that's about it. Eclipse could mean there was an eclipse on that day.
February Sun might mean exactly that etc. But with Always, or
Do You Want Me, I have no idea what I was thinking. It doesn't really
matter. It's just music. No more and no less. I still haven't found (or
looked for) a label to release this album in UK and USA. I need to get
Stefan on to that. It's never easy to know when the right time to approach
these people because one doesn't want to disturb them while they are in
the middle of a game of solitaire, or worse, while they are IMS'ing their
friends. If there is anyone out there working for a major record label who
happens to stumble upon this little note, please share with us what, exactly
it is, you do. Heard any good music lately? Answers or suggestions to
www.dominicneedshelpunderstandingthemusicindustry.com. Ok, it's honesty time
now: What's behind this little bee in my bonnet is I can't get signed
(arrested) in America with my own music. Either there is something wrong
with the whole of the music industry or maybe, just maybe, my music isn't
appropriate (good enough) for these markets. Perhaps I should practice more
humility. The problem there though, is I can't work out if one is naturally
humble or if one makes oneself humble. Sometimes I get the impression people
fake humility, or wear it like some kind of after shave. "HUMILITY, by
Calvin Klein". That has a nice ring to it don't you think?
It's been a good month because I have had a chance to do so many things
which are impossible while I am on the road or in the middle of a project. I
am moving into a new studio which is really exciting. I have purchased the
latest state of the art computers, hardware, software, chinaware etc and am
really going for it. Call it an upgrade. It's about a five mile cycle ride
from home which will keep me fit. I have also had a chance to spend some
real time with my family and get into a rhythm and pattern with my life.
There hasn't been that much work (or I haven't taken everything like I
normally do) so I find myself with extra time on my hands. One of my great
luxuries is to sit on the sofa in the afternoon and watch Columbo. I haven't
done that for years. This is the best show on television as far as I am
concerned. Quality acting. Everything about it is great. I have also been
playing chess matches for my club (The Chelsea Arts Club) where I am a
member. We have a small team and play against other London clubs most
Tuesdays. I have to wear a coat and tie which is a comical sight. I lose
most games but I also win a few. I am getting better at chess all the time.
It isn't exactly rock & roll hanging out with old geezers (aren't I doing
that anyway?) playing chess, not saying a word, but I like it. I have also
been out seeing friends which I can never do on the road. Fanny and I went
to a party (a party!) where we sat for dinner and made conversation with
strangers. Then the music came on and I found myself dancing. I can't dance.
I think I could when I was younger but now I look like your friend's dad
dancing. Guitarists should never dance. Don't do it guys. It's not cool.
Just look miserable and things will happen for you. Trust me. I have been
married twice.
I had a great little trip to Korea and Japan. It's the first time I have
travelled that far with my own project. This meant turning right once on the
plane instead of left. In other words, my seat was in the economy section. I
like to call it festival seating. I haven't done this for a long time. My
seat was something like 48 K. I didn't even know they had a "K". I do now,
and I will never forget it. It actually wasn't that bad, although I shan't
be sharing this information to my employers. They might get ideas. I have to
admit I am a travelling snob. The shows were great. I don't know why but
South Korea is a really important region for me. I love these people so
much. I couldn't believe the response we got. Rhani and Nicolas loved it
too. I must have signed two or three hundred autographs. The album in Korea
is different in that it includes two bonus tracks, "Rise & Fall" with Misty,
and "La Belle Dame" with Claudia. We sold quite a few. I was very sad to
leave Seoul. I promise to anyone who was there that I will be back. I went
to Japan to do some promotion for my new compilation album "Heartbeats". I
spent a day doing interviews, radio etc. I felt sorry for the poor
interpreter girl because I answered quite a few of the same questions which
she had to translate. By the end of the day I was worried she might be sick
of my story which certainly covered my whole life. I can tell you I was sick
of me. I will post details of how you can get the new album on the site
soon. I signed a lot of autographs in Japan too. For every autograph there
was also the picture. The Japanese have really cool camera phones. At one
point two girls came running up to me so I readied myself to sign. They
didn't ask. I couldn't understand a word they were saying so I thought maybe
they just wanted a picture. I put my arm around one of them and assumed the
"meet dom" pose while looking for the camera. No camera to be found. It
turns out they worked at the hotel coffee shop and wanted me to pay the
bill. I clearly forgot. They didn't have a clue who I was. This was one of
my most embarrassing moments ever.
