This I Believe II
From the popular little NPR program, This I Believe, comes a second edition of collected essays, now IN STOCK.
This I Believe II: More Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women, (Henry Holt, $23)
The following is an excerpt from the essay “Doing Things My Own Way” by Bela Fleck–who, it should be noted, has been spotted shopping at Shakespeare & Co. 
When I perform with my own group, my map of the banjo is all I need. But when I move into more conventional jazz or classical situations, I don’t always have the tools to fit in. I can barely read music. I don’t thoroughly understand the conventions of each tradition and I’m not sure how to voice jazz chords–which notes to leave out, how the scales work, all the rhythmic concepts.
I heard that when George Gershwin wanted to study harmony from Ravel, he was advised against it. Ravel felt that Gershwin would obliterate the very thing that made him special by learning conventional approaches to rhythm and harmony. I’d like to think that the same is true for me, but I’m not convinced. I worry that my approach might not be built on a strong enough musical foundation.
It’s this fear that allows me no rest in my musical pursuits. When I’m at work–whether it is writing, practicing, or editing and mixing CDs–I obsess. To say that I am picky is an understatement. Delegating is pretty much impossible; I can be downright controlling. I have to get everything just right. Then, one day, the intensity disappears. This usually means the project is done…
…I believe in living with and giving in to my obsessive side when it serves the music.
