"Sweet" Sue Terry
"Sweet" Sue Terry
"Sweet" Sue Terry: GUESTBOOK
Michael Redmond
July 25, 2010
They pay no taxes in Christiania? Therefore they sponge off their fellow Copenhageners for fire, police, schools, other social services of the city-nation-state? Sounds familiar. It seems that everybody wants Big Bad Government to go away, but nobody wants to pay the freight. Reminds me of the U.S. Southwest, "land of the free, home of the brave," strong libertarian streak, etc., whose lifestyle is basically made possible by the federal taxes of the people- and industry-dense Northeast. A fascinating study, state by state: How much does your state get back from the feds for every dollar it sends to Washington? New Jersey gets back the least of all 50, something like 41 cents ... Fact is, the blue states underwrite the red ... Anyway, I think it's obvious we will never have "sustainable communities" without sustainable economies, and we'll never have sustainable economies as long as the corporatocracy endures ...
Ken
July 14, 2010
Thanks for throwing in the other side of the Global Warming issue. That was great. I have a son in the Coast Guard who just got stationed in Alaska. He'll be there for 3 years. So that's made us tune in a bit more to what's going on there. Sounds like a beautiful and exciting place.
Being I'm from Long Island something inside me wants to respond to your comment on where Long Island came from with the following: Fuggedaboutit!
Hey, did you get to see that eclipse while you were there?
BOB HARRIGAN
July 14, 2010
Sue, Enjoy your posts very much,I said to my wife Rita,I think I have a crush on Sue Terry...She said,thats fine,make sure you tell her you're harmless,HA!
Robin
July 14, 2010
Dearest Sue,
I do so love to read your magazine. Your adventures and insights are a highlight to my week. Thanks for making the effort to do this. I would love to share some of my adventures in a blog but am a less than stellar writer. My life in media format would suit a reality tv show...."Here we are folks at the base of the Sangre de Cristos (pan mtns)in Crestone, CO climbing into an army tent with 30 other people (everybody wave)to have a mind blowing spritual experience(clip with Ayahuasca history)! stay tuned for live puking and music to transport you to your inner psyche(fade out)!" That was this last weekend. Have been doing medicina every month or two, moved in with David in a commited relationship, daughters lving with us for the summer, working part time doing interesting things and making some of the best art of my life.All is well in my world.
Sending you blessings and gratitude my lovely and bright sister.
Love love love
Robin
Rob Schwimmer sent me this press release---check it out (ST)
June 17, 2010
Thereminist Rob Schwimmer in History Detectives--PBS
KATONAH, NY – June 28, 2010 Virtuoso thereminist Robert Schwimmer figures prominently in a HISTORY DETECTIVES episode set to air on PBS on Monday, June 28th, at 9pm Eastern Time/8pm Central Time.
A viewer of the popular PBS series believes he has one of the fewer than six instruments still in the United States that Leon Theremin built himself. To validate his claim, HISTORY DETECTIVES host Elyse Luray consults with experts at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.
In New York City, Elyse asks Robert Schwimmer play the instrument. Schwimmer and his theremin have graced the stage with Simon and Garfunkel and many others.
Here's more about what we’re investigating
THEREMIN
A man from Santa Fe, New Mexico bought a theremin off e-Bay. When his theremin arrived, our contributor was excited to find an unusual document tacked to the inside of the cabinet. The letterhead paper bore the address to the Theremin Studios in New York City. Does our contributor have one of the fewer than six instruments still in the US that Leon Theremin built himself? History Detective host, Elyse Luray, travels to the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, New York to consult with experts. Then Elyse flies to Santa Fe to share her results with the contributor.
If you’ve never seen a theremin, you’ve undoubtedly heard one. One of the first electronic instruments, and the only instrument played without touching, the theremin makes eerie, ethereal music, the kind that creates uncertainty and suspense in movie sound tracks. Robert Moog, creator of the electric synthesizer, called the theremin “a vital cornerstone of our contemporary music technology.”
HISTORY DETECTIVES is a popular PBS series where history investigators crisscross the country, delving into legends, folklore and personal histories to discover potentially extraordinary objects in everyday American homes, cities and small towns. Lion Television and Oregon Public Broadcasting co-produce the series. Find out more about the series at our website: HYPERLINK "http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/"http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/
Garth Woods
June 17, 2010
Hi Sue,
I built a theremin, which I still have, after learning about Leon and Clara.
As for Moog, while Wendy Carlos may have garnered the initial public notoriety, one important and seldom acknowledged figure is Chris Swansen. Chris worked with Bob Moog very early on. I was told he was the first, but who knows... I do remember his visit to our house in Le Vesinet, France, in 1968 or 1969. He was on tour with his Moog synthesizer, playing the "new electronic music". During his visit he let me play the fascinating instrument. Chris was an accomplished jazz composer, arranger and performer, and recorded electronic records on his own and with my father ("Piper at the Gates of Dawn" and "Crazy Horse")
This page confirms Chris's pioneering status: http://www.halgalper.com/19_photogallary/moogconcert.htm
Jim Eigo
June 17, 2010
My neighbor in Park Slope Brooklyn Kim King was member of the 60s rock band Lothar and the Hand People that was fronted by a Theremin You can check them out here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothar_and_the_Hand_People
Skip Drake
June 16, 2010
Ah yes... Anyone who grew up with the OUTER LIMITS has many fond memories of that wonderful whining electronic droning... sort of like a Bagpipe wired up to 480 volts. Love it...thanks Sue.
Oh by the way...I have become a big fan of the Ringing Cedar series.
