This has been a busy week with a number of musical rehearsals and it reminded me of the value of working with different musicians and the value of really looking at songs from a number of perspectives. Often I can have an idea about how a song should unfold and a member of one of the bands will throw in something that I have never previously considered. I have always had a policy of welcoming such discussion and trying out new arrangements as this is often how material develops and reaches some higher ground. Instead of having just one brain working on what is at hand it brings a wealth of new thinking and inspiration to the table.
Today a new song came to light, literally 3o minutes before the start of a rehearsal. I have the tune down from playing the Gregor Gutarelle and put together two verses really quickly. When the band turned up we tried out what I have and in an hour we already have the makings of a really excellent track that will be a great fit for the album. The start of the track which will be the violin and bowed double bass is nothing I would have considered and it sounds terrific. This is a great example of collective exploration in the best possible way.
On one of the other Caravan of Dreams tracks Phil Doleman suggested a banjo part. I thought “How on earth is that gonna work?” until he played it in the studio and it was really quite brilliant. I would never have suggested it in a million years, but he was hearing something that I had not thought of. I continue to be greatly inspired by working with so many superb musicians who challenge my own thinking and in my view the end results are all the better for such interactions.
