Artists and Laozi

02023-01-31 | Musings | 2 comments

I think Jon Gagan is one of the finest bass players in the world, right at the top of the field of electric bass guitar and upright bass players. I feel very lucky that the man decided that he did not want to live in Manhattan, L.A., or Nashville, the three music centers of the country. He chose to live in Santa Fe and we have been making music together for over thirty years. Worked out well for me… ;-)

It makes me wonder how many amazing painters we never heard of because they didn’t want to play the game and do the gallery hustle. How many outstanding poets never searched for a publisher? How many incredible actors decided to work in a local theater in the countryside because the idea of Hollywood was too odious.

I am reminded of Laozi who, according to legend, very reluctantly wrote down the thoughts which became the Tao Te Ching. How many men and women have walked away, unwilling to deal with publishers, galleries, record labels, the public. We know that the person who wants the job the most is not necessarily (in fact rarely!) the best _________ (leader, politician, painter, musician, author etc.).

Especially true for politics, isn’t it!

2 Comments

  1. Steve

    >I think Jon Gagan is one of the finest bass players in the world, right at the top of the field of electric bass guitar and upright bass players.

    As do I.

    Reply
  2. anne

    Jon is lucky too !

    Lots of great tales you two must have …..traveling around the world.

    Yes -the world is full of many talented/gifted people. Some we know, many we will never know for numerous reasons.

    re laozi…hmm… not sure what is true and maybe it does not matter??
    (feel the same way about many wisdom teachers- facts are hard to determine and again it may not matter as they usually inspire and give hope.)

    Reply

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