Peter
June 7, 2010
So glad you found Petra, you appreciate the prodigals even more when they return. Our beloved Siamese, Maddie, once disappeared for four days. We made up a 'lost' notice with a photo and did letter-box drops around the neighborhood. Eventually a neighbor came and said they were adding a new loft to their house and had heard a cat in the ceiling.
I just managed to pluck Maddie out of a narrow gap in the nearly completed loft floor. She had become completely disoriented, and was living in the space between new floor and old ceiling. I could feel the relief and relaxation flood through her body when I brought her back up the street and she recognised her home.
janet
June 1, 2010
You and linda and your families are fortunate indeed. Having lost dogs and cats over the years (I too live in the woods) some to be found, some to keep searching for (still hope to find Sofia, gone now 3 years, hopefully to another home but probably gotten by a coyote or fisher. Only cat of ours that was microchipped). Nowadays, we only let our two remaining cats out when we know we will be home, and not too early in the AM or too late in the PM. So glad yours are back with you.
Jim Leporati
June 1, 2010
Hi Su,
Just read the latest edition. Thank God Petra has returned! As I read, I feared the worst. As I just had a long conversation earlier today about cats: their illnesses and disappearances with Tommy, it was eerie. Glad everything's okay now though. Needless to say I miss you very much. Congrats on your nomination for Internal Competitor of the Year! Bout time if you ask me.
Jimi
janice
June 1, 2010
Hey Sue....
I enjoy your stories every time I make my way over. I'm glad Petra and Schwartz are OK.
L,
J
Ken
May 25, 2010
I liked your comment on the need to pull back and go into seclusion from time to time. I had just being reading earlier in the day about the "Slow Movement" that deals with living more meaningful lives and restoring balance in our lives by pulling away from the fast-paced way we live nowadays.
Dave robertson
May 25, 2010
Hi Sue!
I miss you lots1 would like to hang out on the steps together again!!! I really like the way you wrote this letter. music is really so much more than it sounds...isn't it? i actually pumped out a song last week for the first time in a loooong time. Hopefully it will mean there are more coming.
love you lots!
Dave
Todd Isler
May 24, 2010
Sweet Sue,
I just read your open letter to Greyson Chance. I have not heard him, but I'll take it from you (and millions of others) that he is gifted. I thought what you had to say was meaningful, not just for him but for all of us. It would be real nice if your letter made its way to him. Even better if he took it to heart.
michael stephans
May 18, 2010
sue,
thanks for the piece on chess (no pun intended). i am hoping to learn how to play this summer, after a long flirtation with the possibility of me in front (or is that behind?) a chess board.
gratitude also for coming out to hear spatial edition last friday eve. i'm so glad you enjoyed the music.
namaste'
michael
Derek Loosvelt
May 18, 2010
nice one, sue! very interesting. i am with you on thinking about the amazing game. love the end of this piece about the near infinite number of moves. wow.
the newsletter reminded me right away of this great scene from the amazing hbo series "the wire." uses chess to explain the inner city drug trade:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bR3T1eThJU&feature=related
hope the day's going well!
best,
derek
Pierre Guillemette
May 9, 2010
Madame Terry. Watching your video on the importance of music made me feel still and relaxed. As if a weight was lifted from my shoulder and that what i was doing(practicing,composing,etc) made sense after all. The article that you wrote on fear, is so unique and a-propos in this very macho world of jazz sax. I will keep reading your word of wisdom.
Cornelius
April 28, 2010
Sue, I absolutely love this! Very good observation and healthy comprehension of what is. I was having the same exact thought yesterday. What if artists actually charged
say $25 to $50 for a CD and the whole kit and kaboodle, maintaining their ground? Prince did it and still does it.
In other words, the artist MUST ascend, hence the respect shall be given. Excellent!
Skip Drake
April 27, 2010
Well Sue, I am now closer to you than ever, so be it in a techy sort of way, and oh, I must admit...I drank the hemlock. It's just that I have a penchant for bitter brews.
Love your sharing...thanks!
Lee Trapp
April 22, 2010
Hi Sue
I enjoy your essays very much, and always look for them first for my readings. Your comments about loud music are right on!
Here in St. Louis we have a jazz club I support that is a LISTENING ROOM. No talking while artists are performing. The room is intimate, small, and some of the artists that performed here say it is a favorite venue for them to perform.
Keep up the good work.
Bob Bernotas
April 21, 2010
Sue -- You might find this quote pertinent to some of the points you raised in your most recent newsletter ("They Lied to Us -- part II") -- Bob
Entertainment is a word with many meanings. In its truest sense, it means great art. The greatest art is the most entertaining. It gives an audience the unforgettable excitement of unfolding a new idea and experience, a fresh revelation of a human personality. Such entertainment is possible, however, only when an audience, itself, knows something of creation, or is willing to use its mind, to think, to enter in active collaboration with the artist.
– Sidney Finkelstein, cultural critic
jim
April 20, 2010
Go see any movie, especially a glitz 3-D jobby in an iMax theater, and get your eardrums waxed! My own opinion is that most sound 'engineers', which is to say the guys handling the sound in a venue of any size, are situationally deaf. They've been listening to 'music' at such a volume that they can't hear the upper partials and need to compensate by CRANKING IT UP! So as artists we are beholden to people who have lost whatever competency they might once have had!
Anne Phillips
April 16, 2010
Sue ... I just got this ... put in my junk ??? why? It is great! A perfect description of where the business has gone .. esp Grammys .. i was a National Trustee and began to see where things were heading even before digital, downloads etc. Keep on talking .. Someday i'll have to let you read the article I wrote circa 1979 "Why Isn't my business fun anymore? Anne
ashley seward
April 13, 2010
When I wonder why "No recent record by _______ i go and see if they have a website and contact them directly- I am often pleasantly surprised but a hard way to find who is doing what!! I just bought some 1960 Downbeat magazines- They were thin then but had the news (You have heard the news and now "HERES HUEY"
Jim Eigo
April 13, 2010
You hit most of the nails on the head Sweet Sue.