Had a great night at St Luke's opening Sting's "Songs from the Labyrinth"
show. He kindly asked me to do this because I am kind of related to the
project. A couple of weeks earlier, as a matter of protocol, I sent him the
recording I did of Rise & Fall with Misty. He really loved it and
then asked if I wouldn't mind having Misty join me on stage for this song. I
thought about it hard, with all its implications, and then asked her. She
just said, "Sure Dad". I was fearful for her because she has never done
anything like this. I was worried she might crumble under the pressure. We
did a couple of rehearsals and she didn't really know the words but assured
me she would on the night. This really worried me because in my experience,
with nerves and pressure you (I) usually lose about 20% of your ability in
front of an audience. Rarely does one do better than when one is prepared.
This is why I prepare like crazy for a show. We did the sound check on the
day and she still didn't really have it completely. I was petrified for her.
Before the show she and I were in the dressing room and I must have walked a
mile in pacing. She told me she was quite nervous too which didn't help. She
was dressed casually except for her skirt which had some glitter on it. She
wore a green T-shirt and blue cardigan. Her hair was tied back and she wore
no make up (when she is out with her mates she usually does). She
instinctively knew to dress down and keep it low key. I was proud of her for
that. Show time: She and I are standing in the wings and I give her a big
hug while Sting is introducing me and I tell her I'll see her at the end of
my set. I do my bit which goes ok and then invite her up. I noticed how
calmly she took to the stage, and with such poise. She proceeded to sing the
song note and word perfect. She even took a few chances with some ad-libs
which completely paid off. She was confident yet still humble with it. She
added at least 20% to her ability and did it better than I have ever heard.
I was smiling during the performance with joy and some pride. At the end,
the audience gave her a standing ovation. We went back to the dressing room
and I gave her a hug. After the show all the who's who (celebs included)
came to our dressing room and bypassed me, almost pushing me out of the way,
to speak to her and give her their compliments. I didn't mind. She seemed so
cool with it all while still retaining her humility and poise. I may sound
like an overly proud parent here, but I can't help it. I seriously do
believe she has a unique talent. What she does with it is entirely up to
her. I am not an ambitious parent for my kids. I strongly believe they
should do what they want, not what we do. Actually, she is more into ballet
than music. The limousine took her home. The next day flowers arrived for
her from various sources including a very impressive bouquet from Sting and
Trudie.
I can't follow this story with anything so I will leave it until next time.
But I would like to say this: I was so happy to see some of you at my shows
in Germany and Seoul. I really enjoyed these special nights especially
because you helped me make them what they were. I am extremely grateful to
all of you who made the effort to show up. I would have liked to have
chatted with you more but time didn't allow. There is so much to talk about.
For now, the only way I can communicate with you is through my music.
Until next time,
Love,
PS: We will be making some major changes to the site soon. Plenty of new
surprises in store. Be prepared!
11
September 2006
Dear boys and girls,
First, I need to clarify something. I am informed there has been some
concern shown among some of our members surrounding the disappearance of a
freckle from my forehead. I would like to assure I have about two million
others and the freckle in question is actually a mole. The reason it's gone
missing is because the photographer, who did the press shots for Fourth
Wall, took it upon himself to photoshop it out without me knowing. Maybe he
thought it didn't belong to me. Or it didn't suit me. I can't be sure why
and I am perplexed (if not a little offended) about this. But I would like
you to know it is still there. Not for long though. My doctor always asks me
about it: "When are you going to have that removed" he says. I am thinking
about it. Madonna had a similar mole on her lip. Sting had something removed
from his bottom lip not long after I met him. I guess one has to be careful
with moles. The question is how and when do I do it. If only I could get the
photographer to come by and "photoshop" me in real life. While he's at it we
could work on other areas. Wouldn't it be great if surgery were that simple?
