"And, Oh, What a Whisper it Is"

[Mayla]

I will let the music speak for me.  This is from within the hour, and is potentially of most importance to me.

[pianowolfi]

I can't comment. I just listen and I am totally open. I want to be it. Deep within me there was an echo and a tiny part of this echo may be my answer:

[Mayla]

Thanks, Wolfi.  It's kinda funny to me how things can seem so important at a time, and then not in a little while after that.  I think this improv is important to me for a lot of reasons, and in some ways it was a "step forward" for me, but I realize there is always more, too -- even after whatever seemed of the most importance before.  There is more room to grow (of course).

Thanks for your response, Wolfi, and thanks to all whom have listened .

[Torp]

To whatever extent I may be able to communicate my thoughts and feelings regarding this piece will be a testament to the skills, or lack thereof, I possess as a writer.

There is a consistent thread throughout your writing both in words and in music that speaks to a yearning to understand the larger purpose and, perhaps more importantly, whether you are being true to that purpose.

Your improvisatory work lacks the feel of improvisation. I do not mean that in any negative sense whatsoever. The music that comes forth echoes understanding and depth. Yet it also possesses a yearning. It is well-defined, yet searching. It has structure, yet is not bound by form. Your music doesn’t feel improvised. Rather it feels more like it is divulged from within.

There is an undercurrent to the music that belies an underlying uncertainty. Yet the music feels purposeful. It feels as if there is an inner voice that knows the song (purposeful), yet there is something else that questions the validity of that song (uncertainty). The music that comes forth is poignant in its ability to not only suggest confidence and certainty but also suggest a journey, not a destination.

I don’t know if any of what I’ve said provides you with any useful information. Nonetheless, it somehow seemed more appropriate than simply saying I find great joy in listening to your music. While this is true it wouldn’t have left you with much clarity as to why.

Jef

[Mayla]

Wow, Jef.  I want to thank you for such a beautiful and thoughtful response.  How nice of you to take the time to think through this and respond as you have.

I am pondering this whole concept of posting my recordings here ... it's strange, in a way, really.  It's strange how it seems that with all of us, our music can really reach some people and then not others.  I guess that's how art is in general ... but for some reason it just seems strange to me at the moment. 

*just pondering*