There’s advantages and disadvantages to self-producing. The big advantage
is you call all the shots. No one’s looking over your shoulder to tell you what music to record, album art, band personnel, liner notes, etc. The disadvantage is the buck stops with you. For the past 30 years+ going back to my daze at NMDS (New Music Distribution Service) I’ve been advising independent artists about distribution, promotion and marketing. For the past 10 years I’ve been doing just that with my Jazz promo Services company.
I am also a NARAS Voting member and agree with you that it’s a daunting task trying to sift through all the submissions although last year NARAS did provide links to most, but not all of the music (oddly some jazz categories refused permission for select artists) (if you know Neil Tesser he can fill you in on this. Neil’s on the NARAS jazz committee).
Love your writing and insights into the music and the business.
Keep em coming.
Regards,
Jim Eigo
Jazz Promo Services
E-Mail: jazzpromo@earthlink.net
Web Site: www.jazzpromoservices.com/
"Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels,
venues and events.”
Jeff Davis
April 13, 2010
Hey Sue, I read the article and you are so right. I am one of those indy artist since my cd was done and it is a new experience for me. The key points are marketing and distribution. I'm trying to at least get my cd in Barnes & Noble as well as some of the small christian book stores. I was interviewed on the air at a small radio station in the Bronx 105.5 FM and they are going help get my cd distributed. Anyway I hope all is well with you as with me God Bless.
Jeff
John Georgette
April 8, 2010
Hi SUE...
I had the opportunity to interview Sun Ra for my radio show back in the late 70's or early 80's. It was at a club called TOAD'S PLACE in New Haven. I asked him what kind of memories he had of Saturn.... needless to say the show had to start, so it interrupted our discussion which was way into an hour....
But he liked it so much, he invited me back after the show, and for two hours, Sun Ra and I kicked back, and talked space travel, harmonic chords from outer space and inventions he had in his head. The band members were the kindest, most enjoyable people I've ever met on the road. They patiently waited on the bus waiting to go back to Philly. AND THOSE DANCERS!!! ROBES GALORE, some of them looked like they were made of pure gold. There wasn't enough room on stage, so they danced on the dance floor. . . . Take care, JOHN
Tony Burrell, II
April 7, 2010
Hey Sue, not to worry! I have always liked some of Chicago's stuff too - right from the beginning of Volume 1 - I am that old happily:-)
Now if I could only train my ear to recognize pitches properly! To tell the difference of a "C" from "C#"
Gary Soucie
April 6, 2010
Hi, Sue! Good piece on Sun Ra. Here's a gee-whizzer* for you: One of the original members of the Arkestra was the father of Deval Patrick, currently governor of Massachusetts.
Love ya. Gary
*Too many people write "factoid," which is not a little piece of information but something that seems like a fact but is not true.
Norm Harris
March 31, 2010
Hey Sue,
Good reading as always. You must be a prolific reader with a very eclectic taste.Did I say that before? If so please forgive my redundancy. Thanks for making reference to the article on the 'Shrinking Universe'(right up my alley) in your discussion on musical instruments and equal temperment. By the way would you include the iconoclastic Yusef Lateef in the same category as Lamonte Young and Harry Partch? By the way that was a very interestingly eye catching and titillating title for this months newsletter! When are you going to put all this academic/interpretive but interesting (to me) stuff into book, or have you done so already?
Look forward to the next installment in my music learning curve.
Best regards,
Norm
Jim
March 30, 2010
Interesting about the tempered scale. The late George Russell had a few things to say about that, as of course does Ornette (and Karl Berger). The real problem, it seems to me, has to do with the literate/intellectual tradition of Europe that sees the need to define and quantify. We divide the day into 24 hours, the scale into 12 tones, note lengths into halfs, quarters, eighths, etc. So the only place for composers to delve beyond that is into microtones, which are designated (usually) into quarter tones or sometimes third tones. Accordingly, one could ask was Billie Holiday a microtonal singer? I think not. As we all know, the saxophone is far from a perfectly tempered (i.e. 'in tune') instrument.
It raises the issue of technology in the pursuit of music. Do we want perfection? And isn't the idea of relative tuning more in accord with live performance anyway?
Taylor
March 10, 2010
Hi! I am in 5th grade ,and i have decided to do a essay on you! First off i LOVE your music! And i am currently learning more skills on Alto saxophone. You are a really amazing saxophone player! I only wish i could learn to play like you! If you could email me that would be great!I need more facts about you! God Bless - TAYLOR
Derwyn Holder
March 10, 2010
Sue,
You wrote in your "REALITY" blog;"The Kabbalistic writings say that the magnificence and the vastness of God is so powerful that we humans aren't capable of taking it all in---that it would destroy us." The sign i wrote on my back door says; "If we knew how precious this moment is, it would kill us"(does our stupidity keep us alive?)I think that reality is better than imagination because you can actually fix it. If you know what it is.
Cornelius
March 9, 2010
Interesting that you would write about the Seth books and "The Secret". Actually "the Secret" was built on the work of Jerry and Esther Hicks and the teachings of Abraham. Jerry and Esther witnessed Seth first. I'm very much there with you.
Frank McGowan
March 9, 2010
I'm sure you're aware of Luigi Pirandello, who had his own ideas on this topic, expressed in such works as Sei Personaggi in Cerca d'Autore (Six Characters in Search of an Author) and Cosi E` Se Vi Pare (So It Is If You Think So). How can anyone ever know? Fascinating topic.