The problem would be a lot of people in their nineties parading our beaches
in speedos and G-strings. Then they would spontaneously die.
I had a great vacation in France. The journey there was awful though. My
family was already there so I travelled on my own right after the tour
ended. After the last show we flew to London and I left first thing the next
morning. I arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare as I always
like to be early so I can browse the book shop for a novel I will probably
not read, or maybe spend half an hour looking for some new shades to leave
in a cab. Trouble is, everyone was early. The place was packed. I was still
calm though because I checked in electronically (clever me) so all I had to
do was drop the luggage off. As I passed the poor commoners (or civilians)
queuing up to check in, I admit I gave them a little smirk. Wouldn't they be
impressed to know who I am? As I arrived to the luggage drop off stand I
noticed the queue I was feeling sorry for was is fact, for "fast bag drop
off" customers only. I could suddenly hear tragic music in my head. Maybe
Russian because suddenly it looked like the kind of bread queue you might
have seen in post war Stalingrad or Moscow. Thousands of people desperate to
feed their children. I felt cold. Now they were all looking at me, thinking,
"who the **** do you think you are, some kind of rock star"?, or so I
thought. My world crumbled as I made the sad walk to the back which was
about one kilometre (not kidding). In a way It was a Montypythonesque moment
because believe it or not, I saw the funny side. I only just made the
flight. The contrast of flying around privately eating sushi (or pizza) and
this, is quite something. It might interest you to know that these are the
kind of things that inspire me to write. Not sunsets in Cairo or hanging out
backstage at the Victoria's Secret show... did I just say that?
The holiday was great although it was broken up by two concerts I was
committed to. One was in Narragansett, NY with Sting and the other in
Pantelleria which is a small island between Tunisia and Sicily. The NY show
was surreal as it was a private affair for the rich. I felt like I was in a
Tommy Hilfiger photo shoot. Clean and rich looking people who I couldn't
make any connection with (although I might actually be richer than most of
them. The thing is I don't have to look it). It was strange but actually
quite fun. The second was on the most beautiful island I think I have ever
seen (try google-earthing it). My band joined me for this show which was
organised by my "celebrity fan" Fabrizio Ferri. He is the world's top
fashion photographer who also happens to be a huge fan of my solo albums.
Although it was a breathtaking experience I was without my family which kind
of cancelled it out. But my son Harley was with me which made it easier. I
returned to my vacation which is when I began to relax. I stayed away from
the sun more this time because I have been reading horror stories about skin
cancer so I didn't do any power sunning like the guy in Apocalypse Now. But
once again, I managed a fairly good tan and put on some weight as I haven't
been doing yoga as religiously as I do on tour. It was shorts and flip-flops
for the rest of the month.
The journey home was something else. We had SO much luggage it was unreal. I
wondered how on earth we would make it back without some kind of mental
breakdown or needing therapy or both. At the airport I wished I could do it
the way "I dream of Jeanie" would (I used to really fancy her when I was
eleven). Simply blink and we are home, unpacked and happy. Before we left
the house I noticed Fanny and the kids' passports randomly placed on a
shelf. I picked them up and put them in my carry on bag. She didn't know
about this. While we were waiting at the check-in queue Fanny suddenly
looked pale. I asked what the matter was and she explained how she thought
she might have left the passports behind. I looked at her with horror and
said, "You WHAT!!! No way, Fanny!.... Oh God were going to miss the flight
because the place is an hour away". I put on quite an act and waited until
she was ready to cry. That was the point I couldn't take it any further. I
produced the passports. She punched me. I laughed. Pablo laughed. I think
Eva shit herself (or was it Fanny?). She got over it. If you were wondering
how I got the name 'Demonic' I think this might explain it. We made it home
without the need for marriage guidance counselling. Vacations can be a
killer. We survived this one.
