2020 was a trying year for everyone I know. For me personally it had moments of uplifting hope and moments of deep despair. Some of my friends and family welcomed new life into the world, some others left this world. It felt surreal to share in their joy and grief from afar, unable to safely join them in making the memories that human life is made of. Many of the musicians, artists and entrepreneurs I know had to put their life’s work on hold, or abandon it altogether. A lot of restaurants and clubs that hire musicians have closed their doors forever, and many more are hanging on by a thread. For lots of people, and for lots of reasons, 2020 felt like a year lived under siege.
I couldn’t imagine living through the last ten months without music. Listening to old and new records really helped me spiritually. There were times that playing an instrument lifted the dark moods I was in, and other times it helped me feel at peace when I was stressed.
One of the groups that I had on heavy rotation last year was the Harold Land / Bobby Hutcherson quintet of the 1970s. Here are a couple tunes by Harold that may help you through a tough time as well.
Noteheads 