John Boiano
March 9, 2010
Hey Sue,
Always very thoughtful and thought provoking newsletters. I recently came up with this memory of doing acid back in the early 80's when one time I caught myself in the mirror and stayed there starring for a really long time. Friends were over and we were sharing experiences. Reading your blurb on Ground Hog day reminds me of what I said during the discussion.... What if at this very moment, I have still not turned away from, or am still glued to the mirror?
Miss ya Sue!
Peace & love, John B
Jana Byrdd
March 9, 2010
Wow, Sue, great stuff, as always.
Thanks for sharing.
Jana
Shirley
March 6, 2010
Hey Sue...Your honest and creative perspective on "Fear" touched a note in my mind. Being a painter, the "Fear of the Canvas" is one that I have to conquer from time to time. As an encouragement, I keep a quote taped to my refrigerator where I can see it every morning. Here it is:
"Do one thing every day that scares you."
(Eleanor Roosevelt)
Looking forward to seeing/hearing you at the Deer Head on the 13th!
Shirley (and Larry,too)
http://www.artslant.com/global/artists/show/114025-shirley-supp
THE GLOBAL JAZZ NETWORK
March 3, 2010
Hi! Sue
Great website!
Please check out and join TGJN @
www.theglobaljazznetwork.com
We are celebrating WOMEN'S MONTH (MARCH)
TGJN WOMEN IN THE GROOVE!
Celebrating Women who Create JAZZ & BLUES
We think you should be one of the celebrated.
Plus it's not a mistake to be in more places than one! So connect and reconnect worldwide!
Building Bridges 4 Jazz!
Tamm E Hunt
robin
March 2, 2010
My dear...As I work late into the night finishing new paintings for a One Night Only art show here in Carbondale on Friday(Goddess I need the money bad!!), I am facing a few fears and truly appreciate your insights and well written perspective about Fear.
Will anyone oome? Is my art any "good"? Will I sell anything? Could I really sell in galleries or shows in big cities? If I only...
Jumped off the goll danged cliff and got it over with!
I think I have missed one of those windows in the past concerning my very real passion to make art but fear to get it out there for folks to engage with it on a large scale.
Gimme Mama Aya anyday, selling your heart on a canvas is another matter...or not!
Love and light to you my inspiring tribal sister, Robin Alexandra : Artist Extraordinaire
Philip Henn
March 2, 2010
Hey Sue.....I love this whole issue on "fear". I agree with you on many levels of this issue and got a kick out of many of your experiences you shared. I am in Cabo San Lucas with Lauren and return late Friday night. If you need to reach me before then please email me...thanks in advance.
Philip
Dana Leong
February 24, 2010
Hi Sue,
Wow, I don't know how you have time to write such substantial content each week. Thanks so much for the mentions and sharing in our musical journeys.
Wishing you well,
Dana Leong
Jim Hartog
February 23, 2010
Just read your blog about classical vs. jazz, written vs. improvised, composed vs. improvised. Here in Europe there's this idea that jazz players just 'make it up', which is to say there's both admiration and a subtle disdain. It's not racism, it's cultural snobbery, arrogance, imperialism, founded on an overwhelming insecurity--because from beginners on, people are unable to IMAGINE music if it's not written on paper.
So I'm sending you a copy of my thesis on 'chamber' jazz, which is a way of trying to bridge the two cultures, or not....
In any case, a lot of nice thoughts on your blog page, especially Joe Lee Wilson's advice about being a 'composer'. RIGHT! And I keep on doing music, not because it's paying all the bills, but because I'm addicted, and I'm also an acolyte in the service of music. I can't give it up, partly because it's been kind of a saving grace in my life, and nothing will ever replace that.
Rona Payne
February 22, 2010
Hi Sue:
When I saw Joe Lee Wilson's name I was intrigued. About 1976 I first heard Joe Lee Wilson and the recently departed Monty Waters at the Ladies Fort on Bond Street. They were the first two musicians I met that turned me onto to "my jazz life". I love the way Joe Lee sings. There is no one like him. He has such a range and quite a personality. Glad to read your comments on being a "composer"
He is still one of my all time favorite jazz singers and it's been over 30 + years that I've known him.
His health has not been the greatest the last few times I've seen him in NY, so I hope he is doing better.
Thanks for all your interesting stories!
Rona
norm harris
February 9, 2010
Yes, your online newsletter with all of its colorful images, logistics, student accolades and information does seem to draw one in to see and read what's going on in an almost subliminally addictive fashion. Jung's foray into alchemy sounds intriguing, hence I'm wondering what Sir Isaac Newton would have thought about Jung's writings in light of his (Newton's) own personal obsession with alchemy as an aspect of his little known secretive quest for the spiritual connection to the mechanistic universe?
So much to read and so little time to do it. Where does one begin?
Pat Bruder
February 9, 2010
I share your fascination with C.G. Jung and enjoyed reading your story about THE RED BOOK. We are friends of Derwyn and Lia and have been to the Deerhead Inn to see you several times. Love your music! Best regards, Pat
Ashley Seward
February 9, 2010
I was listening to an old Roberta Piket CD last week and forgot on one number with Rich Perry on Tenor- SHE SINGS- I could not believe how much she sounded like a Lady Alto Player I know Sings!! Speaking of Alto-Listening to another old "33" last nite-Arnie Lawrence and the "Renewal" album- Arnie-the late (But great sound) Happy Valentines Day
John Georgette aka johnnie cruz, john jett . . .
February 9, 2010
Hey Sweet Sue,
I just got back from Ybor City, Tampa from doing a photo shoot of the old Cuban buildings. You can still feel the Havana music in the old part of the city.