It's nice to be back home finally after about three or four months. I have
dismantled my studio and put it in storage. I might take it down to the Isle
of Wight again. So we have a free room in the house. Le bureau, as Fanny
calls it. This is what I called it on the album to make it look interesting.
"recorded at le bureau" has a nicer ring, don't you think? We had to go
shopping as the fridge was empty. I love shopping on the King's Road,
Chelsea and watching people. I often wonder what goes on in their lives.
There was a very comical moment on this occasion. Some rich bitch was
shopping with her limo driver waiting, double parked outside the store.
These drivers cause congestion which is annoying. She had her kid with her
and a shopping assistant carrying the designer bags. The funny thing was
seeing the shades wearing driver trying to dismantle the Bugaboo buggie.
These things are hard to handle by any standards. They make deck chairs look
easy. This guy could not get it together. It was pitiful but hilarious. But
not as hilarious as checking out of the supermarket with two full trolleys
and me not having my credit card. Karma for the airport gag perhaps? I
wouldn't look at Fanny in the eye because I could feel the look she was
giving me. We left the shopping there and I paid from home. I had them
deliver. Internet food shopping is great I admit, but nothing beats actually
going there and seeing people.
So where are we now? Oh I know, I am doing some shows in Germany to launch
Fourth Wall. Then I am going to Japan to help kick start it there with some
interviews. I am then off to Korea for two shows. I am quite excited because
the Japanese also want to release a 'best of' album. I doubt it will be
called "Dom's Greatest Hits". More like "... Greatest Misses". Anyway, I am
chuffed. They requested two extra tracks which I recorded last week. One was
Shape of My Heart. With this one I did some major arrangement changes
because I am kind of tired of it. I asked my young friend Hanif Williams to
co-produce them with me. They were recorded at his grandfather's flat in
Brixton over two days. A track a day. Misty came in and sang Craig David's
version, Rise and Fall. It sounds great and you will not believe her
performance. She's only twelve! Claudia came in and sang La Belle Dame
Sans Regrets. Awesome! The Japanese label came up with the track listing
which I never would have. It's their market so I guess they know what they
are doing. I will keep you posted about this project.
I am so looking forward to seeing some of you in Germany next week. I don't
have any expectations with these shows. I have no idea if they will be full
or empty. But I do know this. We will give it everything we have regardless
of who may or may not be there. I hope I get a chance to meet and chat with
you because you know (or should by now) that I am approachable and dare I
say, normal. If any of you have the Lufthansa magazine shot with you I will
be happy to use my sharpie to insert the missing freckle. Maybe you could
try this at home. It's safe. Promise. Or you could try inserting it above
your own eye. Less safe. You wouldn't need to have it surgically removed. I
will.
Enough.
Love always,
PS: A friend of mine called the other
day to say how great my performance on Leann Rimes' record Last Thing on
my Mind is. I told him he had to wrong guy. After some thought I
remembered recording that song with Ronan Keating a few years ago but
certainly not Leann. I did an iTunes search on the song and lo and behold
there it is. They obviously overdubbed her vocals on this session. I believe
it was a hit in America so I am quite chuffed. She really has a great voice
and I am now listening to more of her stuff. Hopefully I will meet and work
with her for real one day.
22
July 2006
Hello boys and girls,
Another chapter is coming to an end. This has been a memorable tour on many
levels. I think the main achievement with this one has been the common
feeling we all share that we have collectively reinvented Sting's sound. I
feel this short tour has acted like a springboard to what might happen next.
Without this experience I don't think we could just go blindly in the studio
and come up with the next phase. We have created or generated a new bond and
we all know it even though we haven't really talked about it. Sometimes you
just know. There are no concrete plans to reconvene but I suspect something
will come out of this. I am reminded of the Soul Cages tour because
after that one I felt the same way. We then went in the studio and recorded
Ten Summoner's Tales. I don't think we could have come up with that
record without the bond we created on that long tour of '91/'92. The band
then was Vinnie Colaiuta, David Sancious, Sting and myself. The band we have
now is every bit as powerful and musical if not more.
