The Bass Player Was Right

I had a bit of a revelation yesterday. I was looking up some local shows and clubs that promoters are putting on, and it occurred to me that I’m not really at my best when I’m completely on my own. Maybe it’s good, maybe it’s passable, maybe it’s kind of cool and has a vibe, but I really only seem to get there when I’m with somebody else; either by helping make what they do better by combination or pure collaboration. There are so many examples of this throughout the years. And I think fundamentally, as somebody who’s always wanted to be a bass player, this is my thing. When I think about work, life, family, and music, the best times I’ve had have usually been when I’m adding something to someone else’s whole. Being part of the thing that makes the thing better. There’s an ego trap in there. You can go to the place where they wouldn’t be X without me, but then you have to remember that you’re there to help. To serve. "Am I being helpful here?" I think that’s really the question.…