Anyway, Sunday at the Mattatuck Museum, in an art lecture about an artist from Uruguay, it was mentioned that a woman artist from Connecticut, went to Europe, and fell in love with JUNG. Unfortunately, she gave up her art career but was responsible for Jung's work being translated into English! Her last name was FOOT [maybe it has an 'e' at the end, not sure, I only heard her name spoken]
Just thought you'd like to know. Also, every first Thursday of the month they have a great jazz program [and it even pays]. It would be realy easy to get to from the city. . . oh yeah, Hartt connection for you... as I was saying, easy to get to, Check out the Museum. Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury, CT. Former brass capital of the world.
You can write to Catherine Roisch, and use my name, and say I thought she would like your band a lot!
Originally I saw you in Brooklyn years ago and then again recently in Middletown with Joe Fonda.
Stay warm,
John Georgette
richard Greeman
February 7, 2010
Dear Sue,
I'm a slow reader so I just got through Peru with you. Eliane says hello. Just wanted you to know I'm out here and part of the tribe. Will write more later. Hugs, Richard
PS Will be in NY March 16-30 hope to see you all.
albert
February 5, 2010
Sue, great article, you are an awesome writer, I enjoyed it very much so please keep up the good work.
Thank you
Albert
Bill Boothby
February 3, 2010
That was a very sweet note you wrote about my daughter Deb Schaarschmidt. Thank you.
Cornelius White
February 2, 2010
Hey Sue, Just read "The Haiti I remember" VERY insightful and interesting read!
Mary Lina
February 1, 2010
Wow, Sue... Nice write-up. I can hear the "live music", the Life-music. Truly an unforgettable experience and a learning one for me both past and present. Thank You for sharing. I enjoyed it very much. MAS means "more" and I look forward to it. p.s. I will share this with one of our Haitian Pastor, Fr. Franz. Who, I must confirm, loves music, a musician himself. Peace/Paz.
Bill Ducker
January 31, 2010
Love your "practice like the pros" how about a Bk 2?
or a book about your own practice routines as you generously promoted the ideas of others which was also a great thing to do.
bill
nottingham
UK
COUS
January 26, 2010
GREAT JOB
COUS
Will Zachmann
January 26, 2010
(We asked Will's permission to reprint this private letter he sent to his friends--ed.)
I am perhaps most concerned about two things: iGen's loss of the ability to distinguish between what's real (the actual, tangible world and the living breathing people in it) and the not-real world of zeros and 1s that can
be manipulated, twisted, and rearranged to suit the needs and desires of powerful perpetrators/marketers/manipulators/purveyors of glossily and attractively wrapped lies; and
the loss of the ability to focus and concentrate for more than a moment
or 2 (most serious problems and complex challenges seem to require a good bit
more time and attention to solve/resolve).
By extension, all of the planned obsolescence that's built into every techno gadget today creates a sense that everything is disposable, and that the only thing worth having is the Next Best Thing. Who among the iGens are
learning how to build something of lasting value; say, a piece of furniture
or even a vintage car or bike that might be handed down from generation to generation? If everything is disposable and almost immediately obsolete; deserving of only a moment's attention before the next junky's craving for Immediate Gratification kicks in?
Much has been written about the impaired (or non-existent) social skills of the overly wired & LCD-glazed generations, so I'll leave that one alone
--
I think the results are fairly obvious.
A really good read for anyone who finds themselves questioning the value
of the twice- and twenty-times removed from reality touchscreen lifestyle (or
their kids, who swim like seals with the zeros and ones, but whose careers could be dead-ended before they start by vastly cheaper code-churners overseas, might do well to pick up a copy of a book called Shop Class as
Soul Craft, by Matthew B. Crawford. It was written by a guy who received his undergrad in physics and a masters in political philosophy, who found life as the executive director of a DC think tank less than fulfilling, and
so chucked it to go back to something he actually enjoys and is good at: rebuilding vintage motorcycles. It's not so much about the bikes, but about the satisfaction that can be derived from making or repairing something
(anything) tangible, useful, and perhaps even beautiful. Something that can't be jobbed out for a dollar an hour to India or China; something that requires knowledge and skill in the hands, and problem-solving abilities in
the head when you get to the place where the owner's manual leaves off or drops the ball. Me? I'm a senior web manager & publisher of both print and digital media, but I sure did enjoy spending 10 hours scrapping around on
the cold cement of the garage floor yesterday doing fairly involved (and somewhat daunting) mods & repairs on my bike; getting greasy and dusty and flecked with metal bits; contorting myself into odd shapes to reach hard-to-reach places; blistered fingers and furrowed brow when the thing in front of me looked nothing like the blurry pics in the instructions...and
I had to figure........ it................... out. Though I'll admit I'm reaching for the Advil today, I loved every minute.
Grins & spins, all ye saints & sinners;
Deb Schaarschmidt
January 26, 2010
Hi Sue Terry!
It was nice meeting you at Jon and Wendy's party last Saturday. I wish I could have talked with you more, all I remember saying to you was "wow your sax is beautiful." Oh boy! But then when you played I was looking around to see if you were for real or not. All I kept thinking when you were playing was how melodic and musical and emotional you played and how you just slipped into whatever style we played and made it your own. And it was funny because I felt that I could learn how to improv from you just by playing with you. I read your article about the party and your comments about me were really nice. Thanks! One reason I keep transposing solos is in the hope of developing my own style and ability to write my own solos. I also would like to improvise. I took lessons fro Greg Sevian a few years ago and either didn't have the confidence or had zero knowledge of any jazz music or styles, so I didn't feel like I took much from our lessons, even though Greg is also an amazing musician. I have been listening to a lot of fiddle music, bluegrass, and Stephan Grapelli for the past year and have grasped a small idea of what I like about that, but always feel inadequate playing "stolen" music. Anyway its all a journey. Maybe I could do a skype lesson with you sometime.