This morning I woke up in Sweden. We then flew to Finland and did a show in
Pori. We are now flying to St Petersburg, Russia. Three countries in one
day. This may seem gruelling but when you are flying in a G4 the world
becomes a much smaller place. There's something very satisfying or decadent
about eating pizza at midnight after a rock & roll show on a private jet
served by a German stewardess (who's not too shabby on the eye). Pepperoni
pizza at 40,000 feet! Perhaps the highest and fastest pizzas ever. Have I
got anything to complain about? I don't think so. My only complaint is I
miss my family. There is no substitute for that. Sometimes it's painful and
I just have to switch off and forget about it (said in a Jersey pizza
holding accent). If you look at other tours we have done this one is just an
outing. Two months on the road is not very long but I still feel exhausted.
I think that's partly because of the diversity in cultures we are exposed
to. I just want to take it all in but can't. It's amazing how different
neighbouring countries can be. France and Italy, Russia and Finland, Norway
and Sweden, Greece and Macedonia. Even Belgium and Holland. The area we are
covering on this tour is about the size of USA yet all the countries are so
different in so many ways. This is the tiring part. Touring in US is easier
because there is only one language and no immigration checks. My passport
has taken a beating on this leg. But I am in good spirits and feeling
strong. I have been doing full on yoga almost every day which really helps.
Although I confess I do still smoke I feel fit. I am kind of like the Keith
Richards of yoga.
I am still practicing Bach like crazy every day and have made progress. I
know I'll never get there but it sure is worth a try. Sometimes it seems
pointless though because I don't know what I am going to do with it. But my
sound is improving all the time. Slowly but surely. My new obsession is in
the articulation of notes. How pure can you play a note or a phrase? When we
speak or make a speech how often do we "um" or "ah" or "you know" or the new
classic "like" every other word? ("I am like" is the new "I said"). Music is
the same. One thing I find frustrating is how many guitarists come up to me
after a show and comment on how much they love the sound of my guitar. "What
kind of guitar is that?", or "what strings are you using?", "where can I get
one?" etc. Instead of feeling complimented I am annoyed because I know the
guitar isn't making the sound. I am. I am working very hard at this. Someone
suggested a good response to these questions might be: "Thank you. Now put
the guitar and the floor and tell me... dear boy... how does it sound now?"
I have had some people ask me what my exact set-up is on stage down to the
last pedal, amp module, guitar etc and then write to me complaining how it
doesn't sound the same. Would I go up to Roger Federer after winning
Wimbledon and say "wow that was brilliant! What kind of racket are you
using?". He might tell me to **** off. Would I go up to a painter and ask
what kind of paint they are using or might I use the short time to ask how
they arrived at the decision to make these contrasting colours work
together. I think I have made my point. To any budding guitarist, painter,
writer, chef, nurse or anyone for that matter my advice would be this: Don't
stop learning and accept you will never be perfect. Just do it slowly and do
it purely. And if anyone asks what kind of equipment you are using just be
nice and don't get pissed off like I do.
As you can see I need a break. I will be vacationing in France again for the
month of August with some of my family. This will be the third year running.
What might be hard to understand though is that being on vacation with the
family is actually more tiring than being on tour. Being with the kids is a
24 hour gig. Being with Sting is a two hour gig. The rest of the time I can
contemplate on my place in the universe (yawn) and ponder and then plot what
my next incredible move will be (more yawn). When you are with the kids you
don't have the luxury of doing anything for yourself. But is it worth it? I
think so. What I love about touring is that although we are together and
like a family, there is solitude to enjoy in the comfort of our hotel rooms.
Solitude is essential. Just me and CNN (I feel I know all the correspondents
really well. Actually I am a big fan of Richard Quest. Check him out). I
really think it's important to be on your own every day if at all possible.
