This oddity of contemporary rock and roll demonstrates playful creativity and gives you permission to hop onboard and play.
I’m talking about the Traveling Wilburys. You may have bumped into stories about them or heard their music. I recommend, in addition to listening to the music, that you watch the DVD that comes with the 3 disk set. The behind the scenes section is a master class on playful creativity.
I’ve watched it three times. What they do is so beautiful, their relationships so loving, I am moved to tears each time I see it.
The story starts with George Harrison, yes of the Beatles, thinking it would be fun to get together with some friends and jam a bit. But one of his guitars is over at Tom’s house. That would be Tom Petty. So Petty is now in on the fun.
The night before, he had dinner with Roy Orbison. So, Roy was there.
Because he has a small recording studio in his house, they give Bob a call.
George says, “You can call Bob for years and not get answer. This time he picked up the phone on the first ring.”
So, Dylan is in on it. And so it goes as they gather for a couple of weeks in May 1988 of writing, playing, singing, recording, and producing before Bob has to go on tour. Everyone did each of those tasks. They all played together.
Harrison spent much of his energy making sure everyone stayed friends. He created a place of safety and playful harmony for everyone. Egos disappeared and joy emerged.
Get this. None of them needed to make money with this project. Harrison says, “If we had tried to get these people together to make an album it would never have worked.” Why do you think this is so?
They just got together to play. Note the multiple meanings of that word play.
They had so much fun and the results were so good they wanted to share it. You and I benefit.
Several of these men are experienced songwriters, Dylan being the fastest and the most prolific, but even they used tools to jump-start their writing. Take note.
Here’s what they did. They passed out magazines to everyone and they flipped through pages and shouted out words from ads. This produced– Dirty World, a good-natured song that makes me laugh with good humor. It reminds me of early Frank Zappa lyrics.
The behind the scenes DVD shares their fears, too. Get this: Fear of singing? Fear of singing!? Woof!
Remember these musicians have all been singing publicly to huge audiences and in recording studios for decades.
They were afraid to follow Roy Orbison to the mike. Who wouldn’t be humbled by that?
Further note: Their fear DID NOT STOP THEM.
I relearned –
1. Fear doesn’t go away.
2. Fear doesn’t stop you.
What can you learn from that?
Jeff Lynne, of Electric Light Orchestra, demonstrates wrestling with the muse. She dragged him out of bed and sent him to the studio. He broke into the studio one night and changed the chord structure of a song leaving the vocals untouched. The guys liked it when they arrived in the morning.
If you act on my suggestions, you will meet the muse too. It’s a good thing. She, who must be obeyed.
Upgrade your right brain. Listen to music. Play music, even poorly. Write silly songs. Write powerful songs from your heart. All of these will expand your right brain and improve your life. I promise.
Take their master class – http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=B000P0J024/williamwittmannA/
Naturally, Amazon will let you listen to samples to hear what I’m talking about.
The Seattle Library had a copy.
Paradigms Addressed:
Upgrading Your Right Brain http://tinyurl.com/34del4
Blessings,
William
P.S. Pass this post on to anyone who you think would
Prosper & enjoy these wonderful insights.