Take care,
Deb
Scot Albertson
January 26, 2010
Performing & making music with "Sweet Sue" is more than a Dream. It is the convergence of spiritual enegy that binds us together to create joy, pleasure & bliss.
Arzy Fogartaigh
January 25, 2010
Sweet Sue Terry is a total genius and a consummate educator. Thank you Sue.
Best regards,
Arzy Fogartaigh
skip drake
January 25, 2010
Just when I need something rather than the mundane...You come along and drop a gem on my desk. Thanks Sue...
Wendy Cole Pachter
January 25, 2010
Loved your article!!
Your music transformed our String Band!
You are the BEST!........And you play well too!
chris
January 23, 2010
Dear sue, as soon as I finished reading the intro on your E-mail the Rosenhan Experiment, the name Thomas Szasz came to mind. I read his book the manufacture of madness many years ago.
when I opened the E-mail I was glad to see that you are also familiar with the work of Dr. Szasz. And that you Are bringing this subject of "mental disease" to the attention of others through your website. Life has blessed me with a little gift that is listed as a diagnosis, It enables me to be the life of the party at times and creative too. I am writing this while listening to Charlie Parker, Imagine being able to both at the same time. Better medicate that dude.
What happens when someone somewhere decides the world would be a better place without bi-polar "disorder" and we eliminate it... and the list goes on, through the use of genetic engineering. Chris
marisa coluccio
January 22, 2010
hey sue,
you know i actually tried to get into a mental institution when i was a teenager - for observational/educational reasons of cpurse:)) - unfortunately i was underage and my parents refused to play along and commit me. However i did sneak into kings county one day. even funnier, on my way to kings county i ended up being on "candid camera"!!
Judy Chaikin
January 20, 2010
Right on Sue,
My son was one of those "disruptive" kids back in the day when Ritalin was becoming popular. Rather than take the grammar school principal's suggestions about "behavior modification," I gave him drum lessons. It was the perfect answer. 30 years later, he's still at it, and is a happy successful human being raising two wonderful children!
In her latest book, LACUNA, Barbara Kingsolver says: "Mexico is a country with lots of music but little hope. America is a country with lots of hope, but little music." Our greatest failing.
Jacobo
January 19, 2010
Hola Sue,
Leí tu nota y me gustó mucho.
Es bueno ser sistemáticos con los apuntes de viajes y de vida.
Espero verte pronto en Quito para otro dibujo.
Buen viaje!
Jacobo.
Paul Coats
January 19, 2010
I went to the Middle School once to bring a forgotten notebook or something for one of my kids. When I dropped off the book or whatever at the office there were kids lined up down the hall and around the corner. There must have been 70 or 80 kids in line.
In the office there was a secretary, not a nurse, a secretary, with a couple of trays of those little paper cups they put pills in. And the kids coming in, being given their pill, swallowed it right there, had to stick their tongues out, etc.
I asked what that was all about... their daily Ritalin.
This was about 15-20% of the kids in the school. They were all diagnosed, I found out later, by their teachers seeing them squiming in their chairs, maybe doodling or looking out the window, and their parents called in, "Your child has ADD, take him to the doctor and get him on Ritalin."
Something is seriously wrong here. Kids are diagnosed with a mental disorder for behavior that is perfectly normal... for someone bored to death. I had very few classes in school where I did have to pay attention... music was one, math/science. The rest I breezed through. Well, I breezed through math and science but was very interested.
Maybe the kid squirming in his seat has to pee and didn't go at recess because he's afraid of the big homosexual bully? (This happened to my brother, afraid to go to the bathroom because the bully hung out there molesting the younger kids.)
Maybe the kid looking out the window is thinking of getting home and looking at Saturn with his telescope tonight?
Maybe the kid writing all the time writes great short stories like my best friend Doug? I mean really great stories.
Maybe the kid drawing will grow up to be an artist? Like my sister, or the guy that went to school with my mother. The Nuns asked him, "You're always drawing instead of doing what we tell you to do. What are you going to do when you grow up?" The kid said, "I'm going to be a cartoonist." You can imagine how that went over. He drew Judge Parker, a comic strip that he only worked on 6 months out of the year, and the other 6 months he was on vacation.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2008/07/the_morning_line_judge_parker.html
And Janice Joplin went to the same high school as my mother. I'll bet they would have crammed Ritalin down her except she was already self medicating.
Nuthouse story for you... my mother was an RN, with a Masters in Psychiatric Nursing. As a tot, while Dad was in Anesthesia school at Univ of Michigan, she worked at a nearby psych hospital. Now, Mom played drums, no kidding. Drum Major in high school (her band directer was "Mr. James", Harry Jame's dad). In there was a patient that was a concert violinist. He would practice so much his fingers would bleed and they'd take away his violin until his fingers healed. Another played piano, and another played drums.
So, this violinist also played guitar. Mom suggested they be allowed to play together as "therapy". And the violinist taught Mom string bass. So, they had a good quartet going. Mom arranged for them to play a regular gig at a club a few blocks away... hahaha... therapy, you know.
Anyway, I had heard of this experiment, didn't know the name of it. Mom often said, "9 times out of 10 the wrong person in the family is locked up."
Back to the quote at the top of the page, I find it appalling that so many kids get medicated into submission, lined up into straight lines.
Ever see the candy commercial? Forgot the name, oh, yeah, Werther's. Little boy sitting on the couch with grandpa. The boy's hair is neat, his collar neatly folded over his sweater, he and grandpa sit on the couch and enjoy a Werther's candy.
