One definition of a Master: Having or showing very great skill or proficiency.
One of the joys of parenthood for me is exposing my boys to great music. And I am happy to report that we recently had the pleasure of attending rock concerts of two of the greats: Fleetwood Mac and Rush.
None of my boys knew about Fleetwood Mac or the fact they have created some of the most enduring pop music. Four of the five Fleetwood Mac members reunited this year for a tour and the concert was fabulous. Mick Fleetwood — one of my favorite drummers — is 66 years of age and plays as good if not better than ever. My boys loved it, especially Mick Fleetwood. It was great to see these guys — along with Stevie Nicks — had improved their skills over the years.
Then it was on to Cincinnati to see Rush. My friend Alan James of Power House group is a friend of Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson. So, luckily for us, he arranged for my 13-year-old son and me to meet the band and take a photograph, which was very cool. It was my first time to see Rush in concert and the show was amazing. The stage set, lighting, video, special effects and seven-piece string section kept the crowd on their feet the entire night. Formed in 1968, the band is known for its great live performances. After 45 years together I could not imagine the band playing better, the precision of the musicianship was one of the best I have ever seen.
Masters like Fleetwood Mac and Rush are wonderful to watch and make it look easy. As a bandleader, I have an appreciation for the group process and how the group works together. Both of these acts displayed group mastery visually and musically. As a musician, I go to concerts to see the masters in my field at work and always leave inspired. But, of course, always realize how much work there is still left to do.
I encourage you to think about masters in your field or your hobbies. If you get the chance to see them, it will be well worth it. To see any master demonstrate their skill can be inspiring.
Here’s to the masters!
