Yogi: I’m thinkin’ there’ll be a group of guys who’ve never met talkin’ about it all the time…

Interviewer: Can you explain jazz?

Yogi: I can’t, but I will. 90% of all jazz is half improvisation. The other half is the part people play while others are playing something they never played with anyone who played that part. So if you play the wrong part, its right. If you play the right part, it might be right if you play it wrong enough. But if you play it too right, it’s wrong.

Interviewer: I don’t understand.

Yogi: Anyone who understands jazz knows that you can’t understand it. It’s too complicated. That’s whats so simple about it.

Interviewer: Do you understand it?

Yogi: No. That’s why I can explain it. If I understood it, I wouldnt know anything about it.

Interviewer: Are there any great jazz players alive today?

Yogi: No. All the great jazz players alive today are dead. Except for the ones that are still alive. But so many of them are dead, that the ones that are still alive are dying to be like the ones that are dead. Some would kill for it.

Interviewer: What is syncopation?

Yogi: That’s when the note that you should hear now happens either before or after you hear it. In jazz, you don’t hear notes when they happen because that would be some other type of music. Other types of music can be jazz, but only if they’re the same as something different from those other kinds.

Interviewer: Now I really don’t understand.

Yogi: I haven’t taught you enough for you to not understand jazz that well.

Their shared sensibilities brought these two musicians together with the intent of simply trying to make some music. Perhaps the purity of such an idea has contributed in some way to the development of so much more. Music began to flow at their first meeting. In the nine months that followed, Michael and David began writing and recording original material for their debut album, which includes an epic version of Pink Floyd’s “Goodbye Blue Sky”.

It seems as though the stars have aligned perfectly for this one. Michael is an accomplished drummer/percussionist and has been developing his songwriting, singing and keyboard skills in recent years. Two of his compositions recently received Billboard Special Recognition Awards. David is a respected keyboardist, guitarist and bass player. He’s also been concentrating on songwriting, arrangement and production since taking a well-deserved break from the road in 2001. The kicker? After chatting through myspace for a while and deciding to get together in person, Michael and David were thrilled to learn that they live within fifteen minutes of one another, making their collaboration just that much more serendipitous. Sympathetic musical counterparts have united. The world is on notice!

Who might you ask is my blog aimed at? Musicians, anyone interested in the journey of a musician, the young up and coming musician that may be faced with a myriad of personal issues that can create blockages for staying the course. Blogs on the outdoors may seem like I’m veering off but there is a relationship between the natural world and the musical world. The natural world feeds the soul, nourishes, strengthens and rejuvenates mind and body helping to bring balance into ones life and in turn into ones musical path. Long hours in the artificial environment of the studio requires just this balance.

So singing and drumming both have been anchors, sometimes a steady keel…..the deeper you go in expect higher waves. So into winter 2010 we go.

As 2010 comes nearing a close I’m really psyched to be playing in a new cover group ” Atomic Peach Boy”. Featuring David Biglin on guitar and vocals, Chris Breetveld, on bass and vocals and I’m handing the drumming and also singing. We have recorded 8 master quality records of classic songs that will be ready to hear at the nearly completed www.atomicpeachboy.com(soon to be online) Gigs are being booked for spring 2011. It’s great to rock with these guys, all seasoned pro players and as a whole the sound is much more than you’d expecdt from three guys. The really cool thing is we are not playing all the overplayed tunes. We play classic tunes from the 60′s through 80′s, tunes that you will remember when you hear em. Expect eclectic classics from The Beatles, Dylan, Kinks, Rolling Stones, The Buggles, George Harrision, Nick Lowe, ELO, Bowie…. and much more…..one gig already on the books, our first show in NYC at Bar East on Sat. April 2.. .Look for us on the scene early 2011 in the tri-state area

>Singer/Songwriter/Drummer/Percussionist. Michael D’Agostino creates music ranging from his unique blend of pop-rock to world influenced techno-tribal to ambient weaving a deep rhythmic tapestry throughout.  Michael utilizes a variety of instruments from acoustic and electronic drums to a wide assortment of percussion instruments including:frame drum, djembe, dumbek,  tibetan bells, shakers and singing bowls. He also plays keyboards and is fluent at programming all sorts of synths and samplers.

Singer/Songwriter/Drummer/Percussionist. Michael D’Agostino creates music ranging from his unique blend of pop-rock to world influenced techno-tribal to ambient weaving a deep rhythmic tapestry throughout.  Michael utilizes a variety of instruments from acoustic and electronic drums to a percussion instruments including:frame drum, djembe, dumbek,  tibetan bells, shakers and singing bowls. He also plays keyboards and is fluent at programming all sorts of synths and samplers.
MD has recorded two solo albums, Michael D’Agostino, and Future Reflections, both available on iTunes, CD Baby, and Rhapsody. Check out additional tunes at <a href=”http://www.myspace.com/michaeldagostino” target=”_blank”>www.myspace.com/michaeldagostino</a>

The ancient voice of striking a membrane resonates a historic journey through the eons of time. Mother Africa is calling and we are all invited. It’s time to heal this place and the drum is setting the rhythm for all to join in the dance. Time to move, time to groove, shake loose the tattered past, it’s all beginning again……..