Werther's candies have drugs in them. That kid in the commercial is not a normal kid. A normal kid would come running in the house, door slamming behind him, his shirt tail out, hair messed up, dirty knees, one shoe lace untied, and yell, "Gramps! Can I take some of these out to my friends?" while grabbing two handfuls. He met some other kids from down the street while at Grandpa's and their are having a great time playing outside. THAT'S a normal kid.
And "educators" want to eliminate recess. What idiots!!!
Why not just put all the kids in matching orange jumpsuits, leg chains, and line them up in straight lines, herd them around with a cop on a horse armed with a shotgun? We are almost there now.
Janet
January 18, 2010
This is so forwarded on! Not sure how it applied to music, but i can see how it applies to musicians. I am delighted because it reflects my basic feelings and thoughts on the mind, and while i don't dismiss disturbances which can be uncomfortable or destructive to the individual or those around them, i think that the jump to medicate without exploring deeper is where we have stopped.In some cases, there are disease processes which alter perception and behavior and mood, such as Lyme disease, diabetes,tumors and of course emotional roots such as ptsd, etc. but from what i see, most states of mind are responded to as if everyone presenting with a cold or flu were put on long term antibiotics: unnecessary, unhealthy and does not appropriately address the issue. Thank you. janet
Diego Palma
January 13, 2010
Hi beautiful sister,
I loved to read your news and your last spontaneous with Brian O'Leary is pure medicine for the soul.
Blessings and keep touching our hearts.
Todd Isler
January 12, 2010
All I could think of while reading your last blog was how much I would like to be there playing with all of you!
Robin Alexandra
January 11, 2010
Here I am, inspired again by your wonderful writing and experiences! I am making sure I play my instrument every day and I am getting better by the moment. Thanks Sue.
Andy Salcius
January 11, 2010
Fantastic reading following your adventures in the South. As you may know there's talk of the American Dream heading "south" too if you get my meaning? and South America is sometimes recommended as a place to immigrate to. Based on your travel experiences would you move to any of the places you visited, if you were so inclined by desire or necessity? if so which one and why?
Will Z.
January 11, 2010
I do believe I saw Ewin P. Sanchez Jr. looking remarkably like that little guy at the top of the blog (surrounded by crystals) once, but then it was back in the late '70s, so I could be mistaken...
Biking Bob Menegio :-)
January 6, 2010
Hey Sweet Sue, Jill says HI:-)
Love the Peru Cronicles, cant wait for the next one.Sounds like an amazing trip in both ways :-) I'm actually heading to Peru Mar 4-24, would love to talk to you live B4 I go. The trainer I worked out with B4 my Bicycle Vision Quest takes his clients to Peru for some nice hiking in the mountains, trip to Machu Picchu and some mountain biking :-) He's hooked up with a few Shamens too, although no Ayawaska :-) I'd like to try it BUT a little chicken :-)although with the right people in the right setting I bet it would be wonderful. I just wanna lay out under the stars and soak up some good energy from the mountains.
Talk to ya soon, Roberto~
Dave Robertson
January 4, 2010
Hi Sue! Not only are you a great sax player but you are also a great writer!!! I have enjoyed going back to Peru through your articles. You managed to capture all the moments and I thank you for that. Sending much love and admiration! Dave XO
Jeff Davis
January 4, 2010
Hi Sue,
I've been reading your news letters and keeping up with your South American trip.
Your stay in Peru sounds definitely interesting, a trip worth taking and I'm sure you are enjoying yourself. Happy New Year and continue to enjoy.
Jeff
Norm
December 30, 2009
Sue,
A great read. Sounds and looks like you had a very culturally and spiritually enlightening experience while there. I wish I could have joined you. Look forward to experiencing your next improvisational or not composition reflecting these influences.
Best regards,
Norm
Norm Harris
Photojournalist/writer
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Ambassador Charlie Ray
December 29, 2009
Hi Sue,
I love what you're doing.
Cindy Suess
December 24, 2009
Riveting newsletter! I'm on the edge of my seat waitig for part 2. Hope you are still in the glow of Melissa Wasi. Happy Holidays sweet roomie xo
Brian Austin Whitney
December 24, 2009
Fun read Sue. We're thinking of doing a JPF tour to South America so I will read your adventures with great interest! = )
Philip Henn
December 22, 2009
Pretty amazing stuff and very cool. I will continue to follow your journeys!
Rebecca Hickey
December 21, 2009
The first week of October my husband and I returned from Peru. We visited Cusco and Pisco as well as Machu Picchu. So glad we have been able to experience this culture and see this country. I posted several of my photos on Facebook.
Bill Phillps
December 2, 2009
Where do you get the energy. Playing, writing, teaching and martial arts. I am in awe.
John Morrison
December 1, 2009
Hey Sue,
Check out "Technological Singularity" at Wikipedia. It's when machines can improve themselves in unpredictable ways! Hopefully
for the better HAL!
Jack Crompton
December 1, 2009
Hey Sue: Love your ESueTerry blogs.... you do a great job on these. And I'm with you on this subject. Our entire planet is morphing into a post-human state of hybridization of human and machine. While the technology is seducing and always promises some practical benefit, can't anyone open their eyes and see where this is heading? Even music, which is a direct manifestation of the heart and soul has been heavily corrupted by this 'artificial/automated' influence. Of course, I don't consider noise music, but you get my point I trust. I say lets hold on tight to that which makes us human: our automity, our creativity, even our immense capacity to make mistakes, for how else can we learn? I"ll pass on the new volvo. The emerging big brother society may eventually force their will on my body, but they will never have my spirit.