Everyone deserves it. To you hubbies out there, I say this: Give her some
time on her own and she might like you more or be nicer to you. I used to
love it when my parents went away. Being the youngest meant it was just me
and them when I was in high school. OK, I did trash the place and had some
wild parties and drank all the wine (one party lasted three days. People
just kept coming and going. Some I had never met) but it was great. To me
solitude now has a different meaning. I use this time to think, practice,
compose, read, whatever. But if you want to be a black belt in solitude try
sitting in a room and do nothing. That's hard but extremely rewarding if you
can pull it off. I think it's called meditation. I am too highly strung to
do that. It's on my list of disciplines to try out. I heard about a custom
practiced by native Americans. Apparently, before they get married they sit
in a room together for a long time and look into each others' eyes without
saying a word. By doing this surely they have no choice but to say
everything, ask everything and answer everything. How many people could you
honestly say you would be comfortable doing this with? I think it's worth a
try. You might find out the truth that way. Or better still, tell it. Maybe
this is a "don't try this at home" kind of thing. I don't know. Come to
think of it, I don't have a clue what this has to do with any of the above.
I am rambling again.
So that's all I got for now. I hope you are all having a great summer. I
also hope you find the time to be alone whenever you can and just relax. You
deserve it. I am really looking forward to seeing some of you in September
for my little German outing. I miss you. Until then,
Love always,
4 June 2006
Hello
boys and girls,
I have
been playing with the Brio train set in Pablo's room. I like to do this
whenever I can. I think this is an ingenious invention because it is such
a simple idea. Even a two year old can connect the tracks together and the
trains are easy to place on them allowing them to move around freely. I
have come up with some very creative formations recently which have looked
almost perfect but for one missing part. If only I had one more curved
piece I would have a masterpiece worthy of making me a town planner in a
big German city. I can imagine this is probably the sort of task they
might give potential recruits to somewhere like Microsoft. Give them a
certain amount of parts and see what they come up with. The last one I
came up with had all the right ingredients. The tracks weaved in and out
of each-other, through each-other, sometimes running parallel with
each-other, under and over bridges etc. But the problem was the missing
piece. The result: It was useless because the trains would never be able
to make use of my creation without becoming derailed. Pablo didn't like
that concept. I tried to convince him it was still brilliant but he wasn't
having it. He picked the thing up and destroyed it. To me this was
comparable to a natural disaster like the ones we hear about in third
world countries (or California). He then proceeded to start all over and
construct a new formation which was actually much better than mine. It was
simple and logical. It was beautiful. It was a plain oval track. He didn't
use all the pieces because he didn't need them. The trains moved freely
and happily. I was stunned like I haven't been for a long time. My point?
Simple is always best. Simple works and simple is beautiful. I wonder if
those Microsoft examiners would agree with me. The parallels here are so
close to making music. It is no use constructing a complex piece of music
unless you can find the missing piece of the puzzle. In musical terms this
might mean starting in one key, going around the houses, and then finding
yourself unable to return to your original key without faking or
manipulating it. I have been guilty of this many times. I like the way he
didn't feel the need to use all the ingredients. When making music we
sometimes try too hard by saying everything to the point we are saying
nothing. The other lesson here is to let people express themselves without
imposing your ego on them. It was his train set after all. What I came up
with didn't impress him. It only confused him. He then showed me how it is
done and I was humbled.
Eva
seems to have grown out of the baby sick phase. For a while every item of
clothing I wore had her dry sick on my shoulders. I could be seen walking
down the King's Road in Chelsea proudly showing off these stains
occasionally giving other fathers a knowing look of "hey dude, you know
what this is". The back of her head is so perfect. She is just starting to
grow normal hair which looks like the formation of a hurricane on CNN's
weather chart. I am tempted to draw the Florida coast line North West of
this hurricane and draw little dots (the Caribbean) right on her crown.
She is six months old now and developing fast. If I could describe the
smell of her head I would surely win literary awards. If I could bottle it
I would be a billionaire. She is so cute. I remember Misty at this age.
Little girls are the best. They seem smarter or have more wisdom about
them because they (or in Misty and Eva's case) are much quieter. They are
taking it all in and can seduce me to the point they will get whatever
they want (clothes, jewelry and cash mostly) later on. They will get it
from me because they deserve it. I'll do anything to get that look of
approval from them. Eva and Misty have blue eyes which is curious because
I have green/grey (the colour of the Thames river on a rainy day).
I love
looking after her although it isn't easy. It's actually very challenging
sometimes because I can't for the life of me work out how to do anything
else while holding the baby. It's really difficult to make a cup of coffee
with one arm. How do you unscrew the lid? How can mothers do anything? But
they do, miraculously, while we fathers totally take this for granted as
we do something really important like the crossword puzzle. I had the idea
of developing a cookery book using only one arm. "Dom's one arm delights".
(Suggestions for titles are welcome). Maybe I could approach Martha
Stewart or Oprah (while promoting my album of course. I'll do whatever it
takes to sell my album in America) with this idea. Hey, I recorded an
album holding the baby. It might have been only a few times but time goes
by slowly with a baby in your arm.
I have
had an interesting six months (I think that's how long it's been since my
last newsletter). I have been to India with my band, done a few shows with
Sting in Las Vegas, others in Central America and the Caribbean, done a
few master-classes in music colleges, recorded a few albums with other
artists around Europe and beyond, and recorded my own album, "Fourth
Wall". As I write I am in Portugal about to start a two month European
tour with Sting. My son Harley is with me which is great for both of us
because we get on really well and are actually quite similar in many ways.
We are sharing a room and I am keeping him in my pocket at all times. He's
coming to rehearsals with me, sound-checks, out for dinner and tonight he
will be side of stage for our first show here in Lisbon. I believe we are
playing to 65,000 people. Having any members of my family with me always
makes it easier. I think it gives them a chance to understand better what
it is I am doing while I am away.
I must
say I feel relieved to have completed Fourth Wall. It took a lot out of me
and has left me somewhat emotionally drained. This is why I am have been
happy to immerse myself in other peoples' projects. I am very fortunate in
that respect because people still want me to play with them (particularly
my main "client"). I still get incredibly excited when I work with others
because I am mostly going into the unknown, playing on tunes they have
worked on for months or longer. I can come in with a fresh approach which
is exactly what is required of me. Their expectations are high which puts
some pressure on me but not as much pressure as I impose on myself with my
own expectations of my own ability to deliver. I don't arrive at these
sessions all cocky, wearing a cloak or anything like that. If I am hired I
treat all equally and with respect. I am a perfectionist which can be like
a curse. Someone described perfectionism very clearly recently:
"Perfectionism is the pursuit of failure". Wow! That's pretty deep. This
means failure is actually the payoff in some sort of ****ed up or kinky
way. I can identify with this concept. I am sure some of you will join me
with this feeling (or insecurity). I had one such experience last week in
Serbia. I was invited to play on two albums by two separate artists (Vinnie
Colaiuta was also on the sessions). One was Kristina Kovac and the other
was Vlado Giorgijev. They are both very popular in Serbia, particularly
Vlado who is the biggest star there. He is a total perfectionist and I
must say it was very hard working with him. But it was also very rewarding
because he is an artist who knows exactly what he wants and I like working
with people like that. His expectations of me were high and as usual I
treated him with respect. I remember after the first tune, I did what I
thought was one of my finer performances which I was actually quite proud
of. After the take, I rather smugly expected him to say "wow, that's the
best thing I ever heard. You are the master". Instead there was an eerie
silence which seemed uncomfortably long (perhaps only two seconds) and
through the talk-back mic he said "come in Dominic, I want to explain this
track to you". He proceeded to explain how I needed to play this song with
more feeling and conviction. Part of me thought "don't you know who you
are talking to" but I listened and tried again with his suggestion. He was
right. I played it better. The point here is I can always improve. I
shouldn't expect to get away with what I think is enough and I must be
prepared to take criticism if I want to move forward. He is an incredibly
talented artist who I am proud to be associated with.