Cornelius
December 1, 2009
You are too much!! I wanna be you when I grow up! Take Care...LOL
Jim
November 30, 2009
Love your blog! I'm with you about the Volvo...Is it MORE FUN to drive one of these new-fangled young whippersnapper type of cars, or an old MG with just 4 gears on the floor? I know we cain't turn back the clock no mo, but life really was OK with LPs and pay phones, and when digital meant fingers and people walking down the street with their hand on their ear talking to themselves were to be avoided!
John Arbo
November 24, 2009
Sue -dug what you had to say about the vertical vs horizontal perceptions. How many times have we (musicians) played the hippest stuff imaginable to no perceptible response but if you circular breathe an altissimo note for 1 minute the audience goes crazy....not that there isn't validity in the energetic plane but...
One of my favorite examples is in one of my favorite jazz solos of all time - Pat Martino's solo on "Sunny" live at Folk City. Though marred somewhat by a too-busy drummer and bassist, it is many choruses of the hippest post-bop guitar you ever heard, in a great harmonic space. But of course, the thing everybody goes nuts over is when he takes a lick of a few notes and repeats it for a whole chorus. Sounds great, but your average person doesn't tune into the harmonic or linear hipness very well. Same thing, of course, with classical music - the more abstruse the harmony or more remote the phrase relationships etc. the less the regular folks dig it. I'm not telling you anything new, but I've always wondered about that.
What's the difference between a blues guitarist and a jazz guitarist? The blues guitarist plays 3 chords in front of 1000 people. The jazz guitarist plays 1000 chords in front of 3 people.
Jim
November 24, 2009
How's about this Sue: get a case for the tenor with a side metal loop, then buy one of those hooks that you can attach. I use that for the baritone, just did that with American Airlines--one of my least favorite--partially because their overheads are just too small. Then I hang the instrument in the coat closet. See, all the businessmen take their garment bags ALONG WITH their extra on-board luggage, and they just hang it up, so we should do the same
Bob Feldman
November 18, 2009
Just read your stuff - great! We met at the reed clinic at Roberto's.
I'm Tim's friend. Keep me on your list.
Allan
November 17, 2009
Hi Sue
Thanks for the latest Newsletter - there's some ace material in there. I'd like to get back to you with some comments about the fascinating Aborigine feature 'Mutant Message Down Under' and some personal thoughts about Art and Daoism and a tie-in theory written about the 'abstraction' school of painting in the 1930s! Trust me - it's not as elitist or haughty as it sounds!
Take care
Allan
mark feldman
November 16, 2009
Hi Sue
I really enjoy your news letter
It is the only email of its kind that I like to read
Congrats on a great job
hope you are well and maybe see you around soon
regards
mark f
Will Z.
November 9, 2009
I am paying attention (as much as Westernized but occasionally wide opened) mind will allow! Thanks for the b-day wishes -- we were all thinking good thoughts for & about you on saturday night. All the Usual Suspects were in attendance, plus a few new ones I've gathered into our tribe along the way. Everyone (whether they know you or not) sends warm wishes & peaceful thoughts. Now interestingly enough, I just watched the Nicole Kidman / Hugh Jackman film Australia (which, while flawed, was actually quite a bit better than the critics reported it being). One of the main themes touched on the forced separation of mixed-race (aboriginal and white) children from their families; a practice that persisted in Australia into the 80s. You'll have to watch the film to find out if he gets to do his walkabout! Cheers to you, sweet Sweet Sue...
Will
Mike Nye
November 6, 2009
Thanks so much for the great food and wonderful music. We very much enjoyed it.
Julia (of Jack & Julia, in Vilcabamba)
November 5, 2009
Hi there Sue,
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy receiving your newsletters each week. Don't know why I never took the time to tell you this before, but they are such a delight to read. I always feel as if you are in the room with me just chatting... that's how personal they feel. They never fail to cause a chuckle now and again and are always an inspiration to a clearer consciousness path. Thank you for taking the time to write them and for putting me on your distribution list. We are both looking forward to seeing you in Vilca again this December! Will we get to meet your hubby too? Hope so!
Until then... keep on... loving life and living love,
Julia
chris
October 26, 2009
Re: The little girl who loved Lester Young.
Sue; Go to, you tube and type in, Billie Holiday Fine And Mellow. Lester Young takes a short solo. I swear you can feel the non-verbal communication going between the two of them.Wild about Lester Young.
Chris
Janet
October 26, 2009
Don't i love Spike Jones, and ain't that the truth, brilliant and tight musicians and performers. I hungrily search you tube for old clips so appreciate this link, and also ancient "cartoon music". Wish i had other folks around here to jam with, but i make do with you tube. Say, Have you heard R crumb and his Cheap suit serenaders. I like them.
Bob Bernotas
October 20, 2009
In an abundant society where people have laptops, cell phones, iPods, and minds like empty rooms, I still plod along with books.
– Harper Lee
Ken
October 20, 2009
Hey, Sue!
Great stuff! I like the theme of returning to the old ways. That's the theme of my astrological weather forecast study.
From alternative music and media to alternative medicine, we're increasingly offered nontraditional replacements to mainstream methods, institutions and practices. Although conventional approaches serve a purpose, growing awareness of their limitations and flaws impel men to explore along the fringe for new, and in some cases, ancient solutions.
http://theweatheralternative.blogspot.com/2005/09/weather-alternative.html
Ken
Angela Wellman
October 20, 2009
Hey Sweet Sue,
How sweet it is, baby! Just been hangin' out with you here in cyberspace.
You are amazing and inspiring. Doctoral studies are going very well. I am diggin' it.
How are you? Look forward to hearing from you.
Angela
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