The
other artist was Kristina. I thought this would be easier. It actually was
but she is equally a brilliant musician who knows exactly what she wants.
She is an amazing pianist and has super sharp ears. She wasn't afraid to
ask me to raise the bar and play with more gusto. She would occasionally
challenge me on my choice of chord voicings. I don't get that much. The
result? a better performance than I would have come up with left to my own
devices. Serbia is a fascinating place. The people seem of higher
intelligence than anywhere else I have been. Everyone appears to be
musically educated. I would walk the streets and hear someone practicing
Bach partitas through a window. The next street I would hear someone
practicing the cello or the violin. I might have head a pianist in the
distance playing Chopin sonatas perfectly. These may well have been
children for all I know. There is something very beautiful about the sound
of people practicing in the distance. It's almost like listening to an
affirmation of faith. I remember being in Cairo a few years ago and
hearing the sound of Islamic chanting echoing through the streets early in
the mornings. Whatever the prayer was it made me want to be a believer.
The sound of Belgrade will have a lasting impression on me. Everyone
speaks perfect English and can converse in most modern languages (Italian,
French, Spanish, German not to mention their own dialects). The people are
friendly and warm. Serbia is a jewel. Serbia is also a region that has
suffered in war as have Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia Hercegovina, Slovenia,
Kosovo, Montenegro and Vojvodina. These countries make up the former
Yugoslavia but the struggle was mainly between the Serbs and the Croats. I
am baffled at how anyone who hasn't been there can comment or have an
opinion on the state of affairs without seeing nor meeting the people.
Unfortunately our prime minister and the American president suffered in
this ignorance or naivete to the point they took sides. I don't want to
get into politics here as I am only a musician. But I urge you to
investigate or better still go there. You won't regret it. You might not
want to leave. I didn't.
Back to
music. I want to mention what it was like working with Vinnie Colaiuta. He
considered to be the best session drummer in the world and I agree. But I
think he is perhaps the best session player in the world. Period. Here is
a musician who knows exactly how to deliver and when. Many people want to
become session musicians. I wish these people could watch Vinnie in action
because this would be the ultimate master-class. I watch him and I learn
every time. It was different when he was in the Sting band with me because
I might have taken his prowess for granted. Being able to play your
instrument and be versatile is of course crucial but there is so much more
involved. You have to be an extremely astute mind reader and have natural
instincts in human nature and psychology. Session players work with
musicians, artists and producers who I dare say are a complicated bunch.
Knowing how to interact with creative people is a challenge in itself and
takes a tremendous amount of concentration and patience. Vinnie is THE
master and I will leave it at that because I could write (and probably
will one day) a thesis on the subject. The only other person who comes
close is the bass player, Pino Palladino. I am so fortunate to be working
at this level because not only am I friends with these people but they are
like my mentors or teachers. I am not as cool as they are and maybe show
my emotions and vulnerable side too much but people still invite me on
their records so I must be doing something right. If I tried to act as
cool as them in the studio it probably wouldn't work. It certainly
wouldn't be me.
I could
go on but I have things to do. I need to sit by the pool here in Lisbon
with Harley and relax. I need to work on my complexion because I have
developed a studio tan. (To session musicians this means looking pale).
Freckles are ready to join up again. The legs are frighteningly white
which might take some work but I have to start somewhere.
I would
like to thank all of you for being a part of this website. The further our
journey together the more I feel I know you. The more I know you the more
I like you. I had a fantastic time in Las Vegas with some of the Mi Fe
girls. You all made me feel at ease (thanks for all the wonderful gifts).
You all make me proud to know you. I love you all.
Love
© dominicmiller.com 2004-2008 |
View